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By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has advocated for a more impactful one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program rather than extending it to two years.

He stated the need for corps members to be equipped with job creation skills and entrepreneurial training during their service year.

Olawande made the remarks on Monday in Abuja during the 2025 Annual Management Conference of the NYSC.

His statement comes after the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, proposed extending the NYSC duration to two years to expand skill acquisition programs.

The Youth Minister, however, stressed that the focus should be on a National Internship Scheme to help corps members gain valuable skills for employment or entrepreneurship.

He criticized the current system where many corps members complete their service without meaningful personal or societal impact.

“If corps members receive proper training and certifications, they will leave service more empowered rather than just participating in parades,” Olawande said.

He called for reforms to make the NYSC more beneficial to graduates and the nation. Meanwhile, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu stated that this year’s conference aimed to reposition the scheme to meet modern demands.

The theme, “Transforming the NYSC Scheme to Meet the Yearnings of Contemporary Nigerian Graduates and Society,” reflects the need for innovation in youth service.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced makeup artist Abdullahi Musa Huseini (a.k.a Amuscap) to six months in prison for abusing the Naira.

Justice S.M Shuaibu convicted Huseini after he pleaded guilty to spraying and mutilating N100,000 at his wedding celebration. The offence violates Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.

Prosecution counsel Zarami Mohammed presented evidence showing Huseini defaced the currency at Ali Jita Event Centre despite warnings against the practice.

The judge ruled against an option of fine, ordering immediate imprisonment.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Huseini following intelligence reports on his actions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has hosted a sensitisation forum aimed at improving trade practices and ensuring better compliance at the Kano Free Trade Zone (KFTZ).

The one-day programme, which took place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, brought together key stakeholders operating within the zone.

This was disclosed in a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe.

While addressing participants, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, stated the benefits of cooperation and adherence to trade guidelines.

He encouraged those in attendance to share their concerns, expressing hope that the forum would lead to improved collaboration and a reduction in operational obstacles.

During the event, Superintendent of Customs Muideen Alabi presented a paper titled “Roles of Nigeria Customs Service in Free Trade Zones.”

He discussed provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, outlined standard operating procedures, and explained the processes for exporting goods from free trade zones to customs territories.

He also drew attention to frequent documentation errors that tend to slow down trade activities.

Deputy Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), Richard Bassey, addressed lingering misconceptions surrounding the regulatory responsibilities of NEPZA.

“There’s been confusion about who does what in the zone. Today, we’ve cleared the air,” he said.

The event ended with an interactive session where stakeholders exchanged views directly with customs officials.

In his closing remarks, Comptroller Abubakar called for continuous dialogue and reassured participants of the Command’s commitment to supporting smooth trade operations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has named the Emir of Fufore, Alhaji Muhammadu Sani Ribadu, as the Amirul-Hajj and leader of the state’s delegation for the 2025 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The appointment, announced on Tuesday, recognizes Ribadu’s dedication, experience, and contributions to religious affairs in the state.

The delegation includes:

1. Alhaji Muhammad Buba Jidjiwa

2. Barr. A.T. Shehu

3. Alhaji Ibrahim Abba

4. Alhaji Abubakar Murtala

5. Alhaji Mohammed Dabo (Secretary)

Governor Fintiri urged the team to work diligently with relevant agencies to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj operation.

He also reiterated the need for proper coordination to guarantee a seamless pilgrimage for Adamawa’s intending pilgrims.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Police have arrested the leader of a protest movement in Yobe State and several others who were demonstrating against the government’s proposed law to monitor social media platforms.

The protest was led by Abubakar Jawa, who was apprehended along with four other individuals that include Mohammed Kayeri Adam, Suleiman A. Gambo, Maimuna Abba, and Abubakar Jawa.

Dungus Abdulkarim, the state police spokesperson, denied that the arrests were related to the protest itself.

He clarified that the police were merely detaining the protesters for their protection.

By Uzair Adam

Security operatives on Monday fired tear gas at peaceful demonstrators in the Maitama area of Abuja as citizens took to the streets demanding urgent government intervention on rising economic hardship.

The protest, organised by the Take-It-Back Movement alongside several civil society groups, coincided with the National Police Day celebrations at Eagle Square.

Authorities had cordoned off parts of the Three Arms Zone where high-ranking police officers gathered for the official event.

Participants, including human rights advocate and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, carried placards reading “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” in protest of what they described as growing authoritarianism in the country.

Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, highlighted worsening inflation, insecurity, and a “state of emergency” in Rivers State as key motivations for the protest.

Though the march started peacefully, tensions escalated after police operatives deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, prompting protesters to flee in different directions.

As of the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed casualties or arrests.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly complex, one of the protest’s intended destinations, remained largely empty due to the ongoing legislative recess.

Lawmakers are expected to resume on April 29.

Despite the disruption, organisers maintained that the protest was both lawful and timely, reiterating their call for immediate government action to address the nation’s deepening economic and security crises.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

A recent study conducted by the University of Otago has found that using electronic devices in bed, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, is linked to poorer sleep quality. The research indicates that individuals who engage in screen time while in bed experience delayed sleep onset and reduced overall sleep duration.

Dr. Bradley Brosnan, the lead author of the study, emphasized that while screen time before bed had little impact on sleep, usage once in bed significantly impaired sleep quality. The study observed that 99% of participants used screens in the two hours before bed, with more than half continuing this usage once in bed, leading to an average delay of 30 minutes in falling asleep.

Health experts warn that poor sleep can have serious long-term effects on mental and physical well-being, including increased risks of anxiety, depression, obesity, and heart disease.

Dr. Amina Bello, a sleep researcher at the National Institute of Sleep Research, who was not involved in the study, commented on the findings: “This research reinforces the importance of creating a tech-free bedtime routine. Even just 30 minutes without screens before bed can make a significant difference.”

The study recommends setting screen curfews, charging devices outside the bedroom, and engaging in relaxing activities like reading or meditation before bed to promote healthier sleep habits.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has begun screening nominees for ambassadorial appointments to fill vacancies across Nigeria’s 76 embassies and 22 high commissions.

Former Southeast governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), as well as ex-lawmaker Shehu Sani and former presidential aide Reno Omokri, are among those screened, according to sources.

Others include former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro and ex-Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, who have reportedly been cleared.

Nominees were directed to undergo security checks by the DSS and submit personal records.

The appointments come nearly two years after President Bola Tinubu recalled all ambassadors in 2023.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar had earlier cited funding delays, but with screenings ongoing, an official list of diplomats is expected soon.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Nigeria Police Force has retracted its invitation to Alhaji Sanusi regarding the recent unrest during the Sallah celebration in Kano State on March 30, 2025. The invitation was initially extended to gather Alhaji Sanusi’s account of the events that led to the disruption of peace during the festivities.

Following consultations with key stakeholders, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, emphasized the importance of keeping policing actions free from political bias and misinterpretation. Instead of requiring Alhaji Sanusi’s attendance at the police station, the IGP has directed the operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) to go to Kano and obtain his statement directly.

Prior to the Sallah celebrations, police received credible intelligence suggesting that two rival emirs, Alh Ado Bayero and Alh Lamido Sanusi, intended to hold separate Durbar Festivals, a tradition that involves emirs parading on horseback. To prevent potential violence, IGP Egbetokun deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to negotiate with both parties and the Kano State Government, resulting in an agreement to cancel the festivities.

Despite this understanding, Alhaji Sanusi proceeded to ride a horse in a procession post-Eid prayers, which led to escalating tensions with local youths and ultimately resulted in the death of one Usman Sagiru, along with several injuries.

The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public of its commitment to professionalism in investigating the incident, stating that those responsible will face justice. The police further clarified that their actions are driven by principles of neutrality and professionalism.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, reiterated the police’s dedication to conducting thorough investigations into the matter.

By Uzair Adam 

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has refuted reports on some online platforms alleging irregularities in its admission process, describing them as false and misleading.

The clarification was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the Deputy Registrar and Head of Public Affairs Directorate, Lamara Garba, who said the allegations relate to the 2021/2022 Direct Entry admissions conducted over two years ago.

According to the statement, BUK’s thorough screening process at the time uncovered several applications backed by fake results. 

The university stressed that it rejected all such applications in line with its zero-tolerance policy on academic fraud.

“This was not a scandal but rather a testament to our due diligence, which earned us commendation from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB),” the statement read.

It added that in 2023, BUK was honoured with an Award of Excellence and Due Diligence by JAMB, becoming the first university in Nigeria to receive such a distinction.

BUK therefore urged the public to disregard the circulating misinformation, affirming its continued commitment to fairness, transparency, and high standards in its academic processes.