The News Sketch

  • Zulum allaocates permanent site for NYSC Orientation Camp near Maiduguri

    Zulum allaocates permanent site for NYSC Orientation Camp near Maiduguri

    By Ladi Jossy, Maiduguri

    Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has proposed the relocation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp from its current site within the city center to Government Secondary School, Auno.

    Governor Zulum identified sustainability, security, and future expansion as critical factors in his proposal.

    Speaking during an inspection of the facility alongside the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, and other management staff of the Corps, Zulum, on Friday, said the decision was driven by long-term planning rather than short-term convenience.

    “One of the key reasons I am proposing this location for the NYSC permanent orientation camp is sustainability. In the next one or two years, we may be hosting between 3,000 and 5,000 corps members. Keeping such a population within the town will create pressure on infrastructure,” Zulum stated.

    The governor noted that the ongoing construction of a bypass located about two to 2.5 kilometres from the site would enhance accessibility, while the Teaching Hospital—expected to be commissioned within the next two to three months—and the State University along the same axis further underscore the area’s strategic importance.

    “This corridor is fast becoming a major institutional and development hub. If we are serious about long-term planning, we must move to a more spacious and strategic location,” he added.

    According to him, the facility includes two hostels with eight dormitories, a dining hall and kitchen, 26 classrooms with attached offices, seven laboratories, and 12 additional rooms, an overhead water tank and a functional solar-powered borehole. He added that the classrooms alone can accommodate between 1,300 and 1,500 corps members at a time.

    On security, the governor assured that the location can be effectively fortified, noting the proximity of security formations and a military checkpoint in the area.

    “If this place is deemed suitable after your assessment, we will strengthen the perimeter fence, improve security architecture, and install modern technological gadgets to prevent intrusion. Once properly secured, this location will be ideal,”

    He further pledged to provide accommodation for NYSC officials, including the possible acquisition of additional housing within the Federal Mass Housing Estate.

    “As governor, I would rather invest public resources in a location that guarantees sustainability, expansion, and long-term value—not one that will soon become congested and inadequate,” he stressed.

    In a remark, the Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, for what he described as a rare and forward-looking proposal to establish a permanent orientation camp in the state.

    “His Excellency’s offering is uncommon. It is futuristic and shows he is thinking far ahead of where we currently are. That is exactly where this scheme is growing into,” Nafiu said.

    He noted that the Federal Government has, in recent years, increased the number of corps members mobilised annually, from 300,000 to 350,000, then 400,000, and now 450,000 in 2026.

    The Director-General emphasized that security remains a critical factor in the deployment of corps members nationwide. He lauded Governor Zulum for inviting the Garrison Commander and Theatre Intelligence Commander to participate in the assessment of the proposed site.

    “His Excellency has graciously asked security commanders to join us in inspecting this land so they can properly advise on safety and other requirements,” he added.

    Secretary to Borno State government, Hon. Bukar Tijani, explained that Borno State Government developed the structure but it was never put into operation, adding that the facility is fully fenced, with portions of the perimeter wall having collapsed due to animal intrusion and lack of use.

  • NGO provide learning items, menstrual hygiene kits for students in Borno 

    NGO provide learning items, menstrual hygiene kits for students in Borno

    By Editor

    Maiduguri: A non-governmental organisation, the Centre for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), has rolled out the distribution of learning materials and furniture to tackle out-of-school challenges in a remote village in Borno State.

    Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Chief Executive Officer of CATAI, Sadiq Muazu Abubakar, disclosed this at the Rann headquarters in Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State on Wednesday. 

    According to him, the initiative aims to boost the enrolment drive, with 1,300 pupils expected to benefit and 630 girls receiving hygiene kits.

    He said, “Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to engage with government officials from the Borno State Ministry of Education, the State Universal Basic Education Board, the Agency for Mass Literacy, and the Executive Chairman of Kalabalage local government, Hon Ajid. 

    “Together, we visited the community of Rann in Kala Balge, where we commissioned two newly renovated classroom blocks, each featuring three classrooms, six latrines, and a borehole for clean water.

    “For me, it was more than just an infrastructural milestone. I was profoundly moved as we distributed essential school supplies for 1300 learners and menstrual hygiene management kits to over 640 young girls. 

