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Profile of the late Emir of Tikau
Profile of the late Emir of Tikau
By: Yahaya Wakili
The late Mai Tikau, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Ibn Grema, was born into the family of the late Mai Abubakar Ibn Grema on August 21, 1951, and ascended to the throne of his father, the late Abubakar Ibn Grema, on July 21, 2001.
He attended Damboa primary school, Potiskum, from 1960–1963, and proceeded to senior boarding primary school, Potiskum, from 1964–1966, and from there he moved to Government Craft School, Maiduguri, in 1967–1969, and later moved to Gombe Teachers College for his Grade 11 certificate from 1970–1972.
In his commitment to higher educational pursuits, the late Emir left the classroom to obtain an NCE certificate from Advance Teachers College, Maiduguri, from 1977 to 1980, and he was among the 13th batch of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from 1981 to 1982. He proceeded to the University of Maiduguri from 1987 to 1990, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in education.
The late Emir was a career educator, where he grew from a class teacher in 1973 up to school headmaster in 1977. From there, the late emir moved to the secondary level of education as a master teacher and rose to the rank of principal in 1998, and his education career ended in 2002 when he was appointed as the district head of Nangere. As destined by Allah (SWT), he was appointed as a second-class emir of Tikau on July 21, 2001, and on May 28, 2007, the late emir was upgraded to first-class status.
In line with the Yobe state government directive for the establishment of Zakkat and Waqaf committees in all the emirates in the state, the late emir was the first to establish the Zakkat and Waqaf committee with him as chairman in 2002.
The committee conducts an annual launching for the collection of Zakkat and Waqaf throughout the emirate. From 2002 to date, a total sum of $47,885,014.00k, with the highest donations of $4,681,200.00k in 2002, was collected and distributed to the needy.
Since his ascension to the throne in 2002, an additional 46 Friday Masjids have been built, while many of the existing Masjids have either been renovated or reconstructed. He also approved an improved condition of service for Imams and Na’ibs, with provisions for the distribution of the Holy Qur’an, regalia, and even financial support for house renovation.
Prior to the establishment of the Zakkat and Waqaf committee in 2002 in Tikau emirate by the late emir, many villages had no access to Islamiyya schools. From 2002 to date, the number of Islamiyya schools rose from 10 to 74 in 2023.
With regards to the enrollment of males, females, and teachers into Islamiyya schools, the emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Ibn Grema, has increased their numbers to 2,185 for males, 4,617 for females, and 168 for teachers, amounting to 6,802 in 2023.
This record of achievements can be attributed to the firm commitment of the late emir of Tikau, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Ibn Grema, with the active support of his Zakkat and Waqaf committees in propagating Islam throughout the emirate.
The late emir is actively driving Da’awah activities in the emirate. The Zakkat and Waqaf committee, in collaboration with the Da’awah department of FOMWAN under the leadership of Malama Hauwa Idris Muhammad, has been conducting a series of lectures, practical demonstrations, and question-and-answer sessions on selected topics.
The late Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Ibn Grema, received many merit awards, including many international and national awards. Kentucky Colonel Award by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, United States of America, 2005. Traditional Leadership Award by Development in Nigeria Merit Award (DINMA), People State and Resource, PSR Magazine 2008.
Others Merit Awards include: Chancellor, Yobe State University, Damaturu 2010-2020; Grand Patron, Yobe State Islamic Teachers Association 2011, Environmental Support and Protection Award, by Environmental Outreach Magazine, Bayelsa State; Award of Merit by Ummaty International Charity Foundation, Yobe State Chapter 2024; NANS Yobe Chapter, Grand Patron; and Hijra TV Ghana, Merit Award, 2023.
May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatur Fidaus. Ameen.
Profile of the late Emir of Tikau
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NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
By: Michael Mike
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched new WhatsApp and live chat support channels to improve customer service and ease access to National Identification Number (NIN) enquiries for Nigerians and legal residents.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and service reform agenda under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
According to NIMC, the newly introduced platforms are designed to provide faster, more convenient and real-time support services to the public, while reducing the need for physical visits to its offices.
The Commission stated that users can now access support through the live chat feature on its official website, NIMC Official Website, as well as through its official WhatsApp support line at +234 701 566 6971.
