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Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.

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Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.

By: Inuwa Bwala

At his 52nd birthday, I wrote a piece on Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum in which I made some philosophical allussions to trends in the birth of successful men in life.
Now 54, I have a very strong urge to reproduce that write up, with slight modifications in the order of narrative, but retaining the central theme of celebrating the man.
In that piece I wrote, that, “most successful people in life are often those who have known suffering, who have known loss, who have met failures, defeats and general challenges and have found their ways out of those depths of abandonment.
I am familiar with the adage that, “success has many parents, but failure is an orphan”and I feel that, maker of above statement seem to have Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum at the back of his mind.
Perhaps, there was no significant landmark at his birth in that obsecure Mafa environment, typical of a rural setting. There might not have been signs either, that, a unique child had been born. But as the saying goes, “The year you were born marks only your entry into the world. Other years when you prove your worth are the ones worth celebrating.
What people are celebrating today is not his birth, rather his rise from obsecurity to walk in the corridors of power and affluence. Here is a man who was born into poverty, unnoticed by the world , but who turned around his fortunes for the best through sheer personal efforts.
Professor Babagana Umara Zulum’s exploits in life today have given him so many parents and siblings, each of whom want to identify with him, not only on occasions like this, but all the time.
I dare say, that, from a humble but noble background, Zulum rose from the obsecure Mafa town of Borno State to walk in the corridors and pull the reins of power in a manner that is uncommon in the country’s history.
So, I woke up this morning at a labyrinth: with the urge to write something and be amongst the many fans of Professor Zulum, knowing today marks his fifty fourth birthday, but not knowing at which point to take off.
It is further compounded by the fact that, there is no language one can use as accolade on the Governor that has not already been used by others.
The story of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum is no longer new; one unique thing about it however, is the fact that, behind the fine and impressive stories told about the man is a very expensive sacrifice, which many leaders may not be able to offer, for the service of other men and the country.
Professor Zulum’s life story often elicits emotions looking back at where he came from, compared to where God has catapulted him today.
No story can be more expensive than the story of a man who had to ferry firewood from the bush, serve as motor boy, commercial bus driver and performed other minimal jobs in order to survive and to pay for his way through school to the point of Professorship.
I could imagine as a young man, when he trekked in the hot sands of Maiduguri to attend lectures from where he worked for others on empty stomach.
Everytime I mention Zulum, I never fail to pay special tribute to his predecessor, Senator Kashim Shettima, whom God blessed with the exceptional foresight to promote his candidature. Many people did not believe Kashim Shettima when he told stakeholders, before picking Zulum, that he was giving Borno the best. Events have vindicated him.
Of all the sacrifices Zulum has to offer, the most expensive remains his offer to die, but so that peace will come to Borno and that his people are bailed out of so many years of suffering.
Fifty times they tried to take his life and fifty times he survived. At every instance, Zulum returns to the enclave where attempts were made on his life, giving people a sense of citizenship and offers of livelihood.
Very often, his lieutanants are reluctant going with him to some of the dangerous spots across the state, but very often too, such spots are his favourite places to visit.
I do not want to delve into his developmental projects, as I believe the compendium on his media outings has adequately captured that. I also know that documentaries have covered all areas, but I could not resist mentioning some of those attributes that stand him out.
I believe that Zulum’s successes are not measured by his accomplishments alone, but by the opposition he encountered and the courage with which he maintained the struggle for peace, justice and equity in Borno state.
These could be seen in many of his actions and utterances, which have also served as the compass for members of his cabinet and his other aides.
Perhaps, his quest for a peaceful Borno remains one of the legacies Governor Zulum shall always be remembered for.
His passion for the return peace and the relocation of citizens to their ancestral abodes remain uncompromising. This perhaps informed his often dangerous forays into hitherto very dangerous enclaves.
I would have continued, but that will take me into areas, I earlier tried avoiding, but it remains an irresistible desire to always join millions of Nigerians on whose lips the name of Professor Zulum as always been the sweetest song.”
At the time I was r one above piece, I read the Governor from a distance. Having come closer, as a council Chairman under his tutelage, it is almost irresistible praising him to near point of psychophancy.
His re-election for a second time: which a walkover remains the most eloquent testimony of the love his people have for him.
The second d stanza of his leadership promises to bring for more interesting stories.
I wish our Governor a happy 54th birthday and pray, that, the God who gave him grace to succeed and who saved him from the hands of those who wished him dead, will uphold him

Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.

