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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.

By Anwar Usman

President Bola Tinubu has landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20).

The President, who arrived on Sunday at 11.03 p.m. local time (Monday 3. 03 a.m. Nigerian time), was received by Amb. Breno Costa in the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil.

The president was joined by Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development; and Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Tourism, Culture, and Creativity.

Others are the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed.

The president is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit on advancing Nigeria’s socio-economic reforms.

Brazil’s president, Lula da Silva, is hosting the 2024 G20 summit. He has held the group’s rotating presidency since December 21, 2023, and his tenure ends on November 30.

The summit, themed: “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” will focus on three areas of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental – and the reform of global governance.

It will also highlight the rising global temperatures and the principles of the digital economy, among other themes.

The Brazilian presidency will also discuss, as a priority, the Israel–Hamas war and the rising bloc confrontation between the United States and China.

NAN reports that the conclusion of the work carried out by the country holding the G20 rotating presidency is usually presented at the annual summit.

It is when heads of state and government approve the agreements negotiated throughout the year and point out ways of dealing with global challenges.

Regarding the summit theme, Da Silva declared a three-point agenda of combating hunger, poverty, and inequality at the summit, scheduled for November 18 to November 19.

Tinubu is attending the 2024 G20 summit, to which the organisers invited representatives of the African Union and the European Union.

The Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Areias, invited Da Silva to Tinubu to attend the 2024 G20 summit on Aug. 29, when he presented his Letter of Credence to him.

Areias had said Da Silva was looking forward to welcoming Tinubu to the G20 Leaders’ Summit, saying that food security was the main proposal of the Brazilian presidency at the G20 to eliminate extreme poverty by 2030.

By Uzair Adam 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has initiated the accreditation of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in preparation for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). 

JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, announced the commencement of the accreditation exercise in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing its importance in ensuring a smooth examination process.

The statement urged new CBT centres interested in participating in the 2025 UTME to review the requirements provided on JAMB’s official website. 

According to the statement, prospective centres must be able to familiarize themselves with the outlined standards by visiting the JAMB portal and submitting a formal notification of interest to the Registrar through the respective Zonal Director or State Coordinator.

Established centres that were accredited for the 2024 UTME and operated without issues are required to register their interest via the Centre Management System (CMS) Portal. 

For new centres, JAMB’s Zonal and State Offices will assist in creating accounts on the CMS Portal to facilitate their registration. 

“All centres must complete the mandatory Autobot/Autotest on a date to be announced as part of their preparation for the physical accreditation visit by the Board’s team,” the statement noted.

Dr Benjamin highlighted that only centres that successfully pass the Autobot/Autotest and meet JAMB’s stipulated standards would proceed to the next stage of the accreditation process. 

The physical accreditation exercise is set to commence in December 2024, with notifications sent only to qualifying centres.

JAMB reiterated that centres failing to meet the required standards during the Autobot/Autotest will not be considered for inclusion in the 2025 UTME registration and examination.

By Waliyat Ayomide Oseni

In an era increasingly defined by globalisation and interconnectedness, cultural diversity has become pivotal in shaping educational frameworks worldwide. In Nigeria, a nation rich in ethnic plurality and cultural heritage, cultural diversity within educational institutions assumes strategic importance.

Cultural diversity refers to various cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds represented within a community. Nigeria is often called a “melting pot” due to its numerous ethnic groups, languages, customs, and traditions. This diversity can enrich the educational experience, providing students with a broader worldview and enhancing their understanding of global issues. 

Nigeria is a diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups and more than 400 languages spoken, reflecting a rich cultural tapestry. This diversity is fundamental to Nigerian society and contributes to its vibrancy and uniqueness. Ethnic groups such as the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo, among others, each bring their traditions, languages, and customs, creating a mosaic of cultures across the nation. 

Religious diversity is also prominent, with Islam, Christianity, and traditional African religions coexisting harmoniously. This cultural richness is celebrated through various festivals, ceremonies, and events, showcasing the country’s diverse heritage and promoting unity among its people.

