Governor Zulum Bags Our Nigeria News Best Governor of the Year Award

Governor Zulum Bags Our Nigeria News Best Governor of the Year Award


 

The executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has emerged as the winner of Our Nigeria News Magazine's Best Governor of the Year 2022.

While fielding questions from newsmen on Zulum's emergence, the Editor-in-chief of the magazine, Amb. Auwal Ahmad Umar said Governor Zulum was picked among numerous nominees following a rigorous selection process.

"Out of five other Governors nominated for the award, our esteemed readers nationwide who voted electronically in our voting platform, massively gave their votes to Governor Zulum, hence, his emergence as a winner," he said.

According to Umar Zulum's emergence among numerous others, “for consideration for our Best Governor of the Year would hardly come as a surprise to discerning minds and progressive-minded persons, as Zulum's name rings a bell across the landscape of Borno and Nigeria. Many Nigerians have never met him face to face but his strings of achievements anchored on people-oriented projects have made Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State a household name in the country, drawing ceaseless applause for him.

But he remains a very simple and unassuming man despite the strategic work he has been doing to change the face of Borno State and restore hope to a people traumatized by ceaseless attacks unleashed by the Boko Haram fighters. Governor Zulum came to the scene at a time when the morale of the people and their psyche had been battered by the malevolent elements who have continued to distract the polity, steal and destroy whatever is of good report and of value to the citizenry.

"For the rare feat that you have exhibited of bringing governance to the doorsteps of the people. For making governance responsible and accountable to the yearning and aspirations of the people, for being a peerless compatriot in his public and private life to the admiration of all and sundry, Our Nigeria News Magazine is proud to present His Excellency Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum as its Best Governor of the Year Award 2022. We join his friends, family and other well-wishers in congratulating him for this well-deserved honour.”

"When Our Nigeria News Magazine was being conceived ahead of its subsequent emergence as a bold, fearless and innovative magazine, among the ideals embedded in our noble vision were high ethical standards, editorial standards of the loftiest level, and so forth. Next on the list was the need to institute an annual award to be known as the Best Governor of the Year Award as has been the practice globally to encourage good governance.

Best Governor of the Year Award is a unique recognition which is reserved for the highest performer governor, who has sparkled beyond expectations in his achievements as governor within a given year."
https://ournigerianews.com/governor-zulum-bags-our-nigeria-news-best-governor-of-the-year-award/

Anti-Drug War: NAOWA Seeks Synergy With NDLEA

Anti-Drug War: NAOWA Seeks Synergy With NDLEA


Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) has pledged a commitment to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to ensure a drug-free country.

The Wife of the Chief of Army Staff and President of the Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Salamatu Yahaya made this pledge when she led a delegation of the executives of the association on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja at the weekend.

In her remarks, she commended Marwa for the extraordinary achievements recorded in the NDLEA under his watch and asked for collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs.

She noted that NAOWA had been following the tremendous achievements recorded in the past 18 months and as a humanitarian organisation that is committed to capacity building and empowerment for its members and stakeholders, partnering with the NDLEA will be mutually beneficial as she plans to take the drug campaign to the barracks.

Among the areas of partnership sorted include the training of NAOWA members and staff in early detection and identification of substance abuse, as well as how to conduct drug prevention programmes.

Others include measures to prevent drug trafficking and channels for reporting drug activities.

In his response, Marwa thanked the NAOWA president and her entourage for the visit.

He commended the association for the laudable initiatives under the leadership of Mrs. Yahaya which according to him have transformed the association.

Marwa noted the important role the association plays in ensuring the success of career military officers.

He stated that NAOWA’s support will be required in both drug demand and drug supply reduction activities, stressing that addiction does not discriminate and can afflict any family.

He encouraged NAOWA to leverage on the NDLEA’s 24/7 toll-free helpline recently launched to assist drug-dependent persons seeking help without stigmatization, urging the president of NAOWA to facilitate the establishment of counselling centres in barracks across the country to cater for the needs of people suffering from drug use disorders.

He equally asked the organisation to join the agency in promoting drug tests by intending couples before marriage, adding that fear of testing positive will deter potential drug users from getting involved with drugs.

He however promised to support NAOWA in its proposed drug enlightenment efforts through training.

 
https://ournigerianews.com/anti-drug-war-naowa-seeks-synergy-with-ndlea/

Expert urges FG to ban politicians on medical tourism

Expert urges FG to ban politicians on medical tourism

A US-based Nigerian medical doctor, Dr Tomi Ademokun, has urged the Federal Government to pass a law to prevent political office holders and their families from accessing health care abroad.

