Month: December 2025

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A political controversy erupted on Tuesday after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen pulling down a woman doctor’s hijab during a public event, triggering sharp reactions from opposition parties and civil society groups.

The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, occurred at an official function where the chief minister was interacting with health workers. In the footage, Kumar appears to reach out and adjust the doctor’s headscarf, an action many have described as inappropriate and disrespectful.

Opposition leaders condemned the act, questioning the chief minister’s judgment and mental state, and demanding a public apology. “This is not only an insult to a professional woman but also an affront to personal dignity and religious freedom,” a senior opposition spokesperson said.

The ruling Janata Dal (United) has sought to downplay the incident, with party members suggesting there was no malicious intent. However, the controversy has continued to spark debate nationwide about consent, gender sensitivity, and respect for religious symbols in public life.

As of press time, the chief minister had not issued a formal statement addressing the incident.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s resolve to prioritise the welfare, professionalism, and operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army.

The President made this known at the opening of the 2025 Chief of Army Annual Conference held in Lagos on Monday. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu assured the Armed Forces of sustained support to enable them carry out their constitutional responsibilities. The assurance was contained in a statement released by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.

While paying tribute to both serving and retired military officers, the President acknowledged their enduring contributions to the institution.

“Their sacrifices, leadership, and institutional memory shape the Army. I commend the courage and patriotism of those placing national duty above personal comfort—their defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity is etched in our history,” he said.

The President noted that the annual conference provides an opportunity for strategic assessment in the face of changing security threats. He added that the presence of former Service Chiefs and elder statesmen reflected the rich heritage of the Armed Forces.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, described the conference as essential for assessing military operations and the Army’s preparedness in line with national objectives.

He stressed the importance of joint operations, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and a whole-of-society approach, urging that discussions at the conference translate into tangible results on the battlefield.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for demonstrating strong political will in areas of troop welfare, equipment provision, training, and institutional reforms. He also commended the National Assembly for its continued support.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said security remains the bedrock of development. He praised the Nigerian Army for its contributions to national stability and pledged the support of the state government.

The event drew senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former military leaders, heads of security agencies, diplomats, and other dignitaries.

According to the organisers, the conference will deliberate on key operational, administrative, and strategic matters. The programme will also feature the unveiling of a biography of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting at Gwarimpa, Abuja, has ordered that former Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until December 18.

Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan gave the order on Monday, directing that Ngige be kept in prison pending the determination of his bail application.

The court took arguments from both parties on the bail request before issuing the remand order. Justice Hassan fixed December 18 as the date to deliver a ruling on the application.

Counsel to the former minister, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, urged the court to grant bail, citing health concerns. He assured the court that Ngige would not evade trial or interfere with witnesses if released.

In response, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, opposed the request. The anti-graft agency was represented by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, who described Ngige as a flight risk.

Tahir informed the court that the EFCC had earlier granted Ngige administrative bail and allowed him to travel abroad for medical treatment. He said the former minister failed to report back to the Commission after the trip.

He also stated that the international passport released to Ngige to facilitate the travel had not been returned. According to him, it was only after Ngige was re-arrested that he claimed the passport was lost.

The senior lawyer argued that the claim of a missing passport was an afterthought and urged the court not to accept it.

Ngige was last Friday arraigned on an eight-count charge related to alleged corrupt practices.

By Alhassan Hassan Salihu

How BBC Hausa shaped my journey into journalism, from childhood mornings filled with the voices of BBC Hausa to my first day inside a studio, radio has been more than just background noise; it has been my teacher, my guide, and my inspiration.

This is the story of how listening turned into learning, and how learning shaped my journey into journalism.

Becoming a journalist was a natural progression for me, sparked by a lifelong habit of listening, reading, and watching the news. For as long as I can remember, news has been a daily ritual to me, something that felt less like a choice and more like a tradition I inherited from my father.

Growing up, our mornings and evenings were defined by the voices on the radio. We would start the day by tuning in to Voice of America at 6:30 AM, then switch to the BBC Hausa Service at 7:00 AM, followed by DW Hausa at 7:30 AM, and return to the BBC Hausa Service at 8:30 AM. And at night, the whole family would gather again, this time before television, to watch NTA Network News at 9:00 PM sharp.

These routines were more than just ways of staying informed; they became a profound part of my upbringing. The sound of the BBC Hausa and Radio Nigeria Kaduna, in particular, was not just a broadcast; they were a culture. 

