News

By Muhammad Abubakar

The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a joint statement today strongly condemning the Israeli government’s continued military operations in Gaza and its denial of humanitarian aid to the besieged population.

In the statement, the three nations called the humanitarian situation in Gaza “intolerable” and labelled Israel’s limited allowance of food into the territory as grossly inadequate. They urged the Israeli government to halt its military offensive immediately and allow unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, in cooperation with the United Nations.

The leaders also called on Hamas to release the remaining hostages held since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, while affirming Israel’s right to self-defence. However, they described the ongoing Israeli response as “wholly disproportionate.”

The statement strongly criticised the Israeli government’s use of inflammatory rhetoric and warned that permanent forced displacement of Gaza’s population would constitute a breach of international humanitarian law.

The three countries also voiced strong opposition to the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, stating such actions undermine prospects for a viable Palestinian state and threaten regional security. They pledged to take further actions, including potential targeted sanctions, if the situation does not improve.

The joint statement expressed support for current ceasefire efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, and emphasised the need for a long-term political solution. The leaders stressed their commitment to a two-state solution. They highlighted the upcoming June 18 international conference in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, as a key moment for advancing peace.

“We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution,” the statement concluded, reaffirming their readiness to work with international partners to bring stability to the region.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a controversial address on Monday, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly acknowledged that the limited humanitarian aid allowed into the Gaza Strip is intended not to alleviate civilian suffering but to shield Israel from international war crimes accusations.

Smotrich declared that Israel is “annihilating everything that remains in the Strip,” describing Gaza as “one big city of terror.” He said the provision of minimal aid — such as “a few bakeries distributing pitas” and “a daily portion of cooked food” — serves a strategic purpose: maintaining global political cover. “It allows the world to continue providing us with international protection,” he asserted.

Smotrich defended Israel’s ongoing campaign of widespread devastation, describing it as a shift from targeted raids to full-scale occupation. “No more raids with ins and outs… we are conquering, clearing, and staying until Hamas is destroyed,” he said.

The minister praised the military’s intensified focus on Gaza’s civil infrastructure, noting that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is now targeting the administrative apparatus of Hamas, including ministers, civil servants, and the economic networks.

Boasting of the level of destruction inflicted on the enclave, Smotrich said, “We are dismantling Gaza, leaving it in ruins with unprecedented destruction, and the world still hasn’t stopped us.” He went further, expressing support for a complete blockade of essential services: “Until the last of the hostages returns, we should also not let water into the Gaza Strip.”

Perhaps most alarmingly, Smotrich appeared to endorse forced displacement, stating: “The population will reach the south of the Strip, and from there, God willing, to third countries, as part of President Trump’s plan.”

His remarks have sparked renewed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and raised serious questions about the legality and morality of Israel’s ongoing military strategy.

By Anwar Usman

The two major contenders in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) have denied reaching any agreement on a power-sharing deal for the 2027 presidential race.

The speculation emerged following a report that Atiku had offered Obi the vice-presidential slot on a joint ticket for the 2027 elections, allegedly committing to serve only one term.

The report claimed this proposal was first discussed during a private meeting between the two men earlier this year in the United Kingdom.

The report further alleged that Obi was working to secure the support of his key loyalists for the alliance.

While addressing the speculation on Monday, Obi dismissed the reported arrangement, insisting that those claiming he had agreed to run as anyone’s deputy were engaging in selfish politics detrimental to national progress.

Obi, who was Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election, reiterated that his focus mainly centered on promoting good governance and combating issues affecting Nigerians.

He made made the clarification during a visit to the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kubwa, where he also donated N20 million to support the diocese’s hospital and school.

Also, former Vice President Atiku described the speculation as unfortunate, stressing that the coalition effort he is championing, along with Obi and other leaders, is still at the exploratory stage and focused on providing a credible alternative platform for Nigerians.

Clarifying the issue through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said, “We must be very careful about speculation.

“Right now, Atiku and all the other coalition leaders, including Obi, are focused on birthing this coalition in response to Nigerians’ yearnings.”

Nigerians believe this administration must go. They want to reclaim their country.

