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Annihilate all non-surrendering insurgents, N’East governors tell military 

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The North East Governors’ Forum, led by its Chairman, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, has called upon the military to take decisive action against insurgents who refuse to surrender during the ongoing mass surrender by terrorists in the sub-region. 

Governor Zulum made this appeal during the 8th meeting of the forum held in Maiduguri. 

In his address, Governor Zulum commended the military for their efforts in restoring relative peace to the sub-region, which has enabled the return of normalcy to many areas affected by insurgency. 

He acknowledged the military’s unwavering determination and significant progress in the fight against terrorism. 

However, he stressed the need to eliminate those insurgents who persist in hiding and refuse to lay down their arms. 

Governor Zulum stated, “I want to call on the Nigerian military to reach into the enclaves of the insurgents who are not ready to lay down their arms. We must pursue them to their hideouts in the remote nook and cranny and neutralize those who refuse to surrender.” 

He underscored the negative socioeconomic impact of insurgency on the sub-region and emphasised that lasting improvements could only occur once the threat of terrorism was fully subdued. 

Additionally, Governor Zulum addressed challenges posed by erratic rainfall patterns and recent floods, calling for federal government intervention. 

He urged the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise support for irrigation farming to mitigate the effects of reduced rainfall on crop cultivation. 

Echoes of Concern: Gombe’s plea for Kalare boys’ resolution

By Muhammad Umar Shehu

The issue of Kalare boys has found a bed in Gombe state, and the state’s government is aloof. What has Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s government, which was enthroned to solve the yearnings of the poor masses in the land, done?

This issue of Kalare is becoming worse in the state, and yet there has been no measure taken by the state government to curtail the menace.

Many of these devastating stories of Kalare boys have reached our eardrums as sympathetic to the victims. Still, the state government seems lackadaisical towards curtailing the menace of Kalare by our youths. Only recently did those Kalare devils enter the house of Shiek Albani Kuri and kill him. This is so dehumanising, unacceptable, and sympathetic.

Gombe state government needs to take urgent action to bring those engaged in this heinous action of Kalare to book to serve as a deterrent to people who engage in this illicit activity of Kalare in the state.

This heinous activity by Kalare boys in Gombe State has caused unbearable pain to the people of the State.

Gombe State, a home that was nursed to save lives, is now gradually metamorphosing, etching itself with smithereens so that the people of the land may find it arduous to excavate. Gombe is a land where peace has been our utmost priority, but these Kalare boys have made the state a magnet for visitors.

To curtail this Kalare boys menace in the state, I urge the state government to take some decisive actions by providing more employment to the youths of the state, and by doing so, in my opinion, the menace of Kalare boys will be a thing of the past in Gombe state.

May Allah guide those Kalare Boys to the straight path and bless Gombe State and Nigeria. Amin.

Muhammad Umar Shehu wrote from Gombe via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.

Muhyi Magaji leads the fight against corruption

By Abbas Datti

Let us take a deep sigh to reflect on the remarkable achievements Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimingado made as the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission. Under Muhyi’s leadership, the fight against corruption and the promotion of public accountability has witnessed tremendous progress.

It is essential to highlight the proactive approaches, Barr. Muhyi Magaji adopted in addressing public complaints. Through establishing accessible and efficient complaint channels in various ministries, departments and agencies, Muhyi has provided a platform for Kano citizens to voice their concerns and grievances directly. This has increased public trust and facilitated prompt resolutions and the commission’s improved service delivery.

The chairman’s unwavering commitment to preventing corruption is genuinely commendable. In his steadfast commitment to fighting corruption, Muhyi has successfully implemented robust measures to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in government institutions. From implementing anti-corruption policies to strengthening internal control systems, his tireless efforts have significantly impacted reducing corrupt practices and enhancing good governance.

Furthermore, Mr. Rimingado has been instrumental in promoting awareness and educating the public about the detrimental effects of corruption. Through advocacy campaigns, workshops, and partnerships with civil society organisations and law enforcement agencies like immigration, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Muhyi Magaji has fostered a zero-tolerance culture towards corruption. Such initiatives have been pivotal in creating public awareness and mobilising support for the commission’s anti-corruption efforts.

Additionally, the chairman’s strategic collaborations with law enforcement agencies have yielded positive results in prosecuting corrupt individuals. He has sent a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated by facilitating swift investigations and ensuring due process. This has brought unscrupulous individuals to justice and acted as a deterrent for potential offenders.

Lastly, the chairman’s visionary leadership and ability to inspire a dedicated team have contributed to the success of combating corruption and addressing public complaints. By fostering a culture of professionalism, ethics, and integrity within the Ministries, departments and agencies, Muhyi Magaji has created an environment conducive to achieving the set goals.

In conclusion, these giant strides are a testament to Mr. Rimingado’s exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and relentless pursuit of transparency and accountability. Magaji Rimingado’s contributions have undoubtedly profoundly impacted the overall socio-economic development of Kano State, and we must applaud and support Muhyi’s continuing efforts in building a corruption-free society.

