News

By Uzair Adam

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) representing the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has directed members to initiate an indefinite strike starting Monday, following the non-payment of four months’ withheld salaries.

The strike, initially scheduled for October 23, was postponed to Sunday night, October 27, 2024, to align with the NASU branches’ Trade Group Council meeting.

A circular signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim detailed this timing adjustment for unified coordination among union members.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval of 50% payment for the withheld salaries, JAC expressed frustration with the alleged inaction from the Minister of Finance, questioning the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.

The union stated that multiple requests for resolution have gone unanswered, prompting their decision to proceed with the strike.

JAC reiterated its appreciation for the members’ loyalty and assured them of continued efforts to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano Independent Electoral Commission has issued certificates of return to the newly elected 44 Local Government Chairmen across the state.

The certificates were issued by the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Sani Malumfashi, on Sunday.

Malumfashi explains that the commission is the body responsible for issuing certificates and urged the newly elected LG chairmen and councillors to discharge their duties effectively.

Report has it stated that the state governor, Abba Yusuf, would soon swear in the chairmen at Government House in Kano.

The electoral commission had declared the New Nigeria People’s Party the winner of all 44 chairmanship positions and the 484 councillorship positions in Saturday’s LG election in the state.

“Six political parties participated in the election: AA, AAC, Accord, ADC, APM, and NNPP.

“The NNPP won all 44 local government chairmanships and 484 councillorship positions contested,” Malumfashi explained.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Muti, spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), narrowly escaped death after being stabbed twice in the stomach by armed robbers in Minna, Niger State.

The incident occurred on Friday evening around 8 p.m. near the Federal Housing Estate Gbeganu in Chanchaga Local Government Area. 

Muti recounted the ordeal when stated that about nine men attacked him while he rode in a tricycle.

The robbers emerged from a nearby bush after the tricycle operator stopped to pick up two passengers.

They stabbed him with a knife and stole his phone and other valuables. 

Fortunately, the robbers fled after noticing Muti’s uniform trousers, mistaking him for a soldier.

He received treatment and was discharged from the hospital on Friday. 

This incident shiwy the growing concern about crime and insecurity in Nigeria.

By: Habibu Maaruf Abdu 

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, coinciding with World Polio Day, UNICEF launched the ‘No More Zero Dose’ immunisation song across Nigeria and other West and Central African countries. 

The Kano state launch took place at Tahir Guest Palace, attended by government officials, Kannywood members, social media influencers, and journalists from Jigawa and Katsina states.

According to Mr. Rahama R.M. Farah, chief of UNICEF’s Kano field office, the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of immunisation, especially for children under five. 

“We have gathered this morning to raise awareness on the importance of Immunization, which remains the most cost-effective intervention to confront vaccine-preventable diseases, especially in children under 5 years of age…”

“Thank you for joining us this morning to launch the Immunization Song aptly entitled, No More Zero Dose!” He added 

The No More Zero Dose song highlights the urgent need to boost immunisation coverage in West and Central Africa, a region with the lowest vaccination rates in the world. This reality has led to multiple outbreaks of preventable diseases such as diphtheria, measles, polio, yellow fever, and cerebrospinal meningitis in the region.

The song features Spyro, Ali Nuhu, other top music stars, and UNICEF Champions from Mali, Chad, Cameroon, and Guinea. 

A media dialogue on immunisation followed the song’s launch. UNICEF Communication specialist Samuel Kaalu then mobilised caregivers for the upcoming immunisation campaign in November, encouraging them to amplify the message.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has stated the importance of tackling corruption and other related offenses head-on, as he read a riot act to the newly inaugurated Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) members at the Nigeria Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

Represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Aliyu Alajogun, the CGC stressed that the unit’s operations must be free from corruption and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. 

“We are tasked with ensuring that our operations are free from corruption and that we uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in all our dealings to ensure a far-reaching impact on our economic stability and international reputation,” Alajogun stated.

He urged the newly inaugurated members to adhere to the standards of their new roles, adding, “You are the frontline defenders against corruption and environmental degradation.

Each of you has been selected for your expertise, integrity, and dedication to public service. Together, you will lead initiatives that foster accountability and restore public trust.” 

Olusegun Adigun, Acting Director of the System Study and Review Department at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), praised the CGC for his commitment to enhancing transparency and integrity.

“I must commend the Comptroller-General of Customs for today’s inauguration,” he said.

“It is hoped that this event will empower the unit to deliver on its mandate, which includes periodic staff training on anti-corruption and the examination of system processes.” 

The newly inaugurated ACTU Chairman, Comptroller Emmanuel Osogba, pledged to implement policies enhancing transparency across Customs operations.

“Our focus will be on establishing clear guidelines for transparency, enhancing mechanisms for reporting misconduct, and engaging with different departments and units within the Service to foster trust and participation,” Osogba said. 

The ACTU members took the Oath of Allegiance, administered by Barrister Nkem Ezenwa, Director of the Anti-Corruption Unit. Their tenure will span three years.

By Zainab Haruna Shittu

Nigeria’s public relations sector is on the cusp of a revolution driven by artificial intelligence (AI) integration. This technological advancement transforms how PR professionals work, interact with audiences, and craft compelling narratives.

Artificial intelligence enhances creativity, streamlines processes, and provides data-driven insights, revolutionising the PR landscape. Renowned experts Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu and Mr. Yusha’u Shuaibu emphasise AI’s potential to automate routine tasks, facilitate strategic decision-making, and foster personalised stakeholder communication.

Professor Adamu, a distinguished scholar at Bayero University’s Department of Information and Media Studies, notes that AI has transformative potential. He adds, “AI can automate routine tasks, facilitate strategic decision-making, and foster personalised stakeholder communication.” However, he cautions that AI’s impact on PR is still uncertain due to limited empirical evidence.

