Admin

By Aisha Mohammed Danpullo

 We were sent to get cooking oil from a house nearby. My cousin and I wore a popular Malaysian Hijab with trimmed lace at the edges and a rope around the back. We were so excited to have a ram that year (I come from a humble background). 

We were eager to watch the ram we had crowded around for days, feeding, watering and cleaning its poo. Finally, we were going to watch as it got slaughtered. I, for one, was most excited for the blood that would come gushing out as it took its last breath.

We went to the oil merchant’s house and met the husband, the head of the house with his kids around him, about to make his sacrifice. He was about to slaughter three fat fish. He had it held down by his eldest son as it squirmed just the way one would slaughter a ram.

The kids were all excited; the wife was humbled and a little bit ashamed, probably because of our presence, spilling the oil she measured with beer bottles serving as a measurement for a litre. It’s quite ironic because beers are banned in our part of the country, but somehow, the bottles are always found in every oil merchant’s shop, and their origin is never questioned.

The family generously offered us some, but we wouldn’t take it because there wasn’t enough for them to share.

Every year during Eid, I think of that family, wondering how they are doing and hoping life has become better for them and that they get to eat ram some year.

Aisha Danpullo wrote from Kano via aishamohammaddanpullo@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Khairallah

Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima; Borno State Acting Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; and the Shehu of Borno, HRH Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, led thousands of Muslim faithful to observe Eid prayers in Maiduguri.

The two raka’at prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Borno, Imam Shettima Saleh, at Ramat Square, Borno’s central Eid ground.

Other dignitaries include Senator representing Borno North, Sen. MT Monguno; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkareem Lawan; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; former Deputy Governor, Hon. Usman Mamman Durkwa; Members of the State House of Assembly; Hon. Commissioners and Members of the State Executive Council; Special Advisers; Senior Special Assistants; and Special Assistants.

Delivering his Eid sermon, Imam Shettima reiterated the importance of peaceful coexistence and prayed for a bountiful harvest as the cropping season begins.

Shortly after the prayer, the Acting Governor thanked Almighty Allah for making it possible to witness yet another Eidul Adha while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for the successful Eid prayer.

“Secondly, we want to wish all those who traveled to Saudi Arabia a successful and rewarding Hajj exercise. May Allah accept all their prayers,” Kadafur said.

He further urged Muslims to be law-abiding, peace-loving, and enjoined them to use this occasion for sober reflection and prayer for lasting peace in the state.

Prayers were offered for the restoration of total peace in Borno, the northeast, and the entire country.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concern about Nigeria’s uncontrolled population growth, stating that it may lead to problems for future generations.

He made this known while speaking to journalists after observing the Eid prayer in Daura.

Despite his concern, he expressed pleasure that many Nigerians have taken to farming, which has led to an increase in food production and a decrease in prices.

He encouraged citizens to prioritize education and health and to continue supporting local food production.

Buhari also urged the youth to learn about the country’s founding fathers and to play an active role in nation-building efforts.

He praised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, describing it as one of the greatest achievements of General Yakubu Gowon’s administration.

The former President wished all Nigerians a happy Sallah and encouraged them to help one another and be their brother’s keepers, especially in the spirit of the Sallah celebrations.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, has held a Sallah durbar in Kano, defying a police ban on the event.

The durbar was held after the Emir led Eid prayers and a sermon at the Kofar Mata Jumu’at mosque.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other officials attended the prayers and durbar, which was held despite heavy rain flooding the usual Eid grounds.

The police ban had been criticized by the Governor, who argued that he had not been consulted as the Chief Security Officer of the State.

Meanwhile, the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, observed his Eid prayer at the Nasarawa mini palace, as earlier announced.

The event was marked by the traditional durbar procession, which was held despite the police ban.

The durbar was a significant event in Kano, with many residents attending to celebrate the Eid festival.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Suspected gunmen attacked Dudun Doki village in Sokoto’s Gwadabawa local government area, killing over 10 people and abducting many others in a 1:30 am raid on Sunday.