He further stated that, “If we are already discussing positions, it’s like putting the cart before the horse. People are engaging in dialogue with varying perspectives, but until a concrete position is taken by those in the discussion, anything to the contrary is just speculation.”

Obi further noted that, “I am in a coalition against hunger, poverty, and ill health. Politics for me is not about position; it is about doing the right thing. I just returned from Rome this morning, and my focus is on the education of our children, not on political appointments. In Nigeria, we often avoid the real issues—what we should be discussing is how to educate our children.”

Similarly, the Obidient Movement, Obi’s support group, denied the report. Its National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, described it as baseless.“I have been in direct contact with Peter Obi, and there has been no discussion or agreement of this nature,” Tanko told Daily Trust.

“Although discussions around building a coalition for 2027 are ongoing, no such conclusions have been reached. These kinds of insinuations are unhelpful and misleading.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Abdulkadir Mayos, has demonstrated integrity by returning a lost Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) of $505 and 30 Saudi Riyals to an intending pilgrim in Yola.

The BTA, meant to cover personal expenses during Hajj, was traced to its owner, Maimuna Salihu, a pilgrim from Taraba State, with the help of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The money was handed over to her at the Yola Pilgrims’ Camp, drawing praise from officials and fellow pilgrims.

In a related development, 411 pilgrims from Yobe State were airlifted to Saudi Arabia from the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri.

The final batch of 73 pilgrims from Adamawa State was also flown out.

NAHCON Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali, urged the pilgrims to uphold Nigeria’s image and abide by Saudi laws.

He also called for prayers for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity.

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Censorship Board has suspended 22 Hausa film series, including Dakin Amarya, Labarina, Gwarwashi, Dadin Kowa, Gidan Sarauta, and Manyan Mata, for allegedly violating the Board’s censorship regulations.

The suspension was announced by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Abba El-Mustapha, following a management meeting and internal consultations. 

According to a statement issued by the Board’s Information Officer, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, the action is part of a strategic effort to ensure that all films are subjected to censorship before public release, in line with existing laws.

The Board warned all producers and owners of the affected series to halt further streaming or broadcasting of the content via television or online platforms. 

It directed them to submit their films for censorship approval within one week, starting from Monday, May 19, 2025, or risk facing legal consequences.

Sulaiman further called on television stations and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to support the Board’s enforcement efforts and help safeguard the integrity of the local film industry.

According to Sulaiman, the affected film series include:

1. Dakin Amarya  

2. Mashahuri  

3. Gidan Sarauta  

4. Wasiyya  

5. Tawakkaltu  

6. Mijina  

7. Wani Zamani  

8. Labarina  

9. Mallaka  

10. Kudin Ruwa  

11. Boka Ko Malam  

12. Wayasan Gobe  

13. Rana Dubu  

14. Manyan Mata  

15. Fatake  

16. Gwarwashi  

17. Jamilun Jiddan  

18. Shahadar Nabila  

19. Dadin Kowa  

20. Tabarmar  

21. Kishiyata

22. Rigar Aro

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a touching act of compassion, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has adopted Hauwa Yusuf (popularly known as Ummi), a 31-year-old woman battling a rare and debilitating illness known as muscular dystrophy.

Ummi, a law graduate of Bayero University Kano (BUK), has been living with the incurable condition for 18 years. Despite her severe physical limitations and financial hardship, she defied the odds to complete her university education. Today, she can barely walk without support.

Social media personality and academic, Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, who has followed Ummi’s story for two years, revealed that she had previously received some assistance from Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema, who sponsored a short medical trip to India. However, her condition remained unmanaged until a turning point came on the night of May 18, 2025.

In a desperate bid for help, Ummi reached out to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf via text message. The Governor responded promptly and compassionately. According to Dr. Ibrahim, Governor Abba promised to take full responsibility for her well-being, saying he would do “everything a father would do for a daughter.”

In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the Governor connected Ummi with his own daughter, also a law student, fostering a personal friendship to provide emotional support. Additionally, he directed that Ummi’s family be provided with adequate food supplies and pledged to make her upcoming Sallah celebration “memorable.”

