By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has allocated plots of land to 1,000 youths drawn from the 44 local government areas of the state, bringing to about 3,500 the number of beneficiaries of its recent land allocation exercises.

The latest exercise comes about two weeks after the government distributed land allocation documents to about 2,500 political appointees and polling agents, as part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s efforts to expand home ownership, reduce the housing deficit and empower different segments of the state’s population.

Representing the governor at the latest allocation ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said the initiative was particularly significant because it focused on one of the state’s greatest assets — its youth.

Yusuf said 1,000 young men and women from across the 44 local government areas had been selected to benefit from the programme, describing the allocation as part of his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people to own assets, build wealth and become productive contributors to society.

“Land remains one of the most valuable assets anyone can own. It appreciates over time, creates economic opportunities, provides security for families, and serves as a foundation upon which lasting wealth can be built,” the governor said.

He said providing young people with access to land would lay the foundation for a generation of homeowners, entrepreneurs, developers and investors.

According to him, the programme formed part of the administration’s broader strategy to gradually bring different segments of Kano society onto the housing ladder, reduce the state’s housing deficit, expand home ownership and improve living standards.

The governor stressed that the beneficiaries were not receiving just any plots, but land within government-approved and professionally designed layouts.

He said the layouts had been planned with wide access roads, drainage systems, schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship, parks, open spaces, markets and security facilities.

“These layouts are not very much different from what we have in Nassarawa GRA. Such planning ensures orderly development, protects the environment, improves public safety, and significantly enhances the long-term value of your property,” Yusuf said.

The governor urged the beneficiaries to protect their allocation documents and avoid disposing of their plots hastily for immediate financial gains.

“Do not regard this allocation document as ordinary pieces of paper. They represent opportunity. They represent dignity. They represent security. And they represent the beginning of a brighter future for you,” he said.

Yusuf assured young people in Kano that his administration would continue to create opportunities for their economic and social empowerment, noting that government was also investing in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, skills development, industrialisation, technology and enterprise development.

He urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding, hardworking and committed to the development of their communities, saying they should serve as good ambassadors of Kano State.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar, described the allocation as another “bold and unprecedented initiative” by the Yusuf administration aimed at empowering Kano youths.

Umar said the 1,000 beneficiaries were drawn from across the 44 local government areas of the state, adding that the exercise demonstrated that the administration was not merely making promises but was committed to fulfilling them.

He said Governor Yusuf recognised young people as “the greatest asset of Kano State” and believed that every hardworking young person deserved an opportunity to own land, build a home, create wealth and secure a better future for their families.

The commissioner explained that the latest programme was part of a wider government vision to bring different segments of Kano society onto the housing ladder, expand home ownership, reduce the housing deficit and ensure that more citizens had legally recognised and secure properties.

He also emphasised the quality and planning of the layouts where the beneficiaries were allocated plots.

“These are government-approved layouts professionally planned by experts and every layout has been carefully designed with proper road networks, drainage systems, schools, healthcare facilities, open spaces and security facilities,” Umar said.

Umar urged the beneficiaries to value the opportunity, warning them against treating the allocation documents as ordinary papers or rushing to sell their plots because of immediate financial needs.

“My advice to every beneficiary is simple: value this opportunity. Do not regard these allocation documents as ordinary papers and do not rush to sell them because of immediate financial needs,” he said.

He advised them to protect their documents, develop their plots when they were able to and allow the properties to serve as the foundation of their families’ future.

The commissioner further said the administration had declared what he described as a decisive war against illegal land grabbing, locally known as “Awon igiya”.

He assured that the government would continue to recover public lands, prosecute offenders and restore sanity to land administration across the state.

Umar congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to remain responsible, productive and law-abiding citizens while supporting government programmes and serving as ambassadors of the administration.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially nominated Senator Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, putting to rest widespread speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan would be the party’s flagbearer.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already published Senator Onor’s name as the PDP’s presidential candidate, contrary to rumors that had been circulating heavily on social media platforms.

The announcement was made on May 26, 2026, at a ceremony in Abuja, where former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom formally unveiled Onor as the party’s consensus candidate. The event was held under the leadership of PDP National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, who endorsed the decision.

Onor was presented with his Certificate of Return and the party’s official flag during the gathering, which was witnessed by INEC officials who were present to observe the proceedings.