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Police arrest officer in Lagos over alleged N915,000 rice fraud

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Police arrest officer in Lagos over alleged N915,000 rice fraud

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested a serving officer over alleged fraud involving N915,000 in a failed rice supply deal.

Sources said the case was reported on Sept. 11 at about 2:34 p.m.

According to sources, it was alleged that a Complainant (name witheld) in January 2024, gave a Police Inspector attached to Lagos State Command, the sum of N915,000 to supply 20 bags of rice.

“Ever since she received the money, she went into hiding until she was traced to her residence at Olusosun area of Ojota and brought to the station,” said the sources.

The sources added that on interrogation, the officer admitted to the crime and had been detained for appropriate disciplinary action.

The sources said investigation into the case was ongoing.

Police arrest officer in Lagos over alleged N915,000 rice fraud

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Addressing Security Concerns at UMTH: Clarifying Misunderstandings

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Addressing Security Concerns at UMTH: Clarifying Misunderstandings

By: Lazarus Balami

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has recently faced concerns regarding the allegedly restricted access of patients’ relatives to hospital wards due to security issues.

Earlier reports, including one by Zagazola Makama, have suggested that the gates at the hospital have been closed to limit entry. 

NEWSng, however, reports that this summary of the situation does not fully represent the complexities involved that informed the measures taken. 

The primary reason for these measures relates to rising security incidents within the hospital. It has been reported that thieves, posing as patients’ relatives, have managed to gain unauthorized access to the wards and steal phones and other valuables of patients and their relatives. 

These individuals have exploited the vulnerabilities in the hospital’s entry protocols to commit theft and other illegal activities. 

Such incidents have understandably raised alarm among hospital management and staff, prompting them to take action to ensure the safety of all patients and visitors.

Another source from the hospital confirmed that it was in response to these security breaches that the hospital security team took a proactive measure.

They have implemented stricter security measures, including monitoring the entrances more closely and conducting regular patrols within the hospital premises. 

The situation has improved after security personnel apprehended several suspects involved in these criminal activities. 

These individuals were handed over to the Gwange Police Station for further investigation and legal action.” The source said. 

NEWSng reports that the actions taken by the security team demonstrate the hospital’s commitment to not only providing medical care but also ensuring a safe environment for its patients and their families. 

 It is, therefore, crucial to clarify that access to wards has not been entirely closed off. The hospital continues to prioritize patient care and recognizes the importance of having family members present to support their loved ones. 

Security measures are designed not to alienate relatives but to protect them and the hospital community. Procedures may be more stringent, but they aim to safeguard both patients and visitors from potential harm.

Communication is vital in these situations. The media should seek clarity of information before reaching out to the public.

The hospital administration is also doing the necessary to ensure that information reaches the public effectively, alleviating concerns about restricted access.

Transparent communication can help foster understanding among relatives, patients, and hospital staff, thereby reinforcing trust. 

Addressing Security Concerns at UMTH: Clarifying Misunderstandings

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Troops of Op-MESA intercepts nine illegal immigrants in Ogun

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Troops of Op-MESA intercepts nine illegal immigrants in Ogun

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation MESA have intercepted nine suspected illegal immigrants in Ogun State.

Sources who confirmed the developments to Zagazola said the interception took place on Sept. 11 at about 6:00 a.m. when Op-MESA Team 9, led by ASP Vincent Ohilebo, was on duty at the Laderin pin-down point near the Immigration office.

“The nine intercepted persons, all male, confessed to being illegal immigrants.

“They were immediately handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service through its officer, Prince Omotola Adefemi, for necessary action,” said the sources.

The sources added that security agencies remained on alert to check the influx of irregular migrants into the state.

Troops of Op-MESA intercepts nine illegal immigrants in Ogun

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