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  • Lack of commitment to good governance is brand of corruption, says Zulum

    Lack of commitment to good governance is brand of corruption, says Zulum

    Borno State Governor  Babagana Zulum yesterday in Maiduguri identified lack of commitment to good governance by leaders and followers as another form of corruption afflicting Nigeria.

    “One of the major problems in Nigeria is lack of obedience to rules and regulations.

    “We will never get it right until we follow the rules and regulations,’’ he said at the close of the 10th annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture.

    Born on June 12, 1910, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, was killed in Nigeria’s first military coup d’etat of Jan. 15, 1966.

    He served as the first and only premier of defunct Northern Nigeria region from 1954 until his assassination in 1966.

    “During Sardauna, there was obedience to rules and regulations,’’ Zulum observed.

    The governor dwelt on the negative impacts of corruption and said that Nigeria would not get things right so long as corruption thrived.

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    He noted that leaders and followers must collectively own the fight against corruption by abiding with rules and regulations of doing things.

    Zulum said hope was not lost if Nigerians renewed their commitments in line with the theme of lecture: “Creating pathways for peace: Tackling banditry and insurgency through good governance for sustainable development.’’

    He said his administration’s commitment to good governance by focusing on security and executing vital projects in various sectors, and fulfilling campaign promises, strengthened the resilience of the citizenry.

    “These developments demonstrated our achievements through good governance and understanding of our multifaceted approach to curb banditry and insurgency.

    “Security situation in Borno has consequently improved by 95 per cent and by the grace of God before the end of my administration Borno will be rid of insurgency,’’ Zulum said.

    Highlight of the event attended by some northern governors was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement awards to deserving personalities and the handing over of the symbolic flag of the next host to Bauchi State

  • Adelabu urges Zulum to protect power installation in Borno

    Adelabu urges Zulum to protect power installation in Borno

    The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has urged the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, to look at the provision of security to protect power infrastructure in the state.

    In a statement issued by his ministry, Adelabu spoke when the governor visited him in Abuja to explore areas of collaboration between the ministry and the Borno state government.  

    He particularly referred to the destruction of power towers recently in the North East zone which led to the death of a security personnel and disruption of electricity to some states in the zones.

    He said: “Although we immediately commenced the repair, it is quite discouraging when government spends so much and these assets are vandalized.”

    According to Governor Zulum who visited during the week, his administration had spent over N500 million in the purchase of transformers for different communities in the state. 

    He said his visit was to explore more opportunities of working together with the Ministry of Power.

    The Minister who expressed appreciation for the visit reiterated his call for collaboration between the State and the Federal government especially in the provision of power infrastructure. 

    He noted that Governor Zulum’s action has further confirmed the importance of a collaboration between the State and the Federal government in the provision of regular electricity supply to businesses and households in the country. 

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    Adelabu further revealed that the Federal Government is embarking on significant expansion projects on the Transmission network to increase electricity supply to load Centres. 

    He said: “These grid projects will strengthen the transmission network and create alternative transmission corridors to avoid grid collapse.”

    Commending the governor, the Minister said the provision of regular electricity in the country could be further strengthened with collaboration between State and the Ministry of Power. 

    The Minister also expressed the view that the Electricity act of 2023 has made provision for Sub Nationals (States) to participate in the electricity market, and he looks forward to creating an enabling environment for State’s participation in the electricity market.

    “By investing in transformers and electricity poles which is about grid extension, the Governor has further confirmed our approach that the State needs to be involved in the provision of power infrastructure. 

    “We have further indicated to distribution companies that end-users must not be required to purchase equipment for the delivery electricity. This infrastructure must be provided by the distribution companies while there will be interventions from Federal and State governments. Agencies such as the Rural Electrification Agency will also intervene in electrifying communities that are not commercially viable for the distribution companies”, Adelabu said.

  • Boko Haram destroyed over 90 percent of houses in Borno – Zulum

    Boko Haram destroyed over 90 percent of houses in Borno – Zulum

    The governor of Borno state, Prof Babagana Zulum, has revealed that over 90 percent of houses in Borno state were destroyed by Boko Haram.

    He said fortunately in the last twelve years, his predecessor and himself have so far rebuilt more than 30-40 per cent of such houses in the state.

    Zulum said despite the effort by the administration, the state still has a huge significant deficit, amounting to not less than 500,000.

    The governor said this on January 25, in Abuja at the International Organisations for Migration’s (IOM) housing design award ceremony titled, ‘Home after Crisis’, which brought together about 1,600 designers, architects, engineers from over 100 countries.

