News

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government says it inherited multimillion-naira water facilities in a state of disrepair and vandalism from the previous administration led by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje—an issue it blames for the persistent water shortages across the state.

The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Haruna Doguwa, made this known while leading journalists on a tour of major water works.

He cited the Kano water works built in 1930 and the Challawa water works established in 2016 by former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso among the affected facilities, alleging they were abandoned and vandalized during Ganduje’s tenure.

Doguwa revealed that over 12 kilometers of water pipelines connecting the Kano River to these facilities were uprooted, while critical equipment such as control room devices and raw pumps were stolen.

He estimated the total cost of restoring the facilities at around \$10 million.

“The first water works had a 20-million-litre daily capacity before it was vandalized in 2016, resulting in severe water scarcity in the state. The damage there alone is worth about \$3.5 million,” he said.

He also noted that the Intel 6 water facility, with a 350-million-litre daily capacity and responsible for half of Kano’s water supply, was similarly vandalized, with pumps worth about N500 million each allegedly sold off.

Currently, the state only manages to produce 300 million cubic meters of water daily, far short of the 700 million required.

To address the shortfall, the government is working to rehabilitate the affected facilities and expand the Wudil and Joda water works.

Once completed, Doguwa said water production would increase to 500 million cubic meters per day.

The Managing Director of the Kano State Water Board, Garba Ahmed, also highlighted that key areas such as Dorayi, Kofar Pompo, Kabuga Rijiyar Zaki, Janguza, BUK, and Goron Dutse are among the worst hit by the ongoing crisis.

In a related move to control exploitation, Doguwa met with leaders of tanker drivers and water vendors to propose fixed rates for water sales.

He gave a seven-day deadline to reach an agreement on fair pricing for tank and jerrycan water supplies.

By Muhammad Abubakar

India has launched missile strikes on nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting what it described as “terrorist infrastructure.” The strikes come amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that claimed 26 lives.

Pakistan reported that at least eight people were killed and 35 injured in the strikes. Authorities in Islamabad condemned the assault as an “unprovoked, blatant act of war,” accusing India of deliberately targeting civilian areas.

In response, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, though Indian officials have yet to confirm any such losses.

The incident marks a dangerous escalation in a region with a long and volatile history, raising fresh concerns about stability and the risk of broader conflict.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Over 1,000 lawyers under the Save Benue and Zamfara Coalition staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly on Tuesday, demanding the legislative body invoke constitutional powers to take over the functions of the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly.

The lawyers cited alleged interference by state governors and prolonged internal crises, which they claim have rendered the assemblies dysfunctional.

In Zamfara, 10 lawmakers have reportedly been suspended since February 2023 after raising concerns over insecurity, while in Benue, 13 legislators were suspended for allegedly defying Governor Hyacinth Alia’s directive to remove the state’s Chief Judge.

Led by Barr. Sambari Benjamin, the coalition urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to legislate for a state when its assembly is incapacitated.

The lawyers warned that failure to act could lead to a state of emergency in both states and potentially destabilize the National Assembly.

They called for immediate intervention to safeguard democracy.

By Maryam Ahmad

Nigerian musicians earned over ₦58 billion from Spotify in 2024, more than double the amount paid in 2023. This marks a significant rise in global interest in Nigerian music, particularly Afrobeats.

According to Spotify, over 1,900 Nigerian artists were added to editorial playlists in 2024, and Nigerian music was streamed globally for more than 1.1 million hours. Listeners also created around 250 million playlists featuring Nigerian artists.

Spotify’s Sub-Saharan Africa director, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, said the platform remains committed to helping Nigerian artists grow and earn from their work.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has announced a new policy offering $1,000 to undocumented migrants who voluntarily leave the United States. The initiative, branded as a “self-deportation incentive,” is part of broader efforts by the administration to reduce the number of migrants residing illegally in the country.

According to Department of Homeland Security officials, the program aims to ease pressure on immigration detention centres and reduce deportation costs. Eligible migrants must meet certain criteria, including passing background checks and agreeing to leave the country within a set timeframe.

Critics have called the policy coercive and dehumanising, arguing that it targets vulnerable populations who may feel forced to leave under economic pressure. Supporters, however, defend the measure as a cost-effective and voluntary alternative to formal deportation proceedings.

The offer has sparked fresh debate on immigration policy as the administration continues to advocate for tighter border controls and enforcement.

It remains unclear how many migrants will take up the offer or how the program will be monitored in practice.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticized the Presidency for dismissing concerns raised by the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, about Nigeria’s worsening poverty levels.

In a statement on Monday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, described the Presidency’s response as “childish” and “politically twisted,” accusing it of deflecting from the harsh realities faced by Nigerians.

