News

By Uzair Adam

A Saudi-designated Nigerian Hajj air carrier, Flynas, has formalized an agreement with the Nigerian government for the airlift of pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj operations.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will commence on May 5, 2025.

The agreement was signed on Monday at NAHCON’s headquarters in Abuja by the Chief Commercial Officer of Flynas, Mr. Khaled Alhejairi, and the commission’s Chairman and CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman.

Present at the signing were Flynas’s Director for Business Development, Mr. Yasser Ajlan, Manager of Business Development, Mr. Hani Isma’il, and the Managing Director of First Planet Travels and General Sales Agent (GSA) of Flynas in Nigeria, Alhaji Umar Kaila.

Mr. Alhejairi reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to maintaining high service standards for Nigerian pilgrims, stating that Flynas has consistently fulfilled its obligations since joining the Nigerian Hajj operations in 2014.

“We want to assure NAHCON that Flynas will continue to provide comfortable and seamless travel experiences for our esteemed customers in Nigeria during the Hajj operation,” he said.

In January, NAHCON approved four airlines—Flynas, Air Peace, Max Air, and Umza Aviation Services Limited—for the 2025 Hajj operations. Among them, Flynas, the most experienced, has successfully transported Nigerian pilgrims for the past decade.

For the 2025 Hajj, Nigeria has a projected quota of 71,274 pilgrims, with NAHCON preliminarily allocating 22,894 pilgrims to Flynas, 9,145 to Air Peace, 23,342 to Max Air, and 15,893 to Umza Air.

Flynas, which operates in Nigeria under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, has played a key role in stabilizing airlift operations for Nigerian pilgrims while expanding the capacity of its workforce.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has weighed in on the ongoing political tension in Rivers State, urging that Governor Siminalayi Fubara should be impeached if there is a legitimate reason.

During a live media chat on Wednesday, Wike expressed his frustration with the current state of affairs, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rule of law and accusing the governor’s close associates of exploiting him and the state.

Wike stressed that lawmakers should not be pressured into a hasty impeachment, adding, “If he has done something to be impeached, let them impeach him. It’s not a criminal offence.”

He also took issue with the idea that a small group of lawmakers could enact laws that could later be challenged in the Supreme Court.

The Minister reflected on his own experience with the political landscape, highlighting a situation where elder statesman Ferdinand Alabararba had strongly supported the rise of an Ijaw governor, only to be later disrespected by the very individual he helped.

Wike expressed disbelief at the political gamesmanship, and criticized the tendency of some to treat elected officials as subordinates.

Wike also criticized the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), calling it the “worst organisation” he had encountered, accusing it of attempting to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s mediation efforts.

In a controversial statement, Wike also weighed in on the issue of Ijaw representation in the Niger Delta, declaring that the Ijaw people do not constitute the majority in the region and stating that Ijaw men should only govern in Bayelsa.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic kidnapping of one of its members, Abdussalam Rabi’u Faskari, a 300-level MBBS student. 

The incident, which also involved two members of his family, occurred as they traveled home from the Government House of Katsina State.

Abdussalam, known for his academic excellence and deep religious commitment, is not just a promising medical student but also an accomplished Islamic scholar. 

He is an Imam at the College of Medical Sciences mosque. He also secured the first position in the 60Hizb category at the last National Musabaqa (Qur’anic competition).

The MSSN community, along with the wider Muslim ummah, is now calling for fervent prayers for his safe return, as well as for other victims of similar tragedies. 

The statement from MSSN urged all students to remain steadfast in their faith, emphasizing that “with hardship comes ease” (Qur’an 94:6).

This unfortunate event is part of the growing security crisis affecting Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become alarmingly frequent. 

Calls for more decisive government intervention and lasting security solutions continue to mount as families and communities grapple with these distressing incidents.

By Uzair Adam

The special independent investigative panel set up to examine allegations of corruption and other violations by senior personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has commenced its probe.

Dr. Uju Agomoh, the panel’s secretary and chair of the session held on Tuesday in Abuja, stated that several cases under investigation involve high-ranking officers overseeing custodial centers across the country.

These cases reportedly include corrupt practices, abuse of authority, and mistreatment of inmates.

Agomoh explained that the panel has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry into specific allegations and recommending immediate reforms to prevent future misconduct while improving correctional services in Nigeria.

“Recent reports highlight instances of corruption, torture, cruelty, and degrading treatment within the nation’s correctional facilities,” she said.

“These violations undermine the rights and dignity of individuals in custody.”

The panel is expected to propose short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures to address the concerns raised.

The Daily Reality learned that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, established the investigative panel following widespread controversy surrounding the incarceration of cross-dresser Idris Okunneya, popularly known as Bobrisky.

Additionally, the panel is examining allegations of corruption and extortion against the head of Kuje Custodial Centre, Iloafonsi Ikechukwu, who has been accused of intimidating, threatening, and defrauding an inmate.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, has called on the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to reconsider their decision to close public schools during Ramadan.

She stated that no Muslim-majority nation follows such a practice.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Ahmad emphasized that even in countries where Islam is the dominant religion, schools remain open during the fasting period.

“In each state, the education system is under the state level, and they have the right to make decisions. However, we can only engage them and present our position on the matter,” she said.

She further argued that Islamic teachings do not require schools to be closed for fasting.

“Even in countries recognized as Muslim nations, like Saudi Arabia, schools remain open during Ramadan. There is nowhere it is written that you must shut down schools because of fasting,” she stressed.

To support her argument, she referenced Islamic history.

