News

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Institute of Islamic Cogitation, in collaboration with Markaz Khulafa’irrashidin Sharada, will host the 4th Annual Summit on the Life and Legacy of Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Usman ibn Affan Mosque, Kofar Gaya, Kano.

The summit will focus on the theme: “Rethinking Islamic Scholarship, Leadership, and Societal Transformation in Contemporary Nigeria.”

According to the organisers, the event aims to examine Sheikh Ja’afar’s enduring contributions to Islamic scholarship, leadership, and social reform. Scholars, researchers, students, and members of the public are expected to participate in discussions on seven approved sub-themes, including Qur’anic exegesis, jurisprudence, theological education, youth engagement, institutional development, and strategies for sustaining his intellectual legacy.

The annual gathering is intended to promote informed academic discourse on the late scholar’s teachings and their relevance to contemporary Nigerian society while encouraging reflection on the role of Islamic scholarship in national development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has selected Professor Hakeem Ibikunle Tijani, a Nigerian academic based in the United States, for the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award (NDMA) in recognition of his contributions to the education sector.

The commission announced the honour in a statement issued on Saturday. It also confirmed that the decision was communicated in a letter dated May 22, 2026. The letter was signed by NiDCOM Secretary Sule Bassi on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

According to the commission, the Federal Government set aside July 25 as National Diaspora Day to acknowledge the contributions of more than 20 million Nigerians living abroad to the country’s development.

NiDCOM said the annual event provides an avenue for networking, advocacy, and celebrating the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora.

The letter explained the basis for the award. It stated, “This National Diaspora Merit Award (NDMA) therefore is predicated upon recognizing and celebrating Nigerians in Diaspora who have excelled in their various fields of endeavours and contributing to the overall development of Nigeria.”

The commission added that Professor Tijani was chosen because of his outstanding contributions to education.

NiDCOM also invited the professor to participate in the National Diaspora Day celebrations and the award presentation.

The invitation read: “This is an invitation to be part of the National Diaspora Day 2026 celebrations, scheduled to hold on the 24th and National Diaspora Merit Award on 25th July 2026.

“The events will be at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, by 15:00hrs (WAT) on Friday the 24th of July 2026 and the National Diaspora Merit Award by 17:00hrs (WAT) on Saturday, 25th of July, 2026 respectively.”

The commission further advised prospective participants to register for the events through its official website.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has evacuated 39 more Nigerians from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Lagos under an emergency airlift coordinated by Air Peace.

The latest evacuation followed an arrangement for citizens who were unable to board the previous flight organised by the government.

The evacuation exercise is part of efforts to bring home Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The programme targets citizens who completed the required documentation within the deadline set by the authorities.

In a statement issued on Friday, the government said the additional flight was organised to ensure the evacuation process continued without interruption.

It added that the aircraft was expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos at about 8:50 p.m. on Friday.

The Federal Government also commended the management of Air Peace for providing support for the additional evacuation operation.

According to the statement, the final evacuation flight is expected next week. It will bring home about 300 more Nigerians from South Africa.

The government reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to the welfare, protection, and safe return of Nigerians affected by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

South African international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, weeks after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adams was reportedly found dead on Saturday morning at a residential building in Schotschekloof, a suburb of central Cape Town. Authorities and members of his family have not disclosed the cause of his death.

His death came shortly after another tragedy in his family. His 72-year-old grandmother, Marianna Adams, died on June 17, one day before South Africa’s decisive group-stage match against the Czech Republic.

Despite the loss, Adams remained with the national team. He started the match and continued his World Cup campaign.

Brendine Johnson, the late footballer’s mentor and family representative, confirmed the news and spoke about the shock surrounding his death.

“This passing has ripped everybody apart, returning from the World Cup just now, and then getting such news. Nobody expected this,” Johnson said.

He added, “I had a close conversation with him on Thursday, the guy was really positive on returning back, and being able to return after the World Cup… knowing what lies ahead, he was prepared.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also confirmed Adams’ death in a post on X.

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, described the footballer’s death as a huge loss to the country.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” McKenzie said.

The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) also paid tribute to the midfielder.

“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage, and distinction,” the union stated.

It added, “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large.”

Adams played a key role in South Africa’s historic World Cup campaign. The Bafana Bafana side reached the knockout stage for the first time in the tournament’s history. He featured in all three group-stage matches. He started against Mexico and the Czech Republic before coming off the bench in the team’s 1–0 victory over South Korea.

At club level, Adams enjoyed a successful 2025/26 season with Mamelodi Sundowns. He helped the club win the CAF Champions League title after joining from Stellenbosch FC.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued an urgent public warning to all citizens regarding a new wave of cybercrime targeting mobile phone users. In a notice released by its Cyber Crime Department, the anti-graft agency cautioned that fraudsters are exploiting the recent rollout of 5G services to defraud unsuspecting victims.

According to the EFCC, scammers are calling individuals under the guise of updating their SIM cards from 4G to 5G. During these calls, the criminals request a One-Time Password (OTP) from the victim, claiming it is necessary for the “update.”

The Commission emphasised that this is a fraudulent ploy, stating: “PLEASE, DO NOT provide the OTP sent to you.” The EFCC explained that once a victim shares the OTP, the miscreants can immediately gain access to their bank accounts and transfer all available funds to their own accounts.