They shaped entire generations in northern Nigeria, creating shared experiences and anchoring people to both local and global realities. For many of us, storytelling comes naturally, but the absolute obsession with stories and even the dream of becoming journalists often started with our parents’ love for radio. 

Families gathered around to listen, not only to know what was happening in the world, but also to feel a sense of belonging to a broader conversation.

But here lies a challenge; unlike the generations before us, today’s families are not always gathering around radios or televisions at fixed hours. 

Instead, parents are glued to smartphones, and children often consume fragmented bits of information through digital media. 

This shift raises an important question: what will become of the younger ones if they grow up without the discipline, focus, and collective culture that radio once provided?

The beauty of the radio era was its structure. Programs are aired at specific times, forcing families to pause their lives and share a common moment of learning. 

I later realised how insightful and educational this exposure had been, especially when I began studying mass communication at the university. 

During my first and second years, I took courses like Media English I & II, which helped me connect the dots and apply what I had unconsciously been absorbing for years.

While many struggled with the art of broadcasting, I found it surprisingly simple. It felt effortless, like second nature, because I had been learning by listening to experts all along. News isn’t merely about headlines; it is about understanding context, undercurrents, and implications. 

Critical engagement with news empowers people to navigate the world’s complexities and contribute meaningfully to conversations that shape positive change.

In today’s fast-evolving environment, staying informed should not be seen as a casual habit but as a necessity for growth, development, and societal progress.

I still remember my first day in the studio. My coach, Hajarah Bala Sidi, was impressed by my performance and asked if I had previously worked at a radio station. In truth, I had done nothing more than to follow her simple guidance, yet I was able to compile and voice an excellent report. 

That moment confirmed what years of exposure had quietly built in me: a confidence with words, rhythm, and storytelling.

It was not just news, it was an education in patience, attention, and dialogue. Digital media, while faster and broader, often lacks this collective discipline. Stories are consumed in isolation, and context is sometimes lost in the flood of content.

Along the way, I also developed a deeper appreciation for language mastery, particularly in Hausa. Radio programs were filled with proverbs, metaphors, and eloquence that enriched my communication skills.

This influence even stretched back to my secondary school days; subjects like Government, History, Current Affairs, and English Literature became easier for me because the insights I picked from the radio gave me a head start.

This makes it even more important for parents, educators, and journalists to rethink how news is introduced to children today.  This background provided me with the basic tools to analyse and judge the world around me. Those early lessons still influence the way I view society today.

This background provided me with the basic tools to analyse and judge the world around me. Those early lessons still influence the way I view society today. 

Journalism, for me, isn’t just a profession; it reflects how I was raised: constantly aware, always questioning, and always learning.

News sharpens critical thinking and broadens worldview. It provides insights into emerging trends, global challenges, and innovative solutions.

If BBC Hausa and Radio Nigeria Kaduna once shaped generations through the power of sound, then perhaps the task now is to find new ways of shaping generations through the power of both sound and screen. 

Whether through radio, television, or digital platforms, one truth stands out: societies thrive when their citizens are informed. 

Staying informed is not passive consumption; it requires active engagement: reading thoroughly, listening carefully, and watching with intent. 

As a journalist, I hold to this principle: the newsrooms of my childhood might have changed, but the lesson remains the same.

The world may no longer gather around a radio at dawn or a television at night, but the responsibility to stay informed remains timeless, and if we can pass this culture on to our younger ones, they too will learn that news is not just about headlines; it is about understanding the world, questioning it, and striving to make it better.

Alhassan Hassan Salihu wrote via hassanalhassan8785@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Umar Shehu

Once again, the federal government is threatening the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) with its usual tactic, no work, no pay. It’s the same tired strategy used by previous administrations whenever the union pushes for the full implementation of agreements that were voluntarily signed. But history has shown that this policy does not resolve issues; it only increases mistrust, diminishes morale, and further weakens our universities.

During President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the no-work-no-pay policy was enforced after the 2022 ASUU strike, which lasted eight months. Lecturers were unpaid despite the government’s failure to fulfil promises that caused the strike. Buhari’s approach focused on punishment rather than dialogue, leading to resentment and strained relations with academics. The key issues- poor funding, unpaid allowances, and decayed infrastructure- remain unresolved.

Education is not like any other sector. ASUU is not just another pressure group that you can intimidate or silence with threats. This is a body of intellectuals, people whose weapon is knowledge and whose struggle is for national development. You can’t use the same tactics that might work on transport unions or political protesters on an organisation built on principles, history, and intellectual resistance.