    He said: “The Government of Borno and that of the Northeast would provide the political will needed to partner with IOM and other organisations in order to build more homes for the families of Displaced communities. Very soon, we would be entering into an agreement with IOM to see how we can partner together and build more houses.

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    “The security situation In Borno state has improved by over 90 per cent, we are doing very well, we have many safe areas so we are going to do everything possible to ensure that houses are built and communities resettled in a dignified manner, according to the Kampala convention.

    “When it comes to the deficit of housing in Borno state, I can’t give a specific figure but I can say that almost 90 per cent of our houses were destroyed by Boko Haram but within the last 12 years, beginning with my predecessor till date, I think we have built more than 30-40 per cent but we still have a huge significant deficit, amounting to not less than 500,000.”

    Chief of Mission IOM Nigeria, Laurent De Boeck said the organisation is working on constructing about a million houses in Maiduguri and Yola using the winning designs of the competition.

    He added: “We have already started building the housing prototypes in Maiduguri, we would soon do the same in Yola.

    “As for the prototypes we have looked into accessing some lands where the safety is offered and then we start building. The spectacular thing is that it is low cost, using local materials, we are training the population there to also build themselves and recycle what exists around them like metals for covering the houses.

    “We have the aim of a million houses in Maiduguri and Yola but we hope that it would also go further to other parts of the country because we are working with the private sector for potential support. So we are hoping that we can shape how houses are built not only in the Northeast but Nigeria.”

    The three winning designs from the competition won €10,000 Euros in Total with the first and second positions won by Nigerian architects and the third by a German team and the teams won €5000 for the first prize, €3000 for second and €2000 for the third.

  • Pate lauds Zulum for 15% budgetary allocation to health

    Pate lauds Zulum for 15% budgetary allocation to health

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has commended Governor Babagana Zulum, for allocating 15 per cent of the state’s budget to the healthcare sector in compliance with the Abuja declaration of 2001.

    Pate gave the commendation yesterday in Maiduguri in a keynote address at the opening session of the North East Commissioners of Health Forum.

    The forum is with theme: “Addressing Key Health Challenges Affecting Northeastern States of Nigeria.”

    The minister, represented by the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, lauded the governor for the progress made in the health sector inspite of the security challenges.

    He said that the 15 per cent allocation to the health sector was in compliance with the Abuja declaration of 2001.

    “Thank you Governor Zulum for the progress made so far in spite of the challenges. Thank you for the increased budget allocation to health and thank you for being innovative.

    “I also thank you for your support to health workers in rural areas which is so critical to achieving the gains that we so desire in healthcare,” Pate said.

    In their separate remarks, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Koffy Dominique Kougcou, commended the governor for the successes achieved in five years.

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    Responding, Governor Zulum, highlighted the successes he had recorded since 2019 when he assumed leadership of the state.

    These, he said, included human resources development, increased allocation to the health sector, provision of free maternal drugs, and reconstruction of destroyed health facilities.

    Others are construction of new health centers and improved working conditions for health workers.

    Zulum also promised to establish two new schools of nursing in the state in order to address the challenges of manpower.

    He urged the participants to come up with a framework that could address challenges faced in the health sector, particularly in the rural areas.

    NAN reports that the Abuja declaration, became a rallying call to mobilize more resources from government coffers for the health sector.

  • Zulum signs N358.7bn budget into law

    Zulum signs N358.7bn budget into law

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum  yesterday signed the state’s N358.7 billion 2024 budget into law.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Zulum said that the budget was made up N208.4 billion capital expenditure and N150.4 billion recurrent expenditure.

    He charged heads of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and members of the state executive council to ensure compliance with the budget in all their official engagements.

    The governor also commended the state House of Assembly for approving the budget on time.

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    “We have to commend the leadership of the House of Assembly, we also have to commend the maturity of the house,” Zulum said.

    He also expressed optimism that the budget would impact positively on the lives of the people.

    Earlier, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdulkarim Lawan, commended the governor for the quality projects he had executed across the state in the last four years.

    The speaker said that the upward review of the original budget by the House was to capture some areas that were critical to the lives of the people.

    The speaker was accompanied by his deputy, Malam Abdullahi Askira, and other principal officers of House at the ceremony.

  • Axle load exceeding 100 tonnes is an economic sabotage, says Zulum

    Axle load exceeding 100 tonnes is an economic sabotage, says Zulum

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum said axle loads exceeding 100 tonnes on the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala road is an economic sabotage.

    Zulum said this yesterday in Gamboru town in Ngala Local Government of Borno.

    He expressed concern over the long-term consequences of weight limit violations on roads in Borno.

