Month: June 2025

By Muhammad Sabiu

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector has been launched with the inauguration of the Livestock Value Chain for Youth and Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited. The cooperative aims to empower youth and women through value addition, targeting a ₦4 billion increase in livestock export value within the next three years.

Speaking during the virtual launch and swearing-in ceremony, President and Initiator, Hajiya Khuraira Musa, described the initiative as a “solution” to the economic struggles of rural farmers, youth, and women. She emphasised its mission to promote food security, economic empowerment, and dignified livelihoods across Nigeria, especially in the North.

“Our vision is to rebuild communities and elevate underrepresented groups while revolutionising the livestock value chain,” she said.

The executive board includes key figures such as Dr. Zainab Talatu Ahmed (General Secretary), Engr. Salim Salis Musa (Director of Projects), Dr. Dasuki Umar Kabir (Director of Marketing & Export), and Halima Adole Yusuf (Director of Women Engagement). Other notable members include Amb. Ferdinald Feson Fada, Pastor Celina Gar, Dr. Hussaini Adamu, and Batulu Sadiq.

The cooperative has developed a 12-month export development strategy under the leadership of Dr. Dasuki Umar Kabir, targeting markets in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Egypt. Plans include international product certification, cold-chain logistics, export branding, and business-to-business trade missions.

Advisory board members such as Aliyu Asghar Sa’eed Yar’Adua, Dr. Fatima Sule Mohammed, and Hauwa Muhammad Maccido are expected to provide strategic guidance.

In addition to its economic focus, the cooperative promotes social responsibility through interest-free loans, guaranteed offtake agreements, and training in livestock handling, agri-tech, and cooperative governance.

Membership is by referral only. According to Mohammed Sodangi, Director of Membership and Community Mobilisation, applicants must be recommended by a member in good standing and approved by the General Assembly. Recruitment efforts will involve women- and youth-led town hall engagements, as well as partnerships with traditional and religious leaders.

Hajiya Khuraira Musa concluded, “We are not just running a cooperative—we are rewriting the future of rural Nigeria, where livestock becomes a ladder to peace, prosperity, and progress.”

With its visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and ambitious export targets, the cooperative stands poised to become a national model for sustainable rural development.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Yellow Danbokkolo, the notorious bandit kingpin long feared across eastern Sokoto and parts of Zamfara State, has died from injuries sustained during a fierce confrontation with Nigerian security forces last week.

His death was confirmed by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Print Media, via a post on his verified social media account. According to Abdulaziz, Danbokkolo succumbed to his wounds on Sunday.

Danbokkolo, widely considered even more dangerous than the infamous Bello Turji, was linked to numerous deadly attacks in the region. He was the mastermind of the gruesome December 2021 arson attack in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, where dozens of travellers were burned alive.

Security sources say the bandit leader’s reign of terror was sustained by a chronic addiction to pentazocine, a powerful opioid, which he reportedly abused in heavy doses.

Residents of the affected communities have expressed relief at the news, hoping it marks a turning point in the fight against rural banditry in Nigeria’s northwest.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has dismissed reports claiming he was sacked by President Bola Tinubu, labelling them as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, Akume described the rumours as baseless and the work of mischief-makers.

“The information is entirely false and lacks any factual basis, as Mr. President has no intention of removing me,” the statement read. Akume emphasized that he retains President Tinubu’s full confidence and remains committed to driving the administration’s Renewed Hope AgendaThe SGF urged the media and the public to verify information before dissemination, warning that fake news erodes trust in institutions. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga also refuted the claims, reinforcing that Akume remains in office.

By Uzair Adam

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised alarm over the growing threat of loneliness, revealing that more than 871,000 people die globally each year due to its effects.

In a report released on Monday, the WHO Commission noted that one in six individuals worldwide is grappling with loneliness — a condition that, along with social isolation, significantly impacts both physical and mental health.

The report outlined that loneliness raises the risk of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and suicide. It also has academic and economic consequences, with lonely teenagers 22 percent more likely to perform poorly in school, while affected adults struggle more with employment.

Beyond personal consequences, the commission said loneliness leads to major economic costs due to increased healthcare demands and lost productivity.

