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By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has launched a comprehensive training initiative aimed at equipping 600 beneficiaries with business planning skills in the livestock sector, under the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Enhancement Project (L-PRES).

Organized through the State Ministry of Agriculture, the training commenced on Wednesday with a focus on beef and dairy production, targeting mainly youth and women.

The objective is to help participants develop viable and bankable business plans that can attract financial support.

Speaking, Dr. Sunusi Abubakar, the L-PRES National Project Coordinator, described the training as essential in preparing beneficiaries to expand their livestock ventures through structured planning and access to funding.

Dr. Abubakar, who was represented by Madam Heathron Akanni, the Value Chain Consultant for L-PRES, stated that, “This initiative is about helping them navigate the business side of livestock farming—developing investment strategies in beef, dairy, and small ruminants.

“It opens pathways to single-digit loans and even export opportunities through proper branding and value addition,” he added.

He noted that the sessions are being held across the state’s three senatorial zones, using local dialects to enhance understanding.

Also speaking, Dr. Salisu Muhammad Inuwa, the Kano State Coordinator for L-PRES, said the training responds to the widespread practice of livestock rearing in both urban and rural areas.

However, he noted that many people engage in the activity without treating it as a business.

“You will find goats, sheep, or poultry in many homes, but most people don’t track costs or profits. This program bridges that gap,” he explained.

He added that one-third of the participants are women, while a majority are young people, adding that “They have been grouped and will receive tools such as grain processing machines to improve feed production.”

Dr. Bashir Sunusi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, who represented the State Commissioner for Agriculture, praised the program for aligning with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s broader vision to revitalize the agricultural sector and tackle unemployment.

“This initiative supports our wider plans, including the recruitment of over 1,000 youths for rural agricultural support and the construction of 11 dams, one of which holds up to 3.1 billion litres,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Sule Sale, L-PRES Value Chain and Market Linkage Officer, stressed that livestock farming, when treated as a business, can yield significant returns.

Sale stated that, “There are countless opportunities in meat and dairy production. With proper planning, participants can access loans and expand their enterprises.”

The training marks a major step toward improving productivity, resilience, and market access in Kano’s livestock industry under the L-PRES program.

By Muhammad Umar Shehu

Nigeria, as a nation, has always struggled with the idea of unity. From the country’s very foundation, deception has played a central role in shaping the narrative we’ve been led to believe. The idea that we are “one people” is more of a slogan than a reality. The truth is, there has never been genuine unity in the way the state was formed or in how it is currently run.

The political class has done more to divide us than to unite us. Instead of promoting national interest, they manipulate ethnic, religious, and regional sentiments to serve their selfish goals. Over the years, these tactics have created deep hatred and mistrust among citizens. What should have been a diverse but united people has become a society fragmented by deliberate division.

Our leaders talk about unity during campaigns or national crises, but their actions show otherwise. Appointments, projects, and policies are often distributed along lines of loyalty, tribe, or religion rather than merit or national need. This is not only unfair, but also dangerous. It feeds resentment and makes many Nigerians feel like outsiders in their own country.

In almost every region, people feel marginalised. From the South East crying out over exclusion, to the North East lamenting underdevelopment, to the Niger Delta’s struggle over resources, the sense of belonging is weak. When some groups feel like second-class citizens, it becomes nearly impossible to build a strong national identity.

The younger generation is growing increasingly aware of these divisions. Many of them are no longer buying into the false narrative of unity. They see through the hypocrisy and want a country that treats everyone fairly, regardless of background. But without sincere leadership and bold reforms, their hope for a united Nigeria may remain a dream.

Unity cannot be built on lies. It cannot exist where injustice is the norm, where corruption thrives, and where the average citizen feels neglected. We cannot continue to pretend that all is well when millions feel disconnected from the system that claims to represent them.

If Nigeria is ever going to move forward, we must stop repeating slogans and start dealing with the hard truths. The illusion of unity must give way to honest conversations, equitable governance, and deliberate efforts to bridge our divides. Only then can we begin to build a nation where unity is not just a word, but a lived experience.