One of the most significant benefits of cultural diversity in Nigerian educational institutions is promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Diverse classrooms encourage students to engage with differing viewpoints, challengepreconceived notions, and foster respect for others’ beliefs and practices. This exposure sharpens analytical skills andcultivates empathy and social awareness, which are crucial for functioning in a diverse society and workplace. 

Diversity also fuels creativity and innovation in the learning process. When students are encouraged to collaborate across cultural boundaries, they combine unique experiences and ideas, leading to imaginative solutions to complex challenges. 

For instance, blending cultural perspectives in group projects can enhance creativity and result in more comprehensive and multifaceted outcomes. Educational leaders who emphasise collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds can harness this potential, creating an environment that nurtures innovative thinking.

In addition, extracurricular activities such as cultural festivals, language clubs, and international exchange programs can enrich students’ learning experiences and promote cultural appreciation. These initiatives foster community and belonging while encouraging students to celebrate their unique identities.

In conclusion, cultural diversity within Nigerian educational institutions offers many benefits, including enriched learning experiences, enhanced critical thinking, and improved interpersonal skills. Educators play a vital role in embracing this diversity and fostering an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. As Nigeria continues to navigate its identity within a global landscape, prioritising cultural diversity in education will undoubtedly enrich the learning experiences of future generations and contribute to the nation’s development.

Waliyat Ayomide Oseni wrote from the Department of Mass Communications, Bayero University, Kano.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the successful elimination of several bandits during airstrikes in Babban Kauye village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on November 15.  

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, disclosed that the operation, under the framework of Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted a large assembly of bandits in the area. 

The airstrikes, part of Operation Farautar Mujiya, were aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of notorious bandit factions in Northwestern Nigeria.  

Akinboyewa noted that intelligence reports had revealed the bandits were planning coordinated attacks on military personnel and civilians in the Tsafe axis. 

Acting on this information, NAF executed a series of airstrikes, resulting in significant casualties among the bandits, including key loyalists of infamous leaders Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule.  

“Reports from the ground confirmed the successful elimination of numerous high-ranking members of these groups, delivering a severe blow to their operations,” he said.  

Tsafe Local Government Area has long been a hotspot for bandit activities, with Babban Kauye serving as a strategic safe haven for their operations. 

The recent airstrikes are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle bandit networks and restore peace to the region.  

Air Commodore Akinboyewa reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to eliminate threats posed by bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements across the country.  

The air component of Operation Fansan Yamma continues to intensify efforts to secure the Northwest and ensure the safety of its residents.

By Uzair Adam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Sunday as part of his official tour of Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with other top government officials, welcomed Modi and his delegation to the nation’s seat of power.

The two leaders are expected to hold discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and India.

This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, during which both countries established a strategic partnership.

Modi’s arrival on Saturday signifies a renewed focus on fostering ties between the two nations.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from using its regulatory powers to impose fines, issue sanctions, or intimidate broadcast stations and independent media houses in Nigeria.

Delivering judgment in June 2024, Justice Nicholas Oweibo ruled that the NBC lacks the legal authority to unilaterally impose penalties, including fines, suspensions, or license withdrawals, on media organizations for airing content of public interest.

The judgment followed a lawsuit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

The lawsuit challenged a 2022 decision by the NBC to fine Trust TV, Multichoice Nigeria, NTA-Startimes, and Telcom Satellite Limited N5 million each for documentaries on terrorism, which the commission claimed undermined national security and contravened the Broadcasting Code.

In his ruling, Justice Oweibo affirmed that SERAP and CJID had sufficient legal standing to sue, stating, “This is a public interest case, and the plaintiffs are not meddlesome interlopers.”

The court declared that the imposition of fines by NBC without recourse to a court of law violated constitutional provisions on media freedom, fair hearing, and access to information.

The court also set aside the N5 million fines and granted an order of perpetual injunction preventing NBC or any other authority from unlawfully sanctioning or intimidating independent media outlets.

Justice Oweibo emphasized that only the courts, not regulatory agencies, can impose criminal sanctions like fines.

In response to the judgment, SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, called on the NBC to respect the rule of law and urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the judgment’s implementation.

He added, “This ruling is a victory for media freedom, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in Nigeria.”

