The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Kogi ACReSAL, Federal University Lokoja mark first harvest of greenhouse-grown cucumbers

    Kogi ACReSAL, Federal University Lokoja mark first harvest of greenhouse-grown cucumbers

    A major milestone in agricultural innovation and climate resilience was achieved with the first harvest of greenhouse-grown cucumbers from the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) greenhouse facility, a project of the Kogi ACReSAL in collaboration with the University.

    The event, held at FUL’s Faculty of Agriculture, attracted top government officials and stakeholders, underscoring the administration’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development.

    Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun, alongside the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya M.D. Farouk. Others present included Hon. Jubril Abu, Member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency and Chairman of the House Oversight Committee on Environment, and his Lokoja counterpart.

    Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Engr. Oluwasegun reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to agricultural and environmental sustainability.

    “Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is deeply proud of the collaboration between the state, through ACReSAL, and the Federal University Lokoja,” he said. 

    “This greenhouse is a tangible example of our commitment to climate-smart agriculture. We are cultivating a new generation of farmers and equipping them with the tools to ensure food sustainability for Kogi State and Nigeria.”

    In her keynote address, Barrister Ladi Jatto (OON), Project Coordinator of the Kogi State ACReSAL, expressed joy and gratitude for the milestone achievement.

    “It is with great joy and gratitude that I stand before you today at this landmark occasion—the official harvesting of our greenhouse-grown cucumber,” she said. “This moment is more than just the culmination of a planting cycle; it is a testament to what collaboration, innovation, and vision can achieve.”

    She emphasised the transformative potential of the project, adding, “When we embarked on this journey months ago, we saw beyond the seeds and soil. We envisioned a future where sustainable agriculture thrives within academic institutions—where students learn not just from textbooks but from hands-on experience, and where our University becomes a beacon of climate-smart farming in Nigeria.”

    She expressed her gratitude to Kogi State Government for the ongoing agricultural revolution where farmers are supported. She further appreciated the World Bank (lenders) and the ACReSAL National office for their continuous support and guidance.

    Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, detailed ACReSAL’s comprehensive support while praising the harvest as a symbol of institutional and communal progress.

    “Today’s harvest symbolizes growth, resilience, and productivity,” Professor Akinwumi stated. “We are particularly grateful to Kogi State Government through Kogi ACReSAL for their transformative contributions, which include supporting 30 farmers through land preparation of 30 hectares, provision of improved seeds including 300kg of maize and 250kg of sorghum, establishment of a university orchard with over 3,200 seedlings, donation of 9,000 seedlings for campus beautification, and the construction of this greenhouse facility with irrigation. This represents not only the fruits of the soil but also the fruits of dedication and a shared vision.”

    The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the initiative has created “a golden opportunity for our students to engage in all-year-round vegetable production, providing practical, hands-on experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice. It aligns perfectly with our University’s mission of promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.”

    Hon. Jubril Abu, in his dual role as Ajaokuta Constituency Representative and Chairman of the House Oversight Committee on Environment, commended the Project as a model of strategic partnership. 

    He emphasised the Project’s technical excellence and environmental benefits, pledging continued legislative support for the expansion of such climate-resilient initiatives.

    The event concluded with an invitation from Barr. Jatto for attendees to tour the greenhouse, interact with student farmers, and savor the fresh produce—a fitting celebration of a promising new chapter in agricultural education and sustainable production in Nigeria.

  • Senator Buba advocates peace after arrest of defamators

    Senator Buba advocates peace after arrest of defamators

    Senator Shehu Buba has commended security agencies for the arrest of the individuals behind a coordinated defamatory campaign that targeted him and others.

    Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, urged Nigerians to remain peaceful, verify information before sharing, and focus on issues affecting society.

    “I have always stood for peace and the welfare of our people. I deny these baseless allegations and will continue to work in favour of Bauchi South,” the lawmaker assured.

    Security agents recently apprehended some social media influencers allegedly behind a smear campaign against political office holders, including Senator Buba.

    The arrests followed an intensive investigation involving the monitoring of social media posts and accounts linked to the spread of manipulated content and hate speech.

    Buba, in particular, was accused of links with banditry. Despite his repeated denials, the attackers continued to malign him across various platforms before the authorities intervened.

    The perpetrators used doctored video clips to produce and distribute fake news aimed at damaging the lawmaker’s reputation both in the legislature and ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Following their arrest in northern states, some of the influencers admitted to being misled by persons they had trusted. Those granted bail have issued apologies through videos and written statements on their social media pages.

