The Chairman of Borno’s 2024 Amirul Hajj committee and Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, disclosed this on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia.

Senator Kaka Shehu highlighted that the N521.4m was to cover the cost of (Hadaya) animal sacrifice obligatory on all Muslim pilgrims and Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) differential.

The senator explained that 261 million naira was earmarked for the purchase of sacrificial animals, while 260.4 million naira was set aside as basic travel allowance differential for the pilgrims.

He said, “the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, has approved the payment of Hadaya, sacrificial animals to be purchased as religious obligations during Hajj, to all pilgrims from the state amounting to N261 million.”

Senator Kaka Shehu also noted that the initial arrangement was for each pilgrim to receive 415 instead of 500 dollars.

“In addition to this, the governor also paid N260.4 million to pay the differential as a result of fall in the naira to balance up the BTA of pilgrims to round it up to five hundred dollars per person” He added.

He remarked that Borno State government has maintained a consistent record of supporting its citizens embarking on religious pilgrims.

Senator Kaka Shehu also stated that all pilgrims from the state are hale and hearty and ready to commence the Hajj rituals on Friday.

The senator maintained that the committee has recorded tremendous successes in all sectors of the exercise, appreciating Governor Babagana Zulum for his support and cooperation by members of the Hajj team.

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The speed and consistency with which the Borno State government is transforming the education sub – sector by providing free and compulsory education across the state is a clear indication that the state is fast becoming one of the educational advantage states in  Nigeria,  Stakeholders have said . 

The construction of mega schools and provision of instructional materials as well the school feeding program in different parts of the state has in no small measure help to reduce the number of out of school children. 

Worried the by the uneviable position as having the highest number of out of school children in Nigeria in 2021, the governor Babagana Zulum leg administration has taken the bull by it’s horn  to reduce the number drastically through various intervention programs and projects that  have over the years returned Borno children to their classrooms.  

”  Out of 1.8 million out of school children in 2021, we have taken measures to reduce the number to less that 800. We’re still working assiduously bring down the number ”  Commissioner of Education,  Science , Technology  and Innovation,  Engineer  Lawan Abba Wakilbe said 

No doubt,  the more than a decade long  insurgency had led many children and their parents to flee trouble areas,  thereby obstructing their education where massive destruction to education facilities across the state was evident .

The Boko  Haram terrorists  whose translation of their name means western education is sin took ample delight in the destruction of schools and engage in continuous abduction of students.  Analysts says the distruction of education facilities in the North East Region  where Borno  state is the worst hit is  running into billions of US  Dollars. 

But the Zulum led  administration has shown rare  determination ,  the government is already picking up the pieces and does not want the future generation swim in the sea of illiteracy  hence the priority attention to education sector. 

To lift off the burden of school fees payments from off the shoulder of parents and guardians , the state government have continued to pay scholarship both for students studying within and outside Nigeria.  Orphans of Counter Terrorism Volunteers were not left out as 300  of the them got the total sum sixty-million-naira (₦60,000,000) scholarship for 2024 

The state  government in its bid to provide the needed manpower for the health sector,  recently  embarked on the disbursement over  N1 Billion as scholarship  to student nurses. 

” Today marks another significant milestone as we disburse One billion three hundred and five million one hundred and eighty-nine thousand naira (₦1,305,189,000) for scholarships benefiting 997 student nurses.” Wakilbe said 

As part of measures to ensure the  impactation of quality education to its students the state government has continued to pay prime attention to the welfare of teachers in the state.  This gesture prompted the the Chairman,  National Union of Teachers  ( NUT) Comrade Zali Audu Garba  to single out Governor Babagana Zulum as  the best performing governor in the education sector. 

” The education sector is currently witnessing an astronomical improvement in both with human and infrastructure.  Teachers welfare have been given an unprecedented positive attention,  the sum of   N1 billion is currently being expended on teachers training accos Borno State .we have never had it this good . ”  The NUT boss , Garba said 

At a recent event in Bama  local government area of  the state where 

Governor Zulum flagged off  the second phase  training for 781 teachers with the aim of making them more productive and acquiring  the requisite knowledge for impactation to its students.

The governor who was represented by his deputy  Hon Umar Usman Kadafur at the event says  ” It is strategically pertinent to note that Government allocated a substantial sum of one billion naira (N1 Billion) for the training of 2,730 teachers. These educators will undergo rigorous training at both the College of Education Waka-Biu and Umar Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi College of Education, Science and Technology Bama. 

“The duration of the program is three months, covering one thousand eight hundred and eighty four (1,884) 

teachers through a sandwich programme and eight hundred and forty six (846) teachers through a full-time NCE program.

“It may interest you to note that the aim of this initiative is to address issues of remuneration, retention and most importantly the competency of our teachers in line with national standards.

