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TRIBUTE.BABA AHMAD JIDDA: GARLANDS TO THE AGELESS WORKHORSE
TRIBUTE.
BABA AHMAD JIDDA: GARLANDS TO THE AGELESS WORKHORSE
By: Inuwa Bwala
As the favourite of Borno youths between 1998 and 1999, most people thought he was going to be the governor of Borno state. But God had a different design for him.
I had cause to then refer to him as the reluctant bride in Borno’s search for a governor.
That was the time our paths first crossed. Since then, I have kept a tab on him until I was eventually brought into the government, in which he was the virtual engine room.Baba Ahmad Jidda, a seasoned Nigerian diplomat, public servant, and politician , is an awesome personality: anyone will be pleased to work with.
He was almost indispensable in the governance of Borno, which was why he was virtually in every Government, since Ali Modu Sheriff.
But for National call, when he was invited to serve as the Nigerian Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmad Jidda, would have been the ageless public servant to have served his home state Borno Coincidentally born on October 1, 1951, some nine years before independence, Baba Ahmad Jidda is as vast and sophisticated as Nigeria herself.
Often regarded as the golden boy of Marte, one of the Local Government Areas in Northern Borno State, Jidda has had a distinguished career in public service.
A low down on him indicate that, Jidda began his education at Elementary School 1, Marte, and later attended Senior Primary School, Maiduguri, before proceeding to Government College, Maiduguri, for his Higher School Certificate (HSC).
He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1975. He also attended postgraduate programs at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. Baba Ahmad began as Administrative Officer in the Borno State Civil Service and rose through the ranks to become a Permanent Secretary.
His exceptional performances saw him being elevated as Secretary to the Borno State Government, spanning ten years.
Given his vast knowledge of issues, the then Governor of Borno state, now the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima nick-named Baba Ahmad Jidda the “Institution”.
He was to further stay on, as the SSG, untill the Federal Government sought him out and appointed him as Ambassador of Nigeria to Burkina Faso in 2000 and later the Ambassador to China in 2017.
Jidda was also Special Adviser to the President on National Emergency.
And just when we thought he will be retiring to private life, after his excellent outing in China, which earned him the honour of being the doyen of diplomats in China, Ambassador Jida has again been handed the task of being Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal University of Education, Zaria.
It did not come to many as a surprise that he was confered the National Honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) award in 2010 the same year he was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Industrialists and Corporate Administrators.
Jidda has been a recipient of several awards, including the Award of Excellence for Amirul Hajj and a Merit Award for Political and Bureaucratic Excellence.
Those who had the privilege of working with him can attest to the fact that, Baba Ahmad Jidda is a tireless workaholic, with an uncommon talent for solving very difficult assignments. This explains why, he remains the rallying personality for all former cabinet members, who served with Senator Kashim Shettima.
I am aware that, he has been an invaluable asset to the government of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum Nigeria’s leading servant governor.
Happy birthday Your Excellency, Baba Ahmad Jidda, OFR.
TRIBUTE.
BABA AHMAD JIDDA: GARLANDS TO THE AGELESS WORKHORSE
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person and injuries to three others following an attack by suspected Fulani militias on Kopmur village, Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22 at about 4:00 p.m., when the armed assailants stormed a house where some local farmers had taken shelter and opened fire.
The attack led to the death of Dashan Mwanar, 42, while Sonma Mwanar, 32, Kyenkyes Dakup, 26, and Joy Vumshak, 25, sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bokkos Division, led a team to the scene, where the injured victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The police said the deceased’s remains had been released to his relatives for burial after the family declined an autopsy.
Meanwhile, sources assured that investigation is ongoing, with intensified efforts to apprehend the culprits and prevent further attacks in the area.
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intensified search and rescue operations following the abduction of a school principal and his daughter in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22, 2025, at about 3:00 a.m., when a group of armed kidnappers invaded the residence of Mr. Zakari Yelwa, Principal of Narati Government Secondary School, located opposite the Technical College, Abaji.
The assailants reportedly forced open the door to the residence and abducted Mr. Yelwa and his daughter, Hafsat Zakari, to an unknown destination.
Upon receipt of the distress call, a combined team of police operatives, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, vigilante groups, and local hunters was immediately deployed to the scene.
The team has since launched a coordinated search operation, combing the surrounding bushes and hills in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
Police authorities assured residents of Abaji that all efforts are being made to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and urged the public to report any useful information that could aid the ongoing operation.
FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian Army personnel has been found dead after pursuing an assailant in Twatagi village, Patigi Local Government Area of the state.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 21, 2025, around 5:30 p.m., when the deceased soldier, Private Usman Alhaji attached to Apapa, Lagos, was riding on a motorcycle with one Muhammad Baba, a native of Twatagi village.
While on their way to Patigi town, they encountered a man walking along the road with a stick, who suddenly struck them as they passed by. The man immediately fled into the bush.
The sources stated that Private Alhaji pursued the assailant on foot but failed to return. After waiting for hours without seeing him, Muhammad Baba reportedly searched the area but could not locate the soldier.
However, at about 2:00 p.m. the following day, villagers discovered the lifeless body of the soldier in the bush.
Police operatives visited the scene and observed that the victim sustained a stab wound to the neck.
The body was released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
Soldier found dead after chasing attacker in Kwara
Gov. Uba Sani Says No Citizens Should be Pushed into Poverty Seeking Essential Medical Care
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
Four killed, others displaced as communal clash erupts in Niger community
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