    “Witnessing their smiles and enthusiasm reminded me of the vital role education plays in their lives. We are collectively making strides to encourage more children to stay in school. This experience reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of these young learners,” he said.

    The project was funded by UNICEF and Education Cannot Wait (ECW), and was jointly implemented by CATAI, CASFORD, and GHIV Africa.

  • Flood: Pate commends UNICEF for reconstruct Cold Chain store by UNICEF worth $406,000 

    Flood: Pate commends UNICEF for reconstruct Cold Chain store by UNICEF worth $406,000

    By Daniel Oyakhire Iregbeyen, Maiduguri

    The Federal Government has commissioned a $406,000 Central Cold Chain store constructed by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) following a devastated September 12, 2024 flood which ravaged the facilities, equipments,  and 1.5 million doses of vaccines in Maiduguri and its environs. 

    Muhammed Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stated this during the unveiling of the store was reconstructed and remodelling in Maiduguri on Friday.

    He noted that the facilities was built to safeguard vaccines for residents across the state and neighbouring areas.

    Pate was represented by Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Minister described the newly constructed facility as bigger and better, adding that it now has more space, greater flexibility, and is solar-powered.

    He said, “I am here on behalf of the coordinating minister, Professor Pate. The last time I was on this property was in September 2024, when the flood occurred. What happened to this store at the time was devastating.

    “Together as partners—including the Borno State Government, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my coordinating minister, and our partners—we have restored it bigger, better, and more resilient. You can see that vaccines are now stored upstairs.

    “We do not pray for another flood, but the space is now larger, flexible, and solar-powered. We are very proud of what we have achieved, and I know this will significantly impact our collective goal for the children of Borno and its environs,” he added.

    Also, Francis Bitchi, the UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, said the project caused $406,000 which funded by the governments of Germany and Canada.

    He explained that the cold chain storeis the backbone of routine immunisation and vaccination campaign in the state. 

    He said, “An investment of approximately $406,000 has transformed this facility into a stronger and more resilient hub for immunisation delivery.

    “With funding from the Government of Germany (BMZ/KfW) and CanGive (Government of Canada), and under the leadership of the Borno State Government with UNICEF technical support, this facility has been fully renovated and structurally upgraded.”

    Bitchi, however, called for continued investment in cold chain maintenance and multimedia facilities for training and coordination.

    “Strengthening logistics systems to ensure last-mile delivery, recruitment and retention of health workers—especially in hard-to-reach areas—and timely release of critical health financing mechanisms, including the Child Nutrition Fund,” he stressed.

    He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, Borno State, and other partners to ensure that every child in the state has access to life-saving immunisation and quality primary health care services.

  • Zulum pledges to complete ongoing projects, tackle insecurity

    Zulum pledges to complete ongoing projects, tackle insecurity

    By Daniel Oyakhire Iregbeyen, Maiduguri

    Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling the remaining security challenges in the state while ensuring the timely completion of all ongoing developmental projects across the three senatorial districts.

    The governor made this pledge on Thursday during the first regular State Executive Council meeting of the year, 2026, held at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri.

    Addressing members of the cabinet and top government officials at the start of the meeting, Governor Zulum emphasised that 2026 would be a year of consolidation.

    He noted that while relative peace has been restored in many parts of the state, the government will not relent in providing the needed security in all parts of Borno.

    Beyond the security interventions, Governor Zulum also explained that Borno State Government will focus on the resettlement of internally displaced persons by investing in medium- and long-term durable solutions.

    The governor also noted that his administration will strengthen the social protection net, stating, “another sector that we will focus on is the social security.

    “Social protection remains central to our agenda as we rebuild Borno for a better future. While we shall not relent in providing social amenities to the great people of the state, the need to provide social protection to our people cannot be overemphasised.”

    The meeting was attended by the Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of State, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, and other members of the executive council.

  • NEDC partners Yobe govt to deliver rescue boats, others to victims of  boat mishap

    NEDC partners Yobe govt to deliver rescue boats, others to victims of  boat mishap

    By Daniel Oyakhire Iregbeyen, Damaturu

    The North East Development Commission (NEDC), in partnership with the Yobe State Government, delivered critical lifesaving equipment and relief materials to Ngarbi a riverine community in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.

