News
Zulum, Borno Correspondents’ Chapel Mourns the Passing of Mallam Isa Gusau

Zulum, Borno Correspondents’ Chapel Mourns the Passing of Mallam Isa Gusau
By: Inusa Ndahi
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has expressed deep sorrow and profound grief at the passing of his spokesperson, Malam Isa Gusau, who passed away after a protracted illness on Thursday 11th, January 2024 at a hospital in India.
Governor Zulum, in a press statement signed by the Hon Commissioner Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar expressed that the entire Borno State government mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant and a cherished member of the team.
Likewise, members of the Borno state Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in a joint press statement signed by it’s Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Inusa Ndahi Marama and Ismail Alfa has on Friday expressed deep shock over the sad demise of the deceased who was once a member and Pillar of the Chapel in Borno state.
While Zulum had made personal contact with the family of his late spokesperson, the Governor is extending condolences to friends and associates, particularly members of the media industry.
Isa Gusau, who served as the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to Governor Zulum since June 2019, had also served in the same capacity under Senator Kashim Shettima when he was the Governor of Borno.
“Mallam Isa Gusau was admired by everyone for his commitment to the people of Borno State and his exceptional professionalism in his role. He was a tireless advocate for the state and worked tirelessly to communicate the government’s initiatives and policies to the public with clarity and transparency,” Zulum said.
Governor Zulum, added that “Isa Gusau will be remembered for his passion for serving the people of Borno State and his dedication to the betterment of the state. His exceptional communication skills played a crucial role in fostering understanding and cooperation between the government and the people.”
The Governor prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Isa Gusau and also prayed that Allah gives his family and other loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
……..Borno Correspondents Bid Farewell to a Veteran Journalist and Media Stalwart, Late Mallam Isa Gusau
In a related development, the Correspondent Chapel said, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mallam Isa Gusau, a veteran journalist and a dedicated Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
“Mallam Isa Gusau was a respected member of the Borno State Correspondents’ Chapel and a cherished colleague to many in the media fraternity.
“No doubt his painful departure has left a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
“The loss of Mallam Isa Gusau, a beloved veteran journalist and esteemed Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, has left a profound sense of grief within our hearts. His dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to his work have left an indelible mark on the media landscape in Borno State and beyond.
“As a member of the Borno State Correspondents Chapel, he was a source of inspiration, guidance, and strength to many. His absence will be keenly felt by all whose lives he touched. We pray that his soul finds eternal peace, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the Borno State Government.
“May his memory be a blessing and a source of comfort during this time of mourning.”
Gusau who until his demise, was in his early 50s, and is survived by two wives and three children. End
Zulum, Borno Correspondents’ Chapel Mourns the Passing of Mallam Isa Gusau
News
ECOWAS Meets to Fill Staff Vacancies of Exited Members, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

ECOWAS Meets to Fill Staff Vacancies of Exited Members, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) seems to have finally gotten the exit of of the Alliance of Sahel States- Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic.behind it as Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the countries of the regional body met on Thursday in Abuja to fill vacancies left by the citizens of the departed countries in the bloc.
The bloc is also expected to determine how to treat staff with dual nationalities, staffers with both AES and ECOWAS nationalities.
Speaking at the opening of the Extra Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers on recruitment and the case of staff from AES Countries from Grade P4 and below, the Chairman of Council of Ministers and Sierra Leone Minister of Foreign Afairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Kabba, said the Council’s meeting aims to discuss the allocation of statutory positions to member states, and to discuss the recruitment and status of staff from AES Countries from Grade P4 and below.

