NTTF VP Mailantarki tasks stakeholders on grassroots development

The Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Honourable Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has commended the sponsor of the Senior Advocate Cup, Muhammed Sani Ndanusa (SAN), urging more stakeholders to emulate his profound passion for grassroots talent development across Northern Nigeria and the nation at large.

Hon. Mailantarki gave the commendation in a press statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Mr Adamu Usman Ahmed.

Mailantarki while speaking during the closing ceremony of the highly anticipated tournament congratulated the various winners across the different categories of Men Singles, Junior Single and the veterans.

The NTTF VP thrilled the audience at the Kaduna Police Officers’ Mess Indoor Sport hall with an exciting developmental announcement.

He revealed that the two finalists of the Junior Singles category have been selected for a special performance camping program at his prestigious Table Tennis Academy in Abuja. Based on their performance at the camp, they stand the chance of securing full sponsorship to an upcoming international youth championship.

The 6th edition of the championship witnessed spectacular displays of talents. In the elite category, Abayomi Martins from Borno State delivered a stellar performance to take home the overall winner’s prize, leaving Kamal Muktar of Kano State to settle for the runner-up medal.

In the fiercely contested Junior category, the host state’s Mustapha Muktar (Kaduna) triumphed over Taraba State’s Harrison Jacob to clinch the ultimate prize.

Looking to the future, Hon. Mailantarki assured fans and players that similar grassroots and elite developmental championships would be organized in other states to ensure the continuous discovery and nurturing of table tennis talents in the country.

NTTF VP Mailantarki tasks stakeholders on grassroots development

Book Launch: Governor Zulum Donates ₦100 million

By: Our Reporter

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has donated the sum of N100 million on behalf of the government of Borno State for the book “Duty and Courage: The Story of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo 2018-2026 written by Dr. James Bwala, which chronicles his achievements as the Chief Medical Director of UMTH.

The governor also promised to deepen collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners to improve healthcare services in the state.

The Governor made the pledge on Tuesday during the opening of the Association of Radiologists of Nigeria (ARIN) 9th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, Book Launch and Commissioning of projects at the UMTH in Maiduguri.

He said the event marked another milestone in the collective pursuit of stronger healthcare delivery, medical education, research and specialist services for the people of Borno State and the North-East.

Governor Zulum re-stated his administration’s commitment to continue supporting the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) within available resources, alongside other federal health institutions in the state.

“As a State Government, we will continue to support the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and other healthcare institutions within our capacity, while strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government and other partners,” Zulum stated.

The Governor noted that UMTH had remained steadfast in saving lives, training medical professionals and providing essential specialist services throughout the difficult years of insurgency and flooding in the state.

He commended the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, for what he described as exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the institution’s growth.

According to Zulum, the hospital has recorded notable progress in infrastructure development, specialist services, medical training, research and professional development under Professor Ahidjo’s leadership.

“You are not only managing a Teaching Hospital; you are building a legacy that will benefit generations to come,” the Governor said.

“Professor Ahidjo has demonstrated that effective leadership is about building strong institutions, developing people and leaving a lasting legacy. Under his leadership, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital has continued to make significant progress in infrastructure, specialist services, medical training, research and professional development.”

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the state, particularly in healthcare infrastructure, human capital development and institutional strengthening.

Governor Zulum also commended NEDC for its intervention in the hospital and other development institutions in the region.

He said the ARIN Conference, book launch and inaugural lecture underscored the importance of research, knowledge-sharing and continuous professional development in addressing healthcare challenges.

Governor Zulum congratulated UMTH management and staff on the achievements. He expressed optimism that the newly commissioned projects would enhance the quality of healthcare services and further consolidate the hospital’s position as a centre of excellence.

The high point of the event was the commissioning of the Fertility Care Center and En-Suite Maternity Complex constructed by the North East Development Commission and the public presentation of the Book.

