By Anwar Usman

Former Vice President of Nigeria and the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Atiku Abubakar has promised to support the education of Yusuf Aliyu, a teenage artisanal miner in Niger State whose video went viral following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the state.

Atiku made the promise in a statement on X on Sunday after watching the teenager speak at a mining site, saying Aliyu’s intelligence and confidence should be nurtured in a classroom rather than at a mining site.

“I have watched Yusuf Aliyu’s video repeatedly, and each time, my heart breaks. A child with such intelligence, clarity and confidence should be in a classroom building his future—not struggling for survival in a community surrounded by gold but buried in poverty.

“I cannot look at him and see an ‘illegal miner.’ I see a Nigerian child failed by the country that should have protected him. I see brilliance trapped by poverty and enormous promise abandoned by leadership,” the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate said.

Aliyu, interviewed by News Central Television in a video that has circulated online, alleged that personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had been shooting at miners at a gold mining site in Niger State.

Atiku said the teenager’s experience highlighted serious concerns about poverty in communities with mineral resources, as well as the management of Nigeria’s mining sector.

“But this video raises a question that should trouble the conscience of every Nigerian: how can a community sitting upon gold remain so poor that it cannot educate its children? How can its wealth leave the soil while hunger and deprivation remain in its homes?”

“This is an indictment of the Tinubu administration. The Federal Government controls Nigeria’s mineral resources, yet the communities producing that wealth remain without schools, opportunities or protection.”

The former vice president also called for Aliyu’s protection, warning that his public comments should not expose him or his family to intimidation or retaliation.

Atiku further revealed that, Aliyu’s circumstance is as a result of what he described as failures by the government to provide opportunities for children living in mineral-producing communities.

“This boy is evidence against the Tinubu government. His intelligence exposes the opportunities it has failed to provide. His poverty exposes the injustice of Nigeria’s mining economy. His presence at that site exposes an administration that has left brilliant children without a ladder out of deprivation.”

He also demanded explanations from the Federal Government over the status of PAGMI in Niger State and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.

“The government must explain what became of PAGMI in Niger State and how 37 Nigerians died in the custody of a federal agency. Calling them ‘illegal miners’ cannot erase their humanity or excuse their deaths.”

Atiku said he would continue to advocate for children such as Aliyu, stressing the need to protect their lives, education and future.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Italy is set to introduce measures that would prohibit the wearing of burqas and niqabs in schools and place a limit on the number of foreign students allowed in individual classes, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced.

Meloni disclosed the planned measures on Sunday at a national gathering of the youth wing of her Brothers of Italy party in Rome, as immigration and integration remain major issues ahead of Italy’s next general election.

She also said parents of foreign students facing serious difficulties integrating into the Italian school system would be required to learn the Italian language.

“For us, anyone who comes to Italy and wants to build their future here must learn our language, understand our culture, and respect our rules,” she said to a standing ovation at the Gioventu Nazionale national festival in Rome. “It is the only serious way to welcome them.”

The proposals will first have to be approved by the government before being sent to parliament. Once approved by the government, the changes would require parliamentary approval within 60 days to become law.

Italy already has regulations concerning face coverings. A 1975 law prohibits the use of helmets or clothing that makes identification difficult without a justified reason, while a 2008 ruling allowed full-face coverings for religious or cultural reasons, provided the face can be uncovered when identity verification is required.

Meloni’s announcement specifically concerns burqas and niqabs, which cover the face, rather than ordinary headscarves. However, ANSA reported that Meloni also referred to a proposed ban on hijabs in schools in her remarks.

On foreign students, Meloni said the government would introduce a legal maximum for the number of foreign pupils in each class. Italy already has a 30 per cent guideline concerning foreign students in classrooms, although the head of the National Association of School Principals said on Sunday that the existing rule has been difficult to apply in practice.

The announcement comes as Meloni’s government faces political pressure from parties further to the right, while migration and cultural integration remain prominent issues in Italian politics.

The proposed measures have yet to become law and will require parliamentary consideration before they can take effect.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening poverty and economic hardship in Nigeria.

Atiku said he would continue to challenge the policies of the Tinubu administration, arguing that they had reduced Nigerians’ purchasing power.

