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ICTv24, Gamboru Dikwa Road Rd. 600223. Gamboru Road Rd, Garki II (2025)

26/08/2025

ASUU Staff Protest in Maiduguri, Decry University Renaming and Govt Neglect

By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri

Academic staff of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) staged a peaceful but charged protest on Tuesday, marching across the campus to vehemently oppose the federal government's planned renaming of the institution and to demand action on chronic underfunding and unmet agreements.

The protesters, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), embarked on a strategic route through the university's core areas. Their march took them from the ASUU Secretariat through the bustling Acada zone, past **Elkanemi Hall**, and on to the institution's administrative heart at the Senate Building. The procession also moved by the Indimi International Center for Learning, underscoring their message that the quality of education is at stake.

Chanting the Nigerian Labour Congress’s anthem, “Solidarity Forever,” the academics carried placards condemning the proposed change to "Muhammadu Buhari University" and highlighting issues of unpaid salaries and the decay of public education.

The demonstration culminated in a press conference addressed by the chapter’s Chairperson, Dr. Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, who detailed the union's grievances.

Dr. Saidu condemned the unilateral renaming of the university as a “blatant violation of university autonomy” and an “affront to academic freedom,” stating that the move was made without any consultation with the university community.

Beyond the renaming, Dr. Saidu outlined systemic failures, including the government’s refusal to sign the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, which addresses chronic underfunding and poor remuneration.

The union also rejected the government’s Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), labeling the loan scheme “demeaning and insulting” instead of providing deserved salary improvements.

Other critical issues raised were the non-payment of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, unpaid promotion arrears, and the government's failure to remit third-party deductions like pension contributions, crippling staff welfare schemes.

Dr. Saidu issued a stern warning that the government’s continued neglect could make industrial action “inevitable,” placing the responsibility for any future disruption “squarely on the government’s shoulders.”

The union called on civil society, labour unions, and the public to intervene in what they described as a fight for the future of quality education in Nigeria.

25/08/2025

Sako Dagaa Hukumar Yan Sandan Najeriya, Hedkwatsr runanar Dake Jihar Borno

25/08/2025

The Pathfinder Clocks 56

Zulum's age showcases life in years, not years in life

By Dauda Iliya

What matters in the life of a man is not the number of years in his life but the quality of life in those years. This should even be more applicable to leaders than to the led in all aspects of human affairs.

Every person entrusted with the responsibility of political cm public office should be rich in the capacity to uphold the trust reposed in him by his people, and discharge the concomitant duties and responsibilities to them according to their needs and aspirations.

As he ages on in life, counting the number of years he has lived on Earth, should savour satisfaction from, and build his inner peace with, his accomplishments that purposefully and qualitatively impact the life of the people whose affairs he, by sheer divine providence, has been entrusted with the management of.

How rich is he in the capacity required for the discharge of his political cm public office duties and responsibilities to the people? How much has he accomplished in the discharge of those duties and responsibilities on the scale of the resources made available for the purpose, surmounting all towering challenges, and how has he converted challenges to opportunities, obstacles to stepping stones, in the course of service to the people?

How has he towered above board in the conduct of public service? How much enviable value has he added to the service of the society according to the needs and aspirations of its people? How well has he performed in building and sustaining his personality as a compass in the search for guidance towards purposeful and qualitative public service?

How high and remarkably does he stand out among all other leaders, in person and personae, before and after him in the history of purposeful and prosperous service to the humanity?

All these considerations factor vitally in determining the quality of life in the years he has lived on Earth, not merely the number of years he has lived in life.

It is pertinent to weigh the present Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on the scale of these vital factors in determining the quality of leadership and public service to his beleaguered Borno State and its peoples, as he attains the age of 56 in life on Earth, Monday, August 25.

As a pacesetter, Zulum is the first Professor to govern the state in its history. To some, this historic educational attainment may not be striking enough to warrant any spectacular recognition that should enviably stand him out of all other personalities that governed the state before him.

However, to others, this educational attainment is remarkably striking, because it serves as the most-desired foundation for him to conceive, craft and efficiently coordinate the deployment of the most-relevant, most-potent and, indeed, cutting age programmes and projects desired for the rescue of an entity out of its epochal humanitarian crisis which, hitherto threatened to crush it out of existence.

Gifted with rare foresight and proactivity, Zulum has governed a Borno ravaged in all sectors by a global-scale terror and its attendant humanitarian crisis over the last fifteen years, steering it out of the global-scale turbulence it has been floundering in, and repositioning it for comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction for a prosperity that fast restores its pre-Boko Haram/ISWAP terror glory.

