By Usman Shehu

It seems to me that there is some kind of realignment, knowingly or unknowingly, against Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate and one of the leading opposition contenders. But, as they say, there is no smoke without fire.

I have followed with awe and listened carefully to politicians, activists, and experts on different platforms explaining, with conviction, why Atiku should not contest the presidency on the grounds of power rotation. Their main argument is that since former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is from the northern part of the country, spent eight years in office, it is only fair to allow the South to complete its own eight years before power returns to the North. Initially, this was not worrisome. But the argument has gathered momentum and continued to unfold in unanticipated ways.

I was struck by the extent to which the debate over regional rotation has come to dominate the political conversation, with several parties fielding southern candidates and influential voices insisting that the South should retain the presidency until 2031. Some argue that this arrangement could strategically benefit Atiku by making him the only strong candidate from the North. Others believe that it could make his ambition considerably more difficult.

Whatever the calculations, the question remains: Are these political actors genuinely motivated by fairness and national cohesion, or are some of them only pursuing their personal interests?

Even among northerners who have traditionally spoken about integrity, fairness, and democratic choice, there appears to be considerable support for the argument that the South should complete its turn. Everyone seems to be talking about power rotation, while relatively little attention is being paid to the competence, capacity, character, and policy choices of the candidates.

In their effort to counter this argument, Atiku’s supporters have pointed out that, since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the distribution of presidential power between the North and the South has not been as straightforward as some advocates of rotation suggest. This is a legitimate point.

Olusegun Obasanjo governed from 1999 to 2007, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from 2007 to 2010, Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015, and Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023. Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023. The death of Yar’Adua and the subsequent completion of his term by Jonathan make any simple calculation of regional entitlement more complicated.

Should we, therefore, count the entire period since 1999, or should we treat Buhari’s eight years as the beginning of a new political cycle that the South must now complete? And who determines the rules by which this rotation should be measured?

There is a Hausa saying that goes, “In ka san na faɗa, ba ka san na mayar wa ba,” which roughly means, “You may know what to say, but you cannot predict the response.” This proverb captures the difficulty of the present debate. Every argument invites a counterargument, and every political arrangement creates expectations that others may interpret differently.

But perhaps we are spending too much time debating which region should produce the next president and too little time asking what the next president should actually do for the country. Power rotation has its merits. In a country as diverse as Nigeria, it can help build trust, encourage inclusion, and reassure different parts of the country that they will not be permanently excluded from the highest office. Those are legitimate concerns that should not be dismissed.

However, power rotation is an informal political convention, not a constitutional requirement that bars a qualified Nigerian from contesting the presidency because of where he comes from. More importantly, a convention intended to promote fairness should not become an end in itself, divorced from the quality of leadership it produces. A southern candidate is not automatically competent because the South is entitled to its turn. Neither is a northern candidate automatically disqualified from offering a better alternative because it is not his region’s turn. The question should be whether regional rotation is a guiding principle to be balanced with other considerations or a rule that overrides every other consideration, including the will of the electorate.

The more important question is whether the arguments being advanced can withstand scrutiny independently of the interests of those making them. Would the same people defend the principle of rotation if it worked against their preferred candidate or political allies? Would they insist on it even if voters overwhelmingly preferred a candidate from another region? These are legitimate questions in a political environment where principle and ambition can sometimes be difficult to separate.

Yet the debate should not be reduced to an accusation that everyone advocating rotation has a hidden agenda. Some people sincerely believe that respecting the South’s claim to eight years in office is necessary for national cohesion. Others may believe that opening the contest to candidates from every region offers a better chance of producing competent leadership. Both positions deserve to be examined on their merits. The real issue arises when a principle meant to promote inclusion becomes a means of narrowing democratic choice without a corresponding commitment to good governance.

If democracy is to function as it should, the preferences of political elites must not be allowed to substitute for the will of the people. Parties may establish conventions, negotiate alliances, and consider regional sensitivities, but the ultimate purpose of an election is to allow citizens to choose their leaders. That choice, however, is not made in a political vacuum.

Political elites control party structures, raise campaign funds, negotiate alliances, influence public debate, and often determine which candidates have a realistic chance of competing. They can shape the choices available to voters long before election day. Religious leaders, traditional institutions, business interests, and local political networks can also influence how people understand their interests and exercise their votes.

This is why the debate over 2027 cannot be understood simply as a contest between the masses and the elite. The two are interconnected. Voters may support a candidate backed by powerful politicians because they genuinely believe in that candidate, because they expect material benefits, because of regional or religious loyalties, or because they see no credible alternative.

