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Zulum: Alau Dam Reconstruction to Restore Dignity, Livelihoods in Borno
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
UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has described human trafficking as an assault on human dignity not just a crime.
Speaking at the 27th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum (NSCF) on Human Trafficking organised by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Wednesday in Abuja, the Country Representative of the UNODC in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, while lauding Nigeria’s fight against Human trafficking, said: “Human trafficking isn’t just a crime, it’s an assault on dignity, a drag on development, and a threat to national security.”
Toure added that: “This forum remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national response to trafficking. It’s where policy meets practice, federal and state actors converging around a shared vision of a trafficking-free Nigeria.”
He noted that “the importance of a multisectoral, victim-focused, and relentless response,” while acknowledging the joint efforts of NAPTIP and UNODC under the “From Policy to Action” project, supported by the Swiss government.
He also lauded the DG of NAPTIP for her leadership role and also commended contributions from the Attorney General, of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), state governments, development partners including the European Union (EU), France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD, and various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the war against human trafficking.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who gave the keynote address, called on state’s Commissioners for Women Affairs to leverage on their strategic positions to advocate and influence state budgets and policies.
He said: “I urge Commissioners for Women Affairs across the country to leverage their strategic positions to advocate and influence state-level policies, budgets, and programmes that directly or indirectly impact trafficking and exploitation.
“Creation of a budget line for State Task Force activities is highly recommended as it would also guarantee the institutionalization of State Task Forces on human Trafficking in the states.”
In his words “The Federal Ministry of Justice remains committed to supporting NAPTIP through continuous policy formulation, legal reforms, strategic coordination, and high-level advocacy. Let me assure you that we will continue to work closely with NAPTIP and other partners to ensure that the legal and institutional frameworks for tackling trafficking remain dynamic, responsive, and effective.
The Swiss Ambassador to Belgium and NATO, Jacques Pitteloud, in his goodwill message also lauded Nigeria’s progress and reaffirmed Switzerland’s long-term support.
He called for international cooperation in addressing root causes of trafficking and commended NAPTIP’s efforts under the “From Policy to Action” project.
“Our partnership with Nigeria goes beyond financial contribution. It is built on trust, shared priorities, and joint ownership. We’re especially encouraged by the involvement of local governments, signaling a grassroots approach to combating trafficking,” Pitteloud said.
He also noted the development of a new dashboard and reporting hub, as well as the inclusion of critical actors like the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the national response.
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, in her welcome address highlighted key achievements under the agency’s 5Ps strategy: Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.
She noted that over 7,000 victims have been rescued between 2022 and 2024, with 205 convictions secured within the same period.
She also announced the development of new digital tools to enhance data reporting, increased public awareness campaigns, the inauguration of over 200 Anti-TIP school vanguards, and the expansion of State Task Forces to 24 states.
“We are proud of the milestones achieved, from setting up the Human Trafficking Digital Centre in Katsina to revamping our training center with German support. Yet, the road ahead requires deeper collaboration and renewed commitment at all levels,” Bello said.
UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime
Troops Repel Bandit Attack, Rescue Lower Sharia Court Judge in Katsina State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have successfully repelled a bandit attack in Mahuta Village, Dandume Local Government Area (LGA), Katsina State, and rescued a prominent local judge, Mr. Rabiu Tukur, following the abduction of six residents on April 8, 2025.
Zagazola Makama informed by security sources that three attack occurred around 11:55 p.m. when armed bandits stormed the village, kidnapping six individuals, including Mr. Tukur, a 49-year-old judge with the Lower Sharia Court, Dandume.
The troops engaged the bandits in a fierce confrontation, successfully rescuing Mr. Tukur without any harm.
Efforts to locate and rescue the remaining five victims are ongoing, with security forces intensifying search and rescue operations in the surrounding areas.
Troops Repel Bandit Attack, Rescue Lower Sharia Court Judge in Katsina State
News
Clash Between Commuters and Customs Officers Leads to Accident and Mob Violence in Maiadua, Kastina
Clash Between Commuters and Customs Officers Leads to Accident and Mob Violence in Maiadua, Kastina
By: Zagazola Makama
A clash between a Customs patrol team and commuters resulted in a serious accident at Koza Village, Maiadua Local Government Area (LGA), on April 8, 2025, at around 8:35 p.m.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Customs team was in pursuit of a commuter vehicle when the incident occurred.
In the aftermath, an angry mob set fire to the Customs camp in retaliation for the accident. The situation escalated, but the Division Police Officer (DPO) quickly mobilized police personnel to the scene to restore order.
As of now, the situation has been brought under control, and an investigation is underway to ascertain the details surrounding the incident.
Clash Between Commuters and Customs Officers Leads to Accident and Mob Violence in Maiadua, Kastina
UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime
ECOWAS @50: Media Remains Partner, Pillar of Democracy, Peace, Security-Touray
Troops Repel Bandit Attack, Rescue Lower Sharia Court Judge in Katsina State
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