Month: May 2026

By Maji MB

Like a traveler who set out at dawn with hope carefully folded into his resolve and a quiet determination that refused to fade with distance or difficulty, Governor Mai Mala Buni embarked on what would become a wide-reaching and sustained reform of the healthcare system in Yobe State, approaching it not as a set of isolated projects but as a deeply interconnected mission to rebuild trust, restore access, and reimagine how care could be delivered across both urban centers and remote settlements. From the outset, the focus was not on surface-level improvements but on laying down enduring foundations that could support growth for years to come, even in places where infrastructure had long been weak or unevenly distributed.

He began by returning to the roots of the system, prioritizing primary healthcare as the entry point for most citizens and the backbone of any sustainable medical structure. Across communities, 140 Primary Healthcare Centres were revived or newly established, each one functioning not merely as a building with equipment but as a functioning access point for families who previously had to travel long distances for even basic medical attention. These centers became essential spaces where preventive care, maternal support, child health services, and first-response treatment could be accessed closer to home, gradually reshaping how communities interacted with the healthcare system and reducing delays that often turned treatable conditions into emergencies.

From that foundation, the reforms expanded outward into secondary and tertiary levels of care, with local government areas strengthened through secondary facilities and more specialized services distributed across zones to reduce pressure on central hospitals. At the highest level, tertiary institutions were reinforced to handle more complex cases, creating a more coherent referral structure that allowed patients to move through the system in a more organized and efficient way. This layered approach helped reduce bottlenecks while also ensuring that care was not concentrated in one location but spread in a way that matched population needs.

Recognizing that geography and terrain often determine survival in emergencies, the administration introduced 88 customized tricycle ambulances designed specifically for hard-to-reach areas where conventional vehicles struggled. These ambulances became more than transport solutions; they functioned as critical links between vulnerable households and formal medical care, navigating narrow paths and rural roads to retrieve patients in urgent need. In many cases, they shortened the time between crisis and treatment, reinforcing the idea that healthcare accessibility is not only about facilities but also about mobility and reach.

Alongside infrastructure expansion, attention was given to financial protection and inclusion through the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, which expanded coverage to over 300,000 residents. This initiative reduced the immediate financial burden on households by allowing citizens to access services without bearing the full cost of treatment upfront, with government support covering the majority of expenses and patients contributing a small portion. In practice, this helped shift healthcare from being a sudden financial shock to a more predictable and manageable system of shared responsibility.

To address the persistent challenge of drug availability, the establishment of the Drugs and Medical Consumable Management Agency became a central intervention point, supported by over ₦2.3 billion worth of medical supplies. This ensured that hospitals and clinics were no longer frequently hindered by stock shortages or treatment interruptions. Medicines, consumables, and essential supplies became more consistently available, strengthening confidence in public health facilities and improving continuity of care for patients who previously faced delays or had to seek alternatives outside the state.

Emergency response systems were also strengthened through improved ambulance services and inspection mechanisms designed to ensure accountability and readiness across facilities. This meant that response times in critical situations improved, coordination between facilities became more structured, and oversight mechanisms helped maintain operational standards. In practical terms, this created a more responsive system where emergencies could be handled with greater speed and fewer procedural delays, particularly in situations involving accidents or sudden medical complications.

A major humanitarian component of the reforms was the introduction and expansion of free healthcare services for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, young children, accident victims, and patients requiring dialysis for kidney-related conditions. By removing financial barriers in these high-risk categories, the system provided direct relief to families facing some of the most expensive and emotionally taxing medical situations. This intervention not only reduced mortality risks but also reinforced the principle that certain categories of care should remain accessible regardless of income level.

In parallel, immunization and disease prevention efforts were significantly strengthened through collaboration with development partners, leading to a notable increase in immunization coverage from 16% to 65%. Programs targeting polio and other childhood diseases were intensified, resulting in improved public health indicators and positioning the state as one of the most improved in the country. At the same time, investment in medical infrastructure continued at the teaching hospital level, including the construction of a 300-bed Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health complex and the expansion of overall capacity to over 700 beds, alongside the introduction of advanced diagnostic equipment such as MRI, CT scan, mammography, digital X-ray, and ultrasound systems.

