News
Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team

Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Yobe state government, through the office of the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni, has received a reputable consulting team who were engaged to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies and technical designs for the successful implementation of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) project in the state.
The SSG who received the team on behalf of the state government highlighted three priority areas identified by the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, to be handled under the project.
He articulated the three key areas to include: infrastructure, agriculture, and energy, which were strategically selected to improve the livelihoods and promote the economic growth of the citizens.
While making his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government has called on the consultant to justify the conference reposed on them by the government.
Earlier speaking, State Focal Person BADEA, Idriss Mohammed Yaro Gumsa, told the SSG that consultants were in Yobe for the past couple of days as he took them round for a sightseeing visit to some of the proposed project sites.
Also, as part of the mandate for the consultants visit to Yobe, the state government conducted a high-level stakeholder engagement aimed at preparing necessary requirements for securing alternate financing to drive sustainable development and enhance the quality of lives of Yobe communities through funding from BADE.
The session chaired by the SSG, represented by the Hon. Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha Geidam, was meant to deliberate on the technical aspect of the project proposal.
“Under agriculture, the proposed initiatives include supporting 20,000 smallholder farmers across the 17 LGAs of the state with essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, including solar-powered water pumps and hand-push tillers, among others.
“Establishing 50 small-scale irrigation schemes in Yobe State to facilitate year-round crop production, targeting over 14,000 individual beneficiaries.
According to him, the focus for infrastructure development in the project involves the construction and rehabilitation of 253 kilometers of rural and urban roads across the state.
Others include drilling and installing 200 hybrid solar-powered boreholes in urban-rural communities, boarding secondary schools and primary healthcare centers, as well as construction of 200-bed capacity hostels in the designated tertiary institutions across the three senatorial districts.
While the energy sector intends to provide solar and renewable energy solutions for boarding schools, specialist hospitals, healthcare centers, and modern markets and promote energy efficiency through advanced technologies and practices.
He urged the consulting firm to work in line with the state government’s priorities and ensure due diligence in the conduct of their assignment.
Meanwhile, in his presentation on the overview of the BADEA project in Yobe, the State Focal Person, Idriss Mohammed Yaro, highlighted the deliberate efforts made by the Yobe state government towards attracting the BADEA project, which include an official visit to the Arab Bank’s headquarters in Riyadh by our leader and people-oriented governor, His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON.
The consultant assured the government of their commitment to deliver the assignment according to standard specifications.
Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team
News
1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT
By: Michael Mike
A thousand youth from across northern states of the country are to be trained on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as part of efforts at empowering youth from the region.
The training is part of efforts of United States (US) based organisation, Zumunta Association USA Inc. which planned to host its 2025 Annual Convention between July 14-25 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The association which was formed in New York, US in 1991 has since its inception given scholarships to over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria in the value of above N100 million.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the President of the Association, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, said apart from the ICT Training, a medical outreach would be organised between June 14-23 at the Gudi General Hospital, Akwanga, Nasarawa State to provide top medical care for members of the public.
Bitrus, while disclosing that the association is non-partisan and non-religious organisation dedicated to representing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Nigeria, while also promoting a positive image of the country globally through the impactful actions of its members, said Zumunta Association remains committed to serving the needs of members, partnering with host communities and promoting unbiased, inclusive discourse on national development.
He noted that: “Our flagship Scholarship Programme has transformed the lives of
over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with over N100 million disbursed since inception. We receive more than
810,000 applications annually, a testament to the scale of need—and a call to action for donors and partners.
“We’ve spearheaded numerous palliative projects through partnerships with over 30 NGOs. Our work includes: School renovations; Health interventions; Community development initiatives across all 19 northern states and the FCT.
“In 2024, we joined hands with the government to enroll vulnerable populations into Essential Health Care Package
programmes, combating illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, and reducing under-5 mortality rates.”
He noted that during the Convention apart from the ICT Training and Medical Outreach, other activities lined up include Zumunta Golf Classic Tournament; Tennis Tournament, Business Meeting on Strategic Sectors such as Agriculture, Mining and Minerals, Health, and Housing; Gala, Awards and Fundraiser; Engagement with Traditional Rukers and Stakeholders.
Earlier, the Chairman/CEO, (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the efforts of the organisation towards development of the country.
Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi said the scholarships to 5,000 students was highly commendable and that NIDCOM would want to collaborate with the association in more areas.
End
News
Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing
By: Zagazola Makama
A police patrol team was ambushed on Sunday morning by suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN) along the Okigwe–Umuahia Expressway in Imo State, resulting in the death of one officer and the disappearance of another.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack occurred at about 8:20 a.m. near Umuaka in Okigwe while the team was on routine patrol duties.
According to security sources, the patrol team was ambushed by heavily armed assailants who opened fire without provocation.
Police Constable Oluebube Onwubuariri, one of the patrol officers, sustained gunshot wounds to the ribs and was rushed to the General Hospital, Okigwe, where he was confirmed dead.
The team leader, Assistant Superintendent of Police Casmir Eronobi, has been declared missing. He was last seen with his AK-47 rifle bearing breech number 12592 and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
A massive manhunt is underway to locate the missing officer and recover the service weapon.
Security reinforcements comprising tactical teams from Owerri, the military, local vigilantes, and hunters have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and restore order.
Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing
News
Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**
By: Zagazola Makama
A recently released video showing notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji expressing interest in surrendering and accepting peace has left many Nigerians speculating whether the once-feared warlord has finally developed a conscience.
However, contrary to popular assumptions, Turji’s decision appears less about remorse and more about reality. The video, which went viral over the weekend, is not the result of a moral awakening but rather a product of desperation.
“Turji is not laying down arms because he suddenly loves peace. He is doing so because his operational capabilities have been severely weakened.”
Three days before the video surfaced, Zagazola reported that Turji was actively seeking surrender following the killing of his operational commander, Danbokolo, who was the true engine behind Turji’s terror enterprise.
Danbokolo was reportedly neutralized during a joint operation coordinated by the State Services and the Hybrid Forces, a local security team made up of Civilian JTF.
“Let’s be honest, Turji was more of a spokesman. Danbokolo handled the heavy lifting — the ambushes, raids, and executions,” the source said. “Once Danbokolo was gone, so was Turji’s swagger.”
The once-fire-spitting Turji now finds himself walking a tightrope, stripped of influence and hunted by the very people he once terrorized.
While the circumstances surrounding his potential disarmament are still being delicately managed, insiders confirm that the collapse of his network has been swift and decisive.
It is believed this recent development points to the impact of sustained, intelligence-driven offensives against high-value targets in the region.
Now, the question remains: will the government accept Turji’s amnesty after the atrocities he committed against peaceful communities in the Northwest? That remains uncertain.
Will his surrender end banditry in the Northwest? CERTAINLY NOT.
Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**
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