News

By Halima Abdulsalam Muhd

For decades, many Nigerian communities benefited from a rigorous weekly sanitation exercise led by duba gari or community health monitors who inspected homes and surroundings for hygiene compliance. These dedicated individuals went from house to house, checking toilets, kitchens, bedrooms, and waste disposal areas. Offenders were fined ₦50, a penalty that not only discouraged negligence but also ensured that communities maintained high sanitation standards.

Today, however, that once-vibrant practice has largely disappeared, leaving neighbourhoods grappling with mounting sanitation challenges, from blocked drainage to increased cases of cholera and malaria. Residents and experts alike are calling for the revival of this community-driven initiative.

Voices from the Community

Malama Hadiza Musa, a trader in Naibawa, recalled how effective the system used to be. “When the duba gari came every week, we had no choice but to clean up. Everywhere was tidy, even the backyards. Now, people dump refuse carelessly, and it is affecting all of us,” she lamented.

Mr Aliyu Garba, a retired civil servant, shared similar sentiments, “Back then, sanitation was part of our lives. Today, gutters are clogged, and mosquitoes breed everywhere. We need to bring back that system before things get worse.”

For Zainab Abdullahi, a mother of four, the absence of weekly inspections has created health concerns for families. Children now play around in dirty environments. If sanitation checks were still happening, parents would take cleaning more seriously.”

Community leader Malam Ibrahim Tukur believes the fines encouraged responsibility, “₦50 may look small today, but it carried weight at that time. It wasn’t about the money—it was about discipline. People feared being fined, so they kept their homes clean.”

Meanwhile, younger residents like Suleiman Adamu, a university student, argue that modern approaches should complement the old system, “We can bring it back, but alongside awareness campaigns and community waste management systems. Punishment alone may not be enough.”

Expert Perspectives

Environmental experts warn that abandoning structured sanitation monitoring has far-reaching effects.

Dr Fatima Yakubu, an environmental health specialist, emphasised the connection between sanitation and public health: “Poor sanitation directly contributes to outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and malaria. Weekly inspections used to act as preventive measures. Reviving them could save lives and reduce health costs.”

Similarly, Prof. Emmanuel Okafor, an environmental scientist at Ahmadu Bello University, stressed the economic implications, “Communities spend more on healthcare when sanitation breaks down. By reinstating duba gari inspections, we are not just promoting cleanliness—we are reducing disease burden and increasing productivity.”

The Way Forward

Local governments, community associations, and traditional rulers are being urged to reintroduce house-to-house sanitation, perhaps updating the fines to reflect current realities while also integrating modern waste management solutions.

As Mrs Aisha Danladi, a public health advocate, put it, “We need a collective effort. The duba gari system worked before; it can work again. Our health and environment depend on it.”

Halima Abdulsalam wrote from Bayero University, Kano, via haleemahm42@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called for the closure of schools in Nigeria that charge tuition fees in foreign currencies, describing the practice as a major economic loophole undermining the value of the naira.

Alake made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the Nigeria Gold Day Celebration, held on the sidelines of the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week with the theme, “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance.”

The minister expressed concern over what he termed “economic contradictions” in the country, arguing that allowing local institutions to charge fees in foreign currencies puts unnecessary pressure on the naira.

“I am still going to make a proposal to the Federal Executive Council that all those schools in Nigeria that are charging in foreign currencies should be closed,” Alake said.

“These are some of the leakages and loopholes in our economy that people don’t take seriously. If your child attends a school in Abuja or Lagos and pays $10,000 or £10,000, you’ll have to exchange naira for dollars, pushing up the value of the foreign currency. You can’t go to the UK and establish a school charging in naira it’s only in this country such contradictions exist.”

Alake said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to plug financial leakages across the minerals sector through digital mechanisms and stricter oversight, particularly within the gold value chain.

He noted that the government’s National Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP), implemented through the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), was designed to boost Nigeria’s foreign reserves and strengthen the naira by purchasing gold directly from artisanal miners in local currency.

The minister added that the initiative, a component of the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative, would also reduce informal transactions and curb corruption in the sector.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the SMDF, Fatima Shinkafi, said funding for gold exploration in Nigeria was on an upward trajectory, unlike global trends.She encouraged investors to take advantage of the country’s growing opportunities in gold mining.