Kabba said the process are critical barometers for gauging our institutional credibility and an affirmation of our regional solidarity.
He noted that focus should not only be on the parameters of equitable distribution of these statutory positions across member states, but also, we should be particularly concerned about fairness and inclusivity to ensure that everyone is involved with a shared vision for the future.
Kabba noted that the decisions of the gathering “must be grounded in due process, transparency, equity, and in alignment with the broader regional commitments, as building blocks to guarantee economic integration, regional peace and security, and our democratic tenets as a community.”
He added: “let me now draw the attention of this esteemed Council to the work of the Ad-hoc Ministerial Committee – a committee constituted by over 70% of our membership, this makes the decision of the Ad-hoc committee a fait accompli, which makes it compelling to review the procedures of the establishment of Ad-Hoc Committees.
“It is also important to note that members of the ad-hoc Committee would have reviewed the commission’s proposals on the statutory positions which will inform our deliberations on the presentation of the memorandum on proposals for the allocation of statutory positions to member states.”
In her welcome address, Nigeria Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “Nigeria remains steadfast in its role as a dependable partner, ever ready to contribute meaningfully to the strengthening of our Community institutions and to the realization of the noble objectives for which this Organization stands. We believe that with collective effort and renewed dedication, we can build a more effective, responsive, and fully functional organisation that truly serves the aspirations of our region and beyond.”
On his part, the President of the Commission, Aliou Touray said: “This extraordinary Council is borne out of necessity. In the last three years, we have struggled to fill vacancies in our institutions using a staff regulation that constrains management’s ability to administratively expedite the process. It has therefore become necessary to refer to Council from time to time to help us untangle the web. We are very grateful to Council for the earlier waiver which enabled us to have shorter time frame for advertisements of vacant positions. With this, we have now published and received a sizeable number of applications.
“However, Excellencies, the challenge currently, is with the processing of these applications and the scheduling of interviews. These have been slower than the rate of staff attrition, due to aging workforce with an average annual loss of staff to retirement estimated at 13 personnel. The volume of applications is beyond the capacity of the recruitment firms in place, due to the largely manual method used in processing the applications. “Therefore, we have had to recruit additional recruitment firms and sought your approval for these International Independent firms to come in assist with an end-to-end recruitment exercise. I have also directed the Internal Services Department to accelerate the deployment of e-recruitment system to fast track the processing of applications.

“With the sudden departure of large number of our workforce who are nationals of the countries that exited from the Organisation, namely Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, we are faced with the challenge of replacing them. We need Council to guide us in the equitable distribution of the vacant positions among all the Member States, without sacrificing competence. As our staff regulations did not provide any guidance on how to allocate vacant positions to specific member states for the purpose of achieving equity, it has become necessary for Council to provide its guidance on the way forward.
“We are therefore pleased to present to you a memorandum with proposals on how to achieve this equitable distribution of the positions and fast track the recruitment process. In making these proposals, the Commission took into account the current staff distribution per member state, and the interest of those member states with poor representation in the current workforce of the institutions. Our goal is to achieve equity, ensure quality and consolidate on the solidarity which strengthens our Community.
“As management, we are committed to protecting the interests of each member states, whether their nationals are represented in the Management of the Institutions or not. We have taken an oath to serve the entire community and not our narrow national interests. We therefore look forward to your deliberations and guidance on this matter.”
ECOWAS Meets to Fill Staff Vacancies of Exited Members, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger
News
Zulum Orders Immediate Investigation into MURIC’s Claims of Hijab Harassment in Maiduguri Hospitals

Zulum Orders Immediate Investigation into MURIC’s Claims of Hijab Harassment in Maiduguri Hospitals
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum said he received with great concern a statement by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) alleging the harassment of muslim women for wearing hijab in some hospitals in Maiduguri.
Zulum noted that while the government is not aware of any official report or complaint regarding such incidents, his administration has taken the allegations with utmost seriousness.
In a directive issued on Thursday through his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Zulum, ordered the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, to undertake an immediate and thorough investigation to ascertain the veracity of these claims.
The statement noted that Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting all citizens’ religious rights and dignity, particularly that of women. He stated that Borno State, being a predominantly muslim society, holds hijab in high esteem and any form of harassment against those who choose to wear it, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“The welfare and rights of our citizens, especially our mothers, wives, and daughters, are paramount. We have zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment. While we have no prior record of such complaints, we are not taking these allegations lightly. This investigation will be swift and transparent. If any wrongdoing is found, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken immediately,” Zulum assured.
The statement added that Zulum urges the public, and specifically individuals who have experienced such treatment, to come forward and assist in the investigation with credible information to ensure a fair and just outcome.
“I assure the public that, that Borno State government under my leadership will not tolerate any action that unjustly targets or humiliate any segment of our society,” he concludes.
Zulum Orders Immediate Investigation into MURIC’s Claims of Hijab Harassment in Maiduguri Hospitals
News
Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Mental Health and Malnutrition Together

