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SOUTHERN BORNO STATE WHERE RELIGION AND ETHNICITY TEAR AN OPPRESSED PEOPLE APART.By:A.G.Abubakar

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SOUTHERN BORNO STATE WHERE RELIGION AND ETHNICITY TEAR AN OPPRESSED PEOPLE APART.
By:A.G.Abubakar

The Ubuntu which is a Zulu philosophy of unity of purpose doesn’t seem to hold among the ethnic nationalities of Southern Borno. The philosophy is rendered as “Umuntu, Ngumuntu, Ngabuntu” which literally translates as “i am because we are”, or put differently to mean ” a person is a person through other people “. The import of both underscore the importace of unity of purpose among people in forging progress. This spirit of togetherness has but vanished among the people, as they pull in different directions, at a time they needed to turn the socioeconomic and political fortunes of the region around. No thanks, to ethno-religious factors and the inequitable manner succussive state governments treated the zone.

The present version of Borno State was created in 1991 after Yobe was curved out. Before then it was part of the defunct North Eastern State, comprising today’s Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe and Yobe states. The North East State was highly diverse in terms of faiths and ethnicnationalities. Maiduguri, the then state capital was a laid back and accomodating metropolis. Non of the ethnic groups namely; Fulani, Hausa, Bachama, Mumuye, Tera, Mandara, Tangale, Marghi, Bolewa, Babur, Bura Chibok ,etc tried to lord it on each other.

The Kanuri power was diluted. Across the state too Muslims, Christians and the various ethnic groups that made up the state (NE) lived in peace with minimal distrust. People like Minso Gadzama, Azi Nyako, Bello Kirfi, Abubakar Umar, Maina Waziri, Ibrahim Biu, Gujbawu, Yerima Balla, Shehu Awak, etc were collectively united in moving the NE state forward.

A spirit that resonated with Borno state’s current mantra thus becoming the “Home of Peace and Hospitality”; a mantra, now turned on it’s head, so it seems. Three decades down the line Borno State had turned out to be one of the most inequitable in the Nigerian federation. The state as configured in 1991 gave the muslim Kanuri absolute dominance that literally made smaller ethnic groups and the Christian religion punching bags. With a reduced surface area the Kanuri is able to exert absolute political and economic control over the rest with impunity. This, they do through both tacit and overt policies including divide and rule along fault lines such as ethnic, religious differences and cultural affinity.

The overt discriminatory policies started with the late Musa Dagash’s circulars nos.CSC/2/89, Ref: BO/CSC/459/5.2/1 of 17th April 1989 and CSC/3/89, Ref:BO/CSC/459/S.15/5 of 21st April 1989 respectively. The import of the circulars was to place embargo on the recruitment and promotion of Southern Borno indigenes in the the Borno State service. Their crime was that they came from the wrong region, besides they were considered “too many” in the civil service which called for decimation. Dagash then was incharge of the State’s Civil Service Commission.

The discriminatory practice didn’t stop there, as successive governments in the state found it difficult to equitably include Southern Borno people in state nominations for Federal appointments. People from the zone have to struggle on their own or through friends to secure places. Nominations for appointments as ambassadors, Chairmen and/or board memberships are exclusive preserve of the Kanuri.The attrition or the blocking tactics didn’t end with appointive opportunities; this has been extended to religion especially the non Muslim folks. Government’s posture towards the non Muslim community in state has become a source of concern for lovers of the state and her future. Today, the state would find it expidient to train Arabic teachers but not CRK.

Government too could provide state resources in support of mosques/Islamiyya but did so minimally for non Muslim worship centers. And in matters of career progression, non Muslim folks in the state civil service are not having it easy, compared to their Muslim counterparts from the same South. These and many more are sure recipes for instability, given the centrality of religion and ethnic identity in the lives of our people. Unfortunately in their quest for redress the Christian faithfuls tend to elienate the very southern Borno Muslim brothers, they should ordinarily join hands with, through omissions or commissions. First they overlook historical realities. Realities of inter and intra ethnic interactions across Southern Borno and indeed the Kanuri nation. Second, Islamic values have a binding characteristics that shape perception among the faithfuls. They see themselves as one Ummah. Thus it becomes naive to expect equal levels of reaction or despair among the Muslim and Christian groups in Southern Borno regarding the government’s widespread inequalities.

For a fact, Muslims from the South may not be faring any better but the religion and cultural affinity have numbing effect, especially when they stretch far back in history. The relationships among some of the groups predate the 19th century Islam (in action) and Christianity in parts of Borno during the 1920s. Early Churches include the CBM established in Garkida and then Waka in 1927 under the defunct Borno province. was in 1923 and came to Waka in 1927.

