News

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.

By Uzair Adam

Dr. Yunusa Adamu Dangwani, former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and current Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Maiduguri, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his supporters from various local government areas of Kano State.

The defection took place on Sunday in Kano, where many top APC stalwarts gathered to welcome the former PDP chieftain and his political allies into the ruling party.

The Daily Reality reports that the event was described by attendees as a major boost to APC’s strength in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dangwani, who has previously held several strategic positions including Commissioner for Water Resources, board member of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, and representative of the Northwest on the National Borders Commission, described his return to APC as a homecoming.

“APC is our home. We just went out and have now returned, knowing there is no place like home,” Dangwani said, adding that his defection was driven by deep reflection and the realization that the PDP was gradually collapsing.

“I have seen what the APC-led government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done in the areas of security, economy, and social welfare.

“PDP, on the other hand, is going down the drain. No sensible person will remain in a cracked house and wait for it to collapse on him,” he stated.

He emphasized that his decision was also influenced by persistent calls from his political associates who believe in APC’s developmental programs.

“Everything has its time. This is the right time for us to leave PDP for APC and contribute to the progress of Nigeria and Kano State,” he added.

Though Dangwani was a governorship aspirant under the PDP in the last election, he clarified that he currently has no personal political ambition in the APC.

“My ambition is for APC to do well for the good of Nigeria. Wherever I find myself, I will contribute. I leave everything to God,” he said.

On the political climate in Kano, Dangwani expressed confidence that APC is on track to reclaim the state from the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing recent defections of NNPP lawmakers, including Senator Kawu Sumaila and House members Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and Abdullahi Sani Rogo.

He also criticized the NNPP government for what he described as missteps that would cost them future elections.

“People remember the demolition exercises, the chaos in the traditional institution, and even the existence of two emirs at the same time — something never witnessed before in the history of Kano or any northern state. These will surely make people vote them out,” he said.

Dangwani urged Kano residents to assess the performance of the APC and compare it with the NNPP’s governance. “The difference is clear. The people of Kano will speak through the ballot in the next election,” he concluded.

In his remarks, Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas welcomed the defectors and described Dangwani as a political heavyweight whose presence would strengthen the party.

“You came at the right time. No one will look down on you. We value hard work, not laziness,” Abbas said, calling on the new members to register with the party in their respective localities.

Professor Umar Farouk Jibril, a long-time associate of Dangwani and former Kano State Commissioner of Information also reaffirmed their commitment to the APC, stating that both he and Dangwani were founding members and are known for their integrity and hard work.

“Our track record speaks for itself. Even with political differences, we never abuse or defame others. That’s not what politics is about,” he said.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

An Illinois man has been sentenced to 53 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy in what prosecutors described as a hate-motivated attack.

Joseph Czuba, 71, was convicted earlier this year of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated battery after he attacked Wadea Al-Fayoume and the boy’s mother, Hanaan Shahin, at their home in Plainfield Township in October 2023. Authorities said Czuba targeted the victims because of their Muslim faith and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

During sentencing on Friday, the judge described the act as “brutal and senseless,” emphasising the need for justice and deterrence in cases driven by hate.

Wadea, who had recently celebrated his sixth birthday, was stabbed 26 times. His mother, who survived the attack, suffered multiple stab wounds and continues to recover.

The case drew national attention and widespread condemnation, with civil rights groups calling for greater protection of Muslim and Arab-American communities amid rising tensions.

Czuba showed no remorse during the hearing. His attorneys said they plan to appeal the conviction.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Bandits have kidnapped Nafisa Usman, a married woman, from her home in Gayi village, Kalgo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.  

The attackers reportedly invaded her residence around 2:00 a.m. on Friday, broke into her room, and took her away without harming others.  

Family sources said the kidnappers, believed to be herdsmen, are demanding N20 million for her release.  

Alhaji Yahya Kuka, Chairman of Kalgo LGA, condemned the abduction and pledged efforts to secure her safe return.  

The Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, could not be reached for comment at press time.

By Muhammad Abubakar 

President Donald Trump has stirred controversy once again after publishing a digitally altered portrait of himself dressed as the Pope on his social media platform, Truth Social. The image, which depicts Trump in papal robes and regalia, quickly drew widespread attention and sparked debate online.

This unusual post follows Trump’s previous tongue-in-cheek remark in which he joked about becoming the next head of the Roman Catholic Church after Pope Francis. While many of his supporters saw the post as humorous and bold, critics accused the former president of disrespecting religious traditions.

The Vatican has not officially commented on the image or Trump’s earlier remarks.