Ademokun, a Public Health Advisor at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), made the call in an interview with the newsmen in New York.

She also called on the government to pass a law to prevent political officeholders from sending their children to schools abroad.

“If you hold a leadership position, you cannot access external services, build it in your state and use it. Change begins with you,” she said.

The medical expert is of the opinion that such measures will make the leaders fix the health and education sectors in Nigeria rather than going abroad to access those services.

“It saddens me to learn that when any top politician is sick they go abroad for treatment, how come we are not building our health sector?

Read Also: Many injured, houses burnt in Jigawa gas explosion




Ademokun told reporters that Nigerians in the U.S., especially in the medical sector had been doing wonderfully well, “All my doctors here are Nigerians; my daughter’s paediatrician, my general practitioner, even my specialists are all Nigerians.

“Nigerian physicians and public health workers are doing well even back at home, what is lacking is support and enabling environment.

Ademokun, who is the Vice President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA), South Savannah, Georgia, recalled how white doctors were going to train in Nigeria under exchange programmes in the 80s.

She advised that those exchange programmes should be revived and that those in the diaspora should be empowered to come home and support their colleagues.

Ademokun, however, urged Nigerians in the diaspora to use the opportunity of their dual citizenship to contribute to the growth and development of their homeland.

“I was born here but I always have the heart to go home. I can’t go back to relying on the Nigerian government, they have not created that environment; then I use my American citizenship to go back as a U.S. diplomat.

Ademokun emphasised that those Nigerians that God had blessed with dual citizenship should use the strong one to help build their homeland.

“I am the first American-Nigerian diplomat and the youngest to be appointed by the U.S. government to work in Nigeria.

Also, she canvassed an effective health insurance system and welfare system that would help those that are not wealthy to access free health care.

On diaspora voting, Ademokun urged the Nigerian government to consider the voting rights of its citizens abroad, lamenting that only 29 senators voted in favour of the Diaspora Bill.

“We contribute over 30 billion dollars, we are major partners, and we need to take our power back when it comes to voting.

Expert urges FG to ban politicians on medical tourism
https://ournigerianews.com/expert-urges-fg-to-ban-politicians-on-medical-tourism/

Ember Months: Desist from night travel, FRSC warns

Ember Months: Desist from night travel, FRSC warns

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sagamu Unit Command, has warned motorists against night travel during the ember months.

The FRSC Unit Commander, Mr Taofiq Iyanda, gave the warning while speaking with the newsmen on Tuesday in Sagamu, Ogun.

He said the warning had become necessary due to the security challenges confronting the country.

“We are appealing to motorists to be careful and refrain from night traveling because most of the crashes happen at night.

“In addition, when road crashes occur at night, it is always difficult to get assistance to rescue the accident victims and take them to the hospital, thus leading to high death rate,” he said.

Read Also: expert-urges-fg-to-ban-politicians-on-medical-tourism

The unit commander implored motorists to reduce speeding and ensure that their vehicles were in good condition before putting them on the roads.

Iyanda also cautioned against wrongful overtaking and driving against traffic to reduce mishaps during the ember months.

He reiterated the commitment of the FRSC to intensifying patrols to check the excesses of drivers and ensure sanity during the ember months.

Ember Months: Desist from night travel, FRSC warns
https://ournigerianews.com/ember-months-desist-from-night-travel-frsc-warns/

Mahaha Sports Complex Not Allocated to Anyone, Ganduje Clarifies

Mahaha Sports Complex Not Allocated to Anyone, Ganduje Clarifies


 

By: Abdullahi Ahmad Bamalli

 Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has described the legal action by Abba Kabir Yusuf, the governorship candidate of NNPP to stop his administration from allocating Mahaha Sports Complex as an act of ignorance.

Kabir had approached the State High Court for a perpetual order of injunction to stop the alleged allocation of the Mahaha Sports Complex to the Nigeria Navy Women Association, unknown persons, and others.

He said in an originating summons that he wants the court to stop the state government, the Nigerian Navy Women Association, unknown persons, the Kano State Bureau for Land Management and the state attorney-general from allocating or selling the sports complex.

