Month: September 2025

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Hisbah Board says it will soon introduce mandatory mental health tests for intending couples as part of measures to address the rising cases of domestic violence and divorce.

Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah, Mujahideen Aminudeen, disclosed this while speaking to journalists, noting that many marital crises are linked to mental health challenges.

“We have realized that many of the problems we see in marriages today are linked to mental health. The test will help us know if both partners are truly ready to live together without harming one another,” Aminudeen said.

He explained that during marital counseling sessions, many women are discovered to be battling anxiety and depression, which makes mental health stability crucial for successful unions.

The Hisbah chief also expressed concern over the sale and use of alcohol and intoxicants in homes, describing them as major contributors to mental health problems.

“We have uncovered that there are women at home who are selling alcohol and other intoxicants. This is a major cause for concern for us and it is adding to the mental health crisis,” he said.

Aminudeen further stated that the policy would also cover divorcees whose marriages are sponsored by the state government.

“We already have a series of mandatory tests before marriage, like genotype and sexually transmitted diseases, so adding a mental health evaluation will not be a stretch,” he explained.

He advised parents to thoroughly investigate the character of prospective suitors before approving marriages, stressing that family scrutiny remains vital.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State students currently enrolled at the Nigerian Law School have appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to intervene in the delayed payment of their scholarships.

The students, in an open letter signed by Najeebullah Lawan on behalf of his colleagues, said they concluded the mandatory screening exercise conducted by the Kano State Scholarship Board over five months ago but have not received any information on their entitlements since then.

They described the situation as frustrating, noting that the financial strain of law school has left many of them struggling to cope.

“After undergoing the basic screening by the Kano State Scholarship Board more than five months ago, we were hopeful of receiving the much-needed scholarship support to aid our studies. However, we haven’t received any update on the status of our awards,” the letter stated.

The students further explained that the cost of books, study materials, and daily upkeep has become overwhelming, stressing that a timely response from the state government would greatly ease their burden.

“The cost of buying books, materials, and meeting our daily needs is overwhelming. Your timely intervention would be a huge relief and a boost to our academic pursuits,” they added.

They urged Governor Yusuf to fast-track the payment of their scholarship, saying the intervention would motivate them to excel and return to contribute meaningfully to the development of Kano State.

By Abdullahi Kabiru Muhammed

Life as a student is rarely easy, and for three close friends at Bayero University, Kano, the journey has been both tough and inspiring.

Their journey, which began in Level 100 and is now in Level 400, serves as a powerful testament to faith, friendship, sacrifice, and perseverance.

From the very start, the three friends knew the odds were stacked against them. Two of them were students of Mass Communications, while the third was studying Law, a five-year program. They began their academic journey with no sponsor, relying solely on faith in God and a strong will to succeed. 

Despite the uncertainties, their bond grew stronger. There was no conflict, no hatred, only unity. They shared everything and supported one another with love and understanding.

Their first year was marked by some struggles, but they managed to survive. The hardships were there, but not as overwhelming as what was to come. 

In their second year, things became even tougher. The school fees were increased from ₦37,000 to ₦100,000, causing panic and fear. They started Level 200 without paying their fees, holding on to hope as Bayero University, Kano,continued to extend the registration deadlines. They rarely ate more than once a day, dinner only. Many nights, they went to bed on empty stomachs, and in the morning, they would head to class without breakfast. But through it all, they never gave up. They could only afford ₦40,000 for a single bed space, yet all three of them managed to squeeze into the room.

Just when it seemed impossible, help came. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration intervened and covered the school fees for Kano State indigenes. It was a moment of relief and joy. May Allah (S.W.T) guide and protect him, and may He grant him his heart’s desires, amin.

Level 300 came with fewer school fee issues, as NELFUND covered their tuition. However, the cost of living increased, and they struggled to afford food. Two of the friends took on labour jobs, and the third, a tailor, tried to support himself with his handwork.

Among the labourers, one could travel out every weekend for work, while the other could only leave during holidays. The tailor worked under someone and had a few customers. Income was unstable. 

Even though they received a monthly ₦20,000 upkeep allowance from NELFUND, it was often delayed. They sometimes had to borrow money and were usually refused, as people doubted their ability to repay.

Their families supported them too, but the assistance barely covers 10% of their needs. They didn’t desire luxury, just enough to eat and survive.

