Month: May 2025

By Anwar Usman

At least 20 athletes from Kano were reportedly dead following a ghastly car accident at Dakatsalle Bridge in the Kura Local Government area of Kano State.

The athletes were said to be returning from from the just concluded National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Fagge, who confirmed the incident, said many other athletes sustained various injuries following the fatal accident on Saturday.

He stated that the bus carrying 30 athletes fell from the bridge, leading to the death of the 20 athletes.

He further stated that “As I am talking to you now, we have counted 19 dead bodies”.

Similarly, Ado Salisu, a former Vice President of SWAN, said victims were still being taken to Kura General Hospital.

Abdullahi Labaran, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kano Sector Command, also confirmed the accident.

He however said that he could not confirm the number of deaths and injured persons.

“We just received the report of the accident, so, I cannot confirm the exact number of casualties at the moment,” he added.

By Uzair Adam

Seventeen members of a household were swept away by the devastating flood that engulfed the Kpege area of Mokwa in Niger State on Wednesday night, pushing the death toll to 115.

One of the victims, Anas Usman, recounted the tragic events: “I lost 17 members of my household in the flood disaster that occurred on Thursday morning after a heavy downpour on Wednesday night.

“We were preparing to go to the farm in the morning when our house was suddenly submerged by the flood. We didn’t even know where it came from.

“The flood caused our house to collapse, taking with it children, women, and men from our family,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Mr. Yakubu Garba, visited the affected community to assess the situation.

Acting on the directive of Governor Umaru Bago, Garba confirmed that more than 115 bodies had been recovered, with search and rescue efforts still underway.

“I have been briefed by officials from NEMA and NSEMA, who have been on the ground since the incident began, conducting search and rescue operations.

“I was told that over 100 people lost their lives, and some have yet to be buried as efforts continue,” he said.

Addressing victims at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Garba urged patience and assured them that the state government is working to provide relief materials.

He added that the government had already received relief supplies from NEMA and handed them over to the council chairman for distribution to the victims.

Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, said the agency had provided essential supplies—including rice, blankets, and mats—which have been handed over to the state government through the deputy governor.

She also noted that NEMA was coordinating with the Red Cross and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to support the affected community.

In a statement issued yesterday, Umar confirmed that “based on an on-site assessment conducted Friday, 30th May 2025, no fewer than 115 bodies have so far been recovered as search and rescue operations continue.

Injured persons evacuated to various health centres in Mokwa have been treated and discharged, while some received immediate first aid at the scene.”

The epicentres of the disaster were identified as the Unguwan Hausawa and Tiffin Maza neighbourhoods within Mokwa township.

The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and all those affected by this tragic event. President Bola Tinubu has been fully briefed on the situation and has directed all relevant emergency and security agencies to intensify the search and rescue operations. The immediate priority of the Federal Government is to save lives and provide urgent relief to survivors.”

He commended the courage and dedication of first responders and volunteers, who risked their lives in the ongoing rescue efforts.

Idris also urged residents in the affected areas to cooperate fully with emergency officials and adhere to all evacuation directives issued.

“The Federal Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. In this moment of grief, the nation stands united with them in solidarity,” he said.

By Aisha Musa Auyo

Let me start with this adage: being predictable is boring. The only way to keep attracting your man is by constantly exciting him.

A woman’s unpredictability and mystery can add excitement and intrigue to a relationship, keeping things fresh and engaging. This sense of mystery fosters curiosity and a desire to continually learn more about her, which can help prevent complacency. By maintaining an air of unpredictability, a woman can inspire her partner to stay attentive and actively invested, enhancing emotional and romantic connections.

A classy woman in a relationship exudes respect, grace, and self-confidence. She values herself and her partner, communicates maturely, and maintains her dignity even in challenging situations. Her elegance comes through her kindness, understanding, and ability to express love while setting healthy boundaries. This balance makes her an inspiring and cherished partner.

There are many ways to display charm and sophistication in everyday life.

