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By Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu The North-East’s search for the next generation of team-sport stars took centre stage in Damaturu as Yobe State hosted the North-East zonal elimination of the 1st National Intermediate Games for Team Sports from September 10 to 12, 2026. Held at the 28th August Stadium, the event was organised by the Presidency’s National Sports Commission through its Grassroots Sports Development Department. For athletes from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe, it was more than a qualifying contest, it was a rare opportunity to be seen, scouted and prepared for the national stage.  Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, declared the competition open.  He described it as a celebration of youth, skill, dedication, camaraderie, unity and the spirit of the North-East, noting that the region has a strong history of producing remarkable sporting talent. Buni said the games give young ath...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,  Damaturu The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has taken its consultative campaign to the traditional palaces of Jajere and Ngelzarma emirates, urging residents to come out en masse and vote for all party candidates in the forthcoming general elections. State Party Chairman,Alhaji Mohammad Gadaka, made the call on Sunday while leading a high-powered delegation that included the APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali; his deputy,Barrister Saleh Samanja and other top party officials to the two emirates. The visit is part of the party's ongoing consultation with traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and community leaders across the state ahead of the presidential, senatorial,House of Representatives, governorship, and state assembly elections. Chairman Gadaka expressed confidence in the party's chances at the polls, citing the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Mai Mala Buni as evidence of the APC...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State is set to officially welcome thousands of defectors from opposition parties into its fold. According to a statement signed by the Yobe State APC Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Gadaka, the decampees are crossing over from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The grand reception ceremony is scheduled to hold in Nangere town at exactly 11:00 AM. The Chairman extends a special invitation to all sons and daughters of the APC from the Zone B Senatorial District, which comprises the local government areas of Nangere, Potiskum, Fika, and Fune . The announcement, made available by the Chairman’s Press Secretary, Hajiya Sa’adatu Maina, urges all party members to turn out en masse to receive the new entrants into the party. All party executives, stakeholders, and supporters are urged to be punctual and ensure a peaceful gathering. Thi...

  By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has Thursday rounded off a two-day working visit to Yobe State with the launch of a statewide animal vaccination campaign and the announcement of bold plans to transform the state into Nigeria's foremost livestock processing hub. Commending Yobe for its proactive approach to livestock development,Hon.Maiha noted that the state was among the first to establish a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development after the creation of the federal counterpart a move he described as both timely and strategic. "Yobe State was among the first to establish a Ministry of Livestock Development following the President's creation of the federal counterpart,and it is clear why. The infrastructure, vegetative resources, and expertise here are second to none," the Minister said. He also singled out the L-PRESS program for praise, calling it one of the most vibrant agricultural initiatives cu...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  For Ambassador Fatima Mohd Paga, the UN Women Focal Person for Yobe State, the fight for women's economic empowerment is personal, urgent, and deeply connected to the everyday struggles of the women she serves. That is why, when the Yobe State Government rolled out a support package for bean cake (akara) sellers complete with energy-efficient stoves, bags of beans, and cooking oil ,she did not hesitate to speak out in strong commendation. In a press statement released to journalists in Damaturu, Ambassador Fatima Paga,a seasoned diplomat and gender advocate, described the intervention as a "significant step" that addresses the intersecting challenges of poverty, environmental degradation, and gender inequality. "This intervention is a significant step towards promoting renewable energy, reducing dependence on traditional cooking methods, and improving the livelihoods of women who make up the majority of small-scale food vendor...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Maiduguri  The Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, alongside all the 27 District Heads and key stakeholders from the Biu Emirate, have unanimously endorsed the nomination of Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate and running mate to the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Engineer Mustapha Gubio, for the 2027 general elections. The endorsement was made on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri.  The meeting was presided over by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, also had in attendance former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Adamu Shettima Yuguda Dibal; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; Senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume; Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN); members of the National Assembly; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly and o...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  The Coalition of 17 Local Government Areas Progressive Movement (COLGAS) for Buni and Baba Mallam Wali (BMW) has officially launched a robust Permanent Voter Card (PVC) awareness campaign,initiating a statewide public outreach to ensure all eligible residents and All Progressives Congress (APC) affiliates are registered before the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) impending deadline of July 26, 2026. Flagged off in the state capital, Damaturu, the initiative is spearheaded by the Coalition’s Director-General, Alhaji Musa Aji Suleiman.  During the launch, Suleiman highlighted voter registration not merely as a procedural formality but as a profound public obligation and a critical instrument for civic engagement. "INEC has commenced the enrollment exercise, which will continue until July 26. This presents a prime opportunity for every eligible citizen who has yet to register to visit the nearest INEC office a...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  The Yobe State Government has formalized a 20-year concession agreement with Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTD) for the operation and management of the Potiskum trailer park, marking a significant milestone in the state's infrastructure development strategy. The agreement, signed on Friday, represents the state government's commitment to fostering sustainable infrastructure through private sector partnerships, according to Dr. Aliyu Isah Chikaji, Director-General of the Yobe State Agency for Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion (YAPPPIP). "The Potiskum trailer park is a critical logistics infrastructure that would improve the movement of goods, enhance road safety, reduce indiscriminate parking of heavy-duty vehicles, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic activity within Potiskum and beyond," Dr. Chikaji stated. He emphasized that under Governor Mai Mala Buni's administration, the state has create...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Yobe State Governor,Mai Mala Bun has charged the people of Ngazargamu emirate to unite and support the new Emir, Alh. Mahmud lbn Mustapha, for a successful reign of office that would be beneficial to all. The governor stated this Thursday when the new emir and his subjects paid a thank you visit to the Governor at the government house damaturu  He reminded the people that development can only be achieved under a peaceful atmosphere. "The Ngazargamu emirate is renowned for commerce and Islamic education, it is your collective responsibility to sustain and improve these great legacies" Buni charged. The Waziri of Ngazargamu, Alh. Baba Kankare, who spoke on behalf of the emirate, thanked the governor for approving the peoples choice as the new Emir. "Your Excellency, you gave us our choice, the peoples will, we appreciate you so much and thank you very much, thank you" the Waziri noted.

