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By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal Government has earmarked N112 billion for the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, which will aim to secure learning environments nationwide over the next three years.

Minister for Women Affairs Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim made this announcement to commemorate Universal Children’s Day, themed “Advancing Children’s Rights for a Sustainable Future.” 

“Through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, over N112 billion has been allocated to safeguard learning environments over the next three years, ensuring that schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for all children,” she stated.

This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and providing a secure environment for education. 

The government has made significant progress in advancing children’s rights through various initiatives.

All 36 states have adopted the Child Rights Act, marking a significant step in protecting children’s rights under the Nigerian Constitution.

Additionally, the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act has strengthened policies to shield children from abuse, violence, and exploitation.

By Abdullahi Muhammad

Renowned US-based Islamic scholar Dr. Yasir Qadhi paid a visit to Dr. Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, at his royal palace. Accompanying Dr. Qadhi was the esteemed Shaykh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar.

During the visit, Dr Qadhi, who has delivered a sermon and lectures across Nigeria in the last few days, presented one of his scholarly works to the Emir as a gesture of intellectual camaraderie. 

Dr Qadhi acknowledges that Emir Sanusi II was widely respected as both a traditional leader and an academic. Sanusi holds multiple degrees in economics and Islamic law, reflecting his dedication to scholarship and his role as a revered political figure.

The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of all parties to fostering intellectual and spiritual growth within the Muslim community. 

Dr. Qadhi expressed his admiration for the Emir’s leadership and intellectual pursuits, while the Emir extended his gratitude for the thoughtful visit and gift.

By Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim

One thing about being a public figure is that it deprives you of your nature to be human (one bound to make mistakes). Moreover, it makes you lose your private life, as everything you do is often turned into a public affair.

It’s even more troubling when you’re a religious public figure who is commonly referred to as an Ustaz because you’d have to go the extra mile to pretend to be who you’re not sometimes to remain in people’s good book.

Now, imagine having to tender an apology and an explanation to an entitled public for your personal affair, which they consider inappropriate, or risk being bullied. Some of these issues that raise concerns are debatable or even irrelevant.

People with visible flaws would even be the ones at the forefront of bullying you when you derail from their definition of saint or Ustaz just because they expect you to be completely flawless.

Nobody would understand the irresistible youthful exuberance, satanic temptation, peer group influence, and other factors that might have led to your deviation from the path of saintliness. 

Anyway, such prestigious recognition and status come with a price. So, I can say that’s the price you’d have to pay for being what so many people are not.  

It is more important to please God while being true to your conscience than trying to please humans, as pleasing humans can never be completely achievable.

Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim wrote via suleimibrahim00@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman 

The Federal Government has lifted the ban that restricted the posting of members of the National Youth Service Corps to the public institutions, allowing for corps members to now be posted to private sector organisations, including banks and oil and gas companies. 

According to a memo released by the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on November 18, 2024, the new policy directive will take effect with the commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation exercise. 

The previous policy that was implemented during the former Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, aimed at discouraging private companies from exploiting cheap labour while promoting public sector capacity building and restricted corps members to only four sectors of the economy, including education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure. 

The minister added that the new policy follows President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to tackle rising youth unemployment by ensuring that government agencies align with the vision of his administration, adding that the directive will initially take effect in Lagos and Abuja. 

“The new policy would also allow the corp members to gain valuable experience in their chosen fields of study, noting that the previous policy discouraged Nigerian youths from gaining experiences that would prepare them for the labour market. 

The memo further read in parts, “There is a serious need to review this policy to expand the opportunity and access for corps members to serve in places that are relevant to their areas of study. Without prejudice to the need to constantly review per prevailing realities, I now direct as follows: Lifting of all restrictions on postings.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

President Bola Tinubu has hailed the creation of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, championed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil. 

Tinubu described the alliance as pivotal in the global fight against hunger and poverty. He made this statement on Monday at the 19th G20 Leaders Summit opening session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  

He lauded the initiative and described it as the right step to address one of the world’s most significant challenges.  

“This bold and visionary step underscores Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing our world today.  

“The creation of this Alliance marks a significant milestone in our global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and it also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable populations around the globe. 

“By fostering collaboration between governments, international organisations, and civil society, this initiative offers a comprehensive approach not only to addressing immediate needs but also tackling the structural causes of hunger and poverty,” he said. 

President Tinubu compared this global initiative to one of the eight priority areas he outlined at his inauguration 18 months ago, expressing Nigeria’s eagerness to adopt international best practices to advance its economic development. 

According to President Tinubu, Nigeria’s endorsement of the declaration of commitment to join the Global Alliance is a significant step in its efforts to address hunger and poverty by leveraging international cooperation and resources to bolster domestic strategies. 

He added that by supporting the initiative, Nigeria also demonstrates a solid commitment to realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1, which focuses on eradicating poverty, and SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger. 

“These goals are at the core of Nigeria’s development agenda, and the Alliance offers a platform to accelerate progress towards them.  

“By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger. The endorsement reinforces Nigeria’s role as a key player in global efforts to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all its citizens,” President Tinubu said.

By Ahmed Rufa’i Shehu

Although unprepared for this, I am excited to celebrate a renowned educational and religious scholar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede (JAMB Registrar), for his successful retirement from the University of Ilorin. 

Prof. Oyedele has left the famous University of Ilorin after spending meritorious years as a lecturer. This led to his appointment as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). 

