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Aiyedatiwa Running Illegal Administration – Ondo PDP

May 31, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has threatened to seek legal redress if after 14 days, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa refuse to properly constitute his cabinet.

Aiyedatiwa’s administration is 100 days old having been inaugurated in February.

PDP noted that it amounts to executive rascality for the governor to be operating with just two commissioners, that he uses to award questionable contracts.

The governor, after his inauguration appointed finance and attorney general to kickstart the administration.

The opposition party, in a statement on Saturday, signed by Leye Igbabo Director of Media And Publicity, stated that “The Peoples Democratic Party Ondo State Chapter wishes to express its utmost displeasure against the Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over his continued lack of transparency in governance, which accounts for his refusal to properly constitute his cabinet in the last 90 days.

“Apart from the fact the Governor is already running foul of the law, specifically section 192(6) of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) which stipulates that the Governor MUST choose his cabinet members within the sixty days in office after his swearing-in, the Governor has equally failed the moral test of inclusive governance which is the hallmark of participatory democracy.

“Our Party believes very firmly that the unwillingness of the Governor to properly constitute his cabinet stems from his selfish desire to continue manipulating the system to feather his own nest.

“This is evident in the vexatious awards of new contracts without properly engaging and robustly debating the proposal with full cabinet members, chosen from across the Local Governments of the State as envisaged by the constitution.

“This act of marginalization perpetrated against the unrepresented Local Governments by the Governor, which is also in violation of Sec.14, sub. (2c)&(4), has unfortunately created an avenue for the Governor to misappropriate, misdirect and mismanage public funds to serve his personal interest.

“Our Party finds the latest award of 32 units of a four-bedroom presidential buildings intended to accommodate cabinet members, as not only grossly misplaced priority, but cruelly and massively inflated for personal aggrandizement.

“The award of contract for the so-called upgrading and enhancement of the landscape of Chief Reuben Fasoranti Park is not only a reckless and mindless misappropriation and mismanagement of public funds, but colossally injurious to the attached name of our living legend, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who has been living a life of modesty and impactful service to humanity.

“We are yet to know what parameters the Governor used in arriving at a whopping sum of N281,000,000.00 million naira for the construction of just a unit of the four-bedroom terrace presidential building in Ondo State, which amounts to N8,168,423,901.77 Billion for the total 32 units of the four-bedroom presidential buildings.

“It is equally disgusting, disturbing and unkind of the governor to attempt to mesmerize and hypnotize the public with crude nomenclature and wicked terminology of “upgrading and vertical enhancement of landscape” which is only intended to vertically fleece away a humongous N3,687,989,927.78 Billion of public funds.

“The Governor simply took undue advantage of an improperly constituted cabinet to commit this unpardonable atrocity against humanity.

“Under the previous administrations, the status of the Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs) and Federal monthly allocations from the Federation accounts to the Ondo State Government were clearly shown and known.

“But under this deceitful administration, no one knows what the State is specifically getting from the Federation account on monthly basis neither is the internally generated revenue known by any other person except the Governor and his Commissioner for Finance.

“We certainly, can no longer tolerate the Governor’s executive rascality and excesses in governance.

“Our Party does not only consider these actions as a gross abuse of office but also a flagrant violation of the constitution that demands legal actions.

“We, therefore, call on the Governor to show transparency in governance and immediately make known to the public the runnings of government, as the government belongs to the people, and the people also deserve to know how the government is being run on their behalf.

“We also strictly advise the Governor to reverse and revoke the outrageous and heavily padded contract awards in the overall interest of the public and for the sake of posterity.

“We are by this statement, alerting the Governor of our Party’s readiness to institute legal actions against his administration, after fourteen working days from today, if he refuses and/or fails to properly constitute his cabinet as mandated by the constitution, as well as his refusal and/or failure to reverse and revoke the irritating and infuriating contract awards herein stated above.”

Nigeria Now Has 35 Million Catholics – The Faith is Shifting to the Global South

The Source

May 31, 2025

By Tony Onyima, Ph.D.

According to the 2025 Pontifical Yearbook released by the Vatican’s Central Office of Church Statistics, Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s second-largest Catholic nation with 35 million adherents. This milestone signals a profound demographic and spiritual shift in global Catholicism.

