Month: June 2025

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Tens of thousands of Americans marched in cities across the United States in coordinated protests against what organisers described as President Donald Trump’s growing authoritarian tendencies, his immigration policies, and what they labeled a government that favors the wealthy.

Demonstrations were reported in all 50 states, with protest leaders calling the action the biggest national mobilisation since Trump returned to power in January.

Participants carried placards bearing messages such as “No Kings,” “No crown for the clown,” and “The Trump fascist regime must go now!”

These slogans reflected widespread anger over what they see as Trump’s erosion of democratic norms.

The protests stood in stark contrast to a $45 million military parade that took place in Washington, held in honour of the US Army’s founding and coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday.

Critics condemned the show of force as unnecessary and called it a waste of public funds.

The deployment of National Guard units and Marines in cities like Los Angeles, despite objections from local leaders, drew further backlash.

“I’m here today to tell the world we don’t have kings in America. In America, the law is king,” said Ilene Ryan, who joined the protest in Boston.

In New York City, large crowds defied heavy rain to march down Fifth Avenue. Drums and chants of “Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go!” echoed throughout the streets.

Well-known actors Susan Sarandon and Mark Ruffalo were seen among those taking part.Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, demonstrators filled the city’s central areas chanting “No faux-king way” and “Impeach Trump.”

A giant balloon caricature of Trump wearing a diaper floated above the crowds while federal troops watched from a distance.

For many protesters, the issue was personal. Iris Rodriguez, 44, whose family entered the US without legal documentation, expressed her concerns.

“If this was my mom, if this were the ’80s, this would be happening to her,” she said. “I was scared, but I refuse to be too scared to come.”

While most of the demonstrations were peaceful, authorities in Culpeper, Virginia reported that a man intentionally drove his vehicle into a dispersing group of protesters. No injuries were reported.

In Los Angeles, law enforcement used tear gas and mounted police to clear demonstrators gathered near the federal building, which has become a focal point of recent protests against immigration enforcement.

Organisers say they plan to continue staging similar protests nationwide in the weeks ahead, vowing to sustain public pressure and defend civil liberties.

By Sani Surajo Abubakar

Dr. Sani Danjuma was among Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s personal aides appointed on the 16th of June, 2023 as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Administration I, but later assigned to oversee the portfolio of Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the governor following the redeployment of the earlier appointment PPS Dr. Faruk Kurawa to (Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority) KNARDA as substantive Managing Director.

Before his first appointment into the administrative circle of the government of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, he served as a senior lecturer and the Head of the Computer Science Department of the Northwest University, Kano. 

In the intricate web of governance, the role of a Principal Private Secretary to a Governor is often understated yet profoundly impactful. Dr. Sani Danjuma, as the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor of Kano State, exemplifies the qualities of an uncommon gatekeeper. 

His dedication, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to public service have made him an indispensable asset to the Kano State Government.

As a pillar of support, Dr. Danjuma’s role extends beyond mere administrative duties. He is the linchpin in the Governor’s office, ensuring seamless communication, efficient coordination, and timely decision-making. 

His expertise in managing complex schedules, facilitating high-level meetings, and advising on strategic matters has been pivotal in the smooth operation of the government.

Dr. Danjuma’s role has contributed to the smooth operation of the government by ensuring that decisions are implemented effectively; his robust coordination between public agencies is leading to more efficient service delivery.

Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Danjuma serves as a trusted advisor to the Governor, providing informed and innovative insights. His ability to analyse complex issues, foresee potential challenges, and propose effective solutions has earned him the respect and trust of his peers and superiors.

Also, his commitment to public service is evident in his tireless efforts to support the Governor’s initiatives and policies.

He is driven by a passion for contributing to the development of Kano State and improving the lives of its citizens. 

His work ethic and professionalism set a high standard for others in the public service.

What sets Dr. Danjuma apart is his uncommon leadership style, which combines humility with effectiveness. He leads by example, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence. 

Thus, his ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, from government officials to community leaders, has been crucial in advancing the Governor’s agenda.

