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“The First Regular Combatant: Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari’
“The First Regular Combatant: Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari’
By: Balami Lazarus
Whenever I read a book, especially nonfiction, where you feel history sandwiched between facts and figures, reading through the book was an emotional journey of pain and tears because of the situations that subsequently arose to the killing of Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari and others. This work gave me an insight on the modern history of the Nigerian Army, where our indigenous officers and men played a role in the growth and progress of the Nigerian Army. ‘The First Regular Combatant: Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari’ written by one Haruna Yahaya Poloma, of which I got a copy through my able President of my Alma Mata, Brigadier Maimalari Secondary School Old Students Association (BBRIGMSSOSA), Mr. Danladi Abatcha.
In this review, I will not bother you with the fundamentals of a book review, like the publisher’s name, year of publication, chapters/pages, and so on, since I am not under any obligation or examination condition to do that. However, it is worth noting that it is registered intellectual material with the International Standard Book Number (ISBN: 978-978-958-109-2). The book captured everything said in print by those the author interfaced with, past and present, in the course of writing. And this review is automatically in line with what Prof. Helon Habila said in the blurb at the outside back cover page: “Haruna Poloma’s narrative style is an ingenious and innovative approach to life writing. It does what biographies do best, mixing history and literature… documenting the past through dialogue and description.” This is exactly what the author did in his work.
The content of the book is principally centered on the late Brigadier Zakariya Abubakar Sadiq Maimalari from cradle to his last days in a bloody military coup de dat of 15th January 1966. Poloma gave detailed accounts of Maimalari’s life, concentrating more on his military life and career through findings and available source materials aided by schoolmates, friends, relatives, associates, and most importantly, his professional military colleagues, both seniors and juniors.
Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari’s military career was traced and catalogued beautifully from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the UK with historical pictures as an officer cadet. The author was able to add other pictures of the subject as a fully commissioned officer and places he worked up to the last dark day of 15th January 1966 when he was killed by Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, his Brigade-Major, at a point blank range in IIkoyi, Lagos. Poloma’s book is therefore a one-stop literature on official military matters that has to do with the late Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari. I believe anyone that cares to go through the book will have his/her mind disabused because his/her impression of who Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari was and what became of him were all presented in the book. Let me now give some knocks to the work where most times I do have disagreement with some authors who are refusing to take corrections or suggestions on why they should be different in their style of work or publishing, as the case may be.
In one of my recent reviews, an author angrily disagreed with my observations, corrections, and/or suggestions and shamelessly came up with unwarranted porous excuses. But for Yahaya’s book, I will say his picture on the back cover page boldly written About the Author” as part of the blurb that has wrongly become an in-thing promoted by printers and amateur publishers is uncalled for. In professional publishing, it will rather be inside the back cover page and very brief. Be as it may, I therefore write this review with the utmost sense of purpose as an experienced publisher. Finally, the author, Mr. Haruna Yahaya Poloma, has done a good job on Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari. It was well researched, written, and presented. Kudos, my brother.
*Balami, a Publisher/Columnist: 08036779290.
“The First Regular Combatant: Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari’
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FORMER COAS LT GEN TY BURATAI CFR LEADS DIGNITARIES TO PAY RESPECTS TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE LT GEN TA LAGBAJA AT NIGER BARRACKS
FORMER COAS LT GEN TY BURATAI CFR LEADS DIGNITARIES TO PAY RESPECTS TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE LT GEN TA LAGBAJA AT NIGER BARRACKS
By: Our Reporter
On Friday, November 8, 2024, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd) CFR, Betara of Biu and Garkiwan Keffi, paid a solemn visit to the Flag Staff House at Niger Barracks, Abuja, to express his condolences to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Accompanied by a distinguished delegation, Lt. Gen. Buratai extended his deepest sympathies to Mrs. Maria Lagbaja, the widow of the late COAS, and their family.
In a moment of profound reflection, Lt. Gen. Buratai recounted some of the good deeds of the late COAS while serving under him, offered prayers for comfort and strength to the grieving family, recognizing the legacy and selfless service of the late Lt. Gen. Lagbaja. Following his words of comfort, he added his tribute to the condolence register, capturing the solemnity of this heartfelt occasion.
