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Zulum urges citizens to shun protest, says govt working to ease hardships

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Zulum urges citizens to shun protest, says govt working to ease hardships

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has urged citizens of the state to shun ideas of protest resulting from the hardships faced in the country.

The governor said that the hike in the prices of food and other commodities was temporary and assured that the government at all levels was working to ease the hardships.

Zulum spoke on Wednesday during a multi-stakeholder meeting he convened at the multi-purpose hall of the Government House in Maiduguri, the state capital.

“While the right to protest is fundamental in a democracy, we must acknowledge the high likelihood of such actions being manipulated by anarchists and enemies of peace. These elements thrive on chaos and discord, seeking to derail our collective efforts and exploit our vulnerabilities.

“Such manipulation could lead to violence, property destruction, and a setback in the progress we have painstakingly achieved. It is within this context that I urge you all to reflect deeply on the path we choose to take,” he said.

The governor added, “While this hardship exists today, we are also aware that the negative impacts are temporary. It is our hope that we will ride the wave of this hardship to arrive at the shores of prosperity. We will do whatever it takes, and we are doing whatever it takes and more, to protect the dignity, pride and independence of our people. The leadership is not asleep. The leadership has not given up the fight for a better Borno State, despite our underlying problems. The leadership at the federal level has not given up on Nigeria.

“Our current socio-economic circumstances do not result from a lack of empathy for others’ plights or inaction to address pressing issues. The government (at the state and federal levels) is taking necessary measures to tackle challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment, and healthcare.”

Zulum, however, noted that it requires time, patience and the collective effort of all stakeholders for the measures being taken to bear fruits.
“It is vital that we do not aggravate the situation or jeopardise the returning peace in our state. Any attempt to join the protest could have adverse consequences for the lives and property of our people.

“Therefore, I am appealing to all stakeholders to ponder the consequences the intended protest might cause our beloved State and consider how we collectively can address the challenges facing us,” the governor stated.

According to him, the good people of Borno State cannot allow a return to the dark days of tears, fears and losses of lives and livelihoods.

“To bring back Borno State, as your elected leader, I have done and continue to do the very best for the people of Borno State. There is not enough time to list what we have done,” he said.

He further stated, “To the youth of Borno State, you are the backbone of our society, the shapers of both today and tomorrow. Your energy, creativity, and passion are invaluable assets to our community. However, let your conscience guide you in these trying times.”

The governor urged the youth of the state to always choose dialogue as the means to negotiate their demands.

“Peaceful and constructive engagement is the cornerstone of sustainable development. Remember, the future we desire is built on the foundations we lay today. Let those foundations be solidly rooted in peace, dialogue, and mutual respect.

“For our nation at large, I kindly ask for your understanding and appeal against any mass protests that can derail our attention from finding solutions to our social challenges,” he said

Zulum said the Federal Government had taken a number of bold steps to address the challenges of food inflation and availability of medicines for the nation.

“All taxes, tariffs, levies and charges on food importation have been suspended. The government has suspended the taxes on drugs and medicines as well to bring down the prices.”

“I urge you all to reflect on our collective journey, the sacrifices made, and the progress achieved.

“Let us not allow a moment of frustration to undo years of hard work. Instead, let us recommit to the principles of peace, dialogue, and mutual respect. Together, we can and will build a future that we and future generations can be proud of,” the governor said.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; the Secretary to the state government, Bukar Tijani; the theatre commander, Operation Hadin Kai; Major General Waidi Shuaibu; the Borno Commissioner of Police, Yusuf Mohammed Lawal; the State Director of DSS; and other security heads.

The traditional institution, headed by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, religious leaders, the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Trade Union, and other organisations, also attended the meeting.

Zulum urges citizens to shun protest, says govt working to ease hardships

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Northern Governors Declare Support for FG’s Plan to Restore 4 million Hectares of Degraded Land

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Northern Governors Declare Support for FG’s Plan to Restore 4 million Hectares of Degraded Land

By: Michael Mike

Governors of the 19 Northern States have declared suppprt for the Federal Government’s plan to restore 4 million hectares of degraded land in the region by 2030.

Speaking in Abuja during the endorsement and validation of the first phase of the developed catchment management plans (SCMP) by the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project
stakeholders, Gombe State Governor and Chairman of Northern Governor’s Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said: “Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased with the progress of the ACReSAL project in the beneficiary states, particularly its multi-sectoral approach to desertification control, landscape management, community livelihoods, resilience, and institutional strengthening.

“The ACReSAL project has contributed to creating a healthy and eco-friendly environment for human habitation through dryland management practices, which include gully stabilization, bioremediation, and afforestation activities.

“I would like to reiterate our commitment to supporting the ACReSAL project in achieving the Federal Government’s goal of restoring 4 million hectares of degraded land for broader landscape restoration by 2030.”

He added that: “As part of this initiative, we have, with the support of ACReSAL, planted over 4 million trees in Gombe State for instance over the past four years through our flagship program, Gombe Goes Green.”

