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Misunderstanding insecurity: Hold Sobowale Responsible
Misunderstanding insecurity: Hold Sobowale Responsible
By Dauda Iliya
Dr. Dele Sobowale has been every reader’s delight for decades now. His Sunday columns fill up our weekends.
Dr. Sobowale writes in his own style: persuasive, lucid and witty. He has carved his own niche with his style of reaching out and pulling along, his readers to whichever directions he desires, well-intentioned or otherwise.
Sometimes he can be reckless and controversial. For some, this is what draws them to his weekly offerings.
He freely dabbles into issues he doesn’t fully understand. This was the case in his last column. He ventured into an unknown terrain, and lost all control.
To everyone possessing passion for, and genuinely committed to, justice and fairness with regard to issues affecting our dear country, most especially the seemingly intractable insecurity incinerating majority of its sections, the column vividly portrayed Sobowale as having sight, but lacking vision.
He has sight to see the things that inspire him to write, but completely lacks the vision to see beyond what have often turned to be his faulty sights about those things, and fathom them well enough to guarantee credibility for his writings, for the sustenance of the tradition of justice and fairness on issues affecting humanity.
It is a pity. Dr. Sobowale started mixing up things from his first sentence. He said Borno—perhaps he meant Nigeria—was under the PDP between 2011 and 2015.
This glaringly portrayed him as laughably very hasty to castigate Governor Babagana Zulum incontrovertibly unjustly on the resurgence of insecurity.
We wish to proudly report to Sobowale that not only the majority of the Nigerian public, but even the entire globe, represented by the United Nations, have hailed the governor over the non-kinetic-approach projects and programmes to solve the massive humanitarian crisis concomitant to the Boko Haram/ISWAP terror.
Sobowale the columnist continued on his free-fall until he was lost in the debris. He tried to turn the whole Boko Haram crisis on its head. It is weird. He was looking for who to blame. In his obviously now failing judgment, he visited it on Gov. Zulum. It is time for some education.
It is inconceivable how Sobowale failed to get the details of the ongoing reintegration program. First of all, it is not a program of the state government. It was initiated by the Federal Government. The state government is only a partner because most of the rehabilitation centers are located in the state.
In fact, until recently, the program was run in Gombe State. As such, Gov. Zulum has never claimed to have singlehandedly run the program, let alone order the reintegration of surrendered fighters. We do not seriously know where he got his facts, but the official position which the governor has mentioned several times is the receipt of over 300, 000 surrendered members of the group. It is often mistaken. Of this number, a lot were captives or conscripts who fled and turned themselves over to authorities when they saw an opportunity.
Without any labor, Sobowale should have known that no governor in Nigeria can unilaterally receive terrorists, run a de-radicalization program and reintegrate them. That act is itself terrorism. In this case, these surrendered fighters surrender to the Nigerian military under the Operation Safe Corridor.
OSC was launched in 2016 by the federal government. It was also one of the recommendations of the 2013 Boko Haram dialogue committee set up by President Jonathan. It was a platform for repented terrorists or those who wanted to give up arms to turn themselves over.
They go through preliminary investigations in military facilities before they are finally handed over to the state government, on behalf of the FG. Again, they go through another round of profiling before their exact de-radicalization and rehabilitation programs are prescribed.
A lot of these people were only associated to the terrorist groups. As such, they require different rehabilitation programs and approaches. There is a case of forcefully recruited young men and women; who, even when armed and deployed to fight, did it more under duress than ideology. Others were recruited as cooks, errand boys and menial laborers. They also share neither ideology nor creed.
Some of them were seized from their communities and herded into forced marriages. From these forced marriages, a lot have given birth. These boys and girls are now aged between five and fourteen—growing up to join the ranks of their fathers, if not rescued. These unsuspecting children need to be rescued—for their good and the country. They are victims.
The profiling process separates between combatant and noncombatant. Most of the latter do not require de-radicalization, they are only traumatized.
They need psychological therapy and support. Somewhere in his piece, Sobowale alluded that the governor carried out the reintegration unilaterally; and even worse, without any knowledge or research on security. Unfortunately, he failed his own test. Apart from mixing up basic facts, he also failed to carry out any research or inquiry about the subject he wrote about.
For, if he had done that, he would have come across the Borno Model, the elaborate manual used for the de-radicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration program.
Let’s serve Sobowale a little of the education he has failed to acquire justly and fairly to sustain whatever he sees as as his reputation among his blinded readers: The Borno Model template, developed by experts from various sectors, government institutions, communities, CSOs and development partners, is a product of months of rigorous research and exhaustive case studies of several instances worldwide.
It is disturbing that Sobowale is still, despite decades of exposure, at a point where he thinks a government is simply a one man’s enterprise.
To assume that, as a professor of Engineering, Gov. Zulum is not qualified to take policy decisions on security is truly shallow. This being the logic, why should he be allowed to make one on health, as he is not a medical doctor?
Beyond being an alumnus of the country’s leading institute of policy and strategic studies—the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS—Gov. Zulum, as every other governor, has in his services seasoned civil servants, aides and consultants. He has the state executive council.