It is therefore obvious that the feeling may not be the same in terms of intensity. In specific terms, the Marghi (Damboa), the Mandara, the Babur enclave of Babur-Bura, the Tera, and the Fulani (in their midst) may feel less grudge towards the Kanuri. Not so good a development but that is the reality. Realities that should be born in mind in building a united front in the South in checkmating the powers that be, from the continued exploitation of this fault lines. The reality of Southern Borno is not a black and white issue which calls for contextual appreciation of the challenges. Internal wrangling, name calling and aggression as a strategy can only be counterproductive. Referring to each other as being slaves to the status quo, sycophants, sell outs, ignorant, enemies of progress for not sharing a stand amounts to shooting oneself in the foot. Worse still, the defeatist attempt by some elite Christians to railroad Borno South into the Middle Belt region.

The frustrations may be justified or even palpable, but it’s a defective strategy. For, it will solve one problem especially the Christian faithfuls but constitute a new challenge for their Muslim brothers (the unwilling co-travellers) in the new environment in all its complexities. The way forward is for the christian South to appreciate its relative size which is about 15 to 20 percent of the state population. It can not therefore force its way through.

The faithfuls should engage and educate/ engage the ethnic minority and Muslim brothers to collectively rise against marginalisation and uneven development in Borno State. Building such a consensus however requires being realistic and open, away from wishful thinking and blackmail. The current posture by some to the effect that ” you are either with us or against us” doesn’t help much. Peculiar problems born out of injustice should be presented and treated as such; and brought into sharper focus and context.

The battle requires numbers and a critical mass as such everyone counts.The Muslim and the Christian, the informed and the uninformed, the wise and the foolish, the enlightened and the unenlightened, the educated and the uneducated, all have a place. The reality is, they are not only in the same boat but are facing the same storm! They will have to depend on each other to prevail. Let’s all come clean. agbarewa@gmail.com

SOUTHERN BORNO STATE WHERE RELIGION AND ETHNICITY TEAR AN OPPRESSED PEOPLE APART.
By:A.G.Abubakar

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Kano 2026: 19 Northern States battle for glory at maiden table tennis championship

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6 hours ago

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January 30, 2026

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Kano 2026: 19 Northern States battle for glory at maiden table tennis championship

The ancient city of Kano is set to become the epicenter of Nigerian Table Tennis as the maiden Northern Nigeria Table Tennis Association (NNTTA) Championship officially kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, January 31st, 2026. The high-stakes tournament will be hosted at the Indoor Sports Hall of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano.

This landmark event is powered by the massive support and strategic vision of the Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), His Excellency, Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki. The championship marks a dramatic shift in the promotion of the sport, aiming to elevate Northern talent to national and global elite status.

For the first time in recent history, elite athletes and rising stars from all 19 Northern States will compete for glory. The debut championship features three highly anticipated categories that includes the Men’s Single (battle for the region’s top ranking), Veterans’ Category (celebrating the legends and mentors of the game) and the Super Cup (A high-intensity clash for the ultimate trophy) which will see the region’s top stars compete against the Championship’s top four to be crowned at the end of the maiden NNTTA tourney.

Athletes will be competing for a prestigious haul of Medals, Trophies, and significant Cash Prizes, setting a new standard for regional tournaments in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice President during the pre-tournament press briefing, Adamu Usman Ahmed emphasised that this championship is not just a one-off event but a long-term developmental blueprint.

“His Excellency, Hon. Khamisu Mailantarki, gives his full assurance that this Kano Championship is just the beginning. Our mission is to bridge the regional gap and provide a platform where Northern players can transition into national heroes. We commend the Kano State Table Tennis Association for their hospitality and readiness to host this historic first edition.”

The Vice President further promised that outstanding performers, especially in the active player categories, will receive dedicated support for advanced career development, including potential national team invitations and international exposure.

Meanwhile the Chairman of Kano State Table Tennis Association, Dr. Mustapha Garga stated that about 10 million naira has been set aside for the success of the maiden Championship with participants already arriving the host state of Kano.

Mustapha further commended the massive contribution and support of the NTTF Vice Hon Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki in ensuring a historic and befitting championship where potential elites are expected to emerge to represent Nigeria at National and international Championships respectively.