“We implore everyone here to examine Nigeria’s gold resources and support the minister’s efforts to make Nigeria a premier destination for junior miners,” Shinkafi said.

“By next year’s Gold Day, we should be looking at Nigeria as a turning point in the global gold market.”

The Nigeria Mining Week, which runs from October 13 to 15, is organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria, in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the VUKA Group.

By Anas Abbas

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested an 11-member gang of suspected armed robbers notorious for terrorising travellers along the Sha’iskawa, Charanchi and Katsina-Kankia-Kano highways.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Katsina.

He said the suspects specialized in ambushing and robbing motorists on major roads within the state.

According to Aliyu, those arrested include Dikko Maaru, Dardau Kabir, Muntari Musa, Labaran Amadu, Usman Maaru, Lawal Zubairu, Nasiru Sanusi, Adamu Kabir, Abdullahi Zubairu, Muhammad Usman, and Sale Shehu — all aged between 21 and 35.

He explained that the arrest followed credible intelligence which led to the interception of one of the suspects on Sunday around 10 a.m. while attempting to sell stolen items.

The suspect’s arrest, he said, led to the apprehension of other members of the syndicate.Items recovered from the suspects include 80 wristwatches, nine mobile phones, and a knife used in their operations.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bello Shehu, commended the operatives for their swift response and effective coordination.

He also appreciated the public for their continued cooperation and urged residents to keep providing timely information that could assist in combating crime across the state.

Aliyu added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.

By Maryam Ahmad

The U.S. State Department has revoked the visas of at least six foreign nationals from Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Germany, Brazil, and Paraguay who publicly “celebrated” the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

In a statement posted on X, the department said it had exercised its authority to deny entry to individuals “who wish death on Americans.” It also published screenshots of their social media posts praising Kirk’s killing, describing the remarks as “reprehensible and incompatible with the values of decency and respect.”

“We will not tolerate or provide safe haven to those who glorify acts of violence against Americans,” the statement read.

The move underscores Washington’s unprecedented effort to shut criticism of Mr Kirk after his assassination, which has sparked intense debate and condemnation both within the United States and abroad. The State Department did not release the names of the individuals involved.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Federal Government has announced a major review of admission requirements into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, declaring that Mathematics will no longer be a compulsory subject for candidates seeking admission into Arts and Humanities programmes.

The new policy, unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Education, forms part of a broader revision of the National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria. According to the guidelines, Mathematics remains mandatory only for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses, while English Language continues to be compulsory for all programmes.

Under the revised rules, candidates seeking university admission must still obtain a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English. For polytechnic admission at the National Diploma (ND) level, four credits are required, while five credits, including Mathematics and English, remain mandatory for the Higher National Diploma (HND).

Similarly, in Colleges of Education, English Language is compulsory for Arts and Social Science students, while Mathematics is required for Science, Technical, and Vocational programmes.

The government explained that the reform aims to make tertiary education more inclusive and accessible, reducing unnecessary barriers that have prevented thousands of qualified candidates from securing admission. Officials project that the new policy could enable an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students to gain admission annually.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the move as a progressive step towards aligning Nigeria’s education system with global best practices, though some have called for careful implementation to maintain academic standards.

By Fatima Ishaq Muhammad 

Pigeon breeding is one of the oldest forms of aviculture, with records dating back to ancient civilisations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Rome. Among the most captivating branches of this practice is the breeding of fancy pigeons—birds selectively bred for their unique colours, feather structures, size, posture, and overall appearance. Today, fancy pigeon breeding has become both a cultural heritage and a thriving hobby, attracting enthusiasts worldwide.

Fancy pigeons are descendants of the rock dove (Columba livia), the common ancestor of all domesticated pigeons. Over centuries, breeders have cultivated distinct breeds by emphasising certain traits. This has resulted in hundreds of recognised fancy pigeon varieties, such as the Jacobin, known for its feathered hood around the neck, the Fantail with its dramatic tail spread, and the Frillback with uniquely curled feathers. Each breed reflects aesthetic beauty and the artistry and dedication of generations of breeders.

As a Kano-based breeder, Sabiu explained in an interview, “In the past, pigeons were just part of household compounds. Now, they are a symbol of prestige and creativity. People take pride in keeping rare and beautiful breeds.”