” The program is free of charge and each participants is entitle to N30,000.00 monthly stipend, in addition to their regular salaries. Those enrolled in full-time NCE program will attain automatic in- service status.

” On this note, let me use this medium to  urge the participants  to approach this opportunity with utmost dedication

and seriousness, knowing fully well that successful completion of the program and passing the competency test will lead to a review of wages. 

“To ensure adequate preparation, the Ministry of Education has been directed to release an additional sum of fifty thousand naira (N50,000) to all participants”. Kadafur stated.

President of National Union of Borno State Students also testify to the pragmatic leadership of Governor Zulum in transforming  the education sector,  saying that Borno in the nearest future  can compete favourably with any state in the country. 

” We have an amazing governor  in Prof . Zulum, he has continued to accord education the desired attention . Our governor has expended  almost  two billion on scholarship alone this year, this is aside the massive ifrastuctural development in the  the education sector and training and retraining of teachers .”  Kyari said . 

As scars of the past disstrucion by Boko haram terrorists on the education sector is gradually  giving way to progressive steps at revolutionizing the sector , governor is eager to continue to blaze the trail 

” We will continue to do more to give quality education to our citizens.”  Governor Zulum said at a recent event.
– Gbenga Akingbule, wrote from Maiduguri

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According to a publication by the UN on its website, the programme titled “Africa Month” is to mobilise actions by leveraging science, technology and innovation to transform education in Africa. Governor Zulum, H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, Ms. Cristina Duarte, UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Special Adviser on Africa, and many other stakeholders will be attending the dialogue.

This year’s dialogue series has the theme “Education through Science, Technology and Innovation toward the Africa We Want.” It will focus on obtaining a concerted Africa-centred policy shift needed to fast-track the transformation of the educational landscape on the continent.

The statement noted that the ADS 2024 will culminate with a High-level Policy Dialogue, including the participation of several ministers from African countries, Heads of Regional Economic Communities, young people, senior government and UN officials.

The statement added that the high-level segment will serve as a platform for in-depth exchanges, contributing policy recommendations to accelerate the continent’s progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mr. Faki Mahamat, will also participate in the High-level Policy Dialogue, and would be delivering closing messages to wrap up “Africa Month”.

The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed and the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, will set the stage for the dialogue with their perspectives.

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Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has inaugurated the 2024 Hajj committee that would ensure the proper welfare of Pilgrims from the state during the forthcoming 2024 Hajj exercise.

Inaugurating the committee on Saturday at the council chamber of the government house in Maiduguri, Zulum assured improved welfare for all pilgrims from Borno State.

The 21-member committee would be chaired by the Senator representing Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan.

The governor charged the committee members to work diligently towards meeting the expectations of pilgrims from Borno State.

He said, “I urge you to be dedicated in order to reduce some of the complaints by pilgrims.”

Zulum also noted that the pilgrim welfare board would be reorganised to become a commission to reduce the financial burden resulting from the pilgrimage activities by the government.

“We have to reorganise the Pilgrim Welfare Board; we shall convert the board to a commission. Establishing a commission reduces government spending and ensures more accountability and transparency,” Zulum said.

The governor also explained why the deputy governor, who has been the Chairman of the state Hajj committee for the last four years could not serve in that capacity this year.

Zulum said, “Since I assumed office as governor of Borno in 2019, the deputy governor has been the Chair of our Hajj committee. But this year, we decided to change because I am also going and don’t want to create a leadership vacuum in the state. He will oversee the affairs of the state in my absence.”

Responding, the committee’s Chairman, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, urged the committee members to consider the assignment a serious job involving issues of welfare, safety and the logistics involved from Maiduguri to Saudi Arabia and returning them to the country.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for finding them worthy and assured him of delivering on the task given to them.

The post Zulum inaugurates Borno’s 2024 Hajj Committee appeared first on Sunrise News.

The governor gave the approval in Maiduguri on Friday night at the Government House.

He said: “I am delighted to note that despite your disability, you people are not lazy; you decided to pursue your education, and for this, I want to commend you.

“I directed the Commissioner of Education to process your application for employment for my approval immediately. Therefore, I want to bring to your kind notice that you should be on the payroll of Borno State Government effective 1st May, 2024, in sha Allah.”

He directed the commissioner of education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, to review the activities of all the blind schools in Borno State in order to train more people with disability.

Zulum also ordered the Ministry of Education to work out modalities for introducing the teaching of special education courses at the College of Education in Bama.

“I am happy that they have obtained their qualifications in different specialisations. Let’s strengthen the College of Education in Bama to start delivering courses on special education,” Zulum ordered.

Earlier in his address, Borno State Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, Mohammed Mustapha, expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for approving employment for his members.

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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Plan International, Center for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), UKAID, Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD) and Borno State Government have called for proper coordination among government, community and humanitarian organisations to improve school safety.