Kano 2026: 19 Northern States battle for glory at maiden table tennis championship

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NGX to strengthen economic environment to woo more investors- Kwairanga

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January 30, 2026

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NGX to strengthen economic environment to woo more investors- Kwairanga

Dr Umaru Kwairanga, the Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group has restated the NGX’s commitment to providing market infrastructure that inspires investor confidence and supports both domestic and international participation.

Kwairanga made the pledge at a dinner organised by the US-Nigeria Council held in Lagos on Thursday.

He stated that capital markets remained a vital bridge in the partnership between the United States and Nigeria.

According to him, efficient, transparent, and well-regulated markets enable businesses to grow, infrastructure to be financed, and innovation to scale.

“From the perspective of Nigerian Exchange Group, we remain committed to providing market infrastructure that inspires investor confidence and supports both domestic and international participation, including from American institutions and enterprises.

“The growing engagement of global investors in Nigeria reflects confidence in our long-term fundamentals and in the reforms underway to strengthen our economic environment.

“As market operators, our responsibility is to ensure that opportunities discussed in forums like this can find practical expression through credible platforms for capital formation and investment,” he said.

Kwairanga lauded the leadership of the US–Nigeria Council for its continued commitment to strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

According to him, the relationship between the United States and Nigeria is one of strategic importance and deep potential.

He described the partnership which he said was grounded in mutual respect, economic complementarity, and a shared belief in enterprise, as a driver of prosperity.

He said that Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, remained a key partner for the United States in advancing trade, investment, and sustainable development across the continent.

“The US–Nigeria Council plays a critical role in translating goodwill into tangible outcomes.

“By convening leaders from government and business, it helps move conversations from intent to implementation, supporting collaboration in areas that directly affect livelihoods, from food security and agricultural value chains to trade expansion and long-term investment.

“In today’s interconnected global economy, our complementarities are clear. Nigeria brings scale, a youthful and entrepreneurial population, abundant resources, and expanding markets.

“The United States brings capital, innovation, technology, and deep institutional expertise. When these strengths align, the results can be transformative, not only for our two countries, but for broader regional growth,” he said.

The NGX boss thanked American partners for their enduring engagement with Nigeria, stressing that, “your participation in our economy and confidence in our future is deeply valued.”

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Governor Buni seeks FG’s support to establish a kidney center in Yobe

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6 hours ago

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January 30, 2026

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Governor Buni seeks FG’s support to establish a kidney center in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe state governor, Hon, Mai Mala Buni CON,COMN has appeal to the federal government to establish a Federal Kidney Disease Center in the state to save the people of the state from this deadly scourge.

Buni added that the government will establish an additional dialysis center in Gashu’a to save patients of kidney disease from travelling long distances to access care.

The governor made the appeal today while commissioning the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BIORTC) permanent site and celebrating Teeneagle Champions and the Identification of Talent Potentials at Yobe State University, Damaturu.

Governor Buni maintained that Africa has been subjected to relying on medical and other research that is conducted in different climes, environments, cultures, and lifestyles without recourse to our peculiarities and genetic diversity.

“I am proud that BIORTC has established Africa’s first major Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (IPSC) biobank with an African-centered focus, and also BIORTC is leading the establishment of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious and deeply characterized dementia research cohorts. ” he added.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the state-funded kidney disease initiative because this is what responsible governance demands: policy guided by evidence and investment guided by the health needs of the people. Governor Buni is the first African governor to be honored; this is quite inspiring, and he dedicated this award to the good people of Yobe with a pledge to do more.

“For many decades, several communities along the banks of the River Yobe have been plagued by chronic kidney disease, losing precious lives and throwing many families into agony on a daily basis, and this has been a major driving force for the establishment of the center to find a solution to this scourge.

“This administration is equally keen to see the innovative open-science work at BIORTC, including the building and testing of low-cost microscopes that can support field diagnosis and strengthen community-level health services, and urges the federal ministry of health to partner with BIORTC for open diagnostics on malaria microscopy and other related community-level diagnostic programs,” the governor said.

He maintained that the extraordinary performance of three young girls indigenous to Yobe State, Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukkaya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli, at the 2025 TeenEagle competition reflects the success story of our investment in the education sector and noted that the federal ministry of education has designated Yobe State as a role model in foundational education, describing it as exemplary and worthy of emulation.

Buni emphasizes that under this administration, no child in Yobe state will be denied his or her right to education because of his or her economic background. He announces a government scholarship for the three young girls up to the tertiary level and a donation of ₦10 million to each.

Governor Buni seeks FG’s support to establish a kidney center in Yobe

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