With 35 million Catholics, Nigeria now accounts for more than 12% of Africa’s total Catholic population, which has grown to 281 million, representing 20% of the global Catholic community. Only the Democratic Republic of Congo ranks higher on the continent, with 55 million Catholics.

To appreciate the weight of these numbers, consider this: Nigeria alone now has more Catholics than Italy, France, and Spain individually – countries once seen as the heartlands of the faith. This is a vivid reminder that the centre of gravity for global Catholicism is shifting decisively southward.

Globally, the Catholic Church boasts 1.406 billion members. Brazil has 182 million Catholics, comprising 13% of the global population. Yet, Africa’s role as the faith’s growth engine is becoming impossible to ignore. With every passing year, one in every five Catholics in the world is African – a far cry from just a few decades ago.

While the Church in Europe grapples with secularisation and a shrinking priesthood, Africa is surging with vitality. The number of Catholic priests in Africa rose by 2.7%, bucking the global trend, which saw a modest decline of -0.2%. Today, Africa is home to 54,944 Catholic priests, forming 13.5% of the worldwide priesthood.

The growth is mirrored in the rising number of bishops on the continent. Africa’s share of the global episcopacy increased from 13.8% to 14.2%, reaching 771 bishops – men who will shape the theology, culture, and politics of the Church in decades to come.

The implications are profound for Nigeria. With 35 million Catholics – more than the entire population of Ghana – Nigeria’s Catholic Church is significant and influential. Its bishops play a growing role in Vatican diplomacy. Its seminaries are full. Its lay movements are vibrant. And its clergy are increasingly being dispatched as missionaries to ageing parishes in Europe and North America.

Nigeria’s Catholic growth is not occurring in isolation. Other African countries with rapidly expanding Catholic populations include Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya – part of a belt of faith stretching across sub-Saharan Africa.

The Church’s global numbers tell a story of renewal and challenge. While the Americas still hold the largest regional share of Catholics at 47.8%, and Europe retains 20.4%, Africa’s 20% is set to increase in the coming years. Asia, led by the Philippines, has 93 million Catholics, and India, with 23 million, holds 11%. Oceania accounts for just 0.78%.

Regarding ecclesiastical infrastructure, the Church now has 3,041 jurisdictions – dioceses, archdioceses, eparchies, prefectures, and vicariates – showing its vast global footprint. The number of bishops worldwide has increased from 5,353 to 5,430.

However, the number of seminarians worldwide— a key predictor of future clergy— declined from 108,481 to 106,495. Again, Africa stands apart: its seminarian population rose by 1.1%, from 34,541 to 34,924, meaning the continent alone contributes one-third of all global seminarians.

The number of religious brothers and sisters – once the heartbeat of Catholic education and healthcare – has dropped globally from 599,228 to 589,423. Yet Africa again tells a different story. The continent saw an increase of 2.2% and now contributes 82,519 religious men and women, or 14% of the global total.

Permanent deacons, a growing cadre within the Church’s pastoral ministry, increased worldwide by 2.6%, from 50,150 to 51,433.

As the global Church wrestles with cultural transformation, declining vocations in the West, and calls for reform, Africa, particularly Nigeria, represents hope and challenge. The raw numbers are unambiguous. Growth is no longer happening in Rome, Paris, or New York. It’s happening in Lagos, Kinshasa, Nairobi, and Kampala.

If demographics are destiny, then Nigeria’s place at the table of Catholic influence is no longer negotiable. The Nigerian Catholic Church is not merely growing; it is ascending, evangelising, and recalibrating what it means to be Catholic in the 21st century.

In the next generation, Nigerian priests may keep churches open in Berlin or Boston as vocations dry up in Europe and America. Nigerian bishops may shape synodal processes in Rome. And Nigerian laypeople, in their tens of millions, will carry the torch of a global faith into the future.

