News
Zulum harps on provision of skills acquisition, education, others to end youths restiveness
Zulum harps on provision of skills acquisition, education, others to end youths restiveness
By Salihu Inusa
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has advocated for provision of skills acquisition, better education and scholarship programmes to mitigate the increase of youths restiveness and joblessness in the society.
He said, for any reasonable and responsive government, there is the need to ensure that youths who are future leaders of tomorrow accorded the desired assistance they need.
The Governor disclosed this on Thursday at the occasion of the 7th National Council on Youths Meeting (NCYM) which took place at Multi- Purpose Hall, Government House, Maiduguri.
The theme is: ‘Transforming and Repositioning the Nigerian Youth to Thrive and Catalyze Economic Development’.
Zulum who is the Chief Host said, Borno State Government under his leadership is proud to host and participate in such an important meeting, where a window of opportunity is open for brainstorm, innovate, interact and collaborate for the betterment of Nigeria.
He noted that since inception into office in 2019 to date, the present administration which has been battling with over a decade Boko Haram crisis, has been very committed in supporting youths through implementation of various initiatives aimed at empowering the youths, which include; provision of vocational training skills programmes, education, scholarships, distribution of Keke Napep, electric motor vehicles, establishing mechanical village at Molai and other entrepreneurship support programmes across the 27 local government areas in the state.
The youth population according to Zulum “is an asset of a nation, as recent statistics showed that 70% of the Nigerian population is under the age of thirty (30). This is a great potential as it translates to a larger productive economy in the near future with these promising demographics.
“In our society, the youths have faced numerous challenges, ranging from economic uncertainties, educational barriers and insufficient opportunities among many others.
“However, it is inspiring to see how many of our young people are stepping up, driving change and becoming the architects of their destinies and our tomorrow.
“It is on record that youths in Borno have greatly contributed to peace and security and the overall socio-economic development of the State. The emergence of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has brought a great
respite to the security architecture of the State.
“Borno indeed has reclaimed its glorious position of Home of Peace and Hospitality. So please feel at home and enjoy the centuries long hospitality of the good people of Borno State.
“As a government, we recognize that our youth are the backbone of our society and it is our responsibility to provide you with all the necessary support and resources to thrive and develop to your full potentials.
“We believe that investing in our youths is investing in our future and we are committed to creating opportunities for you to grow and be successful”. The Governor stated.
He therefore commended the Federal Minister of Youth and Sports Development (FMYD), Mr. Ayodele Olawande, the Borno Commissioner of Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba and all other stakeholders for choosing Borno as venue of the meeting, even as he urged participants to feel free and brainstorm critically towards complementing efforts of the government in revamping the future of youths in the society.
In his address, the Minister Olawande expressed deep appreciation to Borno State Government for hosting the NCYM.
“This meeting reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s collective commitment in advancing the interest of Nigerian Youths inline with his Renewed Hope Agenda”. Olawande said.
He called on the other state governors to emulate and follow a good steps of Governor Zulum in revamping the future of youths for better.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state Commissioner Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba highlights the importance of youth in national development.
He said, Governor Zulum who has passion for the youths, have spent billions of naira in establishing 17 skills acquisition centres, sponsored thousands of indigenous students on scholarship in various tertiary institutions within and outside the country, with Empowerment and jobs creation for teaming and vulnerable youth groups across the state.
Zulum harps on provision of skills acquisition, education, others to end youths restiveness
News
Bandits kill two, abduct one in Niger community
Bandits kill two, abduct one in Niger community
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have killed two persons and abducted another in Kachiwe community, Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, the police have said.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 20.
According to eye witnesses, the bandits invaded Kachiwe community in large numbers, shot and killed Ango Abdulkarim, 25, and Abdulkarim Isah, 54, and abducted one Meyaku Ibrahim, 28.
All the victims are Fulani by tribe and residents of Kachiwe community.
“On receipt of the information at about 9:30 a.m., Army troops supported by Police and vigilantes, were swiftly deployed to the scene,” the sources said.
The sources added that by the time the teams arrived, the bandits had fled.
“However, the two corpses were recovered and, on the request of their relatives, handed over for burial,” the sources said.
The security sources said efforts were ongoing through intelligence gathering and monitoring to arrest the perpetrators and rescue the abducted victim.
Bandits kill two, abduct one in Niger community
News
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday said it has arrested 77,792 suspected drug offenders and secured 14,225 convictions over the past five years, as part of its intensified campaign against illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed this in Abuja during the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation Ceremony held at the NDLEA national headquarters.

Marwa also revealed that the agency seized more than 14.8 million kilogrammes of illicit substances within the said period, describing the achievement as a major blow to both local and international drug cartels operating in the country.
According to him, 128 major drug barons were among those arrested, noting that their capture had significantly weakened criminal trafficking networks.
He stated that beyond enforcement, the NDLEA had also prioritised rehabilitation and prevention, with over 32,000 drug users receiving professional treatment and counselling. Additionally, the agency conducted more than 13,700 sensitisation programmes under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across schools, markets, workplaces, religious centres, and communities nationwide.
Marwa praised President Bola Tinubu for renewing his mandate, describing it as a strong endorsement of the agency’s work.
He pledged to escalate the fight against drug trafficking during his second tenure, with more intelligence-driven and tactical operations
He said: “We will not rest until every drug baron is behind bars and every illicit substance is removed from our streets.”
At the ceremony, 166 NDLEA officers and 17 state commands were honoured for exceptional performance, bravery, and commitment to duty.

Marwa commended the judiciary, security agencies, international partners, civil society groups, and the media for their support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
The NDLEA boss urged officers to remain diligent, disciplined, and proactive, stressing that the agency would continue to strengthen its operations to protect Nigerian youths from the dangers of illicit drugs.
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
News
NSCDC FCT Decorates 402 Officers, Pledges Stronger Security in Abuja
NSCDC FCT Decorates 402 Officers, Pledges Stronger Security in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has decorated 402 newly promoted officers in a colourful ceremony held at the Command Headquarters in Abuja.
The event, which brought together senior officers, personnel, and invited guests, was described as a milestone in the careers of the promoted officers and a testament to their dedication to national service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, congratulated the beneficiaries on behalf of the Commandant General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi. He stressed that promotion is not a reward for longevity but a recognition of hard work, professionalism, and commitment to duty.
Odumosu reminded the officers that their new ranks come with greater responsibility, urging them to demonstrate higher levels of discipline, integrity, and leadership in the discharge of their duties.
He highlighted the achievements recorded by the FCT Command, noting that since he assumed office, the Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations, proactive patrols, and rapid response to security threats within the nation’s capital.
The Commandant also underscored the Corps’ role in protecting critical national infrastructure, including government facilities, public utilities, and strategic installations across the FCT.
He commended the Agro-Rangers Unit for its efforts in reducing farmer-herder conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence in rural communities, thereby contributing to food security in the territory.
Odumosu revealed that in 2025, the Command arrested 112 suspected vandals and over 50 illegal miners involved in acts of economic sabotage. According to him, many of the suspects were involved in vandalizing armoured cables, fibre optic installations, streetlights, solar panels, road crash barriers, and telecommunication infrastructure.
He further disclosed that the Command has invested in training and capacity building for its officers in areas such as intelligence gathering, disaster management, crowd control, election security, and human rights compliance.
Addressing the newly promoted officers, the Commandant urged them to serve as role models, uphold ethical standards, and remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He assured the FCT Minister, the NSCDC leadership, and residents of Abuja that the Command would continue to prioritize professionalism, accountability, and effective security service delivery.
NSCDC FCT Decorates 402 Officers, Pledges Stronger Security in Abuja
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