In a response to the allegations, the state government said, “nobody is selling or allocating anywhere as being ignorantly claimed by the NNPP gubernatorial Candidate.”

The government through the permanent secretary of the Bureau for Land Management Dr Zainab Baraji said the complex was still in the government’s custody but some portions were given to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to build a permanent site because they were in a rental place.

Baraji said some portions were also given to the Nigerian Navy to build a state-of-the-art hospital.

Mahaha Sports Complex Not Allocated To Anyone, Ganduje Clarifies
https://ournigerianews.com/mahaha-sport-complex-not-allocated-to-anyone-ganduje-clarifies/

Atiku reveals five-point development agenda

Atiku reveals five-point development agenda

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has unfolded a five-point developmental agenda.

The agenda encompasses qualitative education, restructuring to foster true federalism and stability, a dynamic economy for prosperity, safety and security of life and property, and unity in diversity.

Atiku described the proposal as a social contract characterized by short, medium and long-term strategies.

He promised to provide 3 million new jobs and lift 10 million Nigerians out of poverty annually.

The PDP candidate also promised to provide 25,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity and work for the refining capacity of 2 million barrels of crude oil per day.

Read Also: Expert urges FG to ban politicians on medical tourism




In the plan, called: My Covenant with Nigerians, the former Vice President described himself as an experienced, courageous and result-focused leader capable of taking the country through a rough situation and making a positive difference.

The 74-page document re-echoes Atiku’s 2019 manifestos with a minor adjustment to reflect proposed solutions to post-2019 challenges.

Atiku is expected to unveil the plan today in Lagos to captains of industry, leaders of commerce and officials of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), led by its President, Mallam Issah Mustapha.

The former Vice President promised an all-inclusive governance structure to harness national diversity and a just environment where the rights of citizens would be protected.

On corruption, he said if elected, his government would strengthen policies and measures for detecting corruption through a strong technology infrastructure that supports the end-to-end operations of governmental businesses for transparency, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness.

He also promised to enhance whistle-blowing and witness protection policies.

Atiku reveals five-point development agenda
https://ournigerianews.com/atiku-reveals-five-point-development-agenda/

Avoid electing inexperienced, unpatriotic bigot as president, Gumi advises

Avoid electing inexperienced, unpatriotic bigot as president, Gumi advises

After assessing the chances of presidential candidates in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, a renowned Northern Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has warned Nigerians against electing an inexperienced and unpatriotic politician as president.

Weighing the chances of candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, and Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, Gumi insisted that Nigeria does not need a novice as president, but an experienced politician to lead Nigeria.

Gumi, however, advised that Nigerians should do away with ethnoreligious politics in this 21st century, and come together as one united people for the progress of the country.

While answering questions from journalists in his Kaduna residence on the coming general elections and state of the nation, Gumi noted, when asked about Atiku that had contested for the presidency several times, that there is nothing wrong for politicians to contest elections several times until they achieve victory.

Read Also: Atiku reveals five-point development agenda




On Tinubu’s claim that it is his turn to be president, Gumi said: “It is not proper for him to say it is his turn. No politician should say it is his turn; if people like you, they will vote for you. He is a good administrator; he can do it. The Muslim-Muslim ticket is unnecessary.

Speaking of chances, the Labour Party presidential candidate, Obi has, the Islamic cleric said: “Youths are divided in their support for him just like the adults. He needs to reach out to other segments of society. Relying on youths is not enough. He has to be all over the place, and not leaving politics in one region.”

Gumi, therefore, warned that if an inexperienced politician were voted into office, he would find it difficult to assemble best brains to set the nation working progressively.

Avoid electing inexperienced, unpatriotic bigot as president, Gumi advises
https://ournigerianews.com/avoid-electing-inexperienced-unpatriotic-bigot-as-president-gumi-advises/

Group holds engagement summit for Atiku’s Presidency

Group holds engagement summit for Atiku’s Presidency

A group, Atiku Ne Zabin Mu A 2023 (Atiku Is Our Choice In 2023) is set to hold an engagement summit to drive the inclusion of Youth Leaders and Women of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the 2023 Presidential Election.

Themed: ‘Guaranteed Inclusion,’ the summit will draw participation from the six geo-political zones across the country and is scheduled to hold on the 28th of September 2022 at the International Conference Center, Abuja.

