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Post-Insurgency: Craftec Homes, Obtuse Tec, others to invest N10 billion into Borno Infrastructural Renaissance
Post-Insurgency: Craftec Homes, Obtuse Tec, others to invest N10 billion into Borno Infrastructural Renaissance
By Our Reporter
As part of efforts to key into Governor Babagana Zulum’s 25-year “Development Plan’’ that would drive stabilization, boost recovery efforts and stimulate growth across all sectors and the 10- Year Transformation Strategy that was unveiled in November 2020 by the Borno State Government, Craftec Homes ltd, Obtuse Tec Engineering and Construction ltd is to partner with TAJ Bank, First City Monument Bank, FCMB and other business developers to invest about N10 billion in Jere Local Government Area and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, MMC.
This was disclosed on Tuesday at Conference Hall, Prime Lodge, Maiduguri by the Project Manager of Craftec Homes ltd, Engr Grema Hamzah while unveiling ‘Borno Corporate Infrastructural Renaissance’.
He said the over-decade atrocities posed by insurgents and their attendant consequences of destruction require private investors and other development partners to support the Government in the post-insurgency era, so as to provide critical infrastructures and create job opportunities for the teaming youths in Borno.
To this end, Engr Hamzah observes that Maiduguri city’s population is growing due to rural-urban migration, and this trend is likely to continue, which is, in turn, a substantial motivation for infrastructure growth.
“Maiduguri City which is now peaceful continue to witness a rapid expansion of financial service providers, Information Technology, IT and financial technology Enterprises, as well as an increase in the number of relatively high-income buyers and tenants who require more high-quality commercial centres.
“Therefore, these companies are willing to invest in Commercial Joint Infrastructure to the tune of N10 billion. The investment will start with four Mega structures to include; Tech Mall, Renaissance Mall, Craftec Shopping Centre each with (A four-storey building with a mixed-use centre consisting of retail space and A-grade offices along the famous Ahmadu Bello Way, in addition to Exquisite Mall (A six-storey building with mixed-use Centre consisting of retail space and A-grade offices at Circular Raid, all in Maiduguri.
“The Borno Corporate Infrastructure Renaissance is a 100% transactional platform to develop projects, at-risk deals, fast track the closure of deals, and improve the business environment for investments to thrive.
“Craftec Home is not alone in this business, as we are on this platform together with our co-partners, Obtuse Tec Engineering and Construction ltd, Otec MFM, TAJ Bank and FCMB. This is aimed to fast track investments, creating wealth and unleash prosperity for Borno people”. He said.
In his keynote address, Member House of Representatives, Jere Federal Constituency, Hon, Engr Ahmed Satomi who was the former Chairman of Obtuse Tec Engineering and construction ltd, said, as a Board member of the company, this initiative is apt and timely, as it will provide an opportunity to about 70% of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) marketers who are mostly youths across the state.
Satomi pointed out that, depending on government alone is no longer visible considering the dwindling economy, adding that, with this new development, more jobless people in Borno would be taken out of the streets and become economically self-reliant.
The Lawmaker called on well-to-do individuals, and business partners to embrace this new initiative and invest heavily to develop Borno economically.
Also contributing, the Managing Director, Obtuse Tech, Engr Umar Lawan, said his construction company, was established in May 2013, which is an indigenous firm that specializes in civil engineering works and services such as infrastructural development, roads and drainage, bridges, solar installation, import and export of general civil engineering design and other related jobs.
He added that, in 2020, the company after its Annual General Meeting, AGM, decided to diversify into three sectors; Agriculture, Aviation and Banking.
“Today is another milestone in partnering with Craftec Homes to showcase our capacity in Corporate Commercial Infrastructure Development, CCID.
“We are also partnering with Otec, Financial Tech Micro Finance Bank where our core target is to fill in the 39 million gap of non-inclusion in Northern Nigeria”. Engr Lawan stated.
2026 teachers’ summit: Zulum stands in for NGF chair, commends FG for NELFUND
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday, attended the National Teachers’ Summit held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he stood in for the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Governor Zulum commended the Federal Government for its strategic investments in education, citing the positive impact of Students Loan Scheme, the strengthening of key educational institutions, and the upward review of salaries for federal university teachers as evidence of a clear policy direction aimed at revitalising the sector.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to educational development and human capital advancement in Borno State.
The summit, convened by the Federal Ministry of Education, provided a strategic platform to review the state of Nigeria’s education sector, strengthen policy implementation, and formally launch “Edu Revamp”, a platform to enhance teacher capacity, utilise digital tools for 21st-century skills, and foster collaboration to improve learning outcomes.
About 12 exemplary teachers were honoured for their outstanding service to the nation. Six teachers—one from each of the six geopolitical zones—from the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), alongside six secondary school teachers, received cash awards of ₦25 million each. The Overall Best Teacher award was presented to Mr Solanke Francis Taiwo, who received a cash prize of ₦50 million.
Governor Zulum commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for hosting the maiden National Teachers’ Summit at the Presidential Villa, describing the initiative as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s prioritisation of education.
He particularly applauded her sustained advocacy for girl-child education and her support through scholarships and grants that continue to reduce barriers to educational access for vulnerable Nigerians.
He also praised the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, for their focused and reform-driven leadership.
2026 teachers’ summit: Zulum stands in for NGF chair, commends FG for NELFUND
News
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
By: Our Reporter
Nigeria is participating in the Cocoa Beyond Borders 2026 Conference in the United Kingdom, joining global policymakers, industry leaders, financiers, and farmer representatives to examine power imbalances and compliance challenges in the global cocoa sector.
Delivering a keynote address, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Nigeria, challenged existing trade and compliance regimes, stating that cocoa-producing nations “must not remain rule-takers in a system where the rules are made without their meaningful input.”
Speaking within the conference theme, “Rules Without Recourse? Navigating Compliance, Power, and Trade Justice in the Cocoa Sector,” the Minister warned that sustainability frameworks would fail if they undermine farmer livelihoods and national sovereignty, stressing that “compliance cannot be just if it weakens producer economies while protecting markets elsewhere.”
Senator Kyari also cautioned against the weaponisation of ESG and environmental regulations as non-tariff barriers, noting that climate action must advance alongside fairness and equity in global trade.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to reclaiming value across the cocoa supply chain, emphasising the need for producing countries to move beyond raw exports to processing, branding, and greater market influence, while calling for stronger producer-led alliances to reshape global cocoa governance.
The two-day conference is examining ESG compliance, digital traceability, climate finance, price volatility, and the future of cocoa innovation, positioning cocoa as a strategic asset in global trade justice.
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
Armed robbery foiled by Bauchi Police, three suspects arrested in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Three persons were arrested following a foiled armed robbery along the Bauchi–Gombe Federal Highway in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Jan. 26.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 12:16 a.m. when armed robbers blocked the road near Kalajanga Hamlet via Bara Village.
Officers on routine patrol responded promptly, engaging the hoodlums and forcing them to abandon their operation and flee into the surrounding bush.
The trail of the robbers led authorities to the house of one Nasiru Ibrahim of Saddiya Hamlet, where two of his children, Isya Nasiru, 20, and Umar Nasiru, 18, were also arrested in connection with the case.
Recovered items included two sticks, a touch light, three bags, a local bullet-proof shirt, face masks, two pairs of shoes, an Oppo android phone, and several local charms.
Sources say Investigations are ongoing.
Armed robbery foiled by Bauchi Police, three suspects arrested in Bauchi
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