News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Over 20 people were killed in a terrorist attack on Kwalajiya Village, Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State, in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving the community devastated.

Eyewitnesses described heavily armed assailants storming the village, firing indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze. Many victims, including women and children, are feared dead, with several residents still unaccounted for following the violence.

The village head reportedly fled to Sokoto city for safety, narrowly escaping the attack. His current condition is unknown.

Sokoto State Police Command spokesman, Ahmed Rufae, confirmed the incident but cited ongoing investigations as the reason for withholding further details.

While the motive remains officially unconfirmed, unverified local sources suggest the attack may be linked to the village head’s refusal to permit intermarriage with individuals associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group.

The assault has heightened existing concerns about persistent insecurity in Sokoto State and the expanding influence of armed groups in rural areas.

Residents are urgently appealing to state and federal authorities to enhance protection for vulnerable communities and ensure the perpetrators face justice.

Kwalajiya now mourns its dead amidst profound grief and uncertainty.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Presidency has launched a scathing attack on former key allies of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari who have joined a coalition of opposition parties aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, accused the defectors of lacking principles and being motivated solely by bitterness after losing political relevance within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Onanuga specifically named and criticized several prominent figures like Rotimi Amaechi (Former Minister of Transportation) whom he described as having “lost everything politically” after failing to secure the APC presidential ticket in 2022.

Onanuga stated that Amaechi had effectively left the APC long ago.

Abubakar Malami SAN (Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice) was then characterized by Onanuga as a “bitter loser” since President Tinubu took office, particularly after losing the Kebbi State governorship ticket.

Onanuga claimed Malami’s hostility towards the APC was well-known.

Others he slammed include Hadi Sirika (Former Minister of Aviation), Rauf Aregbesola (Former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State).

Onanuga also mentioned Kashim Imam and Chief John Odigie Oyegun as longtime APC figures nursing grudges after losing out on the vice-presidential ticket in 2022.

He described Oyegun, a former APC National Chairman, as having lost influence within the party.In his statement, Onanuga warned Nigerians to be wary of the opposition coalition, labeling its members “bitter” individuals united only by their resentment towards President Tinubu.

He dismissed the coalition as “unprincipled” and “without ideology.””Their eyes are closed by the pursuit of their ambition, the hunger for power is glaring, not for the benefit of Nigerians, but for their own benefit,” Onanuga stated.

He predicted the coalition would inevitably collapse due to internal clashes and conflicting political ambitions among its members.

“Their mutual antagonism and political ambitions will make them fight each other,” Onanuga asserted.

By Anas Abbas

The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has officially reopened the Digital Industrial Park in Kano State, just 11 months after it was looted during a nationwide protest on August 1, 2024.

The park was initially set to be commissioned a week before the attack.

During the reopening ceremony on Wednesday, Tijani expressed his satisfaction with the park’s revival, stating, “Instead of discouraging us, last year’s unfortunate event motivated us to complete this project in less than a year. I am proud to announce that it is even better than it was before the looting.”

Tijani urged the local community to safeguard the center to ensure that it serves its intended purpose for the benefit of the people in the northwest region.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), emphasized that the park aligns with the NCC’s vision to foster innovation and digital entrepreneurship within the ICT sector.

He highlighted the importance of supporting research and development by transforming innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.

“The Digital Industrial Park is equipped with state-of-the-art computers, advanced networking systems, collaborative workspaces, and hands-on training facilities designed to nurture the next generation of digital innovators,” Maida explained.

He added that skilled technical and managerial personnel would oversee the park’s operations, collaborating with students involved in industrial training and skills development programs.

“Our objective is to create a vibrant ecosystem where cutting-edge ICT infrastructure supports the Federal Government’s initiatives to make digital services accessible and inclusive throughout Nigeria,” he noted.

The park features reliable broadband connectivity and a stable power supply, with similar facilities also established in Ogun, Borno, and Enugu States.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his Deputy Aminu Abdussalam, expressed gratitude to the NCC for the park. He described it as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and collective ambition.

The Governor assured attendees that the state would prioritize the security of the facility and revealed plans for the creation of the Kano State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (KASITDA) to further institutionalize ICT initiatives in the region.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Renowned U.S.-based Islamic scholar Dr. Yasir Qadhi has paid a heartfelt tribute to Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who passed away at the age of 94.

In a message shared via his social media platforms, Dr. Qadhi described Dantata as “a shining star and a legendary icon” in Nigeria, praising his humility, honesty, and lifelong commitment to philanthropy.