According to a statement by Babajide Okeowo, Communication Strategist on behalf of Ambassador Halima Suleiman, the Founder of the movement, the summit is geared toward promoting the candidacy of PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

“As our country heads towards a defining moment in 2023, it is highly important that we secure the buy-in of youth leaders and women across the federation to drive support for the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar.

Read Also: Atiku reveals five-point development agenda




“Women’s political participation is a fundamental prerequisite for gender equality and genuine democracy. It facilitates women’s direct engagement in public decision-making and is a means of ensuring better accountability to women.

“So, it becomes very important to note that women’s political participation is a necessary step to achieving global gender equality and democratic governance,” the statement said.

Speaking further, Suleiman disclosed that Atiku knows the problems of Nigeria and the ways to solve them easily.

“Atiku Abubakar is a patriotic Nigerian who believes in peace and is ready to help the nation, I am certain that when he becomes President, he will bring about huge changes to the economic issues in the country and address our security challenges,” he added.

Group holds engagement summit for Atiku’s Presidency
https://ournigerianews.com/group-holds-engagement-summit-for-atikus-presidency/

PDP Crisis: Wike accuses presidency of backing Ayu, Atiku

PDP Crisis: Wike accuses presidency of backing Ayu, Atiku

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said an individual within the presidency is backing Iyorchia Ayu, the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Wike spoke on Thursday at the inauguration of a campus of the Rivers State University in Ahoada east Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

He promised to name the person backing Ayu and his defenders “at the appropriate time”.

Wike’s camp had been calling for the resignation of Ayu as a way of balancing the equation between the North and South in the party. The crisis has been rocking the party since the selection of Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the running mate of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Read Also: I never resigned as PDP govs’ forum chair, says Tambuwal




“The Chairman and the presidential candidate of the party (Atiku) would meet, they take a decision, nobody represents us (South). Just wait. You people, you will see, just watch. Why are they being arrogant? They are arrogant because they believe somebody in the presidency is backing them?” Wike said.

“I will tell Nigerians at the appropriate time, who is that person in the presidency that is backing them that they are being arrogant? You can’t be arrogant to us. You can’t. You can’t be arrogant to what I have. I will continue to fight this fight. This injustice is enough. We cannot continue to swallow this.

“They’ve already taken who would be Senate President. Which one have they given you (asking the audience)?

“What Wike is saying is ‘keep to the agreement’. Agreement is agreement.”

PDP Crisis: Wike accuses presidency of backing Ayu, Atiku
https://ournigerianews.com/pdp-crisis-wike-accuses-presidency-of-backing-ayu-atiku/

COAS To Interact With Commanders On Operations, Administration

COAS To Interact With Commanders On Operations, Administration


 

By: Abdullahi Ahmad Bamalli

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya is set to interact with principal staff officers, commanding officers and field commanders at the COAS Third Quarter Conference 2022.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Friday, said the conference was scheduled to hold from Sept. 13 to Sept. 16 in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the conference would provide a platform for the Nigerian Army to appraise its performance in the third quarter and consolidate on its gains.

He said the interaction was part of an effort to provide strategic guidance toward enhancing army operations and administration.

“Additionally, the conference will retrospectively and holistically evaluate all ongoing operational engagements of the Nigerian Army with a view to effectively projecting into the future.

“Expectedly, the COAS, who is the conference convener, will declare it open on Sept. 13 followed by a review of synopsis of major decisions taken at the Second Quarter Conference.

“It will also feature briefs and updates on ongoing army operations and training activities, amongst others.

“The COAS wishes to use this opportunity to reiterate the resolve and commitment of the Nigerian Army to continue to discharge its duties professionally and proficiently, within its constitutional mandate,” he said.

https://ournigerianews.com/coas-to-interact-with-commanders-on-operations-administration/

STORY OF MARYAM

Breaking: Three Indian expatriates released

Breaking: Three Indian expatriates released


The three Indian expatriates working with West African Ceramics Limited that were abducted two-three weeks ago have just been released and reunited with their firm.

The freed hostages are: Srinivas Saladi, Raj Kumar and Mohan Reddy

It is not clear who abducted them but it is most likely ISWAP according to a reliable source.

The three expatriates were released through the special assistance of the Defence Intelligence Agency and the Department of State Security.

Two expatriates, two company drivers and two police inspectors died in the exchange of fire with the hood­lums during the incident which occurred in Ajaokuta at about 8 p.m. on Friday 5, Au­gust,2022.