Yahaya said: “On behalf of the 19 beneficiary states and the FCT, I want to express our profound gratitude to the Federal Ministries of Environment, Water Resources and Sanitation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for their technical support in the development of the Strategic Catchment Management Plans generally.

“Additionally, I would like to sincerely commend the WorldBank Task Team Leader on ACReSAL, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, along with the Bank’s specialists and the ACReSAL National Project Coordinator, Dr. Abdulhamid Umar, and his team for facilitating the development of this vital document.”

On his part, the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, while recognising that it was the first time the Government of Nigeria will be developing Strategic Catchment Management Plans of such magnitude, said: “I must also mention that the 20no. strategic catchment management plans being bankrolled by the Federal Government would create the platform and structure into which another set of 200 micro catchment management plans from the 19 ACReSAL participating states and the FCT will dovetail into.”

He disclosed that: “These micro catchment management plans would be developed by ACReSAL at state project management units, under the guidance of the Governors of the 19 ACReSAL States and the Honourable Minister of the FCT.”

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi noted that: “Since the inception of ACReSAL, it has become a cornerstone in the ministry’s efforts to bolster the agricultural sector against climate-related challenges across communities. Within the ministry, the project has catalyzed several transformative projects, notably, the ‘Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Card Scheme’.

“Through sustainable land and water management practices, thousands of hectares of degraded land have been reclaimed, ensuring they are once again productive. The ministry has also leveraged ACReSAL to develop a climate-smart agriculture manual that will equip farmers with the tools and knowledge to adapt to changing weather patterns while maintaining productivity. The 19 northern states and FCT, home to Nigeria’s most vulnerable semi-arid regions, have been direct beneficiaries of ACReSAL’s initiatives.”

Northern Governors Declare Support for FG’s Plan to Restore 4 million Hectares of Degraded Land

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Three Key bandits Leaders, several leaders killed in a deadly rival clash in Kastina

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Three Key bandits Leaders, several leaders killed in a deadly rival clash in Kastina

By: Zagazola Makama

A deadly violent clash between rival bandit factions erupted on Tuesday in the Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, resulting in the death of key leaders and heightened security concerns in the region.

The confrontation, involving the Yan Kambari group and followers of the late notorious bandit leader, Usman Modi Modi, led to heavy casualties and the seizure of livestock belonging to Harisu, a known associate of one of the factions.

The Yan Kambari group reportedly launched the attack on Harisu’s residence, sparking a deadly confrontation that claimed the lives of several bandit leaders, including: Nasiru Bosho, Bala Yatsa and Audu Mankare, who succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during the clash.

Nasiru Bosho is a notorious leader of bandit operations in Safana LGA and heading the Dogon Marke Camp, who was overseeing weapons previously held by Usman Modi Modi, Bala Yatsa was known for his role in the killing of Usman Modi Modi while Audu Mankare who sustained a gunshot wound in the chest during the engagement, is believed to have succumbed to his injuries shortly after the incident.

More infighting is expected to unfold as both groups are warming up to carry out reprisal.

Three Key bandits Leaders, several leaders killed in a deadly rival clash in Kastina

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KACRAN National President commends Potikum LG Chairman

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KACRAN National President commends Potikum LG Chairman

By: Yahaya Wakili

The National President of the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello, has commended the executive chairman of the Potiskum local government area, Yobe State, Hon. Salisu Muktari, for providing herders of Potiskum local government with water points.

Hon. Khalil Bello made the commendation when he and his entourage visited the chairman in the council chamber in continuation of the association community-to-community peace sensitization campaign in the state.

“In addition to his previous excellent performances with regards to providing his pastoralists with water points, the executive chairman promised to provide more water points for Potiskum local government herders in the 2025 fiscal year,” Bello said.

The national president called on pastoralists in the Potiskum local government area and its environs to continue to live in peace with one another by avoiding the destruction of anybody’s farmlands.

According to him, the sensitization is part of the proactive measures taken by the association to prevent herder and farmer conflicts in the state and the nation in general.

He reinstated the need for harders not to destroy farmlands during the ongoing harvesting period, adding that pastoralists and farmers are partners in progress.

Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello acknowledges the government’s commitment under the able leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni CON towards ending the premium crises between farmers and cattle rearers in the state.

He also appreciates the warm reception and the hospitality accorded him and members of his entourage by the executive chairman of the council, Hon. Salisu Muktari, and the people of Potiskum town and its surroundings.

The National President urged the other local government executives chairmen to emulate the executive chairman of Potiskum local government, Hon. Salisu Muktari, to provide water points to herders in their respective local government areas.

Speaking earlier, the executive chairman of the Potiskum local government area, Hon. Salisu Muktari, assured the readiness of the local government council towards supporting the association to achieve its desired objectives.

The chairman pledged to construct more water points for pastoralists in the area and called on the KACRAN leadership to identify the point where the water facilities will be constructed.

KACRAN National President commends Potikum LG Chairman

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