News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a bold and unflinching statement, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has voiced the frustrations of many Nigerians amid the worsening economic crisis.

“We are all hungry. If you’re not feeling the hunger, I certainly am… If you want us to get rid of the man in charge, we can certainly do that,” Amaechi declared during a public event.

His remarks have sparked intense debate, with some viewing them as a direct challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has faced mounting criticism over inflation, insecurity, and economic hardship.

A former APC presidential aspirant and ex-Rivers State governor, Amaechi’s comments suggest growing discontent within the ruling party.

By Anwar Usman

At least 20 athletes from Kano were reportedly dead following a ghastly car accident at Dakatsalle Bridge in the Kura Local Government area of Kano State.

The athletes were said to be returning from from the just concluded National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Fagge, who confirmed the incident, said many other athletes sustained various injuries following the fatal accident on Saturday.

He stated that the bus carrying 30 athletes fell from the bridge, leading to the death of the 20 athletes.

He further stated that “As I am talking to you now, we have counted 19 dead bodies”.

Similarly, Ado Salisu, a former Vice President of SWAN, said victims were still being taken to Kura General Hospital.

Abdullahi Labaran, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kano Sector Command, also confirmed the accident.

He however said that he could not confirm the number of deaths and injured persons.

“We just received the report of the accident, so, I cannot confirm the exact number of casualties at the moment,” he added.

By Uzair Adam

Seventeen members of a household were swept away by the devastating flood that engulfed the Kpege area of Mokwa in Niger State on Wednesday night, pushing the death toll to 115.

One of the victims, Anas Usman, recounted the tragic events: “I lost 17 members of my household in the flood disaster that occurred on Thursday morning after a heavy downpour on Wednesday night.

“We were preparing to go to the farm in the morning when our house was suddenly submerged by the flood. We didn’t even know where it came from.

“The flood caused our house to collapse, taking with it children, women, and men from our family,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Mr. Yakubu Garba, visited the affected community to assess the situation.

Acting on the directive of Governor Umaru Bago, Garba confirmed that more than 115 bodies had been recovered, with search and rescue efforts still underway.

“I have been briefed by officials from NEMA and NSEMA, who have been on the ground since the incident began, conducting search and rescue operations.

“I was told that over 100 people lost their lives, and some have yet to be buried as efforts continue,” he said.

Addressing victims at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Garba urged patience and assured them that the state government is working to provide relief materials.

He added that the government had already received relief supplies from NEMA and handed them over to the council chairman for distribution to the victims.

Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, said the agency had provided essential supplies—including rice, blankets, and mats—which have been handed over to the state government through the deputy governor.

She also noted that NEMA was coordinating with the Red Cross and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to support the affected community.

In a statement issued yesterday, Umar confirmed that “based on an on-site assessment conducted Friday, 30th May 2025, no fewer than 115 bodies have so far been recovered as search and rescue operations continue.

Injured persons evacuated to various health centres in Mokwa have been treated and discharged, while some received immediate first aid at the scene.”

The epicentres of the disaster were identified as the Unguwan Hausawa and Tiffin Maza neighbourhoods within Mokwa township.

The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and all those affected by this tragic event. President Bola Tinubu has been fully briefed on the situation and has directed all relevant emergency and security agencies to intensify the search and rescue operations. The immediate priority of the Federal Government is to save lives and provide urgent relief to survivors.”

He commended the courage and dedication of first responders and volunteers, who risked their lives in the ongoing rescue efforts.

Idris also urged residents in the affected areas to cooperate fully with emergency officials and adhere to all evacuation directives issued.

“The Federal Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. In this moment of grief, the nation stands united with them in solidarity,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced a remote Bank Verification Number (BVN) registration for Nigerians living abroad, but at a cost of $50 (N80,000).

The new Non-Resident BVN (NRBVN) platform, launched in partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), allows diaspora Nigerians to register without visiting Nigeria.

While BVN registration is free for Nigerians at home, those abroad must pay the fee to access the service.

Applicants must provide documents such as a Nigerian passport, proof of foreign residency, and a utility bill. The process includes identity verification and a liveness test.

The move aims to boost financial inclusion and remittances, with the CBN targeting $1 billion in monthly diaspora inflows.

However, reactions are mixed—some see the fee as reasonable compared to travel costs, while others call it an unfair revenue tactic.

The NRBVN platform also offers access to investment accounts and financial services, with repatriation options for diaspora investors.investor.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a decisive blow against terrorism, Nigerian Special Forces under Operation HADIN KAI have eliminated a high-profile Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Amir Abu Fatima, along with several of his lieutenants in Kukawa, Northern Borno State.

The successful operation, carried out on May 30, 2025, followed credible intelligence reports on the terrorists’ hideout.

Abu Fatima, who had a ₦100 million bounty on his head, was fatally wounded in a fierce gun battle with troops. His deputy, explosives experts, and multiple fighters were also neutralized in the encounter.