According to Ibrahim, a breeder, “Breeding fancy/exotic pigeons requires patience, knowledge, and attention to detail. There is a need to carefully pair birds to enhance specific traits, whether it be feathering pattern, body posture, or head structure. Another thing is Proper housing, nutrition, and clean loft management are essential for maintaining the health and vibrancy of the flock.” Breeders also keep detailed records of lineage to avoid genetic weaknesses and to preserve the purity of each breed.

The practice of breeding fancy/exotic animals in Nigeria is not without challenges. Muhammad, a breeder and seller of fancy/exotic pigeons in Sabon Gari market, explained that Issues such as genetic disorders, disease outbreaks, and environmental stress can threaten the pigeon population and quality. He said, “This also affects the pricing. He added that the time and financial commitment required to maintain healthy and well-bred birds can be demanding”. 

However, dedicated breeders often view these challenges as opportunities to deepen their skills and ensure the sustainability of the hobby. The passion continues to thrive. For many breeders, the joy lies not only in competition but in the daily routine of nurturing and admiring their birds.

Fancy/exotic pigeon breeding has become a source of livelihood for many Nigerians. Depending on the breed and quality, a single bird can sell for anywhere between ₦30,000 and over ₦200,000, with pairs fetching even higher prices. Kano-based breeder Suleiman explained, “In the past, pigeons were part of everyday compounds. Today, a single rare pigeon can pay school fees. They are more than pets—they are investments.” Rare, imported varieties or well-bred local stocks are in particularly high demand. Breeders often generate income through:

Sales of pigeons both locally and across state lines, Breeding services like pairing and hatching rare breeds for clients and supplying loft materials and feeds as more people take an interest in pigeon keeping. As a Kaduna breeder shared, “Some people underestimate pigeons, but they can generate a steady income. A well-managed loft can sustain itself and even support a family.”

With more young people entering the hobby and the growing visibility of pigeon markets on social media, the future of fancy pigeon breeding in Nigeria looks promising. Breeders now use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to advertise, sell, and network, expanding their customer base beyond their immediate communities. 

For many Nigerians, fancy pigeons are no longer just a hobby—they are an investment and a path to financial stability. The sight of a well-bred Fantail or Jacobin in a loft is not only a mark of beauty but also a reminder that even tradition can evolve into opportunity.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a significant political shift, three members of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State have defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, announced the defection on Tuesday. The lawmakers crossing the aisle are Hon. Abdulkarim Hussain Mohammed, Hon. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi, and Hon. Sadiq Ango Abdullahi.

The political event was graced by the presence of Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, who attended the plenary specifically to witness the defection.

The lawmakers justified their move by pointing to internal crises and deep-seated divisions within the PDP.

Following the announcement, Governor Sani led the defecting legislators to the Speaker’s office for a photo session before departing.

However, the move was immediately contested by the Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda.

He challenged the defection and called on the Speaker to declare the seats of the three lawmakers vacant, citing the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The runway expansion project at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria is in its final stages, a development expected to significantly decongest Kaduna Airport and enhance the college’s training capabilities.

The project involves extending and upgrading the college’s original runway, which was built in the 1960s and has been under increasing strain from growing aircraft operations.

Once complete, the expanded runway will allow NCAT to handle larger commercial aircraft, diverting traffic from the busy Kaduna Airport.

In a recent update, NCAT’s Rector, Dr. Ismail Danjuma, confirmed the project’s progress and its anticipated benefits.

“The expansion will enable the accommodation of larger commercial aircraft, further helping to ease congestion at Kaduna Airport,” Dr. Danjuma stated.

The new runway will also unlock critical training opportunities for aviation students. A key advantage will be the ability to conduct night flight training, which was previously restricted due to runway limitations.

This infrastructure upgrade is a central part of NCAT’s broader modernization strategy. The college is also upgrading its simulators, investing in new training equipment, and establishing new training centers in Abuja and Lagos.

The Federal Government has allocated funding for the project, with reports indicating strong backing from the House of Representatives.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, is acknowledged as having been instrumental in securing the necessary federal support.

The runway expansion is integral to NCAT’s strategic plan to solidify its status as a premier aviation training hub in Africa.

The college aims to continue producing pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals with facilities that meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has announced plans to host the 11th edition of the Nutritious Food Fair (NFF), tagged “Kano 2025,” on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Meena Event Center, Nasarawa GRA, Kano.

