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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
News
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
By: Michael Mike
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday commissioned newly completed nursing quarters and two mega primary schools in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to quality education in the state.
The projects were executed under Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration, which has continued to prioritize infrastructure development in the health and education sectors.

The newly inaugurated nursing quarters, located beside the State Specialist Hospital, consist of eight blocks of six flats each. The housing units are fully furnished and fitted with air-conditioning systems to improve living conditions for medical personnel.
In the education sector, Senator Tinubu also commissioned Aliyakeri and Abbaganaram Mega Primary Schools. Each facility features 48 classrooms designed to accommodate thousands of pupils, alongside ICT centres, modern sports facilities, e-learning platforms, and solar-powered systems to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady commended Governor Zulum’s leadership style, describing the projects as people-focused and impactful.
“What we have seen so far in Borno is quite encouraging. You have done very well, and I am truly honoured to be part of this commissioning,” she said.
Governor Zulum’s administration has reportedly completed 104 mega schools across the state, with additional projects ongoing across Borno’s 27 local government areas.
During the event, Senator Tinubu also flagged off a N200 million empowerment programme targeting 2,000 vulnerable women. Each beneficiary is expected to receive N100,000 alongside a sewing machine to support small-scale businesses and improve household income.

The First Lady praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with national efforts to strengthen community-based economic empowerment and food security programmes.
Under the distribution plan, 400 women were selected from Maiduguri metropolis, 200 from Jere Local Government Area, 100 from Biu, while 50 beneficiaries were drawn from each of the remaining 24 local government areas.
In addition, eight outstanding education workers, including teachers, head teachers, principals, TVET coordinators, and ministry staff, were presented with brand-new utility vehicles in recognition of their service.
In a related gesture, Governor Zulum also presented a house to a ministry watchman, Baba Modu Fandi, in appreciation of his dedication, while Senator Tinubu further supported him with an additional ₦2 million financial assistance.
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
News
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Two men are receiving treatment at a hospital in Niger State after sustaining serious injuries in a violent altercation reportedly linked to a dispute at an illegal mining site.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred in a Fulani settlement near Iwa village in Gurara Local Government Area.
The sources said the matter was reported to the police on April 25 at about 1:30 p.m. after the victims were brought in by the Officer-in-Charge of Iwa Outstation.
According to the sources, the confrontation began on April 24 at about 9:00 a.m. when Jibril Yusuf, 22, allegedly went to the hut of Haruna Tukur, 35, and set him ablaze after a misunderstanding at an illegal mining site.
The sources further stated that Haruna Tukur, in retaliation, attacked Jibril Yusuf with a machete, severing his fingers during the violent exchange.
Both men were rushed to the General Hospital in Gawu Babangida, where they are currently responding to treatment.
Security operatives said investigations have commenced to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while the case remains under active review.
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
News
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
A heavy windstorm following a downpour has caused partial damage to structures at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Paiko, Niger State, leaving two children injured.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 8:00 p.m. when strong winds brought down parts of the camp infrastructure during the rainfall.
The sources said police personnel were immediately mobilised to the scene to restore order and provide security, while some corps members were safely evacuated from affected areas.
According to the sources, no loss of life was recorded in the incident.
However, two girls identified as Fati Abdul, 12, and Adewumi Adesola, 11, sustained minor injuries during the incident. They were taken to a medical facility, treated and later discharged.
The sources added that normalcy has since been restored at the camp, while the area remains calm and under observation to ensure continued safety of occupants.
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
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