Zulum moves to resettle Konduga IDPs in four months

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has announced the planned closure of Konduga internally displaced persons (IDP) camp within the next four months.

This follows the successful closure of Bama IDP camp, the largest displacement facility outside the state capital and the planned shutdown of Gwoza camp.

Speaking to newsmen during a recent visit to the camp, Zulum, however, stressed that the relocation is entirely voluntary and no one will be forced to resettle where they are not willing to go.

The Governor has consistently maintained that returning to ancestral homes or other areas of choice must be based on the displaced persons’ expressed willingness.

He said, “We are not carrying out the resettlement process immediately; we are here to discuss with the IDPs so that in the next four months they will be resettled in a dignified manner. I believe you heard from the IDPs that they are willing to return home. Return shall be voluntary, not by force”.

During his visit to Konduga, Governor Zulum inspected resettlement houses currently under construction in Amarwa and later proceeded to Maiwa in Mafa LGA. The Amarwa resettlement city, for which the governor had earlier laid the foundation, is being built to shelter displaced persons living in camps.

In Maiwa, the state government is constructing massive housing units as part of the ongoing resettlement programme. The resettlement houses are equipped with public facilities like a primary healthcare centre, a water facility, and other basic amenities.

Zulum was accompanied by the member of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba; the Member of the House of Assembly for Konduga, Hon. Bukar Modu; the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; and other senior government officials.

Zulum moves to resettle Konduga IDPs in four months

Governor Buni reflects on the passing away of the Emir of Ngazargamu and others in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, of Yobe State, has mourned the passage of sons and daughters of the state, describing the deaths as a giant loss to their families, communities, and, indeed, the state in general.

The governor disclosed the information in response to the sad deaths recorded across the state within short periods in recent times.

Governor Mai Mala Buni called for prayers for the repose of their souls and support to their families, adding that “it is indeed a trying moment for us, but we firmly believe that it is the will of Almighty Allah.”

He consoled the families of the deceased and the people of the state, noting that, “As faithful, we all know death is a necessary end; it will always come at the prescribed time as ordained by Allah (SWT).”

According to Governor Buni, we have lost one too many in recent times, from the late Emir of Ngazargamu to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Bukar Aji; former Permanent Secretary Alhaji Ligali Ma’aji; Alhaji Yakubu Dokshe; Hajiya Mairiga Umar; Alhaji Kafchi Shettima; and some others.

“The deceased persons have, in their individual capacities, contributed greatly to the people and the state at large,” Gov. Buni added.

“As Muslims, we accept the will of God and pray for the repose of their souls. May Almighty Allah grant them Aljannah Firdausi and their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Governor Buni prayed, May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings and bless their souls with Aljannah Fiddausi. Ameen.

Governor Buni reflects on the passing away of the Emir of Ngazargamu and others in Yobe

Zulum Donates Multi-Million Naira JAMB Zonal Headquarters, 500-Seat CBT Centre to Boost North-east Education

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum on Wednesday deepened his administration’s investment in education by handing over a multi-million naira Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) zonal headquarters and one of Nigeria’s largest Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, a landmark project expected to transform tertiary admission services across the North-east.

The ultra-modern facility, strategically located along the Maiduguri-Dikwa Road, will serve as JAMB’s North-east Zonal Office, providing administrative and examination services to the region’s six states. It comprises a modern office complex and a dual CBT centre capable of accommodating 500 candidates simultaneously and processing more than 2,000 candidates daily.

The project is believed to be the first in the country to be wholly financed, constructed and donated by a state government to JAMB.

Commissioning the facility, Zulum described it as part of his administration’s broader strategy to rebuild education in a region that has suffered years of insurgency and disruption to learning.

He said the project was designed not only to improve access to JAMB services but also to strengthen educational infrastructure and reduce the burden on candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions.

According to the governor, the facility represents Borno State’s contribution to enhancing national education service delivery while positioning the North-east as a major hub for computer-based examinations.

The significance of the project was underscored by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who described it as an unprecedented intervention and one of the finest CBT facilities in Nigeria.

“This is the first time in the history of JAMB that a state governor has independently built and donated a zonal office and CBT centre to the Board,” Oloyede said.

He noted that what was initially conceived as an ambitious proposal had become a reality within just four months, describing the achievement as a reflection of Governor Zulum’s visionary leadership and commitment to education.

“Today, reality has surpassed my expectations. In just four months, what seemed humanly impossible has been accomplished,” he said.

Oloyede explained that the centre would significantly expand JAMB’s operational capacity in the North-east by allowing 500 candidates to write examinations simultaneously while handling over 2,000 candidates each day.

He added that the integrated registration facilities would enable the Board to complete registration and documentation for applicants from Borno State within a few days, drastically reducing delays and travel burdens.

“The CBT centre you have graciously provided will serve as a beacon of excellence for computer-based testing and administrative services. It will bring immense relief to candidates, educational institutions and stakeholders across this region.

“More importantly, it represents Your Excellency’s broader commitment to rebuilding educational confidence and expanding opportunities for young people despite the enormous challenges confronting this region,” he stated.

The outgoing JAMB Registrar further commended Governor Zulum’s sustained investment in education, human capital development and youth empowerment, describing education as the foundation for peace, stability and economic recovery in the North-east.

In a symbolic gesture acknowledging Oloyede’s contributions to educational development in Nigeria, Governor Zulum directed the Borno State Ministry of Education to name the newly commissioned facility after the outgoing JAMB Registrar.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani; the incoming JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina; Acting Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe; and other senior government officials.

The commissioning marks another milestone in Borno State’s post-insurgency recovery efforts, with the Zulum administration continuing to prioritise investments in schools, tertiary institutions and educational infrastructure as a pathway to rebuilding the state and expanding opportunities for its youth.

Zulum Donates Multi-Million Naira JAMB Zonal Headquarters, 500-Seat CBT Centre to Boost North-east Education