Adesina, during a recent event in Lagos, stated that Nigeria’s per capita income had dropped from $1,847 in 1960 to $824 today, indicating that Nigerians were poorer now than at independence.

However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disputed the figures, claiming Nigeria’s GDP per capita in 1960 was $93 and only improved in the 1970s due to oil revenue.

HURIWA urged President Bola Tinubu to acknowledge the alarming poverty rates instead of denying them.

The group cited a World Bank report revealing that over 75% of rural Nigerians live below the poverty line, with urban poverty at 41.3%.

Onwubiko argued that Nigeria in the 1960s had better infrastructure, education, and job opportunities compared to today’s economic struggles, worsened by corruption and poor governance.

He questioned why the Presidency was disputing Adesina’s assessment instead of addressing the crisis.

HURIWA called for urgent action to tackle poverty, inflation, and insecurity, warning that continued denial would only deepen the suffering of Nigerians.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed that more than 75% of candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scored below 200 out of the total 400 marks.

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made this known while presenting the 2025 UTME analysis during a briefing in Abuja. According to him, the performance trend highlights the urgent need for improved learning outcomes and a reassessment of educational standards across the country.

“The results indicate a worrying decline in overall performance, with only a quarter of candidates scoring 200 and above,” Oloyede stated. He attributed the low scores to poor preparation, over-reliance on malpractice, and inadequate teaching methods in some schools.

Education stakeholders have been urged to address the root causes of the poor results, with JAMB reiterating its commitment to upholding examination integrity and improving access to higher education based on merit.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Muhammad Kabir Sa’ad, a social media content creator, for allegedly abusing the Naira.  

The suspect, known as @youngcee0066 on TikTok and Instagram, posted a video showing him throwing Naira notes on the ground, stepping on them, and daring EFCC officials to arrest him in Hausa.  

Acting on intelligence, operatives from the Kaduna Zonal Directorate tracked him down in the Tudun Wada area and took him in for questioning.  

EFCC officials confirmed that Sa’ad will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded. The arrest serves as a warning against the misuse of the national currency.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

It has been fifteen years since Nigeria lost one of its most respected and selfless leaders, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. 

Today, Nigerians across the nation reflect on the life and legacy of a man whose brief presidency profoundly impacted the nation’s democratic and developmental journey.

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who served as Yar’Adua’s vice president and later succeeded him, paid a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and leader. 

In his message on social media, Jonathan described Yar’Adua as a patriot and a servant leader who was driven by a commitment to unity, justice, and national progress.

“President Yar’Adua’s life was defined by service and selflessness,” Jonathan stated. “Whether as a teacher, governor, or president, his stewardship was guided by hard work, patriotism, accountability, commitment to justice and adherence to the rule of law.”

Yar’Adua’s presidency was marked by his efforts to reconcile a divided nation, foster unity among its people, and mobilise collective action towards building a just and peaceful Nigeria. Though his time in office was cut short by illness, his administration is remembered for significant reforms and a leadership style rooted in humility and inclusion.

Jonathan praised Yar’Adua for his unwavering dedication to democratic ideals and for laying a foundation of peace and accountability. “Fifteen years after his passing, he continues to stand as a reference for good leadership and a legacy of impact,” Jonathan remarked.

As the nation remembers President Yar’Adua, many Nigerians continue to honour his contributions to building a better country and celebrate the enduring example he set in public service.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fifty officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have successfully completed the Junior Course 21 at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada.

The intensive three-month programme was designed to boost the management capacity of mid-level officers within the Service.

Activities marking the end of the course began with a regimental dinner held on Wednesday, 30 April 2025.

The formal graduation ceremony followed two days later, taking place on Friday, 2 May 2025, at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall within the College premises.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, was represented at both events by Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Suleiman Chiroma, who is in charge of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

In his address to the graduating officers, DCG Chiroma praised their dedication and resilience.

He encouraged them to remain steadfast in the values of discipline, integrity, and professionalism.

“The College has equipped you with the requisite knowledge for higher staff and command responsibilities,” he said. “Your value to the Service and your fatherland has been greatly enhanced, and you are now better prepared to contribute meaningfully to the attainment of our strategic objectives.”

Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Oluyomi Adebakin, who serves as the College’s Commandant, also spoke at the event. She congratulated the officers and reminded them of the institution’s high standards.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has invested significantly in your development. You must make the most of this opportunity. The College maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline and mediocrity will not be celebrated,” she stated.

The ceremony featured the award of certificates and the conferment of the Passed Junior Staff Course (PJSC) qualification on the officers.

The graduates expressed appreciation for the training, noting its positive impact on their leadership and operational skills.

The officers are now expected to assume key responsibilities across various commands and units, contributing to the Service’s national mandate.