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Zulum receives 2022 HLF award for “excellence” as Anyaoku calls him performer
Zulum receives 2022 HLF award for “excellence” as Anyaoku calls him performer
By Michael Mike
The Hallmark of Labour Foundation (HLF), a collection of highly respected elder statesmen and women amongst them technocrats, academics and diplomats, has presented Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, with its 2022 “Role Model Award for Excellence in Leadership and Good Governance”.
The HLF’s board of trustees is chaired by Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu with members that include Dr. Christopher Kolade, Professor Grace Alele Williams, Professor Itse Sagay and other eminent Nigerians.
The foundation’s core objective is “to identify worthy role models and use the achievements of these role models as examples to educate the youths that success through genuine labour is more rewarding and fulfilling”:
The HLF annual awards began on 28th of November, 1997, with its first winner: late Prof. Adeoye Lambo, first African Psychiatrist and first Deputy Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The 2022 awards which coincided with the foundation’s 26th anniversary, took place at Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday and it was attended by prominent intellectuals including Professor Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, presented Governor Zulum with the award.
“Our recipient for the award for Excellence in Leadership and Good Governance, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, is without any doubt, a performing Governor”, Anyaoku declared before a thunderous applause of guests at the event.
Zulum’s choice, HLF’s board said, was “in recognition of his outstanding performance in leadership and good governance which has greatly enhanced the well-being of the good people of Borno State” and which “has set him (Zulum) apart as a Great Nigerian Role Model”.
The Zulum administration is credited for executive 120 capital projects in its first 100 days, 326 capital projects and 49 capital-intensive programmes in his first year; 556 capital projects by the second year and over 600 capital projects in the third year.
These were beside Governor Zulum assuming the role of Borno State’s chief humanitarian officer, traversing all communities even at risk to his personal safety, to supervise security deployments, humanitarian responses, reconstruction of communities destroyed by insurgents and safe resettlements of Internally Displaced Persons and refugees from the state.
Zulum, in his response to the award, said: “I dedicate this award to my team, and most especially to the men in uniform who work with us, supporting us to achieve and deliver good governance to our people.”
He also said the award would not make him relent but rather “encourage us to do more for the good of Borno State”.
The governor noted that “there is [still] so much to be done” promising that God willing, his dream is “to build a society that works for everyone (in Borno State)”.
The HLF award was one of over 20 prominent awards and honours received by Governor Zulum since 2019.
The governor has, within the last three months, been presented with three awards by President Muhammadu Buhari at different occasions.
Meanwhile, at Saturday’s Hallmark of Labour Foundation (HLF) awards, Zulum was not the only recipients as 10 persons amongst them judges and professors were also presented with different categories of the 2022 role model awards.
The winners include: former judge at the International Criminal Court, Judge Dr. Chile Eboe-Osuji- recognized for “HLF-Emeka Anyaoku Life-Time Achievement Award”; Honourable Justice Paul Adamu Galumje- honoured for “Courageous Service to the Advancement of our Legal System”, Otumba Olasubomi Michael Balogun- honoured for “Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance”, and Professor Ekanem Ikpi Braide for “Consistent Advocacy for Positive Change within the University System”.
Other recipients were Professor Peter Akinsola Okebukola for “Contributions in the Field of Education”, Professor Frank Osato Giwa-Osagie for “Contributions in the Field of Medicine”, Professor Oladapo Adenrele Ashiru also for “Contributions in the Field of Medicine”, Professor Dennis Edokpaigbe Agbonlah also for “Contributions in the Field of Science”, Professor Abubakar Sani Sambo for “Contributions in the Field of Science” and Professor Tonnie Osa Iredia for “Excellence in Leadership and Professionalism in the Media”.
News
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.
He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.
He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.
Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.
He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
News
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.
Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.
He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.
According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.
The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.
He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.
He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.
The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
News
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.
Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.
The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.
According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.
They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.
The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
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