Onyima is a Knight of the Honoured Order of the Knights of Saint Mulumba (KSM)

How NIS Officer, Ugochukwu Orji, Rejected N10m And Arrested Enugu Ritualist

Adesina Soyooye

May 31, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Community to Honour him alongside Governor Otti

More revelations are being made public as to how the notorious Enugu kidnapper/ritualist, High Chief Levi Onyeka Obu, alias Ezeani, alias E-dey- play- E-dey- show was arrested by the Nigeria Immigration Services at Seme border as he was fleeing Nigeria to avoid the long arm of the law.

The story behind his arrest became public on the day the NIS handed him over to the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command.

It was revealed that the ritualist worked hard to bribe his way through by trying to compromise a young Immigration Officer. But the patriotic officer, Orji Ugochukwu, rebuffed him and his N10m offer.

In a Facebook post, the Officer told the story of his encounter with Ezeani.

His story:

“On Wednesday (May 28, 2025) afternoon, while discharging my duty at my checkpoint in gbaji along Seme road, I saw a bike carrying a young man, who was wearing a face cap. His face flashed back in me, because I got an information about the man trying to escape plus his picture that has been going viral on social media, so I tried to stop the bike carrying him, but he refused to stop, so I quickly jumped another bike and followed him immediately, and I caught him at the other Immigration checkpoint in front. So I ordered bike man carrying him to turn back, but this time I entered the bike together with him. On our way back to my checkpoint, he stopped the bike and started asking me what he did. I brought out my phone and showed him his pictures and the crime he committed. He denied that the person in the picture was his brother and not him, that he was coming back from bank in Agbara and he is not a native doctor.

“After some time, he decided to offer me 10 million naria (bIood money) to let him go. I refused to collect his blood money. He said that, he never committed those crime, that people set him up, because it was his turn to become the Igwe of their community. I refused to let him go. He further added his iPhone 13 promax and Tecno camon 19. He said that his iPhone 13 promax worth a million Naira and that I should please let him go, but I refused his offer and forced him back to my checkpoint at Gbaji Seme road. Then I snapped him those pictures going viral online and sent signal to my Command which is Seme Border Patrol Command. When I confirmed that he was truly the one, I quickly handcuff him and moved him to our Command head office immediately. Even my colleagues were doubting because nobody recognised him except me.“

For Officer Orji’s patriotism and gallantry, his Local Government, Isiala Ngwa has decided to honour him.

The leadership of the Community which was planning a Grand Civic Reception for the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has decided to also honour Orji same day. This was revealed by the Co- Chairman of the Planning Committee who is also the Honourable Member, representing Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ginger Onwusibe.

In a congratulatory message to Orji, Honourable Onwusibe praised him for holding high the integrity and honour of an Isiala Ngwa man.

He wrote: “Congratulations our dear brother. You have made us proud and shown that Isiala Ngwa people can be trusted.

“We have resolved to honour you tomorrow (Saturday, May 31) alongside the Governor.

“I have sent a request for you to be released by your office to attend the event.

“We will take care of your articles and logistics.

“We are proud of you”.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah has already congratulated the NIS for its feat in arresting the millionaire ritualist.

Rcall that hid cup overflowed when he caused the kidnap of a 13-year old teenager who was on his way back from the farm with his father.

His accomplices abducted the teenager and deposited her to Ezeani in his palatial compound. She was tied up hand and feet and dumped into a pit preparatory for ritual purposes. She was saved by her screams which attracted the local vigilante after her father raised an alarm. The screams were traced to Ezeani compound. She was rescued. More disturbing discoveries of human remains were made in his compound when a soakaway was broken into. At least, two human remains, including that of a pregnant woman were discovered.

Ezeani managed to escape but luck ran out for him when he was intercepted and arrested at Seme border.

Senator Natasha VS Senator Nwaebonyi: Court Orders Substituted Service Of Processes

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

After failed attempts to serve Senator Onyekachi Nwaenonyi with necessary court papers, an Abuja High Court has granted Senator Natasha Akpoti Ufuaghan and her legal team the order for a substituted service.

The Source reports that the suspended Kogi Central Senator had, in April, filed a defamation suit against the Senator representing Ebonyi North at a Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court.

In the suit marked CV/1359/2025 , Senator Natasha is demanding N5 billion in damages to her reputation as a result of some alleged defamatory remarks credited to her Ebonyi State counterpart.