The attackers stormed the village, leaving a trail of death and destruction.

The motive behind the attack is currently unknown, and authorities are working to gather more information.

Further details will be released as the investigation unfolds.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kano State Police Commissioner, Usani Gumel, has vehemently denied allegations of disobeying Governor Abba Yusuf’s orders and taking instructions from unknown sources.

Gumel reiterated his commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state, citing his track record as a champion of community safety and sustainable peace.

The denial comes on the heels of accusations leveled by the state Attorney General, Haruna Dederi, who alleged that Gumel consistently disobeyed the governor’s instructions and unilaterally banned Eid-el Kabir festivities without consultation.

Dederi further accused the police commissioner of attempting to undermine the constitutional authority of the governor by taking instructions from unknown sources.

The ongoing crisis in Kano State revolves around the contentious emirate issue, with two claimants, Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II, vying for the throne.

This has created palpable tension in the state, prompting the police to ban traditional Sallah Durbar processions to maintain peace.Gumel expressed shock and surprise at the allegations, noting his dedication to upholding the law and maintaining order in the state.

He reassured the public that the police would enforce the existing court order and work to resolve the emirate issue, prevailing on the two contending parties to respect the law.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has sent warm Eid-el-Kabir greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf.

In a message delivered at the Nassarawa mini palace on Saturday, the Emir emphasized the importance of sacrifice and prayer during Eid, expressing hopes for the leaders to continue delivering democracy dividends, protect lives and properties, and seek strength and courage from God.

He also announced the cancellation of durbar ceremonies to maintain peace in the state, following security recommendations.

Additionally, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Agundi, announced that the Emir will observe Eid prayer at the Nassarawa mini palace on Sunday at 8:00 am.

He commended the public for their continuous prayers for peaceful coexistence in Kano and the nation at large.

The Kano Emirship is currently a subject of litigation following the dethronement of Bayero and the reinstatement of Mohammad Sanusi by Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has accused the State Police Commissioner of disobeying his directives, particularly regarding the banning of Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

The Commissioner’s actions have been described as “disheartening and dangerous to peaceful coexistence” by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi.

The government explained that the Commissioner’s decision to ban the festivities was unilateral, without consulting the Governor or the State Security Council.

This has raised concerns, as the Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the State.

The government also addressed the recent judgment by the Federal High Court No. 3 in Kano, which claimed that the former emir’s fundamental rights were infringed upon, including allegations of house arrest.

The government disputed this, stating that the former emir was not forced into Gidan Nassarawa, a government property, and was accompanied by security guards.

The government reiterated the Governor’s constitutional duty to ensure the protection of lives and properties.

They urged the people of Kano to continue their legitimate activities peacefully and promised to keep them informed as events unfold.

The government called on well-meaning Nigerians and international friends to intervene and allow the people of Kano to live in peace, stating that any attempt to undo the peace is an assault on democracy.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Finidi George has stepped down as the head coach of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, citing interference from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). 

George’s resignation comes just two months after his appointment in May, and barely a week after the NFF announced plans to appoint a foreign technical adviser to oversee him. 

The former international winger had expressed frustration over the lack of support from the NFF and questioned the commitment of Nigeria’s top players in the crucial World Cup qualifiers. 

Under George’s leadership, the Super Eagles suffered disappointing losses to South Africa and Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, leading to his demotion. 

According to sources, George’s one-year contract will be downgraded, and his monthly salary will be reduced from N15 million to N5 million.

His handpicked assistants will also be replaced by the new foreign coach’s staff. 

The NFF’s decision to appoint a foreign technical adviser has been widely criticized by Nigerian football fans and stakeholders, who see it as a lack of confidence in local coaches. 

George’s resignation has added to the uncertainty surrounding the Super Eagles’ preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. 

The NFF has yet to officially confirm George’s resignation and has not announced a replacement for the former coach.

