By Abashi Rahab

Not too long ago, I found myself standing by a roadside food stall, just watching the world go by. It was evening, and the queue was steady. One after another, people placed their orders as if on autopilot. I watched a man buy a heap of fried yam and sauce, “wash it down” with a chilled soft drink, and disappear into the night.

To any onlooker, the scene was unremarkable. In fact, it felt deeply familiar, a routine millions of us perform daily without a second thought. And that is precisely the heart of the problem.

For many Nigerians, eating has become a mechanical act rather than a nutritional one. We reach for what is available, what is fast, and what provides that immediate satisfaction.

We rarely pause to interrogate what is in our “plastic” food or how those hidden ingredients might be rewriting our health story. To be fair, it is not always a case of intentional neglect; often, we are simply creatures of habit.

There is also a stubborn myth that eating right is a luxury reserved for the wealthy. This misconception leads many to throw in the towel before they have even tried. But the truth is, health is not always about the weight of your wallet; it is about the quality of your choices.

That daily soft drink that has become a mealtime staple, the cultural preference for food swimming in oil, and the habit of swapping real meals for processed snacks are decisions that cost us dearly in the long run.

The real danger lies in the silence of the damage. These choices don’t strike immediately; they erode our health slowly. Over the years, they manifest as high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic fatigue, all conditions that build up quietly until they can no longer be ignored.

What makes this reality so tragic is that eating better is well within our reach. Many of our local staples, like beans, local rice, vegetables, and plantains, are nutritional powerhouses when we treat them with respect.

The secret is not in buying expensive or packaged food; it is in reducing the oil, cutting the sugar, and finding balance in what we already have on our plates. It is about the small, daily steps that move us away from digging our graves with our teeth.

Breaking these habits is no walk in the park, especially when they are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. However, awareness is a powerful catalyst. Choosing water over soda, being mindful of portion sizes, and thinking twice before defaulting to the usual oily foods are small steps that lead to a massive outcome.

In the end, our health is rarely determined by a single meal. It is shaped by the repeated, unthinking choices we make every day. We often complain that healthy food is expensive, and in a tough economy, that can be true. But we seldom talk about the true cost of eating carelessly.

One day, the bill comes due. It stops being about the price of a plate of food and starts being about hospital bills, lifelong medication, and a life forced to slow down long before its time. By then, the conversation is no longer about what we ate—it’s about what those choices have taken from us.

Abashi Rahab is a student of Strategic Communication at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. An intern with IMPR. She can be reached at: abashirahab@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

No fewer than 10 people sustained injuries after a violent clash between residents of Chirif Magaji and Chirif Dikko communities in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State over a disputed piece of farmland.

Reports indicated that both communities have been locked in a disagreement over the ownership and use of the land for almost three years. The dispute escalated on Tuesday and resulted in violence.

A security source told journalists that the conflict centred on which of the two communities had the right to cultivate the farmland. The source explained that authorities had previously stepped in and brokered an agreement that allowed both sides to use the land.

“Earlier today, we received a distress call reporting a violent confrontation between the communities. Security personnel were immediately deployed to restore order,” the source said.

According to the source, the trouble began when members of one community moved to clear the farmland. They were allegedly attacked by rivals armed with Dane guns and machetes.

“The attackers opened fire, injuring six people. Upon learning of the incident, members of the affected community mobilised and launched a reprisal attack, during which four people from the opposing community were injured,” the source added.

All those injured were taken to medical facilities for treatment. The source dismissed claims circulating on social media that bandits were responsible for the incident, stressing that the violence stemmed from the prolonged land dispute.

As of the time of filing this report, no fatalities had been recorded.

Sources said some victims suffered gunshot injuries, while others sustained machete wounds. Several of the injured are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Rabah. Those with more serious injuries have been transferred to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital for further care.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Rabah Local Government Area, Yusuf Muhammad Rabah, said security efforts had helped restore calm in the affected communities.

“It is true that the incident occurred, but we have been able to calm the situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said he had not yet received an official briefing on the matter.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Armed men have killed a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, Mr. Ayo Olukotun, and kidnapped his daughter alongside several other residents during an attack on Odo-Ere, the headquarters of Yagba West Local Government Area in Kogi State.

The incident reportedly occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Monday when the assailants invaded the community and fired gunshots, which caused fear among residents and forced many to flee their homes.

Residents said the attackers later targeted the residence of the NSCDC officer. They allegedly shot Olukotun before taking his daughter and several other victims into a nearby forest.

