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Tag: Gov Zulum

  • 2023 Election: Borno Safe For Voters – Zulum

    2023 Election: Borno Safe For Voters – Zulum

    Governor Babagana Zulum has said Borno State is 90 per cent secure and safe ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    He said this Friday after a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The governor assured the voting public of their safety before, during and after the elections.

    The November 22 attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign train in Maiduguri, the state capital, has raised security alert about possible violence ahead of the polls.

    Asked what he was doing to assure those not bothered to collect their PVCs because of fear that insecurity might not enable them to use it during the election, he said: “The people of Borno State voted during the 2015 election. They also voted during the 2019 election. Can you compare the security situation in 2019 and 2015 and now? The security situation has improved tremendously by over 90 percent, so we don’t have any problem.

    “Eligible voters can go and cast their votes on election day, Inshallah, in Borno State, we don’t have any problem.“

    Zulum, while reacting to a question on the current state of security in his state, said: “We thank that there is great improvement in terms of security in Borno State.”

    “We are doing very well now, rehabilitation and resettlement is also going very well. We are looking forward to see how we can rehabilitate Maiduguri, Gamborun-Gala road and then Maiduguri-Banke road with a view to opening up opportunities for the people to earn their means of livelihood,” he added.

    On the expectations in the new year, the governor said: “I want to see how we can sustain what we are doing. So far so good in terms of security, the federal government has done well, the military has also done very well. We are now looking into the possibility of rehabilitating the victims of the insurgency, a lot of them have surrendered.

    “The federal government is supporting our mission of rehabilitating. But most importantly, we are yet to complete our resettlement project and very soon, we will resettle victims of Gudubali Local Government Area and also we will resettle all our refugees that are living Republic of Niger and Chad and Cameroon. Mr. President has given approval to this effect and very soon, we will complete the entire settlement.”

    On when the resettlement process would be completed, he said: “Resettlement is not something that is easy, it will take a long time. But the most important thing is that those that are very much in need to be resettled will be resettled. But most importantly, we have closed down all official IDPs camps within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Gere Local

    “Government Area, as I said, last one year ago. For now, we don’t have any official IDP camps within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, the unofficial camps will also be closed in the next few months.”

    When asked to confirm or deny reports that there were some areas in the state where insurgents were still holding sway, Zulum said: “Even in the developed world, we still have some pockets of insecurity. But by and large, we have succeeded a lot. Over 90 per cent of our security situation has been improved.”

  • Gov Zulum distributes 18 patrol vans to military, CJTF

    Gov Zulum distributes 18 patrol vans to military, CJTF

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has presented 18 patrol vehicles to strengthen the military and volunteers in the Civilian Joint Task Force dedicated to patrols along the Maiduguri-Dikwa- Gamboru Highway.

    The governor’s gesture was contained in a statement titled, ‘Zulum gives 18 security vehicles to military, Civilian JTF for Dikwa-Gamboru road patrols’, and signed by his spokesman, Isa Gusau, on Saturday.

    The statement said Zulum presented the vehicles to the theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Christopher Musa, while inaugurating the reopening of the economic road to commuters on Friday around Muna in Maiduguri.
    After the reopening, Zulum proceeded to Dikwa town to observe the free movement of commuters to Gamboru, a border town in Ngala LGA without restrictions by security operatives.

    Commending the governor’s gesture at the occasion, the theatre commander described the reopening of the road as exciting.
    “For us as members of security forces, we are indeed grateful. Your Excellency, we know this is something that is desirable, and something that is exciting and something that you want for the people of Borno State.
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    “This is part of the peace efforts, with this, there will be development, with development, there will be fewer challenges on security,” the theatre commander said.

    “This is a great achievement, Your Excellency; thank God for you, thank God for the people of Borno State, and thank God for all the things you are doing to Borno State, especially to members of the armed forces and other security agencies. We want to encourage you not to relent, not to be discouraged because I know the challenges are enormous.
    “We will give you our support, our cooperation to ensure that Borno State is peaceful and all the other parts of the North-East for life to come back”, Musa assured the governor.

  • Infrastructure worth $6.9bn lost to terrorism in Northeast—Gov Zulum

    Infrastructure worth $6.9bn lost to terrorism in Northeast—Gov Zulum

    Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has estimated losses suffered by the northeast as a result of terrorism at about $6.9 billion.