According to Natatsha, Senator Nwaebonyi, had on March 6, 2025, during an interview session with Channels Television referred to her as “a gold digger, habitual blackmailer and liar.

She also claimed that her Senator-colleague during the same television appearance impugned her marital fidelity by suggesting that she is a mother of six children from an equal number of men.

In her statement of claims, Senator Natasha, apart from referring to the remarks as “false, malicious and defamatory, also stated that the comments caused significant harm to her reputation as well as bringing her public opprobrium.

In all, she is praying the Court for an order restraining Senator Nwaebonyi from making any further defamatory and malicious assertions against her person.

She urged the court to award her the sum of N5 billion, representing aggravated and exemplary damages to her reputation.

Justice Angela Otaluka while ruling in an ex-parte motion granted the order for the substituted service on Wednesday after hearing arguments by Natasha’s legal team.

Senator Natasha’s lead Counsel, Yahuza Zakari, had prayed the Court for an order to allow the applicants to serve the Court papers either through the Clerk of the Senate, or that of the National Assembly.

In the alternative, he asked for the publication of the Court papers in a national newspaper, in view of the difficulties so far associated with serving the defendant personally.

“There is need to serve the originating processes ,and any other incidental process via substituted means in order to bring this matter to the defendant’s attention ,owing to the impractical nature of serving the defendant personally.

“That service of the processes by publication in a widely circulated national daily newspaper in Nigeria ,or through the Clerk of the National Assembly,or the Clerk of the Senate ,will bring the suit to the attention of the defendant.

“This honourable Court has the inherent jurisdiction to grant an order for substituted service with ,or without an attempt to personally serve ,depending on the circumstances.

“It will be in the interest of justice for service to be effected through substituted means”, Senator Natasha’s legal team submitted.

In her ruling, Justice Otaluka ordered that Senator Nwaebonyi be served through newspaper publication.

NIPOST Pensioners Protest, Accuse FG Of Withholding Entitlements

Ayodele Oni

May 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Postal Service, (NIPOST), pensioners have protested, accusing the federal government of non-payment of some pension arrears and other entitlements.

Carrying placards with various inscriptions, they blocked the main entrance to the NIPOST office in Akure.

Among outstanding payments, according to them, are N32,000 pension increment, their removal from pension pay list since 2015, and N25,000 palliative of fuel subsidy.

The pensioners described as disheartening that many of them had died for lack of money to take care of their medical bills and other needs.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters,

chairman of the Union of Nipost Pensioners, Ondo State Branch, Stephen Duyilemi said the pensioners were tired of being treated like semi human beings.

He specifically alleged the office of the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), the Federal ministry of Finance and the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, (PTAD), of withholding their entitlements for no justification.

Duyilemi said, “During our screening exercise in 2019 at Osogbo, we submitted some documents to them, which relate to our grievances. Like some people were introduced to pension with short payments of some months.

“Many of us were short paid when we were introduced to pension, while other pensioners were paid on grade level five instead of level 10.

“Then since then, they have not corrected all these mistakes, which we are fighting for. Then especially the government pronounced that N32,000 increment should be paid to us. And since August, when there was threatening, they paid us only one month.

“It has accumulated to nine months now. Then palliatives, which was given to everybody, even to the market women, which is N25,000, they promised us since some years back now, we have not been paid.

“We have some members whose names were omitted from the pay list of PTAD. We are making our grievances known to PTAD that what they are doing to us is wrong. PTAD is responsible for the payment of our pension.

“The 1997 set of pensioners were given a letter of promotion, but they were not paid.

“Since then, they have not implemented the payment of that salary to us, because in 2nd January 2007, another salary structure came out, and we were not based on that salary, and that is what we are fighting for, that if they give us that one, it will even help us, because we buy the same thing from the market.

“Many of us are dead because of lack of money to buy drugs, which caused the problem for many of us that were no longer in life now.

“We are appealing to the government to please look into our request and pay us, even if this message can get to President Bola Tinubu, to please come to our aid.

“We pensioners are dying gradually. They are killing us by not giving us our rights. What is entitled to us as pensioners? We have served the country for 35 years.”

