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THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE PAYS OPERATIONAL VISITS TO TROOPS IN BIRNIN GWARI, COMMENDS THEIR RESILIENCE, REASSURED THEM OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S COMMITMENT TO END INSECURITY IN THE AREA

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THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE PAYS OPERATIONAL VISITS TO TROOPS IN BIRNIN GWARI, COMMENDS THEIR RESILIENCE, REASSURED THEM OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S COMMITMENT TO END INSECURITY IN THE AREA

By: Musa Adams

The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), His Excellency Muhammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni visited the Headquarters, Sub Sector 3 Operation FASAN YAMMA (OPFY) in Birnin Gwari on 18 October 2024. The HMOD was led on the visit by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and Commander Sector 1, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FASAN YAMMA (JTF OPFY) Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso in company of his staff officers.

The HMOD was received at the Sub Sector’s Headquarters with a befitting and well turned out quarter guard by troops and subsequently briefed on the operational activities of 1 Division/Sector 1 OPFY by the the Chief of Staff Sector 1 OPFY Brig Gen SS Shehu and later briefed on the operational activities of the Sub Sector 3 OPFY by the Sub Sector Commander, Lt Col A Abdulllahi. Both briefs enumerated the successes recorded by the Division in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and violent extremists within the Division/Sector’s Area of Operation while pointing out some challenges and a few setbacks.

Earlier, the GOC briefed the HMOD on Operation FASAN YAMMA which he said is an integration of the erstwhile Operation HADARIN DAJI in Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto as well as Zamfara States and Operation WHIRL PUNCH operating in Kaduna and Niger States for better efficiency. He added that the new operation has its Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State while the Headquarters of Sector 1 is in Kaduna. He further added that the GOC 8 Division who was hitherto the Commander Operation HADARIN DAJI is now the Sector 2 Commander OPFY with Headquarters in Sokoto. The GOC further reassured the HMOD that the new arrangement would improve troops’ effectiveness and mount more pressure on the criminal elements.

In his remarks, the HMOD expressed satisfaction with the operational activities of the Division/Sector 1 OPFY and applauded the troops for the resilience and charged them to redouble their efforts to neutralised all the terrorists so as to completely free up the area for economic activities to thrive. While addressing the troops, the HMOD said “I thank you most sincerely for the good job you are all doing. For some time now, the Birnin Gwari-Kaduna road has been relatively peaceful and security in Birnin Gwari has improved tremendously.

In the last 6 months, I have not heard of civilian commuters and motorists being ambushed on the road aside one or two cases where our troops had encounter attacked with the criminals along the road. On behalf of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I commend you and assure you of the provision of all needed requirements to bring this fight to a lasting end”.

The HMOD also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II during which he remarked that he was in Birnin Gwari on an operational visit to the sub Sector Headquarters but thought it wise to visit the Emir and commend him for all the support he’s been giving to the troops.

He reassured the Emir of the President’s commitment to bringing a lasting end to the security situation in Birnin Gwari and environs. He also commended the good people of Birnin Gwari for their cooperation and urged them to continue to assist the troops with accurate and timely information to assist the troops in projecting offensives against the terrorists and insurgent groups.

HRH Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Maigwari thanked the HMOD for the visit and commended the GOC and his troops for the improved security situation in his domain. He applauded the President for his commitments to ending the security situation in Birnin Gwari and pleaded with him to assist in fixing the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road so as to open up Birnin Gwari for economic activities and assist in free flow of traffic.

The HMOD also visited Headquarters of the Air Training Command of the Nigerian Air Force where he was also briefed before he addressed the Officers, Airmen and soldiers of the Command and the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Regiment at the Air Force Base in Kaduna. He commended the troops and urged them to also redouble their efforts in aid to the troops operation.

THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE PAYS OPERATIONAL VISITS TO TROOPS IN BIRNIN GWARI, COMMENDS THEIR RESILIENCE, REASSURED THEM OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S COMMITMENT TO END INSECURITY IN THE AREA

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Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama

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Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama

… Borno State Governor Announces Resettlement of 5,000 Displaced Persons Ahead of Farming Season

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has revealed plans to resettle 5,000 displaced persons from five communities before the end of the rainy season to enable them to engage in farming activities.

The communities include Goniri, Bula Kuriye, Mayanti, Abbaram, and Darajamal.

Governor Zulum disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, Dr. Umar ibn Kyari Umar ElKanemi, at his palace in Bama on Friday.

The governor stated that the construction of 1,000 transitional shelters has commenced in each of the communities, with Darajamal’s already completed.

“We are committed to resettling all displaced persons living in IDP camps back to their communities. Construction of transitional shelters has started in Mayanti, Goniri, Bula Kuriye, and Abbaram, while that of Darajamal has been completed. I have also directed the digging of trenches to fortify the communities,” Governor Zulum said.

He emphasised the importance of farming, stating, “Our target is to ensure that they participate in this cropping season. Farming is our greatest treasure. I will interface with the Commanding Officer and leaders of Civilian JTF to strategise on how best to further protect these areas.”

