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By Abubakar Ahmed  Yobe state's prominent frontline governorship aspirant in the 2027 election, Kashim Musa Tumsah MFR has today, Monday 4/5/2026 submitted his expression of interest/nomination forms to contest the next governorship seat in the state at the APC National Secretariat, Abuja.  KMT arrived the party headquarters amidst fanfare and pageantry excorted by a large crowd shouting APC slogans. He was received by senior staff of the party who also cheerfully showed him to the office of the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalorima who received to process the document.  While addressing journalists shortly after submitting the forms, the development advocate explained that if elected as governor, he will take the state to greater heights through people-centered projects and empowerment opportunities.  On the issue of consensus purportedly reached by a select individuals, Tumsah maintained that there had never been any consensus on...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Small Arms and Light Weapons Community Development Service (CDS) group, in partnership with the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), conducted an awareness campaign on Monday at the Abujan Mai Mala IDP camp and the Mohammad Gombe farm community. The event focused on small arms proliferation,hygiene, and food support for internally displaced persons under the theme "Promoting Health and Peace in Our Communities." Team leader of the CDS group,Bulus Seth Kazachat explained that the group’s objectives are to educate displaced communities on the dangers of small arms, promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and provide essential resources. He said, "Our expectation is that after sensitizing them on the risks, they will report any suspicious activity. If they see anyone wielding unlawful weapons, they should notify the proper authorities.  "We are also strivi...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu The newly appointed Acting Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, has declared that his leadership will transform the SSG's office into a bridge linking policy to action, decisions to outcomes, and governance to the aspirations of citizens. Speaking on Monday after officially assuming duty, Dr. Goje outlined a clear roadmap centered on policy coordination, accountability, teamwork, and measurable results moving beyond the usual pledge of loyalty. Describing the SSG's office as the "engine room of governance," he said it must drive administrative coherence and the effective functioning of the executive council.  "This responsibility demands not just accountability from the Secretary, but also integrity, foresight, and the ability to foster unity across the entire machinery of government," he stated. He reassured Governor Mai Mala Buni of his total commitment and loyalty to his administration's po...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu  All 17 local government chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State have thrown their weight behind former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Baba Malam Wali, as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election. The endorsement was made public during a stakeholders’ meeting held Monday at the Arts and Culture Conference Hall in Damaturu. The gathering brought together party leaders from state, local government, and ward levels. According to attendees, the decision reflects the genuine will of the party’s grassroots rather than a top-down directive. Speaking on behalf of the 17 local government APC chairmen, the Chairman of Yunusari Local Government Area, Bamariu Muhammad Kaltum, announced their full and collective backing of Wali’s candidacy.  He stressed that the choice has already been widely embraced by ward executives and ordinary party members across the state. While zonal chairme...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a powerful coalition of youth leaders, local government officials, and political aspirants in Nangere Local Government has formally endorsed former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, as their consensus candidate to succeed Governor Mai Mala Buni. The endorsement came during a Critical Stakeholders Engagement held Sunday in Sabon Garin Nangere, organized by the APC Youth Wing. The event drew a wide cross-section of party faithful, traditional elders, and community leaders. Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Nangere Local Government APC Youth Wing, Umar Mohammed Kukuri, declared that the region’s youth stakeholders are throwing their full weight behind Baba Wali, describing him as "a round peg in a round hole." Kukuri cited the former SSG’s administrative expertise and proven capacity to consolidate Governor Buni’s development strides across sectors ...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  A major political coalition representing all 17 local government areas of Yobe State has officially endorsed governorship aspirant Baba Malam Wali for the 2027 election, claiming that two prominent senators have agreed to step down in his favor. The Coalition of 17 Local Government Areas Progressive Movement (COLGAS) announced its unconditional support for Wali on Saturday during a solidarity gathering in Damaturu. Speaking at the event, COLGAS Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Musa Potiskum, declared that the coalition is "100 percent behind" Wali, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Mai Mala Buni, and Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam. He commended Senators Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and Musa Mustapha for what he described as their courage in accepting to step down from the governorship contest based on the choice of APC stakeholders in the state. Potiskum cited former Yobe Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Baba Mal...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  The former Inspector General of Police, Alh. Usman Baba Alkali, has picked up his nomination form to contest for the governorship of Yobe State. Speaking with journalists in Damaturu, Alkali said he arrived in the state capital over the weekend to show the people that he is fully prepared to compete for the party’s ticket. According to Alkali, he met some of his colleagues who are also aspiring for the same position, and four of them had already purchased the form. He noted that this development means the proposed consensus agreement has failed. "I therefore obtained the form to join the movement.I am here in Damaturu to verify that the forms are valid, as I had to consult the rules and local authorities elsewhere. "No one has ever shown me where to sign or even asked me to speak. That is why I tell you that the consensus arrangement has failed. " I clearly understood what the national president of our party said that consensus mea...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  The Yobe Youths Forum has thrown its weight behind Alhaji Baba Malam Wali as the consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 general election in Yobe State. The endorsement was announced on Thursday during a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre in Damaturu. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the forum, Dr. Mohammed Alkali Dilala, stated that the youth of Yobe are speaking with a unified and purposeful voice. He explained that after extensive consultations and thoughtful deliberation, the group has declared its full and unwavering support for the aspirant endorsed by Governor Mai Mala Buni, as well as other leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Dr. Dilala emphasized that this decision was not made lightly, but rather followed deliberate engagements involving various youth groups, communities, and stakeholders who share a common vision for continuity, stability, and ongoing development in the state. Whi...

