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NEITI Calls for Creation of Special Squadron for Mining Sites

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NEITI Calls for Creation of Special Squadron for Mining Sites

By: Michael Mike

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr Ogbonnaya Orji has called for the creation of special squadron to ward off threat and insecurity at various mining sites in Nigeria and elsewhere in West Africa.

In his keynote address at the gathering of stakeholders from different mining communities in West Africa to deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that are confronting mining activities in the region organized by the international Non-governmental Organisation (INGO), Global Rights and Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA), Orji said there is need for the creation of a special squadron for the mining sector to fight insecurity and other issues affecting the mining district.

Orji while noting that Africa is blessed with abundant mineral resources, ranging from gold and diamonds to oil and gas, added that “these resources hold the promise of transformation, the potential to elevate the lives of our people, and to power the development of our nations”.

He however expressed concern that the communities where these resources are gotten from are often left vulnerable and continue to face several security challenges.

He said: “The challenges faced by these mining host communities need urgent resolutions. There is a need for collaboration with security agencies and mining host communities to help curb insecurity in the mining sector.

“It is also the responsibility of the government to ensure that the wealth derived from our minerals is utilised for the common good, and are equitably shared among our people, the environment is protected for generation to come and that the human rights of the people are well protected. “

Also speaking, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, who hailed the enthusiasm of the stakeholders for embracing the ideas and proposing many pathways to achieving the roadmap, said Nigeria government shall continue to ensure good business and security for mining host communities by ensuring policy consistency and adequate security.

While commending Global Rights for continuous work in protecting and advocating for marginalized communities, the Minister charged the stakeholders to be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and shared responsibility.

The international Non-governmental Organisation (INGO), Global Rights and Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) who organized the gathering expressed worry over the growing challenges facing mining host communities in West Africa, insisting that the troubled communities need to come together, deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that they are confronted with.

Global Rights in conjunction with Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) have gathered the stakeholders in Abuja for the 2023 West African Mining Host Communities’, called INDABA.

The West African Mining Host Communities INDABA is a Natural Resource Governance Summit that provides a critical platform for Mining Host Communities in West Africa to engage and have critical conversations on strengthening safeguards for the sustainability of mining host communities in the subregion.

Speaking at the conference, the Executive Director of Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu, said the conference is aimed at bringing together the host communities to deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that they are confronted with as West Africans.

“It’s a platform for an open and inclusive dialogue where ideas, experiences and solutions are shared collectively.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the wealth of West Africa’s minerals benefits the many, rather than the few and that becomes a catalyst for peace, development, and progress” She said.

A communique issued at the end of the conference stated that sustainable West African Regional Policy Initiatives must reflect the United Nations Guiding
Principles of protect, respect and access to remedies.

It also highlighted that the sub-region must expedite processes to adapt National Action Plans on Business
and Human Rights.

The conference pointed out that policies on water management, and sustainable resource management should be coherent
with climate-smart mining as an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practice in the mining industry in Africa.

NEITI Calls for Creation of Special Squadron for Mining Sites

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Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”

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Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”

By: Michael Mike

The first military-trained lawyer with a PhD in International Law in Nigeria, Col. Bello Fadile (rtd), has mourned the passing of a stalwart, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who passed on at the age of 89.

Fadile, a prominent figure and author, paid a heartfelt tribute yesterday to the late jurist, describing him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”

Fadile recounted the remarkable story of how Justice Uwais, then CJN, intervened on his behalf during his detention in 1995, braving the military regime to ensure his release.

The Nigerian Army’s first lawyer tribute highlighted Justice Uwais’s unwavering commitment to justice, humility, and integrity. He quoted Uwais’s powerful statement: “A corrupt judge is more harmful to society than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street.”

Part of the statement read: “At the ripe age of 89, he left us in this sinful world as Allah SWT willed. We accept the vadict as appeal lies nowhere. To we the immediate families, we pray to Allah SWT to give us the fortitude to carry on relying on the principles he lived on and left for us which are:- humility, impartiality, humane, love, detribalised, uprightness and fear of Almighty Allah SWT.