Finally, attention turned toward sustainability and human capital development, with upgrades to institutions such as Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery and Galtima Mai Kyari College of Health Sciences, including improved facilities, expanded learning environments, and enhanced living conditions for students. In a notable workforce intervention, automatic employment opportunities were provided to graduates to strengthen staffing levels across the health system. Over time, these combined efforts contributed to improved national recognition, culminating in the state’s emergence as the best-performing state in the National Primary Healthcare Competition of December 2025, reflecting a system that had evolved from fragmented services into a more coordinated and steadily improving healthcare framework.

Maji MB wrote from Potiskum, Yobe State.

By Uzair Adam

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to improving foundational learning as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening literacy and numeracy among schoolchildren.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Professor Salisu Shehu, said this at the ongoing South-South Learning Symposium taking place from May 4 to 8 in New Delhi.

Speaking at the event, Shehu said Nigeria had, in the last three years, embarked on critical education reforms beginning from the foundational level to improve learning outcomes across the country.

He explained that the reforms are being implemented under the National Education Sector Reform Initiative (NESRI), a broad-based programme anchored on key pillars such as technical and vocational education expansion, STEMM development, reintegration of out-of-school children and Almajiri, girl-child education, data and digitisation, and quality assurance.

According to him, reforms in foundational learning are guided by two major national policy frameworks — the National Policy on Skills Development and the National Reading Framework — both aimed at strengthening early literacy and numeracy skills.

He noted that the initiatives were introduced to address persistent learning gaps in the country.

Professor Shehu said the policies are designed to “accelerate foundational skills of learners and reverse the situation in which about 70 per cent of children in Nigeria cannot read with meaning or solve simple mathematics problems.”

He added that achieving the targets of the policy frameworks requires a well-articulated curriculum reform programme, stressing that Nigeria has undertaken a holistic review of its curriculum to align with national development goals.

He said one of the key features of the reform is the introduction of foundational skills from the pre-primary level, with structured and sequenced learning content to ensure that learners acquire basic competencies before completing primary three.

Professor Shehu further explained that the reforms promote practical learning approaches, including learning by doing from the early stages, as well as aligning numeracy content with everyday experiences of learners.

On implementation, he said the use of structured pedagogy is being adopted to support learners’ development, while assessment systems are being reformed to cover both knowledge and practical application.

He, however, acknowledged challenges in implementing the reforms, particularly the shortage of adequately trained teachers and limited access to quality instructional materials aligned with the curriculum.

“To address these challenges, we are initiating a project with the British Council focused on providing quality instructional materials, building the capacity of teachers and ensuring a smooth transition from mother tongue to English as the medium of instruction at grade one,” he said.

He further emphasised the need for sustained collaboration with development partners to ensure long-term success of the reforms.

The symposium has brought together education stakeholders from across developing countries to share knowledge and strategies for improving learning outcomes.

By Uzair Adam

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) says it is working to bridge the financing gap in Nigeria’s livestock agribusiness sector by connecting small businesses with financial institutions through capacity-building programmes.

Officials of the project disclosed this on Wednesday at the ongoing Regional SMEs/PFIs Capacity Building Programme on “Bridging the Livestock Agribusiness Finance Gap: Building Capacity for Inclusive Growth,” which started on Monday in Kano.

The programme, supported by the World Bank and the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) brought together participating financial institutions (PFIs), livestock-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs), insurance firms and other stakeholders from Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Speaking at the event, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, represented by the Value Chain Consultant, Heather Ronke Akanni, said the initiative was designed to expose financial institutions to opportunities in the livestock sector and help SMEs become investment-ready.

She explained that the livestock sector had long faced financing constraints due to limited documentation, weak business structures and perceived risks by financial institutions.

“Before now, the livestock sector has not been looked into so much, so banks and financial institutions were reluctant to finance livestock farmers,” Akanni said.

According to her, the programme provides a platform for SMEs and PFIs to engage directly, exchange ideas and better understand opportunities across livestock value chains, including production, processing, packaging, input supply and advisory services.

She added that similar regional engagements had already been held in the South-East, South-West and North-East, while the North-Central programme would be concluded in Kwara State.

Akanni stressed the need for SMEs to maintain proper financial records and separate personal and business accounts to improve access to credit.

“Some SMEs mix their private accounts with business accounts, making it difficult for banks to assess their businesses properly. Now they understand that business transactions should be clearly documented,” she said.

She further noted that some financial institutions had begun to show renewed interest in livestock financing after direct engagement with farmers under the programme.

