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Zulum, Shehu of Borno Urge FG to Expedite Alau Dam Rehabilitation

Published

8 months ago

June 7, 2025

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Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has called on the Federal Government to expedite the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to avert a recurrence of last year’s devastating floods in the state.

Zulum made the call on Friday in Maiduguri when he received the Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, who led a traditional Sallah homage to the Government House.

He said the slow pace of work on the dam project was worrisome, especially as the rainy season had already begun.

“After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected,” the governor said.

“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project. I will not relent; I will continue to follow up. I have also informed the Vice President.

“In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government has set up a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam,” he explained

Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas witnessed severe flooding in September 2024 following the collapse of the dam. In response, the Federal Government approved N80 billion for its reconstruction and expansion. The project was formally flagged off in March 2025.

Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to connecting all local government headquarters in the state to the national grid before the end of his tenure. He also promised extensive road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant is operational.

“These are two critical issues dear to me,” he said. “I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah. On road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed. We have procured 40 new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry plant is completed, we will embark on massive road rehabilitation across the state.”

The governor also thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation with his administration.

Earlier, the Shehu of Borno stressed the need for urgent action on the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now.

He cited the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a reminder of the dangers of delay.

“We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on Sept. 10, 2024, and we do not want a repeat,” he said. “The Federal Government must act immediately.”

The monarch also urged the governor to continue engaging the Federal Government on oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for more local government areas

During the visit, Zulum also received delegations from the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, who paid similar Sallah homage.

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Sen.Musa Congratulates First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on 65th Birthday

Published

5 months ago

September 21, 2025

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By Aminu Garko

Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, has congratulated First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her 65th birthday.

In a congratulatory message, Senator Musa described the First Lady as “an Amazon and a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians.”

Sen.Musa praised Senator Tinubu’s life of impact, devotion to God, and service to the nation.

He celebrated her compassion, strength, and dedication to the welfare of women, children, and the less privileged, noting that she continues to inspire hope across Nigeria.

The Senator wished the First Lady many more years in good health, wisdom, and strength, expressing confidence that she will continue to support President Bola Tinubu and champion noble causes that will uplift the nation.

On behalf of the people of Niger East, I join in celebrating the First Lady’s special day and pray for her continued good health and well-being.

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Bichi: I attracted N26bn worth of projects to AKTH in one year

Published

5 months ago

September 18, 2025

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The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Rep. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, says the Federal Government has committed over N12 billion to a solar power project at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).

Speaking at the flag-off of the project in Kano, Bichi, who represents Bichi Federal Constituency, said the initiative would make the hospital independent of the national grid.

He explained that the project is part of the government’s plan to solarise all tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals across the country, beginning with AKTH.

According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

“The Federal Government set aside N300 billion in the 2025 appropriation act, and very soon all our tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals, including those owned by states, will enjoy 24-hour solar power.

“This year alone, I have attracted projects worth over N26 billion to AKTH, which has never happened in its history,” he said.

Bichi added that similar projects were underway at Bayero University Kano, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, and Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital.

He also commended Tinubu for supporting the project, describing it as a milestone in healthcare service delivery.

In his remarks, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji, said the initiative marked the translation of the Renewed Hope Agenda from vision to tangible action.

On his part, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, assured that the project would be delivered before December.

“This is the first of its kind in Nigeria. We are targeting about 10,000 projects across the 36 states and the FCT to ensure 100 per cent solarisation of facilities,” Abdullahi said.

The Chief Medical Director of AKTH, Prof. Abdulrahman Sheshe, said the hospital spends about N150 million monthly on electricity bills and an additional N30 million on diesel.

“With this intervention, the hospital will save more than 30 per cent of its expenses. This project could not have come at a better time, especially after the recent power dispute we had,” he said.

Before the flag-off, Bichi inspected the ongoing construction of a five-storey Accident, Emergency and Trauma Centre at the hospital, another project facilitated by the Federal Government.

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Jigawa Assembly Speaker Narrowly Escapes Death in Auto Crash

Published

5 months ago

September 16, 2025

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The Speaker of Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, on Tuesday narrowly escaped death when his convoy was involved in an accident on the way to Maigatari Local Government Area.

Dangyatin was reportedly heading to attend a political rally organised by the state government.

Witnesses told Nation said that the Speaker’s escort vehicle, a Toyota Hilux van carrying police officers, lost control and somersaulted, throwing out the security personnel.

According to them, other vehicles in the convoy, including the one conveying the Speaker, managed to avoid the accident and stopped a few metres away.

Some of the injured policemen were rushed to Gumel General Hospital unconscious but were later revived.

Confirming the incident, the Personal Assistant to the Speaker, Aqeel Akilu, said all the affected officers had been treated and discharged.

“There was no loss of lives. All the policemen involved in the accident are now in stable condition,” Akilu said.

Nation