     Our Correspondent reports nearly two months after a tragic boat accident claimed several lives on the waters linking Jigawa and Yobe states, the quiet riverbank of Ngarbi/Bombori community in Nguru Local Government Area witnessed a different scene on Wednesday — one of hope, reassurance and renewed commitment to safety.

    The intervention followed the January 3rd canoe mishap involving passengers travelling from Adiyani community in Guri LGA of Jigawa State to Ngarbi in Yobe State. 

    The incident left families grieving and exposed the risks faced daily by residents who depend on water transport for trade and movement.

    At the handover ceremony held in Ngarbi — the epicentre of the tragedy — community members, local officials and emergency responders gathered as trucks offloaded bright orange and bright green life jackets and newly acquired rescue boats onto the sandy shore.

    The items provided by NEDC include:

    100 life jackets, 10 inflatable rescue boats with paddles, pumps and toolkits, 2 speed boats fitted with electric hydraulic davits.

    Othes include food and non-food items such as bags of rice, mats, blankets and children’s clothing.

    Ali Ibrahim Abbas, NEDC Yobe State Coordinator, while speaking at the event, the said the intervention was part of efforts to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.

    According to him,  the food and relief materials would be distributed to families of the deceased, volunteer rescue teams and community leaders, especially to support them during the Ramadan period.

    “This support is not only for Ngarbi but for other riverine communities across Yobe State,” he said. “Our aim is to strengthen safety measures, improve emergency response and reduce the risks associated with water transportation,”he said.

     While receiving the items on behalf of the Yobe state government, Mohammed Goje, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA),  commended NEDC for fulfilling its pledge.

    He noted that the intervention aligns with the disaster management reforms being championed by Governor Mai Mala Buni, which focus on prevention rather than mere response.

    Goje, however, stressed that equipment alone would not solve the problem, “We must change our attitude,” he said. “Overloading of boats must stop. Night sailing is dangerous and should be avoided. No one should travel without wearing a life jacket.”

    He added that security agencies and community vigilante groups would be encouraged to enforce compliance to safeguard lives.

    Muhammad Mairami, the Executive Chairman of Nguru LGA,  represented by the Council Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, has praised the state government and NEDC for responding to the community’s immediate needs.

    For many residents, the sight of the rescue boats being test-driven on the river brought cautious optimism. 

    NEDC engineers conducted safety checks and announced that training sessions would soon begin for selected operators and local responders to ensure proper use and maintenance of the equipment.

    In riverine settlements like Ngarbi, boats are not a luxury but a necessity. Farmers, traders, Fishermen and local travellers rely on them daily. But as residents admit, safety practices have often been neglected.

    The latest intervention according to community leader Lawan Goma Gana, is a wake-up call. “We pray we never witness such a tragedy again. If we use these things properly, lives will be saved.” he added.

    With the new rescue assets in place and stricter safety measures promised, authorities hope the waters that sustain livelihoods in Yobe’s riverine communities will no longer be a source of preventable loss.

  • CATAI, others NGOs train stakeholders on gender-responsive education interventions

    CATAI, others NGOs train stakeholders on gender-responsive education interventions

    By Ladi Jossy

    A non-governmental organisation, the Centre for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), has urged the state government to implement safe schools policies for girls and persons living with disabilities, with a view to protecting and ensuring access to safe learning facilities in Borno State.

    The project was funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in partnership with UNICEF and jointly implemented by the Consortium of CATAI, CASFORD, CODE, Hallmark Leadership Initiative, BOWDI, TiP, SEAAD, and Centre for Girls Education.

    Ibrahim Abdulkadir Sabo, the Project Lead, CATAI, disclosed this during the town hall meeting for key stakeholders on gender-responsive education held in Maiduguri.

    He indicated that the Findings from the 2022 Annual School Census indicate that several Local Government Areas (LGAs), including Damboa, Askira Uba, Mafa, and Gubio, showed pronounced disparities in girls’ educational participation compared to boys, alongside a critical shortage of qualified female teachers.

    According to him, the meeting aimed to provide a platform for government officials, education authorities, traditional leaders, and religious leaders to collectively identify priorities, clarify roles, and agree on actionable steps to improve implementation of gender-responsive education interventions (GRESP) and Local Education Sector Operational Plans (LESOPs).

