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Zulum: A Beacon Of Hope To Borno’s Less Privileged People
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Zulum: A Beacon Of Hope To Borno’s Less Privileged People
By Gbenga Akingbule
Born without a silver spoon and struggled through hardwork, perseverance and unwavering desire to succeed, Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum has since become a household name especially amongst the less privileged persons in the state .
Prof. Zulum is always quick to share stories about his humble beginning amongst the high and mighty, a gesture observers view as rare display of humility amongst Nigeria’s political elite
Upon assumption of office in 2019 , Prof Zulum has consistently associated himself with the less privileged,- his former constituency where he got first hand experience of the difficult economic hardship bedeveling many Nigerian less privileged people.
Driven by compassion and his gennue concern to assist the common people, Prof Zulum had on different occasion while on visit to the hinterland, ordered for the immediate halting of his motorcade just to assist locals walking long distance by giving them a ride on his convoy and also give them cash support.
Pfrof Zulum passion to liberate his people from the shackles of poverty and education backwardness has led to rise in budgetary provisions and fund releases for the education sector and key ministries that are aimed at empowering the common people.
For the 2024 buget, the Ministry of Education was allocated the sum of N39 billion to carry out its activities- this effort , amongst others , has removed over one million out- of – school children off the streets of Borno and returned them to the classrooms where their future are being positively shaped to become responsible and productive members of the society.
” Out of 1.8 million out -of- school children in 2021, we have taken measures to reduce the number to less that 800. We’re still working assiduously bring down the number ” Commissioner of Education, Science , Technology and Innovation, Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe said
No doubt, the more than a decade long insurgency in Borno State had led many children and their parents to flee trouble areas, thereby obstructing their education where massive destruction to education facilities across the state was evident .
At a recent function during a public lecture held at University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID ) which form part activities to mark the exit of the former Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof . Aliyu Shugaba after completing his 5 year tenure, Prof Zulum didn’t mince words when he charged the sea of erudite scholars present at the occasion, majority of whom are indigens of Borno State to think outside the box and collaborate to use education as tool for liberating the people of the state .
Zulum was quick to trip down memory lane and revealed how he battled through pletoral of obstacles in his unquenchable quest to gain quality education that has since transformed his life to become a professor of Soil and Water Engineer and currently serving his second term as governor of Borno state.
” coming from my background, I know how I suffered , where we do not have competent teachers to teach us in our primary and secondary school. I never thought I would be a professor, because both of my parents were not educated, nobody ever told me to do my assignment while in primary school, I was on my own.” Zulun said .
It was therefore not surprising when Governor Zulum recently released the sum of N4.8 Billion as scholarship award to 524 postgraduate students from the state , including orphans and less privileged persons.
The scholarship award according to the governor is meant for foriegn and local postgraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ( STEM)
In his usual humanitarian and compassion towards the the less privileged irrespective of ethnicity, tribe or religion governor Zulum during an early morning visit to a school in Maiduguri, the state capital gifted a woman form the South East part of the country- a teacher in the school with the sum of N100, 000 cash for always showing up eally to her duty post .
Also , recently, during a visit to launch grains given to the state by Federal Government , Prof Zulum, shortly after the occasion went towards the direction of the local guard guarding the premises and immediately ordered that the sum of N500 000 be given to him – an amount that is more that his 12 month salary.
The 80 year Chadian local guard who had lived in Nigeria for over four decades and has over 20 Children was stunned by the governor’s gesture and said the money will go a long way in ameliorating his financial challenges.
Furthermore, 63 year old Cecelia Joseph, a widow and mother of six children who was part of the one hundred thousand households that benefited from massive food support scheme carried out by the Borno State Governor.
The aim of the food support according to Goverenor Zulum is to ameliorate economic hardship being experienced by many vulnerable families across state including the likes of Cecilia whose husband, a commercial taxi driver was gruesomely murdered by suspected Boko Haram Terrorists over ten years ago.
Since the demise of her husband, Cecilia who had continue to feed from hand to mouth with her six children revealed that Governor Zulum is the first to have reached out to her with any form of assistance- the food support , she said ” will assist me and my six children immensely ”
Prof Zulum had ordered that the food support should be given to all vulnerable residents irrespective of tribe , religion and political affiliations hence paving the way for Cecilia who hails from far away Osun State, a devoted Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) member as well as other beneficiaries who are not indigens of the state .
” I’m so grateful to Governor Zulum for wiping away my tears with this food support. But I would appreciate more support from the governor and other well meaning citizens for the education on my children. ” Cecelia who currently lives in a rented accommodation on the outskirts of Maiduguri , the state capital said .
Governor Zulum had revealed during one of the many food distribution in the state that ” We have never distinguish between Christians and Muslims in our food distribution. What we’re doing is not partisan either , it’s not based on ethnicity or religion ; we advised the community to select one hundred thousand most valuable and bottom poor and this will go a long way in ameliorating the suffering of the masses ”
While warehouses were being looted acros the country during the # EndSARS protests, residents of Borno state were full of gratitude to Governor Zulum for always coming to their aid with his unprecedented distribution of food , cash and clothing to assist the less privileged.
Following the release of N2 Billion intervention by the President Bola Tinubu led Federal governmen to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal Prof. Zulum had announced raising the number of households being targeted for palliatives from 300,000 to 400,000 households.
