Borno Government has donated five operational vehicles and 15 motorcycles to the Nigerian Army to enhance security operations in Dikwa Local Government.

The donation was made by Gov. Babagana Zulum on Monday during a visit to the 24 Task Force Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Dikwa.

Zulum, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Kadafur emphasized the importance of equipping security forces to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Zulum said that two of the five vehicles were for the Civilian Joint Task Force while the rest were for the army.

The governor commended the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Ezekiel Bawa Barkins, for the military’s support in ensuring the successful resettlement of displaced persons in Dikwa and surrounding areas.

He urged the security agencies to remain vigilant and continue their commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.

He said the donation was Borno Government’s broader efforts to strengthen security infrastructure and support the military and local volunteers in combating insurgency and restoring normalcy across the state.

Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) says that Local Government Administration is central to democracy in Nigeria as it ensures grassroots governance and service delivery at the local level.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Michael Nwoko, the Chief of Staff to the lawmaker in Abuja on Monday.

Nwoko said this on the occasion of the presentation of an award “Icon of Hope” to him by the Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGOVC).

He was represented by his Chief of Staff.

He said that the importance of local government administration in the country could not be overemphasised, as it was the bedrock of democracy.

According to him, local governments in Nigeria play key roles in the country’s democracy by promoting participatory democracy, providing services, and representing citizens.

“Local Governments help determine local needs and how to meet them. They also act as a link between the centre, state, and local people.

“They are created to decentralise power and bring the government closer to the people. They perform both mandatory and concurrent functions.

“It is in view of this that I took it upon myself to enhance the viability of local governments through the Paris and London club loan refunds, “he said.

Dr Folashade Olabanji-Oba, ALGOVC National Chairman, while presenting the award at its 7th Annual National Conference, said the award was in recognition of the lawmaker’s significant contributions to strengthening local government administration.

She highlighted Nwoko’s critical role in ensuring the Paris and London Club loan refunds, a financial breakthrough she said enhanced the capacity of local governments nationwide.

An Area Court sitting at Centre-Igboro in Ilorin on Thursday dissolved the Islamic marriage between Wuraola Surajudeen and Surajudeen Omo Iya-Onitasi.

The Presiding Judge, Hammed Ajumonbi, pronounced the dissolution of the marriage after the now ex-wife refunded the N20, 000 bride price to the now ex-husband.

Ajumonbi held that both parties, who were residents of Abayawo in Ilorin, could go their separate ways since there was no child between them.

The court, however, asked the woman to file another case to claim her belongings still in the custody of the man, saying the application before it was only for divorce.

Earlier, Wuraola had on Nov. 27 filed for divorce and cited lack of love and affection as reasons.

Surajudeen, who did not oppose the application, had however insisted on the refund of the bride price he paid.

However, Wuraola while returning the bride price, had told the court that she did not pick anything before leaving their matrimonial home.

She had urged the court to grant her permission to pack her belongings, but the court refused and asked her to file an application to that effect.