Borno Emerges Among 23 States to Fulfill All NEWMAP-EIB Conditions for Disbursement

In a determined effort to ensure all 23 participating states meet the conditions precedent for the Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), led by the National Project Coordinator, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, has visited Borno State to assess its readiness ahead of the project’s official launch.

To access NEWMAP-EIB funds, states are required to fulfill key operational prerequisites Conditions including the : provision of counterpart funding, establishment of project offices, recruitment of staff, acquisition of operational vehicles, development of Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), adherence to the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) procurement guidelines, and verification of erosion sites as outlined in the criteria for site selection.

Borno State has successfully met all requirements and is now qualified to receive disbursement from the Bank. This was disclosed by Engr. Yalaks on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Borno State, H.E. Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mallam Bukar Tijjani, in Maiduguri.

Engr. Yalaks highlighted the transformative benefits of the NEWMAP-EIB intervention in Borno, noting that it will not only address erosion challenges but also boost socio-economic development across the state.

“Interventions will include the construction of bridges to reconnect cut-off communities,along the project corridor, implementation of sub catchment management plans will enhance water resources conservation for agricultural activities, community empowerment and to strengthen agricultural value chain, and the provision of access roads to economic hubs such as the cattle market located in old Maiduguri and the shoe factory in Fariya village, old Maiduguri. These projects will also drive revenue generation, job creation, and promote climate-resilliant and climate smart agriculture in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” Yalaks said.

He commended Governor Zulum for demonstrating strong political will, particularly through the release of ₦500 million as state government counterpart funding to the Project, which he described as a clear sign of highest level of government commitment.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the SSG, Mallam Bukar Tijjani, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment and readiness to fully support the NEWMAP-EIB initiatives, stressing that the NEWMAP-EIB Project development objective aligns with Governor Zulum’s vision to improving the livelihoods of the good citizens of Borno.

His Excellency consistently emphasizes transparency and accountability in driving project implementation and management of the project funds. He advised on the judicious utilization of the project funds for effective impact on the affected communities.

He further added that the state is fully committed to making available all that is needed to making the project succeed in Borno state, Tijjani assured.

In his earlier submission, the SSG acknowledge the steadfast support of the European union and it’s partners during Borno’s most challenging periods and urged the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) to take this very important assignment seriously, with utmost commitment, due diligence and transparency.

In attendance at the meeting were the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Mohammed Habib; the Permanent Secretary, Comrade Juliana Bitrus; the FPMU, team; and staff of the SPMU.

Borno Emerges Among 23 States to Fulfill All NEWMAP-EIB Conditions for Disbursement

UN in Nigeria Convenes Dialogue with Media on Women’s Representation in Parliament

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations in Nigeria, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has convened editors and senior leaders of media houses at the UN House in Abuja to advance dialogue on women’s political participation and leadership.

The engagement is part of the UN’s broader push under the Africa Facility for Women in Political Leadership – a bold initiative designed to build an enabling ecosystem that supports and sustains women in politics and governance across Africa.

The conversation comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria. As the nation joined the world to mark the Beijing+30 anniversary and undertakes a comprehensive constitutional reform, including the Reserved Seats for Women’s Bill, the UN emphasized that increasing women’s representation is not just about fairness – it is about securing Nigeria’s competitive advantage as Africa’s largest democracy.

UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria Ms. Elsie Attafuah noted that: “Evidence is clear: countries with at least 30% women in parliament consistently perform better on governance, economic growth, and social cohesion. Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind.”

Attafuah highlighted that women’s political inclusion is tied to Nigeria’s positioning in a rapidly changing global order: “This is not simply about numbers or representation. It is about positioning Nigeria to thrive in a world where leadership diversity is increasingly linked to progress. With Nigeria’s population projected to reach 400 million by 2050, excluding women from political decision-making is a risk the country cannot afford.”

The engagement also underscored the critical role of the media in shaping narratives and influencing public perception. Drawing comparisons with international best practices, Ms. Attafuah emphasized that the stories told about women in politics, governance, and leadership can either reinforce barriers or open doors.

Participants reflected on examples from countries like Rwanda and Uganda, where strategic media framing not only elevated women’s leadership but also created broader economic and social gains through positive national storytelling. The UNDP Resident Representative further called on media leaders to partner with the UN family beyond the immediate legislative reforms and the 2027 elections, to foster a long-term pathway for women’s political leadership in Nigeria.

“Today is the beginning of a co-creation journey. Together, we can institutionalize platforms for sustained dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy. The media has the power not only to report but to shape the discourse and catalyze change,” said Ms. Attafuah.

The UN in Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment—to continue supporting inclusive governance reforms, advancing the Reserved Seats Bill, and positioning Nigeria to meet its global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Beijing Platform for Action.

The editors welcomed the call for collaboration and expressed interest in working with the UN to amplify women’s voices in politics and governance. The meeting concluded with an invitation to institutionalize engagements between the UN and media leaders to jointly track progress, share stories, and shape national discourse on inclusive leadership.

UN in Nigeria Convenes Dialogue with Media on Women’s Representation in Parliament

Mob attack customs, military team in Agbara, soldier rescued

By: Zagazola Makama

A combined team of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officers and soldiers on special duty was overpowered by a mob in Agbara, Ogun State, during an operation to intercept a vehicle suspected of conveying cannabis.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday when the team, stationed at Church Gate checkpoint along the Badagry–Lagos Expressway, attempted to stop a bus suspected to be transporting the illicit substance.

According to reports, the bus driver defied the stop order and sped off, prompting the patrol team led by Insp. Ejeh to give chase, with military support who was attached to the Seme Command.

The chase extended into Agbara community, where the officers attempted to apprehend the fleeing suspects. However, an irate mob reportedly resisted the arrest, overpowering the patrol team and enabling the suspect to escape.

While the customs personnel managed to retreat, Sgt. Mohammed was left behind and surrounded by the mob before intervention arrived.

However, Army troops reinforcements, The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Agbara Division, ASP Wasa Umaru, customs were swiftly deployed to the scene, rescuing the soldier and restoring order.

Zagazola further learnt that Umaru engaged ACP Folashade Tanaruno, Area Commander, Agbara, who in turn contacted the Commanding Officer, 243 Battalion, to ensure military cooperation in resolving the matter.

At the station, the reinforcement team leader, CSC P.I. Umaru, was advised by the DPO to caution his men on the dangers of pursuing suspects into populated areas, given the risks of infractions and mob resistance.

His Royal Highness, Oba Lukmon Agunbiade, the Alagbara of Agbara, was commended for his role in ensuring that peace was maintained and the mob did not harm the soldier.

The situation in Agbara was said to be calm as police and military patrols continued to monitor the area.

Mob attack customs, military team in Agbara, soldier rescued