Additionally, Governor Zulum informed the Shehu of Bama that security measures have been strengthened in Nguro Soye, a community on the outskirts of Bama town, to ensure safe farming activities.

“While returning from Gwoza, I stopped at the military formation in Banki Junction, where we discussed intensifying security in Nguro Soye and surrounding areas. I have provided the necessary logistics to the military and Civilian JTF and pledged six months’ allowances for volunteers patrolling the area,” he announced.

In response, the Shehu of Bama commended Governor Zulum for his purposeful leadership and commitment to the security and welfare of the people.

“I will like to appreciate the governor for resettling the people of Darajamal and for ongoing efforts to return more displaced persons to their homes. We are grateful, Your Excellency,” the Shehu said.

He also appealed for additional support to members of the Civilian JTF to safeguard farmers and farmlands during the rainy season.

Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama

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Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Backing For Diplomat To Lead UNESCO

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Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Backing For Diplomat To Lead UNESCO

** As VP Shettima receives PM Makosso, hails country’s leadership in Great Lakes region

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with the Republic of Congo, acknowledging the leadership of President Denis Sassou-Nguesso in promoting regional peace and stability, especially across Africa’s Great Lakes region.

He also said that Nigeria will consider Congo’s request for support in its bid to lead the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Speaking on Friday while receiving the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, Anatole Collinet Makosso, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, VP Shettima lauded the leadership of the Congolese President and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

“President Denis Sassou-Nguesso is one of the greatest stabilisers on the African continent. He is well-respected and has the experience and exposure to provide leadership to a turbulent region. Your country is a beacon of hope and stability in the region,” he said.

Senator Shettima, who received the Congolese delegation on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the issues raised by the visiting Prime Minister, particularly the request for Nigeria’s endorsement of Firmin Edouard Matoko for the post of UNESCO Director-General, would be conveyed to the President.

“Be rest assured that all the issues raised, especially over your candidature for the Director-Generalship of UNESCO, will be conveyed to the President. And I am hopeful that he is going to endorse your candidacy, fundamentally because what binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. Wherever we go, we are essentially one people,” he said.

Earlier, the Congolese Prime Minister, who delivered a special message from President Sassou-Nguesso to President Tinubu, called for deepened relations between both countries and sought Nigeria’s support for Matoko, a long-serving UNESCO official with over three decades of experience.

“We have a candidate for the post of Director-General of UNESCO, Firmin Edouard Matoko, a seasoned diplomat and former senior official of the organisation with over three decades of experience,” Makosso said.

He explained that Matoko joined UNESCO in 1990 and served in several strategic roles, including Director of multiple regional offices, Director of the Africa Department, and ultimately as Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations.

Makosso noted that Congo’s interest in Matoko’s candidacy was not merely national but based on competence.

“We are seeking Nigeria’s support for his candidature not because he is a Congolese, but because he is well qualified for the position, especially at this time that UNESCO needs a very experienced person,” he said.

The Prime Minister also thanked the Nigerian government and people for their humanitarian support to Congolese children who benefited from the Rochas Foundation, noting that some of the children, many of whom were orphans, have graduated, while others remain in school.

“We also want to thank the good people of Nigeria for taking care of some young children from Congo, some of them orphans who were offered free education by the Rochas Foundation. Some of them just graduated, while some are still in school. We are very grateful for that,” Makosso said.

He commended President Tinubu’s leadership at ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations, just as he expressed sympathy with Nigerians over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Backing For Diplomat To Lead UNESCO

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Again: Zulum nominated for African Governors Award

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Again: Zulum nominated for African Governors Award

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum was nominated to receive the African Governors’ Excellence Award for 2025.

Mr Idahosa revealed that the prestigious event will celebrate visionary leadership, exceptional governance, and impactful development initiatives by governors across Africa. He said the award recognises commitment to sustainable socio-economic transformation in their respective regions and states.

Zulum will receive the award alongside other African Governors in Paris at the event on August 19. The vice-chairman of the selection committee, Idahosa Osamahze, stated in a news brief.

It can be recalled that Zulum received the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award in New York, United States of America, in 2024.

Idahosa emphasised that the award is to promote excellence in public service, encourage innovation in governance, and foster best practices in leadership for Africa’s socio-economic advancement.

According to him, Sheriff Oborevwori, Uba Sani, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Abdullahi Sule have been nominated for the award.

He said the nominated governors from Egypt are Abdel Amara, Kafr El Sheikh; Amr Hanafi, Gamal Nour El-Din, and Khaled Fouda.

Mr Idahosa added that Hillary Barchok, George Natembeya, Mohamed Adan Khalif, and Jeremiah Lomorukai were picked from Kenya.

He also said, “These governors exemplify what leadership with vision, integrity, and purpose can achieve. Their work is changing lives, fostering prosperity, and inspiring a new generation of public servants across Africa.”

According to Mr Idahosa, the Paris ceremony is expected to attract high-profile dignitaries, development partners, diplomats, and stakeholders from across Africa and Europe.

He also noted that there shall be keynote addresses from global policy leaders, panel discussions on sub-national governance innovation, and networking sessions to foster intergovernmental collaboration.
End

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