    He said, “Yes, so CATAI, as I highlighted, and other local NGOs local partners, are conducting advocacy, and we want to see that government have actually implemented all those recommendations that we have provided in terms of providing access to the safe facilities for girls, to try for girls to be able to learn in a conducive environment, and then also to have quality education within Borneo state.

    He commended the effort of the Borno State government and partners for Advocacy and creating awareness geared toward reducing out-of-school children in the state.

    “This activity is a multi-stakeholder town hall meeting designed to disseminate and validate evidence, foster inclusive dialogue, and strengthen stakeholder ownership of gender-responsive education interventions.

    “I think the state government are making a lot of effort, including international partners and local NGOs, to see that they have intensified awareness creation and sensitization on back to school campaign, and there are lots of ongoing efforts by government to see that girls are provided with access.

    He said, “CATAI and other international and local partners are conducting advocacy even at the higher level, to see that girls are having access to menstrual hygiene across schools. There is provision of separate facilities for boys and girls in schools, and then also, there is provision for inclusive assisted devices for persons living with disabilities.”He said.

  • UNICEF canvases against armed groups’ recruitment of children as soldiers, sex-slaves

    UNICEF canvases against armed groups’ recruitment of children as soldiers, sex-slaves

    By Ladi Jossy

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has lamented that over the continued recruitment of children in the North-East as sex-slaves and child soldiers, indicating that 1, 120 might have been forced into non-state armed groups in the year 2024.

    UNICEF Child Protection Manager, Tarek Akkad, disclosed this during an event organised to mark “the 2026 Red Hand Day commemoration, a global action against the use of child soldiers” held in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

    He noted that a total of 595 girls and 525 boys were recruited, which is a persistent and deeply damaging violation that continues to shape the realities of conflict-affected communities in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

    He emphasised that despite significant progress in international law and advocacy, the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict remain a persistent and troubling reality.

    “Today, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect children from the horrors of war,” he said. “No child should have to choose between survival and innocence.

    “Recent UN reports reveal that in Northeast Nigeria alone, over 1,100 children were recruited by armed groups in 2024, a stark indicator that the fight against child soldiers is far from over. Globally, an estimated 250,000 children continue to be involved in armed conflicts, a grim statistic that underscores the urgency of sustained action.

    “The red handprint has become a universal symbol of resistance,” Akkad continues, “It is a call to the world’s conscience: stop the use of children in armed conflict, and stop the exploitation of innocence in war.”

    Akkad urged the stakeholders with a message of hope and renewed commitment: “Let the red handprint symbolise not only protest but also hope — hope for a world where every child is free from violence and able to fulfil their potential.”He begged.

  • Borno Christian Pilgrims Second Batch departs for Jordan-Israel

    Borno Christian Pilgrims Second Batch departs for Jordan-Israel

    By Olatunji Omirin, Maiduguri 

    The second batch of the Borno Christian Pilgrims has departed for Amman, the Kingdom of Jordan/Isreal, in the late hours of Tuesday, 20th January 2026, to perform the pilgrimage circle.

    According to organisers, this brings the total to 262 pilgrims representing Borno in the ongoing tour, with 230 pilgrims having completed their Pilgrimage circle. 

    Speaking during the farewell remarks of the second batch of Borno Christian Pilgrims led by Okpanachi Abu, Director of Administration, NCPC, at Nmadi Azikwe International Airport on Tuesday night.

    According to him, he charged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and to shun anything that would damage the country’s image.

    In his sermon, he said, “Let you know that the journey you are about to embark upon is a spiritual journey. So, as you go on this journey, you will encounter God, and your lives will not remain the same. So, it is not a jamboree journey but a spiritual one.

    Abu further admonished, “Be alert of your security and if you are given any instructions, please try as much as possible to listen and follow the instructions. Let us be good ambassadors of this country,” he said.

    The pilgrims are expected to spend three nights in Jordan before proceeding to Israel to complete their 10-day Pilgrimage circle.

    Earlier, Elder James Ndirmbita, the Executive Secretary Borno State Pilgrims Welfare Board8, had urged all second batch intending pilgrims from the state to intensify prayers for the total restoration of peace and stability in Borno State and the country at large.

    He applauded the efforts of Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration to ensure a hitch-free process and his unwavering support for all pilgrims from the state.

    James, “I charge you all to pray for our leaders in Borno State and the country. I want to appeal to you to remember our dear state in your daily prayers. Let’s refrain from unnecessary movements and be polite in dealing with security personnel.” He advised. 