When it comes to names, choosing affectionate ones for your spouse can depend on the mood, occasion, and shared history. Some days, you can be casual and warm, like “My love,” “Sweetheart,” or “Habibi.” At other times, use respectful titles like “Sir,” “Ranka ya dade,” “Alangubro,” or “Yallabai.”

Use playful nicknames on fun and flirty days (I won’t drop examples here, yauwa). During special moments, use affirming and supportive names like “My Hero” or “My Rock.”

In terms of dressing, if you’re always wearing native wear, surprise him with bum shorts and a spaghetti top. Or try a clingy evening gown or a see-through nightie. Let him know you possess what those Ashawos flaunt, except yours is reserved for his eyes alone.

When styling clothes, try different outfits that give you a new look and poise. We love comfort, but we can still make comfort look sexy and appealing.

Before experimenting with style, know your body type. Know what flatters your figure and what doesn’t. You can’t wear a fitted gown with a big tummy or bum shorts with bow legs. If you’re Qashi da Rai, avoid bubu—it may make you look like Muciya da Zani at home. Yauwa! This isn’t body shaming—it’s being real.

On perfume: know that perfume is the silent language of emotions. A single scent can lift a mood, stir memories, and instantly transform feelings. Use perfume to your advantage at home. It’s a soft weapon of attraction.

Learn to use scents to evoke peace, desire, and comfort. Use different perfumes for the day, night, special occasions, or even just to create a relaxing atmosphere. If you stick to one scent, he might get used to it, and it may lose its effect. Find out which scents he likes and rotate them. Explore English and Arab perfumes, humra, oils, kulaccam, incense, body mist, body milk, body sprays, bath mists—you name it. And remember: your house should smell pleasant too. Don’t smell like a flower while the house smells like Daddawa! Set the tone with your space, then yourself.

Nana Aisha (RA) said:

“I used to perfume the Prophet (peace be upon him) with the best perfume I could find until I saw the shine of the perfume on his head and beard.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5923)

When it comes to homemaking, we must constantly evolve. If you can’t change furniture often, update your space with small touches: new decor, decluttering, rearranging, or freshening up your environment. Minimal furnishing in small spaces often gives the cleanest look. Keep the house neat and germ-free. Fumigate regularly, burn incense, and use home mists, fresheners, and mopping sprays.

On behaviour—this is tricky, because we can’t be who we are not, but we can improve. If you’re naturally moody, try being more cheerful around your man. A cheerful wife is a huge turn-on. Be the woman he rushes home to. This way, he’ll notice quickly when something is off.

Avoid nagging. Often, a gentle reminder or silence works better than complaints. Be calm when he expects arguments, and then ‘show him shege’ when he least expects it—that’s the art of being unpredictable with a touch of sophistication. But this only works if your man is mature and understanding.

If you have the freedom and mutual understanding in your relationship, playfully surprise him by pretending to be away—perhaps plan a two-day trip, but return after just one. Welcome him with a good meal, a new nightie, and a memorable evening. Or, if he’s open to it, surprise him at work or send a special lunch to brighten his day.

If you always cook continental dishes, try traditional meals sometimes. If you usually serve food plainly, try plating and garnishing. Serve kunun tsamiya instead of a smoothie, or fresh juice instead of fruit salad. Don’t be the woman who only cooks shinkafa da miya and tuwo. Learn, upgrade, and initiate.

For hairstyles, try different braids or updos—ponytails, doughnuts, Kitson GABA, all-back, Calabar styles, etc.- but choose based on your hair type. Don’t insist on a style that doesn’t suit your hair. Most importantly, keep your hair clean and fragrant.

In Oza’s other room, learn to initiate intimacy. Don’t be the boring wife who waits for her husband to make the first move. A wife initiating intimacy strengthens emotional and physical bonds, makes her husband feel desired and valued, and breaks the assumption that one partner must always lead intimacy. It deepens connection, enhances communication, and fosters a more fulfilling relationship.

Also, explore different styles to keep things exciting and mutually satisfying.

If you’re used to black henna, try red or maroon. If you always wear ‘daurin ture ka ga tsiya, switch to turbans or different gele styles.

