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Borno targets May 2021 for closure of IDP camps
The Borno State Government is planning to close down all its Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps on or before May 29th, 2021, even as it called on the existing 192 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) based in the state to key into its rehabilitation and resettlement programs.
This was disclosed on Saturday by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum while delivering a Keynote address at the formal launching of ’25 Years Development Framework and 10 years of Strategic Transformation Plan’ due to over decade atrocities posed by insurgents.
Zulum said, the mission for launching the scheme and the policy to relocate all IDPs back to their ancestral homes was borne out the relative peace and the unflinching support from President Muhammadu Buhari to the government and the people of the state, in addition to restoring the old-age honour, dignity and prosperity, while ensuring that all citizens and future generations have access to basic necessities, secured, and thrive at every stage of their lives in the state.
The governor also appreciated the efforts of the security agencies and all humanitarian partners such as UNICEF, World Bank, WHO among others for restoration of peace and humanitarian services in the state.
“The formal launching of 25 Years Development Framework and 10 Years of Strategic Transformation Plan for Borno was due to over decade atrocities posed by insurgents.
“The five drivers of the strategic Pillars were anchored on Human Capital Development, Leadership in Agriculture, Healthy Citizenry, Sustainable Environment and Regional Trad Hub, with four enabling strategic pillars which are: Reconstruct, Rehabilitate and Resettle, Purposeful Infrastructure, Accountable Governance, Peace and Security.
“Insha Allah, we are going to do everything possible within the scarce resources at our disposal to ensure smooth implementation of these policies and programmes to reposition Borno to a greater height.
“South Korea has once declared the second forest in the World due to its civil war, but because of good vision and support from all stakeholders, South Korea came up victorious and now one of the leading producers of Electronics in the whole world.
“We are therefore soliciting support from all and sundry to key into our vision and mission to make Borno one of the best investment-friendly to Nigerians and the International community.
“As a government, we cannot do this alone without the cooperation of our humanitarian partners who have been there for us since the beginning of the conflict, and we, therefore, enjoin all NGOs living in the state to join hand with us rebuilt the state,” Zulum said.
In his goodwill message, the United Nations Residents and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, represented by UNICEF Chief Field Officer, Mr Peter Hawkins congratulated the state government for the successful hosting of the event and pledged total support for the rebuilding and resettlement of traumatized IDPs and the people of the state have a better livelihood.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Hon Isa Pantami also in his remarks urged the state government to manage its competitive advantages, especially its strategic location of sharing International Borders with three countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroun very well so as to become Investment Hub not only in Nigeria but other West African countries.
The Chief Launcher, Minister of Finance, Dr Zainab Shamsuna who joined the session through virtual means, but ably represented by her Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi said the program is timely considering the Federal Government’s Development Plan/initiative to lift one million Nigerians out of poverty.
The Minister assured Borno State Government that the federal government will collaborate and work with synergy with the state government to ensure total restoration of peace, rebuild and resettle all IDPs in the state.
The meeting has in attendance some former and serving Ministers, Governors include the immediate past governor Senator Kashim Shettima, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, The Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi and Emirs of Biu, Shani, Uba and Gwoza among other dignitaries.
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Dangote Refinery, national asset every Nigerian must defend — BAVCCA President declares
President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA), Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has charged Nigerians on the need to protect Dangote Refinery, describing it as a “national asset that every citizen must protect, nurture, and defend against any form of sabotage or doubt.”
Chukwunyere made this declaration on Wednesday at BAVCCA’s National Secretariat in Abuja, following a visit by a 15-man delegation of the association to Dangote Industries in Lagos.
Adding that the visit to the Dangote Refinery was more than a familiarization tour but “a pilgrimage to witness firsthand the embodiment of Nigerian ingenuity, resilience, and vision.”
According to him, the team’s interaction with Dangote Industries’ Vice President, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, provided deep insight into the sacrifices and determination behind what he described as one of Nigeria’s greatest industrial achievements.
While recalling Devakumar’s powerful testimony about believing in Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision for the refinery, even when many investors doubted its feasibility.
“Despite the doubts from potential backers, Mr. Devakumar provided crucial support, backing Alhaji Dangote’s dream every step of the way,”
Chukwunyere said. “Alhaji Dangote himself made extraordinary sacrifices, selling most of his assets to fund the project amid those investor doubts.”
He said the refinery, valued at over $20 billion, was “a testament to this unyielding faith” and a model of how personal commitment can turn vision into reality.
Quoting Devakumar, he said Aliko Dangote’s motivation was rooted not only in business ambition but in a “deep prioritization of Nigerians’ well-being.”
“This passion fuels his endeavors, placing the welfare of our people at the heart of every decision,” he added.
The BAVCCA President noted that despite setbacks such as the closure of the Arewa Textile Industry in Kaduna, Dangote “persevered, keeping his vision alive against all odds.”
He described the refinery as the largest in the world, with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, set to expand to 1.4 million barrels daily. The project, he said, has created over 65,000 jobs, saved billions in foreign exchange, and generated an estimated $55 billion in annual revenue potential.
