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How Street Begging Is Becoming An Emergent Menace In Borno.

Published

2 months ago

August 19, 2025

By: Ali Musa Biu- Maiduguri
One of the first things a visitor notices on the streets of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital is the presence of poorly kept underage children, some older women or even men seeking for alms.
Worried by the presence of these urchins: who disguise under conditions of displacement or poverty is becoming g worrisome to government and citizens, but how to take them off the streets is even a bigger problem.
One local medium has been quoted as reporting that, street begging in Maiduguri is no longer just a humanitarian concern—it’s fast becoming a threat to peace and public order.
Our correspondent reports that, the number of beggars is growing by the day across the city, and there are fears, not just for their safety, but for their vulnerability to crime and criminality.
With majority of them being children, the risks are even graver, and no one seems to know what the elderly ones get engaged in at night.
Some of the elderly ones exhibit disabilities as the cause for being on the streets begging, but security checks reveal that they may be involved in some mischief, at night.
At street sides and at traffic intersections, in markets, and other public spaces the sights of beggars in Naiduguri has become a norm of evasion.

While the the root causes of this emergent nenace could be traced to economic hardship and deprivations, insurgency and displacement, the lingering dangers, could be even more devastating than the root causes.
From traffic disruptions, petty crimes, infrastructure overweight and urban tension mounting, it has become more compelling for the government to respond, as a matter of urgency.
Investigations reveal that, the Borno state Government has made alternative arrangements for the dissidents to relocate to their homes or be moved to their communities, where they come from, but every time they are evacuated, the sneak back, to continue the trade.
Even with the beautiful schools built for the younger ones, they have resisted being enrolled, while the elderly prefer to send their children out for begging. What this trend portends, is a situation where most of them remain vulnerable to manipulations into crime or even be lured into terrorism and insurgency.
A top government official confided in our correspondent that, the state Governor, Proffessor Babagana Umara Zulum has been worried and has given several directives for these categories of people to be removed from the streets, but people have been recalcitrant in carrying out the directives.
Experts note that, it is a dangerous omen for the state and even the Northern region’s quest for stability.

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Youth Empowerment: Farmers Association honour Dangote, Edwin

Published

2 days ago

October 6, 2025

Our Reporter

Describe refinery as Nigeria’s economic pride

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Youth Farmers Organization for Agricultural Development in Nigeria has honoured the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the company’s Vice President, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, with Merit Awards of Excellence for their remarkable contributions to national growth and youth empowerment.

The presentation took place during a two-day advocacy visit and facility tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos, where the youth farmers described the refinery as a “national pride” and a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial progress.

Speaking during the event, the National President of the Youth Farmers Organization, Abdulrahman Umar Etudaye, said the honour bestowed on Dangote as Grand Patron of the Group was in recognition of his commitment to nation-building, economic development, and empowerment of young Nigerians.

“Alhaji Aliko Dangote represents the spirit of hard work, vision, and patriotism. His contributions to the nation’s economy and his support for youth empowerment remain an inspiration to millions of Nigerians,” Etudaye said.

Similarly, Mr. Devakumar Edwin was honoured as Patron of the organization in appreciation of his exemplary leadership and continuous support for youth and agricultural development in the country.

Etudaye commended the Dangote Refinery for its world-class facilities and cutting-edge technology, noting that the project stands as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic transformation. “The refinery is a source of pride to every Nigerian. It represents hope for industrialization, job creation, and energy independence,” he added.

In response, Mr. Edwin thanked the Youth Farmers Organization for the recognition and applauded their commitment to promoting food security and national development, reaffirming Dangote Industries’ resolve to continue investing in youth-oriented projects that drive sustainable growth across the country.

“We remain committed to supporting young Nigerians through empowerment initiatives and by creating opportunities that will secure the nation’s future,” Edwin said.

The youth farmers also invited Mr. Edwin to chair their forthcoming National Food Security Summit in Abuja and extended a special invitation to Alhaji Dangote as Guest of Honour.

The organization pledged to strengthen its collaboration with stakeholders, including Dangote Industries, to advance agricultural development, food security, and youth empowerment for a more prosperous Nigeria.

End

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Nigeria @65: Aondoakaaa urges Nigerians to keep hope alive

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

Our Reporter

A former Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaaa, SAN has congratulated Nigerians on the 65th Independence Day Celebration of the country.

In his goodwill message to celebrate Nigerians on the special occasion, Chief Aondoakaaa, a frontline 2027 governorship aspirant in Benue State called on Nigerians to keep their hope in the administration of President Bola Tinubu alive.

He called on Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, stressing that with time, they will understand that the administration means well for the country.

According to him, October 1st is more than just a public holiday, noting that it’s a time for Nigerians everywhere to celebrate freedom, reflect on how far the nation has come, and look forward with hope.

Furthermore, Chief Kaase Aondoakaaa urged Nigerians to continue to grow together in unity and strength. He also urged them to keep the spirit of unity and love alive.

In his prayer for the nation, Chief Aondoakaaa prayed to God to make Nigeria’s future brighter than the past

He however implored Nigerians to continue to pray for all the leaders in the country as they are the ones God has chosen to lead.

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wanted bandit kingpin accepts peace deal in katsina

Published

3 weeks ago

September 15, 2025

Our Reporter

A notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, who was recently declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters, has reportedly accepted a peace deal in Katsina State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that Garwa, whose name features among 19 most-wanted terrorists and bandits in Nigeria, has turned up in Hayin Gada community, Faskari Local Government Area, presenting himself as an advocate of dialogue.

Garwa, originally from Kamfanin Daudawa village in Faskari LGA, has long been linked to killings, kidnappings and raids across forest belts in Katsina and neighbouring states.

Security experts describe him as part of a wider network of armed leaders destabilising the North-West and North Central through cross-border operations, exploiting of weak state presence.

Despite his bloody record, Garwa’s recent posture signals a possible shift in approach, as local leaders and security stakeholders weigh the implications of his acceptance of peace terms.

Reactions remain divided. While some residents see the development as a chance to restore calm in long-troubled communities, others question the sincerity of the bandit leader, recalling the atrocities attributed to his group.