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Tag: Babagana Zulum

  • Gov Zulum approves minor cabinet reshuffle

    Gov Zulum approves minor cabinet reshuffle

    Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle, following the swearing-in of two newly appointed commissioners.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Maiduguri by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani.

    According to the statement, Mr Tarpaya Asariya has been redeployed from the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism to the Ministry of Inter-Governmental Affairs and Special Duties.

    The statement added that Mohammed Habib has been appointed as the new Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment, while Mr Ibrahim Hala-Hassan is to take charge of the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism.

    Tijani directed all affected commissioners to ensure that handing and taking-over formalities are completed with immediate effect.

  • Zulum allays fears over Alau Dam flood

    Zulum allays fears over Alau Dam flood

    Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has allayed fears over the rising water level at Alau Dam, saying there is no cause for alarm.

    Zulum gave the assurance on Saturday after inspecting ongoing reconstruction work at the dam, located near Maiduguri.

    He acknowledged the widespread panic among Maiduguri residents but said the government did not foresee any devastating flooding from the dam.

    Zulum explained that a contractor had recently raised concern over rising water levels, prompting immediate government intervention in collaboration with the contractor.

    He said they mobilised 25 tongrains to address the situation, which is now under control, easing the risk of flooding.

    According to the governor, new water channels have been created and the dam’s water level has dropped by about four inches in recent days.

    He added that engineers expect the water level to continue falling, further reducing any immediate threat.

    “Based on current engineering analysis, there is no cause for alarm,” Zulum said.

    He, however, stressed the need for ongoing monitoring, acknowledging that future developments could change the situation unexpectedly.

    Zulum commended the contractor’s efforts, noting that some of the work done exceeded the contractual scope.

    He said the contractor had gone as far as blocking some waterways to create space for further work to continue.

    The governor warned residents in flood-prone areas against dumping waste into drainage channels in front of their homes.

    He also cautioned against building structures on natural waterways, which worsen flooding risks across Maiduguri.

    “I urge everyone to stop building on waterways and take flood warnings seriously,” Zulum said.

    He advised residents to always clear and maintain drainage systems around their houses to prevent blockages.

    Zulum said the government would review the city’s master plan to identify and correct past planning errors.

    “We must review the entire master plan to ensure all tributaries and waterways are cleared and functional,” he said.

    He added that the government would enforce strict environmental regulations, even if some decisions might be unpopular.

    Speaking on delays in reconstruction, Zulum attributed them to technical processes but confirmed the contractors had resumed work fully.

    He thanked President Bola Tinubu’s administration for approving ₦80 billion for the Alau Dam reconstruction project.

  • Governor Zulum opens up on defection rumour

    Governor Zulum opens up on defection rumour

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has dismissed speculations that he plans to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the reports as baseless and politically motivated.

    Zulum, in a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson, Malam Dauda Iliya, said the rumour making the rounds in some sections of the online media was a fabrication by: “unscrupulous elements seeking cheap relevance.”

    He said there was no truth in the claim that he, alongside five other governors, were planning to join the ADC.

    “We are aware of a fictitious and mischievous social media report circulating in certain quarters, alleging plans by me to decamp from the APC to the ADC, alongside five other governors.

    “This is entirely false and exists only in the imagination of its sponsors. They are detractors who have made no meaningful contribution to the progress of Borno State or Nigeria.

    “It is a classic example of cheap, politically motivated speculation designed solely to distract us and create unnecessary political tension,” Zulum said.

    The governor reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the APC and restated that his priority remained the peace, stability, and development of Borno.

    “My loyalty to the APC remains firm and my dedication is solely to the welfare and progress of Borno State. I urge the good people of Borno and the general public to disregard this fabrication.

    “We have no time for cheap politics; our hands are full with the noble task of rebuilding and developing our dear state,” Zulum assured.

    The governor cautioned the media and the general public to verify information from credible sources and not to fall for misinformation.

    “We remain resolute in our commitment to serving Borno State under the banner of our great party, the APC,” Zulum said.

  • Democracy Day: Gov Zulum pardons 66 prison inmates

    Democracy Day: Gov Zulum pardons 66 prison inmates

    Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has granted state and partial pardons to 66 inmates serving various jail terms at the Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre.