Abbas Datti wrote from Kano State via abbasdatti448@gmail.com

Engausa Global Tech Hub opens fresh applications for digital skills classes 

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Engausa Global Tech Hub, a prominent centre specialising in digital skills education conducted in the Hausa language, is excited to announce the commencement of enrollment for new students. 

The centre, in a statement via its Facebook handle, says it is gearing up to kick off fresh classes on Monday, September 11, 2023. 

Engausa Global Tech Hub is dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the digital age.

This opportunity is open to all, and the centre is committed to fostering inclusivity and providing access to quality education. 

For those interested in joining the upcoming classes or seeking more information, the process is made convenient through the EngausaHub.com website.   

Whether you prefer to register in person at the centre, located at Farmcentre, or through the Rijiyar Zaki centre, the institution ensures a hassle-free registration process. 

In addition to the online registration option, prospective students can contact the centre directly via phone at 07038224643 for any inquiries or assistance. 

Engausa Global Tech Hub acknowledges the importance of digital literacy and its role in youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) as outlined by UNESCO. 

By offering these digital skills classes, the centre aims to contribute to the advancement of these crucial objectives. 

Kano government to allocate N3.5 billion for foreign scholarships

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Kano State Government has announced its ambitious plan to invest approximately N3.5 billion in providing foreign scholarships to 550 qualified students for postgraduate programmes abroad. 

Dr. Yusuf Kofar-Mata, the Commissioner for Higher Education in the state, revealed this significant initiative during a press briefing held on Friday in Kano, following the weekly state executive council meeting. 

According to Mr. Kofar-Mata, these 550 deserving students will have the opportunity to pursue their postgraduate studies at seven prestigious universities in India and Uganda.

This initiative aims to empower and equip these individuals with advanced knowledge and skills that will contribute to the development of the state. Out of a pool of 1,250 applicants, the government meticulously selected the beneficiaries.

Mr. Kofar-Mata emphasised that the selection process was conducted without any bias based on political affiliations, focusing solely on the candidates’ qualifications and their status as indigenous residents of Kano. 

In his statement, Mr. Kofar-Mata confirmed that the government is in the final stages of processing the necessary visas for the students.

He also shared that the students are expected to commence their journeys to their respective overseas universities by the end of this month. 

“We collected 1,250 applications for our postgraduate programs, and we have screened and come up with a list of 550 qualified indigenes of Kano who will be sponsored for postgraduate studies at various universities overseas,” Mr. Kofar-Mata stated.  

“We are in the process of authenticating all the documents of these students for visa preparation. We are hoping that by the end of this month, these students will start moving to their various destinations overseas for them to start their programmes in various fields.”

Gunmen attack church in Kaduna

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Gunmen believed to be bandits launched a devastating attack on Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church in the Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The assailants set fire to the parish house, resulting in the tragic death of a seminarian. 

The police authorities and the Catholic Church in Kaduna State have yet to issue official statements regarding the incident.

However, an eyewitness account provided to Channels Television shed light on the horrifying attack. 

The bandits, numbering in large groups, descended upon the Saint Raphael parish, located in Fadan Kamantan, Kafanchan Diocese, under the cover of darkness on Thursday night.

In a cruel act, they set the parish house ablaze, incinerating the building and a vehicle parked within its premises. Tragically, Seminarian Stephen Danlami lost his life during the attack. Reports suggest that he succumbed to smoke inhalation while attempting to escape from the inferno.

Fortunately, other priests who were inside the parish house at the time managed to escape the onslaught. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many in grief and disbelief.

As the authorities and the church grapple with the aftermath, there is an urgent need for comprehensive investigations into this heinous act and the apprehension of the perpetrators to ensure justice prevails. 

The motive behind this attack remains unclear, but it serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges faced by various communities in Kaduna State and the need for concerted efforts to address them.

The Catholic Church, along with government authorities, must work together to protect places of worship and the lives of the faithful. As the nation mourns the loss of Seminarian Stephen Danlami and grapples with the brazen act of violence, the people of Kaduna State, as well as Nigeria as a whole, are calling for swift action to bring those responsible to justice and to prevent such tragic incidents from happening in the future.

WhatsApp status update dilemma

By Muhammad Ubale Kiru

In today’s digital age, it’s undeniable that sharing every aspect of our lives on social media statuses has become the norm. From announcing joyous occasions like the birth of a child to celebrating birthdays and achievements, we’ve come to believe that posting on our statuses is the ultimate expression of love and support.

But let’s take a step back and consider: Is our affection, loyalty, or friendship genuinely defined by what we post online? Do we measure the depth of our feelings by the number of reposts and likes?

For instance, when a dear friend welcomes a new bundle of joy, do we really need to rush to post it on our status to show our happiness? Should we assume jealousy or indifference if we don’t? Or when someone celebrates a birthday, must we repost it to prove our love?

The truth is that authentic connections thrive beyond the digital realm. True love, genuine friendships, and sincere empathy are expressed in actions, in the support provided when no one is watching, and in the real moments we share.