Chukwunyere also highlighted the achievements of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which he said has “an impressive production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum of urea,” positioning Nigeria as a key player in global agriculture.
During the visit, Chukwunyere said he personally expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group on behalf of BAVCCA and recounted the association’s efforts in defending the refinery against social media misinformation.
“We amplified the truth, countered misinformation, and rallied public support to ensure this vital project was not undermined,” he stated.
In response, he said, the Dangote Vice President “expressed his pleasure with the bloggers’ efforts and commended the good work being done by our community.”
The BAVCCA leader also announced that the association’s forthcoming national conference, scheduled for October 31 in Abuja, would highlight “the achievements of the Dangote Refinery, showcase the visionary behind it—Alhaji Dangote—and celebrate the transformative role of such initiatives in Nigeria’s development.”
He emphasized that content creators have a patriotic role to play in defending national investments.
“Dangote Industries is not just about refining petroleum; it’s about refining our nation’s future—creating jobs, boosting our economy, and reducing dependency on imports,” he said. “Every Nigerian—bloggers, vloggers, content creators, citizens—must rise to protect Dangote Industries.”
Chukwunyere reaffirmed BAVCCA’s commitment to “lead this charge, using our platforms to educate, inspire, and unite,” while calling on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of Alhaji Dangote and the faith of leaders like Devakumar.
“Join us at our conference on 31st October, and let’s build a Nigeria where national assets like Dangote Industries thrive unhindered,” Chukwunyere concluded.
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Hon. Munira Applauds Governor Uba Sani for Signing Bill Establishing New College in Lere
By: Fabian Apechihin
In a major educational breakthrough for Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has signed into law a bill establishing the Kaduna State College of Agricultural Technology and Environmental Sciences in Lere Local Government Area.
The landmark bill was sponsored by Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu, the member representing Lere East Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The new institution aims to equip young people with modern skills in agriculture, technology, and environmental management — key areas for the state’s sustainable development.
Expressing her delight, Hon. Munira said:
“I am overjoyed to announce that Governor Uba Sani has signed my bill into law. This college in Lere will empower our youth with practical knowledge in agriculture and environmental protection. It will open doors to innovation and help our communities thrive.”
She noted that the college will serve as a hub for research and practical training, boosting agricultural productivity and addressing pressing environmental challenges in the region.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of Kaduna’s economy, and this institution will help modernize the sector while creating new opportunities for our young people,” she added.
Hon. Munira also reaffirmed her commitment to effective representation and progressive legislation:
“We will continue to champion laws that make real, positive impacts in people’s lives. The future is bright, and together, we will build a better, stronger Kaduna State.”
She extended her appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for education and rural development.
Residents of Lere and across Kaduna have welcomed the development with excitement, describing the new college as a beacon of hope for the youth and a catalyst for growth in the state’s agricultural and environmental sectors.
With the creation of this new college, Kaduna State takes another bold step toward improving education, empowering its citizens, and building a greener, more prosperous future.
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Soludo’s Alleged Threat to Jail Catholic Clergy After Re-election Sparks Controversy in Anambra
By Fabian Apechihin
A report claiming that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, plans to jail Catholic bishops, priests, and other clergymen after his re-election has stirred heated debate across the state.
However, Rev. Fr. Raphael Onyekwelu, PhD, Chaplain to the Governor, has dismissed the report as “baseless, ridiculous, and malicious,” describing it as the work of desperate political opponents trying to pit Soludo against the Church.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Fr. Onyekwelu said:
“Our attention has been drawn to a fabricated, malicious, and unsigned piece currently circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms, falsely alleging that His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, intends to ‘take on the hierarchy of the Church, especially the Catholic Church,’ after winning the forthcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election.”
He said while such falsehoods would normally be ignored, the campaign season had created fertile ground for misinformation and propaganda.
“This is an election period, and desperate politicians are churning out fake news to deceive the public and cause division. It is laughable that they first admit Soludo is likely to win, and then try to manufacture lies to undermine his relationship with his Church — the Catholic Church,” he stated.
Fr. Onyekwelu noted that the alleged statement did not specify any wrongdoing by the Church to warrant such “imaginary arrests,” calling the entire report “a pitiable fabrication.”
He reaffirmed that Governor Soludo, a devout Catholic, holds the Church in the highest regard and recognizes its crucial role in promoting moral values, education, healthcare, and community development.
“Governor Soludo is a proud and practicing Catholic who cherishes the Church’s partnership in governance and social transformation, in line with Catholic Social Teaching. He deeply appreciates the clergy and their contributions to the moral and socio-economic progress of Anambra State,” he added.
Fr. Onyekwelu emphasized that the governor remains committed to working closely with all religious bodies to advance peace, development, and good governance in the state.
“Under Soludo’s leadership, Anambra continues to experience transparent, people-centered governance anchored on faith, service, and shared values. As the governor often says, ‘Government, Church, and People — together we shall continue to build a peaceful, prosperous, livable, and God-fearing Anambra State,’” he concluded.
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