The pathfinding Zulum has purposefully and efficiently deployed his intellectual prowess to craft and drive sustainable reforms for the rapid resuscitation of Borno. The Borno Model of societal recovery he crafted earned him dazzling praises from the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.

Most-spectacular of such reforms are the 25-year Development Plan, Borno State Strategy for Durable Solutions to Internal Displacement, the Borno Model for Peace, Reconciliation and Development, Transitional Justice Framework, under which he has closed all IDP camps that has littered Maiduguri over the last fifteen years, and returning the IDPs to their ancestral lands to rebuild their lives, with the prime purpose of fast-tracking the reconstruction and rapid growth of the state economy.

Faced with the stark reality that there is certainly no shortcut to the desired comprehensive restoration of the state in all sectors from the crisis, and such restoration cannot be achieved with hundreds of thousands of IDPs surviving on handouts from international donors and food palliatives by government, the Professor of Agricultural Engineering carefully coordinated the relocation of the entire IDP population to their ancestral communities to resume their farming, fishing and trading activities that built and sustained an enviable economy for Borno over the ages.

His foresight and vision led him to invest in the health sector, building quality healthcare delivery institutions, most notably the Borno State University Teaching Hospital, Orthopaedic Hospital, Dental and Eye Hospitals, and scholarship for hundreds of the state indigenes to train as medical doctors and other health related personnel.

Zulum's six years as Borno State Governor are six years of purposeful leadership that reshaped state's economic, social, and infrastructural landscape from the epicentre of insurgency to a hub for viable economic investments. Consequently, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) ranks Borno among the top 10 ranking states in the federation on ease of doing business.

This remark is contained in a presentation on " Sub national ease of doing business report" by the project manager SABER secretariat Abuja Ms Aimeya Okpebholo.

His humility, generosity, perseverance, simplicity, resilience and, uncommon commitment to justice and fairness in the distribution of development across Borno State and, above all, his impeccable passion for good governance to rescue the state from the sticky humanitarian crisis breathe bubbling life to the years he has lived on Earth.

His exemplary passion for service to humanity has enabled him to write his name in gold in the pages of history with regard to leadership and good governance in Nigeria.

At 56, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State proudly exhibits that what should matter in one's age is the quality of life he has lived on Earth in his given capacity, rather than the mere number of years he has lived.

Happy birthday, Your Excellency

24/08/2025

Borno Launches Ambitious 5.35 Million Tree CAMPAIGN for 2025 to confront challenges of climate change

In a proactive step towards fulfilling its climate commitments, the Borno State Government today launched a large-scale tree planting initiative targeting the cultivation of 5.35 million seedlings before the end of 2025.

The campaign, flagged off at the Trailer Park near Borno State University, Maiduguri, is being spearheaded by the State Agency for the Great Green Wall. The event saw robust participation from a coalition of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, international NGOs, and representatives from the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The initiative is a central pillar of the state’s strategy to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change, including advancing desertification, drought, and rising temperatures, which pose a significant threat to livelihoods in the region.

In an address at the launch, the Director-General of the Agency, Ambassador Usman Aliyu, underscored the critical importance of the project. “This is a giant step in mitigating the effects of climate change, global warming, and desertification. Our objective is a collective effort to see Borno State become green before 2030, in alignment with the sub-national targets set by the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol,” Aliyu stated.

The DG emphasized that the effort extends far beyond mere planting. “It is not only about plantation; there is also the crucial work of protection and nurturing to maturity. Our motto is ‘Plant, Protect, and Nurture’ to ensure a conducive and enabling environment,” he explained.

The initial flag-off event involved the planting of 1,000 seedlings, symbolising the launch of the wider campaign. Aliyu revealed that the agency’s next phase involves rolling out the initiative across all 27 accessible Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, “populating them with thousands of seedlings.”

Furthermore, the DG officially launched a complementary citizen-driven campaign, “One Tree Before Your Last Breath,” which is embedded in the 25-year developmental plan of Governor Babagana Zulum. The program encourages every citizen of Borno to plant a tree, with the Agency offering free seedlings to those who cannot afford them under an agreement to ensure the trees are cared for.

“I am overwhelmed by the turnout today,” Aliyu concluded. “This is a testament to our shared commitment. We urge the public to continue with the plantation, protection, and nurturing for us to fully comply with our global climate obligations.”

The campaign represents one of the most ambitious afforestation projects in the region and is being closely watched as a model for sub-national climate action in NIGERIA.