The former vice-president made the remarks in a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, amid an ongoing political dispute over criticism of the President.

Atiku said: “A President who can inflict this much pain on Nigerians should be able to survive hearing his own name.

“If Tinubu feels disrespected by being called his own name, he should imagine how Nigerians feel after being stripped of their purchasing power, crushed by inflation and instructed to endure hardship while those in power live extravagantly at public expense.

“Respect for the presidency cannot be demanded through intimidation. It must be earned through competent leadership, compassion and results.

“And he certainly does not have to wait for the campaign trail before demanding relief for millions of Nigerians whom Tinubu’s policies have pushed into poverty.

“Opposition is not seasonal. Accountability does not observe an electoral timetable.

“If Tinubu’s government can impose hardship every day, Atiku has the right to challenge it every day.

“Only people insulated from hardship by public funds could describe the daily misery of millions as “transient discomfort.”

“For the hungry child, this is not discomfort. For the bankrupt trader, this is not reform. For the unemployed graduate, this is not a foundation. It is failure.

“Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy without a coherent plan to protect Nigerians from the consequences.”

The former vice-president’s comments come amid continuing political exchanges between the Tinubu administration and opposition figures over the impact of the government’s economic reforms.

Atiku is expected to contest the 2027 presidential election on the ADC platform, while the Tinubu administration has maintained that its economic reforms are intended to address structural problems and place the economy on a stronger footing.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has acknowledged that economic reforms introduced by the Bola Tinubu administration have contributed to the cost-of-living difficulties faced by Nigerians.

Bagudu, however, maintained that the government would continue with the reforms, which he said were necessary to improve public finances, stabilise the economy and create conditions for long-term growth.

The minister made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the Federal Appointees Strategic Summit on the presentation and review of budget implementation by ministries, departments and agencies.

According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on Wednesday, Bagudu recognised the impact of the reforms and external economic pressures on households.

“He acknowledged that the reforms, along with international economic pressures, had contributed to cost-of-living challenges and other pressures facing citizens, but maintained that the administration remained focused on achieving long-term economic stability and inclusive growth,” the ministry said.

The Tinubu administration’s major economic measures include the removal of the petrol subsidy and reforms to the foreign exchange market, both introduced after the President assumed office in May 2023.

Bagudu said the measures were introduced amid serious economic challenges, although the government did not foresee the extent of the subsequent global economic turbulence.

He also pointed to international uncertainties, conflicts, trade disruptions and tariff pressures as factors that have affected food prices and living costs.

Despite the difficulties experienced by households, the minister said the reforms had improved the fiscal position of the Federal Government, states and local governments by increasing the resources available to the three tiers of government.

According to him, the increased revenue available to states and local councils reflected the administration’s push for greater fiscal federalism and stronger capacity at the subnational level.

“Rather than keeping additional revenues at the centre, the President has taken the position that we should give local governments and states more money and energise everyone so that we can interrogate and fulfil our responsibilities,” he was quoted as saying.

Bagudu also said the Federal Government had addressed some outstanding financial obligations owed to states as part of efforts to strengthen the federation and improve public service delivery.

He recalled that some states had previously faced difficulties paying workers’ salaries even when international crude oil prices were relatively high, with limited funds available for infrastructure and other essential services.

The minister said the improved financial position of states should allow them to devote more resources to infrastructure, education, security and other responsibilities assigned to them by the Constitution.

On Nigeria’s broader economic performance, Bagudu said some indicators were showing improvement, including the country’s revenue-to-GDP ratio.

He also defended the administration’s tax reforms, saying their objective was to make revenue collection more efficient rather than place unnecessary financial pressure on Nigerians.

The minister nevertheless said the government’s progress so far was not enough, noting that President Tinubu had continued to demand better results from members of his administration.

Bagudu said the government was also working to increase domestic production and ensure that improvements in macroeconomic indicators translate into better living conditions, particularly for people at the grassroots.

He added that the National Economic Council had considered measures that states could adopt to increase domestic production and expand the benefits of the reforms.

The minister also restated the administration’s target of growing Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion by 2030.

He described the target as ambitious but achievable, stressing the importance of implementing the necessary components of the 2026–2030 National Development Plan.

