News

Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.

Published

3 years ago

August 24, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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.

News

Fake report of unrest at unijos debunked, military assures campus security

Published

12 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Fake report of unrest at unijos debunked, military assures campus security

By: Zagazola Makama

The Management of the University of Jos and the Nigerian military have dismissed as false and misleading a viral report alleging unrest, chaos, and destruction within the institution, describing it as a deliberate attempt to cause panic and misinformation.

The fake report, which circulated on social media alongside an image claimed to depict violence on campus, suggested that “student grievances had escalated into chaos” with alleged destruction and insecurity within the university environment.

However, checks by Zagazola and confirmation from university authorities indicate that the situation at the University of Jos remains calm, peaceful, and under control, with normal activities ongoing.

It was further gathered that the image accompanying the false report was generated using Artificial Intelligence and does not reflect any real incident within or around the university.

A senior security source told Zagazola Makama that the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General E.F. Oyinlola, personally led troops to the University of Jos following the circulation of the fake report.

During the visit, the GOC met with the Vice Chancellor of the institution and assured management of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the university community, students, and staff against any form of threat or security breach.

The military described the viral publication as “fake news deliberately designed to cause confusion, panic, and distrust,” urging members of the public to disregard it in its entirety.

Authorities further cautioned against the circulation of unverified content, especially digitally manipulated images, warning that such misinformation could incite unnecessary fear and disrupt public peace.

The University of Jos management also reaffirmed that there was no unrest or security breach on campus, stressing that academic activities were proceeding without disruption.

Security agencies assured continued surveillance and protection of the institution as part of ongoing efforts under Operation ENDURING PEACE to maintain stability across Plateau State.

The public has been urged to rely only on verified information from official sources and avoid sharing content capable of undermining peace and order in the state.

Fake report of unrest at unijos debunked, military assures campus security

News

Athena Observatory Warns of Deepening Structural Risks in Nigeria’s Democracy

Published

12 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Athena Observatory Warns of Deepening Structural Risks in Nigeria’s Democracy

By: Michael Mike

A new policy report has raised fresh concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s democratic system, warning that growing political fragmentation and institutional strain could undermine the credibility of elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.

The report, released on Tuesday by the Athena Election Observatory (AEO), marks the debut of its Political Landscape Monitor—a policy series designed to track and analyse the country’s evolving electoral environment. Titled “Nigeria’s Democracy and the Imperative of Competitive Politics,” the inaugural note paints a sobering picture of a political system struggling to keep pace with its own internal dynamics.

According to the Observatory, a pattern is emerging across Nigeria’s major political parties in which leadership disputes, fragile alliances, and factional battles are becoming increasingly common. While these crises may appear isolated, the report argues they are symptoms of a deeper structural imbalance.

At the heart of the problem, it said, is a widening gap between political activity and institutional capacity. Political actors, driven by the urgency of coalition-building and power consolidation, are moving faster than the rules and structures meant to regulate them.

“This is not just about party disagreements,” the report noted. “It is about the weakening of the systems that are supposed to organise competition, manage conflict, and ultimately guarantee meaningful choice for voters.”

The analysis drew from recent developments within prominent parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party, where internal tensions and contested leadership claims have repeatedly spilled into the public domain.

Observers say the trend reflects a broader shift in how political disputes are resolved in Nigeria. Rather than being settled through internal party mechanisms, disagreements are increasingly pushed toward external institutions—particularly the courts and electoral regulators.

The report highlighted the pivotal role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in this process. Its decisions on which party factions to recognise can effectively determine leadership outcomes, making it a central actor in intra-party struggles.

While acknowledging INEC’s constitutional mandate, the Observatory cautioned that inconsistent or opaque decision-making could erode public confidence. It called for clearer procedures and stricter adherence to impartiality to prevent the Commission from being perceived as a political arbiter.

Equally significant is the growing reliance on the judiciary to settle political disputes. The report warned that while the courts remain essential for upholding the rule of law, their increasing involvement in intra-party conflicts risks displacing internal governance systems.

Legal interventions, it argued, should serve as a last resort—not a default mechanism.