The development marks a significant shift in the PDP’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, as the party rallies behind the Senator from Cross River State as its standard-bearer.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Two of the 16 victims rescued from kidnappers in Kogi State have recounted their experience in captivity, including threats to hand them over to ritualists if their ransom demands were not met.

The victims, Ngozi Stephen and Joshua Daniel, spoke on Tuesday at the Kogi State Police Command headquarters after their release.

The victims were reportedly abducted on Sunday after armed criminals attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area.

Security operatives later rescued them on Monday along the Ajaokuta-Anyigba road in Ofu during a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, police and local vigilantes.

A local hunter was killed during the operation, while a police officer sustained injuries.

According to the security authorities, the rescued group comprised six adult males, six females and four children. They were undergoing documentation, medical checks and reunification with their families.

Ngozi said the kidnappers made her act as an interpreter because she could speak Hausa fluently.

She said the abductors assigned different ransom amounts to the victims and ordered her to communicate the demands to them.

“So they told me, tell this person N50 million, tell this person N100 million, tell this person N70 million. That was how they were sharing it,” she recalled.

“So I would tell them, okay, this is what they said, this is the amount they said you should bring.

“Even me, they said N70 million. So even when I tried to plead and ask them to reduce it a little, they threatened to beat me up because they were beating people and all that.”

Ngozi said the kidnappers did not beat her, possibly because they needed her services as an interpreter.

She added that the abductors collected the victims’ mobile phones and switched them off. The phones were brought back only when the kidnappers wanted the victims to contact their relatives about ransom payments.

“At some point, they were even threatening that if we were not able to provide the money, they would just sell us to ritualists and all that,” the lady narrated.

She said the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled after hearing gunshots from the security forces. They also left behind a bag containing phones and laptops taken from the abductees.

“We were able to get back our phones. We were also able to get back the laptops. Thank God. We are now safe,” she said.

‘I BLED THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT’

Daniel, another rescued victim, said he sustained a serious injury while attempting to escape from the abductors.

He said he noticed an opening shortly after their abduction and ran towards a nearby bush. One of the kidnappers pursued him and attempted to attack him with a weapon.

Daniel said he raised his hand to shield himself, but the weapon cut his vein.

“That is when the cutlass landed here and cut my vein. So, I was bleeding throughout the night,” he said.

“But the bleeding stopped this morning when I got some herbs and put them on the wound before the bleeding stopped.”

Daniel said one of his captors introduced himself as Peter. He added that the kidnappers spoke Igala, Fulani and Hausa among themselves to prevent the victims from understanding their conversations.

He expressed appreciation to the security personnel who rescued them but lamented the death of the local hunter during the operation.

Daniel also said he helped carry the injured police officer from the kidnappers’ hideout to the main road despite the injury to his hand.

“Even when I had this cut on my hand, I helped in carrying the officer from where we were held captive to the main road where we entered the car. My hand was swelling,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Islamic cleric Sani Jingir has defended his call for a Muslim-Muslim leadership ticket in Nigeria, saying he has no regret over the controversial position.

Jingir spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa on Tuesday, days after he urged Muslims at a mass wedding in Kano to use their numerical strength when choosing political leaders.

The mass wedding, organised by the Kano State Government, involved 1,500 couples.

During his address at the event, the cleric had urged Muslims to “vote in a manner that would reflect their numerical strength in the country”.

Jingir said his position was rooted in his religious convictions and was not an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu or former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I have absolutely no regrets. I stand firmly by my words and will never apologise. I will continue to advocate for a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he said.

The cleric said he regarded the pulpit as a sacred platform for educating Muslims and communicating what he believes to be the truth.

He also said he regularly teaches his congregation that political participation is a religious responsibility.

According to him, Muslims should take part in politics based on their convictions rather than accept financial inducements from politicians.

“I am not campaigning for Bola Tinubu, I am campaigning for my religion,” he said.

“As I have stated before, my advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim leadership structure is not about Tinubu or Muhammadu Buhari. It is strictly for the sake of Allah.

“My additional perspective is that today’s world is filled with propaganda, which fails to let people truly understand the situation they are in. The preaching podium is a sacred space meant for education.”

Jingir said he was aware that his position would attract criticism but insisted that public opposition would not make him abandon his views.

He also maintained that advocating for Muslim candidates did not take away the right of Nigerians to vote for candidates of their choice.

