News

By Sulaiman Abdullahi

Los Angeles is currently experiencing severe wildfires that have burned over 26,000 acres. This has led to a state of emergency and mandatory evacuations for approximately 150,000 residents. 

The Palisades Fire has caused significant destruction, including the loss of numerous buildings and the deaths of at least 16 people. High winds and limited firefighting resources have complicated efforts.

In contrast, Gaza is enduring a humanitarian crisis due to prolonged conflict, resulting in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure, including water and sanitation facilities, due to Israel’smassive attacks on the enclave. The United Nations estimates that recovery and rebuilding will take years and require billions in funding.

While both regions are experiencing severe destruction, the causes differ: Los Angeles is facing a natural disaster, while Gaza’s devastation stems from military conflict. The recovery for both areas will demand substantial resources, time, and international assistance.

Several social media users share pictures of the two devastations. Many also make comparisons. Some view the LA fire as punishment for U.S. support of Israel, while others see it as a natural disaster that can affect anyone, anywhere.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Kano state government through the attorney general of the state and the commissioner of justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, urges the public to comply with the appeal court’s judgement.

Yesterday the appeal court has delivered a judgement on the Kano emirate suit in which set aside the judgement of Federal High Court which invalidates the reinstatement coronation of Muhammadu Sanusi || as emir of Kano.

Speaking at a press conference that held on Saturday at NUJ Kano headquarters, the commissioner and attorney general of the states urges all parties in the suit and general public to comply with the court’s judgement.

“On behalf of the Kano State Government, we express our profound satisfaction with the Judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, regarding the Emirate Council matter involving His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II and other parties.

“The verdict overturned earlier decisions by the Federal High Court and validates the government’s lawful actions regarding the chieftaincy appointments and reforms in the state’s traditional institutions,” he said.

The commissioner said, “Therefore, in strict adherence to the rule of law and in defense of democracy, all public and private institutions, as well as individuals, are required to comply with the Court of Appeal decision and act accordingly to give full effect to the Judgment.”

By Anwar Usman

The Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced that it exceeded its revenue target for 2024, generating a total of N71.6 billion.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Effiong Harrison, made this known in a statement on Friday that its target for 2024 was N56.861 billion.

Harrison expressed delight over the record-breaking revenue achieved by the command.He described the 2024 revenue as remarkable, noting that it was the highest-ever generated in the history of the command.

NAN reports that, During a meeting with the management team, the area controller revealed that the command had exceeded its annual revenue target of N56,861,094,269.07 by generating ₦71,633,687,108.84.

“This represents a 20 per cent increase, amounting to N14,772,592,839.27,” he said.

While comparing the command’s performance in 2023 and 2024, Comptroller Harrison noted a significant revenue increase of N41.1 billion in 2024 when compared to the N30.5 billion generated in 2023, reflecting a 135 per cent growth.

“I attribute this exceptional performance to the dedication, commitment, and adherence to high operational standards by the officers and men of the command.

“I commend the officers and men of the command for their relentless efforts. It was instrumental in achieving this milestone.

“I want to urge the officers to intensify their efforts to maintain these standards in order to generate more revenue into the government coffers in 2025,” Harrison said.

The MMIA customs boss expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their unwavering support to the command.

By Anwar Usman

The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Michael Oamen, has called on the media to help mitigate disinformation capable of misleading the public.

Oamen made the request during an end-of-year media engagement held at the Western Naval Command in Lagos.

According to him, the speed at which information is generated and transmitted today is such that you must keep pace with it to manage it and ensure national security.

“Misinformation and all forms of hindrances that will make just a simple incident become out of proportion must be managed.” He further added that “The Western Naval Command is aware of such reality and we have decided that we must engage with the media within our sphere to have a platform to close that gap”.

The FOC said that once there was such a gap, it would be exploited; therefore, having a platform to constantly engage with the media would help iron out issues.

“Such a platform will help to reinvigorate any misconception or misinformation and that way we all will be contributing our quota to the attainment of our national security objective,” according to him.