Prof. Oloyede is undoubtedly one of the people who made the University of Ilorin one of the best in Nigeria and Africa. The send-forth dinner was very colourfully organised.

Although Prof. Oyedele has retired from active university teaching, he still contributes his quota to the tertiary education sector. The ancient city of Ilorin was alive with celebrations for Prof. Oloyede.

One need not mention the innovations he has brought to the conduct of the JAMB examination and the running of the board’s affairs, including the welfare of the staff. It’s a blessing to have him as a boss. His unwavering support for his staff will not be overemphasised. Therefore, for me, the University of Ilorin should grieve after losing this astute Scholar. 

It took me eight years to understand his policies despite my beliefs and doubts, but I have concluded that Professor Ishaq Oloyede means Discipline and Integrity.

Happy Birthday and Happy Retirement, Sir

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) signed a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with India on November 16, 2023.  

This move, negotiated since 2016, aims to enhance collaboration between customs administrations, streamline border clearance processes, and curb customs-related offences. 

Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, representing the NCS at the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, noted the agreement’s benefits.

He said, “The agreement is expected to enhance collaboration between customs administrations, streamline border clearance processes, and curb customs-related offences.

“By facilitating the swift clearance of goods and reducing trade costs, the CMAA is set to bolster cross-border trade development and improve the enforcement of customs laws.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have sealed a landmark partnership, following signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fortify Nigeria’s public health and national security.

This historic agreement aims to intensify collaboration in combating illicit pharmaceutical products and harmful substances. 

Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi hailed the partnership as the culmination of dedicated dialogue and coordination.

“What we have seen today is a culmination of efforts for several months—I must say, years—of regular consultation between the two of us. This partnership is a response to a major scourge we are facing in the country.” 

NAFDAC Director-General Professor Moji Adeyeye noted that, “It is important because of you and me. We consume at least two of our regulated products every day—food and healthcare items.”

She also stressed the importance of ensuring safety and quality in food, drugs, and healthcare products, adding that there are threats posed by unregulated products to national security.

“We have ghost companies that are not on our lists. This MoU marks the beginning of the end of such practices.” 

By Uzair Adam 

The Ulama Forum in Nigeria has expressed strong opposition to the proposed Nigeria Tax Bill (NTB) 2024 and Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB) 2024, currently before the National Assembly. 

In a joint statement signed by its Convener, Aminu Inuwa Muhammad, and Secretary, Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu, on Monday, the forum raised concerns about the bill’s implications on equity, federalism, and economic fairness.  

The statement criticized the bills for transferring the largest share of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue from consumption or generation areas to states hosting production entities’ headquarters. 

“VAT is a consumption tax. Transferring its revenue from the areas where it is generated to the locations of head offices undermines fiscal equalization, widens income disparity, and risks social disharmony,” the forum said.  

The forum also noted that the bills threaten the survival of critical agencies such as TETFUND, NITDA, and NASENI by proposing a gradual reduction in their funding through the Development Levy. 

“Phasing out these agencies will jeopardize infrastructure, research, and capacity-building efforts in our tertiary institutions, leaving students to bear exorbitant tuition fees under an ill-conceived student loan scheme,” the statement warned.  

The forum accused the government of rushing the bills without sufficient public scrutiny, alleging that they align with a long-term reform agenda by international financial institutions such as the World Bank and IMF. 

“There is room to suspect that these bills are part of the World Bank’s 10 to 15-year reform agenda, threatening our sovereign independence,” the forum alleged.  

To address these issues, the Ulama Forum urged the National Economic Council and State Governors to intervene and demand a thorough review. 

“The concerns of state governors and other stakeholders must be addressed to give these bills credibility and avoid perceptions of external imposition,” it added.  

The forum recommended that the bills be subjected to extensive public debate and expert analysis to ensure they align with Nigeria’s federal structure and national interest. 

It called on members of the National Assembly to act in the best interests of their constituencies and resist any pressure to pass the bills in their current form.  

“We urge public-spirited individuals and organizations to rise against this threat to fair and even development. The VAT-sharing formula and the proposed bills strike at the heart of federal constitutionalism,” the forum concluded.  

The Ulama Forum emphasized the need for justice and fairness, calling for the bill’s withdrawal to allow for broader discourse and a national consensus.

By Abdullahi Muhammad 

The Hausa Community Organization, Al-Ummar Hausawa Mazauna Rasha, appointed caretaker leaders to oversee operations. New officials include Abubakar Abdullahi Musa as Public Relations Officer (PRO), Aminu Taura as president, and Ahmad Garba Yakubu as vice president.

Founded in 2023 by Arewa youth, the organization fosters unity and collaboration among Hausa people in Russia. It supports students, professionals, and workers by providing a platform for their interests and promoting cultural and social engagement.

Last week, the community held its second online meeting with Hausa participants from various regions of Russia. The agenda focused on selecting interim leaders to guide the organisation during its formation.

Following discussions, nominees for key positions were identified, and messages were sent to confirm appointments. The caretaker team is expected to oversee the organization’s structure, engage members, and outline objectives that align with community goals.

Speaking on his nomination, Abubakar Abdullahi Musa expressed gratitude and commitment to serving the Hausa community in Russia. He noted that the organisation represents an opportunity to strengthen bonds among Hausa individuals and provide solutions to challenges members face in a foreign land.

The Hausa Community Organization in Russia anticipates continuous progress under its newly established leadership. It aims to strengthen the sense of belonging and solidarity among its members.