The cleric said his appeal was for Muslims to support a “righteous and better Muslim”, while stressing that corruption and stealing are prohibited in Islam.

“If you know you are speaking the truth, you must never allow public criticism to discourage you, which is why I continuously emphasise this message,” he said.

“I have already mentally prepared for the backlash. Whatever they say about me, I am fully ready to face it.

“My words carry no harm. I explicitly stated that people are free to vote for whoever they want, while I will personally do what aligns with my beliefs.”

Jingir further claimed that his position had received substantial backing from Muslims across the country.

“I swear that I have received immense support from the Muslim community. A vast majority of Muslims agree with this stance,” he added.

“Look at what happened during my address in Kano. I asked the crowd if they stood with Islamic principles, and they overwhelmingly responded in the affirmative.”

His comments have since attracted criticism from some Nigerians.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially unveiled the campaign schedule for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, setting clear timelines for political activities as stipulated in the Electoral Act 2026.

According to the commission, campaigns for presidential and National Assembly seats will officially commence on 19 August 2026 and conclude on 15 January 2027, just one day before the scheduled election on 16 January 2027.

For governorship and state assembly elections, campaigning will begin later, on 9 September 2026, and run until 5 February 2027, with polling day fixed for 6 February 2027.

The electoral body reaffirmed that campaigns must not start earlier than 150 days before the date of each election, and all campaign activities must cease at least 24 hours before polling begins.

Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are reminded to strictly adhere to the approved timeline, as any violation could attract legal sanctions under the provisions of the Electoral Act.

INEC further called on all stakeholders to respect the timetable and work together toward ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process in 2027.

By Anas Abbas

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have apprehended four suspects believed to be part of a criminal syndicate accused of carrying out killings, armed robbery and cult-related activities within the Ajah area of the state.

Items recovered from the suspects include three locally fabricated pistols, one round of live ammunition, two battle axes and a Point-of-Sale terminal.

This was contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos, SP Abimbola Adebesi, released on Wednesday.

The statement explained that the arrests came about through continued investigative work tied to a robbery case previously reported to the command.

Those apprehended have been named as Kareem Abiodun, 26; Tansiru Emmanuel, 29; Lateef Usman, 28; and Alashe Azeez, 32.
Police said early findings tie the suspects to a string of robbery incidents recorded around Ajah, Sangotedo and Ibeju-Lekki in recent times.

According to the command, the four have since confessed to their roles in cases bordering on armed robbery, murder and cult activities.
Officials disclosed that the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, noting that a manhunt is underway for other gang members still at large, alongside efforts to recover additional items linked to the crimes.

Once investigations are concluded, the suspects will be arraigned in court, the police said.
The Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, praised the operatives involved for their diligence, urging them to keep up the momentum in tracking down the remaining members of the syndicate.

He further warned criminal elements operating within the state that the command would continue relying on intelligence-driven operations to hunt them down and ensure they face justice.

Residents have been encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police through its emergency contact lines for swift response.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

North Korea is taking its military involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine to a new level, with Ukrainian military intelligence reporting that a North Korean missile unit is being deployed to Russia’s Voronezh region.

The unit reportedly includes approximately 90 North Korean personnel and could operate ballistic missiles including the KN-23 and KN-24 variants. Ukrainian intelligence officials say the weapons could potentially be used against targets in Ukraine, with the unit eventually fielding up to 120 missiles and six launchers.

The development represents a significant escalation beyond North Korea’s previous role as a supplier of weapons and troops. Pyongyang has already provided Russia with ballistic missiles and thousands of military personnel, while North Korean missiles have reportedly been used in attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

With the missile unit now moving into western Russia, Kyiv faces the prospect of a new wave of ballistic missile attacks — backed directly by Pyongyang and launched from Russian territory.

The deployment comes as Russia continues to rely on foreign military support to sustain its nearly two-year-long invasion of Ukraine, with both Iran and North Korea supplying weapons to Moscow’s forces.

Ukrainian officials have not specified when the unit might become operational or how many missile systems have already been transferred.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has cautioned against the use of excessive security force or government institutions to gain political advantage in the Osun State governorship election.

Atiku spoke at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja, where he described the August 15 election as an important test of Nigeria’s commitment to credible elections ahead of the 2027 general election.