    He said the losses included over 5000 classrooms destroyed, 900,000 homes burnt beyond repairs, 713 energy distribution sources damaged, as well as 1600 public water sources destroyed.

    Zulum gave this account on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents on plans by the Presidential Committee on Repatriation, Return and Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons in the North East of Nigeria.
    The governor reiterated his advice to the Federal Government to engage the services of mercenaries to put terrorism under checks once and for all, adding that ISWAP was fast gaining ground in the northeast and on the fringes of Lake Chad.
    According to him, the negative consequences suffered from Boko Haram will be nothing compared to what ISWAP will unleash if allowed to grow.

    He said one of the reasons his administration is bent on relocating the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to their ancestral homes is because the camps are becoming a fertile ground for the recruitment of foot soldiers for ISWAP.

    On why he was in the habit of putting himself in harm’s way to fight terrorism in his state, he said he was not afraid to die, as long as it was not the will of God.

  • Governor Zulum Signs MoU To Partner Arab Bank On Wheat And Gum Arabic In Sudan

    Governor Zulum Signs MoU To Partner Arab Bank On Wheat And Gum Arabic In Sudan

    From Dauda R Pam Maiduguri

    Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has signed a memorandum of understanding, MOU, at the headquarters of Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa in Khartoum, Sudan on behalf of BORNO state government for the exportation of wheat and gum Arabic produced by farmers in the state.

    Received by the Bank’s Director General, Sidi Ould Tah, and other top executives highlighted in a video documentary the challenges Borno state has faced due to terrorism attacks on communities affecting the on-going rebuilding and economic recovery efforts as well as the huge opportunities in agriculture in its vast and fertile land resources for irrigation and rain fed agriculture.

    Governor Zulum who arrived the Sudanese capital at the weekend was accompanied on the trip by Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Agriculture, Bukar Tijjani, a Borno indigene and an expert on international agricultural development, commissioner for local governments and emirate affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, Chairman of Borno’s Mega Farms Project, Musa Inuwa Kubo and Adviser on Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Response.

    According to him Borno is one ofthe leading producers of wheat and gum arabic in Nigeria while the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, established by 18 Arab countries (the League of Arab States) in 1973 and began operations in 1975 with the objective of strengthening economic, financial and technical co-operation between Arab countries and African regions through financing opportunities for economic development in African countries.

    BORNO state has proven its potentiallties as a major producer of wheat and gum arabic, among other food and cash-crops, seeking partnership for increased value chain and export, to tap into the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development in the bank’s operational structure.

    The bank’s team also made an overview presentation on Nigeria’s wheat, gum arabic and date palm productions, granted Governor Zulum’s request towards identifying specifics for both parties and implementing them.

  • Gov Zulum orders probe as task force demolish church, kill 2 worshipper

    Gov Zulum orders probe as task force demolish church, kill 2 worshipper

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has ordered the Police Command to investigate the demolition of a church and death of two worshippers.

    There was a violent confrontation between a Joint Security Task Force operating with the Borno Geographical Information System (BOGIS) and EYN Church members at Maduganari, in Maiduguri.

    The Thursday incident sparked outrage within the Christian community in Borno.

    “These daylight murders and demolition of a church wouldn’t have happened at a mosque”, an indigene of the state based in Lagos stated.

    A disturbed Zulum, who now faces the task of proving that his administration is not bias to the Christians, has condemned the shooting.

    Five persons are currently hospitalized. The governor, in a statement by his spokesman, Isa Gusau, commiserated with families of those who died and the injured.

    He already telephoned the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Bishop Mohammed Naga to mourn with the Christian community and the EYN Church.

    Zulum also invited the CAN leadership for a meeting scheduled for later today at the Government House.

    He further directed the Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur to visit the hospital where the wounded are receiving treatment, to empathize and take over the cost of their treatment.

  • Eid-El-Kabir: Governor Zulum Distributes Cash And Food Items To Hunters, Vigilantes And CJTF In Borno

    Eid-El-Kabir: Governor Zulum Distributes Cash And Food Items To Hunters, Vigilantes And CJTF In Borno

    By Dauda R PamMaiduguri

    Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, has distributed about N55m,cash to Hunters, VIGILANTES, Volunteers and civilian joint task force, CJTF, for the celebration of the EID-EL-KABIR in BORNO state.

    Other items included, 5,500 bags of rice and 5,500 gallons of cooking oil to cushion the effects of economic hardship ravaging across the country.

