National News
Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others

Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others
By: Our Reporter
Governor Mai Mala Bumi of Yobe State has assured that the insecurity in the northeast would soon be overcome and Internally Displaced Persons return to their ancestral homes.
Mala Buni stated this when he hosted governors of the northeast region in Damaturu, the Yobe state Capital on Tuesday.
The governor, who shows determination to end insecurity and armed conflicts in the Northeast region, said that such periodic meetings have continuously proven to be vital in their quest for the full return of peace and prosperity of the northeast region.
While expressing satisfaction with the initiative and commitment of the respective State Governments to such important meetings, governor Buni said. “This underscores our collective commitment to free the Northeast sub-region from the clutches of insecurity, poverty and other emerging challenges of development in the aftermath of the over one decade of insurgency which devastated many communities in our individual states.
“As we are all aware, prior to the advent of Boko Haram insurgency, the Northeast had to contend with desertification and desert encroachment, low rainfall and drought among other natural factors such as flooding that continued to affect agricultural productivity being the major preoccupation of our people.”
He observed that, like most parts of the Country, the region is faced with the challenge of dearth of functional public and private companies to absorb the ever-growing number of skilled and unskilled labour in the area.
“Obviously, it could not be an understatement to say that the task before us is enormous and requires a collective and holistic approach, if we are to bequeath a prosperous future to the next and upcoming generations.
“It is therefore, a matter of pride for all our States that having realized the magnitude of our common challenge, we have evolved a stronger fraternity upon which we would continue to build a solid bond of brotherhood for socio-economic advancement not only among our leaders but also among our people. Throughout the insurgency period, our people have demonstrated resilience in spite of losing their relatives, shelter and means of livelihood”.
Speaking on the post insurgency response, governor Mala Buni said, “I would like to appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the able leadership of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, for creating the North East Development Commission and for the supply of various relief materials and empowerment packages for the victims of insurgency and all the people in this area.
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“Similarly, I would like to commend the humanitarian activities of our development partners, International Non-Governmental Organizations, Philanthropists and other stakeholders for bringing succor to the victims of insurgency during the most trying periods and donation of various items for the restoration of livelihood in the affected areas”.
“In a meeting of this magnitude, we must also continue to appreciate the commitment of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the fight against insurgency and other related crimes threatening the corporate existence of the Country.
“In the same vein, I would like to reiterate my commendation to our gallant troops who are diligently performing their statutory duties of defending our fatherland against all internal and external threats. I also commend the complementary efforts of the vigilante groups in the fight against insurgency and other crimes to make our country more secure and peaceful. It is imperative to note that in spite of the improvement in the fight against insurgency, it is not yet over and therefore, requires re-strategizing and sustenance”.
Buni added that as the situation continues to improve, there is the need for each State to intensify its efforts in the recovery process and to evolve sustainable means of livelihood to our people for accelerated development. “This meeting has therefore provided another golden opportunity for us to share ideas on laying a solid foundation for a brighter future for our States.
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There is no gainsaying the fact that we need to evolve practical and proactive measures to create a peaceful, stable, just and egalitarian society. We should strive to create the right atmosphere for equal opportunities to our citizenry regardless of political, tribal, religious, class or any other subjective factors with a view to avoiding recurrence of insurgency and other menaces”.
“The government of Yobe State under my leadership has identified revitalization of education as one of the key areas for post-insurgency socio-economic rejuvenation.
“We have remained focused on the declaration of State of Emergency at the inception of our administration and the current Education Revitalization Appeal Fund in which we have raised funds above the set targets in most of the Local Government Areas. Simultaneously, we are gearing our efforts towards revamping agriculture to serve as an instrument for attainment of food security, employment and revenue generation”.
“We are constructing an International Cargo airport which is almost completed, just as we are about to commission the new Modern Markets in Damaturu, Gashua, Nguru and Potiskum towns and also a Trailer Park in Potiskum. In addition, we would support Small and Medium Scale enterprises and encourage the formation of clusters to enable eligible people access loans to boost their occupations”.
“This august gathering may be pleased to note that, we have this year created the Ministry for Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation chiefly to arrest youth restiveness and unemployment by providing grants to communities in the form of empowerment materials for distribution to Internally Displaced Persons in host communities, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, persons with disabilities, women, youth and other vulnerable groups.
The Ministry is also charged with the responsibility of uncovering our potentialities in solid minerals and other areas for internal revenue generation for the Government and employment opportunities for the people”.
“I believe that for speedy socio-economic development of the North East to be achieved, we need maximum cooperation and support of the Federal Government for resuscitation of Lake Chad, implementation of the Great Green Wall and actualization of the Mambilla Hydro Power Project among other major issues’ ‘.
“On this note, I would like to once again welcome my dear brothers and colleagues, their Excellencies, the Executive Governors of Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba States to Damaturu for the 6th meeting of the North East Governors’ Forum. I wish us all fruitful deliberations and happy stay in Yobe State”.
On his part, the Chairman Northeast Governor’s Forum and Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum revealed that they have been able to identify the problems facing the northeast region and have begun steps to improve livelihood.
“No doubt our problems are enormous but with courage and determination, we shall surmount these problems and take our people once again to those days where we all have a lasting peace.” Zulum said
Northeast Governors meet in Damaturu, Discussed Issues of Insecurity, Others
National News
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
By: Zagazola Makama
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.
The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.
“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.
He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.
According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.
“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.
The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.
“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.
He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.
The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
National News
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
By Hamza Suleiman
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.
Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).
He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.
“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.
The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.
He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.
“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.
Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.
He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”
According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.
He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.
“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.
The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
National News
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.
Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.
She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.
According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.
She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.
“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.
“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.
While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.
She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.
The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.
“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.
Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.
Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.
She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.
The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
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