By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the combination of the Ministry of Higher Education with the Ministry of Education as part of efforts to strengthen coordination and accelerate reforms in the state’s education sector.

This was contained in a statement released on Sunday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa.

According to the statement, the new structure will operate under the Ministry of Education, with the establishment of a specialised Directorate of Higher Education within the ministry to oversee tertiary education activities in the state.

The directorate will be under the leadership of a Permanent Secretary and supported by relevant personnel to ensure effective management of higher education institutions.

The statement further revealed that all agencies previously under the previous Ministry of Higher Education would return to the Ministry of Education.

“Under this restructuring, all agencies under the defunct Higher Education Ministry, such as the Scholarship Board, will return to the Ministry of Education, while state-owned universities and other higher education institutions will be supervised by the new Directorate under the merged ministry,” the statement said.

The government also explained that the restructuring is in line with the ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the education sector and improving policy coordination across all levels of education.

Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing reforms that would revitalise the education sector and secure a better future for the younger generation.

He also directed the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Office of the Head of Service to ensure the immediate and seamless realignment of the affected ministries and their departments.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the merger of the state’s Ministry of Higher Education with the Ministry of Education in a move aimed at strengthening coordination and accelerating reforms in the education sector.

The decision was announced in a statement on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, the newly unified body will operate as the Ministry of Education, with a specialised Directorate of Higher Education established within the ministry to oversee tertiary education in the state. The directorate will be headed by a permanent secretary and supported by relevant personnel to ensure effective administration of higher education institutions.

The statement added that agencies previously under the Ministry of Higher Education, including the state Scholarship Board, will now be returned to the Ministry of Education. State-owned universities and other tertiary institutions will also be supervised by the Directorate of Higher Education under the restructured ministry.

The restructuring forms part of the government’s broader education sector reform agenda, which seeks to eliminate duplication of responsibilities, improve policy coordination across all levels of education, and reduce the cost of governance.

Governor Yusuf said the reform is intended to enhance efficiency, strengthen accountability, and improve the overall quality of education administration in the state.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing comprehensive reforms that will revitalise the education sector and create better opportunities for the younger generation.

The Office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Office of the Head of Service have been directed to ensure the immediate and smooth realignment of the affected ministries and their departments.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has warned that Ukraine could become a target after Tehran accused Kyiv of providing drone assistance to Israel.

Ebrahim Azizi, who heads Iran’s parliamentary national security committee, made the claim on the social media platform X. He alleged that Ukraine had effectively joined the ongoing conflict.

“By providing drone support to the Israeli regime, failed Ukraine… has turned its entire territory into a legitimate target for Iran,” Mr Azizi wrote. He did not present evidence to support the allegation.

Ukraine has not officially confirmed any drone assistance to Israel. However, Kyiv has deployed military specialists to countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said several countries had asked Ukraine to help counter Iranian-made Shahed drones. According to him, the requests came from 11 nations, including the United States and several countries in the Middle East and Europe.

Zelensky also met Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince of Iran, in Paris on Friday. The meeting focused on the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Iran’s envoy to Ukraine, Shahriar Amouzegar, dismissed Ukraine’s actions in the Middle East. Speaking to AFP on Saturday, he said: “As for the actions Ukraine is taking in the Middle East against drones, we essentially consider them nothing more than a joke and a showy gesture.”

Iran maintains close strategic relations with Russia. The two countries cooperate on military technology, intelligence sharing, and regional security matters.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry responded strongly to the threat from Tehran. Heorhii Tykhyi, a ministry spokesman, accused Iran of helping Russia attack Ukraine.

“The Iranian regime has been supporting the murder of Ukrainians for years by directly supplying drones and technology for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

“Hearing anyone from that regime threaten Ukraine while citing the right to self-defence enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter is absurd. It’s like hearing a serial killer justify his crimes by citing the criminal code.”

Iran-designed Shahed-136 drones have frequently struck Ukrainian cities since at least 2024. Russia initially relied on Iranian supply but later began producing the drones locally and upgrading the designs.

Since the United States and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28, reports suggest the Kremlin has shared intelligence with Tehran. The information is believed to assist Iranian attacks on US military targets and personnel in the region.

Zelensky also accused Moscow of increasing its military support for Iran.

“Russia has started supporting the Iranian regime with drones. It will definitely help with missiles, and it is also helping them with air defence,” Mr Zelensky said on Wednesday.

Britain’s Defence Secretary, John Healey, also linked Russia to Iranian military operations in the Middle East. He said President Vladimir Putin may be influencing Tehran’s drone campaign against Western forces and their allies.

Mr Healey spoke after Iranian drones struck a coalition air base in Erbil in northern Iraq. British forces intercepted two drones, but others managed to hit the facility on Wednesday night.

