VP SHETTIMA AT EXECUTIVE COURSE 47 GRADUATION: President Tinubu Poised To Remodel NIPSS Into Digitally Driven, Global Centre Of Excellence

• Says institute’s research outputs will be fully integrated into national decision making, execution frameworks

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the resolve of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remodel the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) into a globally recognised centre of excellence that is digitally driven and financially stable by 2030.

According to him, apart from serving as the most strategic platform for developing thinkers, reformers, and innovators in Nigeria, the institute’s Senior Executive Course represents a deliberate investment in the nation’s future leadership as well as a meeting point for ideas that define policy, guide reform, and influence the course of national development.

Senator Shettima stated this on Saturday when he represented President Tinubu at the Graduation Ceremony of Senior Executive Course 47 of NIPSS in Kuru, Plateau State.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been unequivocal in his commitment to supporting NIPSS in its transformation agenda, particularly its ambition to become a digitally driven, financially stable, and globally recognised centre of excellence by 2030.

“We recognise the Institute’s critical role in shaping national policy and in building the leadership capacity required to navigate an increasingly complex world,” he declared.

The Vice President noted that the support the Tinubu administration is giving to transform the institute exceeds funding, infrastructure and conducive research environment.

He said, “Our support must therefore go beyond funding, infrastructure, and a conducive research environment. It must ensure that NIPSS produces implementation ready policy papers and that its outputs are fully integrated into national decision making and execution frameworks.”

VP Shettima applauded the theme of the Senior Executive Course 47, “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” saying it is a reflection of the urgency with remarkable clarity, and “captures the reality that development, security, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion are inseparable.”

He however observed that the strength of the academic work does not depend only on its academic depth, “but in its insistence that policy must be practical, implementable, and firmly grounded in Nigeria’s realities.”

Commending the graduands, the VP said “We are grateful for your sustained and rigorous enquiries into the affairs of the maritime domain, enquiries that continue to provide the nation with insights it depends upon.

“Your latest research makes it clear that securing Nigeria’s waterways, coastlines, and inland communities goes far beyond safety alone. It speaks to livelihoods, food security, environmental protection, and national cohesion. When young people have productive work, when communities trust the state, and when institutions coordinate effectively, insecurity loses its oxygen.”

Assuring that the Tinubu administration takes evidence based policymaking very seriously, the Vice President said he had already directed relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to give the report and recommendations of the graduands the close attention they deserve, both for immediate application and for long term strategic planning.”

He thanked the Director General, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, the management and staff of NIPSS, for what he described as their dedication, professionalism, and unflicnhing commitment, which he said has continued “to uphold NIPSS as the nation’s foremost centre for strategic thought and leadership development.”

The VP also hailed Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and people of the state for continuing to support NIPSS by sustaining the peaceful environment that has enabled the “Institute to function as a true national asset.”

Earlier, Governor Mutfwang applauded the Federal Government’s support to the institute, particularly in facilitating the hitch-free completion of its academic programmes as well as the execution of its other strategic projects and mandate.

Underscoring the importance of academic programmes at the institution, Governor Mutfwang noted that Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from the research output of the institution, particularly in broadening governance perspective and making valuable recommendations in addressing security across the country.

On his part, Chairman of the NIPSS Board, Senator Ken Nnamani, said the pathways to addressing some of the nation’s challenges can be found in the research reports of research institutions across the country, urging authorities at the national and subnational levels to adopt products of the institute.

While charging members of the SEC 47 to be worthy ambassadors of the institution, Senator Nnamani expressed confidence in the commitment of the Tinubu administration to continue to support research endeavours at NIPSS, and implement key research findings of academic institutions across the country, including NIPSS.

In his welcome address, the Director General of NIPSS, Prof. Omotayo, said the Vice President’s presence at the SEC 47 graduation ceremony underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of the institute as the premier research institute for the advancement of Nigeria’s policy and governance framework.

Reeling out some of the institute’s achievements anchored on its 5-year strategic plan, Prof. Omotayo said NIPSS has completed key institutional research endeavours in collaboration with international partners in key areas, including crisis anticipation and adaptive governance.

The DG said with the achievements, NIPSS has established itself as the premier institute for policy research aimed at rebuilding public trust and addressing emerging societal challenges.

In a goodwill message, the President of the NIPSS Alumni (AANI), Amb. Emmanuel Okafor, thanked the Vice President for his relentless support to the institute and acknowledged all of the transformative projects executed under the present management of the institute.

On his part, the Monitor-General of the Course 47, Col. Muhktar Sani Daroda, said the rigour and intensity of the programme has shaped and prepared the course participants for tasks across different sectors, even as he pledged their rededicated commitment and service to the nation.

Highpoint of the occasion was the formal presentation of certificates to the graduands by the Vice President and their induction into the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI).

Earlier on arrival at the institute, the Vice President inaugurated 4 units of 2-bedroom apartment built and donated to the institute by the SEC 47 participants.

Meanwhile, Senator Shettima has held an interaction with strawberry farmers in Plateau State, in furtherance to efforts by the Federal Government to support the production of fruits in the state.

He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to transforming all segments of Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

VP SHETTIMA AT EXECUTIVE COURSE 47 GRADUATION: President Tinubu Poised To Remodel NIPSS Into Digitally Driven, Global Centre Of Excellence

Council elections take place in Borno as Zulum votes at at his country home

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Governor Babagana Zulum has voted in today’s council election which took place in the 27 council areas of the state.