This was the highlight at a panel discussion organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in conjunction with Plan International, Center for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), UKAID, Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD) to mark the tenth anniversary of the abduction of 276 Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram insurgency.

The symposium which was held at the El kanemi Hall of University of Maiduguri on Wednesday, had a panel discussion on school safety for students/children.

UNICEF Education Officer, Dr Adamu Bulama, who represented the Chief of Borno Field Office, Phuong Nguyen, was on the panel. He spoke about strengthening coordination among government, community and humanitarian organisations to improve school safety.

In his opening remark, the Executive Director of Center for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), Abubakar Mua’zu, said the aimed of the symposium /panel discussion is to chart a way forward for the safety and protection of children in schools

He added that the symposium was also targeted at reflecting on what happened to the innocent students learning and the past students plight, safety issues, solutions and suggestions on how students can be protected In school, and have access to quality education and learning environment, including making the school environment safe for learning

He urged all to be involved and make contributions in the overall interest of the students, staff, parents and guardians as well as government and other stakeholders

Those in the pane of discussants were picked from security agencies, UNICEF, Education Secretaries, CATAI, Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), NSCDC and Vigilante Group.

Among suggestions made include the need for security alerts or safety awareness in all schools by educating the students, staff and visitors to the schools on where to go and what to do in cases of emergencies; they
also noted that despite the existing improvement in security in most schools, more efforts should be made to ensure strict compliance to rules and regulations stipulated in all schools by the school authorities.

The panel of discussants, further, observed that there is need for more investments in security in schools, while noting that most schools are safer today than ten years ago through safety auditing which requires checks and balances of security or safety lapses.

It was further suggested that there is the need to strengthen the capacity of school human resources management and ensure sustainability of the capacity building.

They suggested for the full implementation of save school declaration by all school authorities as the document contained all the necessary measures as well as responsibilities of all in terms of safety measures around school or community environment.

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Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has approved N1.3 billion scholarship for 997 nursing and midwifery students who are indigenes of the state.

According to a statement on Wednesday, the scholarship programme received about 1,080 nominations, 40 from each of the 27 local government areas of the state, but after an entrance examination, 997 applicants passed and qualified to benefit from the scholarship.

Zulum, while launching the scholarship programme on Wednesday at the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Maiduguri, noted that with the scholarship, the beneficiaries would, on graduation, bridge the workforce demands in the state’s healthcare service delivery due to the increasing population growth.

He said: “The government has allocated a total of ₦1,305,189,000 for scholarships, with a breakdown of ₦124,149,000 earmarked for tuition fees.

“The remaining ₦1,181,040,000 will be disbursed as a monthly stipend of ₦30,000 to each beneficiary throughout their studies.”

Zulum further stated that his administration was constructing two colleges of nursing, one in the northern part of the state and the other one in the southern part.

He assured that the two colleges would be completed and opened for academic activities this year.

Highlighting the government’s efforts, the Commissioner for Education, Engineer Lawan Wakilbe, disclosed that from May 29, 2019 to date, Zulum’s administration had approved over N6 billion for scholarship with N2.7 billion of that amount approved from May 29, 2023 to date.

Meanwhile, the governor has awarded N201 million bursary allowance to 2,010 students of the Maiduguri College of Nursing who had not benefited from the scholarship.

The governor directed that each of the 2,010 nursing and midwifery students be credited with the bursary allowance of N100,000.

Zulum also commissioned a lecture theatre complex and a 3,000 people-capacity multipurpose hall for the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Maiduguri.

The governor also announced automatic employment for the 997 beneficiaries and other nursing students who had excelled academically, on completion of their studies.

In a related development, the Nursing Council of Nigeria (NCN) has commended Borno State for his commitment to improving nursing practice in the state, noting that the scholarship awarded by the governor on Wednesday was the first of its kind and so far the largest in Nigeria.

The Registrar of the Council, Dr Farouk Umar Abubakar, who was represented by the Director of Standard and Accreditation, Alhassan Ndagi, gave the commendation while delivering a goodwill message at the flag-off of the N1.3 billion scholarship for nursing and midwifery students in Maiduguri.

The register applauded the performance of the nursing students from Borno, stating that every year at the national examinations, students from Borno score more than 90 percent.

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Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has expressed grief over the death of the ex-President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ali Chiroma.

Comrade Ali Chiroma died on Tuesday night at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital after a brief illness at the age of 91.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on New Media to the Governor, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi quoted his boss to have said: “I sympathise with the family and relatives of late Comrade Ali Chiroma; no doubt the death of a loved one is painful, but as Muslims, we all believe every soul shall taste death. I, therefore, urge you to take solace in Almighty Allah.”

The Governor added that: “Ali Ciroma was a true champion of the working class, a fearless leader who dedicated his life to the welfare of Nigerian workers across the nation. He shall be remembered for his doggedness and dedication to the cause of Nigerian workers.”

