News

By Anas Abbas

A Nigerian academic, Dr Muhsin Ibrahim, who teaches Hausa language and culture at the University of Cologne, Germany, has written a touching tribute to the late Kannywood actor, Alhaji Mato Yakubu, popularly known as Malam Nata’ala (Mai Sittin Goma).

In the tribute shared on social media, Dr Muhsin described the deceased as a talented comedian whose unique performances left lasting memories among Hausa film audiences.

Alhaji Mato Yakubu featured in several Kannywood films, particularly in the Chamama comedy genre, alongside the late Rabilu Musa (Dan Ibro), before the establishment of the Arewa24 channel.

His fame, however, soared through the station’s popular drama series “Dadin Kowa,” where he earned the name Malam Nata’ala for his role as a “loud” but lovable traditional Qur’anic scholar (Alaramma) and a family man constantly mediating between his two quarrelling wives.

Recalling his struggles, Dr Muhsin wrote that the actor’s prolonged illness had earlier drawn public attention, prompting financial assistance from the Yobe State Government and the Government of the Republic of Niger.

The actor later appeared in a video expressing gratitude and looking healthier.

“Many thought his illness was caused by poverty. Some even laughed at the whole issue. Unknown to all, he would pass away a few weeks later,” Dr Muhsin wrote.

He concluded the tribute with prayers: “May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, ours and those of our loved ones, amin.”

The late Alhaji Mato Yakubu was widely celebrated for his humour and natural acting style, which endeared him to fans across Northern Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered a ransom of N3.8 million in Kogi State.

The rescue mission was launched on November 2, 2025, following credible intelligence about kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule road.

Reports indicated that relatives of the victims were attempting to deliver a ransom for their release.

Acting swiftly, troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Oguma patrolled towards Achigili Forest to intercept the criminals.

En route, the soldiers were ambushed and came under fire from the bandits.A fierce gun battle ensued, during which the troops overpowered the kidnappers with superior firepower.

The bandits were forced to flee into the forest with gunshot wounds, abandoning their two captives and the ransom money.

The rescued victims were immediately taken to a secure military location for debriefing.

In a significant move, the recovered sum of Three Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (₦3,800,000) was returned to them.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, reiterated its resolve to protect lives and property in the state.

The public was also urged to continue providing timely information to support security agencies in the fight against crime.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has stated that the rampant violence and killings in Southeastern Nigeria are not religiously motivated, but a conflict between Christians.

Speaking on the security crisis, Soludo emphasized that the perpetrators, who operate from remote camps, bear distinctly Christian names.

“In this part of the world, Eastern Nigeria, it is not religious,” Soludo said. “People are killing themselves, Christians killing Christians. The people in the bushes are Emmanuel, Peter, John, all Christian names, and they have maimed and killed thousands of our youths.”

The Governor’s comments come amidst broader discussions on national security and international partnerships.

He acknowledged the right of countries like the United States to have their views but stressed that any foreign assistance must be at the request of the Nigerian government and within the bounds of international law.

“Certainly, if Nigeria requests any assistance for the military, technology and hardware to deal with insurgency, then it is within Nigeria’s call,” he stated.

While calling for a deeper national conversation and introspection, Soludo expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s efforts, asserting that Nigeria is a large country and the government is “doing a whole lot to safeguard the country.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Kano State Government has approved ₦9,854,326,460.92 for various road construction, renovation, and flood control projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and easing transportation across the state.

The approvals were part of the resolutions reached during the 33rd Kano State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the projects will be executed under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

Key allocations include ₦2.63 billion for the construction of Dambatta–Gwarabjawa Road in Dambatta Local Government and ₦2.47 billion for the supply and installation of 4-way intersection traffic lights across major roads in Kano State.

Other major projects approved are ₦388.5 million for flood control works at Baban Gwari Roundabout along Katsina Road, ₦810.8 million for the installation of road studs within Kano metropolis, and ₦277.4 million for renovation and construction works at Audu Bako Secretariat (Phase II).

Additionally, ₦339.6 million was approved for the installation of solar-powered streetlights at Kwankwasiyya City, while ₦135.3 million will fund the installation of all-in-one solar streetlights at Ado Bayero Square, New Road, Sabon Gari, and surrounding areas.

The Commissioner said the projects underscore the Yusuf administration’s resolve to modernize Kano’s infrastructure and ensure sustainable urban development.

“These approvals are part of the government’s broad commitment to improving road networks, promoting safety, and mitigating flood risks across the State,” Waiya added.

By Maryam Ahmad

The Maldives has become the first country in the world to implement a generational ban on tobacco use, marking a historic step in global public health policy.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, anyone born after January 2007 will be permanently prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the country. The measure aims to create a tobacco-free generation and reduce the long-term health and environmental impacts of smoking.

Health officials described the policy as part of the government’s broader strategy to curb non-communicable diseases and promote healthier lifestyles among young people in the Maldives.

The Maldives joins a small but growing list of nations considering similar “smoke-free generation” initiatives, with New Zealand having previously proposed a comparable plan before it was repealed.

Authorities say enforcement guidelines and public education campaigns will accompany the new law to ensure effective implementation and community support.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu is expected to travel to the United States on Tuesday for diplomatic discussions with top American officials amid escalating tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy military force in Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians.

Presidential sources told newsmen that Tinubu’s trip would focus on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing recent concerns raised by the U.S. government.

The source added that Trump has “delegated his Vice, James David Vance, to meet with Tinubu during the visit,” unless there are last-minute changes.

The planned meeting comes days after Trump claimed that Christians in Nigeria were facing “genocide” and warned that the U.S. might intervene militarily if the killings did not stop.