Bagudu further urged federal appointees to understand government policies and communicate the administration’s reforms and achievements more effectively to Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots.

He also rejected claims that federal spending was designed to benefit particular regions of the country.

According to him, major areas of government expenditure, including security, infrastructure and livelihood programmes, are intended to serve national interests and address the needs of citizens across the country.

He said security spending supports communities affected by insecurity, while infrastructure projects are aimed at improving connectivity and promoting economic activity nationwide.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former House of Representatives Minority Leader, Farouq Aliyu, has alleged that he was offered N250 million to support former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s controversial bid for a third term in office.

Aliyu made the claim during an appearance on the Naija Unfiltered podcast, published on YouTube on Friday.

The former lawmaker said the third-term agenda was genuine, despite Obasanjo’s repeated denials that he ever sought to extend his presidency beyond the constitutionally permitted two terms.

Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s president between 1999 and 2007. In May 2006, the National Assembly rejected a constitutional amendment bill that would have paved the way for him to seek a third consecutive term.

Obasanjo again denied pursuing such an ambition in September 2025, saying he would have known how to pursue it if he had wanted another term.

However, Aliyu said he was approached during the period of the third-term controversy after Nuhu Ribadu, who was then chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), asked him to travel to Abuja for a meeting with Obasanjo.

According to him, he initially declined Ribadu’s request but later agreed to meet the former president.

Aliyu said he made it clear during the meeting that he believed the third-term proposal would not succeed.

He further alleged that he was later offered N250 million by an unnamed individual whom Ribadu had directed him to meet.

The former lawmaker also claimed that other prominent politicians were offered substantial sums to support the proposal.

He said Aminu Masari, who was Speaker of the House of Representatives at the time, rejected an alleged N400 million offer, while Abdul Ningi, who served as majority leader, was also offered the same amount.

Aliyu said lawmakers considered less influential were allegedly offered at least N50 million.

“Third term agenda was real. In fact, 250 million was given to me. I did not take it,” he said.

“Masari, who was the speaker then, 400 million was offered. He did not take it. Abdul Ningi, the majority leader, 400 million naira was offered to him. He did not take it.

“N50 million was dashed to small fries. They paid minimum of N50 million.”

Aliyu also credited late former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and George Akume, who was Secretary to the Government of the Federation, with playing significant roles in efforts that ultimately stopped the third-term proposal.

The 2006 constitutional amendment attempt failed to secure the required legislative approval, effectively ending the bid to alter the constitutional term limit at the time.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian academic at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa, Dr Ayodele Odularu, has been found dead at her residence in the Eastern Cape Province.

Odularu, who was 51 years old, reportedly died on August 16, according to her brother, Gbadebo Odularu, who spoke with Punch’s Diaspora Tales.

A member of the deceased’s family, who spoke anonymously, said relatives did not believe her death was natural. The family member added that the circumstances surrounding her death remained unclear.

The family has consequently called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s death.

In a GoFundMe statement released by Gbadebo on behalf of the family, Odularu was remembered as a scholar who “dedicated her life to knowledge, discovery, and creating a better future for communities”.

The family further stated that “although her journey on earth ended too soon, the impact of her life continues through the people she inspired, the knowledge she shared, and the communities she hoped to serve”.

“Ayodele was far more than a sister. She was a cherished daughter, aunt, friend, mentor, scholar, and a source of encouragement, compassion, wisdom, and strength to everyone blessed to know her,” the statement reads.

The statement also described her personality and her contribution to academia.

“Her presence brought warmth into every room. She was known for her kindness, infectious laughter, generosity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. She had a rare ability to make people feel valued, heard, and inspired.

“Dr. Ayodele Odularu dedicated her life to knowledge, discovery, and creating a better future for communities.

“As an Independent Senior Researcher at the University of Fort Hare Community, she contributed meaningfully to academic research and the advancement of knowledge through her scholarly work.”

The University of Fort Hare held a memorial service in her honour on Thursday.

Her death comes at a time of heightened concern over attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The Federal Government has, since June, facilitated the evacuation of 1,716 Nigerians from South Africa amid reports of xenophobic attacks in the country.

The circumstances surrounding Odularu’s death remain subject to investigation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council announced by the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, saying the structure was not authorised by the party.