Muhammad Umar Shehu, who wrote from Gombe, can be reached via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.

By Malam Aminu Wase 

Your Excellency,

I write with deep concern for the moral and cultural fabric of our nation. It is my humble request that you consider banning the operation of TikTok in Nigeria to restore and preserve the dignity of our country, our religious values, cultural heritage, and the moral upbringing of our youth.

While TikTok is used in many parts of the Western world as a platform for creativity, advertising, and business promotion, the situation in Nigeria is deeply troubling. Instead of being a tool for productivity and education, TikTok has become a channel where inappropriate content thrives, particularly content that undermines our moral values and exposes young people to harmful influences.

In Nigeria today, TikTok is alarmingly associated with immoral displays, including the exposure of private parts by married women, as well as the promotion of prostitution. It has sadly become a platform that contributes to the breakdown of marriages and family structures. Many relationships have been destroyed because of disagreements over the use of this platform, with some spouses refusing to delete their TikTok accounts despite repeated appeals from their partners.

This moral decline is not just a private matter; it affects our collective national conscience and identity. If left unchecked, it may have long-term consequences for future generations.

Therefore, I respectfully urge your administration to take decisive action to regulate or, if necessary, ban TikTok in Nigeria. Such a step would not only protect our societal values but also send a strong message about the importance of discipline, modesty, and responsible use of technology.

Thank you, Mr. President, for your continued commitment to the growth and integrity of our nation.

Malam Aminu Wase writes from Kaduna. He can be reached via aminusaniusman3@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a change in the venue and time for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Originally set to hold at the party’s National Secretariat on Blantyre Street, Wuse II, Abuja, the meeting will now take place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa by 2:00 PM.

In a press statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC cited “logistical reasons” for the adjustment.

The NEC meeting is a key gathering of the party’s leadership to discuss critical issues affecting the APC and the nation.

Further details on the agenda were not disclosed.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mike Okiro has revealed that one of the major mistakes of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari was allowing a powerful group, often called a “cabal,” to control his government.

Okiro, who once chaired the Police Service Commission (PSC), said this made it difficult for even key officials to meet Buhari on critical matters.

Speaking in a Channels TV interview, Okiro recalled an incident where he had to be “smuggled through the backdoor” to see Buhari at the Presidential Villa.

He explained that some aides blocked his access, forcing him to take unconventional means to meet the president.

“I told him, ‘They are blocking me from seeing you, that’s why I came through the backdoor,’ and he was happy with me,” Okiro said.

The ex-police chief’s account highlights the restricted access to Buhari during his tenure, raising concerns about governance under his administration.

By Uzair Adam

The Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano, Professor Muktar Atiku Kurawa, has announced that the institution will host its second combined convocation ceremony from Friday, July 25 to Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Professor Kurawa described the event as a significant milestone in the university’s development.

He noted that the convocation would cover five academic sessions, from 2018/2019 to 2023/2024, and will include both undergraduate and postgraduate graduands.

The Daily Reality reports that this marks the first convocation for the university’s postgraduate students, following the commencement of its postgraduate programmes in 2021.

Highlighting the uniqueness of this year’s convocation, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, a retired Supreme Court Justice, will be installed as the new Chancellor of the university.

As part of the ceremony, the university will confer honorary doctorate degrees on notable Nigerians who have significantly contributed to its growth and progress.

Among them is Engineer Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and founder of the university and its sister institution, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil.

Other recipients of the honorary doctorate include philanthropist Hajiya Maryam Sunusi Dantata, the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata (to be honoured posthumously), Alhaji Aliyu Sa’idu Bebeji, proprietor of Aliko Oil, and Alhaji Adamu Yahya (popularly known as A.Y Maikifi).

“These individuals have supported the university since inception and have been instrumental in promoting its mission. We obtained Senate approval to honour them accordingly,” Professor Kurawa stated.

A pre-convocation lecture is scheduled for Friday, July 25, at the university’s City Campus, to be delivered by Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.