The challenge is to determine when popular support reflects an independent assessment of a candidate and when it is being shaped by patronage, inducements, misinformation, or the absence of meaningful alternatives.

The Economist recently published an article whose headline captured an important contradiction in Nigerian politics: Nigerians may dislike their president and still re-elect him. That possibility should make us cautious about assuming that widespread dissatisfaction will automatically translate into electoral defeat for the incumbent.

A government can become unpopular without its opponents becoming more credible. Citizens can be frustrated with economic hardship and insecurity while remaining divided over which alternative to support. They can want a change of government but disagree profoundly about the person or party best suited to replace it. This is one of the most important questions facing the opposition in 2027.

For Atiku Abubakar, the challenge is therefore twofold. He must answer those who argue that a northern presidency would violate the spirit of regional rotation, but he must also persuade Nigerians that he offers a credible alternative to the incumbent government. It is not enough to argue that the Constitution permits him to contest or that the historical distribution of power does not justify excluding him. Those arguments establish his right to compete; they do not, by themselves, establish why Nigerians should elect him.

Atiku has criticised the economic consequences of petrol subsidy removal and proposed a different approach that would support domestic refining and make petroleum products more affordable. The proposal raises an important question about how government can reduce the cost of living while encouraging domestic production. But voters are entitled to ask how much such a policy would cost, how it would be funded, how eligibility would be determined, and what safeguards would prevent a return to the opacity and waste associated with the previous subsidy regime.

The same scrutiny should apply to his wider economic programme. What specific measures would he adopt to create jobs, expand electricity supply, improve education and healthcare, and strengthen the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians? How would he finance these commitments without creating unsustainable fiscal pressures? What would he do differently from the current administration, and how would Nigerians measure the results?

His experience as a former vice-president may count in his favour, as may his familiarity with government and national politics. But experience alone does not guarantee good leadership. His record, proposals, political alliances, and capacity to build a government that serves the public interest should all be open to examination. The same standards must apply to Bola Tinubu and every other presidential contender. Incumbency, regional identity, political experience, and campaign promises should not exempt any candidate from questions about competence, integrity, feasibility, and accountability.

The opposition also faces a practical problem. Even when many Nigerians are dissatisfied with the government, their votes may be divided among several candidates. If opposition parties cannot build effective cooperation, agree on a credible programme, and mobilise voters across regional boundaries, the incumbent may benefit from their fragmentation.

A successful electoral challenge requires more than public anger. It requires an alternative that voters can understand and trust, an organisation capable of reaching them, and a strategy that converts dissatisfaction into votes. It also requires credible commitments on electoral integrity and a willingness by political actors to respect the outcome of a legitimate contest.

This is where the role of the political elite becomes especially important. Their networks and resources can either help create a credible alternative or prevent one from emerging. They can mobilise citizens around public policy, or they can mobilise them around ethnic loyalties, regional grievances, personal ambition, and the distribution of political favours. The question is not whether elites will influence the election. They inevitably will. The question is whether their influence will strengthen democratic competition or undermine it.

Nigeria is not terminally ill, and the defeat of an incumbent president is not without precedent. The country has demonstrated that political power can change hands through elections. Yet the political terrain in 2027 presents its own difficulties. Economic hardship and public dissatisfaction may create an opportunity for the opposition, but opportunity is not the same as victory. A divided opposition, an incumbent with extensive political networks, and a campaign dominated by arguments over regional entitlement could all prevent voters from focusing on the substantive issues that matter most to their lives.

Meanwhile, ordinary Nigerians continue to grapple with the cost of food. As Sule Lamido wrote in his book Being True to Myself: “On the economy, whatever the government may say, to the ordinary man, the health of the economy is the measure of ingredients in his cooking pot.” For many families, this and other concerns are more immediate than whether the next president comes from the North or the South.

That does not mean questions of regional fairness are irrelevant. It means they should be considered alongside the practical demands of governing a country in which millions of people are asking for security, opportunity, affordable living, and a government that responds to their needs. Ultimately, the legitimacy of a president cannot rest on regional entitlement alone. It must also rest on the quality of leadership, the credibility of the mandate, and the ability to deliver results.

As the 2027 election approaches, the political elite will come bearing their alliances, influence, inducements, and promises. Some will appeal to fairness and national unity; others will invoke experience, competence, or the need for change. Some will mobilise voters through established political networks, while others will seek to build new coalitions around public dissatisfaction.

