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Zulum in Oxford, addresses Int’l retreat on Borno’s peace-building

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Zulum in Oxford, addresses Int’l retreat on Borno’s peace-building

By: Our Reporter

Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, is currently in Oxford, United Kingdom, where he addressed a group of participants at a four-day working retreat that aims to strengthen Borno’s peace-building efforts through attracting more support from the international community.

The retreat, which focuses on support for victims of Boko Haram attacks and managing repentant insurgents, is holding at the University of Oxford from September 13 to 16, 2023.

The retreat has the theme: “Strengthening the Borno Model” of peace-building in terms of improving pathways to the successes recorded in encouraging mass exit of Boko Haram fighters and addressing shortcomings of the model.

The retreat was organized by UK based Inter Mediate, a registered charity institution working towards ending armed conflicts around the world.

The charity body is partnering with “(international) experts on the development of implementation plans on transitional justice and strategic communications, and to set out a vision for the next phase of the Borno Model within the context of Nigeria’s wider peace strategy”.

The retreat is supported by the UK’s High Commission in Nigeria.

Zulum arrived the UK on Wednesday evening and on his arrival, he was hosted to a welcome dinner at the first college in the University of Oxford. He was hosted by Baroness Valerie Amos, the master of the college (the first-ever black head of an Oxford college).

Governor Zulum on Thursday made a presentation titled “The Borno Model- a strategic vision for the next phase (results, ambition and challenges).”

The retreat had presentation on “centering Borno
In a Nigerian and Regional Peace Strategy (setting the Borno model within Nigeria and LCB’s wider conflict resolution approach and harmonizing the model with the dialogue initiative)”.

The retreat is expected to produce “a winning communication strategy” and “a legal framework for transitional justice” for the Borno Model with 100 days action plan for implementation.

The retreat has representatives from the Nigerian Federal Government, the Nigerian military, the UK High Commission and consulting experts.

The governor is attending the retreat alongside a delegation that includes Borno’s Commissioner for Information and Security, Professor Usman Tar, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Hauwa Abubakar, the special adviser on security, Brigadier General Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq (retired), the chief adviser and coordinator on
Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Support and the special adviser on media and strategy, malam Isa Gusau.

Zulum in Oxford, addresses Int’l retreat on Borno’s peace-building

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Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Gamboru Ngala, kill one terrorist

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Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Gamboru Ngala, kill one terrorist

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have repelled a ISWAP attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) along the Pump House axis of Gamboru Ngala–Kala Balge Road in Borno State.

Sources report that the attack occurred at about 1:15 a.m. on Sunday when terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military base.

According to the sources, the troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat. One of the terrorists was fatally injured during the exchange of fire, and his corpse was recovered from the scene.

The security situation in the area has since been stabilized.
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Saudi Universities Say Our Schools Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims Nigerian Students

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Saudi Universities Say Our Schools Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims Nigerian Students

By: Michael Mike

Nigerians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, have been advised to pursue academic aspirations in Saudi Arabia Universities.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the Forum of Saudi Arabia Universities Alumni in Nigeria and Neighboring Countries. Vice President for Educational and Academic Affairs, King Khalid University, Prof. Saad Daajim, said no fewer than 850 Nigerian students are currently schooling in various universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with over
3,200 Nigerians graduated from Saudi Arabian universities in last one decade.

The forum which was has as theme “alumni of Saudi universities in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Surrounding countries and their impact on sustainable development.”

Daajim said: “In Saudi Arabia, there are more than 850 students from this country (Nigeria) studying in Saudi Universities. Already, in the last one decade, there are more than 3,200 graduates from Nigeria.”

He said his country is open to admitting more Nigerians to study in their universities, adding that prospective students from Nigeria will be given acceptable rate.

“We are actually proud to accept more Nigerian students in our university in different disciplines, education, engineering, science, Arabic language, religious studies and medical sector. Hopefully, we will arrange a good acceptance rate for this country because it contributes a huge number of population to the African contigent,” he added.

He also revealed that his country has a scholarship scheme which is available to all irrespective of religion.

The Khalid University Don said scholarship are for both Muslims and non-Muslims, adding that: “According to our regulation, admission will be accessible to all even scholarships.

“And we have King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, most of the scholarships for students are for Muslims and non-Muslims as well. And King Fahd University for Mineral and Petroleum also employs and accepts students from all cultures, all religions, all continents.”

Speaking on the forum, the Don said it is to open communication with alumni from Saudi Universities and see how they are impacting on their environment.

He said: “We found them very active and we expect that when they come back to their country, they will contribute to sustainable development, either for personal living or in the country.”

On the prospect of Nigerian graduates in Saudi Arabia, Daajim said graduates who wishes to pursue higher degrees after their first degree are allowed to continue and also those whose skills are needed stand the chance to be employed.

He said: “Actually, when they graduate from Saudi University, they could continue their higher studies in Master or PhD. And if they are well qualified, they will be hired by the university as a professor.”

Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, in her opening remarks commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its long-standing commitment to educational cooperation and cultural institutions with Nigeria.

Ahmad said: “Such partnerships enrich our human capital and strengthen bilateral ties for mutual good. As we celebrate this gathering, I urge the alumni to continue to serve as ambassadors of knowledge, peace and development.”

She added that: “Your role in mentoring young Nigerians, advancing intercultural understanding and contributing to national development cannot be overstated. The Federal Ministry of Education will continue to support initiatives that harness alumni network for national advancement, for educational advancement and sustainable nation building.”

She also recognised the invaluable contributions of Nigerian alumni of Saudi universities to the national growth, peace, education, culture and development of the country.

She said: “Beyond academic achievement, you embody the bridge of friendship, cooperation and shared values between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Education, as we know, is the bedrock of progress.

“The training and exposure you acquired in Saudi institutions have not only equipped you with knowledge but also instilled in you discipline, global perspective and a strong sense of science. These qualities are critical to advancing Nigeria’s quest for inclusive and sustainable development. Indeed, many of you have become respected scholars, professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and public servants whose influence continues to shape our society positively.”

On his part, the Secretary of the Alumni, Dr. Mohamed Munir Ilyas, who was a graduate of Islamic University of Medina said since returning home, he has been contributing towards peaceful co-existence between the two major religious groups in Nigeria.

He stressed that “Of course, when you look at development, where there is no peace, it’s very hard to have development. We have been encouraging our members to be law-abiding citizens and peacemakers, peace builders and peace keepers also. And also to make an impact as far as academics is concerned, as far as moral is concerned, as far as even earning livelihood is concerned.”

Saudi Universities Say Our Schools Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims Nigerian Students

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Police arrest suspected bandits, informant and drug supplier in Sokoto

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Police arrest suspected bandits, informant and drug supplier in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested three suspected bandits, an informant, and a suspected drug supplier during a coordinated raid on a criminal hideout in Kware Local Government Area of the state.

Sources said the operation, carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on Oct. 4, followed credible intelligence on the activities of a five-man syndicate notorious for terrorising communities in Wamako and Kware areas.

The police team stormed the suspects’ hideout in Sabon Birni, Kware LGA, leading to the arrest of Bubale Mohammed and two others, alongside an informant and a suspected drug baron who allegedly supplied the gang with hard drugs.

Items recovered during the operation include dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and various illicit drugs.

According to the sources, video footage retrieved from the suspects’ phones showed them dressed in military uniforms and displaying rifles inside their camp.

Sources said efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

Police arrest suspected bandits, informant and drug supplier in Sokoto

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