END

24/08/2025

Shehu of Dikwa Pledges Full Support for Voter Registration, Lauds Zulum on Security

By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri

The Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim El-Kanemi, CON, JP, has pledged the full support of his emirate to ensure the success of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

He states this ina statement signed and made available to newsmen in Maiduguri by the Zanna Wawurma of Dikwa Emirate in Sartuday

The monarch gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Borno State Government, led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Alhaji Sugun Mai Mele, on a sensitization visit to his palace.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Mai Mele conveyed the regards of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and stated that the delegation was in Dikwa to kick off a grassroots campaign to encourage voter registration. He emphasized the pivotal role of traditional institutions as custodians of culture and the bridge between the government and the people.

"The traditional rulers are closer to their subjects and are in the best position to mobilize them for civic exercises such as this," Mai Mele said. He urged all eligible residents, particularly those who have recently turned 18, to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to be able to participate in the democratic process.

The commissioner also commended the Shehu for his steadfast leadership and unwavering support for his people.

In his response, the Shehu of Dikwa expressed his gratitude to Governor Zulum for launching the awareness campaign in his domain. He immediately directed his subjects who are of voting age to turn out en masse to register for their PVCs.

Beyond the voter exercise, the royal father commended the state government and security agencies for their relentless efforts in restoring peace and stability to the region, which has facilitated the safe return of thousands of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

He noted that this has allowed many returnees to resume agricultural activities this farming season. However, he appealed to the state government to intervene in the recurring issue of destruction caused by cattle, urging it to caution herders against allowing their animals to graze on cultivated farmlands before harvest.

23/08/2025

GOC 7 Div Visits frontline troops in Gamboru-Ngala

By:Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri

The Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, visited frontline troops of 3 Battalion on Thursday, 21 August 2025.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Yarwa Town/ Maiduguri by the Acting Deputy Director, Public relations, seven division Nigerian Army on Friday, 22 August 2025.

According to the statement the visit to Ngala Local Government Area was aimed at boosting troops' morale and providing strategic leadership in the ongoing operations to annihilate Boko Haram (BHT) and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

Speaking to the troops, Brigadier General Unachukwu charged them to sustain the current operational tempo to deny terrorists the logistics and freedom of action needed to prosecute attacks. He commended the soldiers for their doggedness, resilience, and tactical discipline in the discharge of their constitutional duty to restore peace in Borno State and the wider North East region.

The GOC further urged the troops to embrace *espirit de corps* as a critical component for successful military operations.

Reiterating the Nigerian Army's broader commitment, Brigadier General Unachukwu stated that the ongoing operations are designed to restore normalcy to the region, thereby encouraging massive participation in agriculture and other business activities. This effort aligns with the Federal Government's commitment to addressing the nation's food security challenges.

He also charged unit commanders to prioritize the welfare of their soldiers, describing it as a cardinal point of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.

Highlights of the visit included an operational briefing from the Commanding Officer of 3 Battalion and a tour of the troops' location in Wulgo, a suburb of Gamboru Ngala, where the GOC provided tactical guidance to enhance the unit's effectiveness against the insurgen

22/08/2025

Borno Listeners' Association Hails Appointment of Shuwa as NUJ Presidential Adviser

By:Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri

The Borno Radio Listeners' Association (BORLA) has extended its congratulations to Ali Mamman Shuwa on his recent appointment as the Special Adviser to the National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Jidda Adam, the association described the appointment as "well-deserved" and a testament to Shuwa's dedication and professionalism.

The letter, addressed to Mr. Shuwa, highlighted that his elevation to the esteemed national office is a significant source of pride for Borno State. It reflects the national recognition of his leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to the advancement of the media sector in Nigeria.

"Your elevation to this esteemed national office is a testament to your dedication, professionalism, and tireless service to the journalism profession, both in Borno State and across Nigeria," the statement read.

BORLA, an association committed to promoting quality broadcasting and supporting the work of journalists, expressed confidence that Shuwa's tenure will strengthen the NUJ and foster unity among media professionals.

The body pledged its continued support and goodwill to Shuwa as he takes on the new national role, wishing that his tenure be "marked with great success and impact."

Mr. Shuwa, a respected figure in media circles, is expected to bring his extensive experience to bear in advising the NUJ leadership on national media affairs.
PR

22/08/2025

10 Amazing Benefits Of Neem Juice
Neem English Name ,Dogonyaro Igbo/Yoruba/Hausa name

Neem offers incredible cure for several health and cosmetic problems. It is an discovery that dates back centuries. neem used for curing a variety of diseases since time immemorial. Drinking neem juice has plenty of benefits and many people around the world do use it despite of its bitter taste because it’s completely worth the discomfort. Read on to find out the amazing neem juice benefits.Neem conjures up images of gigantic trees and bitter taste! But don’t let the bitter after taste of this tree put you off!