    In a video, one of the influencers, Nasiru Ontop, said: “We made a grave mistake by trusting Kibanna, someone we barely knew. His documents were fake. It wasn’t until our arrest that we began to question his authenticity.

    “His TikTok account has now been deleted. We acted on misinformation and forged documents, and for that, we apologise to Senator Shehu Umar Buba and everyone affected,” he added.

    Abdulrashid Abdullahi Kano, who operated under a Facebook page ‘Vanguard Hausa,’ also issued a statement: “We have confirmed that the video accusing Senator Shehu Buba Umar is false and malicious.

    “It was fabricated by enemies of peace to tarnish his image. Senator Buba has consistently promoted peace and reconciliation, working with clerics and community leaders to resolve conflicts in Bauchi South.”

  • Former Reps member Gora visits BAT ideological office, pledges support for Gombe outreach

    Former Reps member Gora visits BAT ideological office, pledges support for Gombe outreach

    Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Adamu Gora, has pledged to support the Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Ideological Group with an office facility in Gombe state to strengthen its outreach and sensitization programmes.

    Gora made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the BAT Ideological Office at Sokode Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, where he met with the group’s convener, Hon. Bamidele Atoyebi, and secretary, Rotimi Oke.

    The visit, held earlier this week, featured a robust discussion on mobilizing former lawmakers to support the BAT movement, many of whom were Gora’s colleagues in the National Assembly, as well as grassroots politicians who served during his tenure.

    Gora, a longtime admirer of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership style, commended the group’s initiative, describing it as a timely platform for political reorientation and public enlightenment.

    He said the establishment of a BAT Ideological Office in Gombe would help deepen the president’s reform agenda in the region.

    The former lawmaker, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that the Gombe South Senatorial District had been neglected for a long time, but for the intervention of the president.

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    He expressed optimism that the renewed collaboration with the BAT Ideological Group would bring development closer to the people.

    During the meeting, Gora also announced plans to sensitize residents of Gombe State on how to access and apply for the various federal government reform programmes, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scheme, and the ongoing Dialysis Reform Initiative.

    Hon. Bamidele further said that many rural dwellers and grassroots citizens may not have the digital literacy required to navigate online registration platforms for these programmes.

    To address this challenge, Hon. Bamidele mentioned that the BAT Ideological Group would deploy volunteers across local communities to help residents complete registration and access the available benefits.

    He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to promoting President Tinubu’s vision through civic education, community mobilization, and the inclusion of underserved populations in federal empowerment schemes.

  • Stop 2027 election obsession, tackle insecurity first, WAANSA tells northern governors

    Stop 2027 election obsession, tackle insecurity first, WAANSA tells northern governors

    The West Africa Action Network Against Small Arms Proliferation (WAANSA) has urged northern governors to suspend their growing fixation on the 2027 general elections and focus instead on tackling the escalating insecurity and poverty ravaging their states.

    Regional First Vice President of WAANSA, Martin Igwe, made the call during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, on Wednesday, warning that the North is bleeding from unchecked violence, arms inflow, and leadership neglect.

    Igwe, who represents Nigeria in the regional body’s executive, lamented that while farmers and rural dwellers live in constant fear of bandits, kidnappers, and cross-border criminals, politicians are already consumed by the race for 2027.

    “Election is about the living, not the dead. Our people are dying daily, yet leaders appear more interested in political permutations than in saving lives or rebuilding devastated communities,” he said.

    He listed states such as Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kwara as hotbeds of insecurity due to their porous borders, warning that arms smuggling and bandit infiltration from neighbouring countries had turned them into theatres of violence.

    Igwe said WAANSA, which operates across all 15 ECOWAS member states, was deeply concerned about the regional dimension of Nigeria’s security crisis, stressing the need for stronger cross-border collaboration under the ECOWAS framework.

    He appealed to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who also serves as the second deputy speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, to rally his counterparts across the sub-region to adopt a joint security strategy to combat arms proliferation and transnational crimes.

    “Nigerians are almost speaking in a war situation,” Igwe warned. “Those of us in towns may not feel it, but people in local communities are suffering unimaginable hardship. This is the time for ECOWAS to rise and protect its citizens.”

    He also decried the worsening food insecurity in the North, attributing it to farmers’ inability to access their farmlands due to incessant attacks. “When people cannot farm, hunger follows, and when hunger strikes, criminality grows,” he said.

    The WAANSA vice president alleged that drug use remains a major enabler of banditry and violent crimes, and accused some political actors of indirectly funding the drug trade that fuels insecurity. “It’s a network that thrives because it serves political interests,” he said, calling for media collaboration to expose such syndicates.

