Culture

Should Borno Support or Not Support State Creation

Published

6 months ago

February 12, 2025

By Dr. Mohammed Tumala

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review had issued a “Call for Memoranda” inviting the Executive and Judicial bodies, State Governments, Women Groups, Academics, Civil Society Organizations, Labour Unions, Professional bodies, Ethnic Nationalities, Traditional Institutions, Student bodies, Nigerians in Diaspora, Diplomats and the general public to submit memoranda or proposals for further alterations of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on a list of 16 items including but not limited to Traditional Institutions, State creation, and State access to mining which are key to all states including Borno. Should Borno State watch the unfolding event on the sideline, or should it initiate public consultations to harvest ideas for its effective participation providing inputs, or better still, submit it memoranda for the creation of a new state from its present massive land mass and population?

I am not a student of history, but publicly available information show that the name Borno after which the State is named came from the Kanem-Bornu Sayfawa dynasty that extended to parts of Chad, Cameroun, Nigeria, Niger, and even Libya. Inter-territorial conflicts and colonization may have reshaped the dynasty leading to the eventual emergence of the present Borno with its head quarters in Maiduguri (formerly Yerwa). The stability in the polity followed the defeat of Rābiḥ in 1900, and the restoration of the al-Kanamī dynasty with Shehu Bukar Garbai as the Emir that settled in Yerwa (now Maiduguri) in 1907. The Shehu of Bornu still resides at Yerwa and is officially recognized as Nigeria’s second most important traditional Muslim leader, after the sultan of Sokoto. Bornu is well known for its commerce and international trade.

On independence in 1960, Nigeria was composed of three federating regions: the Northern Region, Eastern Region, and the Western Region. The changes in the political structure of the country that followed were mainly intended towards improvements in governance and administration, and in response to political instability/crises. Creating new administrative units brought governance closer to the people and enabled better delivery of healthcare, education, infrastructure and other social services by reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and decentralizing power.

The Mid-West Region was created in 1963 for instance following a crisis that engulfed the Region. Also, the military intervention in 1967 that disrupted democratic rule led to the eventual re-design of Nigeria’s administrative structure. The four-region structure was replaced by a twelve-state structure, and one of the states created then was the North-Eastern State which had its administrative headquarters at Maiduguri. Prior to this, Kaduna was the administrative capital of the Northern Region.

In response to the move by the National Assembly to alter the 1999 Constitution, most, if not all the defunct 19 states have mobilized for the creation of a new state by splitting the existing. In the Northeast, Bauchi and Adamawa have advanced in the mobilization towards the creation of Katagun and Amana states respectively. That of Bauchi in particular, is a government lead action. Borno’s experience towards the creation of a new state has been mired by distrust and open opposition particularly as exhibited in Bauchi during the 2014 constitutional amendment process.

Historically, the Bornu Empire and in particular the present Borno State exemplifies the gains of state creation in Nigeria. Following the designation of Maiduguri as the administrative capital of the North Eastern State, the city witnessed tremendous developments in commerce and infrastructure. Key institutions like the present-day Ramat Polytechnic and University of Maiduguri were established first as Government Technical College and North-East College of Art and Science respectively, the Musa Usman Secretariat and General Hospital Maiduguri were built. Trade and Commerce expanded, employment opportunities grew, and more importantly the people of the northeast converged at Maiduguri to make it one of the fastest growing cities in the country. It brought governance and access to social amenities closer to the people.

The expansion in economic activities and general improvements in the wellbeing of Nigerians because of state creation encouraged the subsequent decisions to create more states. The Northeastern State was first split into three states: Bauchi, Borno and Gongola states. Today, Yola and Bauchi cities have recorded tremendous developments with both having well established institutions and infrastructure like international airports, tertiary education institutions, hospitals, road network, industries, etc., while Damaturu, Gombe and Jalingo are coming up following their designation as state capitals.

