MAIDUGURI – The city of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, witnessed a historic and vibrant display of civic enthusiasm on Saturday as thousands of women and youths thronged its major thoroughfares to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on a significant working visit. The event marked a poignant moment of celebration and engagement in a region that has borne the brunt of prolonged insecurity.
By Muhyideen Jimoh, Reporting for NAN
Abuja, Dec. 20, 2025 (NAN) – From the early hours of the morning, a palpable energy swept through Maiduguri. As reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), mammoth crowds began converging as early as 8 a.m., strategically positioning themselves along the route from the city to the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport. This early gathering underscored the deep anticipation for the President’s arrival, transforming the cityscape into a sea of green and white.
The composition of the crowd told a powerful story. Students in crisp school uniforms stood alongside women’s groups and dynamic youth coalitions, collectively waving Nigerian flags and banners with messages of welcome and solidarity. Their synchronized singing and dancing were not merely celebratory but a profound expression of hope and a desire for renewed federal attention and partnership. The soundtrack to this jubilation was the pulsating hit “Omologo” by famed Hausa musician Rarara, its lyrics blaring from loudspeakers and amplifying the festive atmosphere as the presidential motorcade approached.
Given the large turnout, a robust security architecture was visibly in place. Personnel from various agencies were deployed in large numbers at the airport and along all major arteries. Their presence, while ensuring order and safety for the surging crowds and the presidential entourage, also highlighted the successful coordination required to facilitate such a high-profile visit in the region.
The core of President Tinubu’s visit extended beyond the ceremonial welcome. He proceeded to inaugurate a series of critical, people-oriented projects, signaling a tangible commitment to Borno’s development and recovery. The projects spanned key sectors:
- Transportation: The launch of electric tricycles (Keke NAPEP) represents a dual-purpose intervention. It promises to modernize urban mobility while also creating new economic opportunities for riders, all within a framework of cleaner energy.
- Education: The inauguration of newly built and rehabilitated primary and secondary schools addresses a fundamental pillar of long-term stability and human capital development. For a generation affected by conflict, access to quality education is a cornerstone of rebuilding.
At the inauguration ceremony, the projects were met with resounding applause and cheers from residents, who recognized their direct impact on daily life and future prospects.
Following the official engagements, the President’s itinerary reflected the cultural and social fabric of the North-East. He attended the Nikkah (marriage) ceremony of Sadeeq, the son of former Governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, and his bride, Hadiza. This gesture of participating in a personal celebration underscored a deeper connection with the community’s leadership and traditions, moving beyond purely political protocol.
The day in Maiduguri, therefore, wove together multiple narratives: a jubilant popular reception, the commissioning of developmental infrastructure, and socio-cultural integration. It presented a snapshot of a region actively engaging with the federal government, not just in the context of its challenges, but in celebration of its resilience and hope for a prosperous future.
MUYI/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