    It would be recalled that the Borno Christian Pilgrims commenced the 2026 Main Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan on 10th January, 2026. 

    All the Borno pilgrims of the first batch safely returned to Nigeria on the 19th of January, 2026.

  • Zulum Launches Cash, Food Distribution to 4,000 returnees

    Zulum Launches Cash, Food Distribution to 4,000 returnees

    By Ladi Jossy, Maiduguri

    Maiduguri: Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, launched the distribution of humanitarian support to more than 4,000 households in the newly resettled town of Malam-Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area.

    The beneficiaries are returnees who spent over a decade as refugees in neighbouring Niger Republic after fleeing insurgent attacks. The intervention aims to provide succour and help rebuild lives, restoring confidence in the future.

    Each male head of household received ₦20,000, along with 25kg bags of rice and maize and clothing materials, while female heads received ₦20,000 and wrappers.

    Governor Zulum explained that the support was prompted by the town’s difficult terrain and limited access to basic amenities, adding that it would significantly ease hardship and accelerate resettlement.

    “This is not just about money or food,” the Governor said, “it is about restoring hope and reassuring our people that even in their darkest moments, they are not forgotten.”

    During the visit, Governor Zulum also toured irrigation farms cultivated by returnees, where agriculture is fast emerging as a key livelihood. He described the farms as symbols of resilience and optimism, pledging improved farming inputs and continued support to boost productivity and food security.

    Beyond Malam-Fatori, similar assistance was extended to more than 6,000 vulnerable persons in Bosso, Niger Republic, in recognition of host communities that sheltered Nigerian refugees for nearly nine years.

    The Governor also made an unscheduled late-night tour of Malam-Fatori to observe recovery efforts firsthand. Markets were active, traders were engaged and social life was cautiously returning despite years of displacement.

    He stopped to interact with traders and small business owners, assuring them that government support would extend beyond relief to include empowerment, access to capital and sustainable livelihoods.

    Additionally, Governor Zulum donated operational vehicles and essential logistics to the 68 Battalion Nigerian Army in Malam-Fatori to improve troop mobility, rapid response and patrol coverage on key routes into the town.

  • Four worshippers dead, 35 wounded in Maiduguri suicide attack-NEMA

    Four worshippers dead, 35 wounded in Maiduguri suicide attack-NEMA

    Four worshippers dead, 35 wounded in Maiduguri suicide attack-NEMA

    By Ladi Jossy, Maiduguri

    The National Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that four worshippers have been killed by a suspected suicide bomber during a congregational prayer in the Maiduguri mosque on Christmas Eve.

    The explosion, which was a result of a suicide attack, occurred at Al-Alim Mosque in Gomboru Market in Maiduguri Metropolis, the Borno State Capital.

    While confirming the casualties figure, Surajo Garba Abdullahi, the Coordinator National Emergency Management Agency,  Borno and Yobe States, said a total of four persons killed  and 35 worshipers are critically wounded and currently receiving treatment at the Borno State Specialist Hospital and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, respectively.

    The suicide bomber, now confirmed to be a small boy, sneaked into the mosque, disguised as a worshipper, when Magrib prayer was ongoing.

    He said: “It was a sad development, five persons lost their lives including the bomber and 35 other sustain varying degrees of injuries. We have visited the scene of suicide attack alongside with Red Cross,  Garrison Commander 7 Division of Nigeria Army, and other stakeholders. ” Surajo disclosed via phone call. 

    Our Correspondent gathered that the death toll could be higher, but many others are believed to have died.

    Several of those who also sustained varying degrees of injuries are now receiving treatment in different medical facilities in the state capital, including General Mohammed Shuwa Hospital, Borno State Specialist Hospital and the teaching hospital.

    Family members of the victims are seen in the hospitals to establish the status of their loved ones.

    Police confirm explosion in Maiduguri 

    Reacting to the development, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, said that members of the public are advised to remain calm and vigilant, as security operations are ongoing. 

    “Ongoing sweeping operations by police EOD as a suspected explosion incident was recorded at Al-Adum Jumaat mosque in Gamboru Market today at about 1800HRS during prayers. Police EOD personnel have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety, while investigations are ongoing. Further updates will be communicated.”Daso revealed.