A source within the community said the officer was taken to a hospital after the attack. However, medical personnel confirmed him dead upon arrival.

Reacting to the incident, Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area and Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Tosin Olokun, described the killing as a painful loss to the victim’s family, the Odo-Ere community and the entire local government area.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. On behalf of the government and people of Yagba West, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Ayo Olukotun, the people of Odo-Ere and all those affected by this attack,” he added.

The attack has heightened concerns over security in the area as residents await efforts by security agencies to secure the release of those abducted and bring those responsible to justice.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged that the United States will take action after Iran allegedly brought down an American Apache helicopter during a patrol operation over the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump disclosed the development on Tuesday through a post on his Truth Social platform. He said military officials informed him that the incident took place overnight and involved what he described as a “highly sophisticated Apache Helicopter.”

The president stated that both pilots aboard the aircraft survived and did not suffer any injuries.

Trump wrote: “I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz.

“There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The reported incident is expected to heighten tensions between the United States and Iran. It comes amid ongoing concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

Neither the U.S. military nor Iranian authorities had immediately provided additional details on the incident at the time of this report.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A popular Kaduna-based musician and social media influencer, Mycah Dangata, widely known by his catchphrase “Take Over Kaduna,” has been reportedly arrested by security operatives in Kaduna State.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the entertainer, whose real name is Zamani Musa, was picked up on Tuesday.

As of this report, authorities have not issued any official statement explaining the reason for his detention.

The arrest has sparked reactions from his supporters and followers, many of whom are calling on relevant agencies to provide clarity and transparency regarding the incident.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N10 billion for emergency preparedness against a possible Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, following the resurgence of the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

The President also established a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, to be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The fund will strengthen the operational readiness of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and support critical national public health emergency response activities, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The decision followed a stakeholder meeting convened by the Chief of Staff to review Nigeria’s preparedness and develop strategies against the possible importation of Ebola. The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Lagos State Government, among others.

President Tinubu directed all states hosting international airports and border corridors, as well as relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to submit their plans, funding requirements, and intervention needs for coordinated implementation.

The Presidential Task Force’s membership will draw from MDAs and state representatives. It is mandated to put in place several measures, including intensified passenger screening at all international airports, enhanced temperature checks, and crowd-control protocols.

Other measures include enhanced monitoring of passengers arriving through high-risk airline routes. Air Uganda, Rwanda Air, Air Tanzania, Air Angola, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines — and immediate activation of referral and isolation centres at Lagos and Abuja international airports, with other airports to follow.

The Task Force will also enforce a mandatory QR code-based pre-arrival health declaration system for passengers originating from or transiting through designated high-risk countries. Disinfection of departure halls, cargoes, baggage areas, and airport facilities will also be carried out as precautionary environmental measures.

The President mandated the advisory group to consult with security, diplomatic, and aviation bodies to regulate flights from affected and high-risk countries. The Task Force is further directed to designate specific airports or terminals for high-risk flights to enable controlled screening and isolation procedures, and to consider adjusting flight timings to minimise interaction between high-risk passengers and others.

By Ismail Ahmad Misau

Politics often produces moments that alter the direction of public discourse and reshape the calculations of political actors. Bauchi State appears to be witnessing one of such moments. Across political gatherings, community meetings, marketplaces, social media platforms, and informal discussions, one name continues to dominate conversations with remarkable consistency: Senator Shehu Buba.

What is unfolding in Bauchi today is more than a routine political realignment. It is a phenomenon that has attracted widespread attention from political observers, party leaders, opinion molders, youth groups, traditional stakeholders, and ordinary citizens. The departure of Senator Shehu Buba from the APC and his subsequent emergence as the leading figure within the PRP has introduced a new dynamic into the political landscape of the state.

Many analysts now regard his movement as one of the most consequential political developments in recent Bauchi history. Whether one supports him or not, there is little disagreement that his growing influence has significantly altered political calculations ahead of the next electoral cycle.

From Party Pillar to Political Force

Senator Shehu Buba is not a strange politician seeking relevance. He entered this phase of his political journey with substantial credentials and an established record of public service.

As a serving Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, he has occupied strategic positions in the National Assembly, including leadership responsibilities in committees related to national security and intelligence as well as livestock development. These assignments have placed him at the center of critical national conversations concerning security, economic diversification, rural development, and agricultural transformation.

