National News
Rep Member empowers 4,200 IDPs, Supports 900 students with scholarship in Borno

Rep Member empowers 4,200 IDPs, Supports 900 students with scholarship in Borno
By: Our Reporter
At least 4,200 people mostly Internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Dikwa, Mafa and Konduga local government areas of Borno state have recently been empowered with water pumps, sewing and milling machines as well as cash grants by a member of the Federal House Of Representatives, Hon Ibrahim Mohammed.
This is even as the Lawmaker had earned the accolades of Governor Babagana Zulum, for spending about N200 million to empower the neediest members of his constituency.
Flagging off the distribution ceremony in Konduga town, governor Zulum commended the lawmaker for giving out such an “unprecedented” quantity of livelihood to a people that are in dire need of support.
In an interview with journalists, the Lawmaker said that the gesture to his people was fuelled by the need to help them regain their balance after many years of displacement and destruction of their means of livelihood by the Boko Haram insurgency.
“Before the insurgency erupted many years ago, our people were known for their high sense of industry especially in all-season farming, animal husbandry and commerce. But they lost all that to the years of insurgency,” he said.
“As a lawmaker who represents them, I usually found it heartbreaking each time I woke up to a day that I cannot freely go to my constituents who have been displaced or held up somewhere due to insecurity. But with the improving security especially in the three local government areas that formed my federal constituency, I feel it is time we gave support to our people as they finally get resettled in their homes.

“Aside from the routine palliatives and support that we have given to our constituents in the past years, I decided to provide holistic support that will not only alleviate their sufferings but give them a sustainable means of livelihood so that they would not continue to depend on government or NGOs to take care of basic needs.
Also Read: 79 PHCs get N418m as Zulum launches Borno’s Basic…
“It is on that note that I decided to provide 300 units of pumping machines for irrigation farming to a selected 100 persons from each of the three local government areas. We gave out 300 sewing machines to another set of 300 beneficiaries selected in the three local government areas; as well as 300 millings (grinding) machines to another set of 300 persons across the three local government areas under my constituency.
“Apart from direct distribution of economic empowerment kits, we have also identified others who have expressed willingness to go into other forms of petty businesses and we have selected 300 of them (a hundred from each local government) that were given N50, 000 each as startup grants.
“In the area of educational support for children and young persons in my constituency, we have been able to identify another 600 students who are currently in tertiary institutions and awarded them small scholarship support of N20, 000 each which amounted to N12 million in scholarship to our young ones in school. We have earlier enrolled 300 students in my constituency for a diploma in Computer Studies, of which they are about to graduate this December.”
The lawmaker further said that children in primary school too were not left out in the package as a total of 10,000 exercise books; ten thousand pens and pencils which were shared among the schools in the three local government areas of Dikwa/Mafa/Konduga federal constituency.
“Each local government got 3,333 units of exercise books, pen and pencils for onward free distribution to pupils in primary school,”
“During the disbursement exercise, we have also distributed food items like rice and maize to over 3000 IDPs who also went home with a token of N5, 000 each,” he said.
He commended the state governor for all the efforts he is putting in place in ensuring peace and harmony returns to Borno state.
“We have to do everything within our means to support our governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, because the state government alone cannot do everything. It is my utmost wish and hope that in the next few years our people are not only settled in their local government but fully resettled in their original localities.
“My dream every day for Borno is to see that we have sustainable security, that our people are fully returned home, and peacefully enthroned in all parts of the state.” Mohammed stated.
Rep Member empowers 4,200 IDPs, Supports 900 students with scholarship in Borno
National News
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
By: Zagazola Makama
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.
The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.
“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.
He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.
According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.
“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.
The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.
“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.
He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.
The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
National News
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
By Hamza Suleiman
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.
Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).
He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.
“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.
The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.
He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.
“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.
Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.
He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”
According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.
He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.
“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.
The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
National News
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.
Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.
She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.
According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.
She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.
“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.
“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.
While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.
She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.
The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.
“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.
Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.
Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.
She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.
The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
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