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By Liman Amsami Alkali Drawing from the authoritative work Political Succession in Nigeria, edited by Dr. Otive Igbuzor, which argues that political succession is perhaps the most important type of leadership transition because it directly affects the stability, survival, and development of nations, I wish to examine the ongoing succession crisis unfolding in Borno State.  Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum now faces the most defining political battle of his second term—the choice of a successor—amidst fierce resistance from the camp of Vice President Kashim Shettima. The contest currently features several key figures. From the Vice President's side, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the incumbent Minister of Agriculture, stands as Shettima's preferred candidate, while Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, who represents Borno Central, also has his own political structure.  However, the Vice President's clear preference for Kyari has created a noticeable distance between Shettim...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu The Yobe State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, has approved a total of ₦59,845,482,013.9 for previously granted project approvals. The decision, announced after the council meeting, highlightes the administration’s dual priority of accelerating infrastructure development while sustaining security gains. The ratified funds are overwhelmingly directed toward roads (₦34.1 billion), commerce and markets (₦8.58 billion), transport and energy (₦5.35 billion), healthcare infrastructure (₦5.54 billion), and the upgrade of the August 27 Stadium (₦3.35 billion). Key projects include the Kaliyari-Bayamari and Bayamari-Gaidam roads, modern markets in Jajimaji and Buni-Yadi, solar-powered streetlights across 11 LGAs, and generator installations for major hospitals. The council also reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies and local communities, noting that while relativ...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu Baba Malam Wali, a former Secretary to the Yobe State Government (SSG), is widely regarded as a seasoned administrator with over three decades of public service experience. Wali, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and began his career with the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA). He later served as Social Mobilisation Officer at the defunct Mass Mobilisation for Self-Reliance, Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER). The former SSG also worked as Principal Research Officer and subsequently Principal Private Secretary, now designated as Chief of Staff, to the Military Governor of Borno State. With the establishment of the North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP), a Federal Government and European Union-supported initiative, Wali was appointed Field Team Coordinator. He rose through the ranks to become Deputy Programme Manager and later Programme Manager, reflecting his...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has called on over 800 Juma’at mosque imams to intensify prayers for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity, according to his Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Ustaz Babagana Mallam Kyari. Speaking to blueprint Correspondent in Damaturu on Thursday, Kyari said the imams have pledged to promote peaceful coexistence among their followers.  He also announced that the state government has rolled out welfare packages for religious leaders, including cash donations, bank transfers, and annual trips to the Holy Ka’aba. Kyari detailed the support such as; N200,000 each to Juma’at mosque imams and selected Islamic scholars.Ramadan 2026, N100,000 each was transferred to Tsangaya leaders and Juma’at imams across the state’s 14 emirate councils. According to him,others are, on April 14, 2026,Buni met with chief imams from all 17 LGAs and provided N200,000 each.The governor sponsors a group of Islamic scholars (Ulamas) to the ...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, launched a N1 billion empowerment programme, in addition to 500 electric Keke Napep tricycles, for 1,000 operators in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere. The eco-friendly electric tricycles were inaugurated on 20th December 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of Governor Zulum’s efforts to modernize transportation and ease economic hardship in the state. Launching the empowerment programme at the Government House, Governor Zulum said the initiative was designed to empower less-privileged Keke Napep riders while reducing transportation costs for residents across the Metropolitan Council and Jere local government area. “I am privileged to launch this empowerment programme for about 1,000 beneficiaries among tricycle riders in Maiduguri and Jere today, to the glory of God and for the benefit of humanity,” Zulum stated. “These electric tricycles were procured some months ago an...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Yobe State Government, through the Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB) in collaboration with the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, has launched a six-month skills acquisition programme for 200 Almajiri graduates. Executive Secretary of the Board, Sheikh Umar Abubakar, said Governor Mai Mala Buni approved the training, which covers tailoring, shoe making, carpentry, welding, solar installation, and building construction. He stated that,Almajiri graduates are often referred to as out‑of‑school children. The Yobe State Government found it necessary for them to obtain informal education certificates. "Beneficiaries will receive accommodation, three meals daily, medical care, and supervision. A committee has been formed to oversee their progress, and they will also learn Arabic and English for effective communication",said Sheikh Abubakar. In his remarks ,the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir, noted that Yob...