    Responding, Chairman of the NUJ Kaduna Council, Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe, commended WAANSA for its advocacy and pledged the union’s readiness to partner with the group in driving peace-oriented public discourse across Nigeria.

    He said the visit offered renewed hope that patriotic citizens were still committed to peace and nation-building, noting that journalists would continue to spotlight issues affecting community security and development.

    Alabelewe also urged state governments to adopt Kaduna’s non-kinetic approach to conflict management, which he said had helped to reduce violence, while calling for stronger ECOWAS cooperation to secure the region’s borders and stabilize the sub-region.

  • Adamawa: Ribadu community leaders hail NSA, FG for high impact projects

    Adamawa: Ribadu community leaders hail NSA, FG for high impact projects

    ‎‎Community leaders in Ribadu, the birthplace of National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, have showered encomiums on him and the Federal Government over what they describe as high-impact projects that the community now enjoy.

    ‎‎Leaders of the community, saying that now their development profile is fast changing for good, credit it to the projects that the NSA has been attracting from the federal government.

    ‎‎A prominent leader in the community, Hon Mustapha Ribadu who is currently the Adamawa State organising secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC) and at whose birthday event the leaders spoke, said the federal government has awarded the over 60km Yola-Gurin federal highway and the Fufore-Ribadu-Dasin Hausa highway; and has constructed industrial boreholes and an ICT centre.

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    ‎Mustapha Ribadu who said he decided to use the auspicious occasion of his own birthday to extend support to 400 youths and women with N10,000 cash donation each as his own expression of goodwill to his people, added that the NSA has addressed insecurity in his homestead and provided support to farmers, youths and women.

    ‎Also speaking, a respected traditional ruler and Waziri of Ribadu, Alhaji Yahya Buba expressed great joy in the purposeful leadership of President Bola Tinubu who he said made a great choice of Nuhu Ribadu as the NSA who he described as a champion both at home and outside.

    ‎”The people of Ribadu never had is so good. We cannot count the numerous interventions we got from President Bola Tinubu courtesy of our respected and patriotic son, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu,” Buba said.

    Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Dasin Hausa, the Jauro Dasin, Alhaji Shitu Ahmadu, hailed the interventions of the NSA across many development sectors in his area.

  • Top leaders converge in Abuja for GOTNI national leadership conference 2025

    Top leaders converge in Abuja for GOTNI national leadership conference 2025

    Nigeria’s foremost policymakers, business executives, and thought leaders gathered at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on September 5–6 for the National Leadership Conference (NLC 2025), organised by the GOTNI Leadership Centre.

    Themed “Transforming Minds. Inspiring Results.”, the two-day event featured robust discussions on leadership, innovation, and national development, with a focus on addressing Nigeria’s governance, security, economic, and youth empowerment challenges.

    Among the keynote speakers were former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Maj. Gen. Garba Ayodeji Wahab (rtd.); UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah; and EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot.

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    Convener of the conference and President of the GOTNI Leadership Centre, Dr. Linus Okorie, stressed the importance of leadership anchored on purpose, impact, and legacy.

    “NLC 2025 is about equipping leaders to make informed decisions and drive measurable change in Nigeria,” he said.

    The conference featured interactive workshops and masterclasses designed to build capacity in performance-driven leadership, strategic decision-making, and wealth creation.

    Delegates also enjoyed networking sessions that fostered collaboration among CEOs, founders, and policymakers.

    By merging local insights with global perspectives, NLC 2025 reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing transformational leaders capable of driving sustainable development and inclusive growth.

  • Muslim association backs Obiorah on move to reform INEC, SIECs

    Muslim association backs Obiorah on move to reform INEC, SIECs

    The National Muslim Youth Association (NMYA), an alumni of Muslim Tertiary Students  Association, has supported moves to take away the powers to appoint heads of electoral bodies from the executive. 

    The association said this on Monday at a press conference addressed by its President, Engr. Abdulraham Aliyu along several other members in Abuja.

    While aligning with the position of Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah, who forwarded a bill seeking to take away the power of appointing chairmen and members of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECs) from President and Governors respectively, the association maintained that it is necessary to  amend the constitution towards establishing a new INEC.

    The association called on the National Assembly to consider and pass Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah’s draft Bill for the amendment of the Constitution for the Establishment of the new INEC and thereafter to work with the State Assemblies and the Presidency to bring the proposed amendment to fruition.

    The Muslim association argued that Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC results viewing ( IReV) portal would not  solve the problem of election rigging in Nigeria without the impartiality and integrity of the electoral body as those two systems are vulnerable to manipulation.

