Despite Massive Fund on Security, Borno Remains Committed to Welfare of Citizens- Pensioners

By: Michael Mike

The National Union of Pensioners (NUP), Borno State chapter has said despite the massive fund expended on security in the state, the governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has remained focused and committed to the welfare of citizens, particularly in the prompt payment of pensions, salaries, and gratuities.

The commendation was given by the Chairman of the NUP in the state, Comrade Musa Alhaji Bukar, during a meeting in Maiduguri with executives from 30 branches, including those from the 27 local government areas.

Comrade Bukar noted that the governor’s directive to increase the monthly fund for outstanding gratuities for state retirees from one hundred million (N100 million) to two hundred million (N200 million) has significantly improved the lives and families of many, contributing to economic development.

The NUP Chairman also mentioned that Governor Zulum had paid 50% pension arrears to 1,115 state retirees for the years 2021 to 2022 last year, in addition to clearing pension outstanding arrears of 534 retirees across the 27 local government areas.

He highlighted that the payment of 25% gratuity to 500 Primary School Teachers, the settlement of gratuities for Local Government Retirees, the continuous payment of monthly pensions without delay, the resolution of 25% payments to late cases in the state, and the clearance of 399 outstanding pension arrears to the primary school board represent significant progress. He applauded the swift approval and release of billions of naira and encouraged the government to continue its support by reviewing pensions to help retirees cope with the rising cost of goods and services in the state.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank you all for honoring this invitation. It is an occasion for us to meet and discuss our achievements and the way forward,” said Comrade Bukar. “On behalf of the NUP in Borno, I commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his dedication to improving the retirees’ plight through prompt payment of pensions and gratuities.”

He added that: “We greatly appreciate Governor Zulum for the increased payments of outstanding gratuities to our state retirees, which has transformed many lives and families towards economic development.”

Bukar urged the government to not rest on its laurels but to come to the aid of pensioners by adjusting pensions to help those with minimal funds withstand the inflation of goods and services in the state.

Meanwhile, among the communiqués issued at the end of the NUP meeting was a strong call on other state governors to emulate Zulum in addressing the plight of the citizenry, particularly retired and serving civil servants, and to foster unity among its members.

Despite Massive Fund on Security, Borno Remains Committed to Welfare of Citizens- Pensioners

Troops Launch Operation To Clear Sambisa Forest Of Terror

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai Theater Command have launched a major operation aimed at rooting out the remnants of terrorists tormenting communities within and surrounding Timbuktu Triangle and Sambisa Forest.

The troops, in conjunction with the CJTF hybrid force, descended on locations infested by the terrorists across the infamous forest with the overall mandate of clearing the entire forest of everything with the semblance of terror and related criminalities.

Consequently, the combined operation, codenamed Operation Desert Sanity III, rescued 25 persons, comprising 16 women, 2 men and 7 children, from the terrorists’ captivity.

The combined operation advanced from base across the clusters of the terrorists’ locations towards Aulari Ngoromari and Alafa with few encounters with the terrorists who fled the scene before the arrival of the troops.

The troops increased the tempo of its activities and recorded recoveries of various types of weapons belonging to the terrorists, the troops coasted to harbour unscathed, vibrating the determination, high morale and readiness to launch the second phase of the operation in Sambisa Forest on May 11, 2024.

The troops who have vowed to decisively rid the infamous Sambisa Forest of all forms of terror and criminality, stormed the Njimia, and Farisu villages. During the operation, several suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists were neutralized, while others escaped with bullet wounds.

Troops Launch Operation To Clear Sambisa Forest Of Terror

NMA: Zulum congratulates newly elected President, Prof Bala

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, extended his warm congratulations to Professor Bala Muhammad Audu on his victory in the recent Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) election held during its annual delegates conference in Calabar on Saturday.

Zulum, in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, on Sunday, tasked Professor Bala to be dedicated and steadfast in transforming the medical profession.

He said, “As you prepare to take on the immense responsibilities that come with the highest office in the Nigerian Medical Association, I urge you to remember the core values that have guided your journey thus far: honesty, humility and a steadfast dedication to your duties.

“The challenges ahead are great, but with your wisdom and vision, I am confident that you will steer the affairs of the medical association towards attaining enhanced medical education and improving access to healthcare.”

“I implore you to prioritise technology and innovation to modernise healthcare delivery and promote evidence-based healthcare service delivery across the country,” Zulum said.

Prof. Bala’s emergence was announced on Saturday by the Nigerian Medical Association via its social media page, X, formerly known as Twitter.

Eight national officers emerged, including 1st Vice President – Benjamin Olowojebutu, 2nd Vice President- Usha Anenga and Ben Egbo as Secretary General.

Prof. Bala Audu, an indigene of Borno, is a highly accomplished Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with extensive experience and a strong academic background. His career spans several prestigious institutions in Nigeria, where he has held various leadership positions.

Dr. Bala has been a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, since 2009. He also held the position of Professor and Provost at the College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria, from 2017 Health Sciences, Azare.

NMA: Zulum congratulates newly elected President, Prof Bala