Month: May 2026

By Muhammad Abubakar

A rare albino water buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” has become an internet sensation and a massive crowd-puller in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha festival.

The 700-kilogram (1,540 lb) animal went viral for a distinct tuft of golden-blonde hair on its forehead, prompting immediate comparisons to the former U.S. president. Raised at the Rabeya Agro Farm in Narayanganj, near the capital city of Dhaka, the buffalo features unique cream-coloured skin and pale eyes resulting from a rare genetic mutation.

The animal’s sudden fame drew thousands of visitors, with people travelling long distances by boat just to catch a glimpse or take a selfie. However, the overwhelming attention took a toll. The farm’s owner, Ziauddin Mridha, had to briefly restrict public viewing after the noise and crowds stressed the buffalo, causing it to lose its appetite.

To keep the celebrity livestock healthy, handlers pampered the animal with four baths and four high-nutrient meals a day.

Naming prized livestock after global celebrities and politicians has become a popular marketing trend among traders in Bangladesh to boost interest ahead of the Islamic “Feast of the Sacrifice”. The viral “Donald Trump” buffalo has already been sold to a buyer in Dhaka, where it will be sacrificed in accordance with Eid traditions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of blocking access to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following the denial of a party delegation to visit him at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

A delegation comprising the ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi; and Salihu Lukman, Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, was refused entry to see El-Rufai, who remains in ICPC custody.

According to the party, the situation escalated when at least three truckloads of armed police officers arrived at the facility, creating a tense atmosphere. The ADC described the heavy security deployment as disproportionate and unnecessary, given the peaceful nature of the delegation.

“The heavy deployment… created the unmistakable impression that the authorities feared that the mere presence of opposition leaders at the Commission could trigger public outrage,” the party said in a statement signed by Abdullahi.

The ADC noted that it had previously written to the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, requesting visitation rights for El-Rufai amid concerns raised by his family over alleged denial of access to doctors and food. The party recalled that Hajiya Asia El-Rufai had publicly alleged that her husband was refused access to his doctor and that she was prevented from delivering food to him.

While acknowledging that the ICPC has denied these allegations, the ADC insisted that the continued refusal to allow party leaders to see El-Rufai deepens suspicions about the nature of his detention.

“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is not a fugitive. He voluntarily submitted himself to the authorities. Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is entitled to dignity, medical care, family access, and fair treatment under the law,” the statement read.

The ADC warned that “Nigeria and the world are watching” and demanded that the ICPC immediately grant unrestricted access to El-Rufai by his family, doctors, lawyers, and party leaders, threatening to mobilise party members nationwide if access continues to be denied.

By Muhammad Masud Yerima



From 2005 to 2025, the global electricity access story changed dramatically. Countries like India and Bangladesh moved from being among the countries with the highest populations without electricity access to largely exiting the list. Meanwhile, Nigeria moved in the opposite direction from third place in 2005 to leading the world in the number of people without access to electricity by 2025.

That should concern every policymaker, investor, planner, and citizen.

In 2005, India had over 360 million people without electricity access. Today, India is no longer on the list. Nigeria, on the other hand, increased from roughly 77 million people without access in 2005 to over 88 million in 2025. This is despite Nigeria being one of Africa’s largest economies and one of the world’s biggest oil and gas producers.

The question is simple:
What did India do right, and what is Nigeria still getting wrong?

India treated electricity not just as infrastructure, but as a national development priority. The country invested aggressively in grid expansion, rural electrification, generation capacity, transmission infrastructure, and policy reforms. Programs like village electrification schemes, renewable energy deployment, and public-private sector collaboration accelerated access across both urban and rural communities. More importantly, India planned long-term and executed at scale.

Nigeria’s challenge is more complex than simply “not enough power generation.” The issue is systemic.

First, population growth has outpaced infrastructure development. Nigeria’s population has expanded rapidly, but transmission networks, distribution systems, and generation capacity have not grown at the same pace. Even where generation exists, the grid often cannot evacuate or distribute the power efficiently.

Second, infrastructure investment has been inconsistent. Transmission bottlenecks, aging equipment, weak distribution networks, vandalism, and underinvestment continue to limit reliability and access. In many parts of the country, being connected to the grid does not even guarantee stable electricity.

Third, planning and execution remain fragmented. Energy policy changes frequently, projects are abandoned, and long-term continuity is weak. Electrification requires coordinated planning across generation, transmission, distribution, regulation, financing, and industrial development not isolated projects.

What makes this more worrying is the timing.

