Zulum flags off Kaka Shehu’s empowerment to 3,092 constituents

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, flagged off the second phase of the empowerment programme initiated by the Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan.

The initiative is set to benefit a total of 3,092 constituents across the eight local government areas of the senatorial district.

Out of the total beneficiaries, 2,592 individuals will receive various empowerment items including Hijet mini trucks, tricycles (Keke Napep), deep freezers, sewing and grinding machines, solar-powered and mechanical water pumps, fertiliser, rice harvesters, and other agricultural equipment. While the remaining 500 beneficiaries will receive a cash support of ₦100,000 each

Governor Zulum at the flag off ceremony at Government House commended Senator Lawan for his consistent efforts towards improving the livelihoods of his constituents and for his broader contribution to the development of Borno State.

“This is not the first time Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan is distributing empowerment items to his constituents. His dedication to the development of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State need not to be over emphasized, he has done very well ” Zulum remarked.

Governor Zulum also highlighted Senator Lawan’s impactful legislative work, noting that within just two years in office, the Senator has sponsored significant bills including those for the establishment of the Federal University of Entrepreneurship and Agriculture in Bama and the Federal Medical Centre in Borno State.

“I want to commend him not only for his grassroots interventions but also for his outstanding performance in the Senate. These contributions are unprecedented in the history of our state,” Governor Zulum added, urging the Senator to continue with his laudable efforts, assuring him of the continued support of the government and people of Borno State.

In his remarks, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan announced that each beneficiary of the empowerment items will also receive an additional cash support of ₦20,000. He further disclosed the donation of 450 school desks to be distributed to public schools within the senatorial district, which will han.

“I sincerely appreciate the leadership of Governor Zulum in the state. This marks the second phase of my empowerment initiative and I encourage all beneficiaries to make productive use of these items. I assure you this initiative will be sustained,” Senator Lawan stated.

The event also featured goodwill messages from key APC leaders including the Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; Member representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis; and the State APC Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba. They all lauded Senator Lawan’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituents.

According to them, the empowerment initiative will significantly complement Governor Zulum’s ongoing post-conflict recovery and reconstruction efforts across the state.

The event was graced by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; members of the State House of Assembly; the Secretary to the State Government; Head of Service; Acting Chief of Staff; Commissioners; Local Government Chairmen; Special Advisers; APC stalwarts; and other key stakeholders.

Zulum flags off Kaka Shehu’s empowerment to 3,092 constituents

National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare-Hawul, Borno State, Gets New Medical Director

By: Balami Lazarus

The recent appointment of Dr. Ali Mohammed Ramat as the pioneer medical director (M.D.) of the newly established National Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State was greeted with joy by the citizens of the state, including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital community (UMTH).

During the occasion of the presentation of his appointment letter at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) in Abuja, the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, charged Dr. Mohammed Ali Ramat to register the presence of the federal government in providing better health care services.

His words: “You are to provide quality health care to the people in the cause of discharging your duties.”

The minister, further said that this is another milestone of health care for the people of Borno State by the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. He urged him to deliver the mandate and dividend of democracy in health care services.

In his response, Dr. Ramat Ali thanked and appreciated the minister and the Federal Ministry of Health for finding him capable for this appointment.

“I appreciate and thank His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the staff of the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, and my colleagues who gave me their support.” Dr. Ramat further said that he will do his best to provide better healthcare services at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare, Borno State.

Dr. Ali Mohammed Ramat was with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital as a consultant orthopedic/spine surgeon. He is a trained surgeon in Nigeria and Turkey who specialized in orthopedic and spine surgeries.

Dr. Ramat is an expert in trauma and degenerative spine injuries. A member of the West African College of Surgeons, among other medical professional bodies. He was born some 35 years ago. Married with children and hail from Ngala in Borno State. Dr. Ramat enjoys reading, jogging, and watching movies.

National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare-Hawul, Borno State, Gets New Medical Director

Group Says Poverty, Disunity Responsible for Surge in Terrorism

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has identified the surge in terrorism in Nigeria as a result of disunity among communities across the country and poverty among majority of citizens.

The group in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak on Tuesday, said the persistent and growing threat of terrorism in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions, is evident that terrorist groups, both local and international—including Boko Haram, ISWAP, Al-Qaeda affiliates, and more recently, the Lakurawa terrorist group—have exploited the longstanding divisions within our communities to carry out their heinous attacks.

Abrak said: “Terrorism thrives where there is disunity and poverty. In Nigeria, sectarian and political fault lines—especially religious divisions between Christians and Muslims—have allowed these criminals to operate with impunity. Rather than uniting to confront a common enemy, communities often fall into the trap of mutual suspicion and blame. This division has enabled terrorists to continue their violence across religious and political boundaries.”

He noted that: “We must ask ourselves: why do we continue to witness deadly attacks in Christian-dominated areas such as Plateau, Benue, and in the recent tragedy in Gombe, where a truck rammed into an Easter mass rally? Similarly, why are Muslim-majority states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto under constant siege? The answer is simple: terrorism knows no religion, region, or tribe. Nigeria as a whole is being targeted, and unless we unite, we risk losing everything, just as happened in countries like Afghanistan and Yemen.”

He however said: “The way forward is not through division, but unity—across religious, ethnic, and political lines. This unity must be backed by bold, people-centered policies that empower communities to protect themselves and deny terrorists the environment they exploit.

“One such policy is the revitalization of the Forest Guard, as proposed in President Bola Tinubu’s campaign manifesto. NCYP has long advocated for this initiative. Properly implemented, it would involve recruiting local community members—those who know the terrain intimately—to safeguard their forests. This would not only improve security but also create jobs and provide a steady income, reducing the appeal of terrorist recruitment.

“In tandem, we strongly support the full implementation of Local Government Financial Autonomy, as ordered by the Supreme Court. When funds are directly allocated to local governments, communities can witness real development at the grassroots. Economic empowerment at this level builds resilience against extremist influence.”

Abrak decried that: “Unfortunately, we continue to see political maneuvering and sabotage when it comes to implementing these people-oriented policies. For example, the debate over state police versus the Forest Guard should not be an either-or argument. If state police are formed, will they truly focus on reclaiming forests overrun by terrorists? And if State Police is viable, why hasn’t this government moved swiftly to implement it?

“Similarly, why have Local Government Councils not opened accounts with the Central Bank to allow FAAC funds to be deposited directly, as constitutionally mandated? These are serious questions our leaders must answer if they are truly committed to ending the insurgency that is devastating rural Nigeria.”

“We urge all Nigerians, especially those in rural communities, to raise their voices and demand full implementation of these critical policies. The political class has demonstrated that when the will exists, necessary legal reforms can be swiftly enacted—as seen when the National Assembly invoked the Doctrine of Necessity to resolve a constitutional crisis after President Yar’Adua’s death,” he said.

He advises that: “Let us show the same urgency in enacting laws and reforms that will empower our people, defend our communities, and defeat terrorism.

“We, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals, stand ready to partner with all patriotic Nigerians, regardless of religion or ethnicity, in the fight for a safer, united, and prosperous Nigeria.”

Group Says Poverty, Disunity Responsible for Surge in Terrorism