The OK Movement, a support group associated with the presidential ticket of Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, unveiled the campaign council on Thursday.

The committee included zonal and state coordinators, alongside directors responsible for areas such as mobilisation, women’s affairs, strategy, security and legal affairs.

The movement named John Ughulu as the council’s Director-General and Saadatu Sani as its National Secretary.

Sani said the group was established to mobilise Nigerians around its political project and the possibility of a better country.

The NDC, however, said the campaign council did not originate from the party.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NDC National Chairman, Cleopas Moses, asked the public and media to disregard the announcement.

“The party hereby dissociates itself in totality from the said OK Movement PCC announcement. It did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded by the public and the media,” he said.

Moses said candidates contesting under the NDC platform remained subject to the party’s authority and disciplinary structure.

“All candidates of the party must appreciate that they are not running as independent candidates,” he said.

“They are products of the party and remain subject to the authority and discipline of the party.

“Therefore, only the party’s leadership can constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council.”

The national chairman further warned members, candidates and support organisations against announcing campaign structures in the name of the party without approval.

“Henceforth, no individual or group is authorised to announce, constitute, or publish any campaign council, structure, or organ in the name of the party without prior approval from the National Working Committee (NWC),” Moses said.

While acknowledging the role of support groups, he said such organisations must not present themselves as parallel structures of the NDC.

“While the party will continue to work collaboratively with all support groups, such groups should not see themselves as alternative party structures or parallel organs of the party,” he said.

Moses also urged members and support groups with grievances to use the party’s internal channels instead of engaging in public disputes.

The NDC chairman further said Ughulu would be referred to the appropriate disciplinary organ over what the party described as “his excesses during the primary election in Lagos state” and “repeated disregard for party authority”.

The development follows the OK Movement’s unveiling of its proposed campaign structure ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The party leadership maintains that only its authorised structures can constitute and announce an official Presidential Campaign Council.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has appointed Abdulhamid Kabara as the new Commandant of its Niger State Command following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the corps’ custody in Minna.

Kabara replaces Suberu Aniviye, whose suspension as the state commandant followed the deaths recorded on Thursday.

The NSCDC spokesman in Niger State, Abubakar Muti, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that Kabara formally assumed duty and took charge of the command on Friday, September 18.

The Federal Government had earlier directed the immediate suspension of Aniviye after the deaths of the 37 suspects.

Muti said the new commandant assumed office at a sensitive period for the command because of the incident involving persons arrested over suspected illegal mining activities in the state.

“The assumption of office comes at a particularly sensitive period for the Command, following the unfortunate deaths of some persons arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities in the State,” the statement reads.

According to the statement, Kabara expressed “deep sadness over the loss of lives and extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased and everyone affected by the unfortunate incident”.

The new commandant reaffirmed the corps’ responsibility to tackle illegal mining through arrests, investigations and enforcement. He, however, stressed that the protection of human life must remain a central consideration.

“At a moment like this, beyond arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, we must remember one fundamental truth: every human life matters,” he said.

“The loss of any human life is painful, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families who are mourning at this difficult time.”

Kabara also said law enforcement responsibilities must be carried out alongside measures that protect the dignity, safety and welfare of people held in custody.

His deployment comes amid ongoing attention to the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners while they were in NSCDC custody in Minna.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command says it has arrested 47 persons who allegedly claimed to be operatives of a state-owned security outfit during the bye-election in Disina State Constituency, Shira Local Government Area.

According to the Command, the suspects were arrested on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at various polling units within the constituency. Police said they were allegedly found carrying firearms, cutlasses and sticks.

The arrests came despite an earlier warning issued by the Command on September 17 concerning security arrangements for the bye-elections in Disina State Constituency, Shira LGA, and Sakwa State Constituency, Zaki LGA.

The Police had earlier stated that state-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, private security guards and vigilante groups were prohibited from participating in election security operations.

The Command said only security agencies legally recognised under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) were authorised to provide security during the elections.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the Command said its personnel deployed for election duty apprehended the suspects after finding them within polling units with the weapons.

