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By Muhammad Abubakar

The Governing Council of Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has approved the appointment of Barrister Abdulkadir Abubakar as the new Registrar of the University for a five-year term.

The decision was made at the Council’s 29th meeting held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, under the leadership of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Col. Abdulmumini Aminu (Rtd.). The appointment follows the recommendation of the Joint Senate and Council Selection Board.

Barr. Abdulkadir brings to the position 18 years of experience in university administration. He joined FUBK in 2015 as a Senior Assistant Registrar and became Deputy Registrar in 2022. Before this, he served at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, and at the College of Basic and Advanced Studies, Yelwa-Yauri.

A legal practitioner with a Master’s degree in Petroleum Law and Policy from the University of Dundee, UK, Abdulkadir also holds a Bachelor of Law in Common and Islamic Laws from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2009.

Until his recent appointment, he headed the Legal Unit of FUBK and served in various administrative capacities, including TETFund Desk Officer and Assistant Secretary to the Council.

In a related development, the Council also approved the promotion of four academic staff to the rank of Professor and three others to Associate Professor. The newly promoted Professors include Dr. Bello Bala Diggi (Intellectual History), Dr. Mohammed Bashar Danlami (Virology), Dr. Muhammad Muazu Yusuf (Development Economics), and Dr. Yahaya Tajudeen Olarenwaju (Cell Biology and Genetics).

The new Associate Professors are Dr. Halima Muhammad Bande (Business Administration), Dr. Abdullahi Umar (Geography), and Dr. Ali Sherrif Kabara (Accounting).

The appointments of Professors Diggi and Danlami are effective from January 1, 2024, while those of Professors Yusuf and Olarenwaju take effect from January 1, 2025.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Talk about Kannywood and, often, some people who are scarcely literate or have little knowledge of film will dismiss the entire industry as a sanctuary for good-for-nothing folks. But that is not always true.

I first met the late Malam Umar Maikudi (also known as Cashman) at the 2019 Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa Film Market and Festival (KILAF) conference. We connected immediately, discussed various issues, and ultimately exchanged phone numbers.

Although Malam was old enough to be my father, we maintained a relatively cordial relationship. He would send me some of his writings, and I would send him mine in return. We also met a few more times during subsequent editions of the KILAF conference. I am sure Alhaji Abdulkarim, the CEO of Moving Image and the organiser of KILAF, will dearly miss Cashman.

He was among the few brilliant individuals blessed with the talent to blend theory and practice seamlessly, and he excelled in both. 

Malam was a lecturer at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, and President of the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN). 

Malam was a bridge between Kannywood and Nollywood, as he featured in films from both industries. Many Kannywood viewers may not be very familiar with him, though.

Cashman only recently started featuring in more mainstream Kannywood productions, such as Gidan Badamasi and Labarina. As a lawyer in the latter (Labarina), who is expected to code-switch and code-mix, you can tell this actor is definitely educated. He was.

His death is a significant loss to his family, of course, and to the Nigerian entertainment industry. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant his loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss, amin.

Muhsin Ibrahim, PhD, is an academic and writes about Nigerian films. He can be contacted via muhsin2008@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has been appointed as the Vice Chair of the Body of Advisers of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG).

The appointment was announced during the ongoing 2025 Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

This year’s NPRW, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), began on May 19 and will run until May 23.

The annual gathering brings together communication professionals, government officials, and other key players to explore how effective communication can support national development.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, formally opened the event on Tuesday, May 20. In his remarks, he restated the administration’s dedication to using strategic communication as a means of strengthening nation-building and drawing investment.

CGC Adeniyi’s new role shows the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) growing influence in the field of public communication.

Adeniyi welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the NRMG’s efforts.

“I consider it a privilege to be part of this important national assignment,” CGC Adeniyi said. “I have full trust in the capacity of this group, and I believe that with the calibre of individuals involved, a lot can be achieved in reshaping how Nigeria tells her story to her people and the world.”

He will work alongside other prominent figures, including Channels Television Chairman John Momoh, who now serves as Chair of the NRMG advisory group.

Together, the advisory team is expected to support the NRMG’s aim of presenting a unified and credible image of Nigeria both locally and internationally.

Also representing the NCS at the event, the agency’s National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, presented a paper titled “Advances in Government, Policy and Regulatory Communication.”