“In Enugu, a pig farmer who had struggled for years to secure a loan eventually attracted the interest of banks after they visited his farm during the programme,” she added.

The State Project Coordinator of L-PRES in Zamfara State, Nasiru Muhammad, represented by the Animal Health Officer, Dr. Muktar Salihu Anka, said the project had made steady progress despite starting later than other participating states.

He explained that L-PRES had supported livestock farmers through capacity building, veterinary interventions, poultry development and infrastructure projects aimed at improving production systems.

“This workshop is going to bridge the gap between farmers and the PFIs because many livestock farmers have been asking questions about access to loans,” he said.

Also speaking, the Kaduna State L-PRES Coordinator, Dr. Shitu Salisu Hashim, described the training as essential in addressing concerns from financial institutions regarding livestock lending risks.

He said banks often worry about disease outbreaks, lack of collateral and weak cooperative structures among farmers.

“The importance of this training cannot be overemphasized because it balances the relationship between farmers and PFIs,” Hashim said.

He added that the programme introduced an Impact Credit Guarantee mechanism to reduce collateral challenges faced by farmers.

“If the collateral requirement is 100 per cent, the Impact Credit Guarantee can provide up to 70 per cent, while the farmer provides the remaining 30 per cent,” he explained.

Hashim also noted that the inclusion of non-interest financial institutions was expanding access to finance for livestock farmers in Northern Nigeria.

Representing the Kano State Project Coordinator, Dr. Salisu Muhammad Inuwa, Abubakar Muhammad Kabiru, Animal Husbandry Officer of L-PRES, said participants were taken on a field visit to key livestock value chain facilities in Kano State.

He said the team visited L&Z Company in Kumbotso Local Government Area, Milk Collection Centre in Kadawa, Garun Malam Local Government Area, Dawakin Kudu Cooperative Society Limited, and the International Cattle Market.

Kabiru explained that the visits were designed to expose participating financial institutions to real-life livestock business operations.

“We wanted the PFIs to see the opportunities available and understand how these businesses operate so they can confidently support beneficiaries with loans,” he said.

He added that SMEs from Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara participated in the programme to improve their capacity to access and manage financing.

One of the participants, Hajiya Halima Ahmad, said the programme had changed the mindset of many women in livestock business regarding access to loans.

She said many women previously avoided banks due to concerns over interest rates and limited knowledge of financial documentation.

“I have been in the poultry business for over 25 years, but I have never gone to a bank to request a loan,” she said.

“Most of the factors stopping us were the issue of interest because of religious implications. But this training has equipped us with the necessary skills on documentation and business management.”

She added that the presence of non-interest banks at the programme had encouraged participants to explore financing opportunities for business expansion.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Coalition of Ulama and Islamic Organisations in Kano State has expressed concern over rising political tension in Kano State, warning that the increasing use of inflammatory language and politically motivated violence could threaten peace and stability in the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the coalition condemned recent incidents linked to political activities and urged politicians and their supporters to avoid actions capable of inciting unrest.

The group said the growing trend of insults, intimidation, and provocation in the political space was disturbing and inconsistent with the values of peace and mutual respect long associated with Kano.

The coalition also cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used as tools for violence by desperate politicians, urging them instead to uphold law and order. It called on political leaders to embrace issue-based engagement and conduct their activities responsibly in the interest of public peace.

The statement, signed by the coalition’s secretary, Saidu Ahmad Dukawa, prayed for continued peace and unity in Kano State and urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.

The Israeli military has opened an investigation after a photograph circulated online allegedly showing one of its soldiers desecrating a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon.

According to reports published on Wednesday, the image showed the soldier placing a cigarette in the mouth of the statue while also smoking.

The military described the matter as serious and vowed to take action against the soldier. The Times of Israel reported that the army viewed the “incident gravely”.

Preliminary findings indicated that the photograph was taken several weeks ago in Debel, a Christian-majority village in southern Lebanon. However, the image only surfaced online on Wednesday.

The development has added to growing accusations of misconduct by Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Last month, another Israeli soldier was reportedly photographed damaging a statue of Jesus in the same community.

Lebanese media outlets also alleged that Israeli troops destroyed solar panels used to power the town’s water supply system. Reports further claimed that homes, roads and olive trees in the area were damaged.

The latest controversy comes amid intensified Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Israeli forces have carried out repeated attacks in Beirut and other parts of the country. Israel said the operations target Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure.

