News
Zulum begins 7.1 km express road, Borno’s fourth flyover

Zulum begins 7.1 km express road, Borno’s fourth flyover
… To start new market, orthopaedic hospital, others
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, flagged off the construction of a 7.1 km terminus junction to Molai express road with a 6-span bridge and the state’s fourth flyover along the busy Post Office area in Maiduguri, on Tuesday.
The projects, designed to address increasing vehicular traffic, aim to provide a seamless route for commuters and goods and significantly enhance access to key economic zones, schools and healthcare facilities.

With an estimated completion timeline of 8 and 10 months, the projects are expected to create hundreds of jobs for skilled and unskilled workers, further contributing to the state’s economic recovery and resilience efforts.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 7.1km terminus-Molai express road along Tashan Kano, Zulum said, “In continuation of our urban renewal programme, this morning we are here to flag off the construction of 7.1 km dual carriageway from Borno express terminal to Molai and also the construction of an additional bridge downstream of the road.”

He added, “What we are doing is not only for beautification but also to accommodate the increasing population growth in Maiduguri. We must expand the city.”
In the meantime, Zulum also charged the contractors for all the projects to ensure strict compliance with quality specifications and timely completion.
“Ten months is 10 months, the total contract sum is 16bn and we have paid 50% of this amount. So, the contractor has no excuse for delaying the project. We have also kept aside the remaining 8bn to be paid when due,” Zulum said.

Also speaking, the commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr Mustapha Gubio, emphasised that the 6-span bridge is meant to link the new road along the two sides of the Ngada-Bul River.
The commissioner also acknowledged that the ministry will adequately monitor the projects and ensure diligent compliance with the contract specifications.
… To start new market, orthopaedic hospital, others
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has announced 5 key projects, including a new market, an orthopaedic hospital, another General Hospital, an international hotel, and a western bypass.
The Governor, who announced the 5 projects and many other developmental services on Tuesday in Maiduguri, assures that they will be completed before the expiration of his tenure.
“We want to construct a befitting additional market, an orthopaedic hospital, another General Hospital, an international hotel, and a western bypass. These are some of the major projects I want to execute before my tenure expires. Most importantly, completing all the ongoing projects,” Zulum stated.
Additionally, Governor Zulum expressed concern over the acute water shortage faced in Maiduguri Metropolis and surrounding communities which he said was caused by the destruction spurred by the flood disaster of last September (2024).
The Governor, however, appealed to residents for calm while assuring them that the state government is committed to addressing the problem. He said, “Maiduguri water supply network was damaged by last year’s flood, and the city is faced with acute water shortage. We are working very hard to complete the repair work on time.
He also stated, “I want to appeal to the people of the metropolis. The government is very aware of the situation and we are doing everything possible to address it.”
Zulum begins 7.1 km express road, Borno’s fourth flyover
News
Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama

Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama
… Borno State Governor Announces Resettlement of 5,000 Displaced Persons Ahead of Farming Season
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has revealed plans to resettle 5,000 displaced persons from five communities before the end of the rainy season to enable them to engage in farming activities.
The communities include Goniri, Bula Kuriye, Mayanti, Abbaram, and Darajamal.

Governor Zulum disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, Dr. Umar ibn Kyari Umar ElKanemi, at his palace in Bama on Friday.
The governor stated that the construction of 1,000 transitional shelters has commenced in each of the communities, with Darajamal’s already completed.
“We are committed to resettling all displaced persons living in IDP camps back to their communities. Construction of transitional shelters has started in Mayanti, Goniri, Bula Kuriye, and Abbaram, while that of Darajamal has been completed. I have also directed the digging of trenches to fortify the communities,” Governor Zulum said.

He emphasised the importance of farming, stating, “Our target is to ensure that they participate in this cropping season. Farming is our greatest treasure. I will interface with the Commanding Officer and leaders of Civilian JTF to strategise on how best to further protect these areas.”
Additionally, Governor Zulum informed the Shehu of Bama that security measures have been strengthened in Nguro Soye, a community on the outskirts of Bama town, to ensure safe farming activities.
“While returning from Gwoza, I stopped at the military formation in Banki Junction, where we discussed intensifying security in Nguro Soye and surrounding areas. I have provided the necessary logistics to the military and Civilian JTF and pledged six months’ allowances for volunteers patrolling the area,” he announced.
In response, the Shehu of Bama commended Governor Zulum for his purposeful leadership and commitment to the security and welfare of the people.
“I will like to appreciate the governor for resettling the people of Darajamal and for ongoing efforts to return more displaced persons to their homes. We are grateful, Your Excellency,” the Shehu said.
He also appealed for additional support to members of the Civilian JTF to safeguard farmers and farmlands during the rainy season.
Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama
News
Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Backing For Diplomat To Lead UNESCO

Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Backing For Diplomat To Lead UNESCO
** As VP Shettima receives PM Makosso, hails country’s leadership in Great Lakes region
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with the Republic of Congo, acknowledging the leadership of President Denis Sassou-Nguesso in promoting regional peace and stability, especially across Africa’s Great Lakes region.
He also said that Nigeria will consider Congo’s request for support in its bid to lead the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Speaking on Friday while receiving the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, Anatole Collinet Makosso, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, VP Shettima lauded the leadership of the Congolese President and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
“President Denis Sassou-Nguesso is one of the greatest stabilisers on the African continent. He is well-respected and has the experience and exposure to provide leadership to a turbulent region. Your country is a beacon of hope and stability in the region,” he said.
Senator Shettima, who received the Congolese delegation on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the issues raised by the visiting Prime Minister, particularly the request for Nigeria’s endorsement of Firmin Edouard Matoko for the post of UNESCO Director-General, would be conveyed to the President.
“Be rest assured that all the issues raised, especially over your candidature for the Director-Generalship of UNESCO, will be conveyed to the President. And I am hopeful that he is going to endorse your candidacy, fundamentally because what binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. Wherever we go, we are essentially one people,” he said.

Earlier, the Congolese Prime Minister, who delivered a special message from President Sassou-Nguesso to President Tinubu, called for deepened relations between both countries and sought Nigeria’s support for Matoko, a long-serving UNESCO official with over three decades of experience.
“We have a candidate for the post of Director-General of UNESCO, Firmin Edouard Matoko, a seasoned diplomat and former senior official of the organisation with over three decades of experience,” Makosso said.
He explained that Matoko joined UNESCO in 1990 and served in several strategic roles, including Director of multiple regional offices, Director of the Africa Department, and ultimately as Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations.
Makosso noted that Congo’s interest in Matoko’s candidacy was not merely national but based on competence.
“We are seeking Nigeria’s support for his candidature not because he is a Congolese, but because he is well qualified for the position, especially at this time that UNESCO needs a very experienced person,” he said.
The Prime Minister also thanked the Nigerian government and people for their humanitarian support to Congolese children who benefited from the Rochas Foundation, noting that some of the children, many of whom were orphans, have graduated, while others remain in school.
“We also want to thank the good people of Nigeria for taking care of some young children from Congo, some of them orphans who were offered free education by the Rochas Foundation. Some of them just graduated, while some are still in school. We are very grateful for that,” Makosso said.
He commended President Tinubu’s leadership at ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations, just as he expressed sympathy with Nigerians over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Backing For Diplomat To Lead UNESCO
News
Again: Zulum nominated for African Governors Award

Again: Zulum nominated for African Governors Award
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum was nominated to receive the African Governors’ Excellence Award for 2025.
Mr Idahosa revealed that the prestigious event will celebrate visionary leadership, exceptional governance, and impactful development initiatives by governors across Africa. He said the award recognises commitment to sustainable socio-economic transformation in their respective regions and states.
Zulum will receive the award alongside other African Governors in Paris at the event on August 19. The vice-chairman of the selection committee, Idahosa Osamahze, stated in a news brief.
It can be recalled that Zulum received the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award in New York, United States of America, in 2024.
Idahosa emphasised that the award is to promote excellence in public service, encourage innovation in governance, and foster best practices in leadership for Africa’s socio-economic advancement.
According to him, Sheriff Oborevwori, Uba Sani, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Abdullahi Sule have been nominated for the award.
He said the nominated governors from Egypt are Abdel Amara, Kafr El Sheikh; Amr Hanafi, Gamal Nour El-Din, and Khaled Fouda.
Mr Idahosa added that Hillary Barchok, George Natembeya, Mohamed Adan Khalif, and Jeremiah Lomorukai were picked from Kenya.
He also said, “These governors exemplify what leadership with vision, integrity, and purpose can achieve. Their work is changing lives, fostering prosperity, and inspiring a new generation of public servants across Africa.”
According to Mr Idahosa, the Paris ceremony is expected to attract high-profile dignitaries, development partners, diplomats, and stakeholders from across Africa and Europe.
He also noted that there shall be keynote addresses from global policy leaders, panel discussions on sub-national governance innovation, and networking sessions to foster intergovernmental collaboration.
End
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