The Governor who voted at Ajari two polling unit 006 in Mafa central Ward, headquarters of Mafa council area cast his vote at about 12.23pm this afternoon.

Professor Zulum, cast his vote at this years Council election held across the 27 Local Government Areas and 312 political wards in Borno State today Saturday.

The election was contested by six political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

Speaking after casting his vote, Governor Zulum expressed satisfaction with the turnout in the council election which should produce new chairmen before the next general election in 2027.

“You have seen the turnout, you know this is my hometown. So, my general assessment of the process is good. It is expected that the 2027 election will also be well.

“This is a litmus test, and Insha Allah, in 2027, APC will win from the President down to each member of the state Assembly. Borno is the home of APC, more so, I am a son of this town,” Zulum stated.

Meanwhile Senator representing Borno Central senatorial district, Kaka Shehu described the Borno State local council election as credible.

He described the election as transparently clean and rancour-free adding that: “I must commend the State Independent Electoral Commission for conducting a well-organized election, and the security agencies for enduring security, peace and order at all the polling units and across my senatorial district,”

Senator Lawal, while assessing the conduct of the poll after casting his vote at his Lawan Asheik Alhaji Sadiq polling unit, Shehuri South Ward, Maiduguri metropolis told newsmen that he was impressed with the conduct of the election.

“I’m also impressed with the voter turnout, in spite of the hard times, which shows that the electorate are committed to genuine democratic governance in Borno State and Nigeria adding that “for me, the election is credible.”

Reps member, Abdulkadir Rahis, who voted at his Wakil Hassan polling unit, Gwange one ward, Maiduguri metropolis, told newsmen that he was impressed about the rancour-freeness of the election coupled with the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere which prevailed across his constituency.

Both NASS members expressed confidence that the pending 2027 general elections would also credible and rancour-free.

Also speaking to newsmen, the Deputy National Chairman (DNC) North of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Ali Dalori expressed satisfaction with the impressive voter turnout witnessed during the elections.

He described the exercise as a clear sign of public trust in the democratic process, rule of law and grassroot inclusivity.

The APC Chieftain commended the orderly conduct of voters across the state and praised their commitment to peaceful participation.

He told reporters soon after he casted his vote at the Dalori/Wanori Primary School, Kajeri polling unit in Konduga council area of the state that he was excited at the defiance of people across the state against existing security threats by insurgents.

Dalori said that, although his office in Abuja was preoccupied with a lot of schedule duties, but as a grassroot politician, he had to move to the state, to exercise his franchise at his polling unit by electing credible leaders who would continue to complement efforts of Governor Babagana Zulum in providing dividends of democracy to the local communities.

His words: ” Let me use this medium to express satisfaction with the impressive voter turnout witnessed during the Borno State local government elections. It is a clear sign of public trust in the democratic process, rule of law and grassroots inclusivity.

“In my polling unit, the massive participation reflects citizens’ growing confidence in democratic governance. I wish all contestants success.

” I commend Members of the State Electoral Body, security agencies and other stakeholders for their unwavering commitment which led to the orderly conduct of voters across the state.

He however expressed optimism that his party, the APC will come out victorious in all elective positions such as the Chairmanship and Councillorship across the 27 local government areas, considering the numerous people- oriented projects executed by the present administration.

This reporter recalls that, the main opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pulled out from the exercise claiming that their efforts were fruitless as the state is already a one party state.

Council elections take place in Borno as Zulum votes at at his country home

Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

A local hunters’ group has successfully rescued a kidnapped herder, Alhaji Babawuro, from captivity in Yobe State without payment of ransom, following a coordinated operation with security authorities.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Babawuro, a resident of Kurbunga village under Shamka District of the Ngelzarma Emirate in Fune Local Government Area, was abducted at about 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2025, and taken to an unknown location.

The sources said the incident was reported to the Damagum Police Division on Nov. 30, after which the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N50 million.

“It was the fifth time the victim had been kidnapped, apparently due to his status as a wealthy herder,” the sources said.

They explained that while negotiations were ongoing and the police were making arrangements to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor and the Emir of Ngelzarma held consultations with the Commissioner of Police.

According to the sources, it was agreed that a hunters’ group with proven expertise in kidnap rescue operations should be engaged to assist the police.

“The hunters subsequently took over negotiations, which were reduced to N7 million, while efforts were intensified to trace the kidnappers,” the sources said.

They added that the hunters traced the victim and the kidnappers to Sandi village in Gulani Local Government Area.

“At about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, the hunters stormed the hideout and successfully rescued the victim without paying any ransom,” the sources said.

During the operation, the leader of the kidnap gang, identified as Ahmadu Shuwa, also known as “Sumo,” was neutralised, while another suspect, Mohammed Bello, sustained gunshot injuries.

The sources further disclosed that two other members of the gang were arrested and have confessed to the crime.

The rescued victim, who has since reunited with his family, was treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and later reported the incident at the Damagum Police Station.

Efforts are ongoing to recover the weapons used by the kidnappers ahead of handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.

The hunters’ group were commended for their role in the successful rescue operation.

Hunters rescue kidnapped herder, neutralise gang leader in Yobe