U.S. AFRICOM Delegation Visits Maiduguri, Reaffirms Counterterrorism Cooperation

By: Zagazola Makama

A delegation from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has visited the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri to strengthen ongoing counterterrorism cooperation in the Lake Chad region.

Security sources said the delegation, led by the Deputy Director of Operations/Cyber, Rear Admiral Cameron Chen, arrived at Maimalari Cantonment on May 20, where they were received by the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal O.F. Akinboyewa.

The visit featured a detailed briefing on the current threat assessment in the North-East and ongoing counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the theatre of operations.

Discussions during the engagement focused on enhancing intelligence sharing, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) support, logistics interdiction, and improved operational coordination within the Lake Chad basin.

The delegation also reviewed ongoing multinational efforts aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and disrupting logistics networks across the region.

Security sources said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration under counterterrorism and counter-insurgency frameworks, including preparations for Operation Lake Sanity III.

The visit was described as successful and conducted without incident.

Authorities noted that international cooperation remains a key component in sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

U.S. AFRICOM Delegation Visits Maiduguri, Reaffirms Counterterrorism Cooperation

Zulum Hails Tinubu, Shettima as APC Picks Gubio for 2027 Borno Governorship Race

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum on Thursday praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima following the emergence of Engineer Mustapha Gubio as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 elections in Borno State.

Speaking shortly after the party’s affirmation ceremony in Maiduguri, Zulum described Gubio’s emergence as divinely ordained rather than the outcome of political scheming, while also commending the leadership of Tinubu and Shettima for ensuring a peaceful and consensus-driven process.

“What we saw today is the will of Almighty Allah,” Zulum declared before party delegates and supporters. “Allah, in His infinite wisdom, gives power to whom He wills.”

The governor said the smooth conduct of the APC primary process reflected the growing internal cohesion within the ruling party in Borno, a state considered one of the APC’s strongest political bases in the North-East.

“I want to convey my deepest appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and indeed my boss, Senator Kashim Shettima, for all the support they have rendered to us that ensured the consensus leading to the emergence of Alhaji Mustapha Gubio,” he said.

Zulum further praised both leaders for creating what he described as an “enabling environment” for rancour-free primaries, adding that their commitment to internal democracy had strengthened party unity across the state.

Gubio emerged as the APC consensus candidate after consultations among party stakeholders, political leaders and influential blocs within the state.

The affirmation ceremony, held at the defunct Kashim Ibrahim College of Education in Maiduguri, was supervised by the chairman of the Borno APC primary election committee, Chief Emma Eneukwu.

Vice President Shettima, who attended the event in person, used the occasion to call for reconciliation and unity among party members, especially aspirants and supporters dissatisfied with the outcome of the delegate selection process.

“There is no victor, no vanquished in this contest,” Shettima said. “It is Allah that gives power to whomever He wills at His appointed time.”

The vice president appealed to aggrieved party members to “sheathe their swords” in the interest of peace, stability and the future of Borno State.

The event attracted prominent political figures, including former Borno State governors Ali Modu Sheriff and Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan, alongside senior APC leaders and federal lawmakers.

Others in attendance included APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, APC State Chairman Bello Ayuba, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan.

In his acceptance speech, Gubio pledged to consolidate on the achievements of the Zulum administration, particularly in the areas of security, reconstruction, education, agriculture and human capital development.

The APC candidate said his administration, if elected in 2027, would sustain ongoing efforts to rebuild communities devastated by insurgency while intensifying programmes aimed at poverty reduction and youth empowerment.

“I am particularly grateful to my mentor and benefactor, His Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum,” Gubio said. “I am profoundly appreciative of his unwavering support, mentorship, confidence and encouragement throughout my journey in public service.”

He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their leadership and commitment to stabilising the North-East region.

Gubio outlined an ambitious development agenda focused on post-insurgency recovery and social welfare, promising to establish “Resettlement Mega Hubs” for displaced persons and refugees as part of efforts to deepen rehabilitation and reconstruction across affected communities.

He pledged continued investment in education and vocational training to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve youth self-reliance.

“We will continue to invest heavily in education and vocational training to combat illiteracy, especially in rural communities, and equip our youth with skills for productivity,” he said.

The APC candidate also promised improvements in healthcare delivery, rural electrification, water supply and agricultural expansion, while vowing to adopt a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and political violence.

“We will ensure discipline, respect for constituted authority and tackle political thuggery and gangsterism,” Gubio stated. “We will maintain a strict policy of zero tolerance for financial misconduct and corruption in the public sector.”

He further pledged to expand renewable energy projects, particularly solar-powered electrification initiatives, and consolidate all-year-round farming programmes aimed at boosting food security in the state.