The question is whether Nigerians will have credible alternatives and sufficient freedom to judge these competing claims on their merits. Will they be able to distinguish promises from realistic programmes, political patronage from public service, and regional entitlement from genuine capacity to govern? Will they vote according to their assessment of the country’s needs, or will the choices available to them once again be shaped primarily by the preferences and interests of the political elite?

Perhaps the more fundamental question is this: when Nigerians go to the polls in 2027, will they possess the information, credible alternatives, political organisation, and freedom necessary to translate their preferences into an electoral outcome that reflects their collective interests?

That is the real test of Nigeria’s democracy. Not simply whether power rotates between the North and the South, or whether a particular candidate succeeds in his presidential ambition, but whether the people can meaningfully influence who governs them and hold that person accountable for what follows.

Usman M. Shehu writes from Kano State, Nigeria, and can be reached via usmanmujtabashehu@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The third edition of the Kano International Poetry Festival (KAPFEST) brought together writers, poets, artists and cultural enthusiasts in Kano to promote indigenous languages, celebrate cultural diversity and create opportunities for young creatives.

The festival, organised by the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, held from October 15 to 17, 2026, under the theme “Reclaiming Languages,” with activities aimed at encouraging literary expression, cultural exchange and the preservation of indigenous languages.

The main festival programme opened on Friday, October 16, at Amani Event Center, following a cultural showcase at Gidan Dan Hausa on Thursday.

The three-day event featured literary conversations, performances and exhibitions, culminating in a poetry slam competition with a N1 million prize for participants on the final day.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the founder of Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, Salim Inusa, said the festival was established to provide young people with creative talent a platform to showcase their abilities, connect with artists from different parts of the world and improve their skills in writing, poetry and other artistic expressions.

Inusa said the initiative also sought to challenge perceptions that Northern Nigeria lacked young intellectuals and accomplished writers, noting that creatives from the region were often overlooked in national conversations about literary talent.

“Our aim is to change the narrative about the North that we do not have young people who think or writers. Whenever you see any list, you hardly find a writer from the region,” he said.

He added that KAPFEST was designed to promote Northern Nigerian creatives beyond the region and provide them with opportunities to engage with their international counterparts, rather than limiting their exposure to Southern Nigeria.

Inusa said the festival also sought to honour past generations of writers and cultural figures whose contributions had helped shape the region’s literary heritage, including Abubakar Imam and Bashir Tofa.

He said recognising their contributions to literature, history and culture was essential to sustaining the region’s creative legacy and inspiring emerging writers.

Also speaking, Anas Abba, an executive officer of the Kano State History and Culture Bureau, described poetry as an important component of Hausa literature and a longstanding means of communicating messages to different sections of society.

Abba said oral poetry had historically been used to convey messages to traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, wealthy individuals and ordinary members of the public, while also serving as a tool for educating young people.

According to him, Hausa poetry has addressed social issues, including idleness, while encouraging productive activities such as farming and promoting the Hausa language.

“Poetry is an important pillar of Hausa literature. We have different forms of oral poetry that have, for a long time, helped to communicate important messages to different people,” he said.

Abba said the festival’s growing acceptance demonstrated the potential of collaboration between cultural organisations and government institutions to promote literature and preserve indigenous traditions.

He added that the Kano State History and Culture Bureau would continue to support efforts to strengthen the festival and ensure that subsequent editions achieved even greater success.

One of the attendees, Abdurrazak Ibrahim from Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, said he was impressed by the participation of people from different ethnic backgrounds and their willingness to showcase their cultures in Kano, a city widely associated with Hausa heritage.

Ibrahim said the presence of participants from different communities, including Igbo, Yoruba and Ebira groups, demonstrated how cultural events could bring people together and encourage mutual understanding.

“I am really impressed by what I have seen because people from different ethnic groups are here in Kano, which you can call the headquarters of the Hausas, and everyone is showcasing their culture. It is a good thing,” he said.

He added that the festival could strengthen social relationships, promote cultural development and help preserve indigenous languages at risk of disappearing.

The festival featured literary conversations, panel discussions, performances and exhibitions involving artists working across Hausa, Fulfulde, Kanuri, Nupe, Shuwa Arab, Yoruba, Igbo, Ebira, Tiv, Igala and other languages, alongside Arabic, French, German and English.

The activities at Gidan Dan Hausa on Thursday featured a cultural showcase involving traditional music, poetry, drama and fashion, alongside workshops and literary sessions aimed at developing the skills of emerging writers.

