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Zulum: Alau Dam Reconstruction to Restore Dignity, Livelihoods in Borno

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Zulum: Alau Dam Reconstruction to Restore Dignity, Livelihoods in Borno

…approves construction of school, hospital

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has emphasised that the reconstruction of the Alau Dam will restore the dignity and livelihoods of the people of Borno, who were severely impacted by the devastating flood disaster of 2024.

The Alau Dam collapsed on September 10, 2024, causing catastrophic flooding that killed at least several people and displaced thousands. The dam was built between 1984 and 1986. It stored water from the Ngadda River, a Lake Chad tributary, mainly used for irrigation and as a tap water source within Maiduguri and its environs.

The Governor stated this on Saturday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration and rehabilitation of the Alau Dam by the federal government.

The event took place at the Alau community in Jere Local Government Area.

Governor Zulum outlined several key benefits the people of Borno will gain from the rehabilitation of the dam, including enhanced agricultural activities, improved water supply, flood control, economic diversification, and community empowerment.

“This groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding Borno State, not just in terms of physical infrastructure, but in restoring the livelihoods and dignity of our citizens,” Zulum said.

Governor Zulum added, “We understand that sustainable development is inextricably linked to the availability of water resources, and the Alau Dam is crucial in this regard.”

Zulum also said, “The restoration and rehabilitation of this dam will bring numerous benefits to our people.”

“Enhanced Agricultural Productivity along the dams: This project will significantly improve irrigation capacity, enabling our farmers to cultivate more land and increase their yields. This will boost food security, create employment opportunities and contribute to the overall economic development of the state.”

He acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the repair of the dam within short period of time.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who was the special guest of honour at the groundbreaking ceremony stated that the rehabilitation will be conducted in two phases.

According to the minister, when completed, the Alau Dam will enhance the provision of drinking water and revamp agricultural activities for thousands of people around the facility.

“It is evident that the reconstruction and upgrade of Alau Dam will significantly enhance the provision of potable drinking water, support downstream irrigation, boost socio-economic activities and enable flood control while facilitating other viable socio-economic activities capable of revamping people’s livelihoods and economic development. The project work is structured in two phases over a completion period of 24 months,” Prof Utsev disclosed .

He added that phase one will be executed between February and September 2025 to cover the critical interventions to mitigate immediate flood risks, while phase two will focus on extensive distilling and structural enhancements to ensure long-term functionality and resilience of the dam, commencing from October 2025.”

Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the Borno State Commissioner of Water Resources, Engr Tijjani Goni Alkali, applauded the federal government for its timely intervention in rehabilitating the dam.

…Zulum approves construction of school and hospital

Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the construction of a primary school and hospital for Alau community in Jere local government area in the central part of the state.

“I have approved the construction of a primary school and hospital for Alau community to ensure development of the area” Zulum said.

Zulum announced the approval on Saturday at the groundbreaking ceremony. He called on people of the area to cooperate with the contractors and support the rehabilitation.

Chairman Senate Committees on Water and Sanitation, Senator Abdulaziz Yari represented by the vice chairman of the committee, Senator Eze Ken Emeka, and the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Water and Sanitation, Hon. Sada Soli Jibia, attended the occasion.

Also present were the Senator representing Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and House of Representatives members.

The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, led members of Borno Emirates Council, including the Waziri of Borno, Mutawali Shettima.

Other dignitaries include the secretary to Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Richard Pheelangwaah, the APC Chairman, Hon Bello Ayuba, the Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Engr Abdullahi Askira, and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe.

Zulum: Alau Dam Reconstruction to Restore Dignity, Livelihoods in Borno

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Kebbi Governor Appreciates KSrelief, NEMA for Food Support to Vulnerable Households

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Kebbi Governor Appreciates KSrelief, NEMA for Food Support to Vulnerable Households

By: Michael Mike

The Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, has appreciated a Saudi Arabia based international humanitarian organization, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) for providing food assistance distributed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to vulnerable persons in the state.

Speaking at the flag-off distribution of the items in Birnin Kebbi, the Governor who was represented by his deputy, Senator Umar Abubakar also commended NEMA for always being timely in responding to disasters in the state.

The Governor said that the timely distribution of the KSrelief food items few days before the start of the holy month of Ramadan, embodies the spirit of sacrifice and compassion inherent in the gesture.

In her remarks, the Director General NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, noted that KSrelief has partnered with the agency since 2018 to deliver food baskets to households affected by insecurity and other vulnerable households. However, she said Kebbi State was benefitting for the first time from the gesture.

The Director General NEMA who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Fatima Kasim, explained that 2,450 households had been profiled to receive the food assistance in Kebbi State, noting that each household will receive a 59.8-kilogram food basket containing essential items such as rice, beans, masa vita, cooking oil, and seasoning.

She acknowledged that the humanitarian effort by KSrelief aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to improving citizens’ welfare and reducing vulnerability to disasters.

The ksrelief items were distributed directly to vulnerable perons profile by NEMA in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency at Birnin Kebbi, Dandi, Gwandu, Shonga, Argungu and Augie Local Government Areas of the state.

Kebbi Governor Appreciates KSrelief, NEMA for Food Support to Vulnerable Households

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At State Burial, President Tinubu Eulogizes Late Nujoma’s Legacy As Warrior, Nation-builder

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At State Burial, President Tinubu Eulogizes Late Nujoma’s Legacy As Warrior, Nation-builder

** Says founding Namibian president sacrificed comfort for his people’s freedom, dignity, justice

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late founding President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, describing him as a warrior who galvanised Nigeria and other African nations to fight for his country’s freedom.

