Admin

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State House of Assembly has refuted claims circulating online that it is planning to investigate the Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hajiya Sa’adatu Yusha’u, describing the reports as baseless and misleading.

This clarification was made in a statement issued by Kamaluddeen Shawai, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Assembly, on Thursday in Kano.

According to the statement, the reports alleged that the assembly had finalized plans to probe the ALGON Chair, who also doubles as the Chairperson of Tudun Wada Local Government Area, over alleged irregularities in land allocation.

Shawai emphasized that the Majority Leader of the House, Lawal Hussain-Dala, had not granted any interview or made any comments to any media outlet regarding such an investigation.

“The receipt of a petition by the Majority Leader from citizens does not translate to an endorsement of any investigation, nor does it constitute a decision or pronouncement by the House,” the statement read.

He condemned what he described as a deliberate misrepresentation of legislative procedures, insisting the report was aimed at damaging the reputation of the Majority Leader and the legislative body.

Shawai further explained that the assembly adheres strictly to constitutional provisions and due process in all its affairs.

He noted that any investigation must follow laid-down procedures, including offering all parties a fair hearing.

He also stressed that the assembly reserves the right to receive and evaluate petitions in line with the principles of transparency and the rule of law.

The House has therefore called on those behind the report, including media outlets, to retract the publication and issue a public apology within seven days or risk legal action.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf says his administration has fulfilled 85 per cent of the promises made to the people since assuming office, with just 15 per cent remaining as he begins the second half of his four-year tenure.

He made the declaration on Thursday in Kano during the swearing-in of his new Chief of Staff, Sulaiman Wali Sani; the Director General of the Special Services Directorate, Major General Sani Muhammad (rtd); and 11 newly appointed Special Advisers.

Speaking at the event, the governor said a recent internal assessment showed significant progress on his campaign agenda.

“I’m happy that last week, when I reviewed our polling points and campaign promises, I saw that we have executed 85% within two years,” Yusuf said. “What remains is 15%, and we still have about two years to complete it.”

He said the matter had been presented before the State Executive Council and assured the public that the remaining promises would be delivered in due time.

While assuring citizens of renewed efforts, Governor Yusuf said new initiatives would soon be introduced to further uplift the lives of Kano residents.

He stated, “We are bringing in new programmes and practices that will, by the grace of Allah SWT, positively impact the lives of the good people of the state. But we cannot do it alone—we must work together.”

He called on the newly sworn-in appointees to maintain transparency and accountability, urging them to offer sincere and constructive advice rather than conceal challenges.

“If there is any problem, don’t start investigating yourself or hiding it. Come straight and tell us what we need to know. That’s why you’re here,” Yusuf said.

The governor also reminded them of the weight of their responsibilities in managing public resources, urging caution and integrity.

“Ensure the judicious use of the limited resources entrusted to you by the people. You cannot afford to misstep,” he said.

Yusuf concluded by expressing confidence in the new officials, saying he was personally familiar with each of them and trusted their capabilities.

The appointments come as part of a broader strategy to reposition the administration for greater results in its second half, with emphasis on consolidating achievements and fulfilling the remaining pledges.

By Anas Abbas

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again been recognized for its commitment to excellence in public service and strategic communication.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer, has been named among Nigeria’s top 50 PR and communications professionals in the prestigious 2025 PR Power List.

This significant recognition was announced on Wednesday by GLG Communications in partnership with the Guardian Newspaper.

The annual PR Power List honors public relations professionals who have significantly shaped narratives and driven impactful change within the communication sector, both in Nigeria and abroad.

AC Abdullahi Maiwada earned a spot in the Changemakers Category, which celebrates professionals who actively challenge conventional practices and introduce innovative communication strategies that yield measurable results.

In response to the honor, AC Maiwada expressed his gratitude, calling the recognition a humbling milestone that reflects the progress achieved in institutional communication within the NCS.

“This recognition is deeply humbling. It speaks to the commitment of the Service to modernize public engagement, enhance transparency, and build trust through effective storytelling and timely dissemination of accurate information,” he stated.

Maiwada emphasized that while he is honored to receive this accolade, the credit belongs to his dedicated team and the visionary leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

“His reforms have empowered us to think differently, act boldly, and represent the Service with dignity and professionalism,” he added.

As the NCS continues to enhance its public engagement strategies, this accolade serves as a testament to its ongoing efforts to foster transparency and trust with the Nigerian public.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has unveiled plans to launch a national job portal by 2026, designed to connect student loan beneficiaries with employment opportunities both within and outside Nigeria.

Speaking at a press briefing, NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr stated that the platform will serve as a bridge between graduates and employers, featuring job listings from both the public and private sectors, as well as international recruiters. “Though we cannot guarantee employment, we aim to ease the job search process for our beneficiaries,” Sawyerr said.

He clarified that student loan repayment will commence only after a beneficiary secures a job and completes their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Repayments will be deducted at a flat rate of 10% from monthly salaries. In the event of unemployment, deductions will be suspended, and in the event of death, the loan will be written off entirely.