The main programme on Friday also featured discussions on indigenous languages, translation, artist mobility and literary exchange, as well as Hausa literary and musical expression across generations.

A major highlight of the festival was the presentation of the KAPFEST Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Ibrahim Malumfashi in recognition of his contributions to literature and culture.

The festival concluded on Saturday, October 17, with further conversations, performances and cultural exchanges, alongside a poetry slam competition in which participants competed for a N1 million prize.

The event also featured a closing performance by its headline act, Bash Amuneni.

The third edition coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, which began as an online hashtag before developing into a platform for poetry, literature, performance, cultural exchange and education.

By Uzair Adam

Residents of Kumbotso, Madobi and Dawakin Kudu local government areas of Kano State have accused the state government of destroying farmlands during ongoing fencing work on an industrial layout, alleging that officials continued the exercise despite a court order to suspend it.

The residents said the ongoing work had heightened concerns over an earlier land measurement dispute already before the court, while a proposed extension of the industrial layout into additional plots and residential areas had triggered fresh opposition from affected property owners.

Speaking on behalf of the affected residents, Alhaji Rabi’u Idris, a Kumbotso community leader and chairman of an elders’ committee advocating for landowners in the three local government areas, said the dispute had been pursued through legal channels for nearly four years.

Idris said residents were particularly concerned about the extension of the layout and the treatment of those opposing the exercise, insisting that their demand was for fairness and transparency in the handling of their properties.

He also alleged that crops, including rice, maize and beans, had been destroyed during the ongoing fencing activities, leaving farmers worried about the loss of their investments and livelihoods.

According to him, the dispute affects more than 15,000 people across the three local government areas, many of whom acquired land and invested their savings in the properties.

“Our complaint is not against the measurement itself, but the irregularities surrounding it. We are asking for justice,” Idris said.

He added that the residents had sought permission from relevant authorities before attempting to organise demonstrations, but abandoned an earlier plan after security officials advised against it.

Idris also expressed concern over the arrest of the chairman and secretary of a youth association following a protest in Tamburawa, insisting that the two leaders were not involved in the demonstration that preceded their arrest.

Another affected resident, Alhaji Adamu Malam, alleged that the original land measurement exercise was characterised by irregularities, claiming that some landowners received allocation documents covering fewer plots than those recorded in their names.

Malam said residents became more concerned when officials resumed work on the layout, with fencing activities continuing while the earlier dispute remained before the court.

He claimed that residents had obtained a court order directing the suspension of the exercise, alleging that officials who were shown the order maintained that it did not apply to them.

Malam called on the government to review the measurement and allocation process, arguing that landowners should be given clear information about the plots allocated to them and the portions retained by the government.

“What we want is for the measurement to be reviewed, even if the exercise must continue. Every landowner should be satisfied that they have been treated fairly,” he said.

He added that transparent communication about land allocations would help resolve the dispute and restore confidence among affected residents.

Similarly, Sadiku Magaji Bello, a youth leader in the area, said residents initially cooperated with the government but became concerned when the industrial layout was extended to additional plots and residential areas they believed were outside the original demarcation.

Bello alleged that armed security personnel accompanied officials of the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning when they resumed work on the extension.

He maintained that the extension had also become a subject of legal contention and appealed to the Kano State Government to address residents’ concerns before proceeding further.

“We gave the government 100 per cent cooperation at the beginning, but we later discovered that the exercise had been extended to areas belonging to ordinary residents,” he said.

Bello urged the state governor to intervene and ensure that the land exercise was conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.

He warned that failing to address the grievances could deepen frustration among residents in the affected communities.

However, the Kano State Government has defended its handling of the land exercise, maintaining that it has the legal authority to manage public land and would ensure fairness to affected parties.

The Director of Public Enlightenment at the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, Murtala Shehu Umar, said the existence of a court case would not necessarily prevent the government from carrying out its responsibilities.

Umar said the government had engaged affected landowners and paid compensation where necessary, maintaining that the dispute over the extension was distinct from the original land measurement exercise.

“The government owns the land and has the authority to manage it. Going to court will not necessarily stop the progress of work,” he said.

He added that the government had held discussions with residents over the extension but that some individuals continued to resist the exercise.

Umar maintained that the original landowners had received their entitlements and were satisfied with the outcome, urging all parties to remain calm.

“Everyone should remain calm. The government will ensure that justice is done to everybody,” he said.

The affected residents, however, insist that their concerns extend beyond the original measurement exercise to the ongoing fencing, alleged destruction of farmlands and the proposed expansion into additional plots and residential properties.