The event will be chaired by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.Speaking on institutional development, Professor Kurawa disclosed that the university has grown from five to nine faculties, with a tenth — the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies — currently under review by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Plans are also underway to establish a Faculty of Allied Health Sciences offering programs in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Physiotherapy, and related fields.

The Vice-Chancellor also confirmed that the university has reverted to its original name, Northwest University, Kano, following a bill signed by the Governor of Kano State on December 25, 2024.

Describing the institution as “first among equals,” Professor Kurawa emphasized that the university is progressing steadily and remains competitive nationally.

He added that the number of students to be convocated is yet to be finalized but assured that a breakdown by session will be released in due course.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has inaugurated the renovation and modernization of the State House of Assembly complex, a project estimated at ₦7.8 billion.

The governor performed the flag-off ceremony on Tuesday, describing the development as part of his administration’s pledge to foster a functional atmosphere for the three arms of government.

“The renovation, remodeling and upgrading of the complex we are witnessing today is a case of equal and just treatment for all the three arms of government which constitute a tripod upon which the government rests,” he said.

Mohammed highlighted the importance of improving the complex to meet the standards expected of such a key institution in governance.

“This project has been awarded at the cost of N7.8 billion for which 50 per cent of the money has already been approved and paid to the contractor and it has a 12 months completion period.

“Indeed, the mutual understanding and respect between the executive and the legislative arms of government has become responsible for the seamless delivery of the dividend of democracy during our time,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, recalled that the assembly complex was constructed during the First Republic, in the tenure of the late Governor Abubakar Tatari-Ali.

Since then, he said, only a single minor renovation took place in 2011.

He said the structure had been the core of legislative work in the state for decades and was long due for comprehensive restoration.

“On behalf of all members of the Bauchi state house of assembly, management staff, and all other workers, I express our sincere gratitude to the governor for his visionary leadership and commitment to the development of not only the legislative infrastructure but the entire infrastructure in the state.

“This renovation signifies not only a physical upgrade but also a renewed dedication to transparency, efficiency and service delivery to our constituents.

“The project will modernise our facilities, enhance our working environment and enable us to better fulfill our constitutional responsibilities and service delivery to our constituents,” he said.

The Speaker also encouraged lawmakers, staff, and residents of Bauchi to see the initiative as a collective investment in governance, democracy, and the state’s future.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Danlami Kaule, said his ministry, which is in charge of supervising the work, would ensure the contractor maintains the expected quality and delivers the project on schedule.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security agents, including police officers and personnel from other agencies, on Tuesday prevented Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering the National Assembly premises.

The senator, who represents Kogi Central, arrived at the gate in a black SUV. However, she was denied entry by security operatives who had barricaded the entrance.

Her supporters were also seen engaging in a heated exchange with the officers at the scene.

This incident occurred hours after reports emerged that Senator Natasha was planning to resume plenary, citing a court ruling as justification for her return.

Earlier in the day, SaharaReporters had reported a strong security presence around the National Assembly, with several security vehicles stationed at key entry points.

Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to guard the complex.

Despite a recent ruling by the Federal High Court that declared her suspension unconstitutional, the Senate leadership has maintained that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended.

The lawmaker had been suspended in March 2025.Over the weekend, the embattled senator declared her intention to resume legislative activities.

“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she said during a constituency training event.

“I will be there, because the court did decide on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” she added.

Her lawyer, West Idahosa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, backed her position.

He argued that the judgment provided enough legal grounds for her return to the red chamber.

“Let me be honest with you. Attendance is a legislative action. As far as we are concerned, we are focused on the appeal and other issues before the court. I think the decision to go back to the Senate will be determined by the constituents,” Idahosa said.

He continued: “The suspension was overreaching the provisions of the constitution. I mean, that was clearly stated there. When you say that the plaintiff should go back, you mean that she should go back to work. I think that is more or less an order… She is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

However, the Senate leadership has taken a different view. In a letter dated July 14 and addressed to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), the National Assembly asserted that the court did not issue any binding directive on the Senate to recall her.