    Addressing them at the Government house maiduguri, the Governor noted that supporting the volunteers is critical to Borno Government in terms of complementing the Nigerian military and other security agencies in the battle field with Boko Haram insurgents.

    He paid glowing tributes to them and the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the supervising Ministry under the commissionership of Kaka Shehu Lawan, for effectively assisting in the fight against terrorism.

    “I invited you to register my deepest appreciation to all of you in the Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes for your enormous sacrifices and support to the military in securing the lives and property of the people of Borno State”, the governor said.

    “I also extend my appreciation to the Attorney General who is leading this very important team, the Permanent Secretary, the SSA security and Executive Secretary and members of Borno’s Security Trust Fund, for the combined efforts in repositioning our security responses in the state.
    May Allah in his infinite wisdom reward all of you abundantly.

    In addition to my gratitude to the hunters, vigilantes and CJTF also wish to provide a token of support to volunteers towards this Sallah Celebration.

    “No amount of money or support can match the critical sacrifices made by volunteers, I really wish we can do so much more, but insha Allah, whenever our financial condition improves, government will offer bigger support”

    As part of his support to the orphans, Governor Zulum during the meeting directed for the immediate identification of orphans of deceased volunteers for the enrollment of their children into schools at government expense.

  • 2023: Gov Zulum Backs Southern Governors Demand On Power Shift

    2023: Gov Zulum Backs Southern Governors Demand On Power Shift

    Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has reechoed calls for power to shift to the southern part of the country, backing the Southern Governors’ Forum’s resolution on the zoning of the presidential seat in 2023. 

    The southern governors had during a meeting in Lagos on Monday agreed that the region should produce Nigeria’s next president based on the principles of equity, and fairness, an assertion Zulum also corroborated.

    “I have said it times without number that I, Professor Babagana Zulum, I am of the view that the presidency should go to the south in the year 2023 because the unity of our country is very important,” the governor said during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday.

    “Secondly, inclusivity is very important. Thirdly, I am in the APC. Six or seven years ago, APC had zoned the presidency to northern Nigeria based on the agreement that in the year 2023, the presidency should go to the south.”

    The governor admitted that the southern leaders have the right to call for power shift to the region but faulted those insisting that the zone must produce the next Nigerian leader.

    “But again, this is politics. We are supposed to meet and discuss this issue among ourselves, among the political class,” he explained, as he called for caution so as not to overheat the polity in the lead-up to the 2023 polls.

    “This statement that people are saying that the president must go to the south, I want them to remove the word must.”

    He also refuted speculations that his stance on zoning was due to his political interests.

    “And I have said it before, I am not interested in becoming the vice president of the country, neither the president of the nation but I want to say the right thing,” Zulum added, doubling down on his earlier stance.

  • BOSG To Engage 3,000 Teachers Before End Of 4 Year Tenure – Prof. Zulum

    BOSG To Engage 3,000 Teachers Before End Of 4 Year Tenure – Prof. Zulum

    Dauda R Pam MAIDUGURI
    AttnNewsEditor.

    GOVERNOR BABAGANA UMARA ZULUM, has said that, Borno state government will engage at least 3,000 teachers in the next two years before the expiration of his 4year tenure in May 2023.

    Equally, he said, government will set up four vocational centres in Maiduguri, Mafa, Magumeri and Kwaya/Kusar in which 6,000 to 8,000 unemployed youths will be trained to eke a living and to become self-sufficient, there-after.

    This was contained in his remarks at the weekend in MAIDUGURI to commemorate the 2021, June 12, democracy day celebrations.

    According to him, the Government of Morocco is to establish a vocational school in Maiduguri at the cost of N4 billion to augment the poor stage of primary education in the state.
    “Up till now our primary education system is in comatose, whether we like it or not,” ZULUM said.

    And that during the six-month teachers’ verification exercise, the committee was able to save N450 million from ghost teachers and therefore assured the people that before the end of this year, 3,000 teachers will be engaged.

    “We shall do everything possible to ensure that qualified teachers are recruited into the primary education system,” to enable children of the less privileged to send their children and wards to primary schools.

    Lamenting over the poor stage of primary education, he said: “Most of the primary school teachers in Mafa, Monguno, Nganzai and others could not spell and write their names correctly despite the fact that they are proud holders of the National Certificate of Education (NCE) minimum qualifications to teach children”.

    Adding that there is nothing to write home about education in the state, urging, those teachers that are not qualified to go back to school.