    The governor also commuted death sentences to life imprisonment and reduced the jail terms of several others.

    Zulum made the announcement on Thursday during a visit to the custodial centre as part of activities marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebration.

    He said the decision followed recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, in line with Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    “Based on the powers conferred on me and the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, I hereby grant state and partial pardons to 66 inmates of the Maximum Custodial Centre.

    “I have also commuted death sentences to life imprisonment and reduced the jail terms of some other inmates as part of activities to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day,” he added.

    Zulum further announced plans to strengthen the vocational training centre within the facility, to provide inmates with intensive literacy, numeracy and digital skills programmes.

    “I have directed the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation to liaise with the management of the centre to enhance vocational training opportunities for inmates,” he said.

    The governor also donated 300 bags of rice, 50 Jerry cans of cooking oil, five cows and  cash assistance of N20,000 to each of the 1,280 inmates in the facility.

    He explained that the cash would be kept in custody of the correctional centre’s management, in line with procedures.

    “Let me clarify that the N20,000 cash assistance will be handed over to officials of the Correctional Centre, as stipulated by law, but you will have access to it whenever needed,” the governor said.

    Zulum advised the inmates to maintain good conduct and avoid actions that could undermine the peace and development of the state.

    In his remarks, Controller of the Borno State Correctional Service, Mr Ahmed Bawa, described the governor’s intervention as historic and unprecedented.

    “This is the first time in history that we have received such immense support from the Borno State Government under the leadership of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum,” he said.

    Bawa recalled that in May, the governor donated 100 bags of rice, 20 cartons of cooking oil and 10 bulls to the custodial centre.

    Speaking on behalf of the inmates, Mr Daniel Simon, thanked the governor for his magnanimity, noting that the dividends of good governance under Zulum were being felt even behind bars.

  • Zulum offers N5m each to families of 8 slained CJTF members

    Zulum offers N5m each to families of 8 slained CJTF members

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has donated N5 million each to the families of eight members of Civilian Joint Task Force ( CJTF) who recently died in an explosion on the Dikwa to Marte road.

    Zulum who made this known on Friday during a condolence visit to the families of deceased in Maiduguri, also granted scholarship to their children.

    Civilian JTF is a volunteer security group that supports military operations against insurgents in Borno State and other parts of the North-East.

    ”I want to announce a financial assistance of N5 million to each of the bereaved families to cater for their immediate needs.

    ”Furthermore, the Borno Government will provide full educational scholarship to all children of the deceased CJTF members.

    ”For those who left no children, we shall extend assistance to their close family members,” he said.

    The governor said the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to assisting the families of security personnel and members of the CJTF who paid the supreme price of defending his people

    Zulum described the deceased as martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their communities and assured that their bravery would always be remembered.

    He prayed for the repose of their souls of the deceased and urged the bereaved families to take solace in the heroic legacy left behind by their loved ones.

    The CJTF operatives died on Tuesday after they ran into an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the area.

  • Gov. Zulum bans sale of petrol in Bama

    Gov. Zulum bans sale of petrol in Bama

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has directed the immediate ban on the sale of petrol in filling stations across Bama Local Government Area, including Bama town and Banki.

    The directive followed consultations with security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to address security challenges in the area.

    Malam Dauda Iliya, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Maiduguri.

    “I have directed the immediate ban on the sale of petrol in Bama town, Banki, and other parts of Bama Local Government Area with immediate effect,” Zulum said.

    He warned that anyone found violating the directive would face the full wrath of the law.

    “Let me make it clear, there will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of this ban.

    ”Security agencies have been given strict orders to clamp down on any filling station or individual contravening this directive. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

    Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the state and called for the support and cooperation of residents in the ongoing fight against insurgency.

    The governor has consistently implemented measures aimed at cutting off supplies to insurgents and curbing their mobility in conflict-affected areas.

  • Borno Govt. to close down Muna IDP camp

    Borno Govt. to close down Muna IDP camp

    Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced plans to close down the Muna Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri within the next few weeks.

    The governor made the announcement during an early morning visit to the camp on Monday.

    Zulum said that the decision to shut down the camp was in line with his administration’s ongoing efforts to close all formal IDP camps within Maiduguri and its environs.

    Muna, established at the height of the humanitarian crisis in the state, currently hosts about 10,000 displaced persons.