Co-chair of the commission, Vivek Murthy, described loneliness as “a painful, subjective feeling that many of us experience when the relationships that we need do not match the relationships that we have.”

He distinguished it from social isolation, which he defined as an objective state of having few social connections.

According to the WHO, one in three elderly people and one in four adolescents are socially isolated.

The report cited causes including illness, low income, poor education, lack of social opportunities, living alone, and excessive use of digital technologies.

Murthy highlighted that while human communication has traditionally included facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, these elements are often lost when interaction is limited to phones and social media.

Sweden was highlighted as a model example in tackling loneliness.

The country has launched a national strategy to promote social connections in public spaces like shops, restaurants, and clubs.

Swedish Social Minister Jakob Forssmed revealed that prepaid cards are being introduced for children and teens to encourage participation in group leisure activities.

The country also plans to ban mobile phones in public schools to foster in-person interaction.

Studies referenced in the report suggest such efforts have improved social bonds, reduced cyberbullying, and improved sleep patterns among young people.

While acknowledging the benefits of digital tools, the WHO emphasised the need for physical spaces where people can connect without technological interference.

Murthy stressed, “Having places and spaces in our life where we can interact face-to-face with other people without the distraction of technology is very important.”

By Oladoja M.O

In the annals of Nigeria’s healthcare odyssey, the narrative has long been marred by systemic inertia, infrastructural decay, and a pervasive sense of despondency. For decades, the nation’s health sector languished in a state of neglect, characterized by underfunded primary healthcare centers, a dearth of medical personnel, and an overreliance on foreign aid. The corridors of our hospitals echoed with the silent cries of the underserved, while policymakers offered platitudes devoid of actionable substance.

Enter the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2023, heralding a paradigm shift that seeks to redefine the contours of Nigeria’s health landscape. At the heart of this transformation lies the comprehensive overhaul of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), a mechanism previously crippled by bureaucratic bottlenecks and inadequate financing.

The reimagined BHCPF now boasts a projected infusion of at least $2.5 billion between 2024 and 2026, a testament to the administration’s commitment to fortifying the primary healthcare system. This financial renaissance is not merely a numerical augmentation but a strategic realignment aimed at enhancing service delivery at the grassroots.

The direct facility funding to primary healthcare centers has been escalated from ₦300,000 to a range between ₦600,000 and ₦800,000 per quarter, ensuring that resources are channeled efficiently to where they are most needed. Such fiscal decentralization empowers local health facilities, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability that was hitherto absent.

Complementing this financial strategy is an ambitious infrastructural agenda. The administration has embarked on a mission to double the number of functional primary healthcare centers from 8,809 to over 17,600 by 2027, a move poised to bridge the accessibility gap that has long plagued rural and underserved communities. These centers are envisioned not as isolated units but as integral components of a comprehensive emergency care system, ensuring a seamless continuum of care.

Human capital development forms another pillar of this transformative agenda. Recognizing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals, the government has initiated the training of 120,000 frontline health workers over a 16-month period, encompassing doctors, nurses, midwives, and community health extension workers. This initiative not only addresses the immediate workforce deficit but also lays the groundwork for a resilient health system capable of withstanding future shocks.

In a bold move to stimulate local pharmaceutical production and reduce dependency on imports, the administration has eliminated tariffs, excise duties, and value-added tax on specialized machinery, equipment, and pharmaceutical raw materials. This policy is anticipated to catalyze the domestic manufacturing sector, ensuring the availability of essential medicines and medical devices while fostering economic growth.

Public health initiatives have also received a significant boost. Nigeria has become one of the first countries to roll out the Oxford R21 malaria vaccine, a landmark development in the fight against a disease that has long been a scourge in the region. Additionally, the administration has launched targeted programs aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, focusing on 172 local government areas that account for a significant proportion of such deaths.

However, amidst these commendable strides, challenges persist. The sustainability of these reforms’ hinges on robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability. The specter of corruption, which has historically undermined health sector initiatives, must be vigilantly guarded against. Furthermore, the success of these programs requires the active collaboration of state governments, civil society, and the private sector.