Now in Level 400, nothing much has changed materially. The hunger, the hustle, the struggles—they remain. But the friends remain grateful, and more than ever, they are hopeful.

They continue to share, encourage, and support one another, believing that tough times don’t last forever. Their academic performance is commendable, and they are determined not to let poverty or hardship define their future.

Their story is a reminder that Allah is always in control. Through all the pain, hunger, and financial stress, they have continued to pray, to trust, and to push forward. Without divine intervention, they believe they would have dropped out, despite their passion to learn.

So, they say “Life is full of ups and downs, but we believe good things will surely come our way. Just be prayerful. Allah knows, and He will surely answer your prayers. All you have to do is believe in Him”

Abdullahi Kabiru Muhammed wrote via khaybhee006@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nepal’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, has pledged to act on the demands of young protesters who pushed for change after weeks of demonstrations toppled the previous government.

“We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation,” Karki declared on Sunday in her first remarks since taking office. “What this group is demanding is the end of corruption, good governance and economic equality. You and I have to be determined to fulfil that.”

Karki, a 73-year-old former chief justice known for her independence, assumed office on Friday following negotiations involving army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel and President Ram Chandra Paudel.

Representatives of the youth-led “Gen Z” movement were also part of the talks.Her appointment followed mass protests that shook the Himalayan nation.

The unrest, described as the most violent since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, left at least 72 people dead and 191 others injured, according to Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal.

The demonstrations escalated on Tuesday when several government buildings in the Singha Durbar complex were set on fire.

On Sunday, Karki observed a minute’s silence in memory of those killed before beginning meetings in the damaged government compound.

Thousands of young activists, who coordinated their movement through the Discord app, had put forward her name as their preferred candidate for prime minister.

“The situation that I have come into, I have not wished to come here. My name was brought from the streets,” she admitted.

Following her appointment, parliament was dissolved and elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. In a national address, Karki assured citizens that her role would be temporary.

“We will not stay here more than six months in any situation; we will complete our responsibilities and pledge to hand over to the next parliament and ministers,” she said. “This is not possible without your support.”

President Paudel, who administered her oath of office, acknowledged the complexity of the crisis. He described it as a “very difficult, complicated, and grave situation” and urged citizens to rally behind the interim government.

“A peaceful solution has been found through a difficult process,” he noted, while appealing to the public to ensure the success of the upcoming elections.

By Uzair Adam

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has criticised successive governments in Northern Nigeria for neglecting education while focusing on roads and flyovers, warning that the region is sliding behind the rest of the country.

Sanusi spoke on Saturday as a panellist at the Kano International Poetry and Art Festival (KAPFES), organised by the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, during a session themed “Beyond Words: Unlocking Northern Nigeria’s Literacy Potential.”

The former Central Bank governor recalled how Kano State sponsored his secondary and university education in the 1970s and 1980s, covering tuition, living expenses, and allowances. 

He said, “My parents did not pay a dime. Why is it that the younger generation has not been able to get those benefits? Something went wrong in terms of the political class and its priorities.”

He argued that leaders must channel “huge resources” into schools, scholarships, and teacher training rather than spending billions on physical projects. 

“It’s nice to have beautiful flyovers and underpasses, but you are building these roads for uneducated children to walk on. Who will maintain them in the future?” the Emir queried.

Describing education as the most valuable investment, Sanusi stressed that it is the only asset that cannot be inherited or taken away. 

“You can be given money, a house, or even a political position, and all of these can disappear. But once you are educated, no one, no ruler, no oppressor can take it away from you,” he said.

He linked Northern Nigeria’s current setbacks to colonial policies that discourage the growth of an intellectual Muslim class. 

According to him, Arabic literacy, despite its intellectual depth, was devalued under British rule and is still treated as illiteracy today.

Sanusi also highlighted the role of language as a barrier, calling for the adoption of mother tongues in teaching. 

“In Germany, you study in German; in France, you study in French; in China, you study in Mandarin. Why can’t a doctor be trained in Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo?” he asked, noting that mother-tongue instruction reduces dropout rates and improves learning outcomes.

Challenging conventional views of schooling, he argued that communities should utilise available spaces, such as mosques, as temporary classrooms instead of waiting years for new buildings. 

“If a mosque is vacant between morning prayers and the afternoon, why can’t children be taught there?” he asked.