Several Killed In Multiple, NAF Airstrikes On Boko Haram Borno Strongholds

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The air component of the “Operation Hadin Kai” on Friday, May 30, 2025, informed that several terrorist elements have been eliminated by its multiple airstrikes on identified targets and strongholds in Borno State.

The air raids which were conducted in the early hours of Friday were primarily aimed at deciminating fleeing Boko Haram insurgents in the Bita area of the State.

A statement from Ehimen Ejodame, Air Commodore, spokesperson for the Nigeria Air Force NAF, described the coordinated efforts as remarkable successful, and a significant move towards degrading the operational capabilities of the terrorists.

“The Nigerian Air Force, through the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai ,has recorded a major operational success against Boko Haram terrorists .

“In the early hours of today, ( Friday May 30 2025) ,NAF combat aircraft carried out precise airstrikes on fleeing terrorists in Bita, Borno State, neutralizing scores of insurgents in what has been described as one of the most decisive blows against the group in recent times.

The highly coordinated operation executed under the cover of darkness represents a major leap in the ongoing efforts to dismantle the operational capabilities of terrorist elements undermining national security in the North East”, the NAF stated.

According to Air Commodore Ejodame, the successful air raids have increased the tempo of clearance and exploitation operations by ground troops in an effort to consolidate the gains made from the airstrikes.

This is just as the Service reaffirmed its unflinching commitment towards adequately protecting lives and properties of law-abiding citizens ,as well as safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country.

The Source reports that there have been an upsurge in the activities of insurgents in parts of Borno and Yobe States, North East of Nigeria of recent, triggering fears that the region may be relapsing to its inglorious past .

FG Puts Recovered Assets At $105.9m

Ayodele Oni

May 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has assured that recovered lots will be efficiently and transparently managed by government for the best interest of Nigerians.

The AGF, who was giving a breakdown of recovered funds by the administration, revealed that the sum of $105.9m Assets have been recovered so far

In a statement on Friday, the AGF said the reported figure of $967.5bn, is false and does not represent what he presented at the recently concluded Asset Recovery Summit held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Fagbemi expressed dismay over the gross misrepresentation of his remarks, stating, “The figure quoted is false and completely at variance from my remarks at the Asset Recovery Summit held on May 27 in Abuja.”

“What I said in my speech is that in 2024 alone, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission reclaimed over N248 billion, $105 million, and 753 duplexes in its asset recovery efforts.

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also successfully recovered N29.685 billion in cash and $966,900 in assets.

“National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has equally intensified its efforts in seizing assets linked to drug-related crimes, ensuring that illicit proceeds do not fuel further criminal activities.”

Fagbemi said with regards to international recovery and repatriation of assets, “it is pertinent to state that from 2017 to date, the Federal Ministry of Justice working in collaboration with its counterparts and international partners (the US, UK, Bailiwick of Jersey, Ireland, Switzerland), has facilitated the execution of various agreements.

“These have led to the payment of fines, recovery and repatriation of assets in the sums of $763,734,000 USD, and £6,472,610 GBP. Of these sums, a total of $102.88m and £2, 062,000 GBP was recovered from 2024 to date.”

He reiterated the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that it remains resolute in its pursuit and management of recovered assets.

The AGF stated further, “Asset recovery is a fundamental pillar in our strategy to address corruption, economic crimes, and illicit financial flows, which undermine our national development.

“It is quite a significant strategy, as it serves as a deterrent, deprives criminals of the benefit of their criminal actions and restores confidence in government.

“I am pleased to note that Nigeria has earned global recognition in the area of asset recovery and no room should be given for mischiefs in these efforts.

“These funds are being managed through internationally recognized frameworks, including the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) principles.

“From 2017 to 2024, USD 659,900,000 and GBP 6,472,610 of recovered funds were invested in conditional cash transfer and to partly fund critical infrastructure development under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund Projects (PIDF) namely – the Lagos Ibadan Expressway (LIE), 2nd Niger Bridge (2NB), and Abuja-Kano Road (AKR).

