General
Borno Calls TheCable’s IDP Report “Cock and Bull Story”
TheCable
Mohammed Bashir Shuwa, senior special assistant to Kashim Shettima, governor of Borno state, says TheCable’s undercover investigation on the sufferings of IDPs is a “misleading, vicious, malicious, cock and bull story”.
In November, ‘Fisayo Soyombo, multiple award-winning investigative journalist, spent eight days in Borno working undercover as a humanitarian agent, and succeeded in gaining access to public officials in charge of IDP-related matters — such as the State Emergence Management Agency (SEMA), the Civilian Joint Task Force, IDP camp officials, authentic humanitarian workers — and the IDPs themselves. TheCable published the findings on December 29, 2016.
But responding — 33 days after the story was published — Shuwa dismissed the investigation as a “hatchet assignment by a group or individuals who have rightly or wrongly an axe to grind with the state government”.
He accused TheCable of “doing anything Machiavellian not only to test the will of the administration, but undermine its integrity”, and of “going through unethical approach to cast aspersions or innuendos on the good intentions of Borno State government or any of its agencies thus bringing odium on the government, the agency or agencies concerned”.
“This is indeed the unholy mission or objective of the current story or so-called investigation of ‘The Cable’ in relation to the current happenings at the IDP camps in Borno State,” Shuwa added.
Shuwa also said it was “unfortunate that most of the pictures contained in his publication are cut and paste of over used pictures of victims who were already malnourished before their rescue by the military from the den of the insurgents and taken to IDP camps”.
However, only three of the 26 photos accompanying the story predated TheCable’s trip to the north-east.
THE FULL TEXT OF SHUWA’S REJOINDER
RE: IN BORNO CHILDREN ARE DYING IN IDP CAMPS, FOODSTUFFS ARE DISAPPEARING AT SEMA STORE BY A MOHAMMED BASHIR SHUWA, SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO GOVERNOR KASHIM SHETTIMA, REPLIES TheCable
The above title or caption of a story or ‘investigation’ by The Cable, an on-line blog’s alleged happenings at the Internally Displaced Persons camps in Borno State is not only misleading in its entirety, but vicious, malicious, insinuating and indeed a sponsored or hatchet assignment by a group or individuals who have rightly or wrongly an axe to grind with the state governmenT.
With the assertion that a leopard does not change his colour, the concerned group or individuals having fallen from grace to grass with the state government would do anything Machiavellian not only to test the will of the administration, but undermine its integrity.
The concerned did or do through unethical approach to cast aspersions or innuendos on the good intentions of Borno State government or any of its agencies thus bringing odium on the government, the agency or agencies concerned. This is indeed the unholy mission or objective of the current story or so-called investigation of ‘The Cable’ in relation to the current happenings at the IDP camps in Borno State.
According to ‘The Cable’ investigation, the departure of Grema Terab, the immediate past Chairman of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the subsequent appointment of his predecessor in person of Engineer Satomi Ahmed spell down doom for the agency as the Satomi era was alleged of fraud, diversion of foodstuffs and other materials to other sources and outright stealing.
Writing under the sub-title “A TALE OF TWO SEMA CHAIRMEN” The Cable says …Grema Terab is the immediate past chairman of Borno’s SEMA… the former chairman was someone who helped everyone, whether you are IDP or not, he helped everyone but this one? He’s just hoarding all the food…”, a cock and bull story which also expose that Satomi was tried in absentia by ‘The Cable’ when it went on to state “…what manner of SEMA chairman refuses to meet potential donors, refuses to apologies for not being able to meet them, refuses to give another appointment, refuses to delegate one of his subordinates to meet them…” while they claimed being received by same SEMA officials and arranged for how they can help receive their donations when they posed as acting for some foreign donors through their Non-Governmental Organisation.
Fisayo Soyombo, the so-called Editor of ‘The Cable’ unveiled his true character as a sponsored agent with his essay or write up of contradictions, innuendos, conjectures, aspersions and outright falsehood.
It is unfortunate that most of the pictures contained in his publication are cut and paste of over used pictures of victims who were already malnourished before their rescue by the military from the den of the insurgents and taken to IDP camps. A professional and respected journalist must know that facts are sacred and comments superfluous.
Sometimes back, Governor Kashim Shettima while speaking in Abuja at a high-level Emergency Roundtable on the humanitarian crisis in the state, agreed with the submissions of the United Nations Humanitarian Co-ordinator for Nigeria, Mohammed El-Munir Safieldin who had earlier pointed out that most of the pictures of the critically malnourished infants, children and adults in circulation on social media were those of victims of recently rescued by the armed forces from Boko Haram abductors.