    The governor however noted that about 75 per cent of its residents had already been resettled.

    He assured the remaining inhabitants that the government would provide support to improve their means of livelihood as they prepare to return to their communities.

    He noted that the closure of the camp would mark another significant step in the state’s transition from emergency humanitarian response to long-term recovery and resettlement.

    During his first term, Zulum had pledged to close all IDP camps in the state capital, a goal he has largely achieved with the closure of more than 12 camps already.

  • Borno grants 2-year tax waiver to traders

    Borno grants 2-year tax waiver to traders

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has approved a two-year tax waiver for traders affected by the September 2024 flood disaster and Maiduguri Monday Market traders.

    The chairman of the Borno State Internal Revenue Service (BO-IRS), Prof. Ibrahim Bello, announced this on Sunday while briefing journalists in Maiduguri.

    He stated that the waiver aims to ease the financial burden on affected traders and support business recovery.

    According to him, the initiative is part of the governor’s tax administration reforms, which prioritise ease of doing business in the state.

    He recalled that the devastating September 2024 flood severely impacted economic activities, leaving many residents struggling to rebuild their livelihoods.

    Bello also revealed that Borno now ranks 12th nationally for improved and digitised tax administration.

    He highlighted the impact of tax-generated funds, citing ongoing infrastructure projects in Jiddari, Umarari, GRA, Bulumkutu, Custom, Chad Basin, and other locations across the state.

  • Gov Zulum approves renaming of Borno State University

    Gov Zulum approves renaming of Borno State University

    The Borno  Executive Council has approved the renaming of Borno State University (BOSU) to Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, in honour of Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the first Governor of Northern Nigeria.

    The decision was taken during the first council meeting of 2025, chaired by Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri.

    Speaking to newsmen on the development, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said that the renaming would take effect after the necessary legislative amendments and notifications to regulatory authorities.

    “Council approved that Borno State University shall be renamed Kashim Ibrahim University.

    “This decision is subject to legislative processes by the State Assembly to amend the law establishing the university and actions by the Ministry of Education to inform relevant bodies such as the NUC and the JAMB,” Tar said.

    He said that the council approved a comprehensive programme for street naming and house numbering in Maiduguri town and other urban areas as part of the state’s urban renewal efforts.

    Tar explained that the initiative would involve collaboration with stakeholders, including traditional rulers and federal agencies such as the Nigerian Postal Service.

    “Council decided that relevant MDAs will work with stakeholders to develop a naming and numbering template. This will ensure that updated names and numbers are reflected on platforms like Google Maps and public records to enhance urban planning and governance,” he added.

    Earlier while addressing the council members, Zulum expressed appreciation for their commitment and outlined plans to intensify recovery efforts and implement impactful projects in 2025.

    “In 2024, my administration made significant progress, and I am committed to achieving even more this year. Our focus will remain on post-conflict recovery, urban renewal, and the improvement of citizens’ welfare,” Zulum said.

    The meeting also featured a valedictory session in honour of the outgoing Head of Service, Barrister Malam Fannami, who is set to retire later this month. The council lauded his dedication and contributions to the state’s development.

  • GOOD NEWS: Retired primary sch teachers in Borno smile as Zulum pays N8bn gratuity backlog

    GOOD NEWS: Retired primary sch teachers in Borno smile as Zulum pays N8bn gratuity backlog

    Retired primary school teachers in Borno State are smiling to the banks as Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved N8b for the payment of the backlog of liabilities in pensions and gratuities for teachers and other civil servants that have worked with the government.

    The N8billion will clear liabilities accrued from 2019 to 2021.

    Zulum announced the approval on Wednesday at the council chamber of the government house in Maiduguri.

    The governor released N3b in June and September 2019, to clear gratuities of 1,684 retirees that left the civil service between 2013 and 2019 and disbursed over N12b in 2020 for retirees that left both the state and local government civil service between 2013 and 2017.

    Since I took over in 2019 to date, we have paid about 25 billion naira for the settlement of gratuities for those that have worked with local and state governments,” Zulum said.

    Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has assured that his administration will settle the backlog of gratuities and pensions before the end of his tenure in 2027. He said, “Insh’Allah, I will clear all the backlog of gratuities before I leave office in 2027.