The Emir concluded with a call for leaders, policymakers, and citizens to humanise statistics. “When we say three million children are out of school, these are not just numbers. 

“This is somebody’s son, somebody’s daughter, a future mother on the street without hope. In everything we do, we must ask ourselves: who is the human being at the end of it?”

By Kasim Isa Muhammad

The Vice-Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele, has approved the appointment of Prof. Abubakar Mu’azu as pioneer Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCM).

The faculty, which has Departments of Mass Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, Broadcasting, Public Relations, Advertising, Development Communication as well as Multimedia and Film Studies, was established by the Senate of the University at its 319th Regular Meeting held on July 31, 2025.

Therefore, the appointment, which is on acing capacity, would last for a period of six months with effect from 9th September, 2025, and it may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance.

The letter, which was signed by the Registrar of the University Ahmad Lawan, stated that the new dean “will responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for day-to-day administration of the faculty”, adding that further details of the functions of the dean were “contained in the Schedule 3, Section 8(3) – 5 University of Maidugur Act, CAP.U10 as may be determined from time to time by the Vice-Chancellor”.

Prof. Mu’azu is renown communication scholar with interests in mass communication, media and peace studies.

He was the immediate past Director of the University’s Centre for Peace, Diplomatic and Development Studies (CPDDS) and former Director Remedial Studies of the University and subdean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

According to Dr. Abdulmutallib A. Abubakar the university management has made a right decision for appointment Prof. Mu’azu who would bring wealth of experience and connection in order to develop the new faculty.

He further added that the staff and students of the faculty would give him all the necessary cooperation and supports to succeed.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

Nigeria’s struggle with electricity is not just about flickering bulbs or darkened homes. It is about the survival of industries, the health of small businesses, and the very foundation of national development. 

A stable power supply is the bedrock of productivity, yet, after more than a century of electricity generation, the sector still reflects more chaos than progress. The story began modestly in 1896, when Lagos hosted Nigeria’s first power plant, which had a capacity of just 60 kilowatts. 

Over the next few decades, plants sprouted in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Enugu, Maiduguri, Yola, Zaria, Warri, and Calabar. However, the system was fragmented—managed by native authorities and the Public Works Department—until 1950, when the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) was established.

ECN soon became a national monopoly, consolidated further in 1972 when it merged with the Niger Dams Authority to form NEPA. For decades, “NEPA” became a household word, but mainly for the wrong reasons: inefficiency, chronic underinvestment, system losses, power theft, and blackouts that forced families and businesses to rely on expensive generators.

By 1999, fewer than 20 of Nigeria’s 79 power plants were functional. Barely 28% of installed capacity was delivered, leaving millions in perpetual darkness. These failures spurred reform efforts. 

The National Electric Power Policy (2001) and the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (2005) paved the way for privatisation, resulting in the establishment of 18 successor companies: 6 generation companies (GenCos), 11 distribution companies (DisCos), and 1 transmission company (TCN).

The promise was clear: privatise, attract investors, boost efficiency, and deliver reliable power. By November 2013, the federal government sold its stakes in the GenCos and DisCos, earning $2.5 billion in proceeds. 

Companies like Transcorp Power, Geregu, Ughelli, Shiroro, Sapele, and Kainji took control of generation, while 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) took charge of retail distribution. But the dream quickly soured. A decade later, efficiency gains remain elusive. 

Generation hovers below 5,000MW for a nation of over 200 million. Blackouts are frequent, tariffs are contested, infrastructure remains weak, and both Generation and Distribution Companies (GenCos and DisCos) are drowning in debt.

The situation worsened in 2025 when GenCos raised alarm over a staggering N4 trillion owed to them by the federal government—N1.9 trillion in legacy debts and N2 trillion for power supplied in 2024 alone. 

President Bola Tinubu admitted government liability, but insisted only verifiable claims would be honoured. By August, Finance Minister Wale Edun confirmed plans to clear the debts, signalling tacit acknowledgement.

This mountain of debt builds upon years of heavy subsidies and bailouts, with government interventions since 2023 alone estimated to be above N7 trillion. These include tariff adjustments through the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO), direct subsidies, bailout funds, and payment guarantees. 

Yet, paradoxically, Nigeria continues to subsidise a sector that was supposed to thrive under private ownership. The Electricity Act 2023 pushed for cost-reflective tariffs, expanded metering, and transmission upgrades. 