In response to recent complaints from students who paid tuition before receiving their loans, NELFUND has directed institutions to refund the affected students or return the funds to the agency. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are currently investigating defaulting institutions.

NELFUND, which manages over 3.2 million student records, expects an additional one million loan applications by the end of 2025. The agency also announced the rollout of a new vocational loan programme, with a pilot phase launching in Enugu. The initiative will finance training, transport, stipends, and tools — all interest-free.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo declared that the nation’s 1999 Constitution is not inherently flawed but is undermined by its operators.

He delivered the critique at a national summit on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy in Abuja on Wednesday.

Obasanjo’s speech, read by Olawale Okunniyi, Secretary-General of Eminent Patriots, argued that while no constitution is perfect, Nigeria’s can foster good governance and citizen welfare if implemented faithfully.

“The best constitution can be perverted and distorted by the operators, and we have experienced that all over Africa; Nigeria is not exempted,” he stated.

The ex-president stressed that leadership behaviour remains the core issue, warning: “No matter what you do to the Nigerian constitution, if the operators remain unchanged, the welfare of Nigerians will continue to be sacrificed on the altar of selfishness, corruption, and impunity.”

He urged a focus on ensuring operators uphold integrity, honesty, and the rule of law to rescue national progress.

The summit was organised by The Patriots and the Nigeria Political Summit Group.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 82.

The Daily Reality reports that the institution will now be called Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri.While presiding over a special session, President Tinubu delivered an emotional tribute, describing the late leader as a man of discipline, moral strength, and patriotism.

He acknowledged that Buhari was not without flaws but maintained that his legacy of integrity, restraint, and honourable leadership would endure.

Speaking before cabinet ministers and other top government officials, Tinubu praised Buhari’s austere style and his resistance to the temptations of power.

He noted that the former president “stood always ramrod—unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause, and unafraid of the loneliness that sometimes comes to those who do what is right rather than popular.”

Reflecting on their political partnership, Tinubu recalled how their alliance helped achieve Nigeria’s first peaceful democratic transition of power in 2015.

He described Buhari’s leadership during that period as dignified, adding that he carried the burdens of office with grace and humility.

While recognising that every legacy will face scrutiny, Tinubu emphasized that Buhari’s incorruptibility and patriotic service must serve as a benchmark for future leaders.

“The incorruptible standard he represented will not be forgotten,” he reaffirmed.The Federal Executive Council session concluded with prayers and a moment of silence.

Across the nation, tributes from political figures, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens continued to pour in, honouring Buhari’s life of service.

According to President Tinubu, renaming the university in Borno State is both symbolic and strategic, as the region was central to Buhari’s counter-insurgency and rebuilding efforts during his presidency.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a landmark move set to reshape the future of Nigerian club football, Kano Pillars FC has announced a major sponsorship agreement with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa. The partnership positions RFI Hausa as the club’s main sponsor for the upcoming season, marking a significant step in the club’s quest for revival and excellence.

The deal, unveiled by new General Manager and Nigerian football icon Ahmed Musa, includes full kit sponsorship for all Kano Pillars teams — from the senior side to junior categories such as U19, U15, and U13. RFI Hausa’s logo will feature prominently on the team’s jerseys and across all official branding.

Beyond financial support, RFI Hausa will equip the club with modern media tools, offer training for the club’s media department in professional video production, and develop a comprehensive communications strategy. The partnership also extends to media collaborations and the publication of content on RFI Hausa’s platforms.

“This marks a new dawn for Kano Pillars FC,” said Ahmed Musa. “We are committed to transparency, progress, and excellence. Brighter days filled with success and glory lie ahead for Sai Masu Gida.”

Joe Penney, Director of France Médias Monde Nigeria, expressed RFI Hausa’s enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are proud to partner with such a beloved club. We believe in the team’s vision and will help push the club forward as much as possible.”

As Kano Pillars gears up for the new season, the club’s leadership and fan base hope that this partnership will not only bring success on the pitch but also elevate the club’s media presence and community impact.

By Ahmad Muhammad Mijinyawa

The Root of Nigeria’s Leadership Crisis?

“As within, so without.”

The (above) ancient adage, the Law of Correspondence, offers a profound lens through which to examine Nigeria’s enduring leadership challenges. Our leaders aren’t from Mars; they are products of our very own society, having navigated the same systems as the rest of us.

To truly understand the quagmire of leadership in Nigeria, we must look beyond what is happening at the higher levels and examine the very foundation of how leaders are formed.

If you examine the structures that produce our leaders from the ground up, a stark reality emerges. We often encounter the same pervasive issues that plague the highest echelons of power: a lack of vision, mediocrity, and disheartening mismanagement of resources. 

This isn’t a coincidence. More often than not, individuals who ascend to higher positions of authority are those who have been leaders at lower levels. This cyclical pattern underscores a fundamental truth: a flawed system inevitably produces flawed leaders, and vice versa.

A significant reason for Nigeria’s current predicament lies in our collective disregard for the Law of Cause and Effect. Every single effect we witness, every challenge we face, has a preceding cause.