The late Ali Chiroma served as the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress between 1984 and 1988.

He was the President of the defunct Rural Health Workers of Nigeria, now known as the Medical and Health Workers Association, in 1960.

Zulum also prayed for the repose of the soul of the former unionist and an elder statesman. He asked that Allah gives the family of the deceased the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

The governor commiserated with the Borno Elders Forum over the loss of one of their dedicated member.

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Zulum’s visit was to facilitate a fastrack of implementing the Inclusive Basic Service Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Project (IBSDLEIP) in Borno State.

IBSDLEIP is a multi-sectoral programme focusing on the intermediate and long-term components of Nigerian Government’s efforts to respond to the northeast states’ emergency transition, recovery and peace restoration.

The project aims to improve the quality of life by increasing access of the poor and vulnerable segments of the population to basic social services in water, sanitation, hygiene, health and education, as well as restoring livelihoods and strengthening food security and safety nets in the states affected by insurgents in the northeast.

During the meeting, Zulum discussed in detail the importance of fast-tracking the implementation of the project, especially the additional activities covering water supply, education and livelihood.

Governor Zulum also harps on using intelligent energy to convert jumbo boreholes operated by generators across Maiduguri and the surrounding environment to hybrid, thereby cutting costs to be channelled on other sectors for Borno’s development.

State APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba, former Commissioner for Education, Hon. Inuwa Kubo and Programme Manager of the IBSDLEIP Project, who is also the GM of Borno RUWASSA, Engr Dr Mohammed Musa Aliyu, accompanied the governor on the visit.

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In a statement on Wednesday, UN lamented that while the exact number of people abducted remains unknown, but it is estimated at over 200 people.

The statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Malick Fall read that: “On 29 February, members of a non-state armed group (NSAG) allegedly abducted the IDPs who had reportedly ventured beyond the safety of the trenches surrounding Ngala – from the ISS, Zulum, Kaigama, and Arabic IDP camps – in search of firewood. While an unspecified number of older women and children under 10 have reportedly been released, scores of IDPs remain unaccounted for, according to protection partners.

“I stand in solidarity with the families of all those abducted, especially children, and their communities and urge those who have abducted them to release them without harm.

“On behalf of the United Nations, I remind all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians from harm.

“In addition, I urge authorities and other partners to provide more livelihood opportunities for IDPs in camps in Borno State, alongside ongoing efforts for lasting solutions, to reduce the risks of insecurity and violence faced by IDPs.”

He added that: “More than two million people in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states have fled to garrison towns where they have few, if any, livelihood options. Those who venture beyond the protective trenches surrounding these towns to forage or farm do so at great peril, with killings, abductions, forced recruitment and sexual and gender-based violence (GBV)  rampant.

“Two days to the commemoration of International Women’s Day, this incident is a stark reminder that women and girls are among those most affected by conflict.

“The crisis in the BAY states is disproportionately affecting women, boys and girls. There is a high prevalence of GBV against women and adolescent girls, while boys are targeted for recruitment by NSAGs.”

[3/6, 7:52 PM] Michael Olugbode: ECOWAS COURT HOLDS ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR NEW STAFF MEMBERS

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has commenced a two-day orientation programme for newly recruited staff members at the seat of the Court in Abuja.

Speaking at the opening of the orientation programme, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar of the Court, charged the newly recruited staff members to quickly familiarise themselves with the structure, processes and functioning of the various departments of the Court. He urged the new staff members to take advantage of the programme and utilise the knowledge gained from the orientation for the effective discharge of their responsibilities.

Ouro-Sama advised the participants to respect the organisation’s hierarchy, rules and procedures, ethics, and to foster integrity, transparency, objectivity and team spirit across divisions and departments.

In a welcome address, Dr William Towah, Director of Administration and Finance who was represented by the Human Resource Officer, Mrs Mariame Kone enjoined the new staff members to uphold the ethics and diligently carry out their obligations.

The periodic orientation programme is organised by the Court as part of its integration process for new staff into the processes and procedures of the organisation.

Presentations will be delivered on various topics including the history of the Court, its vision, mandate and strategic goals, structure, legal texts as well as the judicial statistics of the Court.  The new staff members will also be sensitized on the functions of departments and units of the Court including the Research and Documentation Department, the Department of Administration and Finance and the Protocol, ICT and Communication units of the Court.  Representatives of the ECOWAS Pension Office and the ECOWAS Staff Mutual Credit Union will also take their turn on sensitising the new staff about savings and retirement plans.

Speakers at the programme include Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar, Dr Athanase Atannon, Deputy Chief Registrar, Dr Ousmane Diallo, Director of Research and Documentation, Heads of Divisions and Units, and staff from the Protocol, ICT and Communication units.

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