At the Abuja International Carnival, 2024 Borno contingent scoops second overall and several benchmark prices

By: Sam Kayode

The Borno State culture delegation has won the second overall best award in the just concluded Abuja international carnival 2024.

A statement from the commissioner of information in Borno state Prof Usman Tar stated that the 60 man troop which participated at the 2024 Abuja International Carnival held on 21-25 November 2024 did so along participants from Nigeria, Africa and overseas.

The Abuja Carnival comprised several benchmark activities which included opening ceremony, command performance, street march, fashion parade, and culinary contest.

The Borno contingent presented the cultural/historical artifacts of Borno during the carnival, and participated actively in all the keenly contested events.

“Team Borno swept the second overall award, next to Rivers State. After a very competitive exercise.

“The Borno team won the following awards: 2nd Overall Best Carnival King Award, after Rivers, 2nd Best in International Food Competition Award. 2nd Best in Cultural Night Events Award.

“2nd Best carnival Queen Award. 2nd Best carnival costumes Award. 3rd Best Indigenous Nigeria Fashion parade Award. 3rd Best Carnival Float Award and 2nd Overall Best State Award.” Said Tar

Meanwhile, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima who graced the opening ceremony, showed his appreciation to the Borno Team for participating in the culture show.

Senator Shettima praised Borno State Governor Prof Babagana Zulum for his investment in reinvigorating Borno’s rich culture.

Similarly, the Minister for Culture and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, praised the Borno Team for putting up a rich show during the carnival.

As Borno State emerges from a decade-long insurgency, its participation in National Culture Festivals demonstrates the resilience and determination to overcome its challenges and showcase the state’s deep history and splendour in the national culture events.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar in his remarks stated that: “Borno’s 25 year development plan projects cultural renaissance and social reorientation as a pillar of our recovery and sustainable development under the watch of the Executive Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum.

“What we are witnessing is a bold step to reposition our state in the national cultural map, as a strong and active constituent part of the Nigerian federation.

At the Abuja International Carnival, 2024 Borno contingent scoops second overall and several benchmark prices

The story of Alice, aid worker who escaped 6 years in captivity faces death threat from ISWAP

By: Zagazola Makama

Mrs. Alice Loksha Nggatah, a UNICEF Humanitarian Staff/Nurse who escaped from the enclave of the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) is now facing significant threats to her life despite regaining freedom.

Before she was abducted, Alice, was the wife of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel Airman, had spent over six years in captivity within ISWAP Camp. While in captivity, Her professional experience as a nurse, made an invaluable need to the terrorists.

Meanwhile and at the same time using her gift, utilised the worthy profession plan her escape taking along what has rendered her a major target to ISWAP as she reintegrates into civilian life.

From Captivity to Freedom

Alice was abducted in 2018 from Rann, Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State, during an ISWAP attack while working with UNICEF. In captivity, her nursing skills were exploited by the terrorists, making her a prominent figure within the enclave. This as well after her ingenious escape, is being targeted by ISWAP poses a risk to her safety, where ISWAP deployed those lurking in the dark to track her down and eliminate her as a way of seeking retribution for the escape.

Her daring flight to freedom, facilitated by her initiative, took her through Diffa in Niger Republic and Geidam in Yobe State where she was rescued by the troops of Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai. Alongside her was Miss Fayina Ali Akilawus, another escapee abducted in 2020. Fayina, the sister of a fallen Nigerian Army soldier who was captured along the Maiduguri – Damaturu road and married off over three times to ISWAP Commanders. Very well, Fayina has been reunited with her family thanks to arrangements made by a humanitarian organization. Equally, Alice was not left out she took had been married off, with child and whom she escaped with, the joy of her life.

In a remarkable twist of events, Alice and Fayina credited the military’s psychological operations, particularly under the Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), for enabling their escape. Leaflets dropped by the military encouraging captives to flee or insurgents to surrender have significantly disrupted ISWAP’s stronghold and escape of their captives.

Life-Threatening Challenges

Alice expressed her fears of staying in Maiduguri or any part of northern Nigeria. Her prominence during captivity in providing medical services to the top insurgents and their wives and thereafter her escape with a three-year-old child born to ISWAP top Commander have made her a marked individual. ISWAP are unforgettable with vengeance on the would-be claims, Alice, stole what belongs to them. The child, named Mohammed, symbolizes a big loss to the terrorist group, which further heightens the risks Alice faces.

Alice Husband Rejected her after return

After escape, the joy of freedom was caught short. Alice’s husband, a NAF personnel, could not wait longer for his wife’s return. He got married to another woman who now takes care of her two children. Heartbreakingly,
despite learning of her husband’s remarriage, Alice attempted to go back to him but he rejected her, saying that she had already married an ISWAP and carrying his child. Again, despite this rejected Alice remains committed to her identity and struggle. However, her next steps will depend on consultations with her family as she navigates this life threatening challenges.

Alice Loksha Nggatah’s story sheds light on the complex realities faced by former captives, particularly as they faced victimisations on return by members of their families and the society. While her escape symbolizes resilience and courage, it also underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection and reintegration measures for individuals in similar circumstances. The question is, the PTSD syndrome and subsequent rehabilitation. Better yet, in exploitation of such victims, how far has security and intelligence agencies utilised the means to an end. The unique case of Alice, has much to offer too intelligence community to further execution of operations and enrich its database on BOKO HARAM and it’s vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, the unwavering support of Mr Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Theater command Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian Airforce, and UNICEF provided to Alice as she
embarks on a new chapter of life, navigating the threats posed by her past role in captivity and striving for a future of safety and peace was very commendable.

