By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with other stakeholders, has sustained discussions on food security, policy communication, and stakeholder engagement during the 2026 Nigerian Public Relations Week (NPRW) in Kaduna.

The programme, which carried the theme “Policy making to Public plate”, began on April 19, 2026, at the Brigadier General Abba Kyari Banquet Hall. It drew the presence of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sanni. Communication experts, policymakers, and media professionals from across Nigeria also attended to examine issues linked to food inflation and food security.

Customs maintained a notable presence throughout the event. More than 29 Public Relations Officers from the Service took part in the week-long activities. Their participation reflects efforts by the agency to improve communication systems, deepen engagement with stakeholders, and uphold high standards in public relations practice.

One of the key moments at the event was a panel discussion that examined how strategic communication can help address food inflation and improve public awareness of government actions on food security.

During the session, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stressed the importance of communication in both policy design and execution, especially in areas such as trade facilitation and border control.

Maiwada asserted that “Even at the implementation stage of any policy, communication is critical,” he said. “Without clearly communicating these policies to the public, they may not achieve the desired impact. When people understand how policies affect them, they are more likely to align with them.”

He added that clear communication helps to build trust, shape public opinion, and secure support for government initiatives, particularly when dealing with challenges like food inflation and supply chain disruptions.

Other speakers at the session, including Pan-African Parliament Ambassador for Food Security, Ambassador Bryiyne Chitsunge, and communication specialist Agnes Bassey, pointed to climate change and insecurity as key factors driving food inflation. They warned that poor communication around these issues often leads to misunderstanding and the spread of false information.

Participants also called for responsible, data-driven reporting by the media and urged stronger cooperation between government agencies and journalists to ensure balanced coverage of food security and national development matters.

As part of activities lined up for the event, the National Public Relations Officer hosted a dinner for Public Relations Officers at the B.A. Adeniyi Officers’ Mess in Kaduna. The gathering offered an informal setting for officers to interact and strengthen professional ties.

The dinner had in attendance the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Zone B, Nsika Umoh, and the Comptroller of Kaduna Area Command, Sa’ad Hassan, along with other officers present at the conference.

Speaking at the event, ACG Umoh praised the strong sense of unity among officers in the Public Relations Unit, noting that the environment reflected a spirit of teamwork and mutual support.

By Nasir Yakub

As time races toward May 29, 2027, when Bala Mohammed exits office, uncertainty has become the loudest voice in his political camp.

Those around him who harbour ambitions for governorship, National Assembly seats, state assembly positions, or other elective offices may be heading into avoidable doom — not because they lack aspiration, capacity or relevance — but because they remain tied to a leader who now appears politically unattached, operating like a freelance politician with no clear party destination.

The questions are no longer minor. They are urgent.

Will they remain in an “alive but dead” Peoples Democratic Party, a platform steadily losing strength, structure and national momentum?

Will they gamble on the emerging African Democratic Congress and hope it grows fast enough into a serious electoral vehicle before the race fully begins?

Or will they attempt the near-impossible route into the ruling All Progressives Congress, where tickets are neither cheap, automatic, nor freely handed to late arrivals?

These are not ordinary questions. They are questions of political survival.

As for Bala himself, the road ahead appears just as uncertain.

Does he remain in PDP and risk sinking with a weakened structure?

Does he seek refuge in APC, where political realignment may offer renewed relevance, stronger federal connections, and breathing space against looming anti-corruption scrutiny?

Or does he move into ADC, positioning himself as a heavyweight opposition figure ready for a fresh national bargaining table?

Every option carries gain. Every option carries danger. But delay now carries the highest danger of all.

Politics rewards movement, not hesitation.

While some are still waiting for signals, others are already building structures. While some remain loyal in silence, rivals are already negotiating alliances. While some hope for last-minute direction, others are quietly securing delegates, mobilising resources, and planting their flags ward by ward.

That is how elections are won long before voting day.

Those waiting endlessly around Bala should understand one hard truth: loyalty without direction can become political self-sabotage.

Aspirants need time. Structures need nurturing. Supporters need certainty. Defections need timing. Campaigns need preparation. None of these things flourish in confusion.

The tragedy ahead may not be that Bala loses influence. The real tragedy may be that many around him lose opportunities simply because they waited too long for one man to decide.

Time waits for no one.

And the earlier Bala chooses a road, the better for those whose futures still hang on his next move.

Because when the final whistle sounds, excuses will not be on the ballot.

Nasir Yakub writes from Bauchi State Nigeria and can be reached via nasiryakub990@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, Most Rev. Dr Matthew Kukah, has called on Nigerians to stop describing him as a Hausa man.

