News

By Uzair Adam

The United States government has temporarily suspended financial support for HIV treatment programmes in Nigeria and other developing countries, following an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump.

This decision has resulted in a 90-day pause in disbursements from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a US initiative providing life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment across Africa and other regions.

The suspension is linked to an order signed on Trump’s first day in office, which instructed all government agencies overseeing foreign development aid to halt fund distribution temporarily.

PEPFAR, which operates on an annual budget of $6.5 billion, provides HIV/AIDS treatment to over 20.6 million people worldwide. Since its establishment, the programme has reportedly saved 26 million lives, making it a cornerstone of global health initiatives.

According to NPR, the funding halt could extend for at least three months unless PEPFAR secures an exemption.

Public health experts have expressed concern over the potential long-term consequences, including the risk of the programme being permanently discontinued by the Trump administration.

Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the US State Department, stated that the government “is no longer going to blindly distribute money without returns for the American people.”

In Nigeria, where approximately two million people live with HIV, the suspension could have devastating effects. PEPFAR has been instrumental in providing life-saving medication and improving the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Over the years, PEPFAR has contributed more than $6 billion to Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response, saving countless lives and playing a pivotal role in controlling the virus’s spread.

The suspension now threatens to reverse these gains, sparking widespread concern among healthcare advocates and policymakers.

By Anwar Usman

Vice President Kashim Shettima sympathized with the victims and government of Enugu State over the fuel tanker fire which claimed lives in the state.

He added that it is time to bring an end to avoidable tanker accidents and explosions.

The fuel tanker had on Saturday skewed off course and burst into flames along the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

In his condolence message to those who lost their lives and injured, signed by the spokesperson to the vice president Stanley Nkwocha, the vice president noted that President Bola Tinubu was very concerned and disturbed by the incident and other tanker explosions in recent times.

He said, “It was with a heart full of sadness that I received news of the fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Ugwu Onyeama Local Government Area of Enugu State. I am deeply saddened that another tanker accident would lead to the loss of lives of Nigerians, leaving others injured in the gory incident.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seriously worried by the frequency of these tanker explosion incidents on public roads and residential areas, which are ordinarily avoidable. Just as he has directed the relevant agencies in his message of condolence on Sunday, I want to reassure Nigerians that the government will stop at nothing to put an end to tanker accidents on our roads”.

The vice president promised that following Mr President’s directive, the government will engage relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on possible ways the road traffic authorities, as well as federal and state transportation ministries can cooperate to urgently forestall further tanker accidents and explosions across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s former vice president, Atiku Abubakar addressed, has spoken at a recent conference on the major challenges threatening Nigeria’s democracy.

He warned that democracy is under a big threat due to weak institutions and judicial imbalances, calling for urgent reforms to tackle these issues.

The conference participants recommended strengthening political parties by ensuring that party members, especially leaders, adhere to both party and national laws to safeguard the integrity of democracy.

They also advocated for strict penalties for electoral fraud and the enforcement of rules requiring politicians who defect to vacate their positions.

The conference was attended by Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Nasiru El-Rufai, Kayode Fayemi, Liyel Emoke, Emeka Ihedioha, Sen. Olujimi, and other prominent figures.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported that 411 Nigerians died in 2024 while attempting to scoop fuel from fallen tankers across the country.

This was disclosed by the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, during a press briefing on the Corps’ 2024 special patrol operations in Abuja.

According to Mohammed, the FRSC recorded significant improvements in road safety compliance in 2024, with a 26% increase in adherence to traffic rules and a 23.5% reduction in traffic law violations compared to 2023.

He noted that 21,580 traffic offenders were arrested in 2024, a sharp drop from the 29,220 recorded in the previous year.

Discussing road traffic crashes (RTCs), Mohammed stated that the Corps documented 9,570 RTCs in 2024, a 10% decrease from the 10,617 incidents recorded in 2023.

He added that injuries from these crashes also slightly decreased, with 31,154 people injured in 2024 compared to 31,874 in 2023, representing a 2% reduction.

However, the FRSC Corps Marshal revealed a 7% rise in fatalities, with 5,421 deaths recorded in 2024, up from 5,081 in 2023.

Of these fatalities, 411 were linked to fuel scooping, which accounted for 7.6% of total deaths.

Mohammed described the practice of scooping fuel as “the very monster the Corps is fighting,” and emphasized that without these incidents, the fatality figure for 2024 would have stood at 5,010.

The FRSC continues to advocate for strict compliance with traffic laws and urges Nigerians to avoid the dangerous act of scooping fuel from crashed tankers to prevent further loss of lives.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

In a significant move to strengthen governance and improve public service delivery, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has unveiled a series of strategic appointments and initiatives. This announcement was made through a press statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday.

The governor’s actions are directed toward ensuring that skilled professionals occupy key positions within the state’s administration. He emphasizes the need for improved financial management and the overall efficiency of services provided to Kano’s citizens.

The statement noted several key appointments, including Jamila Magaji Abdullahi, the new Accountant General of Kano State. With over 16 years of experience in financial compliance and risk management, Abdullahi, a Bayero University graduate, is expected to bring integrity and transparency to the state’s financial operations. Previously, she held prominent roles in the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Kano State Ministry of Finance.

Additionally, Muhammad Yahaya Liman has been appointed as the Director of the Treasury. Liman is a seasoned banker with extensive experience in financial reporting and regulatory compliance. He holds multiple degrees from Bayero University, including an MBA in Finance and Investment. His leadership is anticipated to significantly strengthen the state’s treasury operations.

In administration, Akibu Isa Murtala has been promoted to Special Adviser on Administration, a role that highlights his effectiveness in ensuring smooth governance processes. 