They are calling for the government to address the allegations, respect applicable court directives and ensure a transparent resolution of the dispute that protects the interests of all parties.

By Uzair Adam

A Sharia court in Kano State has ordered Ahmad Salisu Sheka to sweep Murtala Mohammed Friday Mosque and attend all five daily obligatory prayers in congregation after convicting him of conspiracy and theft.

The Upper Sharia Court sitting at Hausawa, Kano, presided over by Dr Bello Musa Khalid, handed down the sentence after Sheka pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court established his guilt through his confession before ordering him to clean the mosque and participate in the five daily congregational prayers.

It also directed him to pay compensation before handing him over to a correctional facility official, Habib H. Habib, for the execution of the sentence.

Reports indicated that Sheka was arrested alongside a friend over the alleged theft of streetlights in the Sallare neighbourhood of Kano.

However, his alleged accomplice reportedly escaped from those who apprehended them.

By Maji Bappa Maina


Government policies become meaningful when the institutions responsible for implementing them have the people, skills and resources required to deliver results.

Roads, hospitals and schools may attract public attention, but their planning, financing, supervision and maintenance depend heavily on the quality of the civil service. For this reason, the welfare and professional development of public servants deserve attention alongside the physical projects through which governments pursue development.

In Yobe State, several initiatives introduced during Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration provide an opportunity to examine this relationship.

They include salary adjustments, implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, recruitment, professional training and programmes to prepare retiring workers for life after government service.

The latest development came on 17 October 2026, when the state government announced a new monthly salary structure for the Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries, the Auditor-General for the State, the Auditor-General for Local Government and the Accountant-General.

Considered alongside earlier initiatives, the announcement raises an important question: how can improved staff welfare and stronger professional capacity translate into more effective public service?

Beyond the Latest Salary Approval

Under the newly announced structure, the Head of Service will receive ₦1,430,830.75 monthly, while Permanent Secretaries will receive ₦1,203,851.55.

The Auditor-General for the State, Auditor-General for Local Government and Accountant-General will each receive ₦1,114,666.36 monthly.

The figures were disclosed by the Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa Shehu, who called on beneficiaries and other civil servants to demonstrate greater dedication and improve service delivery.

The approval concerns specified senior offices and should not be confused with a general salary increase for every civil servant.

The announcement does not provide the previous salaries, so the percentage increase cannot be calculated from the available information.

Nevertheless, the decision highlights the importance of remuneration in public administration.

Senior officials influence policy implementation, financial management, personnel administration and institutional oversight.

Their conditions of service matter, but so does the quality of their work.

The value of a salary structure should therefore be considered alongside the professional standards, accountability and administrative performance expected from those receiving the remuneration.

A Wider Approach to Remuneration

The latest approval follows other salary-related measures reported during Buni’s administration.

In November 2024, the governor approved a ₦70,000 minimum wage for state civil servants, effective from December that year.

The decision followed recommendations from a state committee established to examine the new minimum wage.

Arrangements involving local government employees were also considered.

In July 2025, reports stated that the government approved the implementation of CONUASS and CONTISS II salary structures for academic and non-academic staff of Yobe State University.

These are separate remuneration arrangements for tertiary education personnel.

Further measures reported in October 2026 covered professional groups, including law officers and judicial personnel.

Adjustments affecting certain health professionals and academic allowances were also announced.

In addition, the government approved employment for 294 medical students on Grade Level 07/2 and 801 allied health science students on Grade Level 05/2, according to published reports.

These initiatives concern different categories of employees and should not be treated as one salary structure.

Collectively, however, they provide a basis for examining how the government approaches remuneration across different parts of the public sector.

Appropriate pay can support morale and help government attract and retain qualified personnel.

Its effectiveness also depends on fair personnel practices, suitable working conditions and opportunities for professional advancement.

Training: Turning Employment into Professional Capacity

Recruitment brings people into government, but employment alone does not prepare workers for every responsibility they will encounter.

New employees need to understand administrative procedures, professional standards and the practical demands of serving within public institutions.

In September 2024, the state organised an orientation programme for 4,000 newly employed civil servants drawn from Yobe’s 178 political wards.

The programme covered communication, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making, preparing participants for responsibilities across ministries, departments and agencies.

This initiative highlights the connection between recruitment and institutional capacity.

New personnel can help address staffing gaps, but their long-term contribution depends partly on how effectively they are trained, supervised and developed.

In October 2025, another report stated that 149 civil servants travelled to the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Lagos, for capacity-building courses.

