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Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.

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1 year ago

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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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VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election

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22 hours ago

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November 13, 2024

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VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election

*** Says President Tinubu fully behind gov to sustain APC’s commitment to their well-being

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has implored the people of Ondo State to re-elect Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, in Saturday’s governorship election in the state, assuring that the duo will bring hope, prosperity, unity and ensure the sun continues to shine brighter in the Sunshine State.

Specifically, the VP told the electorate in the state to ensure their votes collectively become their voice, conviction and message to those underestimating the strength and will of the state.

Senator Shettima gave the charge on Wednesday while addressing the mammoth crowd that thronged the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, for the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in the state capital ahead of the gubernatorial election.

His words: “Governor Aiyedatiwa is not merely campaigning to hold onto a position—he is campaigning to bring hope, prosperity, and unity to every corner of Ondo State. I am confident he is the leader who can turn these ambitions into realities.

“This election is more than a choice between two candidates. It is a choice between progress and stagnation, between unity and division. It is a chance to stand with a party that has consistently delivered and with a leader who truly understands the heartbeat of Ondo.

“So, as you go to the polls, remember what we stand for. Remember what you deserve: a governor with the experience, the compassion, and the strength to keep pushing Ondo toward greatness. Let’s secure Ondo’s future together. Let’s vote APC, and let’s re-elect Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”

Extending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill to the people of the state, VP Shettima said the President who is fully in support of Aiyedatiwa is confident that the Governor’s re-election will sustain the commitment of the governing APC to the people’s well-being.

“Today, I bring you the goodwill of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who would have loved to be here today but is currently engaged in securing critical development and investment opportunities for our nation at a summit in Saudi Arabia. Yet, he is with us in spirit, and he has fully endorsed the Aiyedatiwa-Adelami ticket as the torchbearers of prosperity for Ondo State,” he stated.

The Vice President urged the people of Ondo to look beyond what he described as “distractions and the noise from the usual suspects,” even as he told them to “look instead at the integrity and stability the APC has brought to this state.

“Look at the work we’ve done to strengthen our economy, even if the gains may not always be immediately visible. And consider the real, practical solutions the APC offers to make the sun shine brighter in Ondo State,” he added.

Palpably elated by what he termed “the passion” in the faces of the teeming APC supporters in the state, Shettima said he would have asked Governor Aiyedatiwa to return home and wait for them to deliver their mandate to him, adding however that the moment of the campaign grand finale was necessary “to celebrate ahead of election day.

The VP further described Governor Aiyedatiwa and his deputy as men of exceptional courage and leaders who have been tested by challenges that would have deterred many, noting that the Governor “has shown remarkable resilience in building a formidable force for the APC here in Ondo.

“From overcoming politically motivated attacks to uniting our great party, he has proven himself not just a survivor but a leader who stands strong for the good people of the Sunshine State,” he further noted.

Earlier, the Governor of Ondo State and candidate of the APC for the Saturday governorship election, Aiyedatiwa, urged the people to vote for APC.

After asking the mammoth crowd which party they would vote for, and receiving a resounding cheers from the people, he said, “The former Governor of blessed memory, Rotimi Akeredolu, would be happy seeing all of you vote APC to win the election.”

Aiyedatiwa said the late Governor once told him that he would succeed him, and would be glad to see this happen come next Saturday.

Governor Aiyedatiwa observed a minute silence in the late Akeredolu’s honour, telling the crowd that while he was not out to engage in a long statement, the citizens could as well attest to the level of development happening in the state, even as he promised that by the time he returns, he will do his best.

In his remarks, National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, vowed that “by the grace of God come Saturday the 16th of November, Governor Aiyedatiwa will win the gubernatorial election.”

He asked the people of Ondo to come out en masse and vote for Aiyedatiwa, adding that “a vote for the Governor is a vote for unity, a vote for peace and a vote for development.

At the end of his remarks, Ganduje invited Vice President Shettima to hand over the party’s flag to the Governor and candidate of the party.

Earlier, the Vice President had paid homage to the Deji of Akure Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, in his palace where he commended the royal father for preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom for many centuries.

VP Shettima said Akure stands proudly as a testament to the greatness that lies in heritage and unity, adding that the kingdom had long been inspiring the nation.