Let’s resist the notion that it’s not genuine if it’s not on our status. Authenticity is found in the personal gestures that come from the heart, not the public displays.

Next time you feel pressured to post every emotion or occasion, remember that your feelings are far more meaningful than what appears on your screen. Let’s focus on nurturing our connections beyond the virtual world.

Actions speak louder than status updates and true love and friendship are felt, not just seen.

Sheikh Argungu: MURIC condoles JIBWIS

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condoled the Chairman of Jamā’atu Izālatil Bid’ah wa Iqāmatis-Sunnah (JIBWIS) Nigeria – Sheikh Dr Abdullahi Bala Lau, on the death of a member of the executive of the organisation, Sheikh Abubakar Giro Argungu.

In the condolence message signed by its National Secretary, Malam Ibrahim Musa Yelwa Al-kisa’i, MURIC said that the deceased was reported to have passed away on Wednesday night and buried at his hometown cemetery in Argungu after Zuhr yesterday.

Giro was reported by his son to have sought forgiveness from his friends and family, and in the end, he uttered the Kalimatush-shahādah (the last testimony of belief in Allah). Sheikh Giro was known to be a committed and consistent Islamic scholar throughout his lifetime and had little or no attachments to worldly materials.

His death is indeed a national and international tragedy that befell Muslims, yet we admit that death is a necessary end, and it must be accepted by devoted Muslims in the right way.

The National Secretary prayed on behalf of the organisation for Allah to forgive the deceased and to give all those bereaved by his death the fortitude to bear the loss.

How does verbal appreciation affect marriage?

By Aisha Musa Auyo

A beautiful marriage comprises couples who see and know how to appreciate one another by verbalising their positive estimation of each other. Some couples don’t just internalise their appreciation of each other’s beauty but voice it out. 

Men, when you see your wife as she is dressing up, don’t keep quiet; it’s an opportunity to tell her how beautiful she looks, for you are her mirror. I started with men because they are the gender that is very stingy with words. It’s the same gender that was telling you how beautiful you were before marriage. Now they became mute; I wonder what happened.  

Men, you are the only ones who see the fabulous underwear your spouse is wearing, which others will never have an opportunity to see or compliment. If she does not have undies worth complimenting, get her one! Who is more qualified to tell a woman she is beautiful than her husband?

It is very encouraging for a spouse to know that their partner appreciates how they look and still thinks of them as handsome or beautiful, not minding the number of years they have been together as a couple. It does not matter how old you are or how long you have been married. Simple appreciation, no matter the form, is a beautiful way of adding colour to your marriage. The food is delicious, the home smells nice, the bathroom looks spotless, this hairstyle looks great on you, etc., will cost you nothing but earn you a lot.

As much as men enjoy verbal appreciation, they also crave respect and admiration. Admiration for their hard work, masculinity, sacrifices, and admiration for their ideals, deeds, and wins.

When a spouse knows they are highly appreciated or valued, the one who receives the love will always have an urge or a longing to give back what they have received. So it’s a win-win.

Even if you have been giving and not receiving compliments, don’t despair. You will agree that giving of appreciation has a package attached to it: the joy of giving. A gift which lightens your heart and sends waves of fulfilment to you whenever you show gratitude. It’s a win-win situation.

Remember, your spouse is an opportunity to show love, kindness and gratitude; the best expression of meekness and humility and, above all, the best person after God to lavish all the praise you can fathom.

Aisha Musa Auyo is a Doctorate researcher in Educational Psychology, a wife, a mother of three, a homemaker, a caterer and a parenting/ relationship coach.

Man accused of murdering own 100-year-old grandmother in Hamburg

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

A shocking case of alleged homicide unfolded in Hamburg, Germany, as a 37-year-old man faced trial for the brutal murder of his 100-year-old grandmother. 

The accused, a German native born in Estonia, appeared in court on Thursday to answer the grave charges against him. 

The prosecution’s case revolves around the accused’s inability to care for his elderly grandmother, who was 100 years old and suffered from dementia.

The prosecuting lawyer emphasised this point in court, stating, “He could not cope with looking after her.” The horrifying incident took place in the early hours of March 6, when the accused reportedly launched a vicious attack on his defenceless grandmother inside her Hamburg home. 

The elderly woman, struggling to fend off her assailant while sitting in a wheelchair, endured a harrowing assault. 

According to the prosecution, the victim suffered at least 16 blows to her head and neck during the violent encounter. The brutal attack resulted in her falling to the ground, sustaining a broken shoulder, and ultimately succumbing to spinal injuries. 

The accused, in a chilling turn of events, took it upon himself to alert emergency services to the grisly act he had committed. When the police arrived at the scene, they discovered the lifeless body of the 100-year-old woman.

Remarkably, the man offered no resistance and surrendered himself to the authorities without incident. 

As the trial unfolds in the northern German city of Hamburg, the court will delve further into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

The accused faces a charge of homicide, and the legal proceedings will determine his guilt or innocence in the murder of his own grandmother.