Governor Shettima deplored the statement by Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF) otherwise known as Doctors Without Borders who claimed that there was acute malnutrition at IDP camp in Bama with hundreds of child deaths.
The Governor pointed out that the MSF completely ignored the fact that interventions were already being made to address the unfortunate cases of malnutrition.
While acknowledging that the situation in Borno at that time was overwhelming, Governor Shettima explained that the government with the support of a few refutable organisations was doing its best to improve the situation. Shettima argued that a situation of this nature was not peculiar to Nigeria, as displaced persons in developed nations were not without challenges.
He called for restraint and understanding as the government is doing all within its power to end the multi-dimensional problems plaguing the management of the humanitarian crisis in the region. Is the type of Fiyaso Soyombo listening?
Already the Borno State Government has deployed additional officials to various camps especially health officials to attend to the immediate and pressing needs of the internally displaced persons and report any critical situation to the ministry or department concerned.
Similarly, proactive steps are being taken to ensure that only authorised and genuine organisations with intentions favourable to the displaced persons can operate in the internally displaced camps. Besides, the state government has directed that the foodstuffs and condiments meant for internally displaced persons must never be diverted as culprits would be severely dealt with to forestall future occurrence.
In conclusion, it is advisable for the like of Fisayo Soyombo of ‘The Cable’ and his mentor or mentors that if they have nothing to say, they should not say it, here it is on record that Governor Shettima and the concerned agencies of government are doing what is humanly possible to alleviate the problems or sufferings of the internally displaced persons inspite of the limitations of the government.
We are not unaware that indeed genuine organisations and individuals are contributing in no small measure to assist the state government in this tasking assignment, just as some groups and individuals are trying to blackmail and run down the administration out of self-centredness or outright mischief.
Apart from taking several measures to minimise the hardships encountered by the displaced persons, Governor Shettima has gone ahead to relocate some to their home communities as well as relentlessly pursuing the reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of the displaced persons.
Let it be known or stated that if at the end of the day, what Governor Kashim Shettima is doing is proved to be the right and just, ten thousand angels cannot hold a contrary view.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), has launched a strategic reform agenda aimed at enhancing port efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the opening of a three-day operational workshop in Apapa, Lagos, themed Customs Leadership in Port Efficiency, Inspection Reform and Clearance Timeline.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, outlined a five-pillar strategy designed to transform port operations. The framework focuses on joint inspections, risk-based cargo clearance, optimisation of scanning infrastructure, enforcement of service timelines, and improved inter-agency collaboration.
Mr Adeniyi emphasised that the Service is shifting from policy formulation to effective implementation, stressing the need for consistent execution of established best practices.
He noted that the “workshop was aimed at bridging the gap between knowledge and action within the system.”
He further highlighted the transition to intelligence-led cargo processing, stating that ongoing investments in digital platforms and scanning systems must result in faster, more transparent clearance procedures for traders.
To ensure accountability, the Customs boss disclosed that the workshop would produce a reform execution matrix subject to close monitoring, adding that he would personally track progress reports.
He also urged officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and commitment in the discharge of their duties.
In her remarks, the Director-General of PEBEC, Mrs Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, underscored the importance of adopting risk-based, data-driven inspection systems.
According to her, efficient and transparent border processes are essential to reducing the cost of doing business and improving Nigeria’s global trade standing.
Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Mrs Caroline Niagwan, said the evolving mandate of the Service places it at the heart of trade facilitation and economic growth, adding that efficiency must be reflected across all commands.
As part of the engagement, the Customs and PEBEC delegation visited the National Single Window facility, where they held discussions with the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Mr Zacch Adedeji, and other stakeholders to review progress and address operational challenges.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Madica, a structured investment programme for pre-seed African startups, has announced new investments totalling $600,000 in three tech-enabled startups, including Nigerian data startup, Biovana.
According to the initiative, these investments further reinforce Madica’s commitment to supporting founders and startups often excluded from traditional venture funding. The other startups include Tanzania’s Kilimo Fresh and Kenya’s Hakimu.
Each company has secured up to $200,000 in funding and will take part in Madica’s 18-month programme. This includes a tailored curriculum, hands-on mentorship, executive coaching, and two fully funded immersion trips to key technology ecosystems, both locally and internationally. The startups will also gain access to Madica’s global investor network, helping position them for growth and long-term success.