His presentation stressed the need for deliberate, multi-platform communication strategies in the public sector. He also shared how the NCS is adopting modern tools to improve public trust and operational transparency.

“The changing dynamics of governance and policy implementation require us to speak clearly, truthfully, and strategically. At Customs, we’ve learned that people don’t just want to be informed, they want to be understood and engaged,” Maiwada noted.

By Sani Surajo Abubakar

At the commencement of the 28th Kano State Executive Council on Monday 19th of May, 2025, held at Kwankwasiyya City, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf presided over the swearing-in of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ibrahim Umaru (rtd.) as the new commissioner of Internal Security and Special Services.

His nomination, screening and confirmation by the Kano State House of Assembly and subsequent swearing-in followed the resignation of the pioneer Commissioner of the Ministry some few weeks back.

The new commissioner was the immediate past Director-General of the Special Service Directorate, Kano Government House, responsible for coordinating the operations of security agencies and other engagements critical to safer living in the state.

Before his debut in the government business of Kano State, he was a retired Airforce Officer with vast experience in peacekeeping operations and national assignments both locally and internationally.

He is passionate and committed to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship skills development, with a firm belief that empowering youth will help improve the living standard of the state’s residents and boost rapid socioeconomic development and prosperity.

As a retired Air Vice Marshal, his new position as commissioner will bring a wealth of experience from his illustrious military career in curbing security challenges in the state.

 Indeed, his sojourn as Director-General of the Special Service Directorate and subsequently as commissioner underscores the state government’s commitment to harnessing expertise from various fields to drive progress.

The appointment of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ibrahim Umaru as Commissioner in Kano State Government has sparked widespread interest and debate. As a seasoned security expert, AVM Umaru’s induction into the state executive council is seen by many as a strategic move to leverage his expertise in bolstering security and development initiatives in the state.

Many observers view AVM Umaru’s appointment as fitting, given his background and the current security challenges facing Kano State. His experience in security matters is expected to significantly contribute to the state’s efforts in maintaining peace and stability.

The appointment seems to align perfectly with the needs of the state, making it a case of a “square peg in a square hole.”

With AVM Umaru on board, the Kano State Government will likely benefit from his strategic insight and operational expertise. His role could be pivotal in enhancing Security Measures.

He will also utilize his military background to strengthen security frameworks and responses, advise on policy matters, provide informed counsel on security and development policies, and Facilitate dialogue and cooperation between security agencies and local communities.

AVM Ibrahim Umaru’s appointment appears well-considered, aligning his skills with the state’s needs. As he takes on this new role, expectations are high for meaningful contributions to Kano State’s security and development landscape. Only time will tell how effectively he navigates the complexities of his new position, but the outlook seems promising.

Congratulations, AVM, and may your appointment yield positive results for our dear state, Kano.

Sani is the Deputy Director of Public Enlightenment at the Kano Government House.

By Anas Abbas

In a significant move, the House of Representatives has urged the federal government to take action to assist Nigerians residing in Saudi Arabia who have been adversely impacted by recent labour and immigration reforms implemented by Saudi authorities.

This call for intervention came during a plenary session on Wednesday, following a motion presented by Rep. Muhammad Bello Shehu (NNPP, Kano). 

Rep. Shehu highlighted that the Saudi government introduced substantial reforms in August 2024, which have had a profound effect on labour laws, impacting numerous Nigerians who have lived in the country for years and often support large families.

The reforms include changes to the definitions of “Assignment” and “Resignation,” the discontinuation of work permit renewals for domestic workers, and various regularisation processes. As a result, many Nigerians have lost their jobs, while others are burdened with exorbitant fees for renewing their documents and work permits.

“Some domestic workers, including drivers, have been laid off and are unable to afford the renewal fees. Many find themselves unable to leave the country due to outstanding overstays,” Rep. Shehu explained.

He also noted that the Urban Renewal aspect of the reforms has further complicated matters, as affordable rental properties have been demolished to make way for urban development, exacerbating the hardships faced by these individuals and forcing their children out of school.

The lawmaker also criticised, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for not sufficiently engaging with Saudi authorities to secure an amnesty window for affected citizens or propose viable solutions for their evacuation and return to Nigeria.