Participants included 48 directors undertaking Advanced Human Resource Management and 69 Ministry of Finance personnel attending Financial Resource Management. Other officials were scheduled for Effective Communication training.

These subjects have practical implications for public administration.

Human resource management affects personnel deployment and supervision, while financial management supports responsible budgeting and expenditure.

Effective communication improves coordination and helps institutions explain decisions clearly.

However, the value of training should ultimately be assessed through its application.

Programmes become meaningful when participants use their knowledge to improve decisions, strengthen procedures and deliver services more effectively.

This requires government institutions to identify their actual training needs, evaluate outcomes and provide opportunities for employees to apply the skills they acquire.

Preparing the Civil Service for the Future

An effective civil service must also prepare for the departure of experienced personnel and ensure that essential knowledge is transferred to succeeding officers.

In October 2024, reports described a government-supported retreat and validation workshop intended to develop a training guide and succession plan for Yobe’s civil service.

The initiative sought to identify capable officers and prepare them for higher responsibilities, while addressing concerns about the absence of formal guidance for these processes.

Succession planning matters because institutions cannot depend entirely on the experience of individuals who may eventually retire or move elsewhere.

Administrative knowledge, established procedures and professional experience must be transferred systematically.

A properly implemented succession plan can help identify training needs, prepare officers for leadership positions and preserve institutional memory.

Its effectiveness, however, depends on fair selection procedures, consistent implementation and regular review.

The broader question is whether such initiatives continue to shape actual personnel development and administrative practice across government institutions.

Retirement Is Part of Workers’ Welfare

Government’s responsibilities towards its workforce extend beyond salaries, promotion and professional development. Retirement preparation is another important dimension.

In October 2026, reports described a five-day programme designed to help retiring civil servants prepare for life after government service.

Its themes included financial independence, retirement planning, entrepreneurship, agriculture and agribusiness.

Retirement can bring significant changes to household finances, particularly when a regular salary ends.

Practical preparation can help workers assess their financial circumstances, consider sustainable business opportunities and plan for their future.

Such programmes can complement formal retirement benefits, although they cannot replace the timely payment of pensions and gratuities.

The wider lesson is that staff welfare should be considered throughout an employee’s career, from recruitment and training to remuneration, retirement preparation and the payment of entitlements.

From Welfare to Public Value

The initiatives discussed here address different but related aspects of civil service development.

Salary adjustments concern remuneration; recruitment expands the workforce; training strengthens professional capacity; and succession planning supports institutional continuity.

Yet an approval or announcement does not, by itself, establish how much an initiative has improved public service delivery.

Recruitment can be assessed against staffing needs and the distribution of personnel.

Training programmes can be evaluated through workplace performance and the application of new skills.

Salary policies can be examined in relation to affordability, fairness and the ability to retain qualified employees.

Succession planning can be assessed through institutional continuity and the preparation of capable officers for greater responsibilities.

Attention must also remain on the conditions in which civil servants work.

Appropriate remuneration is important, but so are adequate operational resources, clear procedures, fair personnel management and credible accountability mechanisms.

Government and its workforce have complementary responsibilities.

Government must provide suitable working conditions and clear expectations, while public officials must uphold professional standards and discharge their duties in the public interest.

Improved welfare should therefore be accompanied by a public service culture that values competence, integrity and measurable results.

The Next Stage of Reform

Governor Buni’s administration has announced measures relating to remuneration, recruitment, training and retirement preparation.

Together, these initiatives provide a basis for examining the development of Yobe’s civil service.

The next step is to ensure consistent implementation, evaluate outcomes and communicate clearly about the reach and effectiveness of these programmes.

The welfare of civil servants matters because government depends on their work.

Their professional development matters because policies require capable people to implement them.

Accountability matters because public institutions must use resources responsibly and serve citizens effectively.

A stronger civil service is not defined by salary figures or the number of employees sent for training alone.

It is reflected in the quality of administration, the responsible management of public resources, the continuity of institutions and the services people receive.

For Yobe State, the lasting significance of these initiatives will depend on how successfully improved welfare and professional development translate into those outcomes.

Maji Bappa Maina, Voice of Development | Leadership and public Insight.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from hospital four days after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung following a diagnosis of lung cancer.

The 71-year-old pontiff left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon and returned to the Vatican after doctors determined that he was fit to leave, according to Reuters.

He reportedly walked unaided to his waiting car and briefly addressed well-wishers outside the hospital.

His discharge followed blood tests and chest imaging conducted earlier on Saturday. Doctors said the operation, which took place on Tuesday, was successful and ended without complications.