Kukah clarified that although he is often labelled that way, his identity does not align with such a description. He made the statement during the 16th convocation ceremony of the university, held at its auditorium on Saturday.

He urged graduating students to maintain good character in their dealings with their parents, the university community, Anambra State, the South-East, and Nigeria at large.

He also commended the Anambra State Government for its investment in education, noting that the state continues to perform strongly in the sector when compared with other parts of the country.

Kukah said:

“I am a typical Nigerian from Anchuna, Ikulu Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, but not a Hausa man by origin. Nigerians should stop addressing me as a Hausa person.

“As the new Chancellor of this institution, we will not only strive to achieve the university’s goals, but surpass them.”

He expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his appointment as Chancellor of the institution. The governor formally installed him during the ceremony.

Governor Soludo, in his remarks, expressed satisfaction while decorating Kukah as Chancellor. He said he believed the cleric’s experience and moral standing would strengthen the university.

Soludo said:

“It was a great honour to be present at the 16th Convocation Ceremony of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University as a visitor to this great institution.

“The ceremony was a celebration of excellence, hard work, and the power of quality education. It was also a reminder of the critical role universities play in training skilled manpower, shaping character, advancing knowledge, and preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to society.

“I was particularly delighted to decorate the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, as the new Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

“I am confident that his wisdom, experience, and moral leadership will further strengthen the vision and standing of the university.

“In recognition of exceptional academic achievement, I announced a ₦4 million cash gift to Somtochukwu Augustus Ume of the Economics Department, who emerged as the overall best graduating student at COOU’s 16th Convocation with an outstanding CGPA of 4.85 out of 5.0.

“I also offered scholarships to 37 first-class graduates of the university’s 16th Convocation to support their postgraduate studies up to the highest level at any public university of their choice.”

He further charged the institution to focus on producing solution-driven graduates rather than mere certificate holders.

“Our institutions of higher learning must go beyond awarding certificates; they must raise innovative, solution-driven, and globally competitive graduates who can respond to the challenges of our time.

“To the graduands, I urged them to seize the moment and emerge as beacons of hope, disruptive thinkers, and agents of change in society. The future belongs to those who are prepared to lead with courage, creativity, and purpose,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were quickly escorted out of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after gunshots were heard outside the venue.

Authorities confirmed that both leaders were unharmed. President Trump later stated that the situation had been brought under control, adding that the suspect had been apprehended. He also disclosed that the attacker was “armed with multiple weapons.”

Security personnel moved swiftly to shield the president during the incident. Footage aired by CNN showed officers surrounding Mr Trump on stage before leading him out. He reportedly stumbled briefly during the evacuation.

Officials later identified the suspect as Cole Allen, a 31-year-old resident of Los Angeles who worked as a teacher and video game developer.

Law enforcement authorities said the suspect was present at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the event was held. The motive behind the shooting has not yet been established.

“Preliminary information. We do believe he was a guest here at the hotel,” CNN quotes the Interim Chief at the Metropolitan Police Department, Jeffery Carroll, as saying at a news conference late Saturday (US time).

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A legal practitioner, Abdurrahman Muhammad Jariri, has accused personnel of the Nigerian Army of reckless conduct and intimidation, following an incident he said occurred in Sokoto.

Jariri made the allegation in a Facebook post, where he claimed that soldiers in a convoy acted aggressively while he was driving with a friend in the city.

According to him, the incident happened amid heavy traffic, when the military convoy approached from behind. He alleged that the soldiers shouted and applied pressure on road users to clear the way, despite the congestion.

Jariri stated that he could not immediately move his vehicle due to the traffic situation. He further alleged that the soldiers then rammed into his car.

He said, “Today in Sokoto, while I was driving my car with a friend, a convoy of soldiers suddenly approached us from behind, shouting, applying pressure, and wielding sticks, insisting that we must give way despite the heavy traffic and congestion on the road.”

He added, “Our inability to immediately clear the way due to the traffic situation did not deter them; instead, they deliberately rammed into my vehicle while continuing to shout aggressively.”

The lawyer described the action as reckless and inhumane. He claimed that such behaviour reflects a pattern of alleged abuse against civilians.

Jariri also announced his intention to seek legal redress against the Nigerian Army and its leadership.

“I will certainly take legal action against the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff, and the respective military authorities in Sokoto and Kebbi States, in order to hold them accountable and teach them a lesson for the reckless and inhumane actions of their personnel,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army has not issued an official response to the allegations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division, working alongside other security agencies, have dismantled a major hideout of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

The operation, which took place on April 24, 2026, along the Ubaha Orsu axis, was part of a clearance mission aimed at rooting out criminal elements in the South East. According to a statement released by the Army, troops acted on credible intelligence and came under heavy fire from armed criminals while approaching the suspected stronghold. The ensuing gunfight saw troops repel multiple ambushes, forcing the terrorists to flee.

