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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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FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs

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12 hours ago

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March 31, 2026

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FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to expand Nigeria’s mobile and digital connectivity beyond its borders as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security and lower the cost of internet services across the region.

The initiative was disclosed on Monday during the second edition of the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 held in Abuja and organised by Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the Federal Government plans to extend Nigeria’s fibre-optic network into neighbouring countries as part of efforts to modernise digital infrastructure and tackle security challenges.

According to him, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is investing in about ninety thousand kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure that will connect Nigeria with neighbouring countries including Cameroon, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad.

Tijani explained that the regional connectivity project would help reduce the cost of internet capacity in neighbouring countries, where the price of connectivity is significantly higher than in Nigeria.

He noted that while the project would improve digital access and affordability, it would also support national security operations along the country’s borders.

“This fibre network will also provide opportunities for the military because it will run across our borders, which means we will have stronger capabilities for fibre sensing and surveillance,” the minister said.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic advantage as the only country in West Africa operating its own communications satellite through Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, noting that the platform plays a critical role in providing connectivity to remote and underserved communities.

According to Tijani, satellite infrastructure supports sectors such as agriculture, education, business and security, especially in areas where terrestrial networks are limited.

He commended President Tinubu for approving the acquisition of additional satellites, describing the move as a strong demonstration of the government’s commitment to building future-ready digital infrastructure.

The minister added that investments in infrastructure must be accompanied by practical applications capable of driving real development outcomes.

“Satellite technology is a powerful enabler, particularly in the area of security,” he said.

In her welcome remarks, the Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, said the event reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to harnessing space technology for national development.

She highlighted initiatives such as Project 774, which aims to provide satellite-enabled connectivity to all local government areas in Nigeria, ensuring that rural and underserved communities are not left behind in the country’s digital transformation.

Egerton-Idehen also noted that the agency is strengthening its global partnerships, including collaborations with Eutelsat and the Kenya Space Agency, while Nigeria currently serves as Vice Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association.

She explained that the role allows Nigeria to participate actively in shaping international satellite policy and spectrum management discussions.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, emphasised the importance of satellite technology in strengthening communication systems and supporting critical services.

According to him, satellite infrastructure has become vital for communication, emergency response, education, security and broader technological advancement.

The Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and innovators to explore opportunities within the satellite and digital infrastructure ecosystem.

Participants say the event provides a platform for collaboration aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading force in Africa’s rapidly expanding digital and satellite economy.

FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs

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VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise

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13 hours ago

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March 31, 2026

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VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has commiserated with former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother, late Hajiya Fatima Umma.

The Vice President who paid the El-Rufai family at their Abuja residence called for collective effort in uniting the nation aside political differences.

Senator Shettima prayed for the repose of the soul of the late matriarch of the El-Rufai family.

The late Hajiya Fatima Umma El-Rufai passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, at the age of 96.

The Vice President was received by former Governor of Bauchi State, Ahmad Adamu Muazu; former Chief of Army Staff, General Abdurrahman Dambazau; Abdullahi Sarkin Gobir Adiya, and the member Representing Kaduna North, Bello El-Rufai, Bashir El-Rufai.

VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise

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Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector

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13 hours ago

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March 31, 2026

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Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders from government, the organised private sector, development agencies, and civil society have called for stronger collaboration and expanded financing to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient and cleaner production practices in Nigeria’s industrial sector.

The call was made on Monday during a special project-specific interactive session and Efficiency Champions Competition organised under the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Industrial Development Organization Industrial Energy Efficiency and Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production project in Abuja.

The event brought together representatives of industries, non-governmental organisations, financial institutions, policy makers, and members of the media to review the progress of the initiative and explore opportunities for expanding sustainable industrial practices across the country.

Speakers at the session emphasised that improving energy efficiency and reducing waste in industrial operations are essential for lowering production costs, boosting competitiveness and promoting environmentally responsible manufacturing.

Opening the session, the project leadership said the initiative had recorded significant progress in promoting industrial energy efficiency and resource-efficient production methods within Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

According to the National Project Coordinator, GEF-UNIDO IEE and RECP Project, Jacob Oladipo revealed that the project has supported capacity building programmes, cleaner production assessments, policy engagement and innovative financing mechanisms designed to help industries reduce energy consumption while improving productivity.

He explained that the project had demonstrated that sustainable industrial practices are not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial to businesses.

The session also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review the outcomes of the project and identify lessons that could support the wider adoption of energy-efficient technologies and cleaner production systems across industries.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Kunle Fadare said the initiative was both timely and strategic for Nigeria’s industrial growth.

He noted that the industrial sector accounts for more than thirty per cent of the country’s total energy consumption but still operates far below optimal efficiency levels.

Fadare said studies have shown that improvements in energy efficiency within Nigerian industries could lead to savings of between twenty and forty per cent in energy use.

He added that such gains would translate into reduced production costs, improved competitiveness and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

He also highlighted the environmental implications of industrial waste, noting that Nigeria generates more than thirty-two million tonnes of solid waste annually, a significant portion of which originates from industrial activities.

According to him, adopting resource-efficient and cleaner production practices would not only reduce waste but also strengthen long-term business sustainability.

Fadare further praised the Efficiency Champions Competition, describing it as an important platform for recognising businesses that are taking concrete steps toward sustainable production.

He said the initiative would help showcase best practices and encourage other companies to adopt energy-efficient technologies.

Global trends, he added, show that markets increasingly favour environmentally responsible production systems, particularly as access to international markets becomes tied to sustainability and environmental compliance.

He therefore urged Nigerian businesses to proactively embrace energy efficiency and cleaner production practices to remain competitive in regional and global markets.

Also speaking, the Global Environment Facility desk officer commended the collaboration among stakeholders involved in implementing the project.

The official expressed appreciation to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization for providing technical guidance and to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for supporting the implementation of the initiative.

The desk officer also acknowledged the role played by various government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, in advancing the project’s objectives.

According to the official, the interactive session was designed to allow stakeholders to examine emerging issues related to energy use in industries, share experiences, address challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.

The official stressed that sustainable economic growth requires strong collaboration among government, industry, development partners and civil society.

Participants were therefore encouraged to actively contribute ideas and insights that could help strengthen the implementation of energy-efficient industrial practices in Nigeria.

Representatives of the organised private sector also highlighted the need to scale up financing mechanisms that support industries seeking to adopt energy-efficient technologies.

They noted that while progress had been made through innovative financing models and technical support programmes, wider adoption would require increased investment, stronger policy support and continued capacity building for industries, particularly small and medium enterprises.

Stakeholders agreed that the engagement of the organised private sector, non-governmental organisations and the media would be critical in sustaining the momentum generated by the project.

They emphasised that awareness creation, knowledge sharing and policy advocacy would play key roles in expanding the adoption of energy-efficient and cleaner production practices across Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

Participants expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help accelerate the transition toward a more efficient, competitive and environmentally sustainable industrial sector in Nigeria.

Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector

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