News

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed into law four landmark bills that establish new agencies designed to strengthen institutional frameworks and accelerate sustainable development across the state.

This was made known in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

The new laws provide for the establishment of the Kano State Protection Agency, the Signage and Advertisement Agency, the Information and Communication Technologies Development Agency, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency.

According to the statement, these laws, which are now part of the Kano State legal framework, are expected to stimulate innovation, support small businesses, regulate signage and advertising, and enhance public protection and service delivery.

The governor described the signing as a significant step toward realising his administration’s vision of a modern, inclusive, and economically vibrant Kano.

He reiterated that the new agencies will play a vital role in job creation, investment attraction, and the efficient implementation of government initiatives.

“Our mission is to lay a solid foundation for a greater Kano. These laws go beyond policy — they are key instruments of transformation that will help drive our development agenda,” the governor stated.

The governor further warns that, violations of the provisions of these laws would attract strict penalties, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring compliance.

The establishment of these agencies reflects Yusuf’s continued efforts to reform public institutions, improve governance, and position Kano as a leading centre for innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.

By Anas Abbas

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Kaduna State University (ASUU-KASU), has officially commenced an industrial action today, marking the beginning of a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike.

In a statement released by the Publicity Committee of ASUU-KASU, the union outlined a series of actions that must be observed during the strike. These include the suspension of all Senate, Faculty, and Department meetings, as well as the cessation of project supervision and both physical and online lectures.

Additionally, the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) will not be subject to project defences, field studies, or supervision. 

The union has also prohibited online meetings and mandated that no Continuous Assessment (C.A.) or examination scripts be marked. The processing and submission of results are also on hold, alongside any standing committee meetings.

ASUU-KASU has urged all members to adhere strictly to these directives. The union emphasised that any non-compliance or attempts to infringe upon the strike actions should be reported immediately to the Strike Monitoring Committee (SMC) at the ASUU-KASU Secretariat on the Main Campus.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has called on Hamas to release all remaining hostages and relinquish control of the Gaza Strip, in a rare and direct rebuke of the group.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Abbas said that Hamas’s actions had not only deepened the suffering of Palestinians but also provided Israel with “excuses to commit its crimes.”

“Hamas must take responsibility for its decisions and the consequences they have brought upon our people,” Abbas said. “They must release all hostages and step aside to allow for national unity and reconstruction.”

The statement comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza and heightened international pressure to reach a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis. Abbas’s remarks reflect growing tensions between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007.

There was no immediate response from Hamas to the comments.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a moment of pride for the Nigeria Police Force and the nation at large, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun on Tuesday received Sergeant Peter Theophilus Tanko at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement in China.

Sergeant Tanko, who is attached to the INTERPOL Section of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), recently completed a five-year law degree in the People’s Republic of China, emerging as the best graduating student at Jiangsu Police Institute. His journey began with a year-long Chinese language course at Nanjing Normal University.

As a result of his academic excellence, Tanko was selected to deliver the valedictory speech for all international students at the convocation ceremony held in June 2023.

The IGP commended Tanko’s dedication and discipline, describing his success as a testament to the potential within the Force. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting officers in the pursuit of education and professional development.

Egbetokun also urged police personnel across the country to emulate Sergeant Tanko’s example by embracing self-development, adding that intellectual growth is key to the Force’s overall success.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a revenue collection of ₦1.75 trillion for the first quarter of 2025, surpassing its target of ₦1.645 trillion by ₦106.5 billion.

This marks a performance rate of 106.47%.

Speaking in Abuja on the agency’s performance, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to achieving its annual revenue target of ₦6.58 trillion.

“Let me summarize where we stand after Q1: We’ve collected ₦1.75 trillion despite economic headwinds, intercepted ₦7.7 billion worth of smuggled goods, and rolled out practical solutions like the B’Odogwu platform. The numbers show we’re delivering,” he stated.

He noted that this revenue represents a 29.96% increase compared to the ₦1.34 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024.

A month-by-month analysis revealed steady growth, with January generating ₦647.88 billion—18.12% above its target and a 65.77% rise year-on-year.

In February, revenue totaled ₦540.1 billion, exceeding projections by 1.3% and showing a 19.97% increase from the previous year.

March continued the upward trend with ₦563.52 billion, surpassing its target by 2.7% and reflecting an 11.22% growth over March 2024.

“The 29.96% annual increase and steady monthly collections confirm our strategy is working. We’ll maintain this momentum through rigorous enforcement and strengthened partnerships,” Adeniyi added.

On anti-smuggling efforts, he revealed that NCS recorded 298 seizures in the first quarter, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦7.69 billion.

This represents a 78.41% increase from the ₦4.31 billion recorded in Q4 2024, though it remains 19.70% lower than Q1 2024’s ₦9.58 billion.

Adeniyi acknowledged exchange rate fluctuations as a major challenge during the quarter.

“During Q1 2025, we recorded 62 changes in the exchange rate, ranging from a minimum of ₦1,477.72 to a maximum of ₦1,569.53 per USD, with an average rate of ₦1,521.59,” he explained.

He expressed appreciation for the dedication of NCS officers, emphasizing their role in the agency’s success.

“Your commitment continues to drive our achievements and reinforces our position as a critical institution in Nigeria’s economic and security architecture.

“We also acknowledge the support of the Federal Government, particularly His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, for their guidance and enabling environment that have facilitated our operations.

“To our stakeholders – the trading community, partner government agencies, and international partners – we appreciate your cooperation and constructive engagement. We remain committed to fostering these relationships as we work together to advance Nigeria’s trade interests and economic development.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate review of Nigeria’s security strategy.