Military sources confirmed the recovery of AK-47 rifles, ammunition, explosives, and IED-making materials from the scene.

No casualties were recorded among Nigerian forces.

This strike marks a major setback for terrorist operations in the region and underscores the Armed Forces’ ongoing efforts to restore stability in the Northeast.

By Anwar Usman

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on has set aside a judgment of the Federal High Court in Kano which nullified the composition of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission and the local government election held on October 26, 2024.

A three-judge panel, led by Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, said the Federal High Court did not in any way have the power to hear cases about state electoral bodies and their members.

The court said that these matters should be handled by the Kano State High Court.The court accepted appeals from the Kano State Attorney General, the Kano State House of Assembly, and KASIEC.

It then dismissed the cases at the Federal High Court for lack of authority.

In a related case, the Court of Appeal also over ruled another Federal High Court ruling noting that, the earlier ruling had rejected the list of candidates sent to KASIEC by one faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party for the recent local government election.

The Court of Appeal said the case, which involved a dispute over NNPP leadership and candidate lists from two groups, was not within the Federal High Court’s power to decide.

It added that party leadership and candidate choices cannot be settled in court.

By Hassan Muhammad

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been crowned Galatasaray’s Best Player of the Year after a sensational debut season in Turkey.

On loan from Napoli, Osimhen scored 35 goals in 39 matches, helping Galatasaray secure both the Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup. His standout performances included a brace in the cup final and a decisive goal in the league’s final matchday.

Club legend Tanju Çolak praised the forward as “the best player of the season,” while Osimhen himself expressed gratitude for the honor, calling Galatasaray “an amazing club.”

His future remains uncertain, but fans are hopeful he will extend his stay in Istanbul.

By Maryam Ahmad

President Bola Tinubu has outlined significant gains in national security, youth empowerment, and innovation as his administration clocks two years in office, asserting that the groundwork is being laid for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.

In a comprehensive national address, President Tinubu said his administration had improved collaboration among security agencies and made substantial gains in previously volatile regions. “In some areas of the northwest, hitherto under the control of bandits, our gallant armed forces have restored order,” he said.

The President emphasised the role of young Nigerians in national development, citing innovative programmes at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), such as electric vehicle assembly, drone engineering training for women, and local manufacturing of rapid diagnostic kits.

“These initiatives are creating jobs, restoring dignity to work, and opening up a future of possibilities for our youth,” Tinubu stated.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the federal government has also embarked on large-scale infrastructure projects, including major highway reconstructions, rural electrification through solar initiatives, and enhanced support for farmers to boost food security.

In a nod to cultural diplomacy, the President announced plans for the Motherland Festival—a global event that will showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage, creativity, and tourism potential.

Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora and introduced new policies, including a diaspora bond and non-resident BVN, to encourage greater engagement.

“Our direction is clear, and so is our resolve,” the President said in closing. “The real impact of our governance objectives is beginning to take hold. The future is bright.”

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has arrested 41 suspects, including key perpetrators, in connection with the gruesome killing of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rano Division, CSP Baba Ali.

This was revealed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

The Command condemned the killing, describing it as a senseless and shocking act that represents a direct attack on law enforcement and the safety of society.

It noted that the tragic loss has been met with widespread condemnation across the state.Following swift investigations, the police apprehended 41 suspects, including those identified as the principal actors.

The Command pledged to intensify efforts to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice without exception.

CP Bakori assured residents of Kano that the police remain fully committed to safeguarding lives and property.

He urged the public to remain calm and continue supporting the police with useful information to aid the investigation.

The Command also paid tribute to CSP Baba Ali for his courage and sacrifice, reaffirming its dedication to honoring the fallen officer’s memory by ensuring justice is served.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked the second anniversary of his administration on Wednesday with an optimistic national address highlighting the government’s achievements and reaffirming commitment to economic reform, national security, and human capital development.

Speaking from the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, President Tinubu declared that his administration had made “undeniable progress” despite the sacrifices demanded of citizens, especially following the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates.

“We are halfway through the journey that began 24 months ago. Today, I proudly affirm that our economic reforms are working,” he said, citing improvements such as easing inflation, increased foreign reserves, and higher state revenues.

According to the President, the federal government recorded over ₦6 trillion in revenue in Q1 2025 and successfully reduced the fiscal deficit from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024. Additionally, the country’s net external reserves rose sharply to over $23 billion by the end of 2024, a fivefold increase from the previous year.

In the energy sector, Tinubu noted a 400% increase in oil rig activity since 2021 and over $8 billion in new investments. “We have stabilised our economy and are now better positioned for growth and global shocks,” he added.

The President also highlighted reforms in taxation, infrastructure development, and the health sector. He announced the expansion of primary healthcare centres, the establishment of new cancer treatment centres, and a tax policy overhaul aimed at supporting low-income households and small businesses.

“Together, we are creating a system where prosperity is shared, and no one is left behind,” he said.