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Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.

Published

2 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

ActionAid: 45% women in Nigeria experience cyberstalking

Published

10 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ActionAid: 45% women in Nigeria experience cyberstalking

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has decried that 45 percent of women in Nigeria have experienced cyberstalking.

It further lamented that also 10.6 percent is said to have faced doxing, which is revealing a person’s private information online to expose them to harm.

UN Women, alongside members of the Development Partners Group on Gender (DPGG) including ActionAid Nigeria, Plan International Nigeria, GIZ, TETRATECH SPRING, and CARE International in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, convened a landmark National Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) in Abuja.

Held as a flagship event of the 2025 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the dialogue brought together a broad coalition of government institutions, development partners, technology companies, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, digital rights groups, and survivor advocates to address the rapidly growing threat of violence against women and girls in online and digital spaces.

Technology-facilitated GBV ranging from cyber-harassment, non-consensual image sharing, online stalking, digital blackmail, hate speech, and exploitation—continues to escalate in Nigeria, yet reporting pathways remain unclear, institutional mandates overlapping, and coordination across sectors insufficient to match the complexity of digital harms.

The Civil Society Organisation, ActionAid Nigeria also revealed that women and girls especially activists, journalists, politicians, and influencers are major victims of high levels of technology-facilitated gender based violence.

Niri Goyit, Women activist and Programme Manager for Women’s Rights, ActionAid Nigeria, reeled out the data on Friday in Abuja at a National Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue on Technology-Facilitated Gender Based Violence, which was part of the #16daysofactivism 2025.

Goyit in her technical presentation: an overview of TF-GBV trends in Nigeria, listed patriarchal norms, low digital literacy, weak enforcement of online harassment laws, platform moderation gaps, and rapid spread of smartphones/apps as some of the drivers of T-FGBV in the country.

She noted that: “In Nigeria, 45% of women have experienced cyberstalking, especially women in public roles, and 10.6% have faced doxing.”

She stated further that: “Nigeria’s internet adoption has grown faster than the safeguards needed to protect users. Survivors as young as fourteen now seek help. Women in public life face coordinated attacks and gendered misinformation.”

She noted that local data shows that many women have experienced cyberstalking or doxing while thousands of sextortion linked accounts were removed by platforms.

She added that: “In Nigeria, digital spaces mirror offline gender power structures Women and girls—especially activists, journalists, politicians, and influencers—face high levels of threats, coordinated harassment, image-based abuse, and doxing.”

She also stated that: “Women and girls across all ages are affected, but some groups face heightened vulnerability: dolescent girls (12–17) and young women (18–35) due to early, frequent social media use and limited control over privacy.

Other vulnerable groups are Women in public roles — journalists, activists, politicians, influencers.

The aim, according to the activist is to silence or discredit them.

On the impact of TF-GBV on victims, Goyit said it includes withdraw or self-censor, reducing women’s civic participation and economic opportunities.

“TFGBV affects survivors in several ways. Emotionally it causes fear, anxiety and trauma. Socially many withdraw from relationships or communities due to shame. Economically some lose jobs or avoid opportunities. Online threats also escalate into physical danger especially when private information is exposed,” she explained further.

She blamed systemic challenges for low implementation of the laws against TF-GBV, saying “Several challenges stand in the way. Laws have not kept pace with digital realities. Many officers do not have the skills to handle digital evidence. Society often dismisses online abuse as jokes. Platforms act slowly and case management systems are weak. These issues combined create major obstacles for survivors.”

Noting the challenges, the ActionAid officer urged for collaboration among all stakeholders.

She stressed that “No single institution can handle TFGBV alone. Government agencies must provide clear pathways for reporting and investigation. Law enforcement needs support from digital experts. SARCs must connect with cybercrime units. Civil society offers survivor centred approaches while technology companies must improve takedowns and cooperation. When all actors work together survivors are protected more effectively.”

She however said: “Nigeria does not need entirely new laws that will take years to pass. The country can update the laws it already has to match today’s digital realities. Real progress will come from collaboration, clarity and survivor centred systems. When institutions adapt and work together Nigeria can build a safer digital environment for all.”

In his goodwill Message, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Mamedu reiterated the commitment of AAN to ending all forms of GBV including TF-GBV.

He also called on all the stakeholders to join in preventing the menace.

Mamedu who was represented by Goyit said: “At ActionAid Nigeria, our commitment to ending all forms of GBV including TF-GBV—remains firm.

“We work in communities to challenge harmful norms, support survivors, strengthen access to justice, engage men and boys, and build the capacity of women-led organisations.

“We recognise both the opportunities and risks of digital platforms, and we remain committed to ensuring that technology empowers rather than harms women and girls.”

He therefore urged all partners—government, civil society, private sector, media, development partners, and community leaders—to renew their shared commitment to preventing and responding to all forms of GBV.

Special Adviser to the President on Women’s Health, Dr. Adanna Steinaker, representing the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that:

“As technology evolves, so must our responses. Technology should be a tool for empowerment, not a weapon of abuse. As a nation, we are committed to building systems that protect women and girls in every space—including the digital world. This dialogue moves us closer to a Nigeria where online safety, accountability, and justice are guaranteed for all.”