In fact, even in dictatorships, leaders always have a body of advisors who advise them. Let me also remind Mr. Sobowale that the federal government has also outlined the surrender of Boko Haram insurgents as gains recorded under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribado at the recently held APC summit in Abuja said “In the North East, 13,543 terrorists were neutralised, 124,408 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters surrendered, and 11,118 weapons were recovered”.
This is a most-authoritative testament to the excellent stewardships of Zulum and his other governors of the subregion on the concrete accomplishments, not abstract statistics, with regard to the management of the terror- orchestrated humanitarian crisis that has rubbled the North-East economy.
It is, therefore, devastating that Mr. Dele Sobowale would, on the basis of inaccurate premises, visit such heavy allegations—of being responsible for the resurgence of terrorist attacks—on the governor.
One has to visit and sufficiently traverse an entity before one can credibly understand it’s complexities. However, Sobowale simply thinks he can understand the complexities of Boko Haram from the pages of newspapers or search engine results.
People who truly understand it are raining encomiums on the governor and marveling at how he is midwifing massive infrastructural projects, rebuilding of damaged communities, resettling of displaced persons and refugees, with provision of basic amenities to his people, including those in remote settlements.
He must have seen the hero’s welcome Prof. Zulum received from his people upon return from a one-week tour of several remote villages. It was a bravery that ends every bravery.
Sobowale’s utter ignorance of the true nature of things extends beyond Boko Haram. He doesn’t have even an elementary understanding of the demography he was talking about. For him, it was ludicrous that the governor called for prayers and a one day fasting.
He said, given the level of hunger in the country, the call was an attempt to cause massive deaths in the state. In this case, it is a wonder that Dr. Sobowale hasn’t yet launched a campaign or protest against the 30-day Ramadan fasting and 40 days of lent every year.
Across faith, people heeded the governor’s call. Some of these demographic nuances are obviously beyond the understanding of Dr. Sobowale. And it is a pity that this undermines his judgment of basic things.
So, last Sunday’s Vanguard column should have analysed ‘holding Sobowale responsible’ for worsening the misunderstanding of his readers on the true state of insecurity in Borno, which tantamount to misleading them on the complexities of their dear country, instead of ‘holding Zulum responsible’ for the resurgence of insecurity in Borno, which is in complete contrast to his exemplary accomplishments in the management of the terror crisis, accomplishments hailed by the entire globe, represented by the United Nations.
Dauda Iliya is the Special Adviser to Borno State Governor on Media/Spokesperson
UNESCO, CWAY Group Partner to Empower Corps Members on Reproductive Health, Life Skills
By: Michael Mike
A strategic collaboration between UNESCO and the CWAY Group is equipping National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members with critical knowledge on sexual and reproductive health, life planning, and community development.
The initiative, unveiled during an orientation programme, is part of a broader social responsibility effort aimed at reducing risky behaviours among young people while preparing them to become productive contributors to Nigeria’s development.
Speaking at the event, the National Project Officer and Head of Education Sector a.i with UNESCO, Mr. Adeyemi Oladeji explained that the intervention focuses on providing early and accurate information to corps members, particularly during their three-week orientation camp, a period often associated with exposure to risky sexual behaviour.
“This is a preventive approach,” he said. “If young people are properly informed early, they are more likely to make responsible decisions that will not derail their life goals.”
The programme addresses key issues such as teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, HIV prevention, and life skills development. It is also designed to help young people align their personal ambitions with national development goals, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s demographic dividend.
A key component of the initiative is the training of selected corps members under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and HIV Community Development Service (CDS) groups as master trainers. These trained volunteers will extend the campaign beyond schools by engaging out-of-school youths, particularly those in informal sectors such as mechanics, barbers, and hairdressers.
According to Oladeji, out-of-school youths remain among the most vulnerable due to limited access to accurate information and social support systems.
“Most interventions target young people in formal education, but those outside the school system are often neglected despite being highly vulnerable,” he noted.
The trained corps members will conduct community outreach programmes, peer education sessions, and sensitisation campaigns, especially in underserved areas where access to government services is limited. The initiative also emphasizes peer-to-peer education, recognizing that young people are more likely to confide in and learn from their peers.
In addition, the programme integrates voluntary HIV testing services in partnership with health organisations, encouraging corps members to know their status and adopt healthier lifestyles.
“If you know your status, you can take control of your health—whether it means staying negative or managing a positive status effectively,” Oladeji added.
Beyond the camps, the intervention extends to schools and communities. Teachers are being trained to deliver Family Life and HIV Education, while community and religious leaders are being engaged to support the reintegration of out-of-school children, particularly girls affected by early pregnancy or economic hardship.
The initiative is currently being implemented in several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory, in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps, the Federal Ministry of Youth, and the Federal Ministry of Education.
Early feedback indicates strong interest among corps members, many of whom have volunteered to participate as peer educators and community influencers.
Organisers described the response as “encouraging,” noting that participants are eager to make meaningful impact during their service year and beyond.