Dr. Sani Danjuma’s role as an uncommon gatekeeper is a testament to his exceptional skills, dedication, and commitment to public service. 

As he continues to serve the people of Kano State in this capacity, his contributions will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the state’s development. 

His story inspires all who aspire to make a difference through public service.

In recognising Dr. Danjuma’s contributions, we acknowledge not just his professional achievements but also his character and the values he upholds. He is indeed an asset to the Governor’s office and a role model for future generations of public servants to emulate.

By highlighting Dr. Danjuma’s qualities and impact, it becomes clear that he is an indispensable tool in the number office in the state, contributing significantly to the state’s development.

His dedication to public service and strategic thinking is one of the tools that make him an exemplary figure in governance. 

Sani is the deputy director of the Public Enlightenment at Kano Government House.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Former Nigerian Vice President and presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has penned a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Titi Abubakar, on the occasion of her 75th birthday.

In a message shared on his social media platform, Atiku reflected on their unconventional journey to marriage. He revealed that the couple tied the knot without their families’ consent, witnessed only by two friends. Despite the odds, their union has endured for over five decades.

“Titi has been a blessing beyond measure to me and our family,” Atiku wrote. “I thank her for being patient with my shortcomings. Patience is a virtue you can never regret.”

He also encouraged couples to embrace patience in their relationships and wished his wife many more years of “bliss and blessings.”

It was a joyous occasion attended by family and friends, including the wife of the former military president, General Sani Abacha, Maryam Abacha.

By Arita Oluoma Alih

Anthony de Mello’s book The Prayer of the Frog explores human nature. An excerpt states, “Human beings react, not to reality, but to ideas in their heads.” The writer illustrates this concept with a metaphorical story about a pestilence travelling rapidly to a particular city. 

The pestilence met someone on the way who asked why he was speeding. He replied, “I am going to kill 1,000 lives.” On his way home, he met the same person, who said, “You killed 50,000 lives, not 1,000.” He replied, “I killed 1,000 lives; the rest died of fear.”

This phenomenon expounds how the human mind works. The additional 49,000 died solely due to fear and the thought of being killed, demonstrating the powerful impact of perception on reality. The human mind can be potent and perilous, as people’s thoughts and fears can shape their experiences and outcomes.

As simple as the words ‘self-awareness’ may sound, they hold significance. Just like people will say some statements do not hold water, these have a lot of water. Many folks do not understand what it means to be self-aware. 

Self-awareness shields you from manipulation in today’s complex world. It keeps you alive and conscious, helps maintain spiritual balance, gives you a sense of identity, and enables you to reflect on your personality, allowing you to stand firm in the face of adversity.

While I was reflecting on my personality, including my purpose and fears about not achieving certain things before reaching a certain age and how it may affect my mental health, self-awareness of these concerns led me to plan countermeasures if I don’t achieve them as envisioned.

Before proceeding, self-awareness needs to be understood: what is the self, what is awareness, and what does the compound term self-awareness entail? The self refers to a person’s entirety, encompassing their sense of identity, being, character traits, and individuality, distinguishing them from others. 

On the other hand, awareness is an individual’s capacity for reasoning and knowledge about things, including how to navigate potentially distressing situations; it’s essentially consciousness of mind. Self-awareness is the development of a conscious mind that observes, perceives thoughts, and reflects on its own personality.

I am an advocate of self-awareness because it helps shape lives. It enables one to stand firm on one’s goodwill. It helps self-discovery and ultimately prevents manipulation into doing something against one’s conscience and purpose.

Although an important life tool, many youth do not understand self-awareness and its significance. In a society where immorality is becoming the norm, do youths know how not to allow themselves to be convinced that such acts and other social vices are not the norm in a society that craves growth?

To thrive, we must answer these questions as youth in a Nigeria with over 200 million people, where the national grid is constantly collapsing, where the ASUU is always on strike over wages, where the farmers-herders clash is unending, and where politicians are continually toiling with the masses’ intelligence.  