He questioned the scale of security deployment around the poll, saying the posture appeared closer to a military operation than a democratic exercise.

“Elections are civil engagements, not military operations. Ballot papers are not bullets. Voters are not enemy combatants. Opposition members are not insurgents,” Atiku said.

‘POLICE, MILITARY BELONG TO NIGERIA’

The former vice-president also questioned why similar security resources were not directed towards terrorists, kidnappers and bandits who attack communities and kill Nigerians.

He warned security personnel against intimidating opposition supporters or allowing government institutions to influence the outcome of the election.

“The police belong to Nigeria. The military belongs to Nigeria. INEC belongs to the Nigerian people. None of them belongs to the APC,” he said.

Atiku called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that election materials reach polling locations on time and that eligible voters can cast their ballots without obstruction.

He also urged the commission to prevent what he described as “mysterious glitches, unexplained delays or manipulation” during accreditation, vote counting and the transmission of results.

“The world is watching Osun. Nigerians are watching. History is taking notes. Let the people vote. Let every vote count. And let the will of the people prevail,” he said.

The ADC presidential candidate also spoke about his plans to increase the participation of young people in politics.

He said his political programme would provide that at least 30 per cent of legislative candidates be below 40 years old, with a substantial number below 30.

Atiku urged Nigerian youths to turn their frustration into active political participation instead of limiting their engagement to social media.

“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation. Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now,” he added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Ghanaian authorities have arrested two religious figures in connection with inflammatory statements made about Prophet Muhammad, the police service announced Wednesday.

Imam Masud Abdullah, 35, was taken into custody after a video surfaced showing him delivering a sermon at a mosque in Ntensere, located in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of Ghana’s Ashanti Region. In the footage, Abdullah is seen advocating violence against anyone who insults or speaks ill of the Prophet Muhammad.

The arrest was conducted jointly by the Ghana Police Service and the National Signals Bureau (NSB) following an investigation into the content of the sermon.

“Anyone who insults the Prophet Muhammad… he is trying to provoke us… Therefore, wallahi, if you kill him, you haven’t done anything wrong,” Abdullah was heard saying in the video. He further claimed that such an act would be rewarded with entry to paradise.

In a separate operation, police arrested Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, also known as Apostle Daniel JY Adjei, who was captured in a video making derogatory and offensive comments about Prophet Muhammad.

The Ghana Police Service issued a stern warning to religious leaders, preachers, community figures, and social media commentators against using freedom of religion or expression as justification for inciting violence.

“Freedom of religion and freedom of expression must never be used as justification for inciting violence or encouraging members of the public to harm others,” the police statement read.

Authorities confirmed that investigations into both cases are ongoing, and the suspects will face the full legal process.

“Such inciteful utterances constitute infractions and perpetrators will be arrested to face the full rigours of the law,” the statement added.

The arrests come amid growing concerns about the use of religious platforms and social media to spread messages that could provoke violence or encourage attacks on others.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) is participating in the ongoing development and validation workshop for the African Continental Curriculum Framework (ACCF) in Windhoek, Namibia.

The Daily Reality reports that the development was disclosed by the Council on its verified Facebook post on Tuesday, noting that the workshop is being held from August 11 to 13, 2026, as part of efforts to develop and validate the continental curriculum framework.

The workshop provides a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and technical engagement on the development of the ACCF, covering education from Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) through secondary education.

According to NERDC, the meeting is part of broader continental efforts to strengthen collaboration among African member states towards the harmonisation and advancement of curriculum frameworks across the continent.

The initiative is aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA), with participants expected to deliberate on key issues that could shape the future of education and curriculum development across Africa.

The Council said participants would identify priority competencies, values and learning areas for African learners, while exploring mechanisms for curriculum harmonisation that would preserve national and regional contexts.

The three-day workshop is organised by the African Union (AU) in collaboration with Namibia’s Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC).

Directors of Curriculum and curriculum experts from AU member states are attending the workshop to discuss and chart the way forward on the roadmap for the African Continental Curriculum Framework.

NERDC is represented at the event by its Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, and the Head of its Curriculum Development Centre, Dr. Chima Egbujuo.

Dr. Egbujuo is also scheduled to make a paper presentation at the workshop as participants deliberate on strategies for developing a common continental curriculum framework that responds to Africa’s educational priorities while taking into account the diversity of individual countries and regions.