News

Spotify pays ₦58 billion to Nigerian artists in 2024, doubling previous year’s earnings 

By Maryam Ahmad

Nigerian musicians earned over ₦58 billion from Spotify in 2024, more than double the amount paid in 2023. This marks a significant rise in global interest in Nigerian music, particularly Afrobeats.

According to Spotify, over 1,900 Nigerian artists were added to editorial playlists in 2024, and Nigerian music was streamed globally for more than 1.1 million hours. Listeners also created around 250 million playlists featuring Nigerian artists.

Spotify’s Sub-Saharan Africa director, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, said the platform remains committed to helping Nigerian artists grow and earn from their work.

Trump administration offers $1,000 incentive for migrants to “self-deport”

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has announced a new policy offering $1,000 to undocumented migrants who voluntarily leave the United States. The initiative, branded as a “self-deportation incentive,” is part of broader efforts by the administration to reduce the number of migrants residing illegally in the country.

According to Department of Homeland Security officials, the program aims to ease pressure on immigration detention centres and reduce deportation costs. Eligible migrants must meet certain criteria, including passing background checks and agreeing to leave the country within a set timeframe.

Critics have called the policy coercive and dehumanising, arguing that it targets vulnerable populations who may feel forced to leave under economic pressure. Supporters, however, defend the measure as a cost-effective and voluntary alternative to formal deportation proceedings.

The offer has sparked fresh debate on immigration policy as the administration continues to advocate for tighter border controls and enforcement.

It remains unclear how many migrants will take up the offer or how the program will be monitored in practice.

HURIWA slams presidency over denial of Nigeria’s poverty crisis

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticized the Presidency for dismissing concerns raised by the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, about Nigeria’s worsening poverty levels.

In a statement on Monday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, described the Presidency’s response as “childish” and “politically twisted,” accusing it of deflecting from the harsh realities faced by Nigerians.

Adesina, during a recent event in Lagos, stated that Nigeria’s per capita income had dropped from $1,847 in 1960 to $824 today, indicating that Nigerians were poorer now than at independence.

However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disputed the figures, claiming Nigeria’s GDP per capita in 1960 was $93 and only improved in the 1970s due to oil revenue.

HURIWA urged President Bola Tinubu to acknowledge the alarming poverty rates instead of denying them.

The group cited a World Bank report revealing that over 75% of rural Nigerians live below the poverty line, with urban poverty at 41.3%.

Onwubiko argued that Nigeria in the 1960s had better infrastructure, education, and job opportunities compared to today’s economic struggles, worsened by corruption and poor governance.

He questioned why the Presidency was disputing Adesina’s assessment instead of addressing the crisis.

HURIWA called for urgent action to tackle poverty, inflation, and insecurity, warning that continued denial would only deepen the suffering of Nigerians.

Over 75% of 2025 UTME candidates score below 200 – JAMB

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed that more than 75% of candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scored below 200 out of the total 400 marks.

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made this known while presenting the 2025 UTME analysis during a briefing in Abuja. According to him, the performance trend highlights the urgent need for improved learning outcomes and a reassessment of educational standards across the country.

“The results indicate a worrying decline in overall performance, with only a quarter of candidates scoring 200 and above,” Oloyede stated. He attributed the low scores to poor preparation, over-reliance on malpractice, and inadequate teaching methods in some schools.

Education stakeholders have been urged to address the root causes of the poor results, with JAMB reiterating its commitment to upholding examination integrity and improving access to higher education based on merit.

Social media influencer arrested for Naira abuse in Kaduna  

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Muhammad Kabir Sa’ad, a social media content creator, for allegedly abusing the Naira.  

The suspect, known as @youngcee0066 on TikTok and Instagram, posted a video showing him throwing Naira notes on the ground, stepping on them, and daring EFCC officials to arrest him in Hausa.  

Acting on intelligence, operatives from the Kaduna Zonal Directorate tracked him down in the Tudun Wada area and took him in for questioning.  

EFCC officials confirmed that Sa’ad will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded. The arrest serves as a warning against the misuse of the national currency.

Jonathan pays heartfelt tribute to Yar’Adua, 15 years after his passing

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

It has been fifteen years since Nigeria lost one of its most respected and selfless leaders, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. 

Today, Nigerians across the nation reflect on the life and legacy of a man whose brief presidency profoundly impacted the nation’s democratic and developmental journey.

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who served as Yar’Adua’s vice president and later succeeded him, paid a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and leader. 

In his message on social media, Jonathan described Yar’Adua as a patriot and a servant leader who was driven by a commitment to unity, justice, and national progress.

“President Yar’Adua’s life was defined by service and selflessness,” Jonathan stated. “Whether as a teacher, governor, or president, his stewardship was guided by hard work, patriotism, accountability, commitment to justice and adherence to the rule of law.”

Yar’Adua’s presidency was marked by his efforts to reconcile a divided nation, foster unity among its people, and mobilise collective action towards building a just and peaceful Nigeria. Though his time in office was cut short by illness, his administration is remembered for significant reforms and a leadership style rooted in humility and inclusion.

Jonathan praised Yar’Adua for his unwavering dedication to democratic ideals and for laying a foundation of peace and accountability. “Fifteen years after his passing, he continues to stand as a reference for good leadership and a legacy of impact,” Jonathan remarked.

As the nation remembers President Yar’Adua, many Nigerians continue to honour his contributions to building a better country and celebrate the enduring example he set in public service.

Nigeria Customs college graduates 50 officers from Junior Course 21

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fifty officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have successfully completed the Junior Course 21 at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada.