Globally, similar unions in countries such as South Africa, the United Kingdom, and even the United States have stood their ground when governments have failed to meet academic demands. In 2016, for instance, the South African “Fees Must Fall” movement forced the government to rethink its policies and increase education funding. In the UK, university staff have repeatedly gone on strike over pay and working conditions, yet the government has had to return to the negotiating table rather than threaten them. These examples show that dialogue and respect for agreements are the only sustainable paths, not coercion.

In Nigeria’s own history, ASUU has endured decades of intimidation and threats. From the military era to the present democratic dispensation, their fight has remained consistent to protect public universities from total collapse. They have been banned, unbanned, and blacklisted, yet they stay because they represent something more profound than just salary negotiations. They represent the conscience of our educational system.

The government’s repeated use of the “no work, no pay” policy is not just short-sighted; it is a confession of leadership failure. Instead of fixing the root causes of the strikes, those in power prefer to silence those who expose their neglect. The result is what we see today: poor learning conditions, brain drain, and a generation of students whose academic lives are constantly interrupted.

It’s time the government understood that ASUU’s strength lies in its moral ground. Their struggle is not for personal gain but for the survival of education in Nigeria. Threats won’t work; intimidation won’t help. Only commitment, dialogue, and respect for signed agreements will bring peace to our universities.

If we truly want to equip our education system for the poor and the future, we must stop treating teachers as enemies and start treating them as partners. A nation that punishes those who fight for education has already given up on its future.

Muhammad Umar Shehu wrote from Gombe and can be reached viaumarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service and the American Business Council have agreed to expand structured engagement to improve trade facilitation and boost investor confidence.

This understanding followed a courtesy visit by a delegation of the American Business Council to the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, where they were received on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

While welcoming the visitors, Adeniyi said the Service has taken deliberate steps in recent years to entrench transparency, stakeholder consultation and consistent interaction with private sector operators.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between Customs and business communities that operate through Nigeria’s ports and borders.

“No modern Customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” he said.

The Comptroller-General explained that Customs reforms now focus on creating predictability for traders. He pointed to the rollout of the One-Stop-Shop initiative in major commands, which he said has simplified procedures and reduced delays linked to cargo examination and documentation.

Addressing concerns raised by member companies of the Council, Adeniyi assured the delegation that the Service would continue to tackle operational challenges within its statutory powers. He noted that trade facilitation involves several government agencies and said continuous engagement remains vital for resolving issues promptly.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, said the visit was intended to strengthen the relationship between the Council and the Nigeria Customs Service.

She commended Customs for what she described as “clear improvements in port processes, communication channels and the ease of resolving trade-related enquiries.”

Olele said several American firms operating in Nigeria have observed clearer Customs procedures over the past year. According to her, “Predictability and transparency are essential for businesses. We are encouraged by the modernisation steps taken under the legal framework of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to address remaining concerns.”

She also thanked the Comptroller-General for personally hosting the delegation, describing his engagement as a strong signal of Customs’ commitment to collaboration. Olele added that closer cooperation between Customs and the private sector would help to further improve Nigeria’s investment environment.

At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to institute quarterly engagement sessions. The sessions will review progress, address emerging concerns and sustain open communication for American companies operating in Nigeria.

Representatives of ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac and the United States Embassy, among others, attended the meeting.

By Haroon Aremu Abiodun

There are mornings in Ilorin when silence feels heavier than sound. The call from the mosques echoes through the still air, the streets breathe quietly, and the city wears its memories like scars. Old voices recall leaders who once came with grand promises of tomorrow, only for those promises to collapse into dust. Over time, people have learned to wait with folded arms, half-expecting betrayal, half-resigned to it. In such silence, names either fade away or return as stubborn echoes. For Ilorin, one such echo is Saliu Mustapha.

Ironically, his story does not begin with privilege or inherited power. Born on September 25, 1972, he followed ordinary paths: Bartholomew Primary School in Zaria, Command Secondary School in Kaduna, then Kaduna Polytechnic, where he studied Mineral Resources Engineering. His foundation was not gilded, but shaped by discipline and a technical education that sharpened his instinct for problem-solving, a skill he would later carry into politics.

Politics did not come to him as an inheritance. He carved his own space, first as the National Publicity Secretary of the Progressive Action Congress, and later as the National Deputy Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change. These were not glamorous titles but challenging, foundational roles in party-building, long before the APC became the political behemoth it is today. His fingerprints are etched into the DNA of Nigeria’s political evolution, even before his name became widely recognised on the Senate floor.