Political observers say the emergence of Gubio, widely seen as a close ally of both Zulum and Shettima, signals continuity in the APC’s governance structure in Borno as the ruling party positions itself early for the 2027 elections.

The development also underscores the enduring political influence of Vice President Shettima in Borno politics, where he and Governor Zulum continue to shape the direction of the APC in the state amid ongoing reconstruction efforts following years of Boko Haram insurgency.

Zulum Hails Tinubu, Shettima as APC Picks Gubio for 2027 Borno Governorship Race

UNESCO Cultural Diversity Day: Nigeria, Korea Deepen Cultural Ties as Stakeholders Urge Youths to Preserve Heritage

By: Michael Mike

Culture remains one of the strongest instruments for national identity, unity, diplomacy and economic development, stakeholders declared on Thursday at the 2026 Cultural Diversity Day celebration held in Abuja.

The event, organised in partnership with the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria, brought together diplomats, youth representatives, cultural advocates, students and members of the public to commemorate the global observance of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, an initiative established by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

Held at the Korean Cultural Centre studio in Abuja, the programme focused on the theme: “Culture as Power: Shaping Nations through Creativity and Identity.” Speakers at the gathering stressed that culture should not merely be seen as tradition or entertainment, but as a strategic tool capable of shaping societies, strengthening peaceful coexistence and driving innovation.

Addressing participants, the KCCN Director, Jeon Juho, said: “Young people are not only the future of cultural exchange; they are already active drivers of change,” he added that: “Their ideas and creativity have the power to bridge divides and promote greater understanding among nations.”

He noted that the celebration was designed to encourage deeper intercultural dialogue and strengthen relations between Nigeria and South Korea through cultural exchange.

“Today’s event celebrates culture not only as a reflection of who we are, but also as a powerful force that shapes nations and builds connections across borders,” he stated.

Participants warned against the growing neglect of indigenous cultures among younger generations, insisting that cultural identity remains essential to national cohesion and social stability.

“Our youth, including adults, should not throw away their culture,” one of the discussants said during an interview session. “Our culture is our identity. Our culture is our memory. Our culture is what should bring us together and not put us apart.”

The event highlighted the increasing role of soft power and cultural diplomacy in international relations, with speakers noting that countries around the world are leveraging music, film, literature, fashion and the creative arts to project national identity and strengthen global partnerships.

According to organisers, Nigeria and South Korea have continued to expand cultural cooperation through educational exchanges, youth programmes, artistic collaborations and technology-sharing initiatives.

Explaining the significance of the partnership with Korea, participants said the Korean Cultural Center Nigeria had created a platform for mutual cultural appreciation and collaboration.

“They opened the door for this collaboration,” a participant said. “They are in Nigeria representing Korean culture, so we are celebrating both our culture and their culture together.”

Beyond cultural preservation, speakers also underscored the economic value of culture, noting that creative industries and cultural exchange programmes can contribute significantly to tourism, innovation, job creation and technology transfer.

Representing UNESCO, Peter Omale said: “We have cultural exchange programmes where we exchange not only culture, but also technology,” one speaker explained. “That is part of the gain.”

Analysts at the event noted that countries with strong cultural industries often enjoy greater international visibility and economic opportunities, especially through entertainment, tourism and digital innovation.

The programme also featured the Kim Poo Essay and Video Contest, with organisers applauding participants for their creativity and intellectual depth.

Speakers said the competition demonstrated the critical role young people play in shaping the future through storytelling, innovation and intercultural dialogue.

“Young people are not only the future of cultural exchange; they are already active drivers of change,” an organiser said. “Their creativity and ideas have the power to bridge divides and promote greater understanding among nations.”

Activities at the event included panel discussions, cultural performances and award presentations aimed at promoting tolerance, diversity and collaboration between communities from different cultural backgrounds.

Observers said the celebration comes at a time when global tensions, migration and digital interconnectedness have increased the importance of cultural understanding and inclusive dialogue across societies.

The annual UNESCO-backed observance, celebrated worldwide every May 21, seeks to promote cultural diversity as a foundation for peace, sustainable development and social inclusion.

Over the years, the Korean Cultural Center Nigeria has played an active role in promoting Korean culture in Nigeria through language classes, film festivals, music events and youth engagement programmes, while also encouraging cultural exchange between both countries.

Participants at Thursday’s event expressed optimism that stronger people-to-people connections and sustained cultural collaboration would further deepen diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and South Korea.

UNESCO Cultural Diversity Day: Nigeria, Korea Deepen Cultural Ties as Stakeholders Urge Youths to Preserve Heritage