Each household according to the Governor, will be made up of six family members and multiplied by 400,000 which, by implication, moves Zulum’s new target to two million and four hundred thousand individuals.
“Governor Zulum has continued to stand in the gap for many of the less privileged people in Borno state ” Umar Ali, one of those that recently benefited from the food support scheme established by the governor.
Zulum: A Beacon Of Hope To Borno’s Less Privileged People
News
Senator Lawan visits Geidam in Abuja
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Senator Lawan visits Geidam in Abuja
By: Yahaya Wakili
The President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D., GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid homage to Nigeria’s Minister of Police Affairs and former Yobe State Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ibrahim Gaidam, at his Abuja residence.
In a statement issued and signed by him, which was made available to newsmen in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital,.Senator Lawan said that when His Excellency served as Executive Governor of Yobe State between 2009 and 2019, he left enduring legacies, from the introduction and implementation of visionary infrastructure projects to his tireless efforts in education, healthcare, and security.
According to him, under his leadership of the Police Affairs ministry, Sen. Gaidam, in his last year of assuming office, has recorded significant achievements in restoring security to our nation by spearheading efforts to reform and modernize the Nigeria Police Force.
He pointed out that, in addition to advocating for increased funding for the police to ensure adequate resources for operations, recruitment, and training, the ministry under His Excellency has fostered strong collaboration between the police and other security agencies, including the military, intelligence services, and community vigilante groups.
The President of the Ninth Senate revealed that this coordination has enhanced information sharing and joint operations, leading to improved security outcomes.
Senator Ahmed Lawan further said that Sen. Gaidam’s remarkable efforts as Police Affairs Minister have no doubt had a profound impact on our nation’s security landscape. Crime rates have declined significantly, public confidence in the police has been restored, and our communities are a lot safer.
“Beyond our shared history as Senators who both served in the 9th National Assembly and also exchanged views on current national issues, his insights and wisdom are invaluable to any discussion about Nigeria.
“I was filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be hosted by such a distinguished and respected figure. I wish His Excellency well as he continues to serve our great nation with distinction,” he said.
Senator Lawan visits Geidam in Abuja
Health
VP Shettima In Maiduguri, Consoles Victims Of Gwoza Suicide Bombings
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VP Shettima In Maiduguri, Consoles Victims Of Gwoza Suicide Bombings
*** Says President Tinubu’s heart is with them, makes personal donations to affected persons
By: Our Reporter
In a swift response to the suicide bombings in Gwoza area of Borno State on Saturday, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday paid a condolence visit to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the gory attacks.
He described the incident as pathetic, even as he quoted the late Dele Giwa saying, “One life lost in cold blood is as gruesome as millions lost in cold blood.”
![](https://newsng.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG-20240701-WA0051.jpg)
Speaking with journalists immediately after meeting and commiserating with victims of the attack at the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Senator Shettima conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Borno State government and the people of Gwoza.
The Vice President who made a personal donation to all the victims of the attacks and condoled with the families of those killed by the multiple explosions, saying the heart of the President is with them.
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“The heart of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is with the victims and he specifically instructed us to come and offer our condolences and commiserations to the victims of this incident.
“We are here with the Director General of @nemanigeria, with the Minister of Agriculture, with the Minister of Transportation and, of course, the Chief Whip of the Senate, a son of the soil from Gwoza, who was here since yesterday (Sunday), and the Acting Governor. They have been working round the clock to provide succor and support to the victims,” VP Shettima stated.
Pegging the death toll at 32, the VP noted that while 42 persons injured in the suicide bomb attacks were brought to the Specialist Hospital, 14 have been discharged after receiving treatment, with 26 still receiving treatment.
He said, “It was a very pathetic scene. Our hearts go out to the victims. So far, we have recorded 32 deaths; 42 of those injured were brought in from Gwoza and about 14 have been discharged, while about 26 are currently receiving attention.”
“I want to use this forum to most sincerely register our profound gratitude to the Borno State government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and @ICRC_Nigeria for rising to the challenges of the times and giving their best in terms of support.”
While in Maiduguri, the Vice President also attended the funeral prayer for the late mother of former Borno Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Hajiya Aisa, at the family residence of Late Galadima Modu Sheriff along Damboa Road.
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The mother to the former Governor died in Abuja on Sunday at the age of 93 after a protracted illness.
In the VP’s entourage were the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur; Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali; former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda; the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, and other top government officials.
VP Shettima In Maiduguri, Consoles Victims Of Gwoza Suicide Bombings
News
Zulum griefs passing away of former Borno Governor’s mother
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Zulum griefs passing away of former Borno Governor’s mother
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed his grief over the passing of the mother of former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, Hajjiya Aisa Modu Sheriff.
Hajjiya Aisa passed away on Sunday in Abuja after battling a prolonged illness at the age of 93. She was laid to rest on Monday at the family residence of the former Governor Sheriff in Maiduguri.
Zulum’s condolence was contained in a statement issued by His Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, on Monday.
Zulum noted that the passing of the fomer governor’s mother was saddening not only to her immediate family but also to thousands of the people of Borno.
Zulum extended his condolences to the former Governor, Ali Modu Sherriff, and other family members and associates for the huge loss.
Governor Zulum prays to the Almighty Allah to grant repose to the gentle soul of Hajja Aisa Modu Sherriff.
Zulum griefs passing away of former Borno Governor’s mother
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