In conclusion, the Tinubu administration’s approach to healthcare reform seemingly represents a departure from the perfunctory gestures of the past. It is a comprehensive, well-funded, and strategically articulated plan that addresses the multifaceted challenges of the sector. While the journey towards a fully revitalized health system is fraught with obstacles, the current trajectory offers a beacon of hope. It is imperative that all stakeholders coalesce around this vision, ensuring that the momentum is sustained and that the promise of accessible, quality healthcare becomes a reality for all Nigerians.

Oladoja M.O writes from Abuja and can be reached at: mayokunmark@gmail.com

By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR

It often begins in silence, the kind of silence that follows suffering, that surrounds forgotten people and places. Then, one day, someone listens. Someone hears the unheard cries and decides to act. Not for praise. Not for politics. Just for people. That is how the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation was born out of quiet empathy and bold conviction.

Founded by the respected and remarkably selfless Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti, this foundation has grown into a strong pillar of light for those trapped in the shadows of neglect. It doesn’t announce itself with noise, but rather with impact. It doesn’t parade power, but wields compassion with quiet strength. In every village it touches, in every child it lifts, the foundation tells a story of care that is both personal and profound.

At the heart of Wunti Al-Khair is a simple but powerful philosophy: people matter. Whether it’s a sick mother, a child without a school, a youth without skills, or a traditional gasping for breath—everyone counts. The foundation has built its work on four timeless pillars: health, education, skills, culture, and community services. These aren’t just categories; they are the lifeblood of any thriving society. And Wunti Al-Khair doesn’t just serve these areas; instead, it brings them to life.

In healthcare, the foundation reaches places others overlook. It breathes life into under-equipped rural clinics, supports emergency services, organises medical outreaches, and ensures that the poorest families are not left behind. Where once fear and despair prevailed, now there is relief—and a renewed will to live. For many, a hospital bill is the difference between hope and helplessness. But through Wunti Al-Khair, that burden is lifted with dignity.

In education, the foundation does more than hand out books, renovate classrooms, or award scholarships. It opens the doors of destiny. Imagine a young girl from a forgotten hamlet stepping into school for the first time, her eyes wide with dreams, her hands clutching a schoolbag gifted by strangers who saw her worth. That’s the kind of miracle Wunti Al-Khair delivers—not one-time donations, but long-term transformation.

Skills development follows naturally. Because education alone can inspire, but skills empower. The foundation trains women, nurtures local entrepreneurs, supports artisans, and helps young people turn their talents into trades. It doesn’t just teach people to fish; it gives them a pond, a rod, and the confidence to cast their lines.

Then there is the culture: the soul of a people. Now, as globalisation tries to wash away local identity, Wunti Al-Khair holds firm. It celebrates heritage, promotes traditional art, supports festivals, and reminds communities that their past is not a relic but a treasure. By honouring culture, it strengthens pride, and through pride, it nurtures progress.

Governments often fall short in fulfilling their responsibility to provide basic amenities for the populace. The Wunti Al-Khair Foundation has stepped in to fill the gap with endless commitment. The foundation restores hope in underserved communities by implementing impactful, grassroots initiatives. Among its most notable contributions are the drilling of solar-powered boreholes in rural areas, ensuring access to clean and sustainable water sources. It also extends compassion to the less privileged and vulnerable by providing permanent and temporary shelter solutions.

But a foundation, no matter how noble, is only as strong as the man behind it. And in Dr. Bala Wunti, we see not a benefactor from above, but a father beside us. His generosity is quiet, his heart open, and his actions resolute. Those who know him describe a man who listens before speaking, gives without being asked, and navigates life with humility and purpose. His leadership is not defined by status, but by service.

Dr. Bala’s life is a lesson. From humble beginnings to impactful influence, he has never lost sight of the human face of hardship. He gives not because he has to, but because he cannot not give. For him, lifting one person is worth more than a thousand compliments. He believes that the true measure of wealth is not in what you own, but in the number of lives you’ve made better.

Wunti Al-Khair Foundation is not just an organisation; it’s a movement of mercy. It is a reminder that in a world often clouded by selfishness, there are still hearts that beat solely for others. You won’t always see its name in headlines, but you’ll find it in the eyes of a healthy mother, in the smile of a child clutching a scholarship letter, in the hands of a youth finding his worth and becoming independent, and in the praises of others whose lives have been touched.

