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Borno Governor’s Persistent Cough Ends Inauguration Abruptly
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The inauguration ceremony of Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara, a professor, was abruptly brought to an end as he coughed persistently while reading his speech.
He had earlier been sworn in and administered with the oath of office as the 7th democratically elected governor of Borno State alongside his deputy, Umar Kadafur, by the Chief Judge of Borno State, Kashim Zanna.
The new governor takes over from Kashim Shettima, after eight years on the saddle.
While delivering his inaugural speech, Mr Umara said his administration will hit the ground running with a 10-point agenda for speedy development of the state.
He thanked the former governor, Mr Shettima, for not only assisting him to become governor but also for laying a ‘solid foundation of development upon which he would build upon.’
He said his government will work with the newly established North East Development Commission (NEDC), UN system and other development partners towards the rebuilding of Borno State.
Reeling out his 10-point agenda, Mr Umara said his government will focus on security; education, job creation, and good governance.
He also said there would be the “replacement of ‘political thuggery’ with job creation.” He said this will be carried out under a proposed Entrepreneurship Development Skills centre.
“The era of political thuggery, known as ECOMOG, has constituted a nuisance in the state for over two decades.
Mr Umara said the restoration of security will be the number one cardinal agenda of his government.
He said he will support the Nigerian security agencies to ensure that Borno State is made safe again.
The governor said he would support the Nigerian security in the area of acquiring and deploying modern security technologies for more effective tackling of insecurity in the state.
The professor of irrigation engineering said his government will invest massively in the area of agriculture, especially by establishing buffer zones in locations that are secured by the military “in order to return Borno as the food production hub of northern Nigeria.
“My focus is on improving the security of the state as insecurity is the major impediment that affected people’s lives for a decade.
“I will ensure the return of our displaced people to their farmlands to ensure national food security.
“I will also fight unemployment and poverty among youths and embark on the massive reconstruction of destroyed communities.
“This will enable the people to return to their ancestral homes, while we seek more support from humanitarian donor agencies across the globe.”
He also promised to run an all-inclusive government where all policies and programmes of government shall have the support and inputs of all stakeholders.
“This administration will be devoid of personal/group interests, politics, religion or ethnicity among the various communities in Borno,” he said.
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
