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News

Northeast Youth Rally for Extension of NEDC Pioneer MD’s Tenure

By Abu Faisal

Mohammed Goni Alkali, the Managing Director of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), who is the pioneer MD of the commission, is being urged by youth groups to have his tenure extended as it draws to a close.

The youth, under the aegis of  North East Youths Discussion Cycle, said Alkali’s continuity in office would strengthen the commission’s stability since it is still in the test-run phase of most of its focal agenda blueprint for the Northeast.

One of the numerous modern schools built by NEDC

Under Alkali’s leadership, the NEDC has implemented numerous infrastructure projects in the region, launched initiatives to promote peace and reconciliation among different ethnic and religious groups, and created programs to provide skills training and employment opportunities for young people in the region.

The youth in the Northeast region are calling for an extension of Alkali’s tenure, citing his track record of success in implementing the NEDC’s mandate.

“We, the North East Youths Discussion Cycle, are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to, based on track records and achievements of the MD/CEO, please extend his tenure for another four years on behalf of the North East Youths,” Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan, the Chairman of the Cycle said.

Thousands of resentment houses built by NEDC in displaced communities

The youth believe that since Alkali’s tenure began, the commission has been making significant progress in addressing the region’s challenges. However, the area still has a long way to go in development.

They argue that his continued leadership will consolidate gains made so far and pave the way for sustained development.

As the pioneer MD of the NEDC, Alkali needs continuity in office to ensure that the commission’s focal agenda blueprint for the Northeast is fully implemented. The youth believe that continuity in leadership will ensure stability and consistency in the commission’s operations, which is vital for the region’s development.

Palliatives as the major intervention of the NEDC across the six states of northeast

Analysts said though the decision to extend Alkali’s tenure “ultimately lies with the federal government, which established the NEDC, the government must weigh the youth’s call for the extension against other factors such as the need for fresh leadership and equity.”

The youth in the Northeast region believe that Alkali’s tenure should be extended, given his track record of success, his commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation, and his efforts to empower young people in the region.

This news medium believes that Alkali’s continuity in office would strengthen the commission’s stability, which is critical for the region’s development.

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News Politics

Nigeria’s VP Osinbajo to Speak at Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend in Kenya

By Harun Abu-Faisal

Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya to participate in the 2023 Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend (IGW) event.

The theme of this year’s forum is “Global Africa,” and it will bring together prominent figures from across Africa and beyond to discuss the progress and potential of the African continent.

Osinbajo is scheduled to attend the IGW Africa Leadership opening ceremony on Friday and speak at the first session today, Saturday April 29. He will join other leaders to discuss the topic, “Africa’s Weight in the World, Highlighting the Continent’s Assets and Potentials.”

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which has been organizing the annual forum since 2006, places critical importance on good governance and leadership for Africa.

The event will feature other notable speakers, including Kenyan President William Ruto, former President of the African Development Bank Mr. Donald Kaberuka, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO.

Apart from the forum, Osinbajo is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Kenyan President William Ruto and the British Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell.

The forum will be attended by leaders from Africa and across the world, and it presents an opportunity for African leaders to discuss issues affecting the continent and identify ways to improve governance and leadership.

In conclusion, the Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend is a crucial event that provides a platform for African leaders to exchange ideas and come up with strategies to improve governance and leadership on the continent. Osinbajo’s participation in the event is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to good governance and leadership in Africa.

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News Politics

President Buhari Meets Behind Closed Doors with President-elect Tinubu

President Muhammadu Buhari and President-elect Sen. Bola Tinubu met behind closed doors on Friday to mark the end of the 30-day Ramadan fast and offer Sallah prayers at the State House Mosque in Abuja.

In a statement released by Malam Garba Shehu, the two leaders discussed several issues of common concern during the day and I their private meetings.

President-elect Tinubu was accompanied to the State House by several prominent politicians, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila and two Governors, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara.

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News Politics

Protesters Demand Fairness in Adamawa State Governorship Election

By Haruna Abu-Faisal

JIMETA, Nigeria (BNB) — Thousands of women, youth, and government officials took to the streets of Jimeta, Adamawa state on Saturday to protest the recent declaration of Aisha Dahiru Binani as the winner of the state’s governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) party.

Led by the assistant Campaign Director of the PDP’s presidential and governorship elections in the state, Felix Tangwami, and a commissioner of the Fintiri-led administration, the protesters chanted slogans such as “Give us our mandate” and “Fintiri won”, demanding that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) overturn the decision and give the mandate to the rightful winner, Governor Umaru Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Yunusa Hudu Ari, had declared Binani as the winner midway into the collation of results on Sunday, but the declaration has caused confusion and sparked a heated debate among the public.

Many have questioned the legality of the REC’s decision to declare Binani the winner while the results were still being collated, arguing that he did not have the constitutional mandate to do so.

The protesters have vowed to continue their protest until justice is served, and the rightful winner is declared. However, the situation remains tense, with calls for calm and peaceful resolution of the dispute.

The declaration of Binani as the winner of the Adamawa state governorship election has also raised allegations of bias and vote manipulation in favor of the APC. Some have called for an investigation into the conduct of the REC during the election, while others have commended the PDP for their peaceful protest and commitment to justice.

The INEC has, in response to the Sunday declaration, questioned the declaration of Binani as the winner of the election and summoned the REC to its headquarters in Abuja.

The electoral body has directed the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Ari, to stay away from the state office until further notice. The Administrative Secretary has been directed to take full charge of INEC, Adamawa State, after Ari served as the REC for the governorship election in the state.

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News Press Release

Eid: Borno Governor Approves Early Payment Of April Salaries

By Haruna Abu-Faisal

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved and released salaries for the month of April, 2023, even though the month is only on its 17th day.