In all these, self-awareness comes into play through self-interrogation. For example, will I allow myself to be used as a thug for politicians because of some necessities? Your answers and actions reflect your level of consciousness. When ASUU is on strike, you ask yourself, “What do I do with my time?” and so on. 

The power of observation, a component of self-awareness, is often underrated. Pay attention to your surroundings and the people you interact with. Notice their level of self-awareness, openness to learning, and mindset. Surround yourself with positivity, as those lacking these traits often spread negativity, which is not good for either growth or development.

This also takes us back to a story from Anthony de Mello’s The Prayer of the Frog, in which a Viennese surgeon taught his students that a surgeon needs two gifts: freedom from nausea and the power of observation. He demonstrated this by dipping one finger into a foul-smelling fluid and licking another, testing his students’ observation skills. While they passed the first test by showing no nausea, they failed the second by not noticing the surgeon’s trick. This underscores the veracity of observation.

Thus, navigating the murky waters of life, especially for Nigeria’s youthful population, requires one to train their mind and be self-aware because self-awareness begets self-consciousness and self-observation.

Arita Oluoma Alih writes from Abuja and can be reached at aritaarit118@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Israel has issued a stern new warning to Iran as tensions between the two rivals spiraled into open confrontation, with both sides launching deadly attacks in what appears to be one of the most dangerous escalations in recent years.

Reacting to continued Iranian missile attacks on Israeli cities, Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that Tehran had crossed a critical threshold.

“If Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn,” Katz said in a strongly worded statement released on Saturday.

His comments came in the wake of sustained Iranian rocket fire, which Israel claims has hit civilian areas.

The barrage followed an Israeli air assault on Friday targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

Tehran says the Israeli strikes killed at least 78 people, including civilians and some of the country’s most senior military officials.

According to Iran’s envoy to the United Nations, among those killed were General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

Former top security official, Ali Shamkhani, was also reportedly among the casualties.

On the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that his government had launched a large-scale military offensive known as Operation Rising Lion.

In a national broadcast, he said the operation had focused on Iran’s nuclear enrichment plant in Natanz, its missile facilities, and key scientists suspected of aiding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival,” Netanyahu said.

“This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”

In response to the loss of senior commanders, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced new appointments within the nation’s military command structure.

The changes were made public through a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

“In view of Lt. Gen. Gholamali Rashid’s martyrdom at the hands of the vile Zionist regime… I appoint [Major General] as Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central HQ,” the post read.

Similar announcements were made for the IRGC and the Armed Forces.Iran has since intensified its missile strikes and warned that foreign military bases helping Israel may be attacked.

“Israel’s allies must know that their bases in the region will not be spared if they assist in intercepting our missiles,” Iranian state media warned.

Despite not officially confirming responsibility for Friday’s strikes, Israeli officials have consistently reiterated the country’s readiness to act alone in neutralizing threats from Iran.With both nations refusing to back down and missiles still being exchanged, fears of a broader regional war continue to mount.

The conflict has now gone beyond verbal threats and proxy battles, with both Israel and Iran directly striking each other’s core assets.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned Israel’s recent unprovoked strikes on Iran, which have triggered a fresh wave of hostilities between the two Middle Eastern powers. In a statement issued on Friday, the Nigerian government described the escalating conflict as a grave threat to regional and global peace.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, expressed deep concern over the sustained missile and aerial exchanges between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, calling for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” and restraint from both parties.

“The continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability, with implications for international security and economic development,” the statement read.

Nigeria, which has long championed non-aggression and multilateral diplomacy principles, urged Iran and Israel to return to dialogue and constructive engagement. The government also called on the United Nations Security Council and the broader international community to intensify de-escalation efforts and provide diplomatic platforms for resolution.

Reaffirming its stance against military confrontation, the statement noted that “military action is not a substitute for negotiation” and that lasting peace must be built on diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.

“Nigeria stands ready to support all genuine efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the region,” the Ministry added.

The statement comes amid growing international alarm over the potential fallout of the conflict, which many fear could destabilise the already volatile Middle East and disrupt global economic and political systems.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced the return transportation of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, with 1,310 already flown back home from Jiddah.