Furthermore, Governor Yusuf has reassigned Engr. Abubakar Sadiq has been appointed Deputy Managing Director of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA). This strategic move aims to enhance the quality of life in rural communities by addressing critical infrastructure needs.

A major highlight of the announcement was the revival of the Kano State Transport Authority, colloquially known as Kano Line. Governor Yusuf has established a strategic committee, chaired by Sa’idu Abdullahi Shu’aibu, to oversee the operation of Kano Line over the next six months. This initiative seeks to improve public transportation efficiency and align it with the state’s broader developmental goals.

The committee includes representatives from various ministries and sectors, reflecting a collaborative approach to enhancing transportation services in the state.

In his message to the newly appointed officials, Governor Yusuf highlighted the importance of innovation, dedication, and accountability in their roles. He urged them to work diligently and stressed that their contributions are vital to achieving the administration’s vision of improved governance and service delivery.

These appointments and initiatives are seen as a clear commitment from Governor Yusuf’s administration to foster development and position Kano State as a model of effective governance. 

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has addressed recent rumors claiming the arrest of Mr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, the Executive Chairman of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The police clarified that no such arrest has occurred.

The police confirmed that Mr. Magaji was only invited to cooperate in an ongoing investigation related to a complaint filed against him.

On Friday, January 17, 2025, the Special Investigation Unit of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) received a formal complaint involving Mr. Magaji.

As part of the standard investigative process, he was invited to meet with police officers and assist in the inquiry.

The police emphasized that, as a respected government official, it was expected that Mr. Magaji would cooperate fully with the investigation, ensuring the matter is handled appropriately without drawing unnecessary media attention.

The police strongly rejected claims that Mr. Magaji had been arrested, labeling the reports as false and misleading.

They called on the media and the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause confusion or unnecessary alarm.

The NPF reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and conducting thorough investigations in accordance with legal procedures.

By Maryam Ahmad

According to Bild, the German city of Duisburg is taking an innovative approach to encourage voter participation in the upcoming federal elections by offering free beer to those who cast their votes.

Mayor Sören Link explained the initiative, saying, “We want to do something about the low voter turnout and strengthen democracy.”

In the 2021 federal elections, Duisburg recorded a voter turnout of 68.1%, significantly below the national average of 76.6%. The city hopes the promise of a cold drink will motivate more residents to vote.

Non-alcoholic beer and other beverages will also be available for those who don’t drink alcohol.

By Anas Abbas

Faculty of Communication of Bayero University, Kano and the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters organized a two-day round table meeting on investigative and data-driven journalism challenges.

The roundtable, held on Monday, focused on challenges of investigative and data-driven journalism and was themed ” Round table meeting on issues and challenges of investigative and data-driven journalism in the broadcast sector in North West Nigeria.”

The event, organized in collaboration with the Society of Nigerian Broadcasting, took place at the CBN Centre of Excellence at Bayero University, Kano.

Professor Umaru Pate, a communications expert and seasoned scholar, presented a paper titled “The Imperative of Investigative and Data-Driven Journalism in North West Nigeria.” 

As the keynote speaker, Pate thoroughly explained that “investigative journalism contributes to freedom of information.” 

Pate noted that some companies might pull their advertisements if the media content conflicts with their interests. 

He highlighted the pressing issue of inadequate funding for research within media organisations.

Pate noted that many outlets often overlook the necessity of investing in thorough research, emphasizing that producing quality news requires financial commitment. “To deliver high-quality journalism, organizations must be willing to allocate resources toward research,” he stated.

He addressed another significant challenge faced by investigative journalism, which is “the threats to journalists’ safety,” which underscores the need for greater support and protection for those committed to uncovering important stories.

By Uzair Adam 

Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain professionalism and avoid political bias, particularly in its operations within the state.  

This follows the controversy surrounding a terror alert issued by the Kano State Police Command on the eve of the annual Maulud celebration organised by the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.  

In a statement on his X handle, Kwankwaso commended the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order for successfully hosting the significant event. 

He also congratulated Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for their contributions to the event’s success.  

However, he expressed disappointment over the police alert, which he claimed caused unnecessary panic among Kano residents and attendees from across Nigeria and beyond.  

“The conduct of the police, which appears to align with the Federal Government’s habitual interference in Kano’s affairs, further erodes their credibility,” Kwankwaso stated.  

He warned that issuing unverified threat alerts could lead to public complacency during genuine security threats.  

“Issuing a false threat alert of this magnitude sets a dangerous precedent. It risks making people dismissive of genuine threats in the future,” he noted.  

Kwankwaso also criticised the global impression created by the police’s actions, given the international participation in the event. 

He called on the Kano State Police Command to prioritise professionalism and avoid partisanship, emphasising the need for the Federal Government to steer clear of interfering in Kano’s governance.  

“The Federal Government must resist involving itself in matters that complicate governance in Kano State,” he added.  

The Tijjaniyya Maulud celebration remains a prominent annual event for the Sufi order, attracting participants from across the globe.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other traffic enforcement agencies to implement measures aimed at preventing the frequent petrol tanker explosions occurring across Nigeria.

This directive, delivered in a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, comes amidst a worrying rise in such incidents, which have led to significant loss of life and property.

“The president calls for caution and adherence to safety measures among road users, particularly fuel tanker operators,” the statement reads.

“Furthermore, he directs agencies in charge of enforcing traffic rules to implement measures to prevent recurring petrol tanker explosions nationwide,” it added.

The president expressed condolences to the families of victims and prayed for the souls of the deceased, while also wishing a speedy recovery to those injured in the explosions.

Recent incidents underscore the urgency of the president’s directive.

On Saturday, a tanker explosion at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway claimed 18 lives, according to FRSC reports.

Just a week prior, another explosion in Niger State’s Gurara Local Government Area resulted in over 70 fatalities.