“No one will be surprised to believe that Putin’s hidden hand is behind some of the Iranian tactics and potentially some of their capabilities as well,” the Defence Secretary added.

Meanwhile, Russia announced it had delivered 13 tons of humanitarian aid to Iranian authorities through Azerbaijan. The shipment followed instructions from President Vladimir Putin.

Officials in Moscow also confirmed frequent communication between Russian and Iranian leaders. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin remains in “constant contact” with Tehran’s leadership.

During a phone conversation with Donald Trump on Monday, Putin reportedly suggested moving Iran’s enriched uranium to Russia as part of proposals aimed at ending the conflict.

“This is not the first time it was offered. It hasn’t been accepted. The US position is we need to see the uranium secured,” a US official told Axios.

Russia has criticised the United States and Israel for attacking Iran. Moscow described the strikes as “the implementation of a long-cherished plan to violently overthrow the constitutional order of a sovereign state that Washington and Tel Aviv dislike.” It also called for an immediate end to the fighting.

However, analysts estimate that rising global oil prices linked to the conflict may bring Russia as much as $150 million in additional revenue each day. The International Energy Agency described the situation on Thursday as “the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a threat against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying it will pursue him and kill him.

The threat appeared in a statement released on Sunday through Sepah News, the official website of the IRGC. In the message, the Iranian military body described Netanyahu as a “child-killing criminal” and warned that it would continue efforts to locate him.

“If this criminal, the killer of children, is still alive, we will continue working to hunt him down and kill him with all our strength,” the statement reads.

The development came as speculation circulated on social media about the Israeli leader’s health and whereabouts.

Israel’s prime minister’s office dismissed the claims. It said the reports spreading online were false and confirmed that Netanyahu was in good condition.

“These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine,” the office told Anadolu Agency in response to claims circulating on social media that Netanyahu had been killed in retaliation for the strikes.

The rumours intensified after a video of Netanyahu circulated online. Some social media users claimed the clip showed him with “six fingers”.

The unusual detail raised suspicion that the footage might have been created with artificial intelligence. This added to the speculation about the Israeli leader’s condition and location.

The IRGC’s threat comes as the confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States continues. The conflict has now entered its 16th day.

On the morning of February 28, the United States and Israel carried out air strikes inside Iranian territory.

Iran responded with military action. Its forces launched ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel. The country also carried out missile and drone attacks against United States bases and targets in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan.

By Anas Abbas

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Plateau State has conducted party primaries in 15 out of the 17 local government areas in preparation for the upcoming local government elections in the state.

Party officials disclosed that the exercise was part of the ADC’s strategy to select its candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship positions ahead of the council polls.

The primaries, according to the party, were carried out successfully across the affected local government areas.
The leadership of the party noted that members actively participated in the process, which they described as peaceful and transparent. They added that the exercise reflects the party’s commitment to internal democracy and grassroots participation.

However, the party is yet to complete the primaries in the remaining two local government areas; Mikang and Langtang. Officials assured that the process would soon be concluded in line with the timetable for the council elections.

The ADC also called on its members to remain united and committed as the party intensifies preparations for the local government polls in Plateau State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Imo State says it has uncovered a suspected child-trafficking operation in Owerri, where five pregnant women and five newborn babies were rescued during a security raid.

Officials also arrested two suspects believed to be connected to the facility where the illegal activity allegedly took place.

The Imo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Basil Igwebueze, made this known on Saturday while speaking with journalists in Owerri about recent operations carried out by the command.

According to him, the suspects were identified as Tochukwu Ogaranya, 52, and Godwin Nnamdi, 47. Both men were apprehended at an orphanage located in the World Bank area of the state capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the commandant explained how the operation started. He said an officer of the corps noticed a pregnant teenager attempting to escape from the compound. The incident raised suspicion among security personnel.

“This prompted my officers to move into action at the orphanage, arrest the owner of the orphanage and rescue the pregnant women and newborn babies,” he said.

Igwebueze described child trafficking as a “heinous crime.” He warned that the corps would not allow such illegal activities to continue in the state.

He also praised residents who supplied information that helped security officials uncover the suspected operation. He urged members of the public to stay alert and report suspicious activities within their communities.

“If the residents of the state had not assisted us with the necessary information, the command would not have uncovered such a criminal act,” Igwebueze said.

However, the owner of the orphanage, Ogaranya, denied involvement in child trafficking. She maintained that the facility operates legally and has the required certification.

She explained that a 33-year-old woman identified as Chiamaka arrived at the orphanage while pregnant after she fled from a man who impregnated her in Abia State.

Ogaranya said she contacted the police about the situation. She added that officers indicated they would accompany the woman to Abia in order to apprehend the man responsible for the pregnancy.

According to her, workers later informed her that the woman had escaped from the orphanage premises.

She said the woman “scaled the fence of the compound and was later caught by the local vigilantes.”