Madica’s programme seeks to counter the concentration of Africa’s tech funding in a few markets, verticals, and well-networked entrepreneurs and instead drive more equitable growth across the continent. This is done by backing a mix of underrepresented founders, startups from underserved regions, and innovators in overlooked sectors.
Launched in 2022, Madica is a sector-agnostic investment program designed to address structural gaps in Africa’s startup ecosystem. The program tackles key challenges startups face, such as limited access to capital, a scarcity of investors, and insufficient mentorship. It also provides the structured support necessary for startups to resolve critical issues and foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation across the continent.
Kilimo Fresh (Tanzania), co-founded by Ms Baraka Chijenga and Mr Justice Mangu, connects smallholder farmers in Tanzania to reliable urban markets by aggregating, processing, and distributing fresh produce through a technology-enabled supply chain, aiming to reduce food waste.
Hakimu (Kenya), Hakimu, co-founded by Ms Rawan Dareer, Mr Ahmed Ahmed and Mr Ahmed Elbashir, is building a pan-African legal infrastructure leveraging the power of AI.
Biovana (Nigeria), co-founded by two female founders, Ms Estelle Dogbo and Dr Jumi Popoola, is a data harmonisation and certification platform focused on unlocking African health datasets for global pharmaceutical, AI, and clinical research applications.
Commenting on the new portfolio companies, Mr Emmanuel Adegboye, Head of Madica, said, “Each new investment brings us closer to the portfolio we set out to build, one that reflects the full breadth and diversity of African entrepreneurship. These three startups join a growing community of founders we’re backing with the resources, relationships, and runway they need to succeed at this early stage. The opportunity across the continent is enormous, and we’re committed to being a crucial and consistent partner in realising it.”
“Joining the Madica portfolio is a significant moment for Hakimu. We’re revolutionising access to justice across Africa, and having a partner that understands the specific challenges and opportunities of scaling in Africa makes a real difference,” said Ms Dareer, co-founder and CEO of Hakimu. “We’re grateful for the trust, looking forward to the hands-on support, and clear-eyed about the work ahead.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu is expected to be among the leading public figures attending the next edition of the Africa CEO Forum, which will take place on May 14-15, 2026, in Kigali, Rwanda
A strong Nigerian private-sector delegation will also take part, including Mr Aliko Dangote, Mr Wale Tinubu, Mr Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Mrs Adesuwa Ladoja, Mrs Rachel More-Oshodi, Mrs Zouera Youssoufou, Mr Karim Noujaim, Mr Dany Abboud, Mr Ayo Otuyalo and Mr Chukwuerika Achum. Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, will also be present.
According to a statement on Tuesday, the 2026 edition will convene in Kigali to address a defining question for Africa’s future: how to achieve the scale necessary to compete, integrate and thrive in a fragmenting world.
It comes as global power dynamics continue to evolve, while the ability of Africa to rely on competitive, agile and internationally integrated corporate champions has become a defining corporate imperative. In this shifting global landscape, one lesson is clear: scale is no longer optional. It is the first line of defence.
Organised by Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Africa CEO Forum 2026 will convene Africa’s leading public and private decision-makers around a clear conviction: scale can only be achieved through shared African ownership.
The Forum will explore three strategic levers to build continental scale. First is shared equity, which will look to unlock cross-border equity investment to create multinational African champions. Mobilise African institutional capital across markets to strengthen resilience and enhance long-term returns.
Also, is shared infrastructure, which will take on designing complementary infrastructure to integrate African value chains. Champion transformative projects that serve regional, not merely national, needs and create truly connected markets.
Thirdly is shared frameworks, which is set to harmonise standards, rules and regulations to boost investor confidence and enable the free flow of capital, goods and services. Build future-proof digital rails for health, education, agriculture and cross-border payments.
Speaking on this, Mr Amir Ben Yahmed, President of the Africa CEO Forum, stated: “If Africa wants to compete in a world defined by scale, it must move beyond economic patriotism and embrace a new model: African capital investing together. Shared ownership, cross-border partnerships and continental ambition will define the economic future of Africa and the next generation of African champions.”
On his part, Mr Makhtar Diop, Managing Director at IFC, stated: “Africa has the capital and the opportunity to grow and create quality jobs. What matters now is putting that capital to work at scale. That means building trust, sharing risk, and investing across borders. The Africa CEO Forum brings leaders together to connect policy and private investment, and to help shape Africa’s next phase of growth.”
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