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...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  A coalition of progressive indigenes from Yobe State, backed by supporters from other parts of the country, has thrown its weight behind Baba Malam Wali as the ideal candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The group believes Wali possesses the right blend of experience and vision to drive inclusive growth and administrative reform in the state. In a statement issued by the group's coordinators,Hussaini Abdullahi , described Wali as a career public servant with decades of hands-on experience. His journey into governance began in neighboring Borno State in 1989, where he worked as a Principal Research Officer. A year later, he served as Personal Secretary to the Military Governor—a role that gave him early insight into high-level policy coordination. Returning to Yobe State, Wali carved out a reputation within the North-East Zone Agricultural Programme (NEZAP), moving through the ranks from Term Coordinator to Deputy Programme Manager and...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  The Yobe State Police Command has a new Commissioner, and CP Usman Kamfani Jibrin has already begun outlining his vision for a safer state.  Addressing the press on Monday at the Damaturu headquarters, the newly deployed police chief promised a significant boost in intelligence led operations, heightened visibility of patrol teams, and a more rapid response system to criminal incidents across the state. According to him,he intends to work closely with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and other essential stakeholders, noting that public trust and the smooth exchange of intelligence are vital to preventing crime. "Officers and men of the command will be guided by the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties," Kamfani said. The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of a united security front, affirming that the police will maintain...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu  The Yobe state government says its working towards eradicating the environment diseases as well as the transmission of zoonotic diseases, that is, the transmission of animal disease into humans across the 17 local government areas of the state. The Director Public Health in the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Nurus Suleiman disclosed this at the 2026 commemoration of World Health Day in Damaturu the state capital with the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science” “The use of science is very paramount in our daily activities and in keeping data. The health of humans is associated with that of animals therefore there is need for us that all diseases around our environment are eradicated to allow healthy living” As part of the commemoration, the healthcare providers and the donour partners were taken to the streets of Damaturu the state capital to create awareness on better healthcare and disease outbreaks. The team also proceeded to Mai Mal...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed the immediate deployment of 20 luxury electric buses for public use as part of measures to cushion the impact of the recent petrol price hike on residents. The buses, which were inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 20th December, 2025, alongside 3,000 electric bicycles, 500 electric tricycles, and 100 electric vehicles aimed at improving transportation services across the state. The rollout of the buses, which commenced on Friday, 3rd April, features a fleet of 17 buses with 49 seating capacity, two 37-seaters, and one 28-seater. They are currently being deployed across major routes within Maiduguri metropolis and its environs to ease the burden of rising transport costs on commuters. The Fully air-conditioned and energy-efficient vehicles can cover over 400 kilometres on a single charge. This initiative complements the existing fleet of buses and salon cars earlier p...

By Alhaji Yusuf Damaturu  A Chief Magistrate Court in Damaturu has discharged a man, Uche Friday Uche, over alleged criminal force against a minor. The presiding Chief Magistrate, Mohammed Bilyaminu, gave the order after reviewing evidence presented by the prosecution. The case, marked YBS/DT/CMC-I/19/2021, was filed by the Commissioner of Police against the accused. The prosecution, led by M.H. Muhammad, alleged that the accused committed an offence punishable under Section 268 of the Penal Code. The charge bordered on use of criminal force against a girl with intent to outrage her modesty. However, counsel to the accused, S.S. Karasuwa, contested the allegations and urged the court to dismiss the case. In his ruling, the magistrate held that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused. He ruled that the evidence adduced was insufficient to warrant the framing of charges. “The prosecution has not established a prima facie case to justify ...

By Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu  Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated the sum of ₦150 million to the families of three military officers who lost their lives in recent attacks in the state. The gesture, made on behalf of Borno State Government, is part of Governor Zulum’s sustained support to families of fallen heroes and wounded-in-action personnel engaged in counter-insurgency operations across the state. In addition to military and security personnel, the governor has also extended assistance to families of volunteer forces killed in action, including scholarship programmes for their orphaned children. As part of efforts to personally identify with the bereaved families, Governor Zulum, on Wednesday, visited families of the late Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, Lieutenant Colonel Salihu Iliyasu, and Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko. The governor first visited the family of late Lt. Col. Salihu Iliyasu in Abuja, where he was received by the d...