According to data released by Malam Shafii Mohammed, Principal Information Officer of NAHCON, four Nigerian Hajj air carriers operated a total of four flights as part of the initial phase of the inbound operation.

MaxAir flight VM269 departed Jeddah for Bauchi at 08:07 hrs, carrying 551 pilgrims and seven officials. Flynas flight XY9006 left for Kebbi at 09:45 hrs with 413 pilgrims and six officials onboard. 

UMZA flight UY3534 took off for Abuja at 13:12 hrs with 41 pilgrims and 122 officials, while Air Peace flight APK7901 departed for Owerri at 23:45 hrs, transporting 305 pilgrims and seven officials.

It was gathered that about 63,000 Nigerian pilgrims participated in the just-concluded 2025 Hajj.

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iranian missiles penetrated Israel’s air defense systems and struck the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, widely regarded as the country’s equivalent of the Pentagon.

The attack, part of Iran’s newly launched “True Promise 3” operation, reportedly caused substantial damage to the highly fortified complex.

Analysts say the consequences of this strike may severely impact Israel’s military coordination, intelligence functions, and high-level decision-making.

The offensive comes on the heels of an earlier Israeli operation, “Rising Lion,” which was carried out in the early hours of June 13.

Tehran has described the Israeli move as an unprovoked act of aggression, prompting its forceful response.

Military sources suggest the success of the Iranian missiles in bypassing Israeli interceptors raises questions about the effectiveness of the country’s air defense systems.

The Kirya compound serves as a nerve center for Israeli military planning, making it a highly symbolic and strategic target.

While Israeli officials have yet to provide full details on the extent of the damage, the attack marks one of the boldest direct strikes by Iran on Israeli territory to date.

Observers fear this development could lead to a broader regional confrontation if de-escalation efforts fail.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued a strongly worded statement condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unilateral military strike on Iran, calling it a reckless escalation that defies international law and endangers global stability.

Sanders accused Netanyahu of previously violating the Geneva Conventions through the starvation of children in Gaza and now pursuing an illegal attack on Iran, risking a full-scale regional war. He stated that the strikes ignored the diplomatic efforts of the United States to resolve tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and undermined planned negotiations.

“The world is more dangerous and unstable as a result of the extremist Netanyahu’s government ongoing defiance of international law,” Sanders said.

The senator urged the U.S. and international community to resist being drawn into another conflict, and instead push for de-escalation and renewed diplomacy.

“We should do everything possible to prevent an escalation of this conflict and bring the warring parties to the negotiating table,” he emphasized.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a stunning display of cyber warfare, Israeli forces reportedly rendered Iran’s military defenses inoperative during a recent strike, leaving the Islamic Republic’s army effectively “blind, deaf and dumb,” according to military analysts cited by the German outlet Bild.

The report suggests that a sophisticated and large-scale cyberattack paralyzed Iranian radar systems throughout the night, allowing Israeli aircraft to carry out their operations without detection. Only a single Iranian air defense base managed to register the strikes, underscoring the scale of the electronic disruption.”

Israeli forces appear to have disabled Iran’s radar infrastructure so thoroughly that Iranian fighter jets scrambled without ever spotting the incoming targets,” Bild reported, citing military observers.

The extent of the cyber intrusion also reportedly severed internal communications among Iran’s air defense units. Mobile networks, radios, pagers, and even encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp were reportedly jammed or rendered inoperable during the attack. This effectively left military personnel and targeted sites unaware of the impending strike.

“Hundreds of Iranian officers and pilots did not even know that anything was happening,” the report stated. “This points to a massive cyberattack using advanced electronic warfare, likely initiated as Israeli aircraft began their mission.”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have not officially commented on the operation, but the reported scale and precision of the strike suggest a high level of coordination between Israel’s cyber, intelligence, and air units.

If confirmed, the incident would mark one of the most significant uses of cyberwarfare in a live military operation to date, raising serious questions about the resilience of critical defense infrastructure in the face of digital threats.