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By Uzair Adam

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians to extend acts of charity and kindness beyond their immediate families, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement issued in Abuja to mark the commencement of Ramadan, Abubakar emphasized the importance of generosity, urging Muslims to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The statement qouted him to have said, “It is important that in Ramadan, we extend our hands of charity and affection far beyond our immediate families.

“The lifestyle of noble Prophet Muhammed (SAW) should be our guide, as he taught us the immense benefits of being generous, especially during the month of Ramadan,” he said.

The former presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections also called on Muslims to pray for Nigeria.

Additionally, he urged governments at all levels to provide necessary support to ease the hardships faced by citizens during Ramadan and beyond.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has raised concerns over a critical shortage of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) in the country, calling for urgent recruitment and training.

Speaking at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, NATCA President Amos Edino highlighted excessive workloads, prolonged duty hours, and mounting stress among ATCOs, warning that these factors are affecting performance and overall well-being.

He noted that due to manpower constraints, controllers often work beyond the standard two-hour shift, with some enduring continuous shifts of four to five hours.

He also pointed out capacity limitations at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, which is responsible for ATCO training.

Edino urged the government to review the salary structure to align with international standards and implement a comprehensive healthcare package to address occupational health risks.

He further lamented poor working conditions in control towers, including non-functional elevators that force controllers to climb over 250 steps daily.

On Air Traffic Management (ATM), he emphasized the urgent need to upgrade the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, which has exceeded its 10-year operational lifespan and is now nearly 20 years old.

He stressed that resolving these challenges would secure Nigeria’s place among the top global air traffic control systems.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

HardFacts Studios has announced the upcoming premiere of The Bitter Feminist, a docudrama series that addresses the challenges faced by women in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. 

Set to debut at the iRep Festival in Lagos in March 2025, the series, created by Daniel Chukwuemeka and Ijeoma Chinonyerem, centres on Ringret, a young woman from Northern Nigeria who endured rape and forced marriage.

Co-creator Ijeoma Chinonyerem stated, “This project is significant for us. It’s about giving [a] voice to women whose stories often go unheard and challenging narratives perpetuating inequality.”

The five-episode series illustrates the lives of women identifying as feminists, highlighting their resistance to traditional gender roles. Through impactful storytelling and candid interviews, The Bitter Feminist addresses critical issues, including misogyny, child marriage, and consent. 

Directed by Priye Diri and produced by Isaac Newton Akah, the series promises to empower viewers and stimulate meaningful conversations about gender inequality.

By Uzair Adam

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Saturday, March 1, as the first day of Ramadan.

He made the declaration in a nationwide broadcast, stating that the Sultanate Council’s moon sighting committee had received credible reports from traditional rulers and religious leaders across the country confirming the sighting of the new crescent.

The Sultan urged Muslims to dedicate themselves to worship during the holy month and use the period to pray for Nigeria and its leaders.

He also called for peaceful coexistence among citizens and encouraged wealthy individuals to support the less privileged in observing the fast with ease.

While praying for God’s guidance and wisdom for the nation’s leaders, he emphasized the importance of unity and compassion during Ramadan.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Former Vice President and PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has voiced serious concerns over allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. 

Atiku emphasised the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into these claims, stating, “The Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people, and its leadership must uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect.” 

Atiku stressed that as a powerful figure, the Senate President is expected to demonstrate exemplary character.

Highlighting the detrimental impact of sexual harassment on women’s advancement, Atiku called for credible actions from Nigerian leadership to address these allegations and assure safety in governance for female legislators. 

“This matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice and inclusion,” he remarked, urging for an environment where every citizen can work without fear.

The political landscape now awaits the Senate’s response as the nation watches closely for accountability and integrity in leadership.

By Uzair Adam

The crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, the moon sighting committee announced on Friday evening.

The Daily Reality reports that with this confirmation, the holy month will commence on Saturday, March 1.

Observatories across the Kingdom, including those in Sudair and Tumair, confirmed the sighting of the moon.

This follows an earlier call by the Supreme Court on Thursday, urging Muslims to look for the crescent on Friday evening.

The court advised anyone who sights the moon, whether with the naked eye or binoculars, to report their observation to the nearest court or contact a local center for guidance on submitting their testimony.

Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting committee routinely monitors the skies ahead of Ramadan’s expected start date and encourages other Muslims to participate in the sighting process.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has leveled serious accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation for rejecting his advances.

In an interview on Friday, the lawmaker claimed that Akpabio had punished her for refusing his sexual advances.

She further stated that she has evidence to support her allegations.

The controversy between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio escalated after the Kogi Senator discovered that her seat in the Senate had been changed without her consent.

This led to a heated argument between the two, resulting in Akpoti-Uduaghan being referred to the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for a disciplinary review.

The committee, headed by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), was tasked with reporting back within two weeks.

In a dramatic twist, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a N100.3 billion fundamental human rights suit against Akpabio.

During her interview, the senator also revealed that her husband is a witness to the events and has provided support to her claims.

These accusations have further fueled tensions within the Senate as many social media users in Nigeria have been debating about the issue.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, has called for the assistance of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in addressing rising crime and insecurity, particularly the recurring theft incidents threatening the safety of the Council’s office.