  • Insurgency: Gov Zulum Asks FG To Seek Support From Neighbouring Countries

    Insurgency: Gov Zulum Asks FG To Seek Support From Neighbouring Countries

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has called on the Federal Government to seek support from neighbouring countries in the fight against insurgency.

    Zulum said this on Wednesday at the North East Governors’ Forum held in Bauchi, the state Bauchi state capital, noting that joint action is required to end the insurgency.

    “Again, I want to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to seek support from our neighbours, especially the Republic of Chad and Niger with a view to providing a joint action that will look into the possibility of ending this crisis.

    “Furthermore, Federal Government has to look into the possibility of employing mercenaries with a view to ending this insurgency.

    “For us to end this insurgency, we must be committed enough. We must bring in external support; ensure mercenaries are hired to end this insurgency,” the governor said.

    Zulum, who is also the Chairman of the North East Governors’ Forum urged the newly appointed service chiefs to devise new strategies and initiatives in tackling insecurity in the country.

    “Violence been perpetrated by the insurgents seems to be on the increase both in scope and viciousness and it has become a matter of tactical necessity for the new service chiefs to devise new strategies to counter the current attacks and forestall any future attacks.

    “Undoubtedly, the commitment of our military to the war against insurgency is unquestionable and the determination to succeed is undeniable.

    “However the current escalation of deadly attacks by the terrorists and the various causes of actions being pursued seems to have some limitations in terms of the expected impact. Hence, the need for a new set of a pragmatic approach to completely subdue the terrorist and ultimately end the insurgency,” Zulum added.

    The fourth North East Governors’ Forum meeting which was held in Bauchi had various dignitaries in attendance.

    They include the host, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri; Gombe State Governor Muhammad Yahaya; Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku among others.

    British High Commissioner to Nigeria Catriona Laing was also at the event.

    This is not the first time Governor Zulum will be suggesting engagement of mercenaries in fighting insurgency.

    The governor in November 2020 gave six recommendations to the Federal Government on how to win the war against Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents terrorising the north-eastern region of Nigeria.

    The governor believes engaging mercenaries, as well as the immediate recruitment of youths into the military to boost its strength, will go a long way to defeat the insurgents.

    He said it was also important to engage the services of neighbouring Niger Republic, Chad, and Cameroon to clear the remnants of the insurgents in the Lake Chad region and the Mandara mountains.

  • Zulum Gives N13.9m And Car To A Doctor For Staying In Monguno

    Zulum Gives N13.9m And Car To A Doctor For Staying In Monguno

    Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the payment of N13.9 million and car gift to a 65-year old medical doctor from Ogun State, who lived within the General Hospital in Monguno and continued to offer healthcare services to patients even when the town was faced with the most severe threats by Boko Haram.

    The doctor, Dr. Isa Akinbode, graduated from the University of Maiduguri and joined the Borno State Civil Service, where he served for 22 years before he retired in 2016 at Monguno General Hospital.

    After his retirement, the doctor, despite reports that he was once abducted and released by Boko Haram in Monguno, remained at the General Hospital in Monguno to offer voluntary medical services. Then Governor Kashim Shettima, during one his visits to Monguno, directed officials of the state’s Ministry of Health to engage Akinbode as a contract staff. Due to bureaucratic procedures, officials at the ministry in Maiduguri, however, delayed formalising the doctor’s contract, even though he continued to serve.

    Five years later, Governor Zulum, on Friday, directed that Dr. Akinbode be paid his accrued arrears of N13.9m based on the terms of the contract directed by the former governor in 2016. Zulum also directed that going forward, contracts should be formalised for monthly entitlements.

    The governor also presented a Toyota Highlander as gift to Dr Akinbode for his services to the host people of Borno.

    “These (people like Dr Akinbode) are the kinds of people that need to be encouraged. He lives in Monguno despite all the security problems. My predecessor had during his visit to Monguno directed that he should be engaged on contract basis; unfortunately due to some bureaucratic procedures, his reengagement has not been formalised. In fulfilment of the promise of my boss, I decided to re-engage him on contract basis retrospectively. We are paying all his entitlements/salary in arrears. I am giving him a cheque of N13.9m. I have also approved his reengagement from 2016, being the date of his retirement.” Zulum said.

    Governor Zulum also approved the recruitment of Dr Akinbode’s daughter, who studied Public Administration at the University of Maiduguri, into the Borno State Civil Service.