“This place of gathering and governance, preserved across centuries, serves as a pillar of cultural integrity and continuity. The enduring structure of this palace, a monument over 850 years old, is a reminder that Akure’s strength and grace remain constant through generations,” he stated.

Responding, the traditional ruler commended President Tinubu’s administration for his recent approval for the establishment of a teaching hospital in Akure.

“His Excellency, the Vice President, help me to convey my appreciation to the President; he just approved our teaching hospital. Akure is the only state capital that doesn’t have a teaching hospital. The president has just approved it last week. So, help me convey our gratitude to him sir,” the royal father said.

He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving a five per cent monthly allocation for traditional rulers in the state, imploring the people of Akure to vote massively for the APC in next Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Also present at the campaign rally were Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Secretary of APC National Campaign Council for Ondo State Governorship Election, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, among many other dignitaries.

VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election

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DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR COAS SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR INDIGENTS STUDENT 2024 BY COMMANDER 18 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY

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22 hours ago

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November 13, 2024

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DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR COAS SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR INDIGENTS STUDENT 2024 BY COMMANDER 18 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY

By: Our Reporter

As part of the Nigerian Army’s (NA) commitment to Civil-Military intervention programs, the Commander 18 Brigade NA, Brigadier General Taiye Ahmed, on 12 November 2024, presented a cheque of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) to Miss Binta Abubakar Yahaya, a beneficiary of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Scholarship Scheme for Indigent Students 2024.

The presentation took place at 18 Brigade, Litani Barracks Bida, Niger State. Brigadier General Ahmed in his remarks, congratulated Miss Binta Abubakar Yahaya on her selection, acknowledging her dedication and potentials. He stated that the COAS Special Scholarship Scheme is a key initiative aimed at offering financial supports to deserving indigent students to help them achieve their academic aspirations ,particularly tertiary education. Brigadier General Ahmed emphasized that the NA is a gender-sensitive institution dedicated to supporting both male and female students who show promises and dedication.

He further highlighted that the scholarship program underscores the NA’s broader commitments to community welfare, contributing to the upliftment of young Nigerians and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder capable minds from realizing their potentials. During the ceremony, a minute silence was observed in honor of the Late COAS Lt Gen TA Lagbaja NAM,underscoring the Army’s enduring respect and remembrance for its fallen leader who was the initiator of the Scholarship Progeamme.

The event was widely attended by a cross section of dignitaries from the local community , including local authorities, traditional rulers, heads of security agencies as well as the media. The Representative of the Etsu Nupe and the Local Government Chairman in their separate remarks, praised the NA for yet another highly impactful gesture for societal development and encouraged Miss Binta to remain dedicated to her studies.

The Beneficiary, Miss Binta Abubakar Yahaya (an orphan) who hails from Bida Local Government Area and a student of the Department of Business Administration, at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger state, expressed her deep gratitude to the NA and pledged to work hard in her studies to honor the trust and privilege granted to her. The high points of the event was the presentation of the cheque to Miss Abubakar Yahaya and souvenirs to the invited guests.

DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR COAS SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR INDIGENTS STUDENT 2024 BY COMMANDER 18 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY

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NLNG donates 970 bags of rice, 3,740 cartons of spahagetti to Borno Flood Committee

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23 hours ago

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November 13, 2024

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NLNG donates 970 bags of rice, 3,740 cartons of spahagetti to Borno Flood Committee

By: Our Reporter

Borno state Flood Relief Disbursement Committee has taken delivery 970, 50kg bags of rice and 3,470 cartons of spaghetti from the Nigeria-Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG).

Receiving the items on behalf of Borno State government, chairman of the committee Engineer Ba Bukar Gujbaw thanked NLGN for the support.

He assured that the items donated will be used for the purpose intended.

Managing Director and chief Executive officer Nigeria-Liquified Natural Gas NLNG, Dr Philip Mshelbila said the items was to cushion the impact of the September 10 flood disaster.

Represented by the Head, Government relations, Mr Philip Yakubu, the team handed over the food items and conveyed their message of condolence to the government and people of the state over the huge loss.

Mr Yakubu said they were in the state to assist the government and NGOs in returning the people back to their normal lives.

The NLNG team were at the flood relief distribution centre and also the palace of His royal highness the shehu of Borno Dr Abubakar Garbai El-kanemi to pay homage and receive blessings.

NLNG donates 970 bags of rice, 3,740 cartons of spahagetti to Borno Flood Committee

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