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Zulum to NEDC: We want projects with lasting benefits

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Zulum to NEDC: We want projects with lasting benefits

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise embarking on tangible projects that can provide lasting benefits and boost infrastructural development across the six states in the northeast region.

The Governor was speaking on Tuesday at the Government House when he received the expanded management and board of the NEDC led by the State Minister of Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmodu.

Governor Zulum listed security, Dry Inland Ports, African Intercontinental Free Trade Zone, independent electricity supply, and road networks as some of the key priorities for the northeast.

Zulum noted, “I think the time has come for us to prioritise our projects. We have gone into more than 50% of the lifespan of the NEDC. I am not saying that NEDC will collapse. What I mean by lifespan is the funding window allocated to the commission according to the act that established it.”

“So, let’s come up with what we can do to get maximum benefit from establishing the commission.”

“Other commissions have come on board; we cannot afford to perform below them. This time around, we must have a yardstick. Otherwise, not only the minister, the chairman of the House committee, or the MD, but all of you are from the northeast; a time will come when we will call you out that there is nothing tangible to show within your tenure.”

Zulum, however, assured the minister and the NEDC management of the governors’ commitment within the Northeast to support the commission in achieving its mandate.

The Governor also commended the North East Development Commission for supporting the state with humanitarian aid, school projects, and other programmes that positively affect the lives of the people of Borno.

Speaking earlier, the State Minister of Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmodu, stressed the need for close collaboration with the North East Governors Forum to achieve the broader North East Stabilisation and Development Plan (NESDP).

The minister noted that the Ministry of Regional Development will ensure adequate supervision of NEDC to achieve the need to rebuild and stabilise the northeast region after years of insurgency and economic disruption.

The delegation comprises the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NEDC, Hon. Usman Zannah, other committee members; the Chairman of the NEDC board, Major General Paul C. Tarfa (Rtd); the MD/CEO of the commission, Mohammed Goni Alkali, and other senior management officials.

Zulum to NEDC: We want projects with lasting benefits

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Fresh Babcock graduate found dead in hostel, police begin investigation

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Fresh Babcock graduate found dead in hostel, police begin investigation

By: Zagazola Makama

The Ogun State Police Command has commenced investigation into the sudden death of a 20-year-old fresh graduate of Information Technology from Babcock University, Ilisan Remo.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the deceased, identified as Akawa Boluwatife Samuel, was brought to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital by his roommates on Wednesday and was confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty.

Police detectives who visited the scene said one of the deceased’s roommates, Adili Leonard Chimdindu, disclosed that Boluwatife had complained of cold and difficulty in breathing on July 27, and was advised to visit the University Medical Centre.

According to him, they were on campus to complete their clearance process ahead of graduation, and the deceased had planned to return home soon.

He further stated that the deceased was in good spirits the previous night and played games on his laptop until around 11:00 p.m. He was, however, found unresponsive by morning.

Photographs of the deceased were taken, and the statement of his elder brother, Akawa Toluwanimi John, was recorded.

The body has been deposited at the university morgue for autopsy and preservation, while investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of death.

Fresh Babcock graduate found dead in hostel, police begin investigation

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Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities

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Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities

By: Michael Mike

The Waziri Mushere and community leader in Plateau, Chief Yohana Margif has raised alarm over terrorists’ current occupation of seven villages in Mushere community after displacing the inhabitants from their ancestral homes.

Margif in a statement issued on Friday, expressed his shock over the new development, and listed the occupied villages as Hokk, Kaban, Kadim, Nawula, Dulu, Mbor and Margif.

According to him, the seven communities, which are all in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state were recently attacked and ravaged by the terrorists, who killed many of the inhabitants and displaced thousands.

He said that for over three months now, the beleaguered communities had been under relentless terrorist attacks and siege, forcing them to flee their incestral homes to take shelter at Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camps.

Margif said that the Fulani invaders, who have taken over their villages, are shockingly building their tents with their cattle gracing on their farms with impunity.

He noted that this was in spite of the state government’s claim that no part of the state was under terrorists’ occupation.

He said: “Am still in a state of shock by the governor’s claim that no part of Plateau State is under the control of bandit terrorists.

“My people have been forced to live in the wilderness at this critical period of the year when they are supposed to be in their farms.

“The terrorists who were previously called unknown gunmen are now known, as they have now set up tents in our lands on which their cattle are grazing, which is visible for everybody to see,” he said.

The Labour Party chieftain and gubernatorial hopeful, who lost his bid for the Plateau State governorship seat in the 2023 elections, stressed that terrorists who have built tents and are openly carrying guns around can no longer be regarded as unknown.

He said that the reality on ground contradicted the governor’s assertion as these communities have been practically and brazenly taken over by terrorists, who have usurped their lands and livestock.

“Enough is enough of this, government has abdicated its responsibility of protecting its citizens for too long.

“Now that the terrorists’ identity is known, let the relevant authorities direct the security agencies to go after them, so that our people can return to their ancestral homes.

“The Plateau State government must take immediate and decisive actions to restore peace and security of the communities because the people deserve protection, justice and the right to live in their ancestral homes without fear,” he emphasised.

Margif suggested that government should immediately direct security agencies to flush out the terrorists from the seven affected communities and smoke them out of their well-known sanctuaries in surrounding hills.

He also urged relevant authorities to take decisive steps to address the humanitarian challenges by providing relief to the distraught inhabitants who are currently taking shelter at lDP camps.

Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities

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Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt

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Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Friday urged corps members deployed to the state to contribute meaningfully to its development during their service year.

He made the call while declaring open the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course at the temporary NYSC orientation camp in Akko Local Government Area.

The governor represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Inuwa Ibrahim, described corps members as critical stakeholders in nation-building.

Yahaya noted that the immediate past set of corps members had contributed significantly through community development projects, youth mentorship, and empowerment programmes.

“As you serve in Gombe State, I encourage you to be part of our developmental process, contributing to the transformation of our state and the empowerment of our youth.

“Your predecessors did well in nation-building, and it’s our collective responsibility to continue on this positive path,” he said.

He assured the corps members of a safe and conducive environment to enable them serve effectively and impact their host communities positively.

“Gombe State is a safe haven, and we guarantee a conducive working environment for your activities and programmes during your service year,” Yahaya added.

In her remarks, Mrs Chinwe Nwachuku, the NYSC State Coordinator in Gombe, urged the 940 corps members to participate actively in all camp activities as a foundation for their service year.

She encouraged them to adhere to camp rules, shun negative behaviour, and uphold the core values of the NYSC.

Nwachuku also appreciated the Gombe State Government, stakeholders, and residents for their continued support and commitment to the success of the NYSC scheme in the state.

Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt

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