The story of Alice, aid worker who escaped 6 years in captivity faces death threat from ISWAP

Nigeria Target Becoming No.1 Net Exporter to China in the Next Five Years

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has said its target is to become net exporter to China in the next five years, overtaking Brazil which currently stands atop the list with the net export of $104.32 billion.

The country’s ambition was revealed by the Director General, China-Nigeria Partnership, Joseph Tegbe on Thursday at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Abuja,

Tegbe recalled that Nigeria presently has an export $22.6 billion, however said that the narative is about to change with the latest upgrade of China-Nigeria relations into partnership.

Brazil export to China, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade in 2023.

Tegbe. who spoke at the opening of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Abuja, said: “One of our primary goals is to increase trade volume between Nigeria and China. As of December 2003, trade volume between Nigeria and China was over $22 billion

“But on the other hand, when you look at Brazil and China’s relationship, today, Brazil ranks as China’s ninth largest trading country. And during this same period, Brazil’s export to China in 2023 was $105 billion. While China’s export to Brazil was just $59 billion. Thus making Brazil a net exporter to China.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this is our desired position as a nation. For us, the next five years, to push our trade volume between China and Nigeria higher than what it used today and for Nigeria to become a net exporter to China.

“It is also worth noting that industrializing Nigeria means industrializing 25% of Africa. An economically sound and stable Nigeria signifies a prosperous continent of Africa”

He also disclosed that no fewer than 1200 Nigerians are trained yearly by the Chinese firm, Huawei, as a pointer of the new things to come.

Currently, he also said 30 Nigerian officials, drawn from diffferent sectors of the economy are undergoing training.

He said: “The Nigerian-China Strategic Partnership is already making results. As of today, one of China’s companies, Huawei, trains an average of 1,200 Nigerians every year in Nigeria.

“As we speak, 30 Nigerian officials, drawn from various ministries, departments and agencies, are in China, undergoing an intensive training on the governance of China and the strengthening of economic development between China and Nigeria.”

Tegbe stressed the place of Nigeria in the continent, saying: “It is also worth noting that industrializing Nigeria means industrializing 25% of Africa. An economically sound and stable Nigeria signifies a prosperous culture of Africa. “

Speaking on the Expo, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai said: “This exhibition is an important event organized to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit Forum and the consensus reached between our two heads of state. I am pleased to see that this exhibition brings together many outstanding entrepreneurs and innovators in a wide range of fields, including engineering, contracting, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, energy conservation, environmental protection, and green energy.

“Through the exhibition and exchanges, we believe it can play an important role in further promoting the process of industrialization and agricultural modernization in Nigeria, and facilitate in-depth cooperation between our two countries in all fields.”

On his part, the Chairman, China International Contractors Association,Mr Fang Qiuchen, revealed that Chinese firms are mobilising funds to invest in Nigeria as a fallout of the recent FOCAC summit.

He said: “We want to be together to work on the infrastructure, on the projects, especially on the new energy projects, as well as the digital smart cities, many renovation projects.

“So we are here, we’ll bring the capital, we’ll bring our technology, we’ll also bring the very genuine, honest, we want to collaborate with the Nigerian partners for a very pragmatic cooperation to do some of the works here so that we can grow together to benefit the economic and social development of Nigeria”.

On the funding of infrastructure, Fang said: “So China is also working with a consortium of all the banks together, African banks and China Development Bank. We want to work together to financing more of the projects here in Nigeria, so that they can benefit the economic development.”

Though, he failed to disclosed the amount they are bringing in, he noted that: “The investment we can see is huge, I should say, because the projects are not small, because it’s infrastructure.”

He also added: “As the new round of scientific and technological revolution and digital transformation is on the way, green development and the digital economy have emerged as new engines driving economic growth, presenting vast opportunities for cooperation in green and sustainable infrastructure. Both China and Nigeria are actively exploring the use of advanced technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, and Al, to enhance the intelligence and automation of infrastructure. The integration of digital technology with new infrastructure, the blue economy, and agricultural modernization has emerged as a focal point for cooperation. Furthermore, renewable energy projects, including solar and wind, are gaining increased attention worldwide, further advancing the development and utilization of the clean energy.

“These emerging characteristics and trends not only facilitate the transformation and upgrading of infrastructure cooperation between China and Nigeria, but also inject new impetus for mutual benefit and shared development.”

He also revealed that the Expo is a fallout of the recent Beijing Summit, which aimed to “effectively accelerate the infrastructure cooperation between China and Africa.”

He revealed that: “We planned to hold the China Engineering and Technology Expo and the China-Nigeria Infrastructure Cooperation Forum here in Abuja this year, at the same time, to further strengthen the mutual understanding and trust between the engineering companies of the two sides while exploring new areas and potential opportunities for further cooperation.

“We believe that through the elevation of the bilateral relationship to the comprehensive strategic partnership, and through our joint efforts, the bilateral infrastructure cooperation will for sure yield more fruitful results in the days to come.”

Nigeria Target Becoming No.1 Net Exporter to China in the Next Five Years