By Haroon Aremu

For nearly 50 years, we have sung “Arise, O Compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey……,” pledging our loyalty to one nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity. But now, we are directed to change our national anthem. Could it be a strategic way of following the popular saying  Changing Narrative to Change Society or does this mean as compatriots we are now handicapped and cannot listen and obey Nigeria’s call anymore? Does it mean there is no more strength, love, and faith to serve our fatherland? Does it mean the labor of our heroes past has been in vain? Are we no longer able to serve with heart and might?

These are the questions lingering in masses mind as the national anthem has been changed. Many Nigeria citizens are clamoring: of all the changes that needed to be made, why the national anthem, especially during such times of hardship? Has the message of the anthem adopted in 1978, created by the five members of the Nigerian Police Band, lost its relevance?

Some citizens have given up hope that Nigeria can ever be better. But should this be our attitude? Instead of succumbing to pessimism, we should strive to refurbish our nation with optimism and prayer. When Americans wake up, they say “God bless America.” When we wake up, we often curse our leaders and condemn our country, forgetting that such negativity can have repercussions bouncing back to us.

The compatriots who built this country are not here to witness its destabilization. If we do not want their labor to be in vain, we must practice the values preached by our new anthem. Nigeria’s growth concerns not only the government but all its citizens.

The legislature has said that the newly launched national anthem serves as a beacon of hope and reassurance, starting with “Nigeria, we hail thee.” Are we hailing our dear native land for enduring economic hardship and remaining patient as we face daily challenges?

Change begins with us, at the individual level. Why are we not standing in brotherhood, despite our different tribes and tongues? Are we truly proud to serve our sovereign motherland?

As a member of the NYSC, one of the core aims we are exposed to is to promote national peace, togetherness, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and reconciliation of a torn-up country. Part of the bedrock of good governance is for the citizens to be involved in governance and also promote it. 

The National Youth Service Corps has been a supportive system for good governance from inception till date and it will always be.  The NYSC stands as a strong pillar that advocate for  good government policy.  Despite the economic hardship and the challenges we face, the NYSC continues to instill a sense of optimism and duty among the youth. 

The NYSC’s role in promoting government policies, such as the change of the national anthem, is crucial since the youth are a very important tool for the promotion of government policy, and through the NYSC, people learn to practice the values of unity, peace, and justice, which are embedded in the anthem and are essential for national development.  

Recently, I watched an interview asking people in the diaspora about the laziest African flags, and some chose Nigeria, does our tendency to take our nation’s issues with a grain of salt and not take them seriously as a people have any thing to do with their choice? Should that be the case? They forgot that our flag’s colors represent something meaningful: the two green stripes symbolize natural wealth, and the white symbolizes peace and unity. We should be proud of our flag because it is our symbol that truth and justice reign. Let us strive to improve on truth and justice for our nation’s growth so that we can hand over a banner without stain to the next generation.

There is a saying that a river that forgets its source will dry up. Let us be hopeful that going back to our source anthem will be a turning point for Nigeria. We should continue to pray with this saying: “Oh God of creation, grant this our request, by helping us to build a nation where no man is oppressed, and so with peace and plenty, Nigeria may be blessed.”

Let us hope that in this era of renewed hope, we are on the path to greatness and prosperity in our dear country. Promoting togetherness, avoiding tribalism and religious nepotism, and coming together as one nation are essential. There is a glimpse of hope that Nigeria will be great again, but it starts with each of us doing our part, not by condemning others. The NYSC scheme fosters this spirit of togetherness and national pride, reinforcing that change begins with us at the individual level. 

Nigeria’s journey to greatness begins with every citizen committing to unity, peace, and justice. By working together and supporting each other, we can ensure that the labor of our heroes past was not in vain and build a prosperous future for generations to come. May Nigeria be blessed!!

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a youth corp member with PRNigeria center, Abuja and wrote in via exponentumera@gmail.com.