News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Donald Trump has fired the United States’ top military officer, Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown, in a significant reshuffling of the country’s armed forces leadership.

Gen. Brown, who was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff less than two years ago, had been serving a four-year term.

In a brief statement posted on his Truth Social network, Trump expressed his gratitude toward Gen. Brown for his more than four decades of service to the country.

“I want to thank Gen. Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family,” Trump wrote.

No further explanation was provided for the decision to dismiss the highly regarded general.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has confirmed that the new moon crescent for 2025 will be visible in Nigeria on February 28.

According to a statement released by the Director of Communication and Public Relations of NASRDA on Saturday, the crescent will appear at exactly 1:45 AM Nigeria time (WAT).

This moment, known as the “Crescent Zero Hour,” marks the earliest point at which the new moon can be observed under optimal conditions using telescopes or special viewing equipment.

However, for those without such equipment, the crescent will be visible to the naked eye on the evening of Friday, February 28, between 6:17 PM and 7:35 PM in various parts of the country.

In Kachia, Kaduna State, the crescent is expected to be visible between 6:38 PM and 7:12 PM.

NASRDA has advised the public to use telescopes or special viewing glasses if necessary, and to choose open areas with unobstructed views of the western horizon after sunset.

Clear sky conditions are crucial for optimal viewing of the new moon crescent.

By Uzair Adam 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano Sector Command has intensified efforts to curb the dangerous practice of mixed overloading of trailers with goods, animals, and human passengers. 

It was gathered that the initiative aims to enhance road safety and prevent fatal crashes resulting from unsafe transportation practices.  

In a statement on Friday, FRSC Kano Public Relations Officer CRC Abdullahi Labaran disclosed that the sector command, led by Sector Commander CC UM Masa’udu, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, conducted a special public sensitization campaign on February 20, 2025. 

The exercise took place along Kano-Maiduguri Road, near the Muhammadu Buhari Interchange Flyover, Hotoro, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  

The campaign was prompted by the tragic road crash on February 13, 2025, at the same location, which claimed 23 lives and left 48 others injured. 

Investigations revealed that the accident was caused by a dangerously overloaded trailer, a practice that significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents.  

During the sensitization exercise, CC UM Masa’udu warned drivers, transport operators, and stakeholders about the severe dangers of mixed overloading and emphasized the need for strict compliance with safety regulations. 

He reiterated that the FRSC will not tolerate traffic violations that put lives at risk.  

The campaign was attended by representatives of key transport unions, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), who pledged their commitment to raising awareness among their members and ensuring safer road transport practices.  

The FRSC Kano Sector Command reassured the public of its continued efforts to promote road safety awareness and strict enforcement to prevent further tragedies. 

It urged road users to cooperate with authorities and adopt safer transportation practices for the well-being of all.

By Anwar Usman

The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has thwarted all mining activities in the state due to security concerns.In an executive order dated Friday, February 21, Mutfwang said the suspension, which is with immediate effect, subsists until further notice.

He added that his administration would undertake a rigorous review of the security situation in all the mining areas in the Plateau and ensure an appropriate Community Development Agreement to address the socio-economic contributions of the rights holders.

The statement reads, “There is the need to ensure measures taken to protect places of mining activities in Plateau State and to ensure only persons that are licensed to conduct mining can enter or leave such premises. The suspension of all mining activities has become necessary.There is an increase in illegal mining activities and insecurity associated with such mining activities in various Local Government Areas in Plateau State.

“There is an increased influx of foreigners in the mining areas of Plateau State, which significantly increased insecurity in the State, including but not limited to offences of Rape, Banditry, Illegal Possession of Firearms, Drug trafficking and Kidnapping.

He further stated that “I, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Muftwang, the Executive Governor and Chief Security Officer of Plateau State, deemed it necessary to suspend all mining activities in Plateau State for security reasons.”

The governor said his administration will partner with the federal government to come up with appropriate standards and monitoring framework between the state, local government areas, host communities and minerals right holders.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The political atmosphere in Germany is intensifying as the country approaches its highly anticipated federal elections on February 23, 2025. With multiple parties in the race, the election results are expected to influence Germany’s domestic policies and international stance significantly.