The world is entering a new economic era driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, automation, robotics, and digital infrastructure. Data centers are becoming the factories of the digital economy, and none of them can function without reliable electricity.

From the Agricultural Revolution to the Industrial Revolution, then the Information Age, and now the AI-driven digital economy, every major leap in civilization has been powered by energy.

Without reliable electricity:

* industries cannot scale,
* manufacturing becomes expensive,
* innovation slows,
* startups struggle,
* and Nigeria risks falling behind in the global digital economy.

The next global race will not only be about oil or population size. It will be about computational power, digital infrastructure, and energy resilience.

Beyond politics, this is a conversation Nigerian youths and every citizen must begin to take seriously. The future of Nigeria cannot depend only on election cycles and political debates. We need long-term systemic thinking about infrastructure, industrialization, energy security, education, and technology.

Nigeria is our country.

And if we truly want to compete globally in the modern economy, then stable and accessible electricity can no longer be treated as a secondary issue. It is the foundation upon which modern nations are built.

Muhammad Masud Yerima Mohayerima@gmail.com

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has provided support to pupils of Kondawa Nomadic School in Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi State through the distribution of school uniforms and learning materials.

The organisation also recruited three teachers to address the shortage of teaching staff at the school, which serves several neighbouring communities.

The intervention took place on Thursday as part of efforts to improve access to education in remote communities, especially among nomadic Fulani families.

Executive Director of CITAD, Y. Z. Ya’u, explained that educational support remains important for increasing school attendance in underserved areas.

Ya’u, who was represented by Isah Garba at the event, said, “We supported the pupils with 100 uniforms today.”

He expressed concern over the growing number of children without access to education. According to him, poor access to learning opportunities contributes to insecurity in parts of the country because many young people become vulnerable to criminal influence.

The CITAD boss stated that the intervention in Jama’are was part of similar projects the organisation has carried out across northern Nigeria.

He recalled that the organisation earlier intervened in Shara community in Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State after residents complained about the absence of a primary school. He said advocacy efforts later contributed to government action that led to the establishment of the school.

Ya’u also mentioned another intervention at Bakin Kamanda Nomadic School in Danshoshiya community of Kiru Local Government Area, where pupils received uniforms and other learning materials.

Speaking during the event, the Education Secretary of Jama’are Local Government, Malam Shuaibu Umar, praised the intervention and advised the newly employed teachers to remain committed to their responsibilities.

“We task the newly recruited teachers to uphold their obligations and discharge their duties effectively,” he said.

Umar noted that the support came at the right time and would encourage better enrolment and improve learning among children in nomadic communities.

The Emir of Jama’are, Alhaji Nuhu Ahmad Wabi, MNI, also commended CITAD for supporting nomadic education in the region.

The monarch, who spoke through the District Head of Gilar and Gongo, Alhaji Wada, urged other local and international non-governmental organisations to collaborate with CITAD on similar educational and humanitarian programmes.

CITAD had previously raised concerns about the poor condition of Kondawa Nomadic School, which caters for pupils from Kwandawa, Digawa, Yangamai Ayas, Kundi, Dolede, Talba and Gundumi communities.

The school was established about eight years ago by the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) for over 100 pupils. However, it currently operates below capacity because only one teacher handles all classes.

The school facilities have also deteriorated over the years. Several walls have collapsed, roofs are damaged, classrooms have been vandalised and the compound has become overgrown. The situation has affected regular attendance because many children now engage in grazing and farming activities.

By Uzair Adam

The member representing Gwale Constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mai Rigar Fata, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Mai Rigar Fata represents Gwale Local Government Area, the hometown of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The lawmaker was officially received into the NDC on Thursday by former Kano State governor and party leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his residence in Maitama, Abuja.

Kwankwaso described the defection as a major boost for the party’s grassroots structure in Kano State, saying the new entrants would strengthen the NDC ahead of future political activities.

Mai Rigar Fata was first elected into the Assembly in 2023 under the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) before later moving to the APC alongside Governor Yusuf.

His latest defection followed his failure to secure the APC ticket to contest for another term in the Assembly.

Others who also joined the NDC include former Gwale Local Government Vice Chairman, Hon. Kabiru Sani Auwal Obi, and Malam Mahadi Isa Umar.

The development came shortly after a Federal High Court ruling on Thursday which reportedly created fresh openings for political defections previously restricted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reacting to the court decision, the spokesman of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ruling could trigger mass defections from the APC.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has constituted a 13-member committee to coordinate activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Director General of Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who said the committee was approved by the governor to organise programmes that will highlight the achievements of the “Gida Gida” administration.

