Zulum opens 48-classroom school

Approves meal, stipends to spike enrollment 

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has inaugurated the Higher Islamic College, Gajiganna, in the northern part of the state.

The college will blend the traditional Almajiri education system (Sangaya) with the formal education system.

Speaking on Friday in Gajiganna town, Zulum stressed that about 20 similar colleges had been built in different local government areas to provide Almajirai with basic literacy and vocational skills. 

The governor said: “our goal is clear: to provide our children, especially Sangaya learners, with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in today’s world. 

“In pursuit of this, the institutions we are establishing operate under a curriculum approved by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) which harmoniously blends Islamic scholarship with Science, Mathematics, Technology and Foundational English.

“At the same time, we have remained unwavering in our commitment to revitalising the Sangaya education system—an enduring pillar of Islamic learning that has shaped our society for generations. 

“Our reforms have been deliberate and balanced: safeguarding the cherished values of traditional Islamic scholarship while introducing modern subjects and vocational training.”

Governor Zulum also commissioned the  Government Day Secondary School, Gajiganna, which will serve as a referral centre for hundreds of pupils completing their primary education in Gajiganna town.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, commended Governor Zulum for delivering over 104 mega schools in six years.

“Your Excellency, to proudly highlight that under your stewardship, 104 Mega Schools have already been completed and delivered across the state, with an additional 35 at different stages of construction, excluding those already advertised and awaiting commencement,” Wakilbe said.

The commissioner added: “This is a remarkable achievement that reflects not only infrastructure but vision, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to generations yet unborn.”

The event was attended by the Senate Chief whip and the senator representing northern Borno, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zannah, Abdulkadir Rahis and Engr Bukar Talba.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba; the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustahpa Mallumbe, among other senior government officials.

Approves one meal/day, stipends to spike enrollment 

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum has directed the provision of one square meal to the students in high Islamic colleges and schools with low enrollment.

According to the governor, the directive is to spike the enrollment in the northern part of the state, which had suffered devastation from over a decade of insurgency.

He said: “We must establish deliberate measures to promote education in northern Borno. This is the only region in Borno State that has not been developed in terms of education. So, both the secondary and primary education board chairmen are here. I want you to put more emphasis on northern Borno. You can see a situation whereby in this town with a total population of about 50,000 people, only 90 students were enrolled in a secondary school.

The Governor added, “We must support the parents of these 90 students from towns like Gajiganna. It is imperative to ensure that these 90 students complete their studies, it would represent significant progress. We will approve stipends of N250,000 for their fathers and N50,000 for each of their mothers. For the students themselves, we are setting aside N50,000 each, which will provide them with financial support for their essential needs.”

Zulum opens 48-classroom school

Troops repel failed ambush in Borno, eliminate 13 terrorists, recover weapons

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated 13 Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who attempted to ambush a military convoy escorting humanitarian supplies at Kareto in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno.

Zagazola report that the ambush, which occurred on Wednesday along the Gubio–Damasak road, was characterised by the detonation of two command Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) followed by heavy gunfire from the terrorists.

Sources said that the troops responded swiftly, taking battle positions and unleashing superior firepower that overwhelmed the insurgents.

“In the ensuing exchange, 13 terrorists were neutralised instantly, while others fled in disarray. The troops then pursued the fleeing elements, further exploiting the area,” the source said.

During the operation, the soldiers recovered eight AK-47 rifles, ten magazines, and a large cache of 7.62mm ammunition, as well as a camel bag, several rolls of detonating cord, and multiple primed IEDs.

However, the encounter was not without setbacks. One soldier sustained a minor injury and is reported to be in stable condition. Four Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) tyres were damaged, while two trucks were engulfed in flames during the firefight.

The source emphasised that the operation highlighted the troops’ professionalism and resilience under pressure, noting that the insurgents’ attempt to disrupt humanitarian relief efforts failed completely.

“The escort mission was successfully completed, and the relief materials have since been secured and delivered to Damasak,” the officer added.

The source further explained that the troops have sustained deliberate clearance operations in the general area to deny the terrorists freedom of action and to maintain secure corridors for humanitarian access.

Operation Hadin Kai continues to provide both combat support and humanitarian escort missions across the North-East, where remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP remain active in remote border areas.
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RCCG inaugurates Gombe Province 2

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has inaugurated a new provincial headquarters in Gombe State, named: “Gombe Province 2” following its approval at the just concluded RCCG Convention held at the Redemption City located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The new province located in Nasarawo Community in Gombe Local Government Area of Gombe State held its inaugural service on Sunday to welcome the newly posted Pastor-in-Charge as members and workers of RCCG from the state graced the occasion.

In his welcome speech, Pastor-in-charge of Province 1, Pst Johnson Akinsehinwa expressed gratitude to God for the establishment of the new Province, viewing it as a divine mandate for evangelism, discipleship, and community impact.

He described the inauguration of the new province as historic and a proof that God’s covenant of increase is alive amongst the RCCG family in the state.

He expressed special thanks to Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer, and Pastor Julius Olalekan, the Regional Pastor, along with their wives, for their vision and support to the establishment of the new province.

“This Province is a divine mandate, an opportunity for greater evangelism, discipleship and community impact. As Isaiah 54:2-3 declares, the Lord is calling us to enlarge, to expand, and to break forth.

“We trust Him(God) that, in years to come, we shall witness more Provinces birthed in this land, if Christ tarries,” he said.

The PIC, Gombe Province 1 called on RCCG members in the state to remain united and steadfast in Christ while recommitting to soul winning and service.

He prayed that the new province would flourish and its leadership blessed with wisdom to pilot the activities of the church towards making its light shine like a city on a hill.

In his speech, Pst Joshua David, PIC, Gombe Province 2, thanked the RCCG family for their warm reception, noting that the love shown to him had made him feel at home.

David while recounting his experiences in Imo, Bayelsa and Delta States, said: “it pays to serve God”, encouraging members to rededicate their lives to the service of God.

According to him, his coming to Gombe Province 2 is not to lord over anyone or exercise authority but to advance the kingdom of God.

He commended Pst E. A Adeboye and Pst Olalekan for their support and vision in approving the establishment of the new province which he said would become a place for God’s children to be favoured.

Our Correspondent reports that there are 117 RCCG parishes in the state, which have now been split amongst the two Provinces in the state with Gombe Province 1 having 60 parishes while Province 2 has 57.

RCCG inaugurates Gombe Province 2