Key political parties are ramping up their campaigns, focusing on issues such as economic stability, immigration, climate change, and Germany’s role in global affairs. Analysts predict a tight contest, with shifting voter sentiments crucial to determining the next government.

Among the key contenders is the ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, facing strong challenges from the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) under Friedrich Merz. 

The Greens, led by Annalena Baerbock, are pushing a climate-focused agenda, while the Free Democratic Party (FDP), under Christian Lindner, is emphasising economic liberalisation.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the leftist Die Linke are also competing for voter support, making this election highly competitive and defining for Germany’s political future.

As Germany finds itself at a crossroads, the results of these elections will not only influence the nation’s governance but also have significant repercussions on European and global politics.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Senate has criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for her remarks about the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, regarding seat allocations.

On Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to accept the new seat assigned to her, citing her right to protection under the Senate’s Rule 10.

The dispute arose after her seat was changed following the defection of some opposition senators to the ruling party.

However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected the move and accused the Senate leadership of attempting to silence her.

“I have no problem if they take away my right to speak. I am not afraid of you. You are denying me my rights,” she said, addressing the Senate President.

As tensions escalated, Akpabio ordered security personnel to remove her from the Senate chamber, but some senators intervened to de-escalate the situation.

Reacting to the incident in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said that the National Assembly is not a place for entertainment.

“What we are saying is that the National Assembly is not a place for creating entertainment or play. It is a place for serious legislative work,” he stated.

Regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusation of rights infringement, Adaramodu explained that, despite being a new senator, she had been assigned significant leadership roles in the Senate.

“If she is claiming that her rights are being denied or that she’s being prevented from speaking, as a new senator, she has been given three major committee leadership roles. Every senator is entitled to lead one committee, but she is now leading foreign affairs and NGOs,” he added.

The Senate spokesman further mentioned that the matter would not be revisited, as Senator Isah Jubril from Kogi had apologized on behalf of Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“The Senate has fully accepted this apology, and so the matter will not be reopened,” he said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to Kaduna Electric and threatened to withdraw its services entirely due to ongoing disputes, including the issuance of ‘service no longer required’ notices to several affected staff members.

Despite intervention from the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, the situation remains unresolved and left employees and the public in a state of uncertainty.

The NUEE has made it clear that unless their concerns are addressed within the stipulated timeframe, they will take further action.

The potential withdrawal of services could result in power outages affecting residents across Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, who are already bracing for another possible blackout.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Kaduna Electric and the state government to find a resolution before the situation escalates.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service Technical and Hangar Services Limited (NCT&HSL) successfully held its maiden Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, in Abuja.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the aviation, customs, and public sector logistics industries to discuss operational development and expansion strategies.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, commended the company’s achievements, stating, “It is evident that the company has made significant strides in this short period, surpassing its achievements in the preceding year. The company’s future prospects are even more important to us.”

He also expressed confidence in the company’s investments, noting, “On my way back from Ilorin yesterday, I made a quick visit to the hangar and saw how busy it was. This underscored that we are investing in the right direction”.

The Ministry of Finance has expressed interest in further investing in the company, which is expected to provide fresh capital, expertise, and networks to drive growth.

Adeniyi noted, “As the majority shareholder, our expectation is that the company will continue to grow as a profit-yielding entity, providing value to our stakeholders and shareholders”.

The Managing Director of NCT&HSL, Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, highlighted the company’s role in modernizing customs operations and reiterated its commitment to balancing workforce competence with financial prudence.

“We are strategically employing qualified and competent staff while keeping a watchful eye on our salary overheads so that we do not overextend our financial capabilities,” he explained.

The company is adopting smarter financial strategies for maintaining equipment, exploring cost-effective alternatives such as leasing or collaborating with other organizations to share resources.

Mbaya assured stakeholders of the company’s commitment to operational excellence and financial sustainability, stating, “We continue to seek innovative ways to optimize our expenditure while maintaining the highest safety and compliance standards