State creation has made administration easier and more effective in the country. With a land mass of 70,898 square kilometres and the eleventh most populated state in the country, Borno is 21.2 times the size of Lagos, 9.3 times that of Akwa Ibom and 3.4 times the size of Kano State. An emerging pattern in the country is that of states with large land masses having large ungoverned spaces in view of the cost and difficulty in policing. As at today, Borno State has the largest ungoverned spaces in the country and the most heavily affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, while the other five states were able to contain and manage their situations better.

With the growing young population, public works and other activities associated with the establishment of a new state structure will open employment and commercial opportunities for our youths, while the movement of people out of Maiduguri to a new state when created will open up opportunities for youths in the current Borno State. We recall that when Bauchi, Gongola and Yobe states were created, huge opportunities opened for our youths of Borno.

To demonstrate the opportunities of state creation, we look at Nigeria remaining four-regional structure, today the present Borno may have a commissioner in the regional government, travel to Kaduna to interact with government. Better still, if we had remained the North Eastern State, the executive council may have probably only two from the present Borno as members, and may be at most 20% of the current employees of government will have an opportunity to work.

I strongly feel that the Borno State Government should lead the discussion for an effective and beneficial participation in the alteration processes of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, and in particular build consensus around the creation of two most viable states from the present Borno State.

Culture

Kwara: Again, 3 killed, 1 abducted in 2 violent abduction incidents

Published

2 months ago

June 26, 2025

milcah

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed another two incidents of violent crime that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, 25th June, 2025, in Patigi Local Government Area of the State.

A statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said: “At about 0130hrs, unknown armed men stormed and attacked Mari and Lile villages via Lade, killing three persons: one Timothy Paul (male, 35 years) in Mari village, and Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu (male, 51 years) alongside his son, Abdullahi Muhammad (male, 22 years) in Lile village. The bodies were certified dead by a medical doctor at a hospital.

“Investigations have begun to apprehend the actors behind this dastardly act; prosecution follows afterwards.

“In a separate incident at about 0300hrs, four armed men invaded Aiyetoro Fulani Camp and abducted 12-year-old Hassana Abdullahi; daughter to Mr Abdullahi Jowuro. The scene of the crime was secured and documented.
In response, joint tactical teams comprising police operatives, vigilantes, and local hunters have been deployed to conduct bush combing and rescue operations.

“The Command remains committed to public safety and urges residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity promptly.”

End

Culture

Governor Radda Pledges to Champion Horse Racing, Cultural Revival in Katsina

Published

1 year ago

July 9, 2024

milcah

From Lateef Taiwo

The Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to fostering horse racing and upholding the state’s cultural heritage.

Governor Radda made the pledge at the closing ceremony of the International Horse Racing Tournament held in Daura to mark his first year in office.

Organized by the Premier Horse Racing Club, the event saw horsemen vying for five prestigious cups, showcasing the region’s rich equestrian legacy. Governor Radda expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the tournament’s success and announced a generous donation of 3.5 million naira to be distributed among participants, judges, and spectators.

The results of the tournament were as follows:

1st Place: Horse “Amir,” owned by Salim Sani Buhari, won the General Muhammadu Buhari Cup (2,000 meter race) and took home a prize of 2,025,000 naira.

2nd Place: Also owned by Salim Sani Buhari, “Hassada” won the Governor Dikko Radda Cup (another 2,000 meter race) and earned a prize of 2,250,000 naira.
3rd Place: Junaidu Matani’s horse “Barsu da Allah” won the Emir of Daura Cup (2,000 meter race) and received a prize of 1,800,000 naira.
4th Place: Dr. Lawal Doguru’s “Janbiro” won the Sarkin Arewa Memorial Cup (1,600 meter race) and claimed a prize of 900,000 naira.
5th Place: “KowaNasa,” owned by Hon. Maina Kebbe, won the Speaker Nasir Yahya Cup (1,600 meter race) and received a prize of 787,500 naira.

While addressing the audience, Governor Radda stated, “Our administration recognizes the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural heritage. Horse racing is not just a sport; it’s a significant part of our tradition. We are committed to supporting such events and will continue to invest in activities that showcase our rich culture and bring our communities together.”