“He was one of the most successful entrepreneurs and business tycoons in Africa,” Dr. Qadhi wrote. “Yet everyone knew him to be a humble and honest man… ever-ready to help others less fortunate, never greedy for more.”

Recalling a recent meeting with Dantata in Nigeria, Qadhi shared the late businessman’s parting words of wisdom: “Honesty! Always, be truthful and sincere, and leave the rest to Allah.”

Alhaji Dantata, who declined a political appointment, was never involved in a scandal and was laid to rest in the revered Baqi al-Gharqad cemetery in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

“Such men are very rare indeed,” Qadhi noted, praying for Allah’s mercy upon him and for his legacy to continue through his progeny.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Professor Haruna Musa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has emerged as the most widely accepted candidate in the university’s Vice-Chancellor selection process, following a keenly observed congregation vote held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Prof. Musa, a Professor of Polymer Chemistry, secured a commanding 853 votes, far ahead of his four contenders in a process described as transparent and credible by participants and observers.

The vote, part of BUK’s Vice-Chancellor appointment procedure, serves as an indicator of community acceptability, contributing 20% to the final selection by the Governing Council.

Other contenders included Professors Mahmoud Umar Sani (367 votes), Sani Muhammad Gumel (364 votes), Adamu Idris Tanko (161 votes), and Bashir Fagge (18 votes).

Presiding over the session, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas applauded the maturity and democratic spirit shown during the process, describing the outcome as a “collective victory” for the university.

“The result showcases our institutional commitment to transparency and unity,” he said, urging all candidates to support the eventual appointee.

Electoral Committee Chairman Prof. Muhtari Ali Hajara announced that 1,784 staff members were accredited to vote, with 17 votes deemed invalid and four unaccounted for.

Commending the process, Prof. Gumel, one of the candidates, stated: “The election was fair and credible. The result shows the community’s direction.”

Former Minister of Education, Prof. Rukayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, and ex-VC of NOUN, Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu, also praised the outgoing VC and the electoral process, urging continued cooperation for the university’s development.

The final appointment now rests with BUK’s Governing Council.

By Muhammad Sabiu

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector has been launched with the inauguration of the Livestock Value Chain for Youth and Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited. The cooperative aims to empower youth and women through value addition, targeting a ₦4 billion increase in livestock export value within the next three years.

Speaking during the virtual launch and swearing-in ceremony, President and Initiator, Hajiya Khuraira Musa, described the initiative as a “solution” to the economic struggles of rural farmers, youth, and women. She emphasised its mission to promote food security, economic empowerment, and dignified livelihoods across Nigeria, especially in the North.

“Our vision is to rebuild communities and elevate underrepresented groups while revolutionising the livestock value chain,” she said.

The executive board includes key figures such as Dr. Zainab Talatu Ahmed (General Secretary), Engr. Salim Salis Musa (Director of Projects), Dr. Dasuki Umar Kabir (Director of Marketing & Export), and Halima Adole Yusuf (Director of Women Engagement). Other notable members include Amb. Ferdinald Feson Fada, Pastor Celina Gar, Dr. Hussaini Adamu, and Batulu Sadiq.

The cooperative has developed a 12-month export development strategy under the leadership of Dr. Dasuki Umar Kabir, targeting markets in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Egypt. Plans include international product certification, cold-chain logistics, export branding, and business-to-business trade missions.

Advisory board members such as Aliyu Asghar Sa’eed Yar’Adua, Dr. Fatima Sule Mohammed, and Hauwa Muhammad Maccido are expected to provide strategic guidance.

In addition to its economic focus, the cooperative promotes social responsibility through interest-free loans, guaranteed offtake agreements, and training in livestock handling, agri-tech, and cooperative governance.

Membership is by referral only. According to Mohammed Sodangi, Director of Membership and Community Mobilisation, applicants must be recommended by a member in good standing and approved by the General Assembly. Recruitment efforts will involve women- and youth-led town hall engagements, as well as partnerships with traditional and religious leaders.

Hajiya Khuraira Musa concluded, “We are not just running a cooperative—we are rewriting the future of rural Nigeria, where livestock becomes a ladder to peace, prosperity, and progress.”

With its visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and ambitious export targets, the cooperative stands poised to become a national model for sustainable rural development.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Yellow Danbokkolo, the notorious bandit kingpin long feared across eastern Sokoto and parts of Zamfara State, has died from injuries sustained during a fierce confrontation with Nigerian security forces last week.

His death was confirmed by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Print Media, via a post on his verified social media account. According to Abdulaziz, Danbokkolo succumbed to his wounds on Sunday.