This is in line with the Governor’s consistent practice of promptly paying salaries and pensions throughout his four years in office.

The Governor’s media team confirmed that the early payment is intended to enable workers in the state to prepare for the upcoming Eid-il-fitr celebrations.

With workers already receiving credit alerts, Governor Zulum’s commitment to the welfare of workers in Borno State is evident, as he continues to prioritize their well-being.

In many African countries, the payment of salaries by the government is considered a perfunctory role. However, it is often a significant challenge for many states to fulfill this non-negotiable obligation. This makes the early payment of salaries by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Nigeria, even more noteworthy, as it demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that workers in the state are well taken care of.

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Armed Violence News

Northeast Nigeria’s Resurging Terrorism Threatens Civilians and Troops

By Haruna Abu-Faisal

Terrorist attacks have been on the rise in northeast Nigeria, with Boko Haram and ISWAP responsible for many of the recent attacks.

Over the past few weeks, there have been several incidents of landmine attacks on troops in the region, leaving many soldiers badly injured.

In addition, there have been targeted attacks on civilians, with the most recent attack resulting in the deaths of ten villagers in Dogsa village, Yobe state which left eleven lives dead.

The terrorists accused the villagers of Dogsa of leaking intelligence to the military about their presence in the area and ordered them to leave the community shortly after the attack.

The worsening security situation in the northeast has raised concerns for the safety of civilians and military personnel alike.

While the Nigerian military has been working to counter the terrorist groups, attacks continue to occur, highlighting the need for greater efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

With tensions running high, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the people of northeast Nigeria.

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Agriculture News

IFAD invests $604.6M in Nigerian agriculture, benefiting 5M+ people

By Haruna Abu-Faisal

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has invested $604.6 million in Nigeria’s agricultural sector between 2016 and 2023, in a bid to support farmers and promote sustainable agricultural development in the country. The investment was made through domestic and international co-financing. Over 5 million people across 28 states in Nigeria have benefited from the program, according to Abdulhameed Girai, the Monitoring and Evaluation Adviser of FGN/CPAT-Country Programme Advisory Team. The beneficiaries were part of IFAD’s Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) over the past seven years.

At a two-day regional consultative workshop in Maiduguri, Girai highlighted some of the programs that IFAD has supported, including the Value Chain Development Programme, the Rural Finance Institution Building Programme, and the Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme. These programs aim to improve agricultural productivity, promote market access for smallholder farmers, and enhance resilience to climate change.

IFAD’s investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy, particularly in reducing poverty, increasing food security, and promoting inclusive growth.
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Financial Crime News

EFCC Nabs 11 Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Borno State

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, operatives from the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters in Jere and Maiduguri Local Government areas of Borno State.

The suspects, identified as Olatunji Sherif, Bright Felix, Jude Linus Magaji, Jonah Jondi, Ojobaro Abdullahi, Jerry Zizighi, Micah Joseph, Mari Ayuba, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Adam Abiodun, and Victor Chinonso Okolieaboh, were apprehended in a sting operation based on credible intelligence about their alleged criminal activities.

Items recovered at their residences included a Mercedes Benz GLK 350, a Toyota Corolla saloon car, smartphones, MTN 4G Wi-Fi, and power banks.

The suspects will face charges in court.

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News Politics

Grief in Borno as Assembly Member-elect Dies

Borno State House of Assembly member-elect, Nuhu Clerk, has passed away, according to reports.

Prior to his election as the representative of Chibok local government constituency, Clerk served as a commissioner in Governor Babagana Zulum’s cabinet.

Although there has been no official confirmation of his death, condolences have poured in on social media.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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News

Nigeria Army Chief Hosts Luncheon for Wounded Troops of Operation Hadin Kai

The Nigeria Army Chief organized a luncheon for wounded soldiers of Operation Hadin Kai, a military force fighting Boko Haram terrorists around the Lame Chad region, to mark this year’s Easter celebration.

The luncheon was attended by the Theater commander, Major General Ibrahim S. Ali, who represented the army chief Lieutenant General Farouq Yahaya.

“I am indeed proud of you all and want to charge you to continue to remain focused, disciplined and loyal to our great nation,” said Major General Ali.

“We must continue to work with, synergized, and leverage on the competencies of our sister security services and other organizations in the discharge of our responsibility.”

He also highlighted the successes of the Nigerian Army in the Theatre of Operations across the country, stating that their collective efforts have provided the safe and secure environment needed for socioeconomic activities to thrive.

“We must continue to ensure that every criminal element and group in the country are completely eliminated,” he added.

The army chief’s remarks underscored the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility in the fight against terrorism.

The luncheon was a way for him to show his appreciation for the bravery and dedication of the troops fighting against Boko Haram terrorists in the Lame Chad region, and to assure the injured soldiers that they would be supported throughout their healing period.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander of North East Operation Hadin Kai, who was represented by his deputy, Maj. Gen. Koko Isong, stated that the theatre had stepped up its kinetic and non-kinetic operations, which have been crucial to the successes and gains achieved thus far.

He revealed that a total of 93,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families have surrendered to the troops, and he assured that they would not become complacent to prevent a reversal of the gains already made.

He also emphasized that the army will continue to adopt decisive and intensified strategies against the terrorists.

The tradition of the military, since 2015, is for the army chief to celebrate religious holidays with troops on the frontline.

This year’s edition was a testament to the army’s dedication to supporting its troops and ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed in their mission.

Overall, the luncheon was a fitting tribute to the soldiers fighting to protect their country and fellow citizens.

It served as a reminder that the fight against terrorism is ongoing, and that the army remains committed to providing the resources and support necessary for its troops to succeed in their mission.

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