In Borno:38 Terrorists Neutralized, Weapons Recovered in Failed ISWAP Offensive By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Troops from Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants on a military forward operating base in Mandaragirau, Borno State, killing an estimated 38 terrorists. According to a statement released on Saturday, the attack occurred in the early hours of March 28, 2026. Military sources reported that troops engaged the assailants with a "well-coordinated offensive-defensive response," forcing the terrorists into a disorderly withdrawal.  The Air Component provided close air support and intelligence surveillance to assist ground forces.Following the initial engagement,pursuit operations along the terrorists’ escape routes yielded additional casualties. Authorities have so far recovered eight bodies at the immediate scene, with intelligence from local sources indicating that more than 30 ...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  Yobe State University officially welcomed 2,240 students into its degree programs during its 18th matriculation ceremony on Tuesday urging the new intakes to prioritize entrepreneurial skills and steer clear of misconduct. Held on the university campus, the event marked the academic commencement for students across the institution’s seven faculties and the College of Medical Sciences. In his address, Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammed Bashir Tahir stressed a strategic shift away from over-reliance on public sector jobs. He said the university is intensifying its emphasis on entrepreneurship and hands-on training to prepare graduates for self-employment and success in the private sector. “Our aim is not just to prepare them for government jobs. We want to produce graduates who can create employment or seamlessly integrate into private enterprises,” Professor Tahir stated. He praised the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFu...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  In a move aimed at spreading festive cheer and acknowledging party loyalty, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has distributed cash gifts of One Hundred Thousand Naira (₦100,000) to all Executive Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state. The financial gesture, presented to the party officials ahead of the Sallah celebrations, is intended to support the executives and put smiles on their faces during the festive period. Presenting the cash on behalf of the Governor, the State Party Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Gadaka, encouraged the beneficiaries to remain steadfast in their commitment to the party.  He emphasized that the Governor’s generosity was a demonstration of his appreciation for their efforts and a means to enable them to celebrate Sallah happily. “This gesture is part of Governor Buni’s support to party executives. We must reciprocate by remaining committed and loyal to the party at all times,” Gadaka stated...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists in Goniri,Yobe state, killing over 20 fighters, including a senior commander. The 120 Task Force Battalion came under attack from multiple fronts on the night of 9 March into 10 March 2026. Surveillance had spotted terrorists advancing from Goniri village and Ngamdu junction in an attempt to encircle the camp. Troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by the Air Component, forcing them to retreat with heavy casualties. Among those killed was a senior terrorist commander, Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula. Weapons recovered include machine guns, AK-47 rifles, bombs, and ammunition. A follow-up patrol in the Timbuktu Triangle led to the discovery of additional terrorist bodies. The military reported a momentary breach of the defensive perimeter, with some structures and vehicles damaged. Injured troops are in stable condition, and...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  As part of its ongoing mission to support education, the Madakin Gudi Foundation has cleared five months’ stipends for 167 volunteer teachers across twenty-one schools in the Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State. A team from the Foundation mandated to carry out the payment set out in the early hours of Wednesday, 11th March 2026, visiting each of the 21 schools for the exercise.  The team first visited the Chana community and later proceeded to Godowoli and other villages, ending the exercise in Gadaka. Three volunteers in each of the schools were given the sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira to cover their monthly stipends. The leader of the team, Malam Muhammad Lamba, said the gesture is aimed at encouraging the volunteers to work harder for the development of education in the area.  Muhammad Lamba further revealed that the initiative is part of the Madakin Gudi Foundation’s broader effort to promote education in rural communiti...

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, 22nd February, 2026, distributed farm tools to farmers and commissioned a new high Islamic school in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area. Governor Zulum was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari. Zulum's agricultural intervention aimed to boost dry-season farming and enhance the livelihoods of returnees who are gradually resettling in the community. Zulum said, “From the beginning of this administration, dry season irrigation farming was adopted as a strategic component of the state’s food security framework. Recognising the limitations of rain-fed agriculture in the context of climate variability, insecurity, and population growth, the government implemented a dual-season production strategy to ensure year-round farming.” He added, “Today’s distribution of 1,000...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  In a proactive move to mitigate the effects of climate change in Yobe State, Plan International Nigeria has launched a two-day sensitization and tree planting campaign aimed at bolstering local resilience.  The initiative, carried out under the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance (ZCRA) project, targeted the communities of Pomamari and Nayi-Nawa, with a specific focus on educating and empowering women and youth. The exercise is designed to address environmental degradation while highlighting the long-term economic advantages of afforestation. Nubwa Ibrahim Bawuro, Social Behavioral Change Communications Officer for Plan International Nigeria, stated that the campaign is part of a broader intervention in Adamawa and Yobe States.  She explained that the project was born out of a needs assessment that identified a critical lack of vegetation in the two communities. “Following that assessment, we brought 200 seedlings, specially selected...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Yobe State University (YSU) in Damaturu inaugurated Professor Muhammad Bashir Tahir as its fifth substantive Vice Chancellor on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.  In his address, Professor Tahir outlined a leadership approach focused on continuity,academic excellence, and accountability.  He pledged to strengthen the university’s academic and administrative systems through inclusive governance and collective responsibility. “We are grateful to Almighty Allah for this opportunity to serve and appreciate the confidence placed in us by the Executive Governor of Yobe State, the Governing Council, and the search team,” stated Professor Tahir. The event also marked the official assumption of office by Mallam Isa Audu Dallari as the university’s substantive Registrar, succeeding Acting Registrar Mallam Garba Ahmadu. The outgoing Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bukar Jamri, who led the institution from February 13, 2025, highlighte...