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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’
Zulum strengthens vocational education to address industry gap
… To introduce TVET for Almajiri pupils
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has directed a comprehensive strategy that will enhance vocational education across the three senatorial zones in the state.
Zulum announced the directive on Monday when he received the report on repositioning technical and vocational education in Borno at the council chamber.
According to the Governor, the strategic plan is designed to empower the youth, equipping them with the necessary skills to meet the demands of various industries and stimulate economic growth.
Zulum emphasised that educational facilities and vocational institutions should tailor their programs to address the deepening mismatch between them and the various industries.
“The mismatch between our graduates and the labour market is deep, and if we want to address that, we should ensure that a robust technical and vocational education is established,” Zulum said.
“We have achieved a lot in providing vocational skills to our youth; however, along the way, we felt that we are still not doing enough for this. We decided to constitute this committee to reposition the technical and vocational education in Borno State.
Speaking earlier Presenting the Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Goni Ibrahim, noted that the review was conducted through site visits, stakeholder consultations, and comparative studies.
… To introduce TVET for Almajiri pupils
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has instructed the Ministry of Education to consider introducing technical and vocational education in Sangaya Schools.
The Governor said, “I am happy to note that the Executive Secretary of the Sangaya Education Board is here. I have instructed the Commissioner of Education to liaise with you to consider introducing technical and vocational education in our Sangaya schools.”
Zulum also commended the leadership of the Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, stating, “I want to commend the leadership of the commissioner of Education, for all the good works that he has been doing.”
Zulum strengthens vocational education to address industry gap
Gunmen kill man in attempted abduction in Kwara mosque
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have killed a 45-year-old man, Alhaji Dahiru, during an attempted abduction in a mosque in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 30 at about 8:30 p.m. during Ishai prayer.
They said about seven armed men stormed the mosque and attempted to abduct Dahiru, who resisted. He was shot dead instantly before the attackers fled on motorcycles.
According to residents, two empty shells of AK-47 ammunition were recovered at the scene after the incident.
Family members of the deceased have since appealed for the release of the corpse for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Authorities said efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators and secure the area against further attacks.
Gunmen kill man in attempted abduction in Kwara mosque
DSS arrests two over fake recruitment scam in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested two suspects in Kaduna over an alleged fraudulent recruitment syndicate operating in the name of the Service.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, identified as Aliyu Ibrahim and one other accomplice, were apprehended following credible intelligence that exposed their network.
According to sources, preliminary investigations revealed that between 250 and 350 individuals may have fallen victim to the scam, after being promised employment in the Service.
“The suspects are currently in custody while efforts are underway to arrest other members of the syndicate still at large,” the statement said.
The Service warned members of the public to be wary of fake recruitment offers, stressing that it does not conduct recruitment through agents or intermediaries.
“All DSS recruitment exercises are announced exclusively through official and authorised communication channels,” the sources said.
The Service further advised Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
The sources said the arrest came amid rising cases of job racketeering across the country, assuring that it would continue to protect citizens and ensure that perpetrators of such fraud were brought to justice.
DSS arrests two over fake recruitment scam in Kaduna
Zulum strengthens vocational education to address industry gap
Gunmen kill man in attempted abduction in Kwara mosque
DSS arrests two over fake recruitment scam in Kaduna
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