Check out the benefits of neem juice and you too will be tempted to gulp down a glass or two!

1. Beautiful Skin:

Often blemishes and acne ruin our skin, making it look dull and lifeless. Acne problems lead to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples etc., due to inflammation and the excess oil produced in our skin. Our skin reflects our lifestyle and should be taken care of if we want to look young and beautiful. Neem juice is a wonderful way to combat all kinds of skin problems, thanks to its anti inflammatory properties and soothing effect. So drink neem juice everyday for glowing skin or apply it on pimples or marks to lighten them in no time.

2. Healthy Hair:

If you want healthy, shiny hair, then drinking neem juice should be a part of your daily diet! It flushes out toxins from the body. Its hydrating properties improve hair quality and add shine and texture to it. It also promotes hair growth for those struggling with hair fall.

3. Natural Antibacterial Agent:

Neem juice has antibacterial properties and cures diseases like malaria, general fever, and other bacterial infections in our body. Drink neem juice with a teaspoon of honey whenever you have a fever, cold or infections, such as urinary infections or vaginal dryness. Often, pregnant women complain of vaginal pain and neem juice has proved to be extremely helpful to combat this problem. It is also known to treat jaundice according to ayurvedic texts.

4. Digestion And Clearing The Stomach:

Nowadays, people lead an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle due to their hectic work schedules. This busy lifestyle leads them to make unhealthy decisions, such as eating fast food. This leads to gastrointestinal diseases, acidity, stomach infections, diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. Drinking neem juice can cure all of this and help clear the stomach from all these common problems that cause uneasiness.

5. Cures Diabetes:

Neem has properties that reduce sugar levels in our body. So drinking this everyday is beneficial for diabetic patients or borderline diabetes.

6. Better Liver:

If you want improved liver functioning, neem juice is your magic potion. Nowadays people often face the problem of having a weak liver due to various reasons, such as excessive or regular consumption of alcohol. Neem juice helps improve the liver conditions.

7. Improved Eyesight:

India has had a history of eye problems like night blindness and conjunctivitis. Neem juice helps cure these issues to a great extent. Apply this juice to your eyes directly, each night before sleeping. Since children and even adults stare at computer and phone screens at all times, they strain their eyes and compromise their eyesight. Drinking neem juice on a daily basis would improve your eyesight.

8. Muscle And Joint Pain Reliever:

Drinking neem juice or applying it with a bit of oil helps relieve muscle pulls, pains, and joint pain. It is also known to be a cure for arthritis, which is a widespread illness nowadays

9. Healing Wounds:

Neem juice applied to wounds can heal it quickly as it has healing properties. It also reduces redness and swelling.

10. Healthy Teeth And Gums:

Drinking or application of neem juice to your gums and teeth can prevent bad breath, bleeding gums, and gum diseases.

22/08/2025

*MY RECOLLECTIONS OF A GOOD MAN AND GREAT LEADER: H.E. FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR (1942 – 2025)*

His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, was my first boss in public service.

Blessed with grace and unvarnished dignity, he was a man who — without exceptions — always did what he believed was right in every situation.

He was an honest man of consistent simplicity, spartan discipline, and dogged dedication to the lifelong principles that guided his service as a decorated officer, military head of state, and popularly elected leader of Africa's largest population.

My former boss was a man of method, structure, and exemplary discipline who generations of Nigerians will remember as a leader of unimpeachable personal integrity.

President Buhari was a progressive who believed in the great destiny of our nation, and a relentless champion of the nation's disadvantaged.

His legacies of widespread infrastructural provision across rail, road, seaports, airports, and power, and his humane investments in the provision of social amenities; alongside oil & gas sector reforms and the armament upgrades of the nation's armed forces, amongst many other multi-faceted feats, will stand the test of time.

He will be sorely missed by millions of his dedicated followers, and I shall forever be proud of our association and indebted to him for the opportunity he extended to me to serve the nation we love. 🇳🇬

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

*Chief Ajuri Ngelale*

Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Public Affairs (2019 – 2023)

21/08/2025

NEDC Extends Lifeline to Over 700 Persons with Disabilities in Maiduguri

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has provided food and non-food support to more than 700 persons with disabilities in Maiduguri, Borno State. The intervention, held at the Borno Oil Mill along Baga Road, is part of the Commission’s mandate to cushion hardship and support vulnerable groups across the Northeast.