Another source told this medium that the Indians were kidnapped to send a strong message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India who the abductors said is very hostile to Indian Muslims.


Breaking: Three Indian expatriates released
https://ournigerianews.com/three-indian-expatriates-released/

Nigerian Navy shutdown Over 216 Illegal Refining Sites in Five Months-Says CNS

Nigerian Navy shutdown Over 216 Illegal Refining Sites in Five Months-Says CNS


 

 


In an effort to curb the oil bunkering in the country, the Nigerian Navy has shut down over 216 illegal refining sites in the last five months.


The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo stated this while speaking on Channels Television’s NewsNight on Monday.


He said that over 41 million litres of diesel equivalent of N27bn were saved as a result of naval operations in the period under review.


His word, “I must put on record that a review of Operation Dakatar Da Barawo in the last five months revealed over 216 illegal refining sites that were deactivated. We have over 2,920 metal storage and over 145 wooden boats that were destroyed during the period under review.


“Of course, in addition, oil thieves were by implication denied 41,308,340 litres which is equivalent to 366 or 60,241 barrels of crude oil. Regarding AGO (Automotive Gas Oil popularly known as diesel), we have 18,747,830 litres of illegally AGO.


“This has prevented over N27bn from getting to undeserving individuals which could be used to support criminals of all kinds in diverse ways. Though we are not yet there achievement recorded thus far necessitated a review of the outrageous quantities of stolen crude oil.”


Similarly, the naval chief said it was not true that between 20,000 and 200,000 barrels of crude oil are being stolen daily in Nigeria. According to him, 100,000 barrels of crude is the equivalent of 15.8 million litres of crude oil requiring a five-ton barge to make 3,160 trips to convey to a mother vessel within a day. “Most of these claims are definitely outrageous and unrealistic,” he maintained.


Gambo further noted that indigenous ship-building efforts of the Nigerian Navy are gaining traction in West Africa, adding that the Navy hopes to launch the building of two attack ships in Turkey by September.


He also confirmed the arrest of super ships loading oil within Nigeria’s space without a license, saying such ships will be prosecuted by the Federal Government through the AGF office, noting that intelligence is vital to fighting terrorism and maritime crimes.


Nigerian Navy shutdown Over 216 Illegal Refining Sites in Five Months-Says CNS
https://ournigerianews.com/nigerian-navy-shutdown-over-216-illegal-refining-sites-in-five-months-says-cns/

Court Restrains Buhari, NBC From Shutting Down 53 Broadcast Stations

Court Restrains Buhari, NBC From Shutting Down 53 Broadcast Stations

An order has been given to President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) stopping them from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country.

Recall that the NBC said it was shutting down the stations for allegedly failing to renew their licenses.

On Monday, Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko (Court 8) of the Federal High Court in Lagos granted an order of interim injunction following the hearing of an argument on motion exparte by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

SERAP and NGE had last week filed a lawsuit against Buhari and NBC, asking the court for “a declaration that section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the NBC Act used by NBC to threaten to revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and to shut down the stations is unconstitutional and unlawful, as it violates freedom of expression.”

Read Also: COVID-19: Nigeria can now produce quality vaccines, says NAFDAC




In the suit, SERAP and NGE had asked the court for “an order of interim injunction restraining Buhari and NBC, their agents from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country and shutting their down operations, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously in this suit.”

The suit is adjourned to 8th September, 2022 for the hearing of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

The suit followed the decision by the NBC to revoke the licenses of the 53 broadcast stations and shut down their operations within 24 hours over alleged N2.6 billion debt.

Court Stops Buhari, NBC From Shutting Down 53 Broadcast Stations                                                                                        
https://ournigerianews.com/court-restrains-buhari-nbc-from-shutting-down-53-broadcast-stations/

Gov Buni Okays Employment Of 134 Health Personnel

Gov Buni Okays Employment Of 134 Health Personnel

Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni on Sunday, approved the employment of 134 health personnel to boost healthcare delivery in the state.

Governor Buni, who gave this approval in a statement by his Director-General Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed in Damaturu, said the personnel graduated from Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damaturu.

“The personnel included 67 midwives, 12 nurses, and 55 community nurses.”

Read Also: Pray for honest, competent leaders, Ex-Kano Emir urges Nigerians




The governor also approved the placement of 167 nursing students in the college on a monthly allowance of N10,000 each.

