Zulum Greets Muslim Ummah on Eid-El-Fitr

…Re-commits to ending insecurity

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah in the state on the occasion of Eid-El-Fitr marking the successful completion of the month-long Ramadan fast.

Ramadan offered the opportunity for the Muslim faithful to renew their faith, boost spiritual depth, charitable giving and other acts or worship.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum urged the people of the state to imbibe and sustain the lessons learned during the period to recharge their spiritual beings towards rebuilding a secure, peaceful and prosperous Borno society.

He described this year’s Ramadan as unique, especially with unprecedented charity reach outs to the indigent population by his administration. He noted with deep satisfaction and total gratitude to Allah that his administration has reached over 300,000 vulnerable persons with food and other essential items across the 27 local government areas

Although the state has recorded series of attacks, which have claimed the lives of some military men and civilians, the Governor reiterated his resolve to tackling the security situation head-on.

He saluted the courage, resilience and commitment of the people to all initiatives aimed at deepening security and peace building among the various components of the society fragmented by the Boko Haram insurgency over the years.

Governor Zulum expressed profound grief over the resurgence of terror attacks across parts of the state, especially the triple suicide bombings of Monday, March 9, in Maiduguri, which claimed the lives of 28 persons and injured over 100 others.

He, consequently, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for sending the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima to condole with the people of Borno over the tragic incident and also deploying the Service Chiefs with a charge to review and deploy strategies towards ending the insurgency.

Zulum lauded the military for the ongoing offensive operations in the Sambisa Forest, stressing similar coordinated operations in Mandara mountain, Lake Chad area and other hideouts of the insurgents.

He expressed his unbreakable promise to double down in supporting the security agencies and volunteer forces in the prosecution of the counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations.

Governor Zulum recalled that the people of Borno have gone through harrowing situations over the last 15 years due to the Boko Haram insurgency. He, however, urged them to sustain the impressive resilience to the impacts of terror, which they have built over the years.

With the renewal of terror attacks, especially suicide bombings, Zulum strongly urged the people to uphold their decades-old personal and communal initiatives for their safety and protection in attack situations, as the security agencies deploy new and stronger strategies at plugging all loopholes the terrorists seize to carry out their cowardly attacks on communities.

The governor expressed optimism that the security agencies are, more than ever before, crafting and deploying the most-successful strategies at combating the terrorists towards ending the insurgency.

While strongly advising the public to heed the warnings by security agencies to steer clear of crowded locations unguarded by security agents, and be mindful of suspicious persons, Zulum assured the residents of the state that the Eid-El-Fitr praying grounds will be heavily secured for the Muslim faithful to observe their yearly sacred ritual without any fear of attack.

He wished the Muslim Ummah Happy Eid-El-Fitr celebration.

Zulum Greets Muslim Ummah on Eid-El-Fitr

NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Inducted into NIPR, Vows Ethical Leadership in Public Communication

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Grace Ike, has been formally inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a development she described as a defining step in her professional journey bridging journalism and strategic communication.

Speaking shortly after the induction ceremony in Abuja, Ike said the recognition represents both a personal milestone and an opportunity to expand her commitment to responsible and impactful communication.

According to her, the new role creates a strong link between her longstanding career in journalism and the evolving field of public relations.

“This moment marks not just a personal milestone, but a bridge between my roots in journalism and my forward march into the dynamic world of public relations,” she said.

With more than two decades of experience in the media industry, Ike has remained a vocal advocate for press freedom and journalists’ welfare. As NUJ FCT Council chairman, she has led several initiatives aimed at strengthening ethical standards within the profession while promoting the rights and safety of media practitioners.

Reflecting on her career trajectory, she underscored the importance of communication in shaping societies and driving national development.

“These experiences have taught me that communication is the lifeblood of society, building trust, shaping narratives, and driving change,” she noted.

The NUJ leader said her induction into NIPR would further strengthen her dedication to ethical communication practices across both journalism and public relations, especially at a time when misinformation and the fast-changing digital media landscape continue to challenge the credibility of information.

“As I join the NIPR, I bring this journalistic rigour to public relations — a commitment to ethical storytelling, strategic engagement, and amplifying voices, especially those of women in leadership and media,” she added.

She emphasised that modern public relations goes beyond image management to include reputation building, perception shaping, crisis communication, and fostering meaningful relationships between institutions and the public.

“In an era of misinformation, PR professionals must lead with integrity, fostering dialogue that unites rather than divides,” Ike said.

She also pledged to uphold the professional standards and charter of the institute, while supporting mentorship and professional growth for emerging practitioners in the communication sector.

“Together, let us redefine public relations as a force for good — transparent, inclusive, and transformative,” she stated.

Ike further highlighted the responsibility of communication professionals in safeguarding the country’s global image.

“As custodians of national integrity, we must do all we can to protect and project the image of Nigeria positively,” she said.

Other notable inductees at the ceremony included former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Evelyn Onyilo; the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Leke Bayewu; and Ikenna Egwuatu, among others.

The event attracted communication professionals, media stakeholders, and industry leaders, underscoring the growing collaboration between journalism and public relations in promoting transparency, responsible communication, and national development.

NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Inducted into NIPR, Vows Ethical Leadership in Public Communication

Zulum Reassures Borno Residents as Insecurity Resurges, Vows Decisive Action Against Insurgents

By: Michael Mike

Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has reassured residents that authorities remain firmly in control despite a recent resurgence of insecurity in parts of the state, pledging a robust response to defeat insurgent elements attempting to destabilize communities.

In a statewide broadcast on Thursday, the governor acknowledged growing concerns following renewed attacks in some areas but insisted that the security situation remains manageable.

Zulum said the recent spike in attacks was largely a result of intensified military offensives that have dislodged insurgents from their hideouts, forcing them to disperse and attempt infiltration into local communities.

According to him, security agencies are already implementing coordinated strategies to counter the renewed threats and ensure that the insurgents do not regain a foothold in the state.

“The overall security environment, while tested, remains under control, and we are doing everything possible to protect lives and property,” he said.

The governor noted that although significant progress had been made over the past seven years in restoring stability and rebuilding communities affected by the insurgency, authorities have always remained aware that the threat was not entirely over.

Zulum stressed that the fight against insurgency requires collective responsibility, urging residents to strengthen cooperation with security agencies by providing timely intelligence and reporting suspicious activities.

He warned individuals who aid insurgents through information sharing, shelter, or logistics that the government would no longer tolerate such actions.

“Those who collaborate with these criminals are enemies of the state and will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

The governor commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices and dedication in defending the state, while also paying tribute to soldiers and civilian volunteers who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.

He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving funding to support operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force and other military campaigns against insurgents across the country.

Zulum further thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima for representing the president during a sympathy visit to the state following recent security incidents.

The governor called on political actors in the state to avoid exploiting the security situation for political advantage, particularly as the political season approaches.

He urged aspirants and their supporters to prioritise peace and stability over personal ambitions, warning that political divisions could undermine the fragile gains made in restoring security.

“As we look to the future and choose a new leader for our state, let us pray for a worthy successor,” he said.

Zulum also appealed to residents to remain vigilant during the final days of Ramadan and the upcoming Eid celebrations, advising citizens to observe their prayers within their communities and promptly report suspicious movements to security authorities.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preventing insurgents from regaining control of the state.

“Borno shall not fall into the hands of insurgents,” he declared.

Zulum Reassures Borno Residents as Insecurity Resurges, Vows Decisive Action Against Insurgents