The agency reiterated that while the commencement of 5G services is a known fact, citizens should remain vigilant and treat any unsolicited request for personal verification codes with extreme suspicion.

The EFCC has urged the public to share this information widely to prevent others from falling victim to the scam. The notice specifically warns, “please don’t tell if any stranger asks for OTP.”

As digital banking expands, law enforcement continues to advise citizens that legitimate service providers will never ask for sensitive security codes over the phone. Anyone who receives such a call is encouraged to ignore the request and report the incident to the authorities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army has officially commenced the training of 5,300 newly recruited soldiers at the Depot Nigerian Army in Osogbo, Osun State, marking a significant boost to the nation’s military manpower.

Major General IM Abdullahi, Chief of Administration (Army), formally handed over the recruits to Brigadier General BM Madaki, Commandant of the Depot, signalling the start of their basic military instruction. The recruits, part of the 91 Regular Recruit Intake, will undergo an intensive six-month training programme aimed at instilling discipline, physical fitness, leadership skills, and combat readiness.

“This intake represents our commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s capacity to meet the nation’s evolving security challenges,” Major General Abdullahi stated during the handover ceremony.

Receiving the recruits, Brigadier General Madaki assured that the training would produce highly disciplined, mission-ready soldiers capable of supporting the Army’s operational responsibilities. “Through rigorous military instruction and character development, we will transform these recruits into professional soldiers,” he said.

The exercise underscores the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational effectiveness as the country continues to confront diverse security threats across various regions. Upon completion of their training, the new soldiers are expected to be deployed in support of ongoing security operations nationwide.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has approved a new uniform registration fee of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) for the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) conducted by both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

The approval was conveyed in a letter dated March 31, 2026, from the Office of the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, addressed to the National Examinations Council.

According to the letter signed by Mr. Adeniji Ibrahim, Director of Senior Secondary Education, the decision followed a meeting of Examination Bodies held with the Honourable Minister of Education, where the need for an upward review of examination fees was extensively discussed.

During that meeting, the Minister directed that both WAEC and NECO should adopt a uniform fee structure for the conduct of their SSCE examinations. The newly approved fee of N50,000 applies to both examination bodies.

The directive, which takes immediate effect, mandates that all relevant stakeholders be informed of the new fee regime. The letter concluded with warm regards from the Honourable Minister to all parties concerned.

This development comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of education in Nigeria, with stakeholders expected to weigh in on the implications of the new fee structure for students and parents nationwide.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Senegal captain Sadio Mane has announced his retirement from international football following his country’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 34-year-old ends a remarkable 14-year international career with 132 appearances and 55 goals for the Lions of Teranga. Widely regarded as one of Senegal’s greatest footballers, Mane played a key role in transforming the national team into one of Africa’s strongest sides.

His greatest achievement came when he inspired Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title, cementing his place in the country’s football history. Throughout his international career, Mane was known for his leadership, consistency, and match-winning performances.

His retirement marks the end of an era for Senegal, with fans paying tribute to a player whose contributions helped elevate the nation’s status on the world stage.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies following the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity. Security operatives from the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police carried out the rescue operation.

Speaking during a telephone interview with Channels Television shortly after the victims were freed, Makinde described the development as a great relief for the state.

He said, “It is such a big relief for all of us. Just right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much.

“I use this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the service commands, the police, DSS, military and, of course, the president for pushing for their release.”

The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.

The incident forced the Oyo State Government to close schools in four local government areas as security agencies intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release. The kidnapping also sparked protests in different parts of the country, where citizens demanded the safe return of the pupils and teachers.

Three days after the attack, Makinde disclosed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed while in captivity.

President Tinubu also welcomed the successful rescue and praised the military, the DSS, and the police for their efforts. He said the operation brought an end to more than 50 days of uncertainty for the victims and their families. He also commended the security agencies for rescuing the victims without collateral damage.

The president further praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the operation. He directed emergency response agencies to work with the state government to provide medical treatment and other forms of assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers.

Tinubu also pledged that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and for the family of the teacher, Oyedokun, who lost his life during the abduction.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies following the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity. Security operatives from the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police carried out the rescue operation.

Speaking during a telephone interview with Channels Television shortly after the victims were freed, Makinde described the development as a great relief for the state.

He said, “It is such a big relief for all of us. Just right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much.

“I use this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the service commands, the police, DSS, military and, of course, the president for pushing for their release.”

The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.

The incident forced the Oyo State Government to close schools in four local government areas as security agencies intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release. The kidnapping also sparked protests in different parts of the country, where citizens demanded the safe return of the pupils and teachers.

Three days after the attack, Makinde disclosed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed while in captivity.

President Tinubu also welcomed the successful rescue and praised the military, the DSS, and the police for their efforts. He said the operation brought an end to more than 50 days of uncertainty for the victims and their families. He also commended the security agencies for rescuing the victims without collateral damage.

The president further praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the operation. He directed emergency response agencies to work with the state government to provide medical treatment and other forms of assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers.

Tinubu also pledged that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and for the family of the teacher, Oyedokun, who lost his life during the abduction.