Sometimes, soften your voice—lower your tone and speak gently when needed. I heard there’s a tone called bedroom voice, right?

If you’re usually strong and independent, try being soft and playful sometimes.

If you’re always asking for money, ease up on small requests, especially when he’s managing big expenses. Surprise him instead with a perfume, shoes, a book, attire, pyjamas, a watch, or a ring. You shouldn’t always be the one expecting gifts. That’s why we say ‘ki nemi kudi, Lantana’.

And to you, Dan Lami or Man Sagir, know that all this charm, sophistication, versatility, and surprise can’t happen if you are too strict, stingy, or overbearing. You must be friendly and generous with your words, smiles, time, emotions, and yes, your wallet. Yauwa.

Lemme stop here….

Aisha Musa Auyo is a doctoral researcher in Educational Psychology. A wife, a mother, a homemaker, a caterer, a parenting, and relationship coach. She can be reached via aishamuauyo@live.co.uk.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced a remote Bank Verification Number (BVN) registration for Nigerians living abroad, but at a cost of $50 (N80,000).

The new Non-Resident BVN (NRBVN) platform, launched in partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), allows diaspora Nigerians to register without visiting Nigeria.

While BVN registration is free for Nigerians at home, those abroad must pay the fee to access the service.

Applicants must provide documents such as a Nigerian passport, proof of foreign residency, and a utility bill. The process includes identity verification and a liveness test.

The move aims to boost financial inclusion and remittances, with the CBN targeting $1 billion in monthly diaspora inflows.

However, reactions are mixed—some see the fee as reasonable compared to travel costs, while others call it an unfair revenue tactic.

The NRBVN platform also offers access to investment accounts and financial services, with repatriation options for diaspora investors.investor.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a decisive blow against terrorism, Nigerian Special Forces under Operation HADIN KAI have eliminated a high-profile Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Amir Abu Fatima, along with several of his lieutenants in Kukawa, Northern Borno State.

The successful operation, carried out on May 30, 2025, followed credible intelligence reports on the terrorists’ hideout.

Abu Fatima, who had a ₦100 million bounty on his head, was fatally wounded in a fierce gun battle with troops. His deputy, explosives experts, and multiple fighters were also neutralized in the encounter.

Military sources confirmed the recovery of AK-47 rifles, ammunition, explosives, and IED-making materials from the scene.

No casualties were recorded among Nigerian forces.

This strike marks a major setback for terrorist operations in the region and underscores the Armed Forces’ ongoing efforts to restore stability in the Northeast.

By Abdullahi Abubakar Lamido, PhD

It was a warm afternoon in my office at the Zakah and Waqf Foundation in Gombe, and I had cleared my schedule for what was described as a “very important meeting.” A group of nine young professionals—doctors, nurses, and medical administrators—filed in with purposeful expressions. These were respected Muslim health workers in our community, competent and resourceful in their own rights, leading their Muslim body. 

They sat down, exchanged pleasantries, and after a few minutes, one of them cleared his throat and spoke. “We were hoping you could help us reach Qatar Charity. We want to build a mosque in our hospital.”

I paused. My mind raced not with criticism but with confusion. These were not poor villagers. These were professionals, all salaried, some likely earning above average. I asked gently, “How much will the mosque cost?”

“About ten million naira.”

“And how many Muslim staff do you have?”

“Roughly 500,” they responded.

I picked up a pen and scribbled something. “That’s twenty thousand naira each,” I said. “Divided over four months, that’s 5,000 naira per month.”

There was a short silence. “You don’t need Qatar Charity,” I told them. “You need yourselves; you need Gombe Charity.”

From my limited understanding, I explained that most international charities, like Qatar Charity, raise funds from within their own people first. They identify a problem in a country, develop a proposal, return to their citizens and say: “Donate to build a mosque in Nigeria.” If they can do that for us, why can’t we do it for ourselves? I then told them to put my name as the first donor of the twenty thousand naira to kickstart the project. 

That brief meeting offered a glimpse into a deeper issue—our chronic psychological dependence on external aid, even when we can act. The problem isn’t always material poverty; often, it’s a lack of belief in our collective strength—a poverty of the mind and will.

