News
Zulum okays N12.9b to sponsor Borno indigenes on aeronautics/engineering degrees
Zulum okays N12.9b to sponsor Borno indigenes on aeronautics/engineering degrees
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved a N12.9 billion scholarship scheme to sponsor 54 indigenes of the state to study aeronautics and engineering with various professional certifications, at the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM).
The training programme covers basic pilot training, with 10 beneficiaries specialising in Aerospace Engineering, 11 in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 11 in Mechatronics Engineering, 12 in Software Engineering, and 10 in Systems Engineering.
At a brief ceremony held at the Government House in Maiduguri on Thursday night, Zulum presented a cheque for N2.5 billion to the institution, covering the annual tuition and associated expenses, with the 5-year total package valued at N12.9 billion.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Zulum charged them to remain focused and dedicated to their studies. He emphasised that the selection process was deliberately designed to ensure equity across the state, with two students chosen from each of Borno’s 27 Local Government areas.
“What matters most is not just gaining admission, but how focused you will be in your studies. I advise you to remain dedicated and become good ambassadors of our state,” the governor stated.
In addition to funding their education, the governor announced an immediate financial support package of N500,000 per student to cover resumption logistics and other incidental expenses.
Giving an overview of the selection process, the State Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe revealed that the scholarship attracted interest from across the state. He disclosed that the ministry received over 3,000 applications.
According to the Commissioner, this large pool was initially shortlisted to 1,200 candidates, who were then subjected to a written examination, and the final 54 successful candidates emerged.
“These programmes reflect Governor Zulum’s commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment and investment in education,” Engr Wakilbe said.
The founder of IBUAM, Isaac Balami, an indigene of Borno State, commended Governor Zulum for the initiative. He assured the government that the students would receive world-class training, expressing confidence that they would be among those who would eventually build the first made-in-Nigeria aircraft.
Zulum okays N12.9b to sponsor Borno indigenes on aeronautics/engineering degrees
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
President Tinubu Flags Off the Construction of Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki International Road Projects
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Berom Militia Linked to NIPSS Attack as Security Sources Say Investigation Supports Earlier Leads
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