The intensive three-month programme was designed to boost the management capacity of mid-level officers within the Service.

Activities marking the end of the course began with a regimental dinner held on Wednesday, 30 April 2025.

The formal graduation ceremony followed two days later, taking place on Friday, 2 May 2025, at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall within the College premises.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, was represented at both events by Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Suleiman Chiroma, who is in charge of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

In his address to the graduating officers, DCG Chiroma praised their dedication and resilience.

He encouraged them to remain steadfast in the values of discipline, integrity, and professionalism.

“The College has equipped you with the requisite knowledge for higher staff and command responsibilities,” he said. “Your value to the Service and your fatherland has been greatly enhanced, and you are now better prepared to contribute meaningfully to the attainment of our strategic objectives.”

Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Oluyomi Adebakin, who serves as the College’s Commandant, also spoke at the event. She congratulated the officers and reminded them of the institution’s high standards.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has invested significantly in your development. You must make the most of this opportunity. The College maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline and mediocrity will not be celebrated,” she stated.

The ceremony featured the award of certificates and the conferment of the Passed Junior Staff Course (PJSC) qualification on the officers.

The graduates expressed appreciation for the training, noting its positive impact on their leadership and operational skills.

The officers are now expected to assume key responsibilities across various commands and units, contributing to the Service’s national mandate.

Dangwani, Prof Farouk dump PDP, lead major defection to APC in Kano

By Uzair Adam

Dr. Yunusa Adamu Dangwani, former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and current Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Maiduguri, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his supporters from various local government areas of Kano State.

The defection took place on Sunday in Kano, where many top APC stalwarts gathered to welcome the former PDP chieftain and his political allies into the ruling party.

The Daily Reality reports that the event was described by attendees as a major boost to APC’s strength in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dangwani, who has previously held several strategic positions including Commissioner for Water Resources, board member of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, and representative of the Northwest on the National Borders Commission, described his return to APC as a homecoming.

“APC is our home. We just went out and have now returned, knowing there is no place like home,” Dangwani said, adding that his defection was driven by deep reflection and the realization that the PDP was gradually collapsing.

“I have seen what the APC-led government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done in the areas of security, economy, and social welfare.

“PDP, on the other hand, is going down the drain. No sensible person will remain in a cracked house and wait for it to collapse on him,” he stated.

He emphasized that his decision was also influenced by persistent calls from his political associates who believe in APC’s developmental programs.

“Everything has its time. This is the right time for us to leave PDP for APC and contribute to the progress of Nigeria and Kano State,” he added.

Though Dangwani was a governorship aspirant under the PDP in the last election, he clarified that he currently has no personal political ambition in the APC.

“My ambition is for APC to do well for the good of Nigeria. Wherever I find myself, I will contribute. I leave everything to God,” he said.

On the political climate in Kano, Dangwani expressed confidence that APC is on track to reclaim the state from the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing recent defections of NNPP lawmakers, including Senator Kawu Sumaila and House members Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and Abdullahi Sani Rogo.

He also criticized the NNPP government for what he described as missteps that would cost them future elections.

“People remember the demolition exercises, the chaos in the traditional institution, and even the existence of two emirs at the same time — something never witnessed before in the history of Kano or any northern state. These will surely make people vote them out,” he said.

Dangwani urged Kano residents to assess the performance of the APC and compare it with the NNPP’s governance. “The difference is clear. The people of Kano will speak through the ballot in the next election,” he concluded.

In his remarks, Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas welcomed the defectors and described Dangwani as a political heavyweight whose presence would strengthen the party.

“You came at the right time. No one will look down on you. We value hard work, not laziness,” Abbas said, calling on the new members to register with the party in their respective localities.

Professor Umar Farouk Jibril, a long-time associate of Dangwani and former Kano State Commissioner of Information also reaffirmed their commitment to the APC, stating that both he and Dangwani were founding members and are known for their integrity and hard work.

“Our track record speaks for itself. Even with political differences, we never abuse or defame others. That’s not what politics is about,” he said.

Illinois man sentenced to 53 years for killing Palestinian-American child

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

An Illinois man has been sentenced to 53 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy in what prosecutors described as a hate-motivated attack.

Joseph Czuba, 71, was convicted earlier this year of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated battery after he attacked Wadea Al-Fayoume and the boy’s mother, Hanaan Shahin, at their home in Plainfield Township in October 2023. Authorities said Czuba targeted the victims because of their Muslim faith and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

During sentencing on Friday, the judge described the act as “brutal and senseless,” emphasising the need for justice and deterrence in cases driven by hate.

Wadea, who had recently celebrated his sixth birthday, was stabbed 26 times. His mother, who survived the attack, suffered multiple stab wounds and continues to recover.

The case drew national attention and widespread condemnation, with civil rights groups calling for greater protection of Muslim and Arab-American communities amid rising tensions.

Czuba showed no remorse during the hearing. His attorneys said they plan to appeal the conviction.

Kidnappers demand N20m ransom for abducted Kebbi woman

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Bandits have kidnapped Nafisa Usman, a married woman, from her home in Gayi village, Kalgo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.  

The attackers reportedly invaded her residence around 2:00 a.m. on Friday, broke into her room, and took her away without harming others.  

Family sources said the kidnappers, believed to be herdsmen, are demanding N20 million for her release.  

Alhaji Yahya Kuka, Chairman of Kalgo LGA, condemned the abduction and pledged efforts to secure her safe return.  

The Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, could not be reached for comment at press time.