    ”It is sad to note what has been happening here. You can see trailers loaded with over 2,000 bags of cement or sugar.

    “That means more than 100 tonnes of commodities. This trend is only seen on this road and as a result, the road to Gamboru Ngala has been destroyed due to overload,” Zulum stated.

    The governor noted that this poses a threat to public safety.

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    Zulum stressed the need for strict enforcement of weight regulations to protect both infrastructure and human lives.

    ”As a result of overloading, the bridge linking the Nigerian part of the border and other neighbouring countries is almost collapsing.

    ”To address this concern, I am announcing plans to collaborate with relevant agencies of the federal government to address the issue effectively,” he said.

    The governor also outlined a multifaceted approach, including increased enforcement of weight restrictions, strict implementation of penalties for violators and the establishment of weigh stations at strategic points along major transportation routes.

    He noted that inspite of the government’s commitment to enhancing trans-border trade, appropriate measures will be implemented to maintain road infrastructure.

    Zulum commended the efforts of the federal government towards revitalising federal roads in Borno.

  • NMA honours Zulum for contribution to health sector

    NMA honours Zulum for contribution to health sector

    The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) on Saturday in Abuja honoured Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum for his meaningful contributions to the health sector development.

    National President of NMA, Dr Uche Ojinmah, at a dinner/award to mark the closing session of 2023 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, praised Zulum for developing the health sector in Borno State.

    He said the governor had been able to uplift the health sector to a level where citizens would be encouraged to take the numerous advantages in the health sector to solve their health challenges.

    Ojinmah encouraged the governor, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Bukar Tijani, to continue with his good work in the health sector in Borno.

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    He urged the governor not to be distracted  by people he referred to as enemies of progress.

    Responding, the governor appreciated NMA for finding him worthy to receive such award of excellence, adding that such award would encourage him more.

    “The NMA has made several assessments according to what they have seen, it seems to them that the governor has passed the criteria by giving priority to the health sector, providing all the necessary tools, equipment to doctors across board in Borno.

    “I think the NMA has seen that the governor deserved to take the merit award; the NMA has done this based on performance and support given to the health sector.

    “The driving force is determination to see that citizens enjoy the best, both in the primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities; this award is a confirmation to continue with the good work in the health sector,” Zulum said.

  • Kalu, Sanwo-Olu, Otu, Makinde, Zulum, others honored by Council of Bishops

    Kalu, Sanwo-Olu, Otu, Makinde, Zulum, others honored by Council of Bishops

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has been honoured with an award of selfless service to humanity by the Council of Bishops in Nigeria.

    He was honored alongside the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Cross River State, Borno State, Oyo and Ogun State counterparts, Bassy Otu, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Seyi Makinde, Dapo Abiodun amongst others.

    The award ceremony which held at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja on Friday during the “National Solemn Assembly: A Day of Praise, Worship and Thanksgiving to God for Nigeria” had the President, Charismatic Bishop Conference of Nigeria and Charman National Solemm Assembly, Archbishop (Professor) Bature Cawas; the Vice charman, National Solemm Assembly/CAN Secretary Benue state, Bishop Dr. Chivir Chianson and the Secretary, National Solemm Assembly/ CAN Director, Legal & Public Affairs, Dame (Barr) Comfort Otera Chigbue as conveners.

    Giving the award to Dr. Jerry Nwohu, a security expert and political strategist who represented Kalu at the event, the body of conveners said the award was for selfless service to humanity from the charismatic Bishops in Nigeria and coalition of Christian association of Nigeria.

    They added that the recognition was a testament to Kalu’s dedication, commitment, and impactful contributions to better the lives of others, stressing that his remarkable efforts and service-oriented approach have undoubtedly made a significant difference.

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    In his reaction to the award, Nwohu said that Kalu, has since his emergence as public servant garnered widespread recognition for his steadfast dedication to upholding the principles of honour, integrity, and service.

    “His unwavering commitment to the pursuit of public service has earned him yet another award, this instance originating from the revered Council of Bishops in Nigeria.

    “The eminent persona of the Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, characterised by unwavering integrity and unwavering commitment, profoundly resonates with the principles cherished by the esteemed Council of Bishops. The recent acknowledgment of his societal contributions further contributes to the plethora of accolades that underscore his commendable stewardship and altruistic dedication to the well-being of fellow individuals.

    “This esteemed recognition arrives at a momentous juncture as Deputy Speaker Kalu prepares for his highly anticipated homecoming on the 28th and 29th of December 2023. The forthcoming event is expected to witness the convergence of distinguished individuals in Nigeria, a gathering that is poised to commemorate and pay tribute to his remarkable contributions to the nation”, he said.