In 2021, Ilorin’s political and traditional calculus shifted when Mustapha was turbaned as Turaki of Ilorin. What many saw as a mere ceremony was, in fact, a rupture of entrenched political alignments. For the first time, a politician already known for grassroots philanthropy was formally woven into the traditional fabric of Ilorin. That title would become part of his political identity, following him into every campaign, every negotiation, every conversation.

Today, he serves as the Senator representing Kwara Central and chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production, Services, and Rural Development. This portfolio is not symbolic; it is central to Nigeria’s survival. In a country where food crises threaten households and livelihoods, the committee he leads touches what matters most: food on tables and jobs in villages.

But Abuja titles mean little without ground truth. On the streets of Ilorin and across Kwara Central, his presence is felt through the quiet but steady work of the Saliu Mustapha Foundation. From funding scholarships and refurbishing classrooms to constructing the Al-HikmahOnimalu road, his interventions blend education, infrastructure, and empowerment. His scholarship program for Arabic and Islamic Studies students, under the NBAIS framework, reflects cultural sensitivity that is often absent from mainstream politics.

Even his empowerment programs carry an unusual personal stamp. With ₦100 million branded as Turaki Cash, artisans and traders were lifted into small but meaningful stability. Unlike many politicians who shy away from direct ownership of initiatives, Mustapha attached his name to the initiative, underscoring his responsibility and intent.

There is also philanthropy done quietly, beyond the glare of headlines — clearing hospital bills for indigent patients, including children whose stories might otherwise never be heard. These gestures rarely make it into campaign flyers, but they build a loyalty deeper than billboards ever could.

Perhaps most striking is his approach to accountability. Unlike most of his peers, Mustapha documented his first year in the Senate with a public scorecard, published on his official website. Every project, every intervention, is laid out for public scrutiny. This transparency may not make him the loudest voice in the chamber, but it makes him one of the most accountable to the people he represents.

Recognition has followed. In 2025, the University of Ilorin hosted him as a Distinguished Personality, a rare academic acknowledgement that demonstrated his relevance had extended beyond politics into civic and intellectual spheres.

So what does all this mean on his birthday? It means that, unlike many whose legacies are written in lofty speeches, Saliu Mustapha’s is being written in roads, scholarships, markets, and farms. It means that, in a society addicted to noise, he has chosen the language of implementation. And it means his name has become that stubborn echo Ilorin cannot ignore.

Happy birthday to Senator Saliu Mustapha, Turaki of Ilorin. History has not given you a free pass; it has given you a challenge: to turn your uncommon record into an indelible legacy.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

By Sabiu Abdullahi

WWE icon John Cena has officially retired from professional wrestling, closing a 24-year career after his final appearance at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night.

Cena made his last stand at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he faced Gunther in a highly anticipated farewell contest.

The 48-year-old legend suffered defeat after Gunther forced him to submit to a sleeper hold in a match that lasted just under 25 minutes, bringing an end to one of the most accomplished careers in WWE history.

Inside the arena, fans watched in shock as Gunther maintained pressure in the decisive moments. Loud chants echoed through the building as supporters urged Cena to continue fighting. When he finally tapped out, emotions spilled over, with several fans seen in tears.

The conclusion surprised many. Throughout his career, Cena had built a reputation for resilience and was rarely known to submit. On this occasion, he was forced to give in for the first time, succumbing to Gunther’s sleeper hold.

After the final bell, members of the WWE locker room came out to pay tribute. Cena then placed his wristbands and boots in the ring, a traditional signal of retirement, before walking up the ramp. He paused, turned back, and offered one last salute to the crowd and cameras.

Cena leaves the ring as a 17-time world champion, holding the record for the most recognised title reigns in WWE. He also headlined WrestleMania six times and earned widespread recognition as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.

His famous “You Can’t See Me” catchphrase became one of the most identifiable slogans in sports entertainment.

His WWE journey began in 2002 with a loss to Kurt Angle. Early struggles followed before a breakthrough arrived with the “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona, which featured freestyle rap promos and quickly won over fans.

Beyond wrestling, Cena built a successful acting career, becoming one of the few WWE stars to achieve lasting success in Hollywood.

Cena first announced his retirement plans at the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event on July 6, 2024, where he revealed that he would step away from in-ring competition at the end of 2025.