The late Nujoma, a revered figure who led his country to gain Independence, and steered the nation on the path towards democracy and stability, passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 95 at a hospital in Windhoek, where he had been confined for weeks due to an illness.

Speaking on Saturday during a state burial for the late Namibian leader held at Heroes’ Acre, Windhoek, Namibia, President Tinubu who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that Dr. Nujoma’s demise is not an exit from space and time, but the wake of his immortality in the minds of Africans.

VP Shettima, in the company of several African Heads of Government, joined President Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia at the state burial where he paid Nigeria’s last respect – on behalf of President Tinubu – to the late Nujoma.

In his speech delivered by Vice President Shettima, President Tinubu eulogized the foremost African statesman, saying he was not just a national hero but a warrior who defied oppression and inspired an entire continent.

He stated: “We have not come to this sacred ground to bury a man. We have come to enshrine a legacy. We have come to salute a life that was lived not for itself, but for the people, for the land, for the ideals of freedom. For him, Africa stands still today.

“Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma was not just the founding father of a nation that needed a hero; he was a warrior in the age of chains. He looked into the face of oppression in the most dangerous time to do so and declared that no African shall ever be a second-class citizen on his own soil.”

President Tinubu praised Nujoma’s leadership beyond independence, noting that he built Namibia from the ashes of occupation and ruled selflessly for his people.

“But even after victory, you did not rest. Independence was not the destination; it was only the beginning. You built this nation from the ashes of occupation. You turned resistance into governance, turned a dream into reality. You did not rule for yourself; you ruled for your people. You sacrificed your comfort for the freedom, dignity, and justice of all Namibians,” he noted.

Acknowledging Nujoma’s legacy, which he said transcends time, the Nigerian leader declared that he now lives on in Namibia’s freedom and Africa’s collective history.

He highlighted Nigeria’s support for Namibia’s liberation struggle, stressing that the bond between the two nations was forged in the fight against apartheid and colonial rule.

His words: “Nigeria was not a bystander in the Namibian struggle. When the world turned its back, we stood. When your voice was drowned by the guns of apartheid, we spoke.

“When your hands were tied, we reached out. We did not do this as charity. We did not do this as a favour. We did this because your struggle was our struggle. Your pain was our pain. Your freedom was our freedom.”

President Tinubu reassured the people of Namibia of Nigeria’s solidarity, asserting that the struggle that united both countries has become the foundation of an unbreakable friendship.

The Nigerian leader added: “Nigeria is here today not only to honour you but to remind the world that the bond between our nations is unbreakable. That the struggle that brought us together is now the foundation of a friendship that will never fade.

“Namibia, you do not grieve alone. Africa grieves with you. The free world grieves with you. But more than that, we celebrate you. Because in this land, in this soil, we did not just lose a man. We gained a legend.”

The burial was also attended by Presidents of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa; Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa; Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi; Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan; Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, and Ghana, John Mahama, as well as some former Presidents, and heads of missions.

At State Burial, President Tinubu Eulogizes Late Nujoma’s Legacy As Warrior, Nation-builder

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Moro Ojomo Calls on Nigerian Born Athletes Abroad to Establish Sports Academies to Unearth Talents in Nigeria

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Moro Ojomo Calls on Nigerian Born Athletes Abroad to Establish Sports Academies to Unearth Talents in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian-born American football star and the 2025 National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl winner, Moro Ojomo has called on Nigerian born athletes abroad to invest back in their native country.

He said they can start by building sports academy in the country to unearth the multitude of talents in sports.

Ojomo made the call on Saturday at the official visit to the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa in Abuja.

He said: “As a champion, I’m committed to giving back to my community and empowering the next generation of leaders.

“I propose establishing an academy that promotes Nigerian-born athletes overseas and provides opportunities for young people to develop their skills and talents.

“By investing in our youth, we can build a brighter future for Nigeria and make it a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.”

“Ultimately, our success in life is a direct result of the people around us and the opportunities we’ve been given.”

He disclosed that he has plan to be involved in popularizing American Football and Rugby in Nigeria, noting that the groundwork is already on to get Nigeria into the Olympic in Rugby.

Ojoma added that: “As Nigerians, we have a responsibility to pay it forward, to empower and uplift one another, and to create a better future for ourselves and our children.

“So, let’s work together to make Nigeria the greatest country in the world. Let’s invest in our youth, provide them with opportunities, and empower them to become leaders and change-makers.

“Together, we can achieve greatness and create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.”

The American football star said: “As I conclude, I’d like to leave you with a saying: “The grass is greener where you water it.” Let’s work together to water our grassroots, to empower our youth, and to create a better future for Nigeria.”

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in her welcome speech, commended Moro Ojomo for his outstanding achievements and contributions to Nigeria’s growth.

She said: “Home will always be home, no matter how much you excel abroad,” encouraging Ojomo to continue making a difference in the lives of younger Nigerians.

She commended Ojomo’s passion for his country and his desire to inspire and empower the younger generation, while
extending an official invitation to the star to attend the upcoming Diasporia Day, where he can share his experiences and inspire others.

She said: “We want to see you again and again and again,” calling on Ojomo to continue his involvement with Nigeria.

She said: “We are the greatest country in the world,” adding that: “All we need is to get ourselves together and work together as Nigerians.”

Moro Ojomo Calls on Nigerian Born Athletes Abroad to Establish Sports Academies to Unearth Talents in Nigeria

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