Beneficiaries were drawn from four major clusters of disabilities—persons with physical disabilities, the blind, the deaf, and those affected by leprosy.

Ahmadu Umar, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Borno State Chapter, confirmed that 706 members benefitted. He noted that each received a 25kg bag of rice, a carton of instant noodles, a carton of spaghetti, 10kg of sugar, a mat, and a blanket. Umar added that JONAPWD has over 21,000 members across the state’s 27 local government areas and is partnering with NEDC to expand outreach.

Mustapha Muhammed, Chairman of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, described the support as timely and impactful, stressing that it has touched the lives of hundreds of members.

Similarly, the Secretary-General of Persons with Physical Disabilities, Muhammed Aji, commended NEDC for ensuring inclusion. He revealed that over 300 women and 406 men benefitted, reflecting a deliberate balance in gender representation.

Aji praised the Commission for consistently prioritizing persons with disabilities in its humanitarian programs.

20/08/2025

In Maiduguri, Plan International Pushes Youth Empowerment, Climate Action on World Humanitarian Day
.... Urges Global Action as Funding Cuts Deepen Crisis

**By Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri**

Plan International Nigeria has joined the global community to commemorate **World Humanitarian Day 2025** with a strong call for renewed solidarity and greater support for communities affected by conflict and climate disasters.

The event, held in Maiduguri under the theme *“Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities,”* brought together humanitarian partners, government agencies, youth advocates, and community leaders. It honoured the sacrifices of aid workers and underscored the need for community-driven solutions.

World Humanitarian Day, observed every **August 19**, was established in memory of the 22 aid workers killed in the 2003 UN headquarters bombing in Baghdad. This year’s commemoration comes amid growing risks for humanitarian staff, with more than **150 aid workers killed in crisis zones in 2025 alone**.

# # # Funding Cuts Threaten Aid Programmes

Plan International’s Country Director stressed the organisation’s commitment to delivering life-saving support to vulnerable groups, especially girls and children in Northeast Nigeria. He warned that conflict, climate change, and displacement continue to threaten millions of lives, while shrinking donor funding is worsening humanitarian needs.

Keynote speaker **Amb. Usman Aliyu**, of the Borno Agency for Great Green World, delivered an address titled *“Climate Action as a Humanitarian Responsibility,”* linking environmental sustainability with humanitarian response. A symbolic tree-planting exercise followed, in collaboration with the Borno State Agency for Garbage and Greening the World (BSAGGW), to promote green recovery and resilience.

# # # “Crises Are Far from Over”

Dr. Helen Mfon-Obong Idiong, Plan International’s Director of Programme Quality and Influencing, described the year’s theme *“ACT for Humanity: Strengthening Global Collaboration, Integrating and Empowering Communities”* as timely.

She lamented that despite enormous needs, humanitarian funding has drastically declined. “Under the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, nutrition alone originally targeted five million people across the Northeast. Now, due to funding cuts, only about two million will be reached. Health facilities are closing, and up to 70% of those who should have received support next year will likely get no help at all,” she said.

Dr. Idiong appealed to government and international donors to prioritise the poor and vulnerable: “We must use this day to let the world know that humanitarian crises are far from over. With collective effort, we hope that in the coming years these crises may reduce and there will be more funding to help those truly in need.”

# # # Spotlight on Malnutrition and Youth Empowerment

Head of Humanitarian Programmes in Borno State, **Emmanuel Nuhu**, expressed concern about severe acute malnutrition in communities such as Dikwa, Kala-Balge, and Gamboru-Ngala. He stressed that tackling malnutrition requires a holistic approach addressing both immediate causes—disease and poor diet—and root drivers such as conflict, insecurity, and poor maternal care.

On youth empowerment, **Ms. Ruth Ishaya**, Youth Engagement and SRHR Officer with Plan International in Maiduguri, said young people remain central to sustainable humanitarian response. She noted that under the BMZ project, the organisation has established **Livelihood Incubation Centres in Mafa and Damboa**, training youths in vocational skills, agriculture, literacy, and life skills.

Beneficiaries also receive start-up capital, mentorship, and business support. “So far, under this project, we have supported over 240 youths directly with skills and start-up support,” Ishaya said. She added that more than 600 households have received cash and voucher assistance to boost food security.

# # # Renewed Call for Global Solidarity

Across the commemorative event, speakers repeatedly highlighted the urgent need for international donors and government to step up support. They emphasised that while humanitarian organisations continue to deliver immediate relief, sustainable peace, security, and resilience must underpin long-term recovery.

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