The letter, signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling for the Clerk to the National Assembly, stated that the judgment merely “advised” the Senate to consider allowing her return.

Despite the resistance at the gate, Senator Natasha was later seen trekking into the complex, a video of which was shared online.

By Mohammed Mohammed

Like many others, I was shocked when I recently saw an advisory by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declaring Alhaji Auwalu Tijjani Rabi’u wanted for alleged money laundering involving over $1.9 million.  

My shock, and that of many others, stemmed from the general belief in Alhaji Auwalu’s reputation as a businessman of integrity over the years and across his business constituencies in Nigeria, the UAE, and beyond. 

Having gone through the details of the transactions in question, including the reports of a reputable audit firm, which audited the transactions between Alhaji Auwalu and the purported petitioner, one Ifeanyi Ezeokoli, it’s quite clear that the former took advantage of Alhaji Auwalu’s tendency to trust people even without due diligence sometimes, which stems from his sheer clean-mindedness.   

According to the available records, Alhaji Auwalu made an overpayment of more than $3 million to  Ifeanyi Ezeokoli in 2022 as part of a business transaction that spanned a year. And though Ifeanyi was aware of the mix-up behind the regular overpayment, he turned a blind eye and continued receiving payments not due to him. 

And knowing that the bubble would burst one day, he continued to use different companies’ bank accounts, most of which were for third parties, apparently to complicate the auditing of the transactions. Yet, when it appeared to him that his game was over, he came up with an allegation that Alhaji Auwalu owes him over $1.9m, and even went ahead to file a case at the EFCC, which, in turn, declared him wanted. 

However, now that the Federal High Court in Kaduna has issued an interim order restraining the EFCC from taking any measures against Alhaji Auwalu pending the determination of his complaint before it, things have begun to take the right direction, which will undoubtedly culminate in not only absolving Alhaji Auwalu but also enabling him to recover his money from Ifeanyi. 

After all, if for nothing, Alhaji Auwalu is a man whose life seamlessly blends the acumen of business with the compassion of philanthropy. Known across communities not just for his remarkable business success, but more so for his boundless generosity, Auwalu stands tall as a symbol of service and humility. 

Alhaji Auwal’s journey in the business world is one of resilience and integrity. He has built an impressive legacy, earning respect not only for his achievements but for how he achieved them, with fairness, foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility. Yet, what truly sets him apart is that he never allowed success to cloud his sense of duty to others.

Through quiet acts and major initiatives alike, Auwalu has touched countless lives. From supporting the vulnerable and other acts of charity, his contributions have brought light and hope to individuals and entire communities. For many, he is not just a benefactor; he is a lifeline, a silent force who sees a need and responds with action, not applause.

His philanthropy is not showy or self-serving. It is driven by sincere empathy and a belief that every life uplifted enriches us all. Whether in times of ease or crisis, Auwalu has remained steadfast, ever ready to give without hesitation and serve without seeking recognition.

To speak of Auwalu is to talk about impact. His name inspires admiration, but more importantly, it inspires others to give, to build, and to believe in a better world.

Auwalu is more than a businessman. He is a builder of dreams, a guardian of dignity, and a blessing to many.

Mohammed Mohammed wrote from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has promised to hold a direct meeting with retired police personnel who took to the streets in Abuja to protest their poor pension arrangements.

This assurance was conveyed through the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, who addressed the protesters on behalf of the IGP.

According to a post shared Monday on the official X handle of the Nigeria Police Force, the FCT Commissioner met with the retirees to hear their concerns.

The statement also revealed that plans have been finalized for the IGP to meet with them at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The demonstration, which was led by human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, focused on advocating for improved welfare for both serving and retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The police, in their statement, also pointed out that “some individuals with ulterior motive attempted to hijack the protest.”

However, no further details were given about those allegedly involved.

The protest brought renewed attention to long-standing grievances by retired officers who have repeatedly called for better treatment after years of service.