The suspects were subsequently taken into police custody, while firearms and other dangerous weapons allegedly recovered from them were also secured as exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu,mni, psc(+), condemned what he described as a disregard for lawful directives and an attempt to undermine the electoral process.

He ordered the suspects to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for discreet investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring a credible and hitch-free bye-election across the affected constituencies.

It also warned that individuals or groups who attempt to disrupt the electoral process or cause a breach of peace would face decisive action, regardless of their status.

The Police urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to security authorities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigerians should begin to see measurable reductions in transportation costs from October 1 under the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, pointing to existing compressed natural gas and electric transport schemes that have already cut fares in several states.

In a State House press statement on September 19, 2026, Tinubu said the objective was agreed with the 36 state governors on August 27, after which an implementation committee was established under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, chaired by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

He said the committee, PI-CNG & EV, the states and other stakeholders were already working to identify priority transport corridors, determine appropriate interventions and put necessary arrangements in place.

“From October 1, more Nigerians should begin to see measurable reductions in transportation costs,” the President said, adding that the work had become more urgent amid the current global energy crisis.

Tinubu said there was already evidence across Nigeria that cheaper energy could translate into cheaper transportation.

In Borno, he said CNG-powered and electric public transport services were moving commuters for between ₦50 and ₦100 on routes where commercial operators charge between ₦300 and ₦600.

In Kaduna, 100 CNG-powered buses are providing free transportation on major routes. In their first year, the buses carried about 3.2 million passengers and saved commuters more than ₦3.5 billion, according to the President.

In Oyo, CNG buses deployed to Pacesetter Transport brought the Lagos–Ibadan fare down from about ₦8,000 to ₦3,200 during initial deployment, while Adamawa’s alternative-energy transit services cut fares by as much as 50 per cent, from ₦8,000 to ₦4,000.

In Enugu, where 100 CNG buses have been deployed, the Enugu–Nsukka fare has fallen from ₦2,500 to ₦1,500. In Plateau, government-supported buses carry about 13,000 commuters daily at ₦200, compared with more than ₦500 commercially.

Tinubu also said the partnership with the NURTW had given passengers on CNG-converted commercial vehicles on several Abuja routes a 40 per cent fare reduction. Area 1 to Gwagwalada dropped from ₦1,500 to ₦900; Nyanya from ₦700 to ₦420; and Wuse from ₦400 to ₦240.

In Niger State, passengers on the Suleja–Abuja service pay ₦550 compared with about ₦800, while Abia has deployed 40 electric buses with fares subsidised by 50 per cent.

“These are not projections. Nigerians are already experiencing these savings,” Tinubu said.

He commended governors and state governments that had moved quickly, but said more still needed to be done, pledging Federal Government support for further scaling.

The President said disruptions to global energy supplies were again pressuring petrol and diesel prices and increasing transportation costs worldwide. Nigeria, he said, cannot control global energy markets, but as a gas-rich nation it can reduce its exposure.

He said his administration had spent the last three years deliberately investing in a CNG transportation ecosystem. More than 120,000 vehicles have been converted, with over 400 certified conversion centres and more than 90 CNG refuelling stations nationwide, and the figures are increasing daily.

Tinubu rejected suggestions that Nigeria should return to the petrol subsidy regime, describing it as ruinous and saying it consumed trillions of naira and left the economy exposed to international oil price movements.

“We must accelerate the cheaper alternatives we have been building at home,” he said.

He noted that Edo already has 50 CNG buses in active service; Kano has converted more than 1,000 commercial vehicles while expanding its conversion and refuelling network; Delta, Kwara and Lagos are expanding CNG-supported transport services; and Akwa Ibom has taken delivery of 50 CNG buses ahead of commercial operations.

The President urged every state to maintain momentum towards October 1, work with transport unions and commercial operators, support conversion and fleet deployment, facilitate required infrastructure, and ensure savings from cheaper energy reach citizens through lower fares.

“The Federal Government will continue to support the scaling of CNG infrastructure and access, expand conversion capacity, and create the enabling environment for states, transport operators, manufacturers and private investors to participate,” he said.

“Nigeria has the gas. We are building the infrastructure. We are already seeing the savings. Now we must move faster and scale this so more Nigerians feel those savings in the fares they pay every day.”