Integrating AI in public relations offers numerous benefits, including enhanced creativity and strategic thinking, improved stakeholder engagement and crisis management, targeted messaging and personalised storytelling, and increased productivity through automation.

Despite AI’s potential, challenges persist, including technical issues, infrastructure constraints, a lack of skilled manpower and training, high costs and budget constraints, potential biases, and ethical concerns.

Professor Adamu cautions, “AI can perpetuate biases if not critically evaluated. PR practitioners must develop expertise to recognise and mitigate these biases.” To maximise AI’s benefits, PR professionals should invest in AI training and capacity building, develop critical thinking to evaluate AI outputs, and balance AI-driven efficiency with human touch.

Mr. Issa Ali Musa, a leading media and IT expert, notes, “AI tools have increased productivity by automating tasks like media monitoring, sentiment analysis, and stakeholder segmentation.” However, he emphasises the need for human judgment and creativity.

Looking ahead, experts agree that AI will enhance PR practice in Nigeria. By embracing AI, Nigeria’s PR sector can improve efficiency, precision, and creativity, ultimately leading to better communication strategies.

PR professionals must build the capacity for expertise and criticality to recognise AI biases. As Nigeria’s PR sector evolves, embracing AI will be vital to staying ahead of the curve. By adapting to AI-driven changes, PR professionals can unlock new opportunities, enhance their skills, and drive business success.

 Zainab Haruna Shittu wrote from Bayero University, Kano, via harunazainabshittu7567@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has shared the strategies he employed to secure significant debt relief for Nigeria during his administration from 1999 to 2007.

Among these strategies was the establishment of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Obasanjo explained that upon taking office, Nigeria was burdened by a debt of about $36 billion, with annual servicing costs of $3.5 billion, while the nation’s reserves were just $3.7 billion.

He reiterated the need for debt relief, expressing concern over the economic toll of continuously paying interest and penalties without reducing the principal debt.

In discussions with international lenders, Obasanjo presented a transparent plan, promising that funds saved from debt forgiveness would be used for development.

The creation of the ICPC and EFCC demonstrated his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption and increasing accountability.

These efforts helped convince creditors of Nigeria’s readiness for reform, leading to eventual debt forgiveness.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s current state, Obasanjo expressed disappointment over perceived declines in ethical leadership and economic planning, warning that without genuine reforms, further debt relief may remain unattainable.

He added that responsible governance is important to avoid a repeat of past financial struggles.

By Anwar Usman 

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Bello Matawaple as Defence Minister has received endorsement from some northern groups. 

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum and the Northern Awareness Network hailed the move as a big step towards addressing security challenges in the region. 

Yerima Shettima, the President General of the AYCF, in a statement, described Matawalle’s retention as a “positive step” that demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to continuity and stability in addressing critical issues like national security. 

“Matawalle’s expertise and experience, particularly in Zamfara State, are important in formulating effective strategies to fight against insurgency and other security threats,” Shettima said. 

Similarly, NAN Chairman Salihu Sulaiman praised Matawalle’s leadership, citing his efforts in reducing banditry and criminal activities in the region. 

He further added that Matawalle has been instrumental in addressing security challenges in Zamfara State and the North as a whole.  

The group’s support comes amidst criticism from some quarters, particularly Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who has been at odds with Matawalle. 

However, the AYCF and NAN have, in a statement released in Kaduna on Friday, urged Lawal to cease hostilities against Matawalle and collaborate to address security challenges in the state. 

“We urge Governor Lawal to redirect his focus and state resources towards projects that will benefit Zamfara State and help it recover from the grip of criminality,” Shettima said.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State government, in coordination with security agencies, has announced a movement restriction across the state from midnight to 6:00 PM on Saturday.

The measure, confirmed by Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs Baba Halilu Dantiye, is intended to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the local government elections set for October 26.

In his statement on Friday, Dantiye called on residents to comply with the restrictions, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a credible and transparent electoral process.

The restrictions apply to both individuals and vehicles throughout the 44 local government areas and 484 electoral wards in the state.

This directive aims to maintain order and prevent potential disruptions during the election.

However, exemptions are granted for those involved in official election duties and essential services.

The Kano State Government encourages all citizens to support this effort.

It also reiterated that strict adherence to these guidelines is crucial for a safe and successful electoral process.

By Anwar Usman

The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has instructed the troops of 17 Brigade Katsina to end the persisting insecurity and banditry in Katsina State, saying President Bola Tinubu “is ready to provide everything” needed to combat insecurity.

The minister gave the instruction while addressing journalists at the Katsina – Zamfara States border town, Gurbin Baure in the Jibia Local Government area of Katsina State on Friday while addressing troops at the 17 brigade.

Reports has it that, the defence minister was in the state to access and receive briefings on the ongoing military attacks against banditry.

The minister, told the troops that President Bola Tinubu was pleased with the progress made by the troops in fighting against banditry over the past few months.

He further added that, President Bola Tinubu has recognised the improvement in the onslaught operation against banditry in the state so far.

“President Tinubu has asked me to thank you and to also encourage you to do more in ending insecurity in these operational areas.”

The Minister, while speaking to journalists said “For the last few months there has been progress every day and I believe that all the states are cooperating in ending banditry in the North-West. We need a lot of support from the general public.

“I came here by road to assess our deployment there. Zaria-Gusau Road has been very notorious for kidnappers. We have implemented new plans and improved our deployment there and I am impressed with what I see in ending consistent attacks of motorists in the area.

The minister was accompanied by the Commander, Joint Task Force North-West Operation Fansar Yamma, Maj Gen Oluyinka Soyele and was received by the Commander 17 Brigade Katsina State, Brig. Gen. B.O Omopariola.