But the larger question looms: has Nigeria’s privatisation model failed? Or has the government’s constant interference, through subsidies and political tariff control, undermined the very logic of privatisation?

As the GenCos demand arrears, the DisCos complain of low remittances, and consumers grumble under rising tariffs and unreliable supply, Nigeria must confront a harsh reality: electricity is not just an economic issue, but a governance test.

If the sector is to function effectively, the government must draw a clear line—provide enabling policies, enforce regulations, but step back from perpetual bailouts. The time has come to interrogate privatisation, recalibrate the framework, and design a power sector that delivers light, not debt. 

For without power, the dream of industrial Nigeria remains trapped in darkness.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja. He can be reached at: dahirulawal90@gmail.com.

By Kasim Isa Muhammad‎‎

In a deliberate move to cushion the impact of economic hardship and create sustainable opportunities for women, Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai, who represents Yobe South Senatorial District, has empowered six women with financial support of ₦1 million each.

The initiative, which was unveiled in Potiskum on Friday, is part of the senator’s ongoing interventions aimed at addressing poverty, improving livelihoods, and encouraging women to actively participate in business and community development.‎‎

According to Yusuf Zaki, a close aide of the senator who represented him at the event, the programme was carefully designed to give women in the constituency the financial muscle to either start or expand their businesses.‎‎

He explained that Senator Bomai recognises the enormous contributions that women make to household welfare and the local economy, and has therefore prioritised their empowerment.‎‎

“Senator Bomai believes that empowering women is one of the most effective ways of reducing poverty and improving livelihoods in our communities. The ₦1 million given to each of the beneficiaries will enable them to invest in viable ventures that can sustain their families and, by extension, contribute meaningfully to the growth of the local economy,” Zaki stated while addressing journalists.‎‎

He also noted that this intervention is not an isolated gesture, but part of a broader empowerment agenda that the senator has consistently pursued since assuming office. ‎‎

According to him, the lawmaker has previously supported educational programmes for indigent students, invested in healthcare projects, and initiated youth empowerment schemes to tackle unemployment in Yobe South.‎‎

Zaki added that the women’s empowerment programme was deliberately crafted to focus on those who have shown entrepreneurial drive but lacked access to capital due to the harsh economic realities and limited opportunities in rural communities.

‎‎One of the beneficiaries, Aisha Mohammed, who operates a small tailoring business, spoke emotionally about how the support has given her a renewed sense of hope.

‎‎She said she had struggled for years to keep her shop running with outdated sewing machines and insufficient materials.

“This money is a lifeline for me. With ₦1 million, I can now buy better sewing machines, employ two apprentices and expand my shop to cater for more customers. It is not just about money; it is about the dignity and confidence it gives me to keep going. I am grateful to Senator Bomai for remembering women like us who are struggling to survive,” she told our correspondent.

‎‎Another beneficiary, revealed that she intends to invest in poultry farming, which has long been her dream but was hampered by lack of capital.‎‎

According to her, poultry has the potential to provide steady income and create employment opportunities for others in her community.

“With this support, I can start on a solid foundation by setting up proper structures and buying enough birds and feed. It is a dream come true because women in rural communities like ours hardly get access to bank loans or financial institutions. This is why we are so grateful to the senator for giving us a chance to stand on our feet,” she said.

‎‎Community leaders in Yobe South have also applauded the initiative, describing it as a commendable step towards poverty reduction and local economic revitalisation.

‎‎Alhaji Idi Jugujugu, a respected elder in Potiskum, said the programme goes beyond financial empowerment, as it also builds confidence in women and encourages them to see themselves as active contributors to development.

‎‎“This is not just about giving money, it is about building confidence in women and showing them that they can also be economic pillars in their families and communities. If more leaders would replicate such interventions, many families would escape poverty and our society would be stronger,” he stressed.‎‎

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Families mourning loved ones killed during Nepal’s anti-corruption protests say they want their sacrifices to bring lasting change, as the interim prime minister chosen by demonstrators was sworn in on Saturday.

One of the victims was 30-year-old Santosh Bishwakarma, who was among at least 51 people killed during two days of violent clashes this week.

The unrest has been described as the most serious since Nepal ended its decade-long civil war and abolished the monarchy in 2008.

