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Category: North East

  • Zulum to build staff quarters and revamp Borno school structures

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State has outlined a multifaceted plan to rejuvenate the education sector, which includes building teachers’ quarters and renovating dilapidated schools.

    Zulum, rolled out the plan at a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the education sector to review current challenges and outline fresh directives for improving learning outcomes, infrastructure, and coordination across the state.

     The governor emphasised the need for synergy among education agencies to ensure effective service delivery, noting that collaboration was key to addressing the sector’s challenges.

    Zulum ordered the establishment of additional High Islamic Colleges in selected local government areas.

    The colleges, he said, would integrate traditional Islamic studies with literacy, numeracy, modern sciences, and vocational training.

    According to him, the initiative is aimed at mainstreaming the non-formal education sector into the formal system, targeting Almajiri pupils and providing a second chance for out-of-school children who have exceeded the official enrolment age.

    The governor also directed the establishment of state libraries in Biu, southern Borno, and Monguno, in the northern part of the state, in addition to the upgraded Maiduguri library. 

    “Deliberately, I upgraded the Maiduguri library, with the aim of establishing another one in Biu and one in Monguno in order to promote reading culture, which is fast eroding.

    “ I want you to rejuvenate the reading culture by ensuring the library is effective. But most importantly, apart from the physical books, let’s put a mechanism for e-books in place,” Zulum said.

  • Journalists in Taraba boycott state govt. activities

    Journalists in Taraba boycott state govt. activities

    The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Taraba on Tuesday, resolved to boycott coverage of all Taraba  Government activities.

    The resolution was  signed by Mr. Charles Akpeji of Guardian Newspaper, Chairman of the Chapel’s Resolution Committee and made available to newsmen in Jalingo.

    The statement said that the chapel decried the action  by the state of deliberately sidelining its members  during major state functions.

    The statement also said that the chapel expressed outrage over the government’s failure to accredit its members for coverage of the  Taraba State International Investment Summit (TARAVEST), and the planned visit of President Bola Tinubu to the state.

    It described the action as a calculated attempt to gag the press, adding that the union unequivocally condemns what it labeled, a blatant disregard for press freedom and transparency.

    According to the statement, the chapel subsequently announced an immediate and indefinite boycott of all Taraba  government activities until the government changes it attitude.

    The statement also said that the union had passed a vote of no confidence on Hajia Zainab Usman,  Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation.

    “This follows a statement credited to her regarding the invitation of accredited journalists to  some pre- Taravest  events, where  members of the Correspondents’ Chapel were excluded.

    “We wish to  assure  all residents of  the  State of  our  unwavering commitment to our watchdog role.

    “Journalists will continue to report on issues affecting residents and will continue to hold the government accountable, regardless of the  deliberate  exclusion,” it stated.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu is  billed  to visit and inaugurate some projects in the state on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

  • Emir of Ningi cautions against politicising AGILE project in Bauchi

    Emir of Ningi cautions against politicising AGILE project in Bauchi

    The Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Haruna Danyaya, has warned against politicising the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Bauchi State.

    Danyaya gave the warning when the AGILE project team, led by its Coordinator,  Ali Gar, paid a courtesy visit on him  in Ningi local government area of Bauchi state on Tuesday.

    He emphasised that education remained  paramount and should not be undermined by selfishness and greed.

    The Emir pledged to support the project with all his energy, ensuring its successful implementation and monitoring.

    Earlier, Hajiya Halima Dimis, Communication Officer of  the team,  said the AGILE project aimed to improve secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls from  ages 10-20,

    “The project will address challenges such as socio-cultural and financial constraints, and infrastructural deficits,” she said.

    Also speaking,  Gar explained that  key components of the AGILE project included creating safe and accessible learning spaces such as constructing new classrooms, rehabilitating dilapidated facilities, and providing teaching and learning materials.

    READ ALSO: Gombe enforces night curfew over security concerns

    “Empowering girls means providing  critical life skills knowledge, digital literacy skills, and financial incentives to support their ‘ education,” he said.

  • Gombe Enforces Night Curfew Over Security Concerns

    Gombe Enforces Night Curfew Over Security Concerns

    The Gombe State Police Command has announced a night curfew due to growing security concerns. 

    The restriction will be in effect from 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily, starting Friday, February 7, 2025.  

    The police stated that the measure aims to curb rising threats in the area. 

    Security forces are ready to enforce the curfew and protect lives and property.  

    Residents have been urged to comply, while parents are advised to ensure their children do not violate the order. 

    Authorities have warned that anyone caught defying the curfew will face strict consequences.

  • FG inaugurates fashion hub in Borno, targets 48,000 jobs

    FG inaugurates fashion hub in Borno, targets 48,000 jobs

    The Federal Government has launched a massive ultramodern fashion manufacturing hub in Maiduguri, which is expected to create over 48,000 jobs in Borno.