Chiamaka, who is from Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, also gave her account of the incident. She said someone introduced her to the orphanage but she could hardly identify the person.

She explained that the individual told her she could give birth at the facility and later sell the baby.

Chiamaka said she eventually felt uneasy about the arrangement. She decided to flee from the premises after she could no longer endure the situation.

She said she “scaled the fence and ran away for her dear life.”

Igwebueze stated that investigations are ongoing. He added that the suspects will be charged in court.

The commandant also reaffirmed the corps’ determination to combat child trafficking and other crimes. He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information.

Russia has delivered humanitarian assistance to Iran as tensions continue in the Middle East during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The development emerged from a statement shared by the Russian Embassy in Kenya through its official X account. The embassy indicated that Russia had become “the first country to send humanitarian aid to Iran” since the crisis intensified.

According to the statement, an aircraft transported medical materials meant to reach Iranian authorities through a neighbouring country. The embassy explained that the supplies were first delivered to Azerbaijan for onward transfer.

“An Il-76 aircraft delivered more than 13 tons of medical supplies to Azerbaijan which will assist in transferring it to the Iranian authorities,” the post said.

The embassy described the shipment as “first aid & medical supplies” intended to support civilians in Iran during the current conflict.

The humanitarian move follows earlier diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Tehran. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently sent a message to Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, after his emergence as the country’s leader.

In a message released by the Kremlin and cited by Al Jazeera, Putin congratulated Khamenei and expressed confidence in his leadership at a time of mounting international pressure on Iran.

The Kremlin stated that the Russian president commended Khamenei’s potential to lead the country and referred to the legacy of his father. Putin said he believed the new leader would maintain the direction previously set for Iran.

Putin also said he was confident Khamenei would continue his father’s work “with honour” and unite the Iranian ⁠people “in the face of ⁠severe trials”.

He used the message to reiterate Russia’s close ties with Iran. Putin said Moscow would maintain its partnership with Tehran and added that he wished to “confirm unwavering support for Tehran ‌and solidarity with our Iranian friends.”

The Kremlin statement came at a time when hostilities between Iran and the United States-Israel alliance continue to raise global concern.

Russia and Iran have strengthened cooperation in recent years. Their partnership covers areas such as energy, security coordination and diplomatic engagement on international matters.

The aid delivery also follows a decision by the United States to ease restrictions on Iran’s oil exports. Washington said the measure aimed to reduce pressure on global crude oil prices amid disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

By Isyaka Laminu Badamasi

As Muslims, we are encouraged to support the vulnerable among us during the holy month of Ramadan, as acts of charity during this sacred period are multiplied in reward. Ramadan is a time devoted to ibadah (worship), compassion, and the pursuit of spiritual salvation. Both the Qur’an and the Hadith emphasise the importance of helping those in need, particularly during this blessed month.

Zakat, by its very concept, is an Islamic strategy for poverty alleviation and empowerment. It is designed to enhance economic well-being, improve livelihoods, significantly reduce the number of people living in poverty, and strategically increase the number of economically independent individuals. If this divine system is fully adopted and properly incorporated into our socio-economic structures, it can pave the way for a more prosperous, stable, and secure society. This principle is well supported by Islamic teachings, and more information can be obtained from the Zakat and Endowment Units within Shariah Commissions across Muslim-majority states.

As an observer—and someone who has had the opportunity to relate and work with people who serve as members of committees distributing Ramadan palliatives, Sadaqat, Zakat and other palliative programs —a thought often comes to mind during these exercises. The distribution packages usually target vulnerable individuals such as orphans, widows, persons with disabilities, the elderly, internally displaced persons, and those struggling to survive amid the multidimensional poverty affecting many communities in this part of the world.

While this gesture is noble and commendable, I strongly believe that some of these beneficiaries, with the right support, could become economically self-reliant and eventually leave the long queues for palliative collections—queues that, in some unfortunate cases, have even led to injuries or deaths. We can all remember the stampedes during palliative distributions across the country. 

Considering the hundreds of millions, or even billions, of Naira spent annually on Ramadan palliatives by wealthy individuals, corporate organisations, politicians, and governments — which is commendable and should be sustained — it may be worthwhile to redirect part of these resources, or allocate a specific portion toward empowerment initiatives.

For example, a modest sum of N10,000 or N20,000 can be enough to help some women start small income-generating activities. Interestingly, many of the food packages distributed during Ramadan or other palliative programs are often worth more than that amount. (I am not referring to those sharing cooked food or smaller packages) If such resources or separate allocation were converted into empowerment opportunities, they could promote sustainable development rather than temporary relief through the routine distribution of food items. Many professional entrepreneurs and social workers can attest to the long-term benefits of such an approach.

