Zulum Pledges Massive Job Creation, Skills Training as Shehu of Borno Leads Sallah Homage

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to tackle unemployment and poverty through expanded job creation and vocational training programmes targeting youths and women across the state.

The governor made this known on Saturday while receiving the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, who led members of the Borno Emirate Council on a traditional Sallah homage to the Government House in Maiduguri.

The annual visit, deeply rooted in the emirate’s customs, underscores unity and mutual respect between the traditional institution and the state government.

Welcoming the monarch and his delegation, Zulum emphasised that his administration would scale up empowerment initiatives designed to equip young people with practical skills and sustainable means of livelihood.

“Our government, in collaboration with the State Executive Council, will intensify efforts in job creation and skills acquisition programmes to address poverty and unemployment, especially among our youths,” he said.

He added that the government would continue to deploy both human and material resources toward creating opportunities that can absorb the growing population of unemployed youths in the state.

The governor also appealed for continued prayers and spiritual support from the traditional institution, stressing the importance of collective efforts in sustaining peace and stability in Borno and the country at large.

Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening ties with traditional rulers, describing them as key partners in grassroots governance and community engagement.

He further disclosed ongoing efforts to extend electricity to underserved communities, including plans to connect remaining local government areas to the national grid, with particular attention to border communities around Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

The governor commended Shehu for his steadfast leadership, especially for remaining in Maiduguri during the height of the insurgency, describing it as a symbol of courage and dedication.

In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno noted that the Sallah homage remains a vital tradition for fostering unity and solidarity with the government and people of the state.

“This visit reflects our enduring commitment to identify with the government and citizens of Borno, particularly during festive periods,” he said.

The monarch acknowledged the developmental progress recorded under the current administration and encouraged the government to sustain its focus on youth empowerment, job creation, and improved security.

The Shehu was accompanied by senior members of the Borno Emirate Council, including the Waziri of Borno, Alhaji Mutawalli Shettima Bukar, the Chief Imam, Imam Idaini, and other notable traditional title holders.

In a related development, Governor Zulum also received separate Sallah homage visits from delegations of the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Al-Ansar University, and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri.

The delegations congratulated the governor on the successful completion of Ramadan and expressed sympathy over the recent explosion in Maiduguri.

Responding, Zulum appreciated their visits and reiterated his administration’s continued support for federal institutions operating within the state.

Shettima Visits Blast Victims, Vows Stronger Crackdown on Terrorists

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that the perpetrators of the recent deadly explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State, will be held accountable and face the full force of the law.

Shettima gave the assurance on Wednesday during a visit to victims of the attacks receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The visit, he said, was to personally sympathise with the injured and families affected by the tragic incident.

Speaking during the visit, the vice-president reiterated the Federal Government’s ongoing dedication to ending terrorism, stressing that decisive measures were already underway to strengthen security operations across the country.

He explained that, in addition to directives issued to security chiefs, the government had continued to invest heavily in modern equipment and operational logistics to enhance the capacity of security forces in tackling insurgency.

Condemning the coordinated explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday, Shettima described the attacks as inhumane and unjustifiable. The incident left more than 100 people affected, with over 20 fatalities recorded.

He stated, “No reason can justify the killing of innocent citizens,” pledging to track down and deal with those responsible for the violence.

The vice-president also assured victims and their families of continued government support, noting that assistance would be provided through relevant agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.

Shettima was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Usman Kadafur; the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar; the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Prof. Ahmed Ahijo; and other senior government officials.

Police Intensify Security Review in Borno Border Communities, Black Spot Areas

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Borno State Police Command has launched a comprehensive review of the security situation in border communities and other areas considered vulnerable to criminal activities across the state.

The initiative followed a high-level security meeting convened by the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, aimed at strengthening operational strategies and improving vigilance in locations identified as security flashpoints.

In a statement issued in Maiduguri, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Assistant Superintendent of Police Nahum Daso, disclosed that the meeting brought together tactical commanders, area commanders and 27 Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) from across Borno State.

According to him, the one-day strategic session was designed to critically assess the prevailing security environment and reinforce existing operational plans to safeguard communities, particularly those situated along the state’s borders and other high-risk areas.

Daso explained that the review would enable security operatives to collectively refine strategies aimed at preventing criminal threats and maintaining stability in affected communities.

Addressing the officers during the meeting, Commissioner Abdulmajid urged them to sustain a high level of operational alertness and professionalism while discharging their duties.

He emphasised the importance of proactive policing, effective intelligence gathering and improved deployment of personnel to prevent security breaches and ensure the safety of residents.

The police chief also directed commanders to strengthen security formations, especially those located in remote communities and local government areas, by ensuring they receive additional operational support and logistics.

As part of measures to boost public confidence and deter criminal activities, the Command announced plans to collaborate with other security agencies to conduct joint show-of-force patrols across strategic locations in the state.

According to the Command, the exercise aims to enhance visibility policing and reassure residents of the security agencies’ readiness to respond swiftly to threats.

Reaffirming the police commitment to protecting lives and property, Abdulmajid urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.

He also cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic or tension within the state.