“The Prophet (S.A.W) even went to war during Ramadan, so it is not something that should hinder education,” she noted.

Ahmad expressed concern over the academic time lost due to the closures.

She also revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education is engaging with the affected states to address the issue.

“What about the period that will be lost? This is something we are looking into as we continue discussions with the state governments,” she said.

The decision to close schools for Ramadan has sparked debates among education stakeholders.

Some argue that it is unnecessary, especially in regions already struggling with high levels of poverty and illiteracy.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticized the move, describing it as discriminatory and a violation of the rights of non-Muslim students in the affected states.

Similarly, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), through its National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, has condemned the decision, calling it an infringement on students’ right to uninterrupted education.

However, the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has defended the action taken by some northern state governments.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A wave of resignations has struck the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State following the departure of former governor Nasir El-Rufai from the party.

Multiple resignation letters obtained on Monday indicate that several APC members, particularly those loyal to El-Rufai, have been leaving the ruling party in large numbers.

This development comes just hours after the former governor publicly announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Similarly, some former commissioners who served under El-Rufai have also withdrawn their membership from the APC.

Among them are Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani, a former Commissioner for Local Government, and Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba, who previously oversaw Human Services and Social Development.

Both submitted their resignation letters to their respective ward chairmen on Monday.

In his letter, Sani expressed disappointment with the way the party leadership treated its members.

He stated, “With the hatred and disdain shown to us by the leadership of the party we worked hard to nurture, it has become compelling to seek another platform in our desire to bring development and prosperity to our dear people.”

He further explained that after consulting with key stakeholders in Anchau, Kubau Local Government Area, and Kaduna State, he decided to leave the APC immediately.

“As I move on, I remain grateful to you and to all members of the APC, as well as the electorates in the Ward, Kubau Local Government Area, and the State for the support rendered to me as Chairman of the APC Stakeholders, Kubau LGA,” he added.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a significant move to honour a distinguished Nigerian statesman, President Bola Tinubu has officially renamed the Federal University of Education in Kano (formerly Federal College of Education) to Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education. This decision, announced on March 10, 2025, pays tribute to the late Alhaji Sule, who played a vital role in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape throughout his life.

Alhaji Sule, who lived from 1929 to 2017, was renowned for his extensive contributions to the nation. He served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and was Chairman of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid. 

The political journey of Alhaji Sule, also known as Dan Masanin Kano, included roles as Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives from 1954 to 1959, Leader of Nigeria’s Delegation to the Conference of Independent States in 1960, the First Federal Commissioner of Public Complaints in 1976, and Minister of Mines and Power.

In his statement, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of commemorating Ambassador Sule’s legacy, stating that it would inspire younger generations to embody values such as integrity, patriotism, character, and nationalism.

The Federal University of Education, Kano, which is one of seven specialized universities of education established by the Federal Government, will continue to play a crucial role in the training of teachers, further strengthening Nigeria’s education sector. 

This renaming reflects a commitment to recognizing leaders who have made impactful contributions to the nation’s development, setting a precedent for future generations.

By Uzair Adam

Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has forwarded a nominee to the state House of Assembly for screening as a commissioner.

During Monday’s plenary, Speaker Jibrin Falgore read a letter from the governor, introducing Ibrahim Yakubu Adamu as the nominee.

Adamu currently serves as the Managing Director of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).

Falgore stated that the assembly would soon invite the nominee for screening.

Meanwhile, the House passed a bill establishing an infrastructure management agency.

Majority Leader Lawan Husseini (NNPP-Dala) explained that the agency would oversee the planning, development, and maintenance of key infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings, to enhance efficiency in the state.

By Sumayyah Auwal Usman

The Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has welcomed the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, into its fold.

In a  statement issued by the interim SDP chairman in the state, Hon. Nasiru Maikano, stated that the ex-governor’s decision to join the party is a welcome development that will undoubtedly bolster the SDP’s influence not only within the state, but the country.

Hon Maikano said “as a highly respected and accomplished political leader, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai will bring his wealth of experience and expertise that will enrich our party. We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with El-Rufai and work together towards a shared vision for the development and growth of Kaduna State.”

El-Rufai’s resignation from the All Progressive Congress (APC) comes after months of speculation surrounding his political allegiances and dissatisfaction with the ruling APC.

His defection to the SDP is expected to shake up the political landscape, particularly in northern Nigeria and may likely trigger more defections out of the ruling APC. 

By Anas Abbas

Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has officially announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In a resignation letter submitted to his local ward in Kaduna State on Monday, El-Rufai cited irreconcilable differences with the ruling party’s leadership and expressed disappointment with the APC’s recent direction.

“I have served the APC diligently and have contributed significantly to its viability as a political platform,” he stated. “However, recent developments have revealed a concerning disregard for democratic principles and progressive values that I hold dear.

”As a founding member of the APC, El-Rufai played a pivotal role in securing electoral victories for the party in 2015, 2019, and 2023.

Reflecting on his tenure as governor, he emphasized his administration’s commitment to human development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment.

He explained that his departure from the APC was motivated by growing concerns regarding governance and internal party dynamics.

“At this juncture in my political journey, I must seek a different political platform that aligns with the progressive values I cherish,” he remarked.

Upon joining the SDP, El-Rufai expressed his gratitude to mentors, colleagues, and supporters, reaffirming his dedication to advancing democratic principles.

“As a member of the SDP, I am committed to building a unified democratic front to challenge the APC in the upcoming elections,” he concluded.