The Turkey Phenomenon: A Lesson Misunderstood

Take, for example, the popular trend in some Northern Nigerian states where applications pour into Turkish and other organisations for Qurbani (Udhiya) distributions. Turkish charities, may Allah reward them, buy cows and distribute meat during Eid.

But here’s a crucial question: Is this a model to emulate or one to reconsider? If every year, our people look outward to receive—and never inward to learn how to organise, fund, and distribute—we risk cultivating a culture of constant reception without reciprocity.

Islam is not a religion of passivity. It teaches us to act before asking, to solve before seeking, and to build with what is already in our hands. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us that the upper hand is better than the lower one—the hand that gives is superior to the hand that receives.

The Al-Basar Example: From Vision to Visionary Impact

Now, let’s discuss a model worth following—Al-Basar International Foundation.

Al Basar International Foundation is a non-profit international NGO. Founded in 1989 by a group of concerned professionals. Al-Basar is a shining example of what happens when people come together to solve a problem themselves. Their focus? Combating preventable blindness across the Muslim world. No dependency. No grand donor campaigns. Just strategic self-mobilisation as well as waqf and collaborative mindset. 

It works in Yemen, Bangladesh, Sudan, Nigeria, Pakistan, etc. In Nigeria, for instance, a 2019 campaign funded by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre in collaboration with Al Basar International Foundation saw medical volunteers from Saudi Arabia meet 8,000 eye patients and perform 800 eye surgeries to remove cataract and glaucoma in Ibadan, Nigeria, as well as in Lafia in Nasarawa State. 

The foundation manages the Makkah Eye Specialist Hospital in Kano state, Nigeria, where 4,000 free eye surgeries were carried out in 2021. The hospital treats eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy. In 2022, Al Basar International Foundation, in collaboration with the King Salman Relief Center, sponsored 400 free cataract surgeries for residents of Kano, which took place at Makkah Eye Specialist Hospital. 

Over the years, Al Basar has conducted over 2,000 outreach programs worldwide, performed over 700,000 cataract surgeries, and dispensed nearly 2 million glasses. With 28 hospitals across six countries, the foundation has recorded 26 million outpatient visits. It also invests in education by establishing colleges to train eye care professionals, impacting Africa and Asia. Their school screening program has reached over 1 million children, providing immediate interventions and ensuring a comprehensive approach to their eye health.

Now ask yourself: is Al-Basar a government-funded operation? No. Did it start with foreign aid? No. It was “from them, by them, for them.” And now it is for us, too—because they nurtured it to the point where it could grow beyond them.

We should not only admire such models. We should replicate them.

Historical Echoes: Islamic Proofs of Self-Driven Solutions

Uthman ibn Affan (RA) and the Well of Rumah

When water scarcity plagued Medina, and a private owner monopolised a well, the Prophet (SAW) called for someone to purchase it for the Muslims. Uthman (RA) stepped up, bought the well, and made it a public waqf. He didn’t write to Yemen. He didn’t petition the Romans. He simply used what Allah had given him to solve a problem for Allah’s sake.

So, What Can We Do? A Homegrown Waqf Blueprint

If we genuinely want to stop relying on donors and start building resilient communities, here are practical steps:

Think Within, Act Within: Begin every solution by asking what the community already has—not what it lacks. Do you have professionals? Land? Skills? Social networks? Then, start from there.

Group Economic Self-Waqfing: Encourage professional groups (doctors, teachers, engineers, traders, lawyers) to dedicate a portion of monthly income to a fund. Even a modest 5,000 naira monthly from 100 people can generate sustainable capital. At Zakah and Waqf Foundation, we enjoy that from some professionals, and it works. 

Community Challenge Waqf: Identify a local challenge—maternal health, education for orphans, access to clean water—and collectively endow a waqf around it. Let the yield solve that problem perpetually.

Transparent Management Structures: Set up trustworthy waqf boards to manage resources. Trust fuels contribution. Accountability sustains it.