He reiterated that “We try as much as possible to let every stakeholder in the society play their part in ensuring national security” “Nobody really gained from strategies that were attributable to disinformation or wrong use of the information spectrum” Oamen said.The FOC said that the year 2024 was quite eventful for the command and appreciated the role that the media played in informing the public of all its activities.

“As we look forward to 2025, the Western Naval Command, being the premier operational command of the Navy. we will be engaging in so many exercises and activities.

“Therefore, we are going to count on your support to inform the public of all our efforts, so that at the end of the day, the nation, is better for it,” Oamen said

By Sulaiman Abdullahi

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, will confer honorary degrees on the President of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Sharif Al-Hussain.

The decision was approved during the university’s 544th (Special) Senate meeting, held on Tuesday, January 7, following the recommendation of the Honorary Degrees Committee.

The recognition highlights the university’s acknowledgment of the recipients’ outstanding contributions to global trade, governance, and Islamic scholarship.

Details of the conferment ceremony will be announced in due course.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian government has received $52.88 million in recovered assets linked to Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources.

The funds were handed over by the United States government, as announced by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, during a formal agreement signing ceremony in Abuja on Friday.

In his remarks, Fagbemi explained that $50 million of the recovered assets would be allocated through the World Bank to support rural electrification projects.

The remaining $2 million is to be directed to the International Institute of Justice to enhance the justice system and combat corruption.

Stating the benefits of this development, Fagbemi described it as a milestone in the collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in fighting corruption and promoting the rule of law.

He also emphasized that this recovery reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing corruption.

United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, stressed the need for transparency and accountability in using the recovered funds to benefit the Nigerian populace.

This asset recovery represents a continued effort by both nations to strengthen their partnership in ensuring good governance and accountability.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the soldiers who lost their lives in an attack on a military base in Sabon Gida, Damboa, Borno State.

Members of the ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) group launched the attack at dawn on Saturday, using heavy military vehicles and motorcycles. The attack targeted the military base in Sabon Gari, located in Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State. They set the base on fire, including military vehicles, as confirmed by several military sources who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking about the matter.

Fighter jets dispatched from Maiduguri, located 100 kilometres (62 miles) away, retaliated against the attackers as they tried to flee.

In a statement released by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed deep sorrow for the loss of six brave soldiers who died in the terrorist attack on January 4th. The President has ordered a full investigation to determine the cause of the incident and ensure that it serves as a lesson to prevent future occurrences.

“The actions taken by the military demonstrate our strength and readiness to confront threats and eliminate them for the safety of our country. This operation highlights our commitment to fighting terrorism and banditry and working towards a peaceful and secure future for all Nigerians,” the President stated.

Tinubu further expressed his gratitude and sympathy to the soldiers and other security personnel on behalf of the grateful nation. “Your dedication and sacrifice will not be in vain. We stand with you 100% in this fight against these threats,” he affirmed.

The Chief of Army Staff also commended the military’s swift and decisive response, particularly the air support, which successfully struck many of the terrorists and destroyed their equipment as they attempted to escape.

According to Tinubu, the airstrike resulted in the killing of several terrorists and the destruction of their resources. The President urged the military to take further steps to launch direct assaults on bandits and terrorist camps.

He emphasized that special attention should be given to the North-Western region, where these criminal groups continue to pose a threat to the lives and property of innocent rural communities.

Tinubu also called on Nigerians and the media to support the military’s efforts to restore peace and security in the country.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Professor Mustapha Muhammad, a long-standing figure in the Department of English and Literary Studies at Bayero University, Kano, officially retired after an impressive 47 years of service. His disengagement marks the end of a significant chapter in the university’s history.

Known for his dedication to teaching, research, and mentoring, Professor Muhammad leaves behind a legacy that has shaped the minds of countless students and educators. His farewell on January 5 was not only a personal milestone but also a moment of reflection for the department that has greatly benefited from his wealth of knowledge and experience.