The state Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Musa Suleman Shanono, disclosed this during a media briefing on Monday in Kano.

He said the event, themed “Our Food, Our Heritage,” aligns with the agricultural transformation agenda of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration and aims to promote nutritious and locally produced foods.

Hon. Shanono explained that the fair is being organized by HarvestPlus, in collaboration with its global office in Washington, the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Health, the Kano State Government, and the UK Government-funded Propcom+ Programme.

According to him, the fair will bring together policymakers, researchers, farmers, and food processors to showcase innovations, share knowledge, and discuss issues in the nutritious food sector.

He added that over 100 commercial exhibitors and more than 2,000 participants are expected at the event, which will feature exhibitions, sales of nutritious food products, panel discussions, business deal rooms, quiz and cooking competitions, as well as capacity-building sessions.

A key highlight of the fair, according to the Commissioner, will be the decoration of the Kano State First Lady as the Smart Mother of the State, who will champion nutrition awareness and education among women across Kano.

Shanono further noted that the fair will create employment opportunities for youths and strengthen business linkages in the nutritious food sector.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with partners like Propcom+ and HarvestPlus to ensure that people across Kano State continue to have access to nutritious food.

By Uzair Adam

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has launched the maiden edition of its Digital Tech Policy Forum to deliberate on the urgent need for a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy framework in Nigeria.

Held in Kano under the theme “Towards a National AI Policy,” the event gathered academics, policymakers, and technology experts to examine the ethical, governance, and infrastructural issues shaping Nigeria’s digital landscape.

In his opening remarks, CITAD’s Executive Director, Malam Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, said the forum aims to foster continuous dialogue between policymakers, academia, and civil society on emerging digital challenges.

He stated, “Our goal is to ensure that technology policy in Nigeria is not reactive but proactive. This forum will serve as a bridge between research and policy, ensuring that innovations like AI are guided by ethics, inclusivity, and human-centered values.”

He added that the forum would convene monthly to discuss critical digital policy matters, stressing that a robust and inclusive national AI policy is vital to building public trust in technology-driven governance.

Participants identified several challenges hindering Nigeria’s AI readiness, including the absence of a national AI policy, infrastructural deficits, ethical concerns in academia and media, and growing fears over data privacy and algorithmic bias.

Head of the Department of Computer Science at Bayero University, Kano, Dr. Hadiza Umar, emphasized that the rapid expansion of AI technologies in Nigeria calls for immediate policy intervention.

“AI is transforming every sector—from education to health and agriculture—but without regulation, it can also deepen inequality. We need a roadmap that balances innovation with accountability,” she warned.

Similarly, Engr. Rabi’u Haruna, former Chairman of the Kano Chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, academia, and industry stakeholders.

“Policy without professional input will not work. The government must listen to experts and practitioners if we truly want an AI ecosystem that serves Nigerians rather than exploits them,” he said.

Also speaking, Malam Aisar Salihu Musa, a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Kano State Polytechnic, expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing trend of unprofessional usage of AI on social media and in academia.

Musa stated that the menace has contributed to the growing concern over the spread of fake news on social media, citing an incident where the picture of Engineer Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the former Kano State governor, was altered by AI to change his red cap, causing confusion about which image was authentic.

He further called on the government to be among the first adopters of policymaking on AI usage.Dr. Sanah Abdullahi Mu’az of Bayero University’s Software Engineering Department cautioned against the misuse of AI in education.

She stated that, “We are already seeing AI-enabled plagiarism among students. Universities must adopt clear AI-use policies to protect the integrity of academic work while promoting responsible innovation.”

Adding a policy perspective, Kano State Commissioner for Information, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata, revealed that the state government has begun developing a Hausa-language AI chatbot.

He explained that, “This initiative is about taking AI to our grassroots. We are building a tool that farmers, students, and traders can use in their own language to access vital information on health, education, and commerce.”

He pledged that the ministry would assign a permanent representative to the forum and establish a committee to align AI policy deliberations with state planning efforts.

At the close of the meeting, participants agreed that Nigeria must move from being a passive consumer of foreign AI technologies to an active innovator and regulator within the global AI ecosystem.

“The future of AI in Nigeria,” Ya’u concluded, “depends on our ability to build policies that are not just about technology—but about people, trust, and shared prosperity.”