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VP Shettima To Public Servants: Remain Selfless To Sustain Enduring Legacies In Service

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VP Shettima To Public Servants: Remain Selfless To Sustain Enduring Legacies In Service

Extols Hadiza Usman’s contributions to public service, nation building at 50th birthday colloquium

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has charged public servants in Nigeria to imbibe the virtues of selflessness and excellence, marked by a commitment to daily discipline, consistency of effort and strength of character.

According to him, enduring legacies in public service are the ones sustained by a consistent dedication to excellence, resilience and hard work regardless of the challenges of building enduring institutions.

Senator Shettima spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during a colloquium organised to commemorate the 50th birthday of Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head, Central Delivery Coordination Unit.

“If we are to raise more generations of Nigerians ready to lead with purpose, to deliver with excellence, and to serve with courage, we must remember this truth: intention without the willingness to pay the price of service remains wishful thinking,” he stated.

Eulogizing the celebrant’s distinguished and unique public service career, the Vice President described Hadiza Bala Usman as a mirror not only for the northern Nigerian girl, but for the nation itself.

He said, “There is no doubt that Usman’s place in our public service history is secure. This is so because it was not built on spectacle, nor did it rely on applause. What she has become was a product of decisions taken quietly, responsibilities carried fully, and institutions strengthened with care.”

VP Shettima said Hadiza Bala Usman earned her influence in Nigeria’s public service, continually shaping the country’s national direction through “a rare combination of gifts: grace, strengthened by grit; clarity, guided by courage, vision and excellence.”

He continued: “What has not been noted enough about our celebrant is that she is emerging from a part of our country where many young women still search for proof that ambition such as hers is permitted.

“Indeed, her journey required courage, and that is why she has become that proof. Its trials were visible. Its demands were exacting. Its rewards were earned. Nigeria watched her grow into responsibility early, stepping into critical policy spaces when many are still finding their voice.”

Maintaining that Usman’s achievements were never accidental, Senator Shettima noted that the celebrant’s rise in public service was deliberate, earned and sustained by a faithful commitment to the difficult work of building a functional nation.

“May your example continue to guide those who still believe that service, when done well, can ennoble a nation,” the VP added.

Earlier, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Usman’s life remains a shining example of discipline.

He urged the celebrant to remain steadfast in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, expressing optimism that her years ahead will be marked by continuous, impactful service to Nigeria.

For his part, Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, explained that the gathering was aimed at honouring a life defined by purpose, courage, and an unwavering commitment to service and value addition to the Tinubu administration.

Gbajabiamila noted that when Usman transitioned fully into government at the state and national levels, she introduced structure to governance and clarity in priorities.

He recalled how the presidential aide eventually enforced reforms in one of Nigeria’s most strategic and complex agencies, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), thereby raising the standard of leadership and service within the agency.

Also, the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, recognised Usman’s service and commitment to public institutions in Nigeria, particularly the Ministry of Youth Development.

He noted that her relevance in public service has resulted in her supportive roles in many initiatives aimed at benefiting youths across the country.

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar Abubakar, described Usman as a friend of over three decades.

According to her, the celebrant exemplifies an overwhelming commitment to principles, matched with quiet clarity and conviction, both in private and public life.

Speaking on “Leadership Delivery and the Courage to Serve,” the keynote speaker at the colloquium, a former Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr Joe Abah, said serving Nigeria at a senior level is a privilege only a few would attain, entailing that those who occupy such roles must positively impact the lives of the citizenry.

Highlighting a number of leadership lessons practically expressed through Usman’s life, he said, “Your work no longer speaks for you,” adding that one must now speak for their work due to the emergence of fake news and critics.

He noted that leading people remains difficult, and that leaders may not see the impact of their actions in government until they leave office.

On her part, the celebrant, Hadiza, said she was humbled by the personalities who graced the colloquium, just as she thanked President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and others for contributing to her political career and personal life.

She recalled her roles in election planning since 2015 and at the NPA, and used the opportunity to recommit herself to the Renewed Hope Agenda for the betterment of Nigeria.

VP Shettima To Public Servants: Remain Selfless To Sustain Enduring Legacies In Service

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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