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Zulum: A Beacon Of Hope To Borno’s Less Privileged People
 
																								
												
												
											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
Troops neutralized several bandits, rescue 10 abducted victims, in Zamfara
 
														Troops neutralized several bandits, rescue 10 abducted victims, in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops operating under Operation FANSAR YAMMA have nutrialsied several bandits and rescued ten abducted victims during coordinated counter-banditry operations in parts of Tsafe and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation was launched following credible intelligence that armed bandits were moving with kidnapped victims from Ogawa village in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, through Kucheri village, en route Munhaye Forest in Tsafe LGA.
The troops, supported by joint police tactical teams, intercepted the bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of several of the criminals, while others escaped with possible gunshot injuries.
During the operation, ten abducted persons, comprising nine women and a baby boy, were rescued unharmed. The victims were taken to the General Hospital, Tsafe, for medical examination and stabilisation.
In a related development, suspected bandits on Wednesday mounted a roadblock along the Kairu–Zugu road in Bukkuyum LGA, shooting sporadically to scare travellers.
One woman, identified as Yar Goggo, aged 42, was killed, while three others sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. The victims were taken to General Hospital Maga for post-mortem and medical treatment.
Security forces have since intensified clearance and search operations across the affected areas to track down the fleeing bandits and ensure the safety of residents.
The military and security formations across the state remain on high alert as part of sustained efforts to maintain operational dominance under Operation FANSAR YAMMA.
Troops neutralized several bandits, rescue 10 abducted victims, in Zamfara
News
Yobe Govt. Initiates Mineral Exploitation For Economic Diversification
 
														Yobe Govt. Initiates Mineral Exploitation For Economic Diversification
By: Mamman Mohammed
Yobe state Gov. Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni CON COMN said the Yobe Mining Development Company Limited is the only agency authorised to deal with all exploration and mining activities across the state.
He stated this today at a Mining Stakeholders Forum in Damaturu saying the Yobe Mining Company is the designated One-Stop-Shop of the government.
“Yobe state is richly endowed with mineral resources such as limestone, gypsum, kaolin, granite, quartz, and silica, among many others. Yet, for decades, these gifts of nature have remained grossly untapped and underutilised.
“The time has come to turn these hidden potentials into productive assets that will create jobs, generate wealth, and advance the socio-economic development of our people.
“Our objective is to chart a coordinated course for growth of the mining sector in Yobe State, in a manner that aligns with federal policy, ensures community inclusion, attracts credible investors, and guarantees environmental responsibility.
“It is also our conviction that responsible mining, when properly managed, can become a major driver of our state’s economic resilience, youth employment, and revenue diversification.
“We envision a mining sector that operates within a transparent regulatory framework; that upholds environmental sustainability and community benefit; that promotes public-private partnerships anchored on trust and accountability; that encourages local participation while attracting reputable foreign investment” Gov. Buni said.
He charged the stakeholders to concentrate on Mineral Mapping and Data Presentation to showcase Yobe potential, policy and Institutional alignment, Investor Engagement and Incentives,
Roles of Communities and Traditional Institutions among others.
Managing Director of Yobe Mining Development Company, Engr. Bamodu Yerima, said the company has an information repository for feasibility studies in three key mineral sectors including Limestone, for cement and hydrated lime production; Gypsum, for cement, fertiliser, and building materials; and Trona (soda ash), for fertiliser, detergent, and glass production.
He said reputable consulting firms have been engaged through open and transparent procurement processes to prepare feasibility studies in line with international standards.
He said the Yobe Mining Development Company prioritised organisation of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations across Fika, Fune, Gulani, Gujba, Yusufari, and Nangere LGAs.
According to the Managing Director, the company registered artisanal miners into cooperative clusters and provided training, safety tools, and market access for their take off.
Bamodu said Community Development Trust Fund was established to reinvest 5–10% of project profits into education, health, and water infrastructure.
“The Yobe Mining Development Company ensures that mining drives local livelihoods, peace, and shared prosperity at the grassroots to promote community participation” he said.
The MD noted that the company has engaged the Islamic Development Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), BADEA, Afreximbank, and AFC, for various partnership projects in the mineral sector.
Others are NEXIM Bank, for export financing and beneficiation support; Bank of Industry (BOI), for value addition and SME linkages in mineral-based manufacturing which reflects the growing global confidence in Yobe’s institutional reforms and industrial vision.
Various stakeholders commended Yobe state government for the bold initiative of diversifying the state’s economy with a value chain of job creation and economic prosperity.
The stakeholders were drawn from across the country and Germany among others and Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the Yobe state government and the various stakeholders.
Yobe Govt. Initiates Mineral Exploitation For Economic Diversification
News
FARMERS–HERDERS CLASH: PMF PERSONNEL ATTACKED DURING RESPONSE — ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED, CATTLE RECOVERED
 
														FARMERS–HERDERS CLASH: PMF PERSONNEL ATTACKED DURING RESPONSE — ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED, CATTLE RECOVERED
…AS CP REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CURBING FARMERS–HERDERS CONFLICT AND PROMOTING PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE
By: Dungus Abdulkarim
On 29th October 2025 at about 1700hrs, a distress message was received from the Unit Commander, 19 PMF, who is on special duty at Bara, Gulani LGA, alongside men of 79 PMF Buni Yadi.
At about 1600hrs, while on patrol around Kojoli village, the officers received an urgent call from community members reporting that a group of herders had allegedly invaded rice farms with large herds of cattle, deliberately destroying crops.
Acting swiftly, the Unit Commander, led a team to the location. On arrival, the herders reportedly ambushed the officers and opened fire, using AK-47 rifles, bows and arrows, before fleeing into the bush.
During the tactical withdrawal, Sgt Abdullahi Aminu (19 PMF) and Cpl Aliyu Suleiman (79 PMF) were overpowered, disarmed, and attacked. After an exchange of fire, one rifle was recovered, while the service rifle assigned to Sgt Abdullahi Aminu was carted away by the fleeing suspects.
The officers sustained machete-cut injuries on their heads, arms, and legs and were immediately evacuated to General Hospital, Bara, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
A large number of cattle belonging to the suspects were recovered at the scene and are being escorted back to Kojoli village by police and local vigilantes.
One suspect, Mohammed Bello, was arrested at the scene in possession of a blood-stained cutlass and is currently assisting the ongoing investigation.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the snatched rifle and apprehend all fleeing suspects.
While condemning the attack, the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Ado psc, fdc, reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to:
✅ Mitigating farmers–herders clashes through proactive policing
✅ Strengthening stakeholder dialogue and non-violent conflict resolution mechanisms
✅ Protecting lives, farmlands, cattle, and public property without bias
He further directed a reinforced deployment of tactical teams to the area to prevent escalation and maintain peace.
“The Command will not tolerate violence, attacks on police personnel, destruction of farms, or criminal grazing. We are committed to peaceful coexistence and justice for all parties involved,” CP added
The CP urges farmers, herders, traditional rulers, and community leaders to remain calm and continue supporting the Police with credible information.
The Command appeals to all communities to:
Report disputes early to prevent escalation
Respect farm boundaries and grazing regulations
Avoid taking laws into their own hands
Security is a shared responsibility. Peace is possible when all parties cooperate.
SP Dungus Abdulkarim, MNIPR
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Nigeria Police Force
Yobe State Command
30 October 2025
FARMERS–HERDERS CLASH: PMF PERSONNEL ATTACKED DURING RESPONSE — ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED, CATTLE RECOVERED
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