“Investment in the training of health personnel was necessary, to provide adequate and qualified manpower for various health institutions across the state,” he said.

Buni charged the new employees to be dedicated to their duties and serve the people diligently to justify the government’s investment in them.

Gov Buni Okays Employment Of 134 Health Personnel
https://ournigerianews.com/gov-buni-okays-employment-of-134-health-personnel/

Amb. Buratai becomes first bearer of security torch worldwide

Amb. Buratai becomes first bearer of security torch worldwide


By ASHA S RABO


Nigeria's Ambassador to the Republic of Benin Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), has been named the first security torchbearer in history.


 


The World Institute for Peace (WIP) presented him with this honour at the World Peace Symposium on Sunday in Lagos.





The Ambassadors of the World Institute of Peace warmly complimented Buratai for his tireless efforts to maintain peace in Nigeria, which has been attacked by Boko Haram militants.


 


Buratai was referred to as an exceptional soldier who gave his life for the protection of life and property in Nigeria by one of the Greek ambassadors, Amb. Rania Angelakoudi. She commended Buratai on his outstanding accomplishments.





Amb. Buratai also received a staff of honour in appreciation for his service to Nigeria.


 


The subject of security should be of the foremost concern to everyone, according to Ambassador Buratai, who stated in his acceptance speech that "Nuclear arsenal is on the rise globally."


“Therefore, I dedicate my life to defend Nigeria, Africa and the world as I wholeheartedly accept this honour as a global touch bearer of peace and a for runner of global peace,” Buratai stated.





Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator of the African Union Development Agency and Chief Executive Officer of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDAD/NEPAD), Major General OC Ajunwa, GOC 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Hundeyin Parker, Deputy Commandant, NAFRC Oshodi, and Senator Gbadamosi, Senator in the Benin Republic, were among the dignitaries who attended the event.
https://ournigerianews.com/amb-buratai-becomes-first-bearer-of-security-torch-worldwide/

Gov Inuwa leads government functionaries, traditional rulers, as thousands attend funeral prayer of late Emir of Funakaye

Gov Inuwa leads government functionaries, traditional rulers, as thousands attend funeral prayer of late Emir of Funakaye

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Sunday led the Gombe State government's delegation to the funeral prayer (Janazah) of the late Emir of Funakaye, His Royal Highness,  Alhaji Mu'azu Muhammad Kwairanga who passed away in the late hours of Saturday.

The funeral prayer, which was held at the Funakaye Central Mosque, Bajoga was attended by thousands of sympathisers from within and outside the State.

Shortly after the funeral prayer, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya proceeded to the Emir's Palace where he condoled with the royal family members and also received commiserations from traditional rulers,  community leaders,  government officials, associates and other sympathisers.

In an emotion-laden voice, Governor Inuwa said, "Today, a giant tree has fallen in Gombe State. We have lost a rare gem, a humble and dedicated royal father who was highly cherished by his subjects and the entire people of the State.

Governor Inuwa noted that the late monarch lived a life of service and offered counsel and fatherly guidance for the peace, unity,  growth and development of the state in particular and Nigeria as a whole within less than 2 years of his reign as Emir of Funakaye.

He added that "his sudden exit is a lesson to all of us, especially considering his status and age,  but what was destined by Allah is not questionable; as such I am using this medium to urge us all to take solace in the fact that it is All who gives and takes at decreed times.

"On behalf of myself, the government and the good people of Gombe State, I wish to extend our condolences to the bereaved family members and the entire Funakaye Community over this monumental loss."

The Governor expressed appreciation to all that attended the funeral,  especially the traditional rulers from the neighbouring State of Yobe.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya's entourage included the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly,  Hon.  Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo,  Secretary to the State Government,   Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff, Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Head of Service, Bappayo Yahaya, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Directors-General among other top Government functionaries.

The late Alhaji Muazu Muhammad Kwairanga was installed as the Emir of Funakaye in May 2021 and died on Saturday,  27th August 2022 at the age of 45.


Gov Inuwa leads government functionaries, traditional rulers, as thousands attend funeral prayer of late Emir of Funakaye
https://ournigerianews.com/gov-inuwa-leads-government-functionaries-traditional-rulers-as-thousands-attend-funeral-prayer-of-late-emir-of-funakaye/

Gombe State Approves Conversion of Abandoned Structure To University Campus

Gombe State Approves Conversion of Abandoned Structure To University Campus

The Gombe State Executive Council has approved a revised contract for the completion of the abandoned College of Nursing and Midwifery, Dukku, which is to be converted into a campus of the State University.