This is a revolution led by kindness. One community at a time. One human being at a time.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State departed Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Sunday night, leading a high-powered delegation to attend the funeral rites of the late business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, in Madina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dantata passed away in the early hours of Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.This was made known in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Accompanying the Governor on this solemn journey are the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Umar Namadi, former Governor Barr. Ali Saad Birnin Kudu, and other senior government officials and notable dignitaries from Kano.

The Daily Reality reports that Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a towering figure in commerce, philanthropy, and community service, spent his final days in devotion in Abu Dhabi before his passing.

His death marks the end of an era, closing a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s business and humanitarian history.

Speaking shortly before his departure, Governor Yusuf described the late Dantata as “a father to many, whose generosity and commitment to humanity transcended borders.”

He added that the presence of the delegation in Madina reflects the deep respect and gratitude the people and government of Kano State have for the deceased elder statesman.

The funeral in Madina is expected to attract delegations from across Nigeria, including federal and state officials, family members, business associates, Islamic scholars, and admirers, all gathering to pray for the repose of his soul.

Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata will be remembered for his humility, deep faith, and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and community development.

By Uzair Adam

A professor of Special Education at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Hassana Darma, has unveiled her Hausa translation of the globally acclaimed Islamic book The Ideal Muslimah, originally written in Arabic by Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi and later translated into English by Nasiruddin Al-Khattab.

The book, now titled Musulma Ta Gari in Hausa, was presented during the monthly seminar organised by the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) at Bayero University, Kano, on Sunday.

Speaking at the event, Professor Darma narrated how the translation journey began with a single chapter she found in a folder of Islamic texts shared by a friend.

“I came across a chapter titled “The Muslim Woman and Her Husband”. I felt it was something that could benefit married women if translated into Hausa,” she said.

She later discovered that the chapter was part of a larger book while visiting a relative. “That’s when it dawned on me that I could translate the entire book, even if it would take years,” she added.

The project, which spanned nearly 15 years, was completed with guidance and review from Professor Ahmed Murtala of the Department of Islamic Studies and Sharia.

“It wasn’t an academic assignment; I did it during holidays, strikes, and personal time,” Darma explained.

Highlighting the book’s relevance, she noted that the content guides Muslim women through various aspects of life, ranging from their relationship with Allah to their interactions with parents, spouses, children, and the broader society.

“It’s a recipe for life. If you follow the content like you follow a cooking recipe, it can cleanse and guide your soul,” she noted.

Professor Darma also encouraged other women to take up translation projects, especially in areas that can benefit society.

“Many people don’t have access to knowledge because of language barriers. If we who understand more than one language translate, we will bridge that gap,” she said.

She further called on media houses to consider disseminating such works through radio, citing that “our people are better listeners than readers.”

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Furuk Umar Usman, husband to Professor Hassana Darma, commended her dedication to the translation project, stating that she was often seen working tirelessly at her computer.

He expressed gratitude to all those who supported the successful completion of the book, including their children, her sisters, and other family members.

Dr. Furuk acknowledged that the task was rigorous and time-consuming, but noted that the work received commendations from several respected individuals.

He narrated how Professor Ahmad Murtala provided support during the translation process and how the book was well received by the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas.

He added that the book was also presented to Professor Sani Umar Rijiyar Lemo, who equally praised the quality of the translation.

Also speaking, Professor Aishatu Abdu Isma’il of the Department of Political Science, BUK, and a director at IIIT, described the book as “a powerful guide” that helps Muslim women understand their purpose in life and their roles in building moral societies.

“She has not missed the message of the original Arabic or English versions. The book reminds women of who they are, who they worship, and how they relate with others,” she said.

She added that the values in the book address pressing societal issues such as gender-based violence, poor parenting, and moral decay.

“Chapter 10 alone talks about a woman’s relationship with her community — which is critical today,” she stressed.

Also commenting, Dr. Saida Ahmad Dukawa, the National Coordinator of the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), noted that the event was organised as part of the institute’s monthly intellectual engagement series.

He explained that the gathering was aimed at reviewing the Hausa translation of The Ideal Muslimah, titled Musulma Ta Gari, rendered by Professor Hassana Darma.

According to him, IIIT regularly hosts scholarly presentations to foster intellectual discourse and knowledge sharing.