”Technology-facilitated violence is one of the fastest-growing threats to gender equality. On behalf of UN Women, I reaffirm our commitment to working with the Government of Nigeria and all partners to ensure that women and girls can participate in digital spaces without fear. This dialogue is a critical step toward a coordinated national response that protects rights, amplifies accountability, and builds a safer future for all.” UN Women Acting Deputy Country Representative – Ms. Patience Ekeoba who spoke on behalf of the Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

ActionAid: 45% women in Nigeria experience cyberstalking

News

Residents urged to take up employment in the Lassa General Hospital

Published

10 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Residents urged to take up employment in the Lassa General Hospital

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Residents of Lassa town have been urged to take up instant employment in the General Hospital Lassa in the southern senatorial zone of the state.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum said this while on a visit to the facility which is in Lassa town recently.

The Governor decried the deliberate shying away from working in the General hospital by residents with ancestry from the town or the council area.

Zulum regretted that most of the residents with qualified medical background come home only for important holidays and run back but refuse to work for the growth of their town.

The Governor who was on a sympathy tour of the Lassa General hospital recently vowed to change the fortune of the hospital if only trained Borno doctors will be bold to pick the instant employment waiting for them in lassa.

He assured that he was going to recruit as much as five doctors to assist the hospital which has not had a doctor since 2020 when Dr Danladi the last Principal medical doctor died.

The Governor assured that he will do all he can to ensure that the promised employment is effected as soon as the doctors or nurses show up to start work.

Lassa General hospital built by missionaries in 1928 before independence became a recognized secondary facility with the full complements of medical doctors and nurses.

However, as at today the they not only lack doctors but also nurses, medical and health record workers and all manner of health workers that should run a renown facility like this General hospital.

Residents urged to take up employment in the Lassa General Hospital

News

VP Shettima: Traditional institutions Remain Irreplaceable, Will Be Preserved Under President Tinubu

Published

10 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

VP Shettima: Traditional institutions Remain Irreplaceable, Will Be Preserved Under President Tinubu

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the preservation and protection of traditional institutions in Nigeria.

According to him, traditional rulers are the closest to the grassroots are the leaders and fathers of the society, and their institutions outlive every administration.

Senator Shettima gave the assurance on Friday during the the 45th Anniversary of the Emir of Gumel, HRH, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani II, and the Commissioning of Gumel Central Mosque in Gumel local government area of Jigawa State.

The Vice President stated that the tenure of every elective political office holder ends after eight years but the traditional institutions remains.

“Therefore, we must respect them, we must take care of them, and we must preserve as well as protect the institution,” he added.

The Vice President, who congratulated the Emir of Gumel for celebrating his 45th anniversary in good health, prayed Almighty God to spare the life of the traditional ruler to witness his Golden Jubilee and centenary celebrations.

“I am quite glad to be back home. Gumel is home. Founded in 1750 by Danjuma, this Emirate has a rich history. When Danjuma died in 1754, he was succeeded by his son, and our royal father who is celebrating his 45th anniversary as the Emir of Gumel is the 13th Emir of Gumel. He is a graduate of Political Science.

“He was a Commissioner in the cabinet of the late former governor of old Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, before he was elevated to the throne of his ancestors. May Allah continue to bless him with good health and may his reign be long.”

VP Shettima also paid glowing tribute to His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, saying the Sultan “is truly a leader worthy of emulation by us all.

“He (Sultan) is a symbol of our unity. Last week, he was in Kaduna. Hardly a week passes without the Sultan criss-crossing the length and breath of this country building bridges. Your Eminence, we are very grateful to you. May Allah bless you with sound health and long life,” the Vice President said.

Senator Shettima also applauded the Governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Umar Namadi, for cultivating 10,000 hectares of wheat, which, according to him, is more than what the entire 18 northern states cultivated.

“Your Excellency, we thank you; we are mightily proud of you. May the Almighty Allah continue to strengthen our unity and understanding, ” VP Shettima said.

Earlier, Governor Namadi thanked the Vice President Shettima for honouring the invitation by the Jigawa State Government and Gumel Emirate to grace the 45th Anniversary of the reigning Emir of Gumel and the commissioning of Gumel Central Mosque.

“Your Excellency, we are deeply grateful to you for honouring us with your presence at this historic ceremony. On behalf of the Government and good people of Jigawa State, especially the people of Gumel Emirate, we thank you most sincerely for your unwavering commitment to the progress and development of our dear state, ” Governor Namadi said.

Also, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Abubakar III, preached unity, tolerance, and mutual respect among all Nigerians irrespective of their religious and cultural diversity.

The Sultan, who congratulated the Emir of Gumel for marking his 45th anniversary celebration, commended the Vice President for his dedication and commitment to the preservation of traditional institution, peace, unity and development of the country.

Other dignitaries who graced the celebration are the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu; Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Aminu Usman, and the Speaker of Jigawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Dangaji.

Others include the Emir of Machina, HRH, Alhaji Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama; Emir of Dutse, HRH, Muhammad Hameem Nuhu Sanusi, Emir of Hadejia, HRH, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje; members of the Jigawa State Executive Council, and some members of the National Assembly, among others.

VP Shettima: Traditional institutions Remain Irreplaceable, Will Be Preserved Under President Tinubu