Trump, known for his provocative and unconventional use of social media, continues to dominate headlines since his return to the White House for the second time.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a strong charge to the Nigerian military, urging them to intensify efforts in ending terrorism and banditry while promising improved welfare for troops.  

Speaking to soldiers of the 17 Brigade in Katsina on Friday, Tinubu described the security crisis as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history. He called for unwavering resolve in defending the nation’s sovereignty and restoring peace.  

“This is a defining moment,” Tinubu declared. “Nigerians are counting on you to reclaim every inch of our territory. Let the enemies of Nigeria know—their time is up.”  

The President assured troops of better housing, healthcare, timely allowances, and family support. He praised their bravery in combating banditry in Katsina and beyond, stating, “You are the shields of Nigeria, standing between our people and terror.”  

Tinubu’s visit included inaugurating a 24km dual-carriage road and an agricultural mechanisation centre. His message was clear: Nigeria will not surrender to terrorists, and the military will receive full backing to end insecurity.  

“To those who seek to destabilise us,” he warned, “Nigeria will not bow.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, for his exemplary leadership, describing him as a “truthful, trustworthy, and dedicated governor.”

The president gave the praise during the inauguration of the Katsina State Modern Agricultural Equipment Service Centre and the Eastern Bypass Road around Katsina metropolis.

President Tinubu applauded Governor Radda’s administration for achieving significant progress within just two years, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure development, and community empowerment.

In his speech, Governor Radda highlighted that since taking office two years ago, his administration has prioritized agriculture, infrastructure, security, and job creation.

He reiterated the importance of the new agricultural equipment center in supporting local farmers and outlined his government’s plans, including distributing modern fertilizers and providing solar-powered irrigation machines.

The governor also detailed key infrastructure projects undertaken by his administration, including urban renewal and water supply initiatives.

Additionally, he expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the federal government’s support in tackling security challenges in the state.

Governor Radda also thanked other stakeholders, including traditional leaders, for their contributions to the state’s development.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including the governors of Kaduna and Borno, former Katsina governors Ibrahim Shema and Aminu Bello Masari, federal and state lawmakers, government officials, and APC party leaders.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, officially opened a newly refurbished Local Authority Primary School and Primary Healthcare Centre in the Sagbokoji community of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos State.

The projects were executed under the Nigeria Customs Service’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, tagged ‘Customs Cares.’During the ceremony, CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s dedication to uplifting its host communities.

He explained that the intervention aims to address both infrastructural and educational challenges.

“We are undertaking projects that will have direct impact on our schools and our students. We have brought school bags, exercise books, textbooks, and sandals for all the pupils of this school. We are also improving Infrastructure, where we see the deficit, and what we have chosen to do is to renovate the entire school. And I’m happy that through Apapa and the Stakeholders, we have been able to deliver on this project,” he said.

He also stated the Service’s focus on health as an essential part of sustainable community development.

“We know that the needs of this community is more than what we have done, but we have taken the first step towards entering into an enduring partnership with this community,” he added.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, explained that the project reflects the agency’s broader mission of improving lives in its areas of operation, not just enforcing trade laws and revenue collection.

“The benevolence from Customs shows that we have compassion for the communities where we cohabit, and this was what informed this very project. In the last four weeks, it’s been both day and night, workers have been here, with the active support of our distinguished stakeholders, to ensure that this project actually see the light of day”, Olomu stated.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Engr. Valentine Buraimoh, expressed gratitude to the Customs Service, describing the initiative as a landmark event.

By Uzair Adam

Following a series of late-night explosions at the Giwa Barracks armoury in Maiduguri, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has advised residents to avoid picking up strange objects that may be remnants of the blasts.

The explosions occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, sending shockwaves across Maiduguri and sparking panic in multiple communities as loud bangs and flames lit up the night.

Military authorities later attributed the incident to intense heat, which reportedly caused the munitions to detonate.

During a press briefing after inspecting the scene, Major General Abubakar cautioned residents—especially those living in Jiddari Polo, Fori, and nearby areas—to remain alert and report any suspicious fragments or debris to security operatives.

“Some of the items scattered by the blasts may seem harmless but could be extremely dangerous,” he warned.He was joined at the site by senior officers, including the Commanding Officer of the 73 Battalion, Lt Col N. Dalha, and the Joint Investigation Centre Commander, Colonel Ahmad.

They confirmed that the only armoury within the barracks was completely destroyed, despite combined firefighting efforts by the military and federal and state fire services.

While acknowledging the damage, Abubakar praised the swift and courageous response by troops and emergency personnel, which he said helped prevent further devastation.

He called for calm and assured the public that the situation had been contained and there was no ongoing threat.