Israeli troops still maintain a presence in parts of southern Lebanon. Residents and officials in the area have expressed concern over widespread destruction in communities affected by the conflict.

Meanwhile, concerns have continued to mount over reported attacks against Christians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Religious organisations have documented incidents involving harassment and violence against Christian pilgrims, clergy members and Palestinian Christians. Some of the reported attacks allegedly involved ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students.

One incident involved a French nun near Jerusalem’s Old City last month. Video footage reportedly showed a man pushing the nun to the ground, causing a head injury, before returning to kick her while she was on the ground.

Israeli police later announced the arrest of a 36-year-old suspect after the video drew international attention.

Following criticism over the destruction of the Jesus statue in Debel, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act. The two soldiers involved were removed from combat duties and sentenced to 30 days in prison.

In another incident in March, Netanyahu’s office apologised after Israeli police prevented Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to lead Palm Sunday mass.

Observers say disciplinary measures against Israeli soldiers remain uncommon despite repeated allegations involving military conduct.

The report also referenced the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot dead during an Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank in 2022.

In Gaza, several religious sites have suffered destruction during the war. These include the historic Great Omari Mosque and Saint Porphyrius Church, one of the oldest churches in the world.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said the final decision on the ongoing Kano emirship dispute rests with the Supreme Court, stressing that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will be bound to implement the court’s verdict in line with the rule of law.

Ganduje stated this while reacting to reports alleging that he had endorsed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.

In a statement issued by his former Commissioner of Information and current Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, the ex-governor described the reports as a misinterpretation of his remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of the Deputy Governor.

He explained that his reference to Sanusi by his traditional title at the event was purely out of respect and adherence to protocol, not an endorsement.

“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement,” Ganduje said.

He noted that the emirship tussle remains before the court, warning that comments on the matter must be made cautiously to avoid contempt.

Ganduje recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case by the Supreme Court.

He explained that the current legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, pending the apex court’s ruling.

The former governor added that he lacks the constitutional authority to endorse or reject any claimant, noting that the responsibility lies solely with the judiciary and, subsequently, the state government.

He further criticised sections of the media for amplifying the issue, saying a routine remark was taken out of context.

“The interpretation being given to the remark is clearly exaggerated,” he said, urging all parties to remain calm and await the Supreme Court judgment expected next year.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up efforts to curb illicit financial activities and terrorism financing through a sensitisation programme on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). The event took place at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The programme was held on Monday, 4 May 2026. It formed part of the agency’s first-quarter operational review and training exercise for officers attached to the AML/CFT Unit. The session focused on building capacity, promoting ethical conduct and improving cooperation with relevant agencies.

During the programme, the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, Muhammad Shuaibu, said the initiative shows the rising importance of AML/CFT operations within the Service and across Nigeria’s financial and security system. He explained that the Unit’s work goes beyond ports and border points. He added that its performance in the past year has made it a key player in protecting the country’s financial system.

Shuaibu also pointed to recent progress in Nigeria’s financial sector. He said bank cards issued in Nigeria now function globally and allow users to carry out transactions abroad with automatic currency conversion.

“This is a major milestone. Nigerians can now travel and use their cards anywhere in the world, with transactions reflecting the local currency. This is a significant achievement for the nation,” he said.

He advised officers to view postings to the AML/CFT Unit as an opportunity for career development. He also mentioned ongoing collaboration with the World Customs Organization to ensure compliance with international standards.

In his remarks, the Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Saulawa Sunusi, called for discipline and professionalism among officers.

“Officers must remain disciplined, professional, and committed to ethical conduct. Integrity remains the foundation of everything we do,” he said.

Sunusi urged personnel to improve their skills through regular training. He asked them to show leadership through good conduct and maintain fairness and punctuality in their duties. He also stressed the need for teamwork and proper conflict resolution within the Service.

Participants were advised to stay alert, maintain high morale and perform their duties without bias. They were warned against sharing sensitive information without authorisation and asked to follow official communication procedures strictly.

The programme also featured a lecture by Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Faisal Abubakar, who spoke on service correspondence and its role in official communication.

In a separate address, the National Coordinator of AML/CFT, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mas’ud Salihu, said financial crimes are becoming more complex. He noted that many illegal activities are now taking place in digital and virtual spaces.