Colleagues express concerns about the impact of his retirement on the department. Malam Maikudi Zukogi noted that while Professor Muhammad’s departure was anticipated, it highlights the challenges ahead, especially following the recent retirements of two other long-serving faculty members – Profs. Isma’ila Tsiga and Sa’id Babura Ahmad. Zukogi stated, “His absence creates a significant vacuum that will be difficult to fill.”

As Professor Muhammad embarks on this new phase of his life, colleagues and students alike have extended their well wishes, expressing hopes for good health and a smooth transition into retirement. The university community acknowledges his invaluable contributions and looks ahead to sustaining the foundation he helped establish.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed that it received an overwhelming 573,519 applications for its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise within just one week of opening the application portal.

This announcement follows the Federal Government’s recent approval of 3,927 new recruitments for the service.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Olawale Edun, had earlier revealed that the government had authorized the recruitment, which aimed to strengthen the workforce of the NCS.

Providing an update, the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, gave a detailed breakdown of the applications submitted for both general duty and support staff positions, spanning multiple ranks.

“I want to break down the number of people that applied. We have two categories of officers: we have the support staff who are professionals, and we have the general duty.

“For the general duty, we have three categories of ranks. For the general duty under the superintendent cadre, we have 249,218,000 candidates who applied. Under the superintendent cadre support staff, we have 27,722,000 with HNDs and university degrees.

“For the inspector cadres, those expected to apply with their National Certificate for Education (NCE) or National Diploma, we have 115,634 applying for the general duty, and for support staff, we have 12,952.

“As for the customs assistants, these are those who are supposed to come in with secondary school certificates.

“There are two categories: those who have basic five-credit results with Maths and English, and those without Maths and English. For the general duty, we have 153,593,000, while for the support staff, we have 14,400,” Maiwada explained.

The recruitment exercise has drawn significant public attention due to the sheer number of applicants vying for the limited positions, highlighting the competitive nature of government employment in Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), led by Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has commenced its official preparations for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage with a significant working visit to Saudi Arabia.

The visit, which started on January 7, 2025, follows an invitation from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU), and aims to lay the groundwork for a successful pilgrimage later in the year.

The Nigerian delegation, which includes top NAHCON officials, is set to finalize key arrangements for the 2025 Hajj.

This includes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi authorities, which is scheduled for January 12, 2025.

The MoU will outline the framework for the coming year’s Hajj operations. Nigerian Foreign Minister, His Excellency Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, will sign the MoU on behalf of Nigeria.

Accompanying Prof. Usman are NAHCON Commissioners for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS), Prof. Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal; Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing Services (OILS), Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi; and Policy, Personnel Management, and Finance (PPMF), Alhaji Prince Aliu Abdulrazaq.

Representatives from various Nigerian states’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and Commissions, as well as Private Tour Operators, are also part of the visit.

Additionally, members from the Nigerian National Assembly, the Presidency, and the aviation industry have joined the delegation to help oversee preparations and decision-making.

A crucial part of the visit is the attendance of the International Hajj Expo, which kicks off on January 13, 2025. The delegation will evaluate potential service providers for Nigerian pilgrims at the event.

As part of the visit’s agenda, Prof. Usman and his team will hold consular meetings and engage in discussions with the heads of other countries’ Hajj missions.

They will also meet with the supervisors of the Hajj e-track registration portal, as well as officials from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and other key stakeholders.

These consultations will finalize arrangements ahead of the MoU signing and set the stage for subsequent contracts with service providers, including United Agents, Car Syndicates, Tafweej, Adillah in Madinah, and Health Supervision Companies.

Meanwhile, other NAHCON staff members are conducting inspections of accommodations, catering facilities, and medical establishments in Makkah and Madinah to ensure they meet the required standards before finalizing agreements with service providers.

The ongoing preparations reflect Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj for its citizens, with all logistical and service arrangements being carefully put in place ahead of the pilgrimage later in the year.