Joining Lt. Gen. Buratai at the occasion were Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun (rtd) CFR, former Chief of Policy and Plans (Army); Major General Iliya Abba (rtd), former Military Secretary (Army) and Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force; Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni, former Army Spokesperson; and Alhaji Manzo Ahmed, a respected businessman and former public servant. Their presence denoted a collective tribute from Nigeria’s military and civilian communities, honouring a leader whose life and service had left an indelible mark on the nation. May his gentle soul rest in peace, Amen.
FORMER COAS LT GEN TY BURATAI CFR LEADS DIGNITARIES TO PAY RESPECTS TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE LT GEN TA LAGBAJA AT NIGER BARRACKS
EMAN: Zulum bags 5th fellowship award, wins best environmentally friendly governor
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has been nominated for the prestigious Honourary Fellow Award by the Environmental Management Association of Nigeria (EMAN), recognizing him as one of the best environmentally friendly governors in the country.
Zulum has received fellowships from the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers. He has also received honorary fellowships from the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the National Postgraduate Medical College.
EMAN, the apex professional body for environmental managers in Nigeria, announced the nomination in a statement issued by its National Secretary, Dr. Ubong Harrison.
The award will be presented to Governor Zulum at the association’s 2024 Annual Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Building Resilience Against Land Degradation and Climate Change in Nigeria,” will bring together stakeholders from across the environmental sector.
The Honourary Fellow Award is in recognition of Governor Zulum’s significant contributions to environmental management and sustainable development in Borno State.
Among the key achievements highlighted by EMAN are the timely and effective management of the recent flood disaster that affected parts of the state, as well as the outstanding performance of the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA).
Additionally, the governor’s leadership in establishing the Great Green Wall Agency, which has spearheaded the planting of millions of trees to combat desertification and climate change, has been lauded by the association.
In its statement, EMAN noted, “In recognition of your numerous contributions to ensuring proper environmental management and sustainable development, we most respectfully invite you to receive the prestigious Honourary Fellow Award.”
The association also commended Borno State’s full participation in the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program, further underscoring the state’s commitment to addressing climate-related challenges.
Governor Zulum’s efforts in environmental stewardship have also been recently recognized by the Nigerian Environmental Society, which awarded him the Environmental Excellence Award.
EMAN: Zulum bags 5th fellowship award, wins best environmentally friendly governor
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Borno PSN drum up support for flood affected residents, donates drugs and consumables to Gubio camp
Borno PSN drum up support for flood affected residents, donates drugs and consumables to Gubio camp
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Borno State council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has donated drugs and consumables worth N 0.5 naira to the Gubio camp housing hundreds of residents displaced by the recent flood in maiduguri.
The PSN also held health outreaches to Bakassi and Gubio camp giving health talks and prescribing medication for the teeming patients at the camp during the peak of the flood.
Chairman of the PSN Umar Abdulkareem told this reporter during a chat that apart from drugs and consumables which were dispensed at the camps, many referrals were made and the patients were further assisted to get better.
Speaking recently during a low keyed celebration of their week, he said that their collective efforts in the 2024 program was directed towards the support of all those who have been affected by the massive flood of September 20th which affected the state.
” We are all united to work as a team to support our dear state by standing by to also give Humanitarian support with logistics and health outreach to support the victims of the devastating flood disaster on our day. Your rewards are in heaven.” He told members during the day.
“This year’s World Pharmacist Day 24 is unique to us bcos we all stood firm and gave back to the community at this time of need. We started fundraising donations and we have achieved a lot.
“I want to appreciate every one that donated and those who are intending to donate. We will hand over what was realized to the flood disaster committee coupled with the updated list, and total amount realized. He noted.
” Thank u very much my PSN family for supporting all the successes we achieved, which definitely was as a result of all our commitment and dedication to our association and profession at large.” He concluded.
Borno PSN drum up support for flood affected residents, donates drugs and consumables to Gubio camp
FORMER COAS LT GEN TY BURATAI CFR LEADS DIGNITARIES TO PAY RESPECTS TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE LT GEN TA LAGBAJA AT NIGER BARRACKS
EMAN: Zulum bags 5th fellowship award, wins best environmentally friendly governor
Borno PSN drum up support for flood affected residents, donates drugs and consumables to Gubio camp
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