The conversion is said to be prompted by the fact that the structure did not meet the criteria of a school, because it did not have the backing of a law establishing it, with no management and staff employed.

After the State Executive Council Meeting, the Commissioner overseeing the Ministry of Information, Mr. Meshach Audu Lauco, said the previous government awarded the contract in 2013 with about 91% of the contract sum paid but not completed.

Mr. Lauco said because the construction was not completed, the administration of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya reviewed it and decided to complete it and put it to good use, by converting it to a campus of the Gombe State University.

Read Also: Bandits Abduct Commuters In Katsina




He said that the contract would be completed within 16 weeks and used by the Gombe State University, as a campus.

Highlighting details of the contract, the Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Idris Abdullahi, said the initial contract sum was N2, 442, 895, 777, 86 kobo.

Mr. Abdullahi said when the decision for the completion of the project was taken, it discovered there were two CVs of 101 million naira that had not been paid and the governor directed the Ministry of housing to pay it.

He said afterwards, the contractor, authorities of the university and the ministry began mobilizing for the restarting of the project, by first asking for the bill of completion.

According to him, because of the time difference and cost of materials then and now, the contractor brought a bill of 885 million, 878 thousand, 841 naira 80 kobo, which the ministry analyzed and made savings of 18, 560, 439. 18.

He said when completed, the reviewed contract would be 3, 280, 214, 180. 48. He said by December when 16 weeks project would have been completed, the structure would be used by the Gombe State University.

The Gombe State Commissioner of Housing said the government was expected to pay the sum of 1, 339, 202, 223.72 for the completion of the project.

Gombe State Approves Conversion of Abandoned Structure To University Campus
https://ournigerianews.com/gombe-state-approves-conversion-of-abandoned-structure-to-university-campus/

Bandits Abduct Commuters In Katsina

Bandits Abduct Commuters In Katsina

Bandits on Wednesday abducted a yet-to-be-specified number of commuters along the Katsina-Jibia road.

The incident took place around 5 pm at Kadobe village.

According to a source, the bandits came on about six motorcycles, blocked the road and fired gunshots to scare commuters before kidnapping the occupants of two vehicles.

The source explained, “They were not more than 20 in number because they came on about six motorcycles.

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“They did not use any roadblock but rather stood on the road with their guns and started shooting in the air. That led two of the vehicles to lose control and veer off the road. The gunmen eventually abducted the occupants.”

He alleged that security forces came 30 minutes after the attackers had left.

According to him, the Katsina-Jibia Road has of late experienced frequent attacks by bandits despite multiple security checkpoints and military barracks along the road.

SP Gambo Isah, the police spokesman in the State, could not be reached for confirmation.

 Bandits abduct commuters in Katsina
https://ournigerianews.com/bandits-abduct-commuters-in-katsina/

2023: Afenifere leader, Adebanjo, insists on Peter Obi

2023: Afenifere leader, Adebanjo, insists on Peter Obi

The leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has said that Peter Obi, and not former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, should be elected president in 2023.

Adebanjo, who said the leadership of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) is fully in support of Obi’s aspiration, noted that justice, equity and inclusiveness demand that the next president should come from the South East.

The elder statesman, who spoke in an interview with Daily Trust, said the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) represented a rallying point for all Nigerians against bad governance.

Atiku is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Tinubu is the flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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“On the principle of rotation, what nullified Tinubu is because South West has had its own; South-South has also had its own, why not the South East? It is not a case of a Muslim-Muslim ticket. Tinubu is a very good and qualified candidate but what disqualified him is the fact that we can’t say we believe in rotation, you have had two bites on a piece when one of you has not had a bite.

“The same thing disqualifies Atiku, after a northerner has ruled us for eight years; you want another northerner to go there? But they want to turn the issue by saying the North East has not had it. They should have protested when Buhari was coming back that North West ha had it,” he said.

While noting that he is not a member of the LP, Adebanjo said he is ‘obidient’ a slogan used to describe supporters of Obi.

He argued that people should criticise his choice based on the principle of fairness and not sentiment.

2023: Afenifere leader, Adebanjo, insists on Peter Obi
https://ournigerianews.com/2023-afenifere-leader-adebanjo-insists-on-peter-obi/