His widow, Amika, also 30, tearfully remembered his lifelong wish.

She said his “ultimate dream” was to “die having contributed to the nation.”

Santosh lost his life on Monday when security forces opened fire during the first wave of protests organized by the youth-led “Gen Z” movement.

Amika explained that her late husband often insisted he “wouldn’t die like a dog.”

Holding a framed photo of him inside their modest Kathmandu home, she said, “His dream was to make Nepal known to the world — and he did.”

The protests erupted after authorities imposed a temporary social media ban, a move that fueled widespread anger over corruption and economic hardship.

Following the violence, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, 73, stepped down on Tuesday, ending his fourth term after parliament was set ablaze by demonstrators.

On Friday, former chief justice Sushila Karki was sworn in to lead a six-month interim government before elections.

Thousands of young activists had reportedly used the app Discord to deliberate on leadership options and put Karki forward as their preferred candidate.

Amika, now left to care for her 10-year-old son Ujwal and seven-year-old daughter Sonia, expressed her fears for the future.

“My husband would have done everything to fulfil their dreams, even at the cost of his life,” she said. “But how am I supposed to manage everything on my own? He sacrificed his life for the country, and I hope the new government will help me.”

A family friend, Solan Rai, 42, said he believed the demonstrations marked a significant moment for the country. “I hope we finally see real change this time,” he said, noting that the anger was “more intense than anything we’ve seen before.”

Nepal remains one of the poorest nations in Asia, with the World Bank reporting that 82 percent of its workforce is in informal employment.

The country’s GDP per capita is just $1,447.

On Friday, hundreds gathered at Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath temple for mass cremations. Families wept over victims of the clashes, many of them young men.

Among the mourners was Ratna Maharjan, who broke down while grieving for her son. “I hope there is some justice — and our people finally get the change they so desperately seek,” she said.

In one heartbreaking scene, a mother refused to part with her son’s body, wrapped in a shroud, clinging to him on the temple steps.

Not far away, police officers placed garlands of marigolds on the body of a fallen colleague while a bugler played.

Amika summed up her appeal in simple terms: “What we seek isn’t too much to ask — just equality. So the rich don’t thrive while the poor languish.”

By Uzair Adam

One of the most engaging sessions of the ongoing Kano International Poetry and Art Festival (KAPFEST 2025) was the Mudi-speaking Slam Competition, which shone a spotlight on young poets with powerful performances on the theme of ‘Poetry in Times of Crisis.’

The contest, part of the three-day festival organised by the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, featured 18 shortlisted contestants out of 65 entries. After three competitive rounds, three winners emerged, each receiving a cash prize.

Shafa’atu Ahmad won first place with a prize of N500,000, followed by Muhammad Ubandoma, who came second and received N300,000, while Nazeer Sulaiman took the third position with N200,000.

Speaking after the event, one of the judges, Abba Musa Idris, popularly known as Abdurabbihi, said the competition was both exciting and challenging.

He stated that, “Judging is never easy because everyone comes with creativity and strong emotions. But the session was impressive, especially as many contestants were performing for the first time and still advanced to later rounds.

“The whole idea is to encourage new artists, and I am impressed with the fresh voices that emerged,” Abdurabbihi added.

The festival’s Literary Lead, Abdulbasit Abubakar, described the slam as one of the most vibrant parts of KAPFEST.

He noted that, “There is always this rush of adrenaline and energy at the slam. It gives young poets the chance to be known for their craft, and seeing their passion convinces me that many of them will do great things.”

Shafa’atu, who hails from Kaduna, described her victory as both surprising and rewarding. “It feels amazing. Honestly, when I was making the pieces, I thought they weren’t good enough. But it turns out they are actually good,” she said.

She explained that all her poems were composed explicitly for the contest, drawing inspiration from her real-life experiences. 

“Every one of the poems was written because of this competition. I would like to thank Hilton Creative Arts Foundation for nurturing me, Poetic Wednesdays for making this possible, and my parents for their support.

“To every victim of crisis whose stories I borrowed to compose these pieces, I hope they find peace, and I hope it never leaves them,” she added.

The winners, all new names in the poetry scene, said the platform has given them confidence and visibility.

The slam session added colour to the festival, which also features panel discussions, exhibitions, and poetry nights, highlighting Kano’s growing place in Nigeria’s literary and artistic landscape.