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Mental Health and Malnutrition Together
By: Michael Mike
Every year, millions of children around the world suffer from malnutrition—a crisis that is all too visible in their frail bodies and tired eyes. But what is often less visible, yet just as devastating, are the psychological wounds that malnutrition inflicts on both children and their caregivers.
Over the years, the upward surge in children admitted for the treatment of malnutrition in MSF nutrition programmes has been an alarming trend. In the 12 Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Centres (ITFCs) and over 30 Ambulatory Therapeutic Feeding Centres (ATFCs) supported by Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières across seven northern Nigerian states, its teams are often overwhelmed.
In 2024 alone, over 300,000 malnourished children were collectively treated in Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Bauchi, Borno, and Sokoto —a 25 percent increase from 2023. With these admissions come psychological wounds that affect the mental health of both the children and caregivers. They both go through a cycle of emotions from the day they are admitted up to the time of discharge.
Kauna Hope Bako, MSF’s mental health supervisor in the Bauchi project, and her team—just like in other project locations in Nigeria—are working to break this cycle. Their approach recognises that malnutrition is not just a medical emergency, but a psychological one as well.
The Hidden Toll of Malnutrition
“Malnutrition is one disease that doesn’t just affect the child physically,” explains Bako. “It has psychological, emotional, and behavioural implications.”
Children suffering from malnutrition often become irritable, withdrawn, and unresponsive. They may miss key developmental milestones—struggling to walk, talk, or interact with their environment like other children.
The emotional pain is real.
“The child is feeling detached, sad that he cannot play like other children, and is trying to understand what is going on with him,” Bako says. “He’s going through a lot of pain and stress—not just from malnutrition, but from other diseases that often come with it.”
The relationship between mental health and malnutrition is deeply intertwined. Malnutrition can lead to emotional and cognitive problems in children, while — traumatic factors such as neglect, abusive home environments, or lack of love—can lead to psychological suffering and contribute to malnutrition. “They’re two sides of the same coin,” Bako notes. “Malnutrition can lead to mental health problems and mental health problems can lead to malnutrition.”
Experience from Niger and Nigeria over past few years has shown that integrating these activities contributes to faster weight gain, shorter lengths of stay in inpatient feeding centres, and improved caregiver well-being.
The Caregiver’s Burden
The impact of malnutrition extends beyond the child. Mothers and caregivers, who are often the primary source of support, face immense stress and emotional strain.
“At triage, the emotions you’ll find most prominent are anxiety, stress, and fear,” Bako shares. “The caregiver is not really comfortable. She’s worried.”
Additionally, many feel helpless, frustrated, or even ashamed, sometimes blaming themselves for their child’s condition.
“It’s important that we give care not just to the child but also to the caregiver,” Bako emphasises. “If the mother is not able to manage her own stress, it may unconsciously spill over to the child.”
Breaking the Vicious Cycle
MSF’s mental health team uses a holistic approach to support both children and caregivers. There’s a playroom in all MSF-supported hospitals in Nigeria where mothers or caregivers and their children meet every day for mental health sessions. Their daily activities include:
- Psycho-stimulation sessions: Using play, colours, sounds, and gentle massages, these sessions help children regain lost developmental skills and foster emotional bonds with their caregivers.
- Psycho-education: Caregivers learn about the psychological impact of malnutrition, how to manage stress, and how their own well-being affects their child’s recovery.
- Support groups: Caregivers share experiences, coping strategies, and emotional support, building a sense of community and resilience.
- Recreational activities: These sessions offer caregivers and their children a chance to relax and distract themselves from the stress of hospital life.
- Individual counselling: For those experiencing acute distress, one-on-one support is available.
Recognising the role of fathers, the team also organises men’s sessions to educate and encourage them to support mothers emotionally and make informed decisions about their children’s care.
Additionally, MSF’s approach extends beyond patients and caregivers. The Mental Health team trains all staff—doctors, nurses, and support workers—in psychological first aid and communication skills.
“Communication is sometimes service treatment,” Bako says. “When the mother feels listened to, when the child feels safe with the doctor or nurse, that already is treatment.”
Hope for Recovery
By addressing both the physical and psychological needs of malnourished children and their caregivers, MSF is helping to break the cycle of suffering.
“It’s not just about treating the disease,” Bako says. “It’s about restoring hope, dignity, and the bonds that help children and families heal.”
On World Mental Health Day, MSF reaffirms its commitment to holistic care—because every child deserves not just to survive, but to thrive, body and mind.
Since 2022, MSF has been raising the alarm over the worsening malnutrition situation in northern Nigeria. The situation has continued to deteriorate, with alarming numbers of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Between January and June 2025, MSF admitted 32,940 severely malnourished children in inpatient therapeutic feeding centres, and 136,255 children in outpatient therapeutic feeding centres in northern Nigeria. To help families cope with the psychological toll of the crisis, MSF also conducted 30,880 mental health sessions during the same period. In Bauchi, since the beginning of the project in 2024, our teams have provided mental health support to 113,191 malnourished children and their caregivers. - Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Mental Health and Malnutrition Together
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