Danbokkolo, widely considered even more dangerous than the infamous Bello Turji, was linked to numerous deadly attacks in the region. He was the mastermind of the gruesome December 2021 arson attack in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, where dozens of travellers were burned alive.

Security sources say the bandit leader’s reign of terror was sustained by a chronic addiction to pentazocine, a powerful opioid, which he reportedly abused in heavy doses.

Residents of the affected communities have expressed relief at the news, hoping it marks a turning point in the fight against rural banditry in Nigeria’s northwest.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has dismissed reports claiming he was sacked by President Bola Tinubu, labelling them as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, Akume described the rumours as baseless and the work of mischief-makers.

“The information is entirely false and lacks any factual basis, as Mr. President has no intention of removing me,” the statement read. Akume emphasized that he retains President Tinubu’s full confidence and remains committed to driving the administration’s Renewed Hope AgendaThe SGF urged the media and the public to verify information before dissemination, warning that fake news erodes trust in institutions. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga also refuted the claims, reinforcing that Akume remains in office.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria has taken a significant step onto the global stage as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been unanimously elected Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council—the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.

The development came during the final session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.

Adeniyi takes over from Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, becoming the first Nigerian to occupy the post since the establishment of the WCO.

His election coincides with the second anniversary of his appointment as Nigeria’s Comptroller-General of Customs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in June 2023.

In his reaction, CGC Adeniyi described his emergence as Chairperson as “both humbling and historic for Nigeria and the African Customs community at large.”

While thanking the Council members for their trust, he noted, “This honour is not mine alone, it reflects the collective progress of the Nigeria Customs Service and the transformative agenda we’ve pursued over the past two years.”

He further pledged to uphold the WCO’s core values and promote innovation, fairness, and stronger collaboration among member countries.

“As Chairperson, I pledge to uphold the core values of the WCO, while promoting innovation, equity, and deeper collaboration among member states in response to the complex realities of global trade.”

CGC Adeniyi reiterated his full commitment to the WCO’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and ongoing modernisation agenda.

“We are entering a critical phase in the evolution of global trade, where customs must balance facilitation with enforcement, transparency with innovation, and sovereignty with cooperation,” he said. “I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution fit for today’s challenges.”

He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, acknowledging the stability and direction he brought to the Council.

Adeniyi said he looked forward to engaging constructively with other customs leaders during his tenure to further strengthen global cooperation.

The WCO Council, made up of representatives from 185 member states, serves as the governing authority of the organisation.

It sets the tone for global customs policy and provides direction for all its working bodies.As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi will lead the WCO Policy Commission and coordinate high-level discussions on major customs-related issues including trade facilitation, revenue generation, cross-border security, and digital transformation.

He will also collaborate closely with the WCO Secretary-General, Mr. Ian Saunders, to implement strategic objectives while promoting capacity building and sustainability, especially in developing countries.

The position also places him at the heart of global diplomatic engagements, representing the WCO at international forums and building partnerships with external stakeholders, including private sector groups and multilateral institutions.

A symbolic highlight followed the Council session, as the South African flag was lowered and replaced with Nigeria’s at the WCO headquarters—a moment met with warm applause by delegates.

The gesture underscored Nigeria’s growing global profile and marked a proud milestone for the country and the African continent.

With CGC Adeniyi now at the helm of global customs leadership, Nigeria is expected to spearhead critical conversations on customs reform, technology integration, anti-smuggling strategies, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a significant move to overhaul Nigeria’s educational infrastructure, the Federal Government has inaugurated a high-level committee to develop comprehensive Public-Private Partnership (PPP) guidelines aimed at attracting private sector investment into the sector.

The initiative, led by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa CON, seeks to address persistent infrastructural and capacity deficits, particularly in secondary and tertiary institutions.

Speaking at the committee’s inauguration, Dr. Alausa emphasized the need for innovation and collaboration in education financing. “Government cannot do it alone… We must leverage private funding to modernize and sustain our educational system,” he said, noting that while current funding efforts—such as the 2025 education budget and TETFund interventions—are commendable, they remain inadequate.

The newly inaugurated committee, chaired by the Honourable Minister of State for Education (represented by the Director of Special Duties), includes key directors from the ministry, and representatives from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Ministry of Housing, and other stakeholders.

Its mandate includes formulating PPP benchmarks, reviewing legal frameworks, clarifying stakeholder roles, establishing performance indicators, designing oversight mechanisms, and recommending penalties for non-compliance. The committee has been given three months to submit its report.

“If we do this right, this document can be a model for other ministries,” Dr. Alausa noted.

Other speakers at the event, including ministry officials and stakeholders, expressed strong support for the initiative and its potential to transform Nigeria’s education landscape.