Month: December 2025

By Ibrahim Yunusa

In a symbolic reflection of their field of study, 56 students from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University Dutse (FUD), have successfully completed their academic journey after 71 months of rigorous training, earning them the tag “the 56 harvested fishes.”

Their journey, which began in December 2019, was not without currents and tides, strikes, pandemics, and academic demands.

But like resilient species in challenging waters with moderate required parameters, they swam through research projects, field trips, industrial training scheme, practicals and other relevant courses.

A jamboree was held to commemorate the voyage that was started 71 months ago and was filled with emotion, laughter, and pride as lecturers and member of the class witnessed the official “harvest.”

For many, it wasn’t just the end of a programme, it was the beginning of new voyages: into aquaculture businesses, research, environmental sustainability, and public service.

One of the graduates, Hafsat Yahaya Gutus, has taken the attention of the event in reminiscing how the journey started from 2019 and ended with a jocular statement, “we started as fingerlings, survived like juveniles, and we are now fully grown broodstocks ready to restock the world.”

At the end of the graduation ceremony the HOD and other attending lecturers of the department urged the graduates to put what they were taught into practice warning that letting their six years of hard work go to waste would be a boondoggle.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

After their draw with Girona and losing the top spot in the La Liga standings, once again Real Madrid players are facing heavy criticism, and the rumors about Xabi Alonso’s departure are heating up.

Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Girona away from home on Sunday night.

This marks the third draw for the club in the La Liga season, and it’s the first time since 2019 that such a result has occurred.

Following the draw, the Spanish newspaper AS stated: “Most Real Madrid players are performing below their usual level. In their last three away matches, they have failed to maintain the confidence that Alonso built at the start of the season, and it’s as if that momentum has been lost.”

Due to the team’s poor performance and results, many recent rumors have emerged regarding the possibility of Xabi Alonso’s departure.

However, Spanish journalist Félix Díaz stated, “Xabi Alonso still has confidence within the Real Madrid management. While patience with the coach is needed, unity is also essential to get things back on track, especially now that doubts are rising and they have lost the lead in the standings.”

Real Madrid will resume training and preparations this afternoon, and on Wednesday, they will face Athletic Bilbao in an away match.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has expressed concern over the resurgence of commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as Achaba, vowing decisive measures to protect residents and their property.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, revealed in a statement on Sunday that intelligence reports confirm the return of Achaba activities in several areas of Kano metropolis and surrounding border communities.

“Despite the longstanding ban, some individuals are now operating motorcycles as commercial operators in parts of the state, creating security challenges that cannot be ignored,” Waiya said.

He assured that the government is collaborating closely with security agencies to contain the threat, noting that all necessary support has been provided to ensure their operations are effective and professional.

“Our security agencies are fully on top of the situation. We remain committed to deploying any additional assistance required to protect the lives and property of Kano residents,” the commissioner emphasized.

Addressing public suggestions for enhanced monitoring, including surveillance at the state’s entry and exit points, Waiya said these recommendations are being reviewed as part of a comprehensive security strategy.

“We sincerely appreciate the vigilance, cooperation, and patriotism of the people of Kano. Their input strengthens our efforts to overcome security challenges,” he added.

The commissioner reiterated that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration is determined to restore peace and stability across all 44 Local Government Areas.

He also stressed the government’s commitment to working with local authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens’ groups to ensure a safe environment for all.

Residents have been urged to remain alert, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security operatives as the government intensifies efforts to curb the return of Achaba operations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Suspected bandits have abducted Oba Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan in Kwara State’s Ifelodun Local Government Area, demanding a N150 million ransom for his release.

The monarch was seized around 9:30 am last Friday on his farm by armed men wielding AK-47 rifles.

Investigations reveal the kidnappers had been monitoring the royal father’s movements for days prior to the attack.

An anonymous family source confirmed the kidnappers made contact, issuing the hefty ransom demand to secure his freedom.

A neighbouring farmer, who witnessed the invasion but feared for his own safety, confirmed seeing the armed men whisk the Oba away on a motorcycle.

Police authorities at the Ifelodun Divisional Headquarters in Share town have acknowledged the incident.

An anonymous senior officer stated that the State Police Command has been alerted and has launched a manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators and rescue the monarch.