The suit also criticized the use of “national security” as justification for suppressing information, arguing that such actions contravene both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties.

The court’s decision reinforces protections for independent media and affirms the judiciary’s role in safeguarding freedom of expression in Nigeria.

By Mujahid Nasir Hussain

Before I received my call-up letter to serve in Kaduna, I had only visited two states in Nigeria: Bauchi and Katsina. As rooted as I was in Kano, I was confident that one day, a journey would take me on an expansive adventure. On a Monday morning, my letter arrived, and I was assigned to Kaduna. Without hesitation, I accepted the call, feeling both the weight of the commitment and a sense of excitement for the journey ahead.

My arrival at the Government College Temporary Orientation Camp, Kurmin Mashi, was immediately followed by an unexpected nomination. A day after settling in, the NYSC certificate officer responsible for Muslim affairs addressed us after the Fajr prayer. He announced they would select a camp Ameer, Imams, and mosque officials to guide and regulate Muslim activities for the three-week orientation. While the officer invited all interested corps members to a screening at 9:00 a.m., I initially had no interest in volunteering. 

I had been an Imam throughout my four years at Bayero University Kano and knew the demands of such a role well. However, a friend’s persistent encouragement eventually swayed me. He reminded me that contributing in this way could be significant, so I agreed to attend the screening. By the end of the process, I was nominated as the camp Ameer among a large pool of competent Muslim corps members. This role demanded dedication, organisation, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities, each of which became an invaluable part of my camp experience.

I sought additional ways to engage and support my fellow corps members throughout the orientation. Given my background in a medical-related field, I joined the Red Cross team, a requirement for those in health-related disciplines. This opened up an opportunity to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and choking management, skills I had learned and been certified in through the Basic Life Support training at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital just four weeks before arriving in camp. Sharing this knowledge with my peers was a gratifying experience and reinforced my commitment to the responsibilities I had taken on.

As the orientation phase ended, the NYSC program’s next chapter brought me another unexpected role—the position of Medical & Health Community Development Service (CDS) president. This time, I was both surprised and a little amused at the nomination, especially when someone in the group remarked, “He only studied physiology,” implying that there were candidates with medical and pharmacy degrees who might be more fitting for the role. However, my fellow corps members saw beyond that comment, recognising my active participation and consistent presence in discussions on various health issues. Their confidence in me reaffirmed my belief in engaging fully in every opportunity, regardless of qualifications or prior experience.

One of the most transformative aspects of my NYSC journey was my placement at a diagnostic centre. This placement became a learning ground where I progressed from never handling a sonography probe to becoming a trusted cardiac sonographer. Each day at the centre involved performing different scanning procedures, including cardiac sonography—a skill I never expected to acquire. 

Before long, I began visiting primary healthcare centres to conduct these scans and report results, trusted to work independently by the centre. This experience not only built my technical skills but also gave me confidence and professional growth that went far beyond the confines of my physiology degree.

Reflecting on this journey, I am grateful for the complete immersion I experienced by staying in Kaduna. Many corps members, especially those posted close to their home states, travel back frequently, often missing out on opportunities to develop their skills more deeply. Though I only made two trips back to Kano throughout my service year, the experiences and skills I gained in Kaduna were irreplaceable. 

NYSC offered a space where I could grow beyond the confines of my academic background, gaining hands-on expertise that would ultimately make me more valuable in the job market. The scheme is a golden opportunity to stand out for those wondering about the job prospects after NYSC. If I had only my physiology degree to present to future employers, I’d be no different from countless other graduates with the same qualification. But by stepping out of my comfort zone, learning sonography, and building leadership experience, I now have more to offer.

Prospective corps members should view the NYSC year as more than a routine or obligatory service period. It’s an opportunity to develop skills that add value to your degree and increase your chances in the job market. 

With the right mindset, your NYSC journey can transform and empower you unexpectedly. My time in Kaduna will remain one of the most defining chapters of my life, a journey marked by growth, resilience, and the pursuit of a purpose greater than myself.

Mujahid Nasir Hussain wrote via mujahidhnasir@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

Residents of some areas in Kano State are sounding alarm over a severe mosquito infestation linked to rampant refuse accumulation.