    Also speaking, Rear Admiral Ilesanmi Alade (rtd) exolled Kalu’s leadership virtues, describing him as a detribalized Nigerian who has embraced the whole country as his political constituency.

    He added that Kalu’s poise to serve Nigeria in his capacity as the deputy speaker of the House has been well noted.

    “The award given to Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu by the National Solemn Assembly on Friday, 1st December 2023 is a testament of his enviable political character and rising profile in nation building. I was privileged to witness the encomium showered on the Number 6 citizen of Nigeria and my sincere feeling was that Rt. Hon Deputy Speaker is emerging as a figure for national unity. I am confident that this is the beginning of many more honours to come. Congratulations to him and I wish him well”, he said.

  • Zulum, APC youth leader get varsity honorary degrees

    Zulum, APC youth leader get varsity honorary degrees

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, the National Youth Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel and Samuel Oladipo have received honorary degrees of Atiba University, Oyo.

    The awards, according to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Okeniyi, were in recognition of the contributions of the trio to the progress and development of the country.

    Speaking at the combined maiden convocation of the institution, Okeniyi said efforts of the awardees towards shaping the society could not be overemphasised.

    The VC, urging the graduands to be good ambassadors of the school, said they should be the torchbearers for future, adding that the knowledge they had acquired while at the institution must be a guiding light to their journey in life.

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    He noted that the graduands should uphold the values of the institution, which are integrity, excellence and commitment, advising them to allow the knowledge inculcated in them to be a beacon of hope guiding them towards a future filled with purpose and impact.

    He said: “Today, we proudly graduate 178 first degree students, 57 higher diploma recipients and 62 diploma awardees. Among these outstanding individuals, we have the privilege of recognising five first-class graduates, 126 second-class upper graduates and a noteworthy 21 students on the pass list for Nursing Science.”

    The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Oba Adekunle Adeogun-Okunoye, said Nigerians should expect the best from the institution where future leaders were created for development and progress of the nation.

    The Founder, Dr. James Ojebode, described the establishment of the institution as service to humanity and expressed joy that an event such as the convocation came up in his life. He said: “The next convocation, by God’s grace, will hold at the permanent site of the institution.”

  • First Lady, Sultan, Zulum, Akpabio, others for Solemn Assembly award

    First Lady, Sultan, Zulum, Akpabio, others for Solemn Assembly award

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Minister of FCT, Ezenwo Wike and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar will be receiving award of excellence from Christian leaders under the National Solemn Assembly (NaSA).

    Others are Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

    The leaders, who made this known on Thursday in Abuja noted that the award will be presented awards at the National Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving Day scheduled for December 1, 2023.

    Addressing journalists on Thursday in Abuja, the Chairman, National Solemn Assembly, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, said the NaSA is a Praise, Worship and Thanksgiving program to praise God for Nigeria, for the peace he has granted the country after the election and to praise God for the new leadership that emerged.

    He said the NaSA will also be an avenue to thank God for not allowing the country to burn despite some prophecies and predictions from different quarters.

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    “We will also appreciate the First Lady for her good works by giving her an award alongside other eminent Nigerians.

    ”This program will kick off on 1st of December after the religious leaders had concluded their 40 days fasting for peace and prosperity of the country on 30th November.

    “Today marks the 33rd day of our fasting and we have only 7 days left. We set out to fast for 40 days and terminated it on the day before the National Solemn Assembly. I call on all Nigerians to join the fasting for the country. “I ask our fellow Nigerians that time has come for us to come together and praise our God, celebrate his goodness and celebrate the leadership that he has given us.

    “Many people gave all kinds of prophecies that Nigeria will burn, but God has proven everyone that made such prophecies wrong by making sure that Nigeria remains peaceful and we want the peace to continue, we want Nigeria to be one United country and we must show faith in the leadership God has given to us”.

    Also, the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, Reverend Stephen Adegbite said the program, though organised by a coalition of Christian organisations, is a nationalist, all embracing occasion.

    “On behalf of the comity of Christian groups and the National Solemn Assembly, I wish to implore all well meaning Nigerians at home and in diaspora to join us as we seek the face of God in praises and prayers to bless and guide the present administration and all elected public officials at all levels so that they will make the best decisions and policies for the good of the people.

    “Our focus is the collective good of all Nigerians and how the people of Nigeria can benefit from the dividends of democracy. “Our people have been through a lot, they have endured a lot, they deserve a lot of good things and a prosperous future”, he said.