Crucially, you cannot change an effect with another effect. The intelligent approach, therefore, is to identify the underlying causes, deconstruct them to understand their intricate interplay with the impact, and from there, a clear blueprint for change and problem-solving will effortlessly emerge.

Nigeria’s leadership landscape is, undeniably, in a dire state, with dysfunction evident across multiple levels. So, what precisely are we getting wrong in the fundamental process of producing our leaders? The answer isn’t always at the higher levels.

The most crucial insights often lie at the bottom. We must return to the very genesis of leadership to diagnose the root causes of the widespread effects we are experiencing. By doing so, we can finally begin to discern the right direction forward.

Ahmad Muhammad Mijinyawa wrote via ahmadmijinyawa833@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Rahma Ayad, an Algerian nursing trainee, in the German town of Arnum near Hanover has ignited protests and diplomatic conversations between Algeria and Germany.

Many are urging that the incident be treated as a racially motivated hate crime.Rahma was killed on the morning of 4 July in the stairwell of her apartment building.

According to German police and eyewitness reports, her screams were heard by neighbours who called emergency services. She was discovered with multiple stab wounds to her chest and shoulder.

Despite the rapid arrival of medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries shortly afterward.A 31-year-old German man, who resided in the same building, was arrested later that day.

While he remains in custody, authorities have yet to officially confirm a motive or file formal charges.

Rahma’s family alleges that she had previously expressed concerns about her safety.

They claim she had been repeatedly harassed by her neighbour, particularly because of her Arab identity and choice to wear the hijab.

In an interview with Al-Araby TV, her mother revealed that Rahma had felt unsafe for months due to the neighbour’s behaviour, which reportedly included verbal abuse.

Algerian community activists in Germany echoed these concerns, stating that the suspect had a history of making derogatory remarks directed at Rahma.

They are now calling on authorities to treat the incident as a case of racist violence rather than dismissing it as a random act or linking it to mental instability.

The killing has sparked widespread protests across Germany.

On Tuesday, demonstrators gathered outside Rahma’s residence in Arnum, holding a rally to demand justice and draw attention to what they described as rising Islamophobia across Europe.

The protesters also criticised the muted response from German officials and the limited coverage the story received in mainstream media.

“If the killer had been a Muslim and the victim German, this would be headline news everywhere,” one protester told Al-Araby TV.

Another participant accused German authorities of applying justice “only selectively”.

The incident has stirred strong emotions online as well.

A user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “People travel to Europe for safety and a better life […] and they end up like this.”

Responding to the outcry, Algeria’s Secretary of State for National Community Abroad, Sofiane Chaib, held talks with the German ambassador in Algiers.

He described Rahma’s death as a “heinous crime” and called for greater protection of Algerians living in Germany.

In a related gesture, the Algerian consulate in Germany has committed to covering the expenses for transporting Rahma’s body back to Oran, where she will be laid to rest.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Afenifere Group in the United Kingdom and Europe (UK Afenifere) has demanded Nigeria scrap its current constitution entirely and adopt a new one founded on “true federalism,” declaring the National Assembly’s ongoing amendment process ineffective.Issuing the call via a statement from Secretary Engr.

Anthony Ajayi on Wednesday, the group timed its intervention as lawmakers approach a December 2025 deadline for reviewing proposed changes.

While the National Assembly considers bills on state creation, electoral reform, judiciary overhaul, local government autonomy, and security restructuring – including state police – UK Afenifere insists these piecemeal amendments are insufficient.

The group contends the 1999 Constitution itself is the fundamental problem, calling it “unitary” and the root cause of Nigeria’s stagnation, corruption, insecurity, and poor governance.

“Since the adoption of the 1999 Constitution, Nigeria has not made meaningful progress… the country is already in a state of quagmire,” the statement asserted, blaming the document for enabling politicians to “perpetrate evil against the people… unabated.”

UK Afenifere argued that Nigeria urgently requires “a new constitution for her people” that prioritizes citizens’ interests over politicians’, rather than continued amendments which they claim have “no direct positive impact.”

They cited the historical achievements of the old Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo as proof of concept for true federalism.

Funded by regional agriculture and mining revenues – while still contributing 50% to the federation – the region delivered free education for over 800,000 pupils, major infrastructure, farm settlements, industrial estates, Africa’s first TV station, and Nigeria’s tallest building at the time, “without oil money.”

The group aligned its stance with prominent figures like former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who have consistently traced Nigeria’s deep-seated challenges – including systemic insecurity, mass unemployment, poor public services, weak institutions, and economic centralization – back to the flawed 1999 Constitution.

They echoed analyst Olawale Okunniyi’s critique that the military-era constitution, enacted without broad consultation, fails to reflect Nigeria’s pluralistic realities.

Declaring true federalism the “appropriate governmental principle” for Nigeria’s diversity, UK Afenifere urged all Nigerians to demand a new foundational document.

“We cannot continue to patronise practices that weigh on our development, weaken our potentials and mock our collective sensibilities,” the statement concluded, invoking the federal principles championed by founding fathers like Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Tafawa Balewa.

This call significantly intensifies the debate as the National Assembly’s review process enters its final phase.