At Initiatives for Sustainable Development (I4SD), we are preparing to pilot this strategy by supporting a small group of vulnerable women through green-skills economic empowerment programs. Our aim is to create a practical model that Governments, philanthropists, corporate organisations, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals can replicate. We welcome professional support, partnerships, and collaboration to help actualise this vision for a more sustainable future—one filled with dignity, happiness, and social tranquillity.

ALLAH YA karbi ibadun mu, amin.

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi wrote via makwalla82@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Kano State Government has approved the early payment of March 2026 salaries to civil servants to enable them to prepare for the forthcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Head of Service, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf directed the immediate release and payment of the salaries to all workers in the state civil service.

The Acting Head of Service, Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, said the directive was intended to help workers make adequate preparations for the Sallah festivities in a convenient and dignified manner.

She explained that the early payment reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants and its appreciation of their dedication and contributions to the development of the state.

Maimota also urged civil servants to utilise the gesture responsibly while continuing to demonstrate commitment, discipline and efficiency in the discharge of their duties for improved service delivery.

The state government further reaffirmed its resolve to sustain policies that promote workers’ welfare and enhance productivity within the civil service.

By Dr. Umar Musa Kallah

As the US-Israeli war against Iran enters its second week, the initial narrative of a rapid Western triumph has collapsed. What began with coordinated strikes on Iranian leadership and infrastructure has instead unleashed a sophisticated Iranian counter-campaign rooted in decades of preparation, control of global chokepoints, and asymmetric warfare. Verifiable maritime data, energy market reports, and military analyses confirm that Iran is not merely holding ground, it is systematically eroding the economic foundations of American power and its Gulf allies.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz stands as Iran’s most potent immediate weapon. Since Iran’s declaration and attacks on transiting vessels in early March 2026, shipping traffic has effectively halted, with oil and LNG flows, representing roughly 20% of global trade is severely disrupted. Global crude prices have spiked, insurance markets have pulled coverage, and Asian importers face acute shortages. This is no bluff: tanker tracking and satellite imagery show near-total cessation of commercial traffic, directly strangling revenues for US-aligned Gulf states.

Tehran has complemented this blockade with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones targeting US military installations and infrastructure across Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Strikes have damaged communication systems, radar sites, and air bases, including the US Fifth Fleet headquarters and Al Udeid Air Base. The cost asymmetry is telling: cheap Iranian drones and missiles exhaust multimillion-dollar Western interceptors at a pace that cannot be sustained indefinitely.

Iran has also struck desalination plants and power infrastructure critical to Gulf freshwater supplies. With over 90% of drinking water in several Gulf nations dependent on energy-intensive desalination, these targeted hits are creating humanitarian pressure and accelerating economic paralysis. By weaponizing both energy exports and water security, Tehran is holding civilian populations and regional economies hostage.

This economic siege directly undermines the Gulf sovereign wealth funds that have bankrolled much of America’s AI boom. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala have channeled tens of billions into US tech, data centers, and AI ventures. With oil revenues frozen, airspace closed, and infrastructure under fire, these funds are already curtailing new commitments to American projects. The resulting capital drought threatens Silicon Valley valuations and risks triggering a broader stock-market correction, a strategic blow at the heart of US technological supremacy.

None of this is improvised. Iran has spent decades building precisely this capacity: an estimated pre-war arsenal of thousands of ballistic missiles, mass-produced drones, and resilient proxy networks designed for attrition warfare. Its high-ranking scientists and engineers have indigenously advanced these systems through reverse-engineering and innovation, often drawing on historical technological exchanges. Battle-hardened IRGC commanders , seasoned warlords operating with decentralized command, coordinate the response, while a population of over 90 million, tempered by generations of sanctions and pressure, demonstrates profound civilizational resilience and refusal to surrender easily.

This internal steel is coupled with broader strategic depth from longstanding partnerships. Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan have provided diplomatic condemnation of the US-Israeli aggression, alongside decades of technological collaboration in missiles, drones, and defense systems that now equip Iran to endure. While direct military intervention has been limited, these ties  combined with Iran’s own preparations will ensure sustained resistance that outlasts Western political will and munitions stockpiles.

The world now faces Tehran’s calculated endgame: choking global energy arteries, disrupting vital water supplies, and redirecting Gulf capital away from American innovation. Every day of blockade, every intercepted drone salvo, and every sign of Iranian societal cohesion deepens the strain on Washington and its partners. Iran did not stumble into this conflict; it prepared for it across a lifetime of strategic patience. As oil prices climb, water crises intensify, AI investments falter, and resilient Iranian forces continue to dictate the tempo, the balance of power is shifting decisively.

The verifiable data from shipping trackers, strike assessments, and resilience analyses  is clear: Iran is not on the defensive. It is leveraging geography, technology, alliances, and unbreakable national will to hold the world ransom. Tehran is on course to prevail.

Dr Umar Musa Kallah, a writer and community advocate, can be reached via yakubunasirukhalid@gmail.com.