Celebrate Independence: Create cultural pride around self-funded projects. Showcase schools, hospitals, orphanages, and mosques built without a single foreign dime.

It is Time to Change the Script

Imagine if each LGA in Nigeria had one waqf-funded primary health centre, one vocational training centre, and one scholarship fund—all funded by local contributions from professionals, retirees, and small traders.

We would not be beggars. We would be builders.

It’s time to write a new story. One not of helplessness and application letters to foreign NGOs but of resolve, unity, and strategic giving. One of From Us, By Us, For Us—in the truest, most impactful sense.

When that story is told to future generations, they will say: There was a people who stopped waiting and started building.

Amir Lamido wrote from Gombe via lamidomabudi@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on has set aside a judgment of the Federal High Court in Kano which nullified the composition of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission and the local government election held on October 26, 2024.

A three-judge panel, led by Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, said the Federal High Court did not in any way have the power to hear cases about state electoral bodies and their members.

The court said that these matters should be handled by the Kano State High Court.The court accepted appeals from the Kano State Attorney General, the Kano State House of Assembly, and KASIEC.

It then dismissed the cases at the Federal High Court for lack of authority.

In a related case, the Court of Appeal also over ruled another Federal High Court ruling noting that, the earlier ruling had rejected the list of candidates sent to KASIEC by one faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party for the recent local government election.

The Court of Appeal said the case, which involved a dispute over NNPP leadership and candidate lists from two groups, was not within the Federal High Court’s power to decide.

It added that party leadership and candidate choices cannot be settled in court.

By Hassan Muhammad

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been crowned Galatasaray’s Best Player of the Year after a sensational debut season in Turkey.

On loan from Napoli, Osimhen scored 35 goals in 39 matches, helping Galatasaray secure both the Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup. His standout performances included a brace in the cup final and a decisive goal in the league’s final matchday.

Club legend Tanju Çolak praised the forward as “the best player of the season,” while Osimhen himself expressed gratitude for the honor, calling Galatasaray “an amazing club.”

His future remains uncertain, but fans are hopeful he will extend his stay in Istanbul.

By Maryam Ahmad

President Bola Tinubu has outlined significant gains in national security, youth empowerment, and innovation as his administration clocks two years in office, asserting that the groundwork is being laid for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.

In a comprehensive national address, President Tinubu said his administration had improved collaboration among security agencies and made substantial gains in previously volatile regions. “In some areas of the northwest, hitherto under the control of bandits, our gallant armed forces have restored order,” he said.

The President emphasised the role of young Nigerians in national development, citing innovative programmes at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), such as electric vehicle assembly, drone engineering training for women, and local manufacturing of rapid diagnostic kits.

“These initiatives are creating jobs, restoring dignity to work, and opening up a future of possibilities for our youth,” Tinubu stated.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the federal government has also embarked on large-scale infrastructure projects, including major highway reconstructions, rural electrification through solar initiatives, and enhanced support for farmers to boost food security.

In a nod to cultural diplomacy, the President announced plans for the Motherland Festival—a global event that will showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage, creativity, and tourism potential.

Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora and introduced new policies, including a diaspora bond and non-resident BVN, to encourage greater engagement.

“Our direction is clear, and so is our resolve,” the President said in closing. “The real impact of our governance objectives is beginning to take hold. The future is bright.”

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has arrested 41 suspects, including key perpetrators, in connection with the gruesome killing of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rano Division, CSP Baba Ali.

This was revealed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

The Command condemned the killing, describing it as a senseless and shocking act that represents a direct attack on law enforcement and the safety of society.

It noted that the tragic loss has been met with widespread condemnation across the state.Following swift investigations, the police apprehended 41 suspects, including those identified as the principal actors.

The Command pledged to intensify efforts to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice without exception.

CP Bakori assured residents of Kano that the police remain fully committed to safeguarding lives and property.

He urged the public to remain calm and continue supporting the police with useful information to aid the investigation.

The Command also paid tribute to CSP Baba Ali for his courage and sacrifice, reaffirming its dedication to honoring the fallen officer’s memory by ensuring justice is served.