Within Bauchi State, his supporters frequently point to his accessibility, grassroots engagement, constituency interventions, and commitment to party development as factors that strengthened his political standing over the years.

For many APC supporters, Senator Shehu Buba was viewed as one of the party most visible and influential figures in the state. His ability to mobilize supporters, attract political stakeholders, and maintain a strong grassroots network earned him considerable respect across various segments of the political spectrum.

However, politics is often shaped as much by perception as by reality. As his political profile continued to rise, many observers believed that competing ambitions and internal political interests created tensions within the party structure. These developments eventually culminated in his decision to seek a new political platform.

The PRP Gamble That Changed the Conversation

When Senator Shehu Buba announced his departure from the APC and aligned himself with the PRP, reactions were mixed.

Some viewed the decision as risky. Others saw it as a bold political statement. Yet few anticipated the speed with which the new movement would gain momentum.

What has happened since then has surprised many political watchers.

The PRP, a party that previously occupied a less prominent position in contemporary Bauchi politics, suddenly became the focus of statewide attention. Political stakeholders who had previously remained on the sidelines began reassessing their options. Youth groups, community leaders, former party officials, and political actors from different backgrounds increasingly gravitated toward the new platform.

In politics, momentum is often as important as structure. Once a movement begins attracting influential personalities and generating public enthusiasm, it acquires a self sustaining character. That appears to be what many observers are now witnessing in Bauchi State.

The growing support for Senator Shehu Buba has transformed the PRP from a peripheral participant into a significant factor that cannot be ignored in future political contests.

Why Many See Him as a Serious Governorship Contender

Every election cycle produces aspirants, but only a few emerge as genuine contenders capable of commanding statewide attention.

Several factors explain why many supporters and political analysts increasingly view Senator Shehu Buba as a strong governorship prospect.

First is experience. His political journey has traversed both local and national levels. As a former Executive Chairman of Toro Local Government, one of the largest local government areas in Nigeria, he gained firsthand exposure to governance, administration, community engagement, and public sector management.

His tenure in the Senate further expanded his understanding of policy making, legislative processes, security challenges, and national development priorities.

Second is visibility. Unlike many politicians whose influence is concentrated within limited geographical areas, Senator Shehu Buba has cultivated networks that extend across different local government areas and demographic groups.

Third is public perception. Many of his supporters view him as a politician who combines political experience with accessibility. In an era when citizens increasingly demand leaders who understand everyday realities, such perceptions can become a powerful electoral asset.

A Movement Beyond Party Lines

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Senator Shehu Buba phenomenon is its ability to attract support beyond traditional party boundaries.

Political movements become formidable when they transcend partisan loyalties and appeal to broader aspirations. In many communities across Bauchi State, support for Senator Shehu Buba is increasingly being framed not merely as party affiliation but as a collective desire for a different political direction.

This explains why individuals from various political backgrounds continue to show interest in his movement.

The attraction is not limited to career politicians. Young people seeking opportunities, community leaders demanding greater development, professionals advocating institutional reforms, and ordinary citizens concerned about governance challenges are all becoming part of the wider conversation surrounding his political future.

Such cross sectional appeal often represents a significant advantage in competitive electoral environments.

Reshaping the Political Landscape

The rise of Senator Shehu Buba has introduced fresh uncertainty into the calculations of rival political camps.

For established political actors, the emergence of a rapidly expanding movement requires strategic adjustments. Political parties that previously focused their attention elsewhere must now account for a new force capable of influencing voter behavior and altering electoral outcomes.

The significance of this development extends beyond party competition. It is forcing broader conversations about governance, leadership quality, economic development, education, youth empowerment, infrastructure, healthcare, and security. These are issues that remain central to the aspirations of the people of Bauchi State.

As the political environment evolves, voters are likely to evaluate candidates not only on party platforms but also on their perceived competence, credibility, vision, and capacity to deliver tangible results.

The Leadership Question

At the heart of every governorship contest lies a fundamental question: who possesses the experience, vision, and leadership capacity to address the challenges facing the state?

Supporters of Senator Shehu Buba argue that his administrative background, legislative experience, grassroots connections, and understanding of security issues position him favorably to provide such leadership.

Bauchi State, like many states across Nigeria, faces complex challenges that require practical solutions and strategic thinking. Issues relating to economic growth, educational advancement, agricultural productivity, infrastructure expansion, youth employment, and community security remain priorities for citizens.

Many believe that future leadership must combine experience with innovation, political influence with public accountability, and ambition with a genuine commitment to service.