In a further show of generosity, the Governor ordered that Amina, a lady who has spent years caring for Ummi, be placed on the Government House’s casual staff payroll with immediate effect.

The Governor’s actions have drawn widespread praise, with many Nigerians taking to social media to commend his empathy and swift intervention.

“May Allah make it easy for Ummi and reward Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf handsomely,” Dr. Ibrahim concluded in his heartfelt tribute.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, secured third place at the AFCON U20 tournament after a tense victory in a penalty shootout against host nation Egypt.

The third-place playoff ended in a deadlock after regulation time, with both teams creating but failing to convert keychances. 

In the ensuing shootout, Nigeria maintained their composure and emerged victorious, silencing the home crowd and concluding their campaign on a high note.

Head coach Aliyu Zubairu praised his players for their determination and mental toughness throughout the match. “Beating the hosts in front of their fans, and doing so under the pressure of a shootout, speaks volumes about the character of this team,” he said.

South Africa went on to win the tournament, claiming the championship after an impressive performance in the finalagainst Morocco.

The AFCONU20 tournament showcased elite youth teams from across the continent, providing a platform for emerging talent and fierce competition.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have pledged to work together to advance ethical standards, professionalism, and effective communication in the field of public relations.

This commitment followed a courtesy visit by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, to the NIPR FCT Secretariat in Abuja on May 16, 2025.

Maiwada, who was accompanied by a team from the Public Relations Unit of the NCS, stated that the engagement was intended to build stronger institutional relationships and encourage the exchange of knowledge between the Service and the professional body.

“We believe that excellence and professionalism should be the hallmark of our practice of Public Relations in the Nigeria Customs Service and beyond,” he said.

He also noted that the unit he leads is powered by youthful determination and the consistent support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

In his response, the NIPR FCT Chapter Chairman, Stanley Ogadigo, applauded the NCS for its efforts in public communication, especially under the current leadership.

“We’re glad that the Comptroller-General of Customs has not disappointed us. He’s doing a great job and remains a shining example,” Ogadigo said.

He also gave assurance of the NIPR’s commitment to supporting projects aimed at raising standards in public sector public relations.

According to him, areas of cooperation would include capacity building, joint advocacy, and corporate social responsibility.During the meeting, participants explored opportunities for training, professional development, and ways to respond to the fast-changing media environment with improved public communication strategies.

Both organizations restated their commitment to continuous learning and to boosting the trustworthiness of public institutions through responsible and strategic public relations practices.

The engagement concluded with mutual assurance from both the NCS and NIPR FCT Chapter to explore beneficial partnerships that would enhance communication across the public sector.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered the immediate suspension of Ibrahim Rabi’u, a Senior Special Reporter attached to the Ministry of Transportation, over what the government described as unguarded and inflammatory remarks.

The suspension followed a recent statement issued by Rabi’u, in which he allegedly spoke on the rumoured defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The statement, which surfaced on Saturday, was widely circulated and attributed to Kwankwaso — a claim both the former governor and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have since disowned.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, announced the suspension on Saturday, stating that a query has also been issued to the aide.

In a statement signed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to Governor Yusuf, the government firmly distanced itself from the claim, noting that the controversial statement was made solely by Rabi’u and not on behalf of the state government.

The government reiterated that only the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Waiya, is authorised to speak for the government, while the Director General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, speaks for the Governor.

“All political appointees are hereby cautioned against making unauthorised public statements, especially those outside their official jurisdiction,” the statement said.

It added that clearance must be obtained before issuing any comment on matters of public concern or politically sensitive issues.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Al-Qalam University Katsina has announced that thirteen of its academic programmes have received full accreditation status from the National Universities Commission (NUC), following a visitation in November 2024.

The accredited programmes span the Colleges of Humanities, Education, and Natural and Applied Sciences. 

According to a report released by the NUC, this development means that all degree programmes offered by the university now enjoy full accreditation.

The university expressed gratitude to the Katsina Islamic Foundation—its founders—as well as its Chancellor, Malam Aminu Alhassan Dantata, and members of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council for their support. 

The statement also appreciated the contributions of staff, students, and parents in achieving this milestone.

“This achievement reflects our collective dedication and the growing confidence in our institution,” the management said.