He also demanded urgent action to halt the rising violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states.

During a two-hour meeting with security chiefs at the State House in Abuja, the President condemned the killings of innocent Nigerians, declaring, “Enough is enough.”

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed that the President ordered a fresh approach to tackling insecurity, emphasizing collaboration with state governments and local authorities.

Ribadu stated that Tinubu, who had been monitoring the situation during his recent foreign trips, insisted on tougher measures to restore peace.

“The President is deeply concerned and has directed enhanced coordination with governors and local councils to address communal conflicts,” Ribadu said.

Security chiefs, including military and intelligence heads, attended the meeting, where they briefed Tinubu on recent attacks, casualties, and ongoing operations.

The NSA noted that insurgents often target vulnerable communities with explosives, stressing the need for proactive measures.

Tinubu’s directive comes amid escalating violence in parts of the North and Middle Belt, with citizens demanding decisive action against insecurity.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a major political shake-up, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made by Senator James Manager during a press briefing attended by key PDP figures, including former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was the vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.

Also present were Delta State House of Assembly Speaker Emomotimi Guor and other party leaders.

Manager stated that the governor’s move was in the best interest of Delta State’s development.

He confirmed that the entire PDP structure in the state has now merged with the APC.

A formal declaration is expected on Monday, cementing Delta’s transition to an APC-controlled state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele has made history as the first female Acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR) in the Nigerian Army.

She assumed command today in a brief ceremony at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, taking over from Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.

In her remarks, Lt. Col. Anele thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for the opportunity and pledged to uphold professionalism in her new role.

She also acknowledged the contributions of her predecessor, Major General Nwachukwu, in strengthening the directorate’s operations. Major General Nwachukwu, in his farewell speech, highlighted key achievements under his leadership, including enhanced training for personnel in strategic communication and improved public perception of the Nigerian Army.

The ceremony featured the signing of handover notes, the presentation of the command flag, and the decoration of Lt. Col. Anele with the directorate’s insignia. Senior officers and defence correspondents witnessed the event.

Lt. Col. Anele, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), previously served as Public Relations Officer to a former Chief of Army Staff and at the Defence Headquarters’ Department of Civil-Military Relations.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Federal Government has released ₦50 billion to academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities, fulfilling a promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to enhance the welfare of university personnel and strengthen Nigeria’s education sector.

Announcing the development, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the disbursement as a strategic move to reaffirm the President’s commitment to transitioning Nigeria into a knowledge-driven economy. He emphasised that the release goes beyond a financial transaction, calling it a bold investment in human capital and youth development.

“This intervention is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role played by academic and non-academic staff in nurturing them,” Alausa stated.

In a message conveyed through the ministry, President Tinubu reiterated that ensuring uninterrupted academic activity in Nigerian universities is a core priority of his administration. “Keeping our children in school is not negotiable,” he declared, expressing optimism that strikes in higher institutions would soon be permanently resolved.

The Education Minister also acknowledged the cooperation of university unions, noting that Nigeria is currently experiencing one of the longest periods of academic stability in recent years.

The release of the funds is seen as a significant milestone in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a step toward positioning Nigeria’s education system as a benchmark for excellence on the continent.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit the Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul, on Wednesday, prompting widespread panic as residents rushed out of buildings and gathered on the streets.

Authorities confirmed that no casualties or major damage had been recorded, although several aftershocks followed the main tremor.

The Turkish disaster management agency, AFAD, reported that the quake struck at 12:49 p.m. local time (0949 GMT) at a depth of nearly seven kilometers beneath the sea, just south of the city.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated on social media, “An earthquake of 6.2 magnitude occurred in Silivri, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul,” noting that the tremor was also felt in neighboring provinces.

According to AFAD, the earthquake was succeeded by eight aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 3.5 to 5.9.

The sudden shaking of buildings led people to evacuate and seek safety in open spaces. An AFP reporter witnessed crowds anxiously checking their phones and calling loved ones.

“I just felt the earthquake, I’ve got to get out,” said a decorator who had been working on the fourth floor of an apartment near Galata Tower.

He declined to be identified.State-run Anadolu Agency shared footage showing the minaret of a mosque swaying during the initial tremor in the Beylikduzu district.

Speaking to TRT public television, Yerlikaya confirmed that no buildings had collapsed.

“Until now, nobody has called the emergency line to report their house collapsing,” he said.

However, the Istanbul governor’s office urged people to stay away from structures that appeared to be compromised.

Turkey’s NTV television aired visuals of a three-storey building that had collapsed in Fatih district.

The structure was said to be abandoned and unoccupied for about ten years.President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded to the incident by saying he was “following the developments closely.”

Yusuf, a street vendor, described the fear that gripped many residents. “We all panicked and just ran. There’s absolutely nothing else we can do,” he said.

The tremor was reportedly felt as far away as Bulgaria, according to AFP correspondents in Sofia.

Silivri, located on the western edge of Istanbul, is also home to the jail where Istanbul’s Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was recently detained amid a corruption case widely criticized as politically driven.

Students detained during related protests are also held there.Despite feeling the tremors, none of the detainees were harmed.

“The earthquake in Istanbul was most strongly felt in Silivri, but our children are fine. There is no problem at the prison—no parent should worry,” the Parents Solidarity Network posted on X.

Istanbul’s last significant earthquake occurred in November but caused no damage.

Experts have long warned that the city is at high risk of a major quake due to its location near the North Anatolian fault line, less than 20 kilometers away.

In 1999, over 20,000 people died when two massive quakes struck northwest Turkey, including areas of Istanbul, after the fault line ruptured.