For an increasing number of observers, Senator Shehu Buba has emerged as a figure capable of embodying those expectations.

Conclusion: A Political Wave That Cannot Be Ignored

Political history is often shaped by moments when individuals transform public sentiment into organized political movements.

Whether viewed from the perspective of supporters, opponents, or neutral observers, the rise of Senator Shehu Buba represents one of the most significant political developments currently unfolding in Bauchi State.

His transition from the APC to the PRP has not diminished his influence. If anything, it has amplified it. His growing coalition of supporters, expanding grassroots network, and increasing visibility across the state suggest that he has become a central figure in discussions about the future of Bauchi politics.

As the journey toward the next governorship election continues, one reality appears increasingly clear: Senator Shehu Buba is no longer merely participating in the political conversation. He is helping to define it.

If current trends continue, his political movement may well become one of the decisive factors shaping the future direction of Bauchi State.

Ismail Ahmad Misau
Political Communication Aide to Hon. Dr. Bello Aliyu Abubakar Shinge

By Hadiza Abdulkadir 

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action to address the country’s worsening security crisis, warning that citizens are increasingly being left at the mercy of terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Council expressed outrage over the rising wave of killings, abductions, and violent attacks across the country, citing recent mass kidnappings in Borno, Oyo, Niger, and Zamfara states, as well as the abduction of a retired army general and his wife in Katsina State.

The Council said the growing insecurity has exposed the vulnerability of communities and highlighted what it described as the failure of government efforts to protect lives and property.

“Nigerians are tired of speeches, promises, condolences, committees, and official rhetoric not backed by action or results,” the statement said, adding that repeated assurances from authorities have done little to improve the situation on the ground. 

The SCSN also called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of funds allocated to the security sector, noting that trillions of naira have been spent on defence and security operations over the years despite the persistent deterioration in security.

While commending members of the armed forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices and commitment, the Council insisted that government leaders must be held accountable for delivering results.

It urged authorities to adopt more robust measures, including improved intelligence gathering, technology-driven security operations, stronger border controls, and enhanced community participation in tackling criminal networks.

“The nation demands action. The time for excuses has passed,” the Council said. “The time for demonstration of decisive and competent leadership is now.” 

The statement was signed by the Secretary General of the Council, Nafi’u Baba Ahmad, and issued on June 7, 2026. 

By Uzair Adam

Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has alleged that Islamophobia is influencing political developments in Nigeria’s South-West, following criticism surrounding his recent visit to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Gumi made the allegation amid the controversy over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, where reports had claimed that the kidnappers demanded the implementation of Shari’ah law as part of the conditions for the release of the victims.

The claim was strongly rejected by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which described it as false and aimed at tarnishing the image of Islam.

The group argued that enemies of Islam deliberately introduced the allegation into negotiations to create a negative narrative.

The position was later supported by Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a video message, Alamu denied reports that the kidnappers requested the establishment of Shari’ah law in exchange for the release of the pupils.

Reacting in a post on his verified Facebook page, Gumi said he attended the event in Ibadan as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama and not at the invitation of any individual or Muslim group from the South-West.

“I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in the South-West and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics,” he wrote.

The cleric explained that his visit was purely in his capacity as a representative of the coalition and questioned efforts to politicise his presence in the state.

“I was in Ibadan not by the invitation of any South-West Muslim individual or group but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama,” he stated.

Gumi also questioned why his visit had generated controversy, asking whether anyone could prevent him from travelling to any part of Nigeria.

“Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria? It’s strange how some people think,” he said.

He further alleged that the reactions to his visit were part of a broader effort by both local and foreign interests to deepen divisions within the country.

“I believe the whole saga is tele-guided by both foreign and local interests to promote a narrative and polarise the country,” Gumi added.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

On 29 May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used his inaugural address to sever Nigeria’s decades-long dependence on fuel subsidies. It was a definitive end to a fiscal drain that had consumed trillions of naira annually, a broken system that long benefited smugglers, middlemen, and the elite far more than ordinary citizens.

Three years into this economic regime change, the ledger presents a duality. While the policy has successfully unlocked unprecedented nominal revenues for the Federation Account, its real-world impact remains polarising.

As the nation reflects on the administration’s third anniversary in 2026, the question changes from whether the subsidy needed to go to who is actually winning from its absence.