The surgery was performed after doctors detected a suspected cancerous nodule in his right lung. Subsequent findings confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, Reuters reported.

However, details about the tumour’s size and whether the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes have not been disclosed. Such information is important in determining the likely course of the disease.

Meanwhile, the Vatican announced on Saturday that the “Pope would lead the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday from the window of the papal apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square.”

The appearance would mark his first public engagement since the operation.

Pope Leo XIV was elected in May 2025, becoming the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Gynaecologists have encouraged hospitals to allow husbands, partners or trusted relatives to accompany women during labour and childbirth, saying their presence can reduce anxiety, provide comfort and improve the overall delivery experience.

The experts said companionship during labour offers emotional and practical support, while helping women cope with pain and feel more confident throughout the process.

Professor Chris Aimakhu, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, said allowing birth companions had become part of modern maternity care worldwide.

He explained that the World Health Organisation’s Labour Care Guide encourages companionship during labour as part of efforts to improve care for women.

“The companion can provide emotional support, often by offering reassurance, reducing fears and anxiety, and helping the mother feel in control.

“The person can also provide physical comfort by assisting with massage, rubbing the woman’s back, helping her change positions, encouraging her, and telling her how to breathe,” he said.

Aimakhu added that companions could help bridge communication gaps between women in labour and healthcare workers, provide practical assistance and help ensure that patients received respectful treatment.

He clarified, however, that the primary purpose of having a companion present was to support the woman rather than monitor medical procedures or investigate suspected criminal activities.

“The companion is not there to monitor your organ transplant or all that; the person is there to help the woman go through the experience of pregnancy and childbirth,” he said.

According to the professor, support from husbands or relatives may help women cope with contractions, follow medical instructions and feel more comfortable during delivery.

He also said companionship could reduce the need for pain-relieving medication, improve satisfaction with childbirth and encourage bonding between parents and their newborn.

Aimakhu noted that some hospitals also permit a husband or another chosen companion to remain with a woman during a caesarean section, depending on the facility’s procedures and circumstances.

A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Olanrewaju Jimoh, also highlighted the emotional benefits of having a familiar person present during labour.

He said women who enter labour wards surrounded by unfamiliar people may experience fear and anxiety, particularly when they are separated from their personal belongings and loved ones.

Jimoh argued that allowing a trusted companion could ease such fears and help women feel more secure during childbirth.

He said, “Evidence has shown that companionship during labour reduces fear and gives women more confidence because they see a familiar face.”

The consultant added that emotional support could help reduce stress and improve a woman’s perception of pain, even though it would not eliminate the pain itself.

“It also helps the progress of labour. The perception of pain is reduced considerably. The woman still feels the pain, but when she looks at her husband or relatives, the pain may not feel as severe as it would if she had nobody with her,” he said.

Jimoh further explained that companionship could contribute to shorter labour and reduce the need for some medical interventions, including assisted delivery, although the outcome would depend on individual circumstances.

He acknowledged that the practice had both advantages and disadvantages but maintained that its benefits outweighed its drawbacks.

However, he stressed that a companion’s role should not be confused with that of a witness to possible wrongdoing.

“The presence of husbands, partners, or relatives is more of psychological and emotional support rather than as a crime witness,” he said.

The experts’ recommendations place emphasis on compassionate maternity care, with trusted companionship serving as a potential source of reassurance for women during labour and delivery.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a one-month-old baby girl allegedly sold for N2 million and arrested two suspects, including the child’s mother and the owner of the health facility where she was delivered.

The incident occurred in Ido Local Government Area of Ibadan, according to a statement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade.

The suspects were identified as 23-year-old Cecilia Amos, the baby’s mother, and 40-year-old Dr Adeleke Ebenezer, owner of Ebepraise Health Centre in Ido.

Ayanlade said the case was reported on October 15, 2026, by Mary Amos, who lives in the Ogunwade area of Ido. She reportedly told the police that her daughter gave birth to the baby on September 6 at the health centre.

According to the statement, the mother disappeared with the child about a week after delivery and could not satisfactorily explain the baby’s whereabouts, prompting suspicions that the child had been sold.

Police operatives subsequently arrested Cecilia for questioning. The command said she allegedly confessed during interrogation that Ebenezer and another suspect, Hassan Oludunni, had lured her into the arrangement and facilitated the sale to a person identified as Odunayo Folawewo.

Investigators reportedly discovered that the alleged transaction involved N2 million, of which Cecilia received N1 million, while Ebenezer and Oludunni allegedly received N500,000 each.