In light of these challenges, Rep. Shehu urged Saudi officials to consider granting amnesty to Nigerians who wish to return home. 

Following the motion’s adoption, the House directed its committees on Foreign Affairs, Interior, Diaspora, and Muslim Pilgrimage to collaborate with the Executive Arm. They are tasked with negotiating an amnesty option for those willing to return and ensuring their safe evacuation, with a report due back to the House within six weeks.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Mallam Umar Maikuɗi (popularly known as Cashman), a lecturer at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, and President of the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), has passed away after a prolonged illness. He died this evening at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH).

Colleagues, associates, and the entertainment industry mourn his passing, praying for Allah’s forgiveness and for him to be granted Al-Jannah al-Firdaws.

Until his death, Maikuɗi was an active academic and a key figure in Nigeria’s motion picture industry.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Censorship Board has revoked the licenses of eight open theaters for repeatedly violating operational guidelines.

The Board’s Executive Secretary, Alh. Abba El-Mustapha, announced the decision after a management meeting, citing failure to comply with regulations.

The affected theaters include:

1. Hamdala Entertainment (Ungoggo)

2. Lady J. Entertainment (Sanya Olu)

3. Dan Hausa Entertainment (Sanya Olu)

4. Ni’ima Entertainment (Zungeru)

5. Ariya Entertainment (Abedi Sabon Gari)

6. Babbangida Entertainment (Balatus)

7. Harsashi Entertainment (Ebedi Sabon Gari)

8. Wazobiya Entertainment (Sanya Olu)

Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, the Board’s Information Officer, stated that the action reaffirms the government’s commitment to enforcing entertainment laws.

The Board, mandated to regulate open theaters, has previously suspended defaulters to ensure industry compliance. Authorities warned that further violations would attract stricter penalties.

By Sumayyah A. Usman

The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani,  has appointed Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo as the Commissioner of Education. Until his appointment, Prof. Sambo served as Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University, Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State, and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. 

From 2005 to 2012, he served as the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria. He was later appointed Special Adviser to the President on Energy.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Governor Sani has also redeployed the outgoing Education Commissioner, Prof. Sani Bello (Mainan Zazzau), to the newly created Ministry of Information.

The Governor has also appointed Barrister Gloria Ibrahim as the Commissioner of Youth Development. The appointments and redeployments take effect immediately.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Japan’s Agriculture Minister, Taku Eto, has resigned after facing intense backlash for saying he has never bought rice because he receives it for free.

The remark, made during a parliamentary session, was widely condemned as tone-deaf, particularly given Japan’s current rice shortages and rising prices, which are attributed to poor harvests and global supply issues. 

Critics accused Eto of being out of touch with ordinary citizens and disrespecting struggling farmers.

“I deeply regret my careless words,” Eto said in a brief statement. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba accepted the resignation and vowed to appoint a replacement soon.

The incident has reignited debate over privilege and accountability among Japan’s political elite.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has inaugurated a nine-member fact-finding committee to investigate allegations that 379 local government staff received salaries without proper identification.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Aliyu Yusuf, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Office of the Head of Service.

He said the decision followed growing agitation from civil servants over salary inconsistencies, prompting the state to revamp its payroll committee.

According to Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, the Head of Service, the committee will determine whether the affected staff members are retired, deceased, or otherwise untraceable.

The situation reportedly came to light during a salary validation exercise in which dummy vouchers were distributed across MDAs to help staff cross-check their pay against official records.

Musa explained that the discovery raised serious concerns, necessitating the constitution of a committee to ascertain the status of the affected workers and recover any salaries paid in error.

The committee is also tasked with recommending measures for preventing such irregularities in the future.

He urged members to approach the assignment with sincerity, merit, and the fear of Allah.

The committee is chaired by Hajiya Kubra Iman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

Other members include Abdulmalik I. Rogo and Auwalu Saminu Sagagi from the Local Government Payroll Standing Committee; Lamido Aminu from the Office of the Head of Service; and Nura A. Baba from the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Also on the team are Aminu Malamijo Abdullahi of SUBEB, Aliyu Sani Muhammad from the Office of the SSG, with Sulaiman Hodi Adamu and Sadiq Faruk Yola serving as secretary and co-secretary, respectively.

The committee has been given two weeks to submit its report.