Yobe Youths Push for Peace, Grassroots Engagement to Drive Development

By Auwal Ahmad

Youth leaders in Yobe State have called for stronger unity, peaceful coexistence and active civic engagement as pathways to sustainable development across communities.

The call was made  during the 2026 Jakusko Youth Unity and Strategic Engagement Summit held in Jakusko Local Government Area of the state.

The gathering, which attracted a wide range of youth representatives, community leaders and political stakeholders, focused on building stronger bonds at the grassroots level under the theme: “Promoting Unity, Civic Participation, Peace and Sustainable Development.”

Speaking at the event, Saidu Jakusko urged young people to embrace harmony and remain committed to lawful authority, noting that unity is essential for meaningful progress in local communities.

He encouraged youths to maintain close collaboration with leaders at ward and local government levels, stressing that sustained cooperation would help build a more cohesive and resilient society.

According to him, collective effort and loyalty remain vital ingredients for strengthening community structures and ensuring long-term development.

Jakusko also reiterated the group’s support for the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, pledging continued alignment with its directives.

“Whatever Mai Mala Buni says is what we will follow, and we will equally abide by the guidance of the APC state leadership,” he said.

Participants at the summit highlighted the role of peaceful coexistence and inclusive governance, describing them as critical tools for achieving lasting development and stability in the area.

They further urged youths to take active roles in decision-making processes and community-building efforts, noting that their participation is key to shaping a more prosperous future at the grassroots level.

Diphtheria Fight Intensifies as MSF, Borno Vaccinate 840,000 Children

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

No fewer than 840,000 children under the age of 14 have been vaccinated against diphtheria in Borno State this year, following a joint campaign by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services.

The large-scale immunisation drive was carried out in two phases, with 490,000 children reached during the first round held from February 9 to 15, 2026, while an additional 350,000 children were vaccinated in the second round conducted between April 9 and 15.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Maiduguri, MSF said the February exercise surpassed expectations, exceeding the initial target of 387,000 children by over 100,000. However, the April round fell slightly short of its 360,000 target, with about 350,000 children vaccinated.

“Despite the high number of children reached, limited vaccine availability constrained the scale of response in some affected communities,” the organisation said.

MSF explained that it worked closely with the state government throughout the campaign, providing extensive logistical and operational support to ensure its success.

“We supported the Borno State Ministry of Health to implement the two-week vaccination campaign by providing vaccine storage and trantransportation, incentives for immunisation teams, andlth promotion and supervision,” the statement noted.

According to the organisation, while it handled logistics and coordination, the vaccines used during the exercise were supplied by the state Ministry of Health.

Beyond vaccination, MSF said it also strengthened case management by supporting the diphtheria treatment unit at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The organisation noted that the intensified vaccination campaign coincided with a rise in suspected diphtheria cases, underscoring the urgency of sustained intervention to kerb the spread of the disease.

Health authorities have continued to stress the importance of routine immunisation and community awareness to prevent further outbreaks, particularly among vulnerable children in conflict-affected areas of the state.

Kebbi Peace Workshop: Gov. Idris Harps on Peace, Unity, Good Governance

By Abdullahi Tukur, Birnin Kebbi

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, has described the critical role of religious leaders in promoting purposeful leadership, peace, and security as the state government convenes a high-level workshop for Ulama and clergymen in Birnin Kebbi.

The workshop, themed “The Role of Ulama and Clergymen in Ushering Purposeful Leadership, Peace and Security in Kebbi State”, was held on Wednesday at the Presidential Banquet Hall and brought together Islamic scholars, Christian clerics, and key stakeholders from across the state.

Governor Idris, while addressing participants, emphasised that the forum marks the beginning of sustained engagement between government and religious leaders, noting that such interactions will further strengthen unity, moral guidance, and collective responsibility in governance.

He attributed the successes recorded by his administration to the grace of Allah as well as the continued prayers and support of religious scholars, stressing that effective leadership thrives on consultation, teamwork, and openness to constructive advice.

The governor reiterated that his administration is deeply rooted in faith and guided by a firm belief in the power of prayer, noting that his mandate is a product of divine intervention and the goodwill of the people.

Gov. Idris highlighted some of his achievements in the health sector, education, infrastructural development, and the economy, while also acknowledging the existing security challenges; he called for sustained support for security agencies and intensified prayers, expressing optimism that collective efforts will consolidate the improving security situation in the state.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Arch. Muhammad Sani Aliyu, disclosed that 24 religious organisations, including CAN, participated in the workshop and described clerics as key partners in promoting peace, unity, and good governance.

The workshop featured paper presentations by eminent scholars and clerics on leadership, governance, and peaceful coexistence, as well as special prayers for the state, the nation, and leaders at all levels, with a renewed call for sustained collaboration for the overall development of Kebbi State.