Salihu explained that efforts are ongoing to strengthen enforcement, identify operational gaps and improve communication between field officers and management. He said sensitisation remains vital in tackling financial crimes and encouraged officers to stay proactive in detecting new threats.

He commended participants for their active involvement and thanked the Service leadership for its continued support in strengthening the AML/CFT framework.

By Uzair Adam

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has dismissed claims that there is a plan to Islamise Nigeria, describing such narratives as divisive and unrealistic.

Speaking on Wednesday at the meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in Abuja, the monarch said Muslims have no agenda to undermine Christians, stressing that both religions coexist for a divine purpose.

He reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, noting that NIREC remains a critical platform for fostering understanding between faiths.

According to him, engagement rather than conflict is the only path to national peace.

“We believe talking is better than fighting. Let us understand our differences rather than trying to ignore them. I am a Muslim, you are a Christian, and we must live together with mutual respect,” he said.

The Sultan, who also serves as Co-Chairman of NIREC, highlighted his long-standing commitment to interfaith dialogue, noting that he has consistently attended council meetings over the past two decades.

On religious literacy, he warned against the growing influence of unqualified clerics, cautioning that fluency in Arabic does not automatically confer Islamic scholarship, just as some Christian preachers in the Middle East also use the language.

He urged religious leaders to deepen their knowledge in order to guide followers responsibly and prevent the misuse of religion for personal or political purposes.

Addressing insecurity, the Sultan rejected the profiling of criminals along religious lines, insisting that bandits and terrorists should not be associated with Islam.

He maintained that anyone who kills in the name of religion acts against its teachings.

He further lamented that many victims of banditry and terrorism in northern Nigeria are Muslims, underscoring the need to confront the issue without religious bias.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he called for stronger trust between religious leaders and their followers, warning that national development would remain difficult without it.

He also commended NIREC’s collaboration with international partners, referencing recent interfaith engagements in London involving the Archbishop of Canterbury and Islamic scholars aimed at addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

The Sultan expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support and encouraged council members to remain committed to promoting unity and peace across the country.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Federal Government of Nigeria has barred recipients of honorary degrees from using the “Dr.” prefix in official and professional settings, warning that violations could amount to academic fraud.

Announcing the decision after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the move is aimed at curbing the abuse and politicisation of academic titles.

Mr Alausa further clarified that only holders of earned doctorates or qualified medical professionals may use the title, while honorary awardees must instead adopt post-nominal forms such as D.Sc. (Honoris Causa).

The National Universities Commission has also introduced stricter rules, limiting institutions to three honorary awards per convocation, requiring prior approval, and banning awards to serving public officials.

The reforms follow an investigation that uncovered 32 illegal “degree mills” selling fake titles, as authorities seek to restore credibility to Nigeria’s academic system.

By Uzair Adam

A former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Tuesday held a crucial meeting with the Kano State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Hussaini Mairiga, to resolve the lingering crisis within the party.

The Daily Reality reports that Mairiga confirmed the meeting in an interview with journalists on Tuesday, explaining that it brought together key party stakeholders at the state level.

He said the engagement focused on addressing disagreements surrounding the party’s structure and leadership in Kano State.

Following the meeting, Mairiga announced that the crisis had been resolved and pledged support for Kwankwaso’s leadership.

He said, “We had a fruitful discussion with Sen. Kwankwaso and other critical stakeholders of our great party. All lingering issues have been amicably resolved in the interest of unity and progress.

“As a party, we have agreed to move forward together, and we recognise Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as our leader in Kano State.”

Mairiga further urged party members to remain calm and committed to the party’s ideals, stressing that unity would be crucial for future electoral success.

“I call on all our members to remain steadfast and work collectively for the growth of the party. This resolution marks a new beginning for the NDC in Kano,” he added.

The development followed days of tension within the Kano chapter of the party after Kwankwaso’s defection to the NDC alongside Peter Obi, a move that raised concerns over control of the party structure.

The crisis had deepened earlier after the state chairman rejected alleged moves to hand over the party’s leadership to the former governor, insisting that the existing executives would not relinquish control.

He also disclosed that initial attempts to integrate Kwankwaso into the party stalled due to disagreements over leadership arrangements, with both sides holding separate meetings that failed to produce a consensus.

Tensions escalated further amid claims that the party’s planned state congress was suspended, fuelling suspicions among some members over possible moves to restructure the party leadership in Kano.