The police said the baby was subsequently rescued and Ebenezer arrested in connection with the case.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Folawewo and ensure that everyone allegedly involved is brought to justice, according to the command.

The police reiterated their commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, urging residents to report suspected child trafficking and related offences promptly.

Members of the public can contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre on the toll-free number 615 or reach the state police command’s control room on 08081768614 or 07055495413.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Tesla has showcased a prototype of its next-generation Roadster sports car, featuring technology designed to lift the vehicle briefly off the ground, as the company targets production in 2028.

According to CNN, the demonstration took place on Thursday at a SpaceX testing facility in Texas, United States. The 2-seater vehicle reportedly performed several manoeuvres, including driving upside down before making a brief airborne movement.

The prototype operated without a driver during the test. Tesla chief executive Elon Musk explained that the precaution was necessary to protect people during the demonstration.

“to make sure we don’t kill anyone.”

“Success is not guaranteed. I mean that. It’ll probably work, but if it doesn’t work, we’re at a safe distance,” he said.

CNN reported that the vehicle uses 10 nozzles and high-pressure air tanks to generate thrust. Musk also claimed it could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than a second.

The project combines Tesla’s automotive technology with SpaceX’s rocket engineering capabilities, reflecting Musk’s ambition to introduce unconventional features to electric vehicles.

He described the development as “the results of what happens when you have a collaboration with the world’s best car company and the world’s best rocket company.”

Musk also told spectators that witnessing the demonstration in person would help establish its authenticity.

“We need an audience to prove that it’s not AI or SI. So you guys can tell people you saw it with your eyes, because what you see with your eyes, you will not believe.”

However, aviation experts have raised questions about whether the vehicle can achieve sustained flight and whether such technology would be practical for everyday transportation.

Roger Conner, curator for vertical flight at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, told CNN that designing a vehicle capable of operating both on roads and in the air presents significant engineering challenges.

“Aircraft are extremely sensitive to weight, whereas with ground vehicles you want them to have bumpers and crumple zones and all that,” he said.

“Inevitably, something that is a hybrid between the two is going to be a poor performing aircraft and a poor performing vehicle, and also quite expensive,” he added.

Conner also questioned whether the demonstration qualified as actual flight.

“We’re not talking about sustained flight. We are literally talking about hopping,” he said.

Jim Dukhovny, chief executive of flying-car startup Alef, expressed confidence in the feasibility of the technology but acknowledged the challenges involved in transitioning from vertical take-off to forward movement.

“It absolutely is 100% feasible,” he told CNN.

“That being said, the hardest part on all eVTOLs, and for us, it’s a transition from (rising) vertical to (moving) forward. It needs to be extremely careful, making sure you do not lose lift, and making sure it’s very stable,” he added.

CNN also reported that Alef’s prototype weighs approximately 254 pounds, is powered by 8 propellers and is designed to carry one person.

Tesla has set 2028 as its target for beginning production of the new Roadster. However, the latest demonstration has yet to establish whether the vehicle can function as a practical flying car capable of sustained flight.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has ruled out supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election, despite his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, declaring support for President Bola Tinubu.

The singer stated his position during an interview with News Central TV in a video circulating online following the Osun State governorship election.

Davido said his uncle’s political decision did not mean he had to adopt the same position, adding that he had no preferred presidential candidate at the moment.

Recalling his involvement in political campaigns, the Grammy-nominated musician highlighted his role in the campaign that led to his uncle’s electoral victory in Osun State.

“I defeated 17 governors with all their power, with all their immunity, escort commanders, DSS, with all their billions. I defeated them with just a phone.

“For now, I feel like I did what I had to do for the Osun people and my family.

“You can’t force me to have a presidential candidate. My uncle might have his personal reasons for the gain of the state.”

The singer said Governor Adeleke declared support for Tinubu shortly after winning the election, but stressed that he would make his own political decision.

“My uncle, immediately he won, came out to declare his support for President Tinubu. But as for me, I am not prepared to support anybody.

“I personally haven’t seen anybody in the past. Yes, I have supported Atiku before when we were in PDP, and I even supported in 2015 when APC first did the merger. My late uncle was part of the APC, so I campaigned then.

“But right now, I don’t have a presidential candidate. It might change, sha. It’s not going to be APC, but everybody should have their own,” he said.

Davido’s remarks indicate that he intends to maintain an independent political position ahead of the 2027 presidential election, despite his family’s political affiliations.