“When courts become the primary arena for resolving political disagreements, parties gradually lose the capacity to govern themselves,” the report states. “Over time, this weakens the entire democratic ecosystem.”

Beyond institutional concerns, the Observatory drew attention to the implications for ordinary voters. A fragmented political landscape, it said, reduces the clarity and credibility of electoral choices, leaving citizens with options that may lack cohesion or long-term viability.

In such conditions, elections risk becoming procedural exercises rather than meaningful expressions of democratic will.

The report ultimately framed the issue as a national, rather than partisan, challenge. Strengthening the institutional foundations of political competition, it argued, is critical not only for credible elections but also for political stability and governance.

As Nigeria edges closer to another election cycle, the findings serve as a stark reminder that the health of a democracy depends not just on the conduct of elections, but on the strength of the systems that shape them long before ballots are cast.

The Athena Election Observatory said it will continue to publish periodic assessments under its Political Landscape Monitor, offering data-driven insights into the trends shaping Nigeria’s political future.

Athena Observatory Warns of Deepening Structural Risks in Nigeria’s Democracy

News

Agriculture partnership: Gov Yahaya to get Sasakawa’s Special Award

Published

1 day ago

April 7, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Agriculture partnership: Gov Yahaya to get Sasakawa’s Special Award

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State will be honoured with a Special Recognition Award by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Nigeria, in acknowledgement of the state’s sustained partnership and strategic commitment to agricultural development.

The award will be presented at the 2026 SAA Nigeria Annual Stakeholders Workshop on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Abuja, where top federal officials, development partners, diplomats, and state governments are expected to gather to discuss pathways for strengthening Nigeria’s food systems.

The workshop, holding at Rockview Royale Hotel, Wuse II, is themed “SAA @ 40: Deepening Impact and Expanding Reach at Scale.”

The recognition of Governor Inuwa Yahaya reflects the depth of Gombe State’s collaboration with SAA over the years, which has supported agricultural extension, smallholder productivity, and rural livelihoods.

Since its creation in 1996, Gombe State has maintained a working relationship with SAA, funded by The Nippon Foundation, to implement initiatives that improve food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and inclusive agricultural services, with particular attention to women, youth, and resource-poor farmers.

Speaking ahead of the workshop, Dr. Godwin Atser, Country Director of SAA Nigeria, said:
“This recognition celebrates a partnership backed by action. Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership reflects the kind of subnational commitment essential for transforming agriculture in Nigeria.

Gombe State’s sustained support for farmer-focused interventions demonstrates what can be achieved when political will, institutional alignment, and practical investment converge.”

SAA Nigeria’s collaboration with Gombe State encompasses a wide range of interventions, including Farmer Learning Platforms (FLP), Community Savings and Investment in Agriculture (CSIA), Private Extension Service Provision (PESP), and Community-Based Seed Multiplication (CBSM), among others. Together, these initiatives strengthen the agricultural ecosystem from production to post harvest, improve access to technology, knowledge, and markets, and enhance the capacities of farmers and rural actors.

The partnership also encourages pluralistic extension systems, involving the private sector, farmer organizations, research institutions, and civil society in scaling agricultural services across the state. This multi-dimensional cooperation underscores why Gombe State’s collaboration is deserving of recognition.

As SAA marks 40 years of operations in Africa and 33 years in Nigeria, the organization notes that sustainable agricultural transformation requires long-term commitment, collaboration, and strategic investment, qualities exemplified by Gombe State and Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

The recognition will be part of a broader conversation at the 2026 Annual Stakeholders Workshop, which will review SAA’s 2021–2025 achievements, share lessons, and explore future partnerships to strengthen agriculture in Nigeria and across Africa.

About Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA)
Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) was established in 1986 by Japanese philanthropist Ryoichi Sasakawa, Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

Dedicated to improving the productivity, profitability, and resilience of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, SAA operates through agricultural extension, capacity building, and systems strengthening. Active in Nigeria since 1993, SAA collaborates with governments, research institutions, universities, private sector actors, and development partners to advance farmer-centered agricultural transformation.

Agriculture partnership: Gov Yahaya to get Sasakawa’s Special Award