Zulum – I Will Hand Over a More Secure and Prosperous Borno to Gubio

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured that he will hand over a more stable, secure, and economically prosperous Borno to the next administration.

Governor Zulum gave the assurance on Monday when he received prominent sons and daughters of Gubio Local Government Area, led by elder statesman Alhaji Gambo Gubio, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Maiduguri, alongside the APC gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.

The delegation also included the Chairman of the Borno State Civil Service Commission, Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio; a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Fanta Baba Shehu; the Executive Chairman of Gubio, Hon. Mali Bulama Mali; a retired Commissioner of Police; and former Council chairmen.

The Governor noted that despite the challenges confronting the state, particularly insecurity, his administration remains committed to consolidating on the gains achieved over the years and laying a stronger foundation for sustainable development.

“Security is the most difficult issue. Insha Allah, before I leave, the situation will be better than now. I will hand over a more stable, more prosperous, and more secure government to Engr. Mustapha Gubio, Insha Allah,” Zulum declared.

He emphasised that sustaining achievements is often more difficult than attaining them, urging continued support and prayers for the APC governorship candidate.

“What matters is not just success; managing success is more difficult than achieving success itself. Managing success and managing the affairs of Borno State is not easy, but with collective support, prayers, and guidance, God will give him the wisdom and energy to succeed as a candidate and, Insha Allah, as Governor,” he said.

Extolling the leadership qualities of Engr. Mustapha Gubio, Governor Zulum described him as a man of integrity, humility, and composure whom he has known for more than two decades.

“Alhaji Mustapha Gubio, I have known him for the past 26 years, since he was a student at the University of Maiduguri. His integrity is evident; he is humane, very gentle, and composed. Insha Allah, God will help him to steer the mantle of leadership of Borno State,” Zulum stated.

The Governor added, “We will continue to pray for our gubernatorial candidate so that the Almighty will give him the wisdom and the wherewithal to steer the leadership of the state.”

Reflecting on the challenges he encountered at the beginning of his administration in 2019, Zulum recalled the sacrifices required to confront the state’s security and humanitarian crises.

“When I took over the leadership of the state, in the first 55 days of my administration, I saw my children only three times. The first four years were really challenging, but Almighty Allah has helped us to see light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit. “As Muslims, when we seek Allah’s guidance and pray for the best outcome, we must accept His decision with complete faith and conviction, knowing that whatever He chooses is ultimately the best for us,” Zulum remarked.

Leader of the delegation, Alhaji Gambo Gubio, commended Governor Zulum for his pivotal role in the emergence of Engr. Mustapha Gubio as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

“We are here today to express our profound gratitude and thanks for this remarkable occasion. Words alone cannot adequately convey the depth of our feelings or fully capture all that we wish to say. However, we remain sincerely grateful and deeply appreciative,” Alhaji Gambo said.

He described the APC candidate as a worthy son of Gubio and expressed confidence in his future leadership.

Alhaji Gambo also acknowledged Governor Zulum’s achievements in security, infrastructure development, and governance, noting that “Zulum is succeeding,”.

The courtesy visit was attended by the APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba; the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; commissioners, special advisers, and other government officials.

Zulum – I Will Hand Over a More Secure and Prosperous Borno to Gubio

Tinubu Hosts Madagascar President in Abuja, Seeks Stronger Bilateral Ties

By: Zagazola Makama

President Bola Tinubu on Monday received the President of Madagascar, Michael Randrianirina, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as both leaders moved to strengthen diplomatic relations and deepen cooperation between their countries.

President Randrianirina arrived at the State House Forecourt at about 2:57 p.m. on a courtesy visit and was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Following a brief reception ceremony, the Madagascan leader was escorted to the President’s office, where he held closed-door talks with President Tinubu.

The meeting was expected to focus on issues of mutual interest, including regional development, economic cooperation, trade, investment and continental integration.

Nigeria and Madagascar have continued to pursue closer collaboration in areas critical to Africa’s growth and prosperity, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting development, strengthening institutions and enhancing engagement across the continent.

Earlier, troops of the Nigerian Army conducted a Guard of Honour parade at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to formally receive the visiting leader.

Security sources said personnel of the 102 Guards Battalion and 176 Guards Battalion mounted the ceremonial parade at about 10:00 a.m. as part of official protocols for visiting heads of state.

According to the sources, the ceremony was conducted successfully and without any security incident.

The visit underscores ongoing diplomatic engagements between African nations aimed at fostering regional cooperation, economic partnerships and collective efforts toward sustainable development across the continent.

Officials said discussions between the two leaders were expected to further consolidate relations between Nigeria and Madagascar and explore new areas of cooperation for mutual benefit.

Tinubu Hosts Madagascar President in Abuja, Seeks Stronger Bilateral Ties

FRSC strengthens driver education to promote safer highways

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in collaboration with the Gombe State Government has begun a two-day training for 65 driving school proprietors and instructors in Northeast.

Our Correspondent reports that the training which was held in Gombe on Monday is aimed at upholding professional standards in driver education, curbing road crashes and promoting safer highways.

In his speech, Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, represented by his deputy, Dr Mannasah Jatau, highlighted that human error was responsible for over 95% of road traffic crashes.
Yahaya said it was in view of that, that the training of drivers in skills, knowledge, attitude, and behavioural patterns became imperative to ensure safety and prevent fatalities.

He said that the training would contribute to ensuring drivers were more equipped with the right knowledge while improving professional driver education towards reducing road crashes.

“Training these instructors and driving school proprietors will help reduce, to the barest minimum road traffic crashes.

“This will positively impact in reducing some of the causes of deaths, hospitalisation and loss of wealth and property, experienced by the society, on a daily basis,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Mr Shehu Mohammed, the FRSC Corps Marshal said that training driving school operators in emerging vehicle technology and modern road trends aimed at deepening the culture of safety on highways.

Represented by the Assistant Corps Marshal, Felix Theman, Mohammed said that the Driving School Standardization Programmme (DSSP) was crucial to ensuring professionalism and safety.

He said that the training would provide the right knowledge that would correct behavioural ills that result in road crashes.

“The corps is poised to ensuring optimal adaptation to evolving vehicle technology and modern road trends,” he said.

He said that the workshop highlighted the agency’s determination to modernising driver training with a view of enhancing behavioural change.

“The training has also promoted professionalism among driving instructors, enhanced credibility of driver licensing process, and strengthened collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders,” he said.

On his part, Mr Samson Kaura, the FRSC Sector Commander in Gombe State said one of the most critical pillars of road safety management was driver education and training.

Kaura said that drivers were the most active participants in the road transport system, and their knowledge, skills, and attitudes largely determine how safe roads were used.

He said it was in that regard, that driving schools occupy strategic and indispensable positions in shaping driver behaviour and promoting a culture of safety, discipline, and responsibility on roads.

Kaura further warned against sharp practices, stressing that any school owner involved in illegal dealings would not be spared.

On his part, Mr Victor Akpan, Chairman of Gombe State Driving School Proprietors commended the FRSC for their efforts in training them on innovative ways to improve professionalism and enhanced safety on roads.

Akpan urged residents to desist from home training their spouses but engage their services for better understanding of what driving entailed.

Our Correspondent reports that the theme of this year’s workshop, is “Professional Driver Education Using Innovative Training Models to Improve Road Safety and Reduce Fatalities in Nigeria,”

FRSC strengthens driver education to promote safer highways