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the facility on Tuesday when he also reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, upskilling the workforce, and ensuring equitable wealth distribution across the nation.

    According to him, the strength of any nation lies not in its natural resources but in the hands of its skilled and enterprising citizens.

    Shettima also said, “You are the surest means of distributing wealth equitably across the land. You are the crucial link to securing a prosperous future.”

    He disclosed unconditional grants of N300,000 for outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the event, as part of FG’s N75 billion support package for MSMEs.

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    He explained that “every business empowered is a step closer to eradicating poverty, and we do not take for granted the critical role you play as the buffer of our economy, particularly at the informal level.”

    Shettima also noted that the MSME Clinics provide a unique platform for business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and innovators.

    He said this would enable them to interact directly with regulatory agencies, financial institutions, and business support organisations.

    “It is an avenue to receive practical, on-the-spot solutions to the challenges you face in running your businesses,” he said.

    Media reports indicate that the fashion hub is among the largest ever established by the Federal Government.

    It is furnished with state-of-the-art equipment to support the fashion manufacturing cluster in Borno.

    Shettima said, “We anticipate that this facility will be managed by a competent private sector entity, with federal and state governments providing vigilant oversight.

    “Our vision is for this hub to become a reference point for excellence, enterprise, and training — not only for Borno but for the entire nation.”

    Borno governor, Babagana Zulum, expressed optimism that the launch of the MSME Clinic will revive business activities, provide employment opportunities, and sources of income for individuals in the state.

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    Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated that the launch of the MSME Clinic and the Fashion and Innovation Hub marks another milestone of success in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    “Everything speaks to the 8-point agenda of Mr President,” the minister said.

    On his part, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Eno, said the MSME Clinic was a transformational programme being led by the Vice-President.

    Eno said that the programme was responsible for unlocking a lot of economic opportunities, empowering small businesses and encouraging innovation.

    Also, Senior Special Assistant to the President on MSMEs and Job Creation, Mr. Tola Johnson, expressed appreciation for the commissioning of the Clinic in the state. 

  • Yobe Govt opens tenders for solid minerals development

    Yobe Govt opens tenders for solid minerals development

    The Yobe government on Monday opened tenders for consultancy services for the development of a comprehensive roadmap on the state’s solid minerals sector.

    Alhaji Kaigama Umar, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Tourism and Solid Minerals declared the bidding open in Damaturu.

    Uma said the tender which was advertised on The Nations and Daily Independent newspapers had commenced from January 13 in line with the Procurement Act.

    The commissioner listed Ahila Technology Ltd, I Focus Consultant Ltd, Dotnet Technologies Ltd, Pathing-Ways Mapping Ltd and MaxlockNig and Partners Ltd as the only companies that indicated interest and submitted their bids.

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    Umar said that the state was rich in solid minerals but like most states  relied on federal allocations which made it difficult to achieve its goals.

    He said to address the issue, the state aimed to generate local resources to complement federal allocations.

    The commissioner said that the submitted documents would be reviewed by the technical section and then forwarded to the Bureau for Public Procurement for final evaluation.

    He added that firms would be evaluated based on their financial capability, technical expertise and past experience among other.

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    Malam Hamza Saidu, the Managing Director of Yobe State Investment Company Limited, said that the state was currently focusing on developing its solid minerals sector to provide employment, increase revenue, and establish itself as a key player in Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.

    “The state government has records of mineral resources like limestone, gypsum, iron ore, and others. But seeks to update its data on chemical composition, industrial applications, and production reports to attract partnerships and investments,” he said.

    Mr Joel Duku of Maxlock Nig, who spoke on behalf of other companies commended the Yobe government for adhering to the Procurement Act, describing the process as a best practice adopted globally.

  • 1,900 settlements, ICT Centre unveiled for survivors in Monguno

    1,900 settlements, ICT Centre unveiled for survivors in Monguno

    On Friday, Annet Günther, the German ambassador to Nigeria, opened 1,900 resettlement homes and an ICT (information and communications technology) center for the survivors in Borno’s Monguno Local Government Area.

    Reports indicate that the two projects were built by the  international partners in collaboration with the Borno and the German government.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Günther commended Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno  for the initiatives which she said would have great impact on communities affected by insurgency.

    “This housing project is a shining example of collaboration between the Borno State Government and international partners.

    “Funding for the housing units comes from both the state government and international donors,” the German ambassador said.

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     Also speaking, Elsie Attafuah, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Country Representative, said the projects align with UNDP’s regional stabilisation efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Lake Chad region.

    Earlier, Zulum stated that the housing estate consists of 1,000 Two-Bedroom Low-cost houses and 900 Sese-Permanent Shelters.