“And to the Nigerian judiciary which he dedicated his life to, i urge you all to follow his footsteps, which he captured brilliantly;
‘ A corrupt judge is more harmful to the society than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street. The latter can be restrained physically. But a corrupt judge deliberately destroys the moral foundation of society and causes incalculable distress to individuals through abusing his office while still being referred to as Honorable “

“ As captured in my book, Lives: The Bello Fadile Memoirs, I shall forever be grateful to MyLord, the Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais GCON for the risk he took when I was arrested for the alleged fathom coup in 1995.”

Fadile who is the founder and chair of the Council for African Security Affairs, recounted how he was “detained near his house and I sent at note to him as the then CJN, without hesitation or fear of the military, his life or his job, he acted on my request and reached out Late Honorable Justice Karibi-Whyte and together they raised my detention with the Head of Military Government. And of course, they became my link to the Head of State, going and coming back with messages. What man with a lion heart.”

“On my release in March 1999. MyLord traveled from Abuja to Kaduna to see me. He came with clothes, bundles of sheda, and thousands of cash. That was my Father in the Judiciary for you. I was able to see him after 10 years in November 2024, and now he is no more.,” he added.

Fadile noted that late Justice Uwais’s legacy serves as a shining example for the Nigerian judiciary.

According to him, Justice Uwais’s remarkable life and contributions to Nigeria’s judiciary will be remembered for generations to come, adding that “his courage, integrity, and dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on the nation’s legal landscape”.

Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”

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Alau Dam: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work.

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Alau Dam: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work.

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to avert a repeat of last year’s devastating flood disaster.

Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas experienced their worst flooding in decades following the collapse of the Alau Dam in 2024. In response, the Federal Government approved N80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in March 2025 to mark the commencement of the project.

Governor Zulum while responding to a request by the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, on the need to fast tract the project, during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri. The Governor expressed concern over the slow pace of work, warning that the rainy season has already begun.

“After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected,” Governor Zulum stated.

“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project, and I assure you that I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President as well. In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam.”.

The governor pledged to connect all local government headquarters to the national grid before the end of his tenure. He also promised massive road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant is completed.

“These are two critical issues dear to me, he said. I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah. Regarding road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed. We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation across the state.”

Governor Zulum thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation to his administration.

Earlier, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi said the sallah homage has been part of the tradition during every festive season, acknowledging the unprecedented transformation the Zulum’s administration is executing across the state.

He emphasised the importance of expediting the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now. He referenced the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a warning of what could recur in Borno if swift action is not taken.

“We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat, the Shehu said. The Federal Government must act immediately.”.

The royal father also urged the Governor to follow up with the Federal Government on oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for local government areas.

During the event, Governor Zulum also received delegations from the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, who paid similar homage.

Alau Dam: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work.

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Flooding: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work on Alau Dam

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Flooding: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work on Alau Dam

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to avert a repeat of last year’s devastating flood which nearly submerged Maiduguri and environs.

Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas experienced their worst flooding in decades following the collapse of the Alau Dam in 2024. In response, the Federal Government approved N80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in March 2025 to mark the commencement of the project.

Zulum, while responding to a request by the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, on the need to fast tract the project, during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri, the governor expressed concern over the slow pace of work, warning that the rainy season has already begun.

He said: “After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected.

“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project, and I assure you that I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President as well. In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam.”.

Meanwhile, the governor has pledged to connect all local government headquarters in the state to the national grid before the end of his tenure. He also promised massive road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant is completed.

He said: “These are two critical issues dear to me, I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah. Regarding road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed. We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation across the state.”

Zulum thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation to his administration.

Earlier, the Shehu of Borno said the sallah homage has been part of the tradition during every festive season, acknowledging the unprecedented transformation the Zulum’s administration has extended to all parts of the state.

He reiterated the importance of expediting the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now.

He referenced the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a warning of what could recur in Borno if swift action is not taken.

The paramount ruler said: “We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat.. The Federal Government must act immediately.”.

The royal father also urged the Governor to follow up with the Federal Government on oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for local government areas.

During the event, Governor Zulum also received delegations from the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, who paid similar homage.

Flooding: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work on Alau Dam

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