His farewell run started at the Royal Rumble in January, where Jey Uso eliminated him. He later shocked fans at Elimination Chamber on March 1 by adopting a villain role for the first time since 2003.At WrestleMania in April, Cena captured his record-breaking 17th world title by defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

He later dropped both the title and the villain persona back to Rhodes at SummerSlam in August. WWE then organised a tournament to select Cena’s final opponent, with Gunther emerging victorious.

Speaking after the event, current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes reflected on Cena’s influence, visibly emotional as he spoke.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Mahmud Abubakar Gumi, has publicly endorsed the appointment of former Zamfara State governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence, arguing that his approach to insecurity prioritises dialogue and community engagement over purely military solutions.

In a post shared on his Facebook page, Gumi said security experts have long maintained that communal conflicts cannot be resolved through force alone, noting that military action accounts for “only about 25 per cent” of effective conflict resolution. He described Matawalle as one of the few political leaders who recognised this reality during his tenure as Zamfara governor.

According to Gumi, Matawalle’s outreach to aggrieved groups significantly reduced banditry in the state at the time, reopening major roads and markets that had been shut for years due to insecurity. He cited personal travel experiences along routes such as Gusau–Anka–Gummi and Wurno–Isa–Shinkafi–Gusau, which he said had become safe during that period.

“Cattle markets were opened, and life was returning to normal,” Gumi wrote, adding that the gains were later reversed following what he described as “military non-cooperation,” which led to renewed hostilities.

The cleric argued that Matawalle’s current role at the Ministry of Defence places “round pegs into round holes,” urging Nigerians to set aside “petty local politics” in support of what he called a new federal government paradigm shift in addressing insecurity. He concluded by praying for unity, peace, and progress for the country.

Gumi’s intervention has once again sparked debate, given his controversial role in public discussions on banditry and insecurity in northern Nigeria. While some supporters credit him with advocating dialogue as a pathway to peace, critics have accused him of being sympathetic to armed bandits—allegations he has repeatedly denied.

Security analysts remain divided on the effectiveness of non-kinetic strategies, with many arguing that dialogue must be carefully balanced with law enforcement and accountability. The federal government has yet to officially respond to Gumi’s remarks, but officials have consistently maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges require a mix of military action, intelligence-led policing, and community-based initiatives.

As the administration continues to recalibrate its security strategy, Gumi’s comments contribute to the ongoing national conversation on how best to end violence and restore stability across conflict-affected regions.

By Abbas Datti

The Federal University Dutse (FUD) has ushered in a new era of purposeful leadership with the election of Professor Ahmad Muhammad Gumel as its 4th substantive Vice Chancellor, a development widely welcomed across the academic community as a well-deserved victory for merit, experience and vision.

Gumel’s emergence followed a competitive and transparent selection process that drew seasoned academics from across the country. Muhammed Gumel’s victory reflects the confidence of the University’s Governing Council in his proven capacity to lead, innovate and consolidate the gains recorded since the institution’s establishment.

A scholar of high repute, Gumel is widely respected for his intellectual depth, administrative acumen and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Over the years, he has distinguished himself as a disciplined researcher, an inspiring teacher, and a consensus builder who understands the complexities of managing a growing federal university in a dynamic educational environment.

Colleagues describe him as a visionary leader with a clear understanding of the mandate of Federal University Dutse—to serve as a centre of learning, research and community development. Gumel’s leadership style, marked by inclusiveness, transparency and firm decision-making, is expected to strengthen institutional stability and staff morale while enhancing students’ academic experience.

As the 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor, Gumel is expected to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors, with a strong focus on academic quality, research output, infrastructural development, global partnerships and community engagement. Gumel’s background in university governance and strategic planning positions him well to navigate contemporary challenges, including funding constraints, staff development, and the drive for international relevance.

In accepting responsibility, Gumel reaffirmed his commitment to service, pledging to work collaboratively with staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders to advance the university’s vision. He emphasised that leadership is a collective task and expressed readiness to harness the vast human resources within FUD to move the institution to greater heights.

The election of Gumel has been widely celebrated as a triumph of competence and integrity. Many within and outside the university community view his emergence as Vice-Chancellor as timely and reassuring—a signal that Federal University Dutse is firmly on the path of sustainable growth, academic distinction and national relevance.

With Gumel at the helm, expectations are high that FUD will consolidate its reputation as one of Nigeria’s fast-rising federal universities, driven by purposeful leadership and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Abbas Datti writes from Dutse, Jigawa State, via comradeabbasdatti@gmail.com.