The situation has raised public health concerns, particularly regarding the rising cases of malaria, a disease predominantly transmitted by mosquitoes.

Situation on ground

In several neighborhoods, stagnant water and heaps of garbage have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Local residents report an alarming increase in mosquito populations, which they believe is directly contributing to a surge in malaria cases.

Residents’ Concerns

Local residents have voiced their frustrations regarding the government’s failure to address this growing health crisis. They highlight that the absence of mosquito control initiatives, such as spraying insecticides and promoting sanitation, has allowed mosquito populations to flourish.

“We see mosquitoes everywhere, and they are the main cause of malaria in our community,” lamented Khadija Umar. “The government needs to take action before more lives are lost.”

“We are overwhelmed by mosquitoes, and many of us are falling ill with malaria,” Amina Yusuf, a resident of Danrimi area. “We need immediate help from the government.”

The lack of effective waste management and sanitation services in these communities have exacerbated the problem. Many families are struggling to cope with the health implications, with some reporting multiple cases of malaria within their households. “It’s heartbreaking to see our loved ones suffer because of something that can be prevented,” lamented Saad musa.

The call for government action

Residents are calling on the Kano State government to take urgent action.

They are demanding the implementation of mosquito control initiatives, including regular insecticide spraying and improved waste management practices.

Additionally, public health campaigns aimed at educating the community about malaria prevention are seen as essential steps toward tackling this growing crisis.

Health expert warns that without immediate intervention, the situation could worsen, leading to further health complications for vulnerable populations.

Usman Sani Sa’id, a health practitioner, is urging the government to prioritize initiatives that educate communities on mosquito eradication and distribute mosquito nets.

“Malaria disproportionately affects developing countries, with poor hygiene being a significant contributor. However, when communities maintain cleanliness by sweeping homes and disposing of sewage, mosquitoes are less likely to thrive,” he emphasizes.

Sa’id, highlighted the necessity of community education, asserting, “It is imperative that we raise awareness about malaria prevention. The government must adopt measures such as spraying insecticides and implementing other preventive strategies to safeguard the health and lives of our residents.” His passionate plea underscores the urgent need for a collaborative effort in combating malaria and enhancing public health.

By Uzair Adam 

A nurse abducted by ISWAP terrorists in 2018 has regained her freedom after enduring six years in captivity.  

The nurse, Alice Loksha, was taken alongside two other female health workers on March 1, 2018, while working at a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) facility in Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.  

Speaking to journalists at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri on Friday, Kenneth Chigbu, Deputy Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed that Loksha escaped from captivity and was found in Geidam, Yobe State, on October 24, 2024.  

Chigbu revealed that the 42-year-old endured forced marriages with two ISWAP commanders and faced severe conditions during her captivity.  

“She was initially held in Tumbuma for two days before being relocated to Kwalleram, where she spent seven months and was forced into marriage with a terrorist leader named Abu Umar. 

“This marriage resulted in the birth of her son, Muhammad. Abu Umar was later killed during a gunfight with troops in 2022,” Chigbu said.  

After Abu Umar’s death, Loksha was forced into another marriage with an ISWAP commander named Abu Simak in 2022. However, he was later banished by his fellow terrorists to the Dogon Chukwu camp. 

Loksha managed to escape from this camp through the Diffa axis and reach Geidam, where she reported to JTF troops on October 29.  

“She has since undergone medical evaluation and received humanitarian support,” Chigbu added. 

Chigbu also confirmed the escape of Fayina Ali, the younger sister of the late Samuel Andrew, a soldier who served under the 212 Battalion. 

Fayina was abducted by ISWAP on October 19, 2022, while travelling to Maiduguri to process her late brother’s death benefits.  

“Fayina was held captive in Kangarwa for nine months before being transferred to Tumbuma for four years. She was later returned to Kangarwa, where she remained for another year before escaping,” he said.  

Both women were received by Zuwaira Gambo, Borno State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development. 

Gambo assured that they would undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being reintegrated with their families.  

“This marks a significant step in their recovery and reintegration process,” Gambo said.