The Yobe State council of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has decorated Gov. Mai Mala Buni as the grand patron of the council in recognition of his contributions to the development of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. State Chairman of the council, Alh. Adamu Jajere, said the history of Nigeria's democracy cannot be written without the mention of Gov. Buni's name. "You have contributed immensely to the stability of democracy in Nigeria. "Your Excellency has also entrenched developmental politics in Yobe state with the state being the priority of politicians" he said. He assured that the council would also play its part in building a strong democracy and good governance. Responding, Gov. urged politicians to always play politics without bitterness and placing the interest of the state above personal interests. "Yobe belongs to us all, and everyone of us has an obligation to contribute to the development of the state. "We may b...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu  The Yobe State Government has allocated N500 million to procure and distribute nutrition commodities in the fight against child malnutrition, as authorities raise alarm over the theft and illegal diversion of lifesaving therapeutic food meant for vulnerable children. Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, disclosed this on Wednesday during a high-level stakeholders engagement meeting with law enforcement agencies, legislators, civil society organisations, and development partners in Damaturu, the state capital. Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina, the Commissioner said the government is deeply concerned about the high rate of malnutrition among children under five, describing it as both a public health crisis and a national security threat. The meeting brought together heads of security agencies, members of the State...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  Dr. Mukhtar Yerima, MD/CEO of GENEEDXX NIGERIA LIMITED and the Betara of Gujba Emirate, has received three distinguished honours from prominent national institutions in recognition of his humanitarian service, social justice advocacy, and good governance commitment. The African Centre for Civil Rights,Social Justice and Good Governance presented Dr. Yerima with its Humanitarian Award, with Centre leader Dr. Bashir Shehu lauding him as "an exceptional leader whose passion for serving humanity inspires individuals and organizations across the country." The award ceremony highlighted Dr. Yerima's integrity and lasting societal impact. In a parallel recognition,Blueprint Media Group, Abuja, conferred its Humanitarian Award of Excellence on the philanthropist, citing his consistent contributions to peacebuilding, community development, and nation-building.  The media house noted that the award celebrates personalities whose service has ...

By Ibrahim Shaibu,Damaturu Two hundred young innovators from across Nigeria’s six northeastern states converged on the Yobe State capital this week to showcase how small grants and big ideas are tackling deep rooted governance challenges in their communities. The North East Youth Idea Summit, themed "Transforming Nigeria's Local Governance: Harnessing AI and Youth Innovation for Transparency," served as a celebration of grassroots problem solving. Organized by the Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability Initiative,the event highlighted a powerful truth, modest funding, when paired with youthful energy, can produce extraordinary results. Mu’azu Alhaji Modu, CEO of Spotlight, revealed that 25 exceptional youths were selected as Civic Innovation Awardees of Dr. Kole Shettima received $100 grants (roughly ₦140,000) each to launch community projects. The outcomes, he noted, have far exceeded expectations. "We gave them seed money, and they built superb d...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu The Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, has distributed cash assistance to 40 vulnerable patients receiving treatment at two major health facilities in Damaturu as part of its Humanitarian Outreach Programme. Twenty patients each from the Women and Children Hospital (Family Support Hospital) and the Yobe State Specialist Hospital benefited from the intervention on Thursday. The funds were sourced through contributions and savings made by members of the chapel. Speaking during the disbursement, the Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel, Comrade Nabilu Balarabe, said the initiative reflects the chapel's commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society beyond its traditional role of reporting events and holding government accountable. "This is a community development project initiated by this administration of the chapel. We decided from day one that we would not only concentrat...