In reality, the elimination of the subsidy did not result in a dedicated, untouchable savings account. Instead, it stopped a bleeding artery by wiping out the ₦4–5 trillion annual “under-recovery” losses previously absorbed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Consequently, direct remittances to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) have increased to historic highs. In 2024, annual savings reached roughly $7.5 billion, which translates to approximately ₦12 trillion at prevailing rates. This drove a 79% jump in total FAAC disbursements, skyrocketing from ₦16.28 trillion in 2023 to ₦28.78 trillion in 2024, with sub-national governments swallowing ₦15.26 trillion of that pool.

The momentum carried firmly into 2025, yielding an estimated $7–8 billion in savings. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, federal petroleum savings surged by over 500%, leaping from ₦154 billion to ₦836 billion. State governments have been the primary beneficiaries of this windfall, utilising the massive inflows to clear ₦1.85 trillion in backlogged debts, stabilise payrolls, and kickstart stalled regional projects.

While a November 2025 National Orientation Agency (NOA) policy document claims that over $84 billion has been saved and channelled into 40 road projects, independent macroeconomic realities suggest that this cumulative figure is mathematically improbable over a two- to three-year window. The actual cumulative benefit more closely aligns with World Bank estimates ranging between ₦11 trillion and ₦20 trillion, heavily caveated by severe naira depreciation.

Because these funds flow directly into general revenue pools rather than a ring-fenced fund, precise tracking has become an administrative nightmare. This lack of transparency has triggered fierce pushback from civil society organisations such as SERAP and BudgIT, which demand that states account for their newfound wealth rather than sink it into urban aesthetics or overheads.

The federal government has defended the pain of the reform by pointing to vital interventions across key sectors. In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, an initial ₦5 billion per state and the FCT was deployed via grants and loans for food and fertiliser distribution to cushion the shock.

Social safety nets saw a modest boost, with ₦3.2 billion allocated to expand conditional cash transfers through the National Social Register.

On the human capital front, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed ₦206.29 billion to over 1.1 million student beneficiaries. While NELFUND is technically funded via the Development Levy, the subsidy removal created the fiscal breathing room necessary to establish it.

Massive shifts have also been targeted toward transit and structural development. Over ₦100 billion has been injected into the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative to build conversion centres and roll out mass transit buses.

Increased liquidity has sustained funding for critical federal projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Abuja–Kano Road, the Kano–Maradi rail line, and a $1 billion modernisation commitment for key seaports like Apapa, Tin Can, and Calabar.

Furthermore, a massive portion of the savings has been absorbed by debt servicing, exceeding ₦15 trillion in recent budget cycles. While this aggressive rebalancing crowds out routine capital expenditure, it narrowed the fiscal deficit from roughly 5.4% to 3.0% of GDP, effectively averting a total sovereign bankruptcy.

Despite the triumphant-looking government balance sheets, the microeconomic reality for the average Nigerian is brutal. The savings on paper feel a world away from the hardships on the ground, creating a paradox between macro-stabilisation and micro-deprivation.

The most devastating blow has been the cost-of-living crisis. Fuel prices ballooned from under ₦200 to over ₦1,300 per litre across the federation, unleashing a wave of transportation and food inflation that has left millions of households financially insecure.

At the same time, citizens watch trillions of naira being unlocked, only to see it swallowed by prior borrowing patterns and rising interest costs, while the government’s appetite for fresh debt remains stubbornly high. This problem is compounded by severe currency depreciation and inflation.

In nominal terms, FAAC allocations are setting records at ₦2–3 trillion per month. In real terms, however, rampant inflation and a weakened naira mean this money buys far less infrastructure, healthcare, and education than it would have three years ago.

Bottom Line

Three years on, the structural necessity of President Tinubu’s May 2023 declaration is undeniable; it freed Nigeria from a fiscal death trap and dismantled an unsustainable system. Yet, the victory remains largely confined to government ledgers.

For the man on the street, the benefits of the reform have been thoroughly muted by inflation, currency devaluations, and execution gaps.

The fundamental challenge of Nigerian governance remains unresolved: the inability to translate state wealth into public welfare efficiently. As the calendar turns deeper into 2026, public trust is running thin.

If this reform is to be remembered as a historic transformation rather than just a massive tax hike on the poor, the government must shift from celebrating nominal revenue milestones to delivering tangible, unmistakable improvements in its citizens’ daily lives. The sacrifices have been made; it is time for the dividends to appear.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja, and he can be reached via: dahirulawal90@gmail.com.