At State Burial, President Tinubu Eulogizes Late Nujoma’s Legacy As Warrior, Nation-builder

** Says founding Namibian president sacrificed comfort for his people’s freedom, dignity, justice

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late founding President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, describing him as a warrior who galvanised Nigeria and other African nations to fight for his country’s freedom.

The late Nujoma, a revered figure who led his country to gain Independence, and steered the nation on the path towards democracy and stability, passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 95 at a hospital in Windhoek, where he had been confined for weeks due to an illness.

Speaking on Saturday during a state burial for the late Namibian leader held at Heroes’ Acre, Windhoek, Namibia, President Tinubu who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that Dr. Nujoma’s demise is not an exit from space and time, but the wake of his immortality in the minds of Africans.

VP Shettima, in the company of several African Heads of Government, joined President Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia at the state burial where he paid Nigeria’s last respect – on behalf of President Tinubu – to the late Nujoma.

In his speech delivered by Vice President Shettima, President Tinubu eulogized the foremost African statesman, saying he was not just a national hero but a warrior who defied oppression and inspired an entire continent.

He stated: “We have not come to this sacred ground to bury a man. We have come to enshrine a legacy. We have come to salute a life that was lived not for itself, but for the people, for the land, for the ideals of freedom. For him, Africa stands still today.

“Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma was not just the founding father of a nation that needed a hero; he was a warrior in the age of chains. He looked into the face of oppression in the most dangerous time to do so and declared that no African shall ever be a second-class citizen on his own soil.”

President Tinubu praised Nujoma’s leadership beyond independence, noting that he built Namibia from the ashes of occupation and ruled selflessly for his people.

“But even after victory, you did not rest. Independence was not the destination; it was only the beginning. You built this nation from the ashes of occupation. You turned resistance into governance, turned a dream into reality. You did not rule for yourself; you ruled for your people. You sacrificed your comfort for the freedom, dignity, and justice of all Namibians,” he noted.

Acknowledging Nujoma’s legacy, which he said transcends time, the Nigerian leader declared that he now lives on in Namibia’s freedom and Africa’s collective history.

He highlighted Nigeria’s support for Namibia’s liberation struggle, stressing that the bond between the two nations was forged in the fight against apartheid and colonial rule.

His words: “Nigeria was not a bystander in the Namibian struggle. When the world turned its back, we stood. When your voice was drowned by the guns of apartheid, we spoke.

“When your hands were tied, we reached out. We did not do this as charity. We did not do this as a favour. We did this because your struggle was our struggle. Your pain was our pain. Your freedom was our freedom.”

President Tinubu reassured the people of Namibia of Nigeria’s solidarity, asserting that the struggle that united both countries has become the foundation of an unbreakable friendship.

The Nigerian leader added: “Nigeria is here today not only to honour you but to remind the world that the bond between our nations is unbreakable. That the struggle that brought us together is now the foundation of a friendship that will never fade.

“Namibia, you do not grieve alone. Africa grieves with you. The free world grieves with you. But more than that, we celebrate you. Because in this land, in this soil, we did not just lose a man. We gained a legend.”

The burial was also attended by Presidents of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa; Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa; Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi; Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan; Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, and Ghana, John Mahama, as well as some former Presidents, and heads of missions.

At State Burial, President Tinubu Eulogizes Late Nujoma’s Legacy As Warrior, Nation-builder

Zulum: Alau Dam Reconstruction to Restore Dignity, Livelihoods in Borno

…approves construction of school, hospital

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has emphasised that the reconstruction of the Alau Dam will restore the dignity and livelihoods of the people of Borno, who were severely impacted by the devastating flood disaster of 2024.

The Alau Dam collapsed on September 10, 2024, causing catastrophic flooding that killed at least several people and displaced thousands. The dam was built between 1984 and 1986. It stored water from the Ngadda River, a Lake Chad tributary, mainly used for irrigation and as a tap water source within Maiduguri and its environs.

The Governor stated this on Saturday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration and rehabilitation of the Alau Dam by the federal government.

The event took place at the Alau community in Jere Local Government Area.

Governor Zulum outlined several key benefits the people of Borno will gain from the rehabilitation of the dam, including enhanced agricultural activities, improved water supply, flood control, economic diversification, and community empowerment.

“This groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding Borno State, not just in terms of physical infrastructure, but in restoring the livelihoods and dignity of our citizens,” Zulum said.

Governor Zulum added, “We understand that sustainable development is inextricably linked to the availability of water resources, and the Alau Dam is crucial in this regard.”

Zulum also said, “The restoration and rehabilitation of this dam will bring numerous benefits to our people.”

“Enhanced Agricultural Productivity along the dams: This project will significantly improve irrigation capacity, enabling our farmers to cultivate more land and increase their yields. This will boost food security, create employment opportunities and contribute to the overall economic development of the state.”

He acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the repair of the dam within short period of time.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who was the special guest of honour at the groundbreaking ceremony stated that the rehabilitation will be conducted in two phases.

According to the minister, when completed, the Alau Dam will enhance the provision of drinking water and revamp agricultural activities for thousands of people around the facility.

“It is evident that the reconstruction and upgrade of Alau Dam will significantly enhance the provision of potable drinking water, support downstream irrigation, boost socio-economic activities and enable flood control while facilitating other viable socio-economic activities capable of revamping people’s livelihoods and economic development. The project work is structured in two phases over a completion period of 24 months,” Prof Utsev disclosed .

He added that phase one will be executed between February and September 2025 to cover the critical interventions to mitigate immediate flood risks, while phase two will focus on extensive distilling and structural enhancements to ensure long-term functionality and resilience of the dam, commencing from October 2025.”

Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the Borno State Commissioner of Water Resources, Engr Tijjani Goni Alkali, applauded the federal government for its timely intervention in rehabilitating the dam.

…Zulum approves construction of school and hospital

Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the construction of a primary school and hospital for Alau community in Jere local government area in the central part of the state.

“I have approved the construction of a primary school and hospital for Alau community to ensure development of the area” Zulum said.

Zulum announced the approval on Saturday at the groundbreaking ceremony. He called on people of the area to cooperate with the contractors and support the rehabilitation.

Chairman Senate Committees on Water and Sanitation, Senator Abdulaziz Yari represented by the vice chairman of the committee, Senator Eze Ken Emeka, and the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Water and Sanitation, Hon. Sada Soli Jibia, attended the occasion.

Also present were the Senator representing Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and House of Representatives members.

The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, led members of Borno Emirates Council, including the Waziri of Borno, Mutawali Shettima.

Other dignitaries include the secretary to Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Richard Pheelangwaah, the APC Chairman, Hon Bello Ayuba, the Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Engr Abdullahi Askira, and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe.

Zulum: Alau Dam Reconstruction to Restore Dignity, Livelihoods in Borno

Police Arrest 17 Drug Suspects, Notorious Car Thief in Abuja Raids

By; Zagazola Makama

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 17 suspected drug peddlers and a notorious armed robber in separate operations across Abuja.

Zagazola Makama confirmed that operatives from the Anti-Narcotic Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Maitama and Pegi Divisions carried out coordinated raids on criminal hideouts, uncompleted buildings, and known drug black spots.

During the operations, 17 suspects were apprehended, and a significant quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, illicit drugs, 24 lighters, and scissors were recovered. Police say the suspects are undergoing interrogation, and those found culpable will be charged in court.

Notorious Car Thief Nabbed in Wuse

In a separate incident, the police arrested a suspected notorious car thief, Ibrahim Suleiman, 36, of Falele Village in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Suleiman was caught in the act of attempting to steal a Toyota Sienna Space Bus parked near Wuse Zone 3 Mosque during Juma’at prayers on Friday. An angry mob descended on him, but he was rescued by operatives from the Wuse Division.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime. Investigations also revealed that he had previously been arrested in connection with a car theft and a robbery at First Bank in Abaji on June 13, 2024. At the time, he was caught by the then Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Abaji, CSP Alkali Lamido, in Gegu Community, Kogi State.

Further intelligence led to the recovery of seven master keys, two mobile phones, a pair of glasses, and a Peugeot 406 Saloon Car with registration number KAB 480 AA, dark ash in color. Suleiman admitted to being involved in multiple car thefts across Kogi and the FCT. He had been previously charged in court but was released. The suspect is now in custody at the Anti-Violent Crime Section of SCID, where investigations are ongoing.

Suspect Caught With AK-47 Magazine and Live Ammunition

Meanwhile, police operatives from Jabi Division arrested one Sadiq Abubakar Walama, 36, of Fafu Estate, Idu Yard, for being in possession of an AK-47 rifle magazine loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition.

Security sources confirmed that Walama was acting suspiciously when he was intercepted. Upon search, operatives also found a form bearing a military passport photograph. The suspect is currently in custody undergoing interrogation.

Three Dead in Abuja Traffic Accident

In another development, a fatal road accident occurred at about 6:20 p.m. on Friday at Sun City Traffic Light, involving a Hayab Truck with registration number Lagos FST 585 XY, belonging to Sany Company.

The truck reportedly lost control and ran into pedestrians who were attempting to cross the road. Five victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi.

Three of the victims were confirmed dead, while the others remain in critical condition at the hospital’s emergency unit. The truck has been impounded, and an investigation into the incident is underway.

The FCT Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, while reiterating its commitment to ensuring public safety and security.

Police Arrest 17 Drug Suspects, Notorious Car Thief in Abuja Raids