According to the statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, will head the committee as chairman, while key members include commissioners and top government officials drawn from different ministries and agencies.

Those appointed include the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Marwan Ahmad; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf; Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir Muhammad Jashim; Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud; and Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gwani Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda.

Others are the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Umar Garko; Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Abdulkadir Abdussalam; Special Adviser, Cabinet Office, Adda’u Lawan Kutama; Director General, Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa; Director General, Protocol, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo; and Director General, Research and Documentation, Hajiya Nana Asma’u Jibrin.

The Permanent Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA), Alhaji Muhammad Jalo, will serve as secretary of the committee.

The statement noted that the committee has been tasked with organising a “befitting programme” to commemorate the anniversary and showcase what it described as key achievements of the current administration.

Governor Yusuf is expected to formally inaugurate the committee at 3:00 p.m. on Friday at the Cabinet Office conference hall in Kano.

By Uzair Adam

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has approved the formation of a 20-member National Selection Committee to oversee the screening and final selection of aspirants ahead of its upcoming governorship and National Assembly primaries.

According to the party, the committee will be officially inaugurated on Monday, May 25, 2026, after which it is expected to immediately commence its inaugural sitting as part of preparations for the primaries.

This development was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, who said the decision reflects the party’s commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and credible candidate emergence.

The statement noted that the approval followed recommendations from the NWC and was endorsed by the party’s National Leader as preparations for the primaries intensify.

The newly constituted committee is expected to examine and review reports submitted by the National Screening Committee and take final decisions on the screening outcomes of all aspirants seeking to contest under the party’s platform.

The NDC National Chairman, Moses Zuwoghe, will chair the 20-member committee, while Barrister Enekweizu will serve as secretary.

Other members include Buba Galadima, Yunusa Tanko, Udenta Udenta, Aminu Abdulsalam, Alhaji Mohammed Bakin Zuwo, and Alhaji Shittu Mohammed, among others.

Part of the statement read that the initiative is aimed at strengthening internal democracy and ensuring a credible selection process that produces widely acceptable candidates.

It also urged aspirants, party stakeholders, and members to show patience and cooperation, noting that the timetable for the exercise is tight but structured to encourage consensus-building within the party.

The party further explained that only aspirants cleared by both the screening and selection committees will be allowed to purchase nomination forms.

In cases where consensus cannot be reached, the party said it will proceed with direct primaries scheduled for May 28 to May 30, 2026, in line with its electoral guidelines.

Reaffirming its position, the NDC said the entire process is designed to promote fairness, inclusiveness, and unity ahead of the elections.

By Uzair Adam

Frontline health workers in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State have been trained on how to respond to rising cases of heat-related illnesses, with particular focus on protecting pregnant women and other vulnerable groups from the effects of extreme heat.

The intervention comes amid growing concern over rising temperatures across Kano State and northern Nigeria, with health experts warning that extreme heat is becoming a serious public health challenge.

They note that pregnant women, children, the elderly and people living with chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes are particularly vulnerable to heat-related complications.

The training, organised by the Climate Resilience Action Group (CRAG) with support from the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust (KIRCT), was held at Tofa Comprehensive Health Centre.

Speaking during the programme, the team lead of CRAG, Dr. Bashir Isa Waziri, said the initiative was designed to equip frontline health workers with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to climate-sensitive diseases, especially during periods of extreme heat.

He explained that primary healthcare workers were targeted because they serve as the first point of contact for patients, particularly in rural communities.

“We are trying to empower them with knowledge and skills to recognise climate health risks and climate-sensitive diseases, especially during extreme heat season, and how they can respond appropriately to such conditions,” he said.

Dr. Waziri added that CRAG is also implementing climate awareness programmes in schools, alongside environmental interventions such as tree planting and innovative waste management, to strengthen long-term community resilience.

One of the facilitators, Dr. Maryam Ahmad Said, a Physician Specialist with the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust and member of CRAG, said pregnant women are among the most vulnerable groups affected by extreme heat.

She explained that rising temperatures could lead to serious maternal health complications, including preterm labour, miscarriages, stillbirths and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

“We talked about the effects of extreme heat on vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women, children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases such as sickle cell disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension and diabetes,” she said.

Dr. Maryam stressed that awareness and health education remain key to preventing heat-related illnesses.

“The most important thing is awareness. People need to know the symptoms of extreme heat on the body, such as excessive sweating, dry mouth and palpitations,” she added.