    The governor said that the houses would be distributed to 1,874 households selected from 18 communities who had been living in IDP camps for years.

    Zulum said that the German government funded the construction of 500 permanent housing units in 2020 and added 900 semi-permanent shelters in 2023.

    Monguno LGA ICT Centre, Borno state

    According to him, the Borno government built another 500 houses and provided complementary amenities such as a health centre and solar-powered boreholes.

    “A Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed in 2020 under the RS German Initiative to kick-start the construction of 500 houses.

    “In 2023, another LOA was signed under the RSF German reintegration funds, enabling the completion of the 500 housing units, 900 semi-permanent shelters, and the installation of 375 solar streetlights,” the governor said.

    He added that the efforts would support the voluntary decongestion and eventual closure of IDP camps in Monguno, enabling smoother reintegration of displaced families in their ancestral homes.

    Zulum expressed gratitude to the Governments of Germany, the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Egypt, and the European Union for their continued support, as well as to UNDP for its unwavering partnership in stabiliSing the region.

    Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Foud; Sen. Mohammed Monguno; the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Esty Sotyoko; and Mathew Alao, head of the UNDP office in Maiduguri.

    Traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of Monguno also attended the event

  • Bauchi Governor Re-appoints Sacked Commissioners as Advisers  

    Bauchi Governor Re-appoints Sacked Commissioners as Advisers  

    Just two days after being sacked, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has re-appointed three former commissioners as special advisers in a reshuffled cabinet.  

    The appointments, which took effect immediately, were detailed in an official statement issued on Tuesday. 

    The changes appear aimed at utilizing the expertise of the former commissioners in new capacities to drive state development.  

    Among the appointees are Abdulhameed Bununu, who transitions from Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs to Special Adviser on Multilateral Coordination and Regional Integration.

     Usman Danturaki, previously overseeing Information and Communication, will now focus on Labour Matters and the Contributory Pension Scheme.

     Madugu Yalams, the former Agriculture Commissioner, assumes the role of Special Adviser on Technical and Vocational Education.  

    Governor Mohammed emphasized the need for the appointees to focus on delivering impactful results in their new roles, aiming to improve the lives of Bauchi residents.  

    Earlier in the day, the governor announced a cabinet reshuffle, which included the dismissal of five commissioners, citing the need to enhance governance and service delivery across the state.

  • Fintiri Appoints Seven New Traditional Rulers in Adamawa

    Fintiri Appoints Seven New Traditional Rulers in Adamawa

    Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has appointed seven new traditional rulers after the state recently introduced seven new monarchies.

     The new appointees include Sani Ahmadu Ribadu, the younger sibling of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. 

    This comes after the creation of five chiefdoms and two emirates on December 23, 2024.

     The newly appointed leaders will hold second-class and third-class titles, a decision aimed at improving local governance by addressing community demands for additional leadership representation.

     The new monarchs include Sani Ahmadu Ribadu, now Emir of Fufore; Alheri Nyako, Tol Huba; Bulus Luka Gadiga, Mbege Ka Michika; Ali Danburam, Ptil Madagali; John Dio, Gubo Yungur; Aggrey Ali, Kumu of Gombi; and Ahmadu Saibaru, Emir of Maiha.

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    Governor Fintiri commended the new rulers for their merit and popularity, encouraging them to perform their duties with fairness and integrity. 

    The appointments are effective immediately, expanding the state’s total number of chiefdoms and emirates.

  • Muhammad Buhari Int’l Airport, Maiduguri, Commences Int’l Ops

    Muhammad Buhari Int’l Airport, Maiduguri, Commences Int’l Ops

    The General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri, Borno State, has officially commenced full international operations as of January 1, 2025. 

    This significant development enhances connectivity for the North East Zone and positions Maiduguri as a pivotal hub for international air travel and cargo transportation. 

    In a collaborative effort to ensure the smooth operation of the newly upgraded airport, the Borno State Government has donated two state-of-the-art fire service trucks.

     This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the aviation sector and ensuring the safety and efficiency of airport operations.

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    The establishment of an international airport in Maiduguri is strategic, aiming to receive international flights from the Middle East and other regions. 

    The airport’s capacity, infrastructure, and strategic location are expected to bolster economic activities and regional development. 

    The Federal Government, in partnership with the Borno State Government, has undertaken significant upgrades to the airport’s facilities, including the construction of a world-class runway and the installation of state-of-the-art equipment. 

    These enhancements are designed to meet international standards and accommodate a variety of aircraft, thereby facilitating increased passenger and cargo traffic.

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    The commencement of international operations at the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport marks a milestone in the region’s development, promising to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance the overall infrastructure of Borno State.