By Yusuf A Yusuf  In a decisive move to strengthen party unity, the Yobe State leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accompanied by its governorship candidate, paid a crucial consultative visit to Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, the Minister of Police Affairs, at his Abuja residence. The high-powered delegation, comprising Yobe APC State Chairman Alhaji Mohammad Gadaka and the party's flagbearer Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, described the meeting as a cornerstone of their ongoing reconciliation efforts across the state. The visit carried deep political significance, serving as a symbolic acknowledgment of Senator Gaidam's towering influence as the undisputed political leader of Yobe State. Far from being a routine courtesy call, the gathering showcased political maturity, humility, and steadfast loyalty to the party's founding ideals. By honoring Senator Gaidam, whose visionary leadership and personal sacrifices cemented APC's dominance in Yobe, the current p...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Maiduguri  Security agencies operating in Nigeria's North East have formally agreed to dismantle operational silos, committing instead to a unified intelligence-sharing framework aimed at choking the supply of illicit weapons fueling insurgency in the region. The landmark decision emerged from a high-stakes strategy dinner convened in Maiduguri by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).  The gathering led by Director General DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd)marked the first time commanders from the Police, DSS, NSCDC, military, and state security apparatus sat side-by-side to codify a joint operational roadmap. Representing the DG, Brigadier General MS Adamu delivered a firm directive: isolated efforts must give way to collective action. "This is a family of security patriots," he stated, stressing that collaboration is no longer optional but an operational necessity. The centerpiece of the new approac...

By Ibrahim Shaibu Maiduguri In a decisive demonstration of the federal government's commitment to tackling the proliferation of illicit weapons in Nigeria's most conflict-affected region,the Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd), arrived in Maiduguri for a high-impact three-day official visit to the North East Zonal Centre. The visit signals renewed vigour in the Centre's mandate under the Office of the National Security Adviser to curb the devastating effects of small arms and light weapons on communities across Nigeria's troubled North East. Upon arrival in the Borno State capital, the former Deputy Inspector General of Police received a rousing reception from the North East Zonal Director of the NCCSALW, Major General Adamu Abubakar (retd), alongside senior management and staff. The warm reception highlighted the Centre's unified command structu...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has affirmed that security remains the unshakeable foundation upon which all sustainable development is built, reiterating his administration's unwavering commitment to peace and stability across the state. Governor Buni made this declaration on Wednesday during a high-level courtesy visit from the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the North East Geopolitical Zone, DIG Zakariya Fera, alongside DIG Ibrahim Baba Zango in Damaturu. Represented by the acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, the Governor emphasized that lasting peace, economic growth, and social progress can only thrive in an environment of safety and stability. Highlighting the administration's track record, Governor Buni noted that security has consistently occupied the central place in the state's development agenda. Over the years, the government has forged a strong and productive partnership with the Nigeria ...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  The Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) in Yobe State has issued urgent calls for healthcare system improvements during its first media briefing of 2026, highlighting persistent gaps in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM). The briefing on Tuesday which brought together government officials, NGO partners, journalists, and community stakeholders in Damaturu, served as a platform to address challenges hindering progress in Nigeria's ATM response despite significant investments from the Global Fund and government initiatives. Speaking at the event, Mukhtar Mohammed Shehu, Yobe State ACOMIN Program Officer, emphasized the importance of community led monitoring in ensuring local control over international funds. He revealed that the initiative currently operates with 18 active community groups, including journalists, fund managers, representatives from the National Malaria Control Program, a...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  With the third and final leg of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) now underway, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has issued a last-minute appeal to residents especially women and young people to turn out in large numbers and secure their voter cards. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) launched this concluding phase on Monday, 11 May 2026, according to an announcement from the party’s E-Campaign and Voter Education arm. In a statement issued from Damaturu, the initiative’s founder, Dr. Adam K. Mohammad, confirmed that the registration period will run through Friday, 10 July 2026. “This is the moment for everyone who has recently turned 18, as well as those who missed earlier registration rounds, to act,” Dr. Mohammad said. The APC group reiterated its dedication to leaving no eligible citizen in Yobe State behind, with special outreach efforts targeting women and those registering to vote for the first...