During a visit to the Commissioner of Police (CP) of the FCT Command, Prof. Shehu emphasized the vital role the police play in ensuring the safety of NERDC’s operations, especially since the office is located on the outskirts of Abuja, making it more vulnerable to criminal activities. He appealed for enhanced security to protect lives and property at the NERDC headquarters.

“We need special attention and support to feel secure in our location,” Prof. Shehu stated, expressing concern over the vulnerability of the staff and office to security risks.

The Executive Secretary also brought up the recent case of stolen solar inverters, which is under investigation by the police. He urged that the case be thoroughly investigated and that the perpetrators be brought to justice, noting that past thefts within the Council remain unresolved. He expressed NERDC’s readiness to fully support the investigation to ensure accountability.

In response, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Aliyu Abubakar, welcomed the NERDC management team on behalf of CP Olatunji Disu, who was unavailable due to national duties.

He reiterated the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and the police in ensuring the security of lives and properties, and assured that the police would continue to work professionally to resolve the case and bring the culprits to justice.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have signed a strategic agreement to enhance their participation in the global halal economy, valued at $7.7 trillion. The deal focuses on boosting halal trade, investment, and certification, fostering economic cooperation between the two nations.

Signed during high-level meetings, the agreement positions Nigeria as a key player in halal industries, including food, finance, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Saudi Arabia, a dominant force in the sector, will provide expertise and market access to support Nigeria’s expansion.

Officials believe the partnership will create jobs, enhance exports, and attract foreign investment, positioning Nigeria as a leading halal market in Africa.

By Sadiq Mukhtar

Nigeria’s North-West region, comprised of seven states (Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara), has long faced significant socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to essential services. Recognising the urgent need for intervention, the Nigerian government, through the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) Act, 2024, provided the legislative framework for the Commission’s operations, powers, and functions.

In 2024, under His Excellency, President Senator Bola Tinubu’s administration, the NWDC governing board was formally unveiled, ushering in a new era of development for the region. At the forefront of this ambitious initiative is Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, whose appointment as the pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer reflects his impressive track record and the immense confidence placed in him by the national leadership. Retained even after a rigorous review of nominees, Prof. Ma’aji’s selection underscores his reputation as a transformative leader poised to tackle the longstanding challenges of the North-West region.

On February 11, 2025, Prof. Ma’aji delivered his inaugural address as the pioneer Managing Director of the NWDC. He set the tone for his administration and outlined a bold vision for the future of the North-West region. He began by acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s trust in him and reaffirmed his commitment to revitalising the region.

His speech reflected a profound understanding of the socioeconomic realities faced by the North-West region, encompassing poverty, education, and healthcare challenges, as well as agricultural stagnation, energy deficits, and environmental degradation. Despite these obstacles, he emphasised that the region also holds tremendous potential, including vast natural resources, a resilient population, and a rich cultural heritage. His clear message was that with strategic leadership, genuine collaboration, and a commitment to accountability, the North-West region can become a beacon of inclusive growth and sustainable development. 

He outlined his four key priority areas for the NWDC:

1. Infrastructure Development – Upgrading our roads, bridges, and power supply to boost economic activity and improve our quality of life.
2. Economic Growth & Job Creation – Supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, and revitalising agriculture to create jobs and drive industrial growth.
3. Human Capital Development – Investing in education, agriculture, healthcare, and technical skills training to prepare our workforce for the modern economy.
4. Transparency & Good Governance – Enforcing strong anti-corruption measures and ensuring all projects are carried out in a collaborative and accountable manner.

The MD also emphasised that Nigeria’s future lies in harnessing the strength of its workforce – especially by promoting technical skill acquisition. He underscored the need to empower the North-West youth through vocational and digital training, aligning our education system with the demands of the modern economy to create lasting job opportunities. He reaffirmed his commitment to a leadership approach rooted in transparency, innovation, and impact-driven policies. 

His vision for transformation extends beyond policy rhetoric. His leadership is anchored in practical solutions and result-driven strategies. His extensive background in development studies, social policy, and community engagement has equipped him with the practical insights needed to drive impactful change. 

His foresight in innovation was evident during his tenure as the Dean of Student Affairs of the Federal University of Technology Minna (FUT Minna), where he established a University Media FM. This pioneering initiative highlights his commitment to technological advancement, youth engagement, and innovative education.

Prof. Ma’aji believes that the North-West region can only reclaim its position as a dynamic economic hub through transparency, innovation, unity, and visionary leadership. The NWDC represents a vital opportunity to reverse decades of neglect and bring tangible change to communities. 

Under his leadership, the Commission will conduct comprehensive needs assessments, develop a robust strategic plan, and implement effective policies to revitalise key sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and education. By leveraging modern technology, innovative financing models, and a collaborative approach, transformative change is within reach.

At a time when visionary leadership is crucial to overcoming longstanding developmental challenges, Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji stands out as a transformative figure at the helm of the North West Development Commission. His unique blend of academic rigor, professional expertise, and ethical leadership sets the stage for the region’s revival.

As NWDC embarks on its ambitious mission to address poverty, insecurity, and infrastructural decay, the good people of the North West region remain hopeful that under Prof. Ma’aji’s guidance, a new chapter of growth, prosperity, and resilience is well within reach.

Sadiq Mukhtar, PhD writes from the Kano Municipal Local Government Area of Kano State via abubsadiq@gmail.com.