Following the clearance, a search of the camp led to the discovery of shallow graves, suspected to contain the remains of two military personnel—Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew—who were abducted and killed by IPOB/ESN in May 2022 while traveling for their traditional wedding.

The exhumed remains have been secured for forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to confirm their identities. The Army said it is liaising with the families of the deceased for proper identification and a dignified burial.

The military described the find as further proof of the group’s atrocities and disregard for human life, reaffirming its commitment to eradicating criminal networks in the region. Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.

By Dr Eric Chinedu Omazu

On Saturday, 25 April, 2026, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu bowed out of the service of Bayero University, Kano, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70. The symbolism of that date should not be lost on anyone. The retirement date fell on a Saturday. The attained age was seventy. 

In mystical numerology every ten is reduced to one, each decade stands as a year and seventy years are but seven years, and seven years are but seven days. The Holy Bible records that God, the creator of the universe, rested on the seventh day, on a Saturday. And so did Professor Adamu. This is no coincidence. It was neither planned nor wished for. The stars merely realigned for a man whose whole life is a manifestation of a divine spark. He lived by his name, servant of Allah. And Allah honoured him with a rest on His day of rest.

Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu is a professor’s professor. His entire life is a classroom. In a world where preachers mount the rostrum to deliver sermons they themselves cannot live by, Professor Adamu lives by the highest standards he has set for himself. He excuses others when they try and fail to rise to those standards. The world, as he understands it, is a field of experiments and mistakes. His only rule is that failure should not be driven by impunity. Impunity is an affront to justice. 

Anything said about a great man is an understatement. In Professor Adamu’s case, what my mind knows and my heart feels cannot be fully conveyed by existing words in the languages I speak. This leaves me with only approximate estimates. In that light, Prof. Adamu is my Boss, father, mentor, teacher, friend, guiding light, and so much more that my approximations still cannot capture. The foregrounding of all these modes of being is his role as a teacher. He taught me how to live. No, not just how to live, but how to live like a human. With love, compassion, empathy, understanding, wisdom, respect and contentment. These, too, are understatements.

I first met Professor Adamu ten years ago when he was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria. In that role, he demystified public office. I was a close witness to all that he achieved. 

So, mine is more of a testimony to the lived experiences I witnessed. For example, I witnessed an effortless resolution of one of the knotty problems in political philosophy: reconciling idealist and realist recommendations in public space. The idealist recommendation: simply follow the just. The realist recommendation: follow the powerful. The evil of the two systems is that the just without power is impotent, and power without justice is tyrannical. Now the conundrum: How do we make the just powerful or the powerful just? 

Put in another way, where can we find a man in whom justice and power mix? I swear by the heavens that I witnessed the resolution of this conundrum in the person of Abdalla Uba Adamu during his tenure as NOUN VC. If I were to generate a postmortem motto for his tenure in NOUN, it would be: Power in service of justice. This is based solely on what I witnessed. 

As a leader, Professor Adamu was guided by a mantra: only the known best action is worth taking. He dispensed justice, promoted scholarship, demonstrated kindness, protected the weak, maintained equity, and entrenched standards. He was so down-to-earth that clerks, gardeners, and security staff regarded him as one of their own. He was the only Vice-Chancellor they could stop on the road and whisper their words in his ears.

Beyond his human touch in leadership, Professor Adamu transformed NOUN in ways no one imagined. The infrastructure he conceived and built remains the cynosure of all eyes in NOUN. The reforms he initiated are the backbone of NOUN’s operation to date. 

The biggest of them all, he did all these and left NOUN with his integrity intact. Zero scandal. Zero allegation of corruption. Now he retires in peace of mind and happiness.

Congratulations, Sir, on your retirement. And happy 70th birthday anniversary.

Dr Eric Chinedu Omazu is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, NOUN. He served as Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor during Professor Adamu’s tenure as VC, NOUN.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s main opposition political parties, under the banner of a national summit in Ibadan on Saturday, issued a sweeping declaration rejecting what they called the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s attempt to create a one-party state, and demanded the immediate removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan.

In the communique titled the “Ibadan Declaration,” released after hours of deliberation, the parties resolved to field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, vowing to resist President Bola Tinubu’s purported plan to run unopposed.