    The NMYA stressed that it has become necessary to  amend the nation’s constitution towards establishing a new INEC, composed by independently and neutrally appointed commissioners and officers in order to ensure competence, impartiality,  integrity  and hence, free and fair elections.

    According to the association: “We agree with Senator Obiorah that honest elections are impossible in Nigeria with the President and the Governors continuing to wield the power of appointing the electoral bodies, 

    since  they or their political parties are usually contestants in the same elections. 

    “There is no doubt as Senator Obiorah posits, that BVAS and IReV would not  solve the problem of election rigging in Nigeria without the impartiality and integrity of the electoral body as those two systems are vulnerable to manipulation.

    “It has therefore become necessary to  amend the constitution towards establishing a new INEC,  composed by independently and neutrally  appointed commissioners and officers in order to ensure competence, impartiality,  integrity  and hence, free and fair elections.

    “Consequently, we are  happy to announce our endorsement of Senator Obiorah’s novel, fresh and bold proposal, to constitute the new INEC  with thirteen commissioners, six of whom would be elected by the listed six Nigerian labour and professional organizations, and six commissioners nominated by the United Nations, and one   commissioner – observer nominated by Transparency International. 

    “What stands out in Senator Obiorah’s proposed new INEC is the fact  that it would be more difficult to bribe or intimidate such an internationally composed electoral body.   

    “More so, the infusion of international bureaucrats into the new INEC would make for better organized elections in which the secret ballot would indeed be secret therefore defeating vote buying. 

    “Nigeria would then also  experience elections in which the use of non-manipulated BVAS and IReV would be enthroned, and in which proper organization and the electoral law would make it easy for millions of Nigerians in diaspora to vote.

    “We observed in the course of exchange of views on Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah’s proposal,  that  some people were asking how could foreigners take part in organizing elections in Nigeria.  

    “Our  answer to that question is that the foreigners under reference are the same foreigners who have from Nigeria’s independence been managing exclusively, the health care and hospitalisations of Nigeria’s political leaders, all Presidents, Military Heads of Government, Senate Presidents, Speakers, Governors,  legislators, senior public officials, senior judicial officers, business elite and so on.  

    “Speakers, Governors,  legislators, senior public officials, senior judicial officers, business elite and so on.  

    “And all because Nigeria does not have good hospitals due to bad governance made possible by rigged elections.

    “We answer further, that it is the same foreigners who have given Nigeria, non-debt aid in the form cash transfer grants of upwards of  $65 billion since independence.

    “And that it is the same foreigners in Paris Club who gifted Nigeria over $18 billion dollars in debt forgiveness by which Nigeria wiped out and zeroed out its foreign indebtedness in 2006.’ 

  • Kebbi youths berate ex AGF over alleged attack on convoy

    Kebbi youths berate ex AGF over alleged attack on convoy

    The Kebbi Progressive Youth Coalition for (KEPYO) has cautioned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), against what it described as a “consistent display of victimhood politics,” following his recent claim that his convoy was attacked during a wedding ceremony in Argungu, Kebbi State.

    The group, in a statement by its spokesperson Comrade Usman Musa in Birnin Kebbi at the weekend, described Malami’s reaction to the alleged incident as “an unnecessary escalation and an attempt to create political tension where none exists.” 

    It urged the former Minister to exercise restraint and desist from making statements capable of heating up the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “The 2027 election period is yet to be upon us. It is therefore unhelpful for a political figure of Malami’s stature to continually frame himself as a victim of orchestrated attacks each time he visits Kebbi,” the statement reads.

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    “Such narratives not only cast the state in bad light but also risk destabilising the peaceful atmosphere for which Kebbi is known.”

    The group noted that while every citizen, including Malami, has the constitutional right to free movement and association, responsible conduct demands that public figures exercise discretion, especially in politically sensitive times.

    “As a former top government official and a prominent political actor, Malami should know better than to turn every personal visit into a media spectacle laced with allegations. If he intends to continue what appears to be a new hobby of frequent tours around the state, he should coordinate with relevant state security agencies to ensure adequate arrangements for his safety,” the statement added.

    KEPYO further questioned the pattern of Malami’s public engagements in Kebbi, saying such high-profile movements were uncommon during his years as Attorney General of the federation.

    “It is quite interesting that Malami, who was hardly seen mingling this freely while he held power as Attorney-General, now moves across Kebbi with large entourages and constant press attention,” the youth group said. “While he is free to reconnect with his political base, he must do so responsibly and without projecting every encounter as an assassination attempt or political ambush.”