Trump stated, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians,” he added.

In response, President Tinubu denied the allegations of religious persecution, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to protecting the rights of all faiths.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said in a statement released on Saturday.

He added that since assuming office in 2023, his administration “has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.”

The President dismissed claims of religious intolerance as false and misleading.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he declared.

He reiterated that “religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”

Meanwhile, presidential aide Daniel Bwala said the forthcoming visit aims to strengthen cooperation between both nations on counterterrorism and regional stability.

“Both President @officialABAT and President @realDonaldTrump have shared interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity,” Bwala said.

He noted that the Trump administration had “assisted Nigeria a lot by authorising the sale of arms,” adding that Tinubu’s government has “adequately utilised the opportunity in the fight against terrorism for which we have massive results to show for it.”

Bwala also disclosed that any differences in perception regarding the nature of terrorist activities in Nigeria “would be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet in the coming days, either in State House or White House.”

Tinubu further emphasized that his administration remains committed to working with the U.S. and other international partners “to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths.”

“Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths,” he said.

“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths,” Tinubu added.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Kano State Executive Council has approved ₦4,931,962,184.11 for key projects aimed at revitalizing the education sector across the state. The approvals, made during the Council’s 33rd meeting chaired by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Saturday, November 1, 2025, cover initiatives under both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry for Higher Education.

According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the funds will be used to settle outstanding liabilities, enhance infrastructure, and improve learning facilities at all levels.

Among the major allocations is ₦1.49 billion for settling debts owed to boarding school feeding suppliers and ₦2.54 billion for the renovation of Government Technical College, Ungogo (Phase II). The Council also approved ₦270.9 million for the completion and furnishing of the E-Library at the Kano State College of Education and Preliminary Studies (KASCEPS), and ₦400 million for the procurement of office furniture and fittings at Northwest University, Kano.

Other approved expenditures include ₦308.9 million to clear liabilities owed to the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), ₦139 million for instructional materials production by Kano Printing Press, and ₦140.7 million for accreditation exercises at Kano State Polytechnic.

The approvals, the statement noted, reflect Governor Yusuf’s commitment to revamping the education system through enhanced infrastructure, accountability, and effective resource utilization.

“These interventions demonstrate the administration’s dedication to ensuring quality education and conducive learning environments for students across Kano State,” Waiya said.

By Uzair Adam

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to assist Nigeria with modern technology to combat insecurity rather than issue threats of military intervention.

Kwankwaso made the appeal in a statement on Sunday while reacting to Trump’s recent remarks accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians and threatening military action against terrorist groups in the country.

Trump’s statement followed Nigeria’s endorsement of a two-state solution to the Middle East crisis and its condemnation of killings in Gaza—a position that reportedly sparked renewed allegations of “Christian genocide” against the country.

Kwankwaso noted that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation grappling with multifaceted security challenges affecting people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds.

“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country.

“The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he said.

The former defence minister advised the U.S. government to deploy its influence and resources to help Nigeria address insecurity rather than make divisive statements.

“The United States should assist Nigerian authorities with advanced technology to confront these challenges, rather than issue threats that could further polarise our country,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also urged the Nigerian government to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Washington by appointing special envoys and ambassadors to protect and project Nigeria’s interests globally.

“The Nigerian government should consider appointing special envoys from among its seasoned diplomats to engage the American government.

“It is also necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent our national interests on the global stage,” he advised.

He further appealed to Nigerians to remain united amid increasing international tensions, stressing that this was a time to promote unity over division.

“God bless Nigeria,” he concluded.

By Uzair Adam

US President Donald Trump has directed the United States Department of War to prepare for what he described as a “possible action” to eliminate Islamic terrorists in Nigeria.

In a post on his Truth Social account on Saturday, Trump cautioned the Nigerian government to urgently address the continued killings of Christians in the country or risk losing all forms of American aid and assistance.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote.

He added that he had instructed the Department of War to be ready for immediate action, warning that any attack “will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians.”

The statement came barely a day after Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing what he called a Christian genocide allegedly perpetrated by radical Islamists.

Responding to the development, President Bola Tinubu rejected Trump’s decision, insisting that Nigeria remains a democracy that guarantees freedom of religion and belief as enshrined in its constitution.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate of negligence, which he claims led to the United States placing Nigeria on its list of “Countries of Particular Concern” for alleged religious persecution.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Senator Ndume stated that both the executive and legislative arms failed to act with urgency in addressing the U.S. government’s accusations, ultimately resulting in the designation.

The senator recalled that he had previously sponsored a motion in the Senate calling for an investigation into what he termed the “baseless allegations of Christian genocide,” which later led to a resolution advising the federal government to engage the U.S. government with factual data.

The designation was announced on Friday by former U.S. President Donald Trump via his Truth Social platform, a move subsequently published on the White House’s X account.

The Nigerian government has swiftly denied the allegations, asserting that Trump’s claims do not reflect the reality within the country.

However, Senator Ndume blamed the Tinubu administration and the Senate for failing to take appropriate action since U.S. Representative Riley Moore first raised the issue, before Trump reiterated it.

He advised the government to take immediate steps to confront the U.S. administration with credible evidence that terrorists are killing people without religious discrimination.

“I have told the government before, I even sponsored a motion. Nigeria is a free country; this is not something America should do for us, but a misunderstanding and its political implications are what led to us being placed on this list,” Ndume said.

“We should confront the U.S. government with the true data and statistics. We must get them to listen to the views of the Nigerian government and the Muslim community. Muslims are also being killed. This is not a genocide of Christians; this is a killing of Nigerians in general.”