The summit, which gathered chairmen of participating opposition parties, accused the APC of anti-democratic maneuvers and expressed no confidence in INEC’s leadership. “Prof. Amupitan, having shown bias in favour of the ruling APC, should not conduct the 2027 general elections,” the communique read, warning that his continued tenure could trigger a nationwide crisis.

The opposition also called on the National Assembly to urgently review the 2026 Electoral Act, remove provisions threatening electoral integrity, and release all politicians detained on bailable offences. They described recent INEC guidelines as deliberate obstacles and demanded that the deadline for party primaries be extended to the end of July 2026.

The declaration commended Nigerians for their resilience and thanked Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde for hosting the summit.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 200-level Biology Education student of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Gadau, Maryam Yakeem, has been seriously injured after suspected phone snatchers attacked her in Bauchi State.

The incident took place in Gadau town, within Itas Gadau Local Government Area, but outside the university premises. The attack has sparked concern among residents, who say violent phone theft has become more common in the area.

Witnesses said the assailants, said to be four in number, confronted the student and demanded her mobile phone. During the attack, one of them allegedly used a knife to cut off two of her fingers and part of her ear before fleeing with the device.

Residents in the area expressed worry over the frequency of such incidents. They urged security agencies to increase patrols and ensure those behind the crimes are arrested.

The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the development. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the victim suffered severe injuries. He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects, recover the stolen phone, and bring the culprits to justice.

The student is currently receiving treatment at a health facility in Gadau. There are indications she may be transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Azare for further care.

Meanwhile, the management of SAZU has dismissed reports suggesting that the attack occurred within the school campus.

Mallam Auwal Hassan, Public Relations Officer of the University, in a statement, said, “The unfortunate incident occurred outside the University environment, contrary to some misleading reports circulating in certain online media platforms suggesting that the attack took place within the University premises.

“The University Management wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and does not reflect the reality of the situation.

“It will be recalled that the Vice-Chancellor sometimes ago paid a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner of Police to further strengthen collaboration and enhance security support for the University community.”

According to the statement, the institution’s Chief Security Officer and Dean of Students Affairs visited the victim at the hospital, where she was reported to be in stable condition.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fatimah Tahir, also conveyed sympathy to the student and reiterated the university’s commitment to the safety of both students and staff.

The management called for calm among the public and urged responsible reporting. It also reaffirmed its collaboration with security agencies to strengthen safety measures within and around the university community.

By The Daily Reality

Key opposition figures from across Nigeria gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday for a national summit focused on strengthening collaboration among political parties and promoting a united front ahead of future elections.

The meeting, which is taking place at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, has former President Olusegun Obasanjo as chairman, while Governor Seyi Makinde is hosting the event. Participants include leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and other political groups.

Organisers say the summit carries the theme, “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” and is designed to address pressing national concerns. In a statement posted on the official X handle of the Peoples Democratic Party, the gathering was described as a response to the “socio-economic and security challenges currently facing the Federation.”

Prominent political figures have also confirmed their presence. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar announced, “I have just arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the National Summit of all opposition parties.” Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso also shared his participation, stating, “Excited to arrive in Ibadan… ready for meaningful engagements with fellow national leaders.”

Among those who arrived early are former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

Discussions at the summit are expected to centre on improving cooperation among opposition parties and outlining a joint political strategy ahead of upcoming electoral contests. Several experts and public figures are scheduled to speak on key national issues. Former National Human Rights Commission chairman Chidi Odinkalu and ex-lawmaker Usman Bugaje are expected to address matters relating to democratic sustainability and governance.

A former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mike Igini, will present a paper on credible elections, while Professor Pat Utomi is billed to speak on building a productive and efficient economy. Security expert Kabir Adamu will examine “the tragedy of widespread insecurity in Nigeria”.

Organisers believe the summit represents a significant step toward building consensus among opposition blocs and presenting a viable alternative in future elections.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has raised concerns about alleged interference by the ruling All Progressives Congress. In a post on X, the party claimed, “We have uncovered plans by the ruling APC to disrupt the summit being held by the opposition parties in Ibadan, Oyo State, today, the 25th of April.

“After denying us the use of venues in Abuja, they now will not leave us alone to hold our meetings.

“They say they are not scared, but they are behaving like people who are terrified. But we will not be deterred, because we are on the side of the Nigerian people,” the post read.

As of the time of filing this report, the APC had not issued any official response to the allegation, and attempts to reach its spokesperson, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful.

The ADC also highlighted the presence of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, alongside former Kano State Deputy Governor Nasiru Gawuna and members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. The party noted, “The summit sets the stage for a strategic tightening of ties between key political blocs,” underscoring expectations of stronger alliances among opposition leaders.