    The group described the repeated allegations of attacks as “victimhood taken too far,” warning that the peace of Kebbi state should not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.

    “The people of Kebbi have always prided themselves on peaceful coexistence. It is therefore imperative that political leaders refrain from rhetoric or behaviour that could inflame divisions or invite needless controversy,” it stated.

    The coalition reiterated its call for all political stakeholders in the state to engage constructively and prioritise dialogue over sensationalism.

    “We expect Malami and others with political aspirations to channel their influence toward promoting unity and development, rather than nurturing narratives that portray Kebbi as a hostile or unsafe state. Kebbi remains peaceful, and the youth are determined to keep it that way.”

    While expressing support for law enforcement agencies investigating the alleged Argungu incident, the group emphasised that maintaining order and political tolerance is a shared responsibility.

    “If Malami feels genuinely threatened, he should liaise directly with the Kebbi State Police Command and other relevant security outfits to put measures in place. What we do not need are public statements that inflame passions and divide the people along partisan lines,” the statement advised.

    The Kebbi Youth Coalition for Peace and Development, a non-partisan organisation advocating good governance and social stability in the state, urged all political actors to focus on issues that advance the welfare of citizens rather than pursuing “attention-driven theatrics.”

  • Abuja Youth Forum urges stronger security measures in FCT

    Abuja Youth Forum urges stronger security measures in FCT

    The Abuja Youth Forum has called for enhanced security measures across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure the safety of residents.

    The group, led by Comrade Ayuba Danladi, expressed concern over recent security incidents in the capital, including the killing of Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, a former chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) FCT chapter, who was abducted alongside his children in Kubwa.

    His children are still missing.

    The forum also cited the death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, an Arise News anchor who lost her life during a robbery incident at her Katampe residence last week.

    Highlighting the developments, the forum said there was a need for renewed focus on security to safeguard lives and property in Abuja.

    It also noted reports of robberies, car thefts, and vandalism of public infrastructure in some parts of the city.

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    Danladi urged the FCT Administration and security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting residents and to work closely with community stakeholders, including youth groups, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.

    He emphasised that community-based policing, regular communication between authorities and residents, and rapid response to distress situations would go a long way in improving public safety.

    The group further pledged its support to collaborate with security agencies and other stakeholders to help restore and maintain peace across the capital.

  • Sen Monguno empowers 11 Science graduates with fully funded scholarships

    Sen Monguno empowers 11 Science graduates with fully funded scholarships

    In a bold demonstration of visionary leadership and commitment to human capital development, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chief Whip of the Senate and Senator representing Borno North, has unveiled a groundbreaking scholarship scheme that will send 11 exceptional science graduates abroad for fully funded Master’s degree programmes.

    The initiative, established under the M.T. Monguno Foreign Scholarship Programme, represents a monumental investment in education and youth empowerment, offering hope and opportunity to a region that has endured years of hardship due to insurgency.

    It also aligns with the transformative agenda of Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, whose unrelenting drive to reposition Borno State through education and empowerment continues to inspire progress across the state.

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    The beneficiaries, carefully selected after a merit-driven process, emerged from a pool of qualified applicants with Second Class Upper degrees in STEM disciplines. They excelled in a rigorous aptitude test overseen by an independent assessment committee, reflecting both academic brilliance and resilience. Drawn from across the senatorial district, these scholars will proceed to India for a two-year Master’s programme, with the first year dedicated to coursework and the second to groundbreaking research, culminating in the award of MSc degrees that will equip them to compete globally.

    Valued at hundreds of millions of naira, the comprehensive scholarship package covers tuition, visa and travel costs, living allowances, laptops, research funding, and every resource necessary to ensure the students succeed abroad. It is a holistic empowerment model designed not just to educate, but to transform the lives of the beneficiaries and, by extension, their communities.

    Senator Monguno described the programme as a deliberate effort to rebuild Northern Borno through the strategic empowerment of its brightest minds. He emphasized that education remains the most potent weapon for progress and pledged to institutionalize the programme annually, ensuring that future cohorts of young people also benefit.

    “This initiative is about producing a new generation of leaders and professionals who will return with the knowledge and expertise required to rebuild our communities and reposition Northern Borno. Education is the strongest foundation for sustainable growth, and by investing in our youths, we are investing in the destiny of our people,” Monguno declared.

    The initiative has been hailed across the state as a landmark intervention and a testament to the transformative role of legislative leadership. It is expected to inspire a ripple effect of hope, development, and progress, placing Borno North on a stronger path toward recovery and prosperity.