Speaking at the occasion, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruq Umar Faruq, advocated for more funding for the state’s development. He also urged Governor Radda to consider renovating the Daura horse racing pitch to meet modern standards.

Notable dignitaries at the event includes the Speaker of Katsina State House of Assembly, Nasir Yahya Daura; the Chief of Staff to Governor of Katsina State, Malam Jabiru Tsauri; members of the State Executive Council, and distinguished guests from neighbouring Niger Republic.

The Katsina State Government remains committed to initiatives that celebrate the state’s heritage while fostering economic growth and social cohesion.

Culture

Yoruba land under Fulani siege, OPCI President decries

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2024

milcah

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The National President of the Oodua Progressive Care Initiative (OPCI), Chief Dr. Maruff Olarewaju, has lamented that the Yoruba land in the entire Southwest, Kwara and Kogi states is under serious attack and invasion by the Fulani herdsmen.

The OPCI President condemned the recent killing of four Yoruba traditional rulers by the bandits, describing it as not only devastating but also a reflection of the deep-rooted insecurity that has plagued Nigeria for a long time.

He said: “These traditional rulers are the custodians of our heritage and culture, symbolising the unity and strength of our people. Their senseless murder is not just an attack on individuals but an assault on our collective identity.

“It is disheartening to witness the continuous rise in insecurity across the country, particularly in Yoruba land. The alarming rate of kidnapping, brutal killings, armed banditry, and other criminal activities have left citizens to live in perpetual fear and uncertainty. This situation demands urgent attention and firm action from all stakeholders, including the esteemed Aare Onakakanfo, Chief Gani Adams.

“The installation of Aare Onakakanfo is not a mere ceremonial appointment but a call to duty, a call to protect and defend our territories from any form of aggression. The Yoruba people have looked up to him as a beacon of hope, a leader who would rise to the challenge and lead the charge against those who threaten our peace and security. However, his lack of proactive action and tangible results have left many disillusioned and questioning his effectiveness as a leader.”

He stressed the need for Chief
Gani Adams to awake from his slumber and grasp the harsh reality on the ground, adding that he must show courage, resilience, and determination by physically relocating himself from the comfort of his house in Lagos to the heart of the troubled areas.

He added: “If he truly wants to be an effective leader, he must lead by example and display the same unwavering commitment and sacrifice expected from his warriors. Waiting for the government or individuals to provide financial and logistic support before taking action is a clear indication of weakness. A true leader does not wait for others to rally around him; rather, he takes the initiative and inspires others to follow his lead. By actively engaging in the battle against insecurity across Yoruba land, Chief Gani Adams can ignite a spark of hope in the hearts of the people and encourage others to join the fight.

“We understand that the fight against insecurity is a daunting task, but it is a battle that cannot be won by sitting silently or making empty promises. It requires genuine action, resilience, and unwavering determination to protect our land and people. Chief Gani Adams, it is time to wake up, rise up, and fulfill the purpose for which you were installed as the Aare Onakakanfo.

“We call upon Chief Gani Adams to put aside personal comfort and convenience, and become a true warrior for his people. By physically immersing himself in the troubled areas, he will be able to fully understand the gravity of the situation and devise effective strategies to combat the rising insecurity. Let this be a defining moment in his leadership, a moment that truly separates him as a warrior who can face war.

“The issue of insecurity in our land should not rely solely on the actions of the government or other individuals. Each one of us, especially leaders like Chief Gani Adams, has a role to play in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities. Let us no longer wait for others to mobilize us financially and logistically; let us take personal responsibility and rise to the challenge before us.

“Together, with a united front, we can overcome the current state of insecurity. But, we need leaders like Chief Gani Adams to step up, lead by example, and inspire others to join the fight. Let the four Yoruba traditional rulers who have tragically lost their lives be a catalyst for change, igniting a fire within each of us to protect our heritage and secure a brighter future for generations to come.”