Zulum visits aviation minister as Maiduguri airport upgrades to international status

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured the minister of aviation and aerospace, Mr Festus Keyamo, of his administration’s support as the ministry announced a plan to upgrade the Muhammadu Buhari Airport, Maiduguri, to international status.

Zulum gave the assurance on Monday during a visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

“As the chairman of northeast governor’s and this is our first International Airport, I want to assure of the political will needed to ensure the implementation of this laudable stride,” Zulum said.

The governor emphasised that Maiduguri being a gateway for most countries around Lake Chad and Central Africa, would stimulate economic development in the northeast region by upgrading the airport.

Speaking earlier, the aviation minister assured that Muhammadu Buhari Airport would take off as a full International Airport on January 1, 2025, noting that all the takeoff preparations have been concluded and that relevant government agencies have been notified of the development.

The minister expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the upgrade of Muhammadu Buhari Airport, Maiduguri, stressing that of all the geopolitical zones, only the northeast has no full International airport in the country.

Zulum was accompanied on the visit by senators Mohammed Ali Ndume, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and Kaka Shehu Lawan, who represent Borno South, North and Central, respectively.

Borno APC Chairman Hon. Bello Ayuba, Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Engr Abdullahi Musa Askira and other senior government officials were also present on the visit.

Zulum visits aviation minister as Maiduguri airport upgrades to international status

NEDC to Introduce Electric Vehicles in Northeast States

By: Michael Mike

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has announced plans to introduce e-mobility for commercial purposes in all six states of the Northeast region.

This is part of the initiatives of the Commission to reduce hardships on the people of the region which comprises Taraba, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Borno States caused by removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

The project, which has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, will commence soon after final deliberations with a Joint State Committee of the six states comprising the NEDC.

The e-mobility project, according to the NEDC Managing Director/CEO ,Alhaji Mohammed Alkali will provide tricycles, taxis, and buses for intra and inter-state services, reducing reliance on gas and petrol.

He revealed that the project will be implemented in phases, based on individual state needs, and will include training and maintenance schedules for staff, road unions, and beneficiaries, adding that the e-mobility vehicles will be provided on loan, with flexible terms and conditions determined by the Joint Committee.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri on Wednesday, Alkali solicited the support and cooperation from union leaders and members to ensure the project’s success.

He noted that the project is expected to influence rapid development in the region.

Meanwhile, the MD/CEO of the NEDC has directed the management of Al Ansar University to forward their demands to the commission for consideration.

The university has sought the support and assistance from the commission, which include educational facilities, mobility provision, solar energy systems, ICT facilities, and research funds.

The NEDC is in the habit of assisting and supporting many tertiary institutions in the region as part of its mandate to promote and develop the educational sector.

The NEDC also requested a proposal from Al Ansar FM 96.1 Radio Station for a retainership on some radio programmes, especially in local languages, to reach a wider audience.

NEDC to Introduce Electric Vehicles in Northeast States

Kachalla Tsoho Lulu Killed by Kachalla Gajere in Anka, Zamfara

By; Zagazola Makama

A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Tsoho Lulu, was killed by fellow bandit Kachalla Gajere.

The incident occurred on Sept 26, 2024, near the village of Kawaye, located in the forests of Bagega within Anka Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

Intelligence told Zagazola Makama the conflict between the two arose from a dispute over mining activities in the area. Sources indicate that tensions between the factions had been escalating for some time.

In response to the killing, followers of Kachalla Tsoho Lulu are now actively seeking revenge, vowing to track down and kill Kachalla Gajere.

Kachalla Tsoho Lulu was notorious for orchestrating violent attacks across the Dan Kurmi region, affecting communities in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

His raids also extended to areas from Dan Ummaru to Bena in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, leaving a trail of destruction.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident on Sept 27, 2024, Kachallah Gajere, aka Mai’Yar Gashi, clashed with the Nigerian troops at Dankurmi village in Dansadau.

The clash resulted in the killing of unconfirmed numbers of bandits while GAJERA escaped but fatally injured.

Kachalla Tsoho Lulu Killed by Kachalla Gajere in Anka, Zamfara