She advised residents to drink water regularly, wear light and loose clothing, and avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours, particularly between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Another facilitator, Dr. Aisha Adam Abdullahi, also sensitised participants on climate-related diseases and preventive measures during extreme weather conditions.

One of the participants, Muhammad Naziru Adamu, described the training as timely, saying health workers had long needed capacity building on climate-health issues.

He added that participants would share the knowledge gained with colleagues and members of the community to improve awareness of heat-related health risks.

The programme also featured a tree-planting campaign at Government Girls Arabic Senior Secondary School, Tofa, where selected students were introduced as “climate ambassadors” responsible for nurturing and protecting the trees.

The Vice Principal Administration of the school, Ahmad Ibrahim Ahmad, commended CRAG for selecting the school for the intervention, saying it would improve the learning environment.

He pledged the school’s commitment to ensuring proper care of the trees planted during the campaign.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed frustration over the federal government’s handling of the renegotiated agreement on Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), warning that lecturers may soon embark on industrial action.

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made the remarks during an interview on Thursday. He accused the federal ministry of education of failing to properly implement parts of the agreement reached with the union.

The federal government had signed a renegotiated agreement with ASUU on January 14 after years of disputes and strike actions across public universities. The negotiations were concluded in December 2025.

Despite the agreement, several federal universities have recorded delays in salary payments since February. The development has sparked complaints from ASUU branches across the country.

Piwuna said university lecturers are no longer comfortable with the situation, especially the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances, which he said has lasted for 18 months.

“Our members across the branches feel the pinch, so their responses are expected,” he said.

“The federal ministry of education has gone to sleep. We intend to wake them up. When the drums start beating, be sure of what will follow.”

The ASUU president also faulted the government for allegedly shifting responsibility for the allowances to vice-chancellors.

“We agreed that EAA should be mainstreamed to address the problem of accumulated arrears. They are back to the mess of EAA arrears again,” he said.

He added that although the government announced professional allowances for lecturers, some university authorities still struggle to pay them.

“Our promotion arrears have been waiting for the approval of the minister of finance. Now they say the new minister has to settle down. We are tired of your tactics. We are fed up,” the ASUU president maintained.

Piwuna further stated that the agreement reached with the government required the EAA to be incorporated into lecturers’ salaries from January, but this has not happened.

“We are literally back to the Ngige era of never-ending EAA renegotiation,” he said.

“The truth is that we have not received it (EAA) for 18 months.

“It was mainstreamed in the 2025 budget. They did not implement it. This current minister said it would start in January this year. Nothing.”

He explained that the December 2025 agreement included additional allowances for lecturers.

“After signing the December 2025 agreement, we had three allowances added to our salary — 40 percent covering things like journal allowance, conference allowance, book allowance, et cetera,” he said.

“Then we have the professorial allowance. Then a percentage of EAA into our monthly salary.

“All these have been implemented in the most haphazard manner you could ever imagine.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Police Force has started disciplinary proceedings against a police officer, Newton Isokpehi, after a video surfaced online in which he threatened members of the public who record officers on duty.

In the viral clip, the officer also warned that he could shoot passengers inside a vehicle if anyone attempted to film him while carrying out his duties.

Isokpehi, who claimed to have spent twenty-six years in the police force, complained about the welfare and working conditions of officers during the video.

“Any day I’m on duty as an officer while holding my rifle, let someone video me,” he warned.

“That oga who gave the order that police officers should be filmed, he will do your burial. I will kill anyone who films me on duty.”

Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the officer had been invited for questioning and disciplinary action.

In a statement released on Thursday, police spokesperson Anthony Placid said the command does not support threats, intimidation or abuse of office by any personnel.

Placid stated that citizens have the right to record police officers while carrying out lawful duties, provided such actions do not obstruct operations or compromise security.

“The force wishes to state unequivocally that the conduct and utterances exhibited in the video are unacceptable, unprofessional, and inconsistent with the ethics, standards, and code of conduct of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement reads.

“Such actions run contrary to the ongoing reform initiatives of the Force aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, professionalism, and citizen-focused policing.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has consistently maintained that members of the public have the right to lawfully record police officers carrying out their duties, provided such recording does not obstruct operations, compromise safety, or interfere with lawful police activities.

“In line with this position, the officer involved has since been identified and summoned to the Anambra State Command Headquarters where immediate disciplinary procedures have commenced.

“A formal statement detailing the outcome of the disciplinary measures taken against the officer will be communicated in due course.”