The event was attended by Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi; Senator representing Borno South, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; members of House of Representives; Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Minister of State for Regional Development, Hon. Uba Maigari Ahmodu; representative of the minister of Health and Social Welfare, Deputy Speaker Borno State House of Assembly and other members of the state assembly; Commissioners; traditional rulers; MD North East Development Commission and other dignitries.

Book Launch: Governor Zulum Donates ₦100 million

HAI Launches Grassroots Campaign for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election

By: Michael Mike

The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) has unveiled a multi-platform grassroots mobilisation campaign in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election, deploying street activations, SMS messaging, radio programming and political entertainment to sell the administration’s record to voters.

The first phase of the campaign begins on August 19 with the deployment of about 40 human mascots to strategic locations across Abuja, alongside a city-wide SMS mobilisation drive, a weekly Pidgin-language radio programme and an original campaign jingle.

In a statement signed by its Director of Press and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, the group said its campaign was designed to take the Tinubu administration’s policies and achievements directly to citizens while building grassroots support ahead of the 2027 poll.

HAI said its backing for Tinubu was driven by what it described as “bold reforms and initiatives” aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy, strengthening institutions and creating the foundation for long-term development.

The group specifically cited the administration’s petroleum-sector reforms, which it said had contributed to an end to perennial fuel scarcity and encouraged the emergence and expansion of private refineries.

It also listed increased stability in the foreign exchange market, higher government revenue and foreign reserves, efforts toward greater Local Government autonomy, police and internal security reforms, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), tax reforms and major road infrastructure projects in Abuja and other parts of the country.

“While these reforms have come with short-term challenges, we believe they are difficult but necessary steps towards a more sustainable, prosperous and better governed Nigeria,” HAI said.

As part of Wednesday’s opening activation, the organisation said about 40 colourfully dressed human mascots would be positioned at major roundabouts, markets, motor parks and other high-traffic areas across the Federal Capital Territory.

The mascots are expected to carry branded banners promoting Tinubu’s second-term bid, marking an unconventional attempt to take political messaging beyond conventional rallies and campaign events.

HAI said the street mobilisation would complement its wider media and digital campaign, with subsequent activities expected to expand beyond Abuja.

At the same time, the organisation will launch a city-wide SMS mobilisation campaign designed to establish a direct communication channel with residents and disseminate its messages ahead of the 2027 election.

The SMS initiative, according to the group, represents the first stage of a wider mobilisation programme that will be expanded as the election draws closer.

A major component of the campaign is a weekly Pidgin-language radio programme titled “Wetin Tinubu Don Do Sef”, through which HAI intends to explain government policies, programmes and projects in language it considers more accessible to ordinary Nigerians.

Each edition will focus on a particular policy area, examining its implementation, impact and potential benefits to citizens.

HAI said the programme would feature a host alongside regular guests or co-hosts, with expert perspectives and citizen voices incorporated where appropriate.

The group said the radio programme would pay particular attention to issues including the economy, education, security, infrastructure and NELFUND, which it believes require greater public awareness.

The opening phase will also feature an original campaign jingle inspired by Nigeria’s long tradition of political music and memorable campaign anthems.

HAI said the jingle draws inspiration from the tradition associated with historic Nigerian political campaigns, including the widely remembered Hope ’93 campaign linked to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

The organisation described the four initiatives — street mobilisation, SMS messaging, radio programming and the campaign jingle — as only the beginning of a broader political communication strategy.

According to HAI, subsequent phases will examine the Tinubu administration’s policies and programmes across critical sectors, including economic reforms, education, security and infrastructure.

The group said the campaign would seek not only to mobilise support for Tinubu but also to communicate what it considers the administration’s achievements and provide explanations of policies that have generated public debate.

The August 19 activation is therefore expected to mark the beginning of a sustained grassroots campaign by HAI as political parties, support groups and other interests gradually intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

HAI Launches Grassroots Campaign for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election