NIMC noted that the move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to improve efficiency in public service delivery through technology-driven solutions.
The Commission explained that the platforms would offer prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and verified information relating to NIN services and identity management matters.
It added that the reforms being championed by Coker-Odusote are aimed at expanding access to identity services, strengthening public confidence, and enhancing operational efficiency across the Commission’s activities.
NIMC also urged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise only its official communication channels and remain vigilant against misinformation and fraudulent activities.
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
News
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says troops operating within the sector have neutralised more than 250 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters during sustained offensive and defensive operations across Yobe and parts of southern Borno.
Martins disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu, where he highlighted major operational achievements recorded within the sector’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
He said the achievements were made through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at degrading the operational capability of terrorists and restoring security across critical locations.
According to him, troops carried out deep penetration and clearance operations into previously inaccessible terrorist enclaves within the Timbuktu Triangle, including Buk, Chileria, Kafa, Abbagajiri and Maisani.
He stated that over 50 terrorists were neutralised during offensive operations conducted within the Timbuktu Triangle, Bulabulin Forest and other identified hideouts.
Martins further disclosed that troops also foiled coordinated attacks on military formations at Kukareta, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir, Gonori, Buni Gari and Katarko, among other locations.
He said the failed attacks resulted in more than 200 terrorist casualties.
“In the course of these operations, troops recovered over 150 assorted weapons and large quantities of ammunition from the terrorists,” he said.
The commander listed some of the recovered items to include AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, hand grenades, mortar bombs, motorcycles, communication gadgets and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials.
He added that troops also discovered and destroyed terrorist life-support structures, detention facilities, IED fabrication sites and Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) in Chileria, Buk and other identified locations.
Martins said intelligence-driven operations had equally disrupted terrorist logistics networks, leading to the arrest of more than 30 suspected logistics suppliers, couriers and collaborators.
According to him, troops intercepted drugs, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and medical supplies suspected to be destined for insurgent groups.
The commander attributed the successes to sustained offensive pressure, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between troops and local communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Sector 2 troops to sustaining operations aimed at eliminating remaining terrorist threats within the North-East theatre.
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
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Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says the Nigerian military has significantly enhanced operational mobility and surveillance capacity in the North-East through the repair of battle-damaged equipment and deployment of modern combat enablers.
Martins stated this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu while outlining operational and non-kinetic achievements recorded by the sector.
He said the sector successfully overhauled and repaired 30 battle-damaged and burnt armoured and tactical vehicles previously considered beyond economic repair.
According to him, the refurbishment programme has improved operational lift capability and increased firepower available to troops operating across the sector.
The commander said the initiative was part of efforts to sustain combat operations without waiting for prolonged procurement processes for new platforms.
He explained that the sector also procured critical operational equipment within available resources to improve troop effectiveness and communication.
The items, he said, included Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), surveillance cameras, tactical drones, Starlink communication systems, radios, repeaters, floodlights and inverters.
Martins noted that the equipment had enhanced surveillance capability, troop coordination and operational response within difficult terrains across the Area of Responsibility.
He added that troops also sustained Counter-IED and shoulder-clearance operations along major highways, particularly the Maiduguri-Damboa and Biu-Damboa routes, to improve troop mobility and reduce ambushes and roadside bomb attacks.
On non-kinetic operations, the commander said the sector intensified stakeholder engagements with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and religious leaders to strengthen civil-military relations and improve intelligence sharing.
He said troops also provided armed escorts for commuters and humanitarian organisations along vulnerable corridors, including the Maiduguri-Damboa, Damaturu-Maiduguri and Biu-Damboa roads.
According to him, Sector 2 conducted regular farm patrols to protect farmers during cultivation activities and supported reconciliation efforts between farmers and herders in flashpoint communities.
Martins said the sector further collaborated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on humanitarian support, sensitisation campaigns and training on international humanitarian law.
He also commended vigilantes and Hybrid Forces for their contributions to intelligence gathering and deep insertion operations within difficult terrains.
The commander assured that troops would continue to sustain offensive operations and strengthen collaboration with communities to consolidate gains recorded in the fight against insurgency.
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
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