“Furthermore, part of the repatriated assets has been earmarked for renovation of selected Primary Healthcare Centres in Bayelsa State, provision of renewable energy under the Rural Electrification Project and development of the Rule of Law and Counter-Terrorism Project under the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law.”

Osun Gov Adeleke Reaffirms Respect For Judiciary

Ayodele Oni

May 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his respect for the Judiciary. The Governor said he will not support, or endorse any form of public criticism or attack against judicial institutions.

Reacting to a report alleging that he criticized the Supreme Court over issues relating to local government administration, the governor explained that his confidence in the judiciary remains unshaken.

In a statement released on Friday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the Governor described the report as entirely false and misleading.

Governor Adeleke, had been represented at a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) event by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi where he was quoted to have made some remarks about the Supreme Court.

The statement clarified that the Commissioner did not make any remarks attacking the judiciary, as was claimed, instead, he urged the NBA to take a more proactive stance in defending judges facing political intimidation.

It was further explained that the Commissioner had referred to a press conference held by leaders of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, during which they allegedly attempted to discredit a High Court judge with unfounded accusations regarding a matter not even before the judge.

The Commissioner strongly condemned such acts of blackmail against the judiciary and called on the NBA to stand in solidarity with judges under such attacks.

The statement emphasized that Governor Adeleke holds the judiciary—especially the Supreme Court—in the highest regard and would never support or endorse any form of public criticism or attack against judicial institutions.

Reaffirming his confidence in the judiciary, Adeleke restated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and good governance, especially amid the ongoing legal dispute involving multiple political parties over the administration of local governments in the state.

Sanwo-Olu Seals Deal with Zoomlion To Tackle Lagos’ 13,000 Tonnes Daily Waste

Akinwale Kasali

May 30, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

In a bold step towards cleaner streets and a more liveable environment, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pioneered the signing of a major Waste Management agreement between the State Government and Zoomlion Nigeria Limited, a member of the Jospong Group of Companies.

The landmark partnership which took place in Lagos aims to address the overwhelming 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily across the State.

Under the deal, a Transfer Loading Station, TLS, will be constructed at the Olusosun dumpsite to facilitate the shutdown of the long-overused landfill.

From there, about 2,500 tonnes of waste will be moved daily to a new Material Recovery Facility, MRF, in Ikorodu.

That’s not all, another MRF will spring up at the Solous III dumpsite in Igando, where 1,500 tonnes of waste will be redirected to a modern recovery centre in Badagry.

Beyond environmental impact, the initiative is also a win for the economy, with at least 5,000 direct and indirect jobs expected to be created.

The Chairman of Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, joined Governor Sanwo-Olu at the event to formalize the agreement, which marks a turning point in the state’s waste management journey.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a key part of his administration’s larger environmental and urban development agenda.

“This is about taking concrete steps toward cleaner streets, better health, and a more livable Lagos for all of us,” he said.

With this agreement, Lagos is clearly pushing forward in its mission to meet global standards in sanitation, environmental sustainability, and urban hygiene.

Zulum Gives Scholarship To Children Of CJTF Who Died In IED Blast

Akinwale Kasali

May 30, 2025

Zulum Gives Scholarship To Children Of CJTF Who Died In IED Blast

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has given hope to the children of the eight Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, who lost their lives when an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, exploded along Dikwa-Marte Road in the State by promising to give them scholarships.

Zulum announced this during a condolence visit to the families of the fallen heroes in Fezzan ward of the metropolis.

The eight members of the force were killed in an Improvised Explosive Device attack along the road on Tuesday.

Zulum announced an immediate assistance of N5 Million to each of the bereaved families to cater to their basic needs.

“I want to announce an initial assistance of N5 million to be given to each family to take care of their immediate needs.

“The Government of Borno State will also provide full scholarship to children of the deceased members of the CJTF.

“For those without children, we will extend support to other family members,” he said.

The Governor described them as martyrs who made ultimate sacrifices in defence of their communities, assuring all that their bravery would never be forgotten.

He, however, prayed for the repose of their souls and urged their families to bear the loss with strength and fortitude.

The Governor was accompanied on the sympathy visit by the deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira; the APC state Chairman, Bello Ayuba; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among other government officials.

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