“This is just the beginning,” Oladeji said. “We are building a generation of informed, responsible young people who can influence others and drive positive change in their communities.”
UNESCO, CWAY Group Partner to Empower Corps Members on Reproductive Health, Life Skills
Athena Centre Launches 2026 Junior Fellowship to Groom Next Generation of Policy Leaders
By: Michael Mike
The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership has officially announced the commencement of its 2026 Athena-Anchoria Junior Fellowship Programme, marking a significant step in efforts to nurture young leaders in governance and public policy across Nigeria.
The programme, which began on April 25, 2026 in Abuja, is being delivered in partnership with Anchoria Advisory Services Limited.
Speaking on the initiative, the firm’s Managing Director and CEO, Sam Chidoka, emphasized the long-term vision behind the fellowship, noting that investing in capable young minds is essential to shaping Nigeria’s policy future.
A statement on Monday by the Centre, read that following a rigorous nationwide selection process, 14 exceptional young Nigerians were admitted into the 2026 cohort. The fellows were chosen based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to governance and public policy.
The cohort reflects a broad national spread, drawing participants from all six geopolitical zones. Representatives from the Southeast include Kosisochukwu Praise Bosah, Adaobi Patience Ayogu, and Daniel Kelechi Nnamani. From the Southwest are Ezekiel Adeshina Adebisi and Eunice Iyanuoluwa Olasunkanmi, while the South-South is represented by Angelica Onagiekhuwemhe Enegbuma and Shedrack James Owen.
The Northwest contingent comprises Yahaya Abubakar, Hassan Suleiman Haruna, and Rashida Bafashi Abubakar. From the Northeast are Gabriel Mohammed Shuwa and Mohammed Baba Kale, while the North-Central zone is represented by Augustina Enuwa Abakpa and Muhammad Saheed Afodun.
According to the statement, participants come from diverse academic backgrounds, including political science, law, mass communication, medicine, and other science-based disciplines. The group consists of undergraduates, postgraduate students, and early-career professionals drawn from top Nigerian universities.
The six-month fellowship is designed as a leadership and policy development programme aimed at building a pipeline of reform-oriented leaders. It will begin with virtual learning sessions, followed by sustained engagement and mentorship, and conclude with an intensive in-person session.
Through structured training, mentorship, and hands-on policy engagement, fellows will gain practical insights into governance challenges and institutional reform strategies.
The launch of the 2026 cohort reinforces the Athena Centre’s commitment to strengthening policy capacity and developing a new generation of leaders equipped to drive meaningful change in Nigeria.
Athena Centre Launches 2026 Junior Fellowship to Groom Next Generation of Policy Leaders
Nigeria No Longer Safe Haven for Drug Cartels, Says UNODC
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has declared that Nigeria is no longer a permissive environment for international drug cartels, citing a surge in arrests, seizures, and convictions driven by reforms within the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, made the statement in Abuja on Monday during the handover of newly constructed audiovisual interview rooms to the NDLEA.
The facilities, equipped with modern interrogation technology, were provided by UNODC with funding support from the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (US-INL).
Toure described transnational drug trafficking as one of the most destabilizing global threats, linking it to corruption, violence, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. He noted that Nigeria’s geographic position has historically made it both a target and transit hub for drug networks spanning Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
However, he said recent enforcement efforts have significantly altered that narrative.
“Under the leadership of Mohamed Buba Marwa, the NDLEA has demonstrated remarkable courage and professionalism,” Toure said, adding that the agency’s intensified operations since 2021 have sent a strong deterrent message to organized criminal groups.
He further emphasized that international collaboration remains critical, commending the United States government for its financial support. According to him, the newly donated facilities represent more than infrastructure, describing them as an investment in transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
The UNODC chief also called for the replication of such modern interrogation systems across NDLEA commands nationwide to strengthen investigative capacity.
In his response, NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, expressed appreciation to both UNODC and US-INL for their continued partnership, assuring that the agency is prepared to build on recent gains.
“We are not just commissioning rooms; we are strengthening the integrity of our investigative process,” he said.
Marwa highlighted that the agency is undergoing a major digital transformation, and the integration of advanced interrogation technology would enhance operational efficiency and align Nigeria’s law enforcement standards with global best practices.
He described the facilities as a symbol of international trust and a boost to the agency’s capacity to deliver justice effectively, while reaffirming NDLEA’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and respect for human rights.
The event was attended by senior officials from UNODC, NDLEA, and the US-INL, including Deputy Director Douglas Grane.
The latest development underscores growing international confidence in Nigeria’s anti-narcotics efforts and signals a shift in the country’s role in the global fight against drug trafficking.
Nigeria No Longer Safe Haven for Drug Cartels, Says UNODC
UNESCO, CWAY Group Partner to Empower Corps Members on Reproductive Health, Life Skills
Athena Centre Launches 2026 Junior Fellowship to Groom Next Generation of Policy Leaders
Nigeria No Longer Safe Haven for Drug Cartels, Says UNODC
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