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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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Over 500 Girls Empowered in Ketti Community, FCT

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Over 500 Girls Empowered in Ketti Community, FCT

By: Michael Mike

Over 500 girls have been empowered in Ketti Community in the Federal Capital Territory to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.

The event organized by the Caleb Danladi Foundation to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, brought hundreds of young girls, women, traditional rulers, and community leaders together.

The celebration, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls at the Frontiers of Crisis”, focused on promoting girls’ education, leadership, and menstrual health awareness. It brought together stakeholders from different walks of life committed to supporting the development and empowerment of the girl child in rural communities.

In his opening address, the Founder and President of the Caleb Danladi Foundation, Capt. Caleb Danladi, emphasized the urgent need to address the rising number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly girls in underserved communities.

He said educating girls remains one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty, promote gender equality, and drive sustainable community development.

Danladi said: “We cannot build a strong and inclusive society when our girls are left behind. Every girl deserves access to quality education, safety, and equal opportunity to fulfill her dreams.”

He used the platform to donate over 1,500 sanitary pads to the participants, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to promoting menstrual hygiene and ensuring that girls are not deprived of education due to lack of access to sanitary products.

The keynote speaker, Barrister Saratu Bissala Alao, spoke passionately about the importance of menstrual hygiene and breaking the silence around menstruation. She educated the girls on proper sanitary practices and encouraged parents and community leaders to support girls’ health and dignity.

Other speakers at the event included the District Head of Ketti and his wife, the Women Leader, Youth Leader, and several children and community advocates, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that advance girl child education and well-being.

In his remarks, the District Head of Ketti commended the Caleb Danladi Foundation for choosing Ketti Community as part of its outreach, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.

He called for continued collaboration between traditional institutions, government, and civil society organizations to tackle the barriers preventing girls from accessing education.

The event featured interactive sessions, motivational talks, cultural presentations, and question-and-answer sessions that inspired the girls to dream big and take pride in their identities.

The 2025 International Day of the Girl Child celebration in Ketti ended on a hopeful note, with participants expressing gratitude for the life-changing messages and support received. The Caleb Danladi Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for girls’ rights, education, and empowerment across communities in Nigeria.

Over 500 Girls Empowered in Ketti Community, FCT

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Crime

Gunmen kill eight in Nasarawa village attack

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Gunmen kill eight in Nasarawa village attack

By: Zagazola Makama

At least eight persons have been confirmed dead following an armed attack on Nindama village in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Sources said that the attack occurred in the early hours of Oct. 10.

The sources said that unknown gunmen invaded the village around 3:30 a.m., shooting sporadically and killing eight residents.

“Two other persons sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving treatment, while six others are still missing,” the sources said.

He said that at about 3:30 p.m., a combined team of security agencies including army, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) visited the scene along with the Executive Chairman of Kokona LGA, Hon. Agbawu M. Agbawu.

According to the sources, the corpses have been evacuated to the mortuary, while efforts are ongoing to locate the missing persons and apprehend the attackers.

Preliminary investigation, sources said, indicated that the attack may have been connected to a lingering land dispute in the area.

The security forces assured residents of intensified security patrols and urged anyone with useful information to assist the ongoing investigation.

Gunmen kill eight in Nasarawa village attack

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Bandit abduct road construction worker in Katsina as security forces intensify search and rescue

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Bandit abduct road construction worker in Katsina as security forces intensify search and rescue

By: Zagazola Makama

A search-and-rescue operation has been launched to secure the release of a road construction worker abducted by gunmen in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred at about 7:14 p.m. on Thursday along the Kunduru–Kadanya feeder road, when unknown assailants reportedly laid an ambush and kidnapped one Kabiru Bature, a 35-year-old driver attached to Stantech Road Construction Company.

The sources said that security forces were immediately mobilised to the area, blocked all potential escape routes, and initiated a cordon-and-search operation aimed at rescuing the victim and apprehending the perpetrators.

The troops have been deployed to track the movements of the kidnappers, believed to have fled into the surrounding forest.

Efforts were ongoing as of the time of filing this report to rescue the victim safely and bring the abductors to justice.

Bandit abduct road construction worker in Katsina as security forces intensify search and rescue

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