Dr. Dukawa emphasised the significant but often undervalued contributions of women to societal development, stating that the influence of women—especially mothers—plays a foundational role in shaping individuals long before formal education begins.

“Almost every renowned individual begins life with the tarbiyya, or moral training, provided by their mother.

“Women are the first educators, shaping the values and manners of future generations,” he said, stressing that behind every successful man, there is often a strong and nurturing woman.

The official launch of Musulma Ta Gari is scheduled for July 26 at the Convocation Arena of Bayero University, Kano.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria has taken a significant step onto the global stage as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been unanimously elected Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council—the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.

The development came during the final session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.

Adeniyi takes over from Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, becoming the first Nigerian to occupy the post since the establishment of the WCO.

His election coincides with the second anniversary of his appointment as Nigeria’s Comptroller-General of Customs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in June 2023.

In his reaction, CGC Adeniyi described his emergence as Chairperson as “both humbling and historic for Nigeria and the African Customs community at large.”

While thanking the Council members for their trust, he noted, “This honour is not mine alone, it reflects the collective progress of the Nigeria Customs Service and the transformative agenda we’ve pursued over the past two years.”

He further pledged to uphold the WCO’s core values and promote innovation, fairness, and stronger collaboration among member countries.

“As Chairperson, I pledge to uphold the core values of the WCO, while promoting innovation, equity, and deeper collaboration among member states in response to the complex realities of global trade.”

CGC Adeniyi reiterated his full commitment to the WCO’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and ongoing modernisation agenda.

“We are entering a critical phase in the evolution of global trade, where customs must balance facilitation with enforcement, transparency with innovation, and sovereignty with cooperation,” he said. “I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution fit for today’s challenges.”

He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, acknowledging the stability and direction he brought to the Council.

Adeniyi said he looked forward to engaging constructively with other customs leaders during his tenure to further strengthen global cooperation.

The WCO Council, made up of representatives from 185 member states, serves as the governing authority of the organisation.

It sets the tone for global customs policy and provides direction for all its working bodies.As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi will lead the WCO Policy Commission and coordinate high-level discussions on major customs-related issues including trade facilitation, revenue generation, cross-border security, and digital transformation.

He will also collaborate closely with the WCO Secretary-General, Mr. Ian Saunders, to implement strategic objectives while promoting capacity building and sustainability, especially in developing countries.

The position also places him at the heart of global diplomatic engagements, representing the WCO at international forums and building partnerships with external stakeholders, including private sector groups and multilateral institutions.

A symbolic highlight followed the Council session, as the South African flag was lowered and replaced with Nigeria’s at the WCO headquarters—a moment met with warm applause by delegates.

The gesture underscored Nigeria’s growing global profile and marked a proud milestone for the country and the African continent.

With CGC Adeniyi now at the helm of global customs leadership, Nigeria is expected to spearhead critical conversations on customs reform, technology integration, anti-smuggling strategies, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a significant move to overhaul Nigeria’s educational infrastructure, the Federal Government has inaugurated a high-level committee to develop comprehensive Public-Private Partnership (PPP) guidelines aimed at attracting private sector investment into the sector.

The initiative, led by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa CON, seeks to address persistent infrastructural and capacity deficits, particularly in secondary and tertiary institutions.

Speaking at the committee’s inauguration, Dr. Alausa emphasized the need for innovation and collaboration in education financing. “Government cannot do it alone… We must leverage private funding to modernize and sustain our educational system,” he said, noting that while current funding efforts—such as the 2025 education budget and TETFund interventions—are commendable, they remain inadequate.

The newly inaugurated committee, chaired by the Honourable Minister of State for Education (represented by the Director of Special Duties), includes key directors from the ministry, and representatives from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Ministry of Housing, and other stakeholders.

Its mandate includes formulating PPP benchmarks, reviewing legal frameworks, clarifying stakeholder roles, establishing performance indicators, designing oversight mechanisms, and recommending penalties for non-compliance. The committee has been given three months to submit its report.

“If we do this right, this document can be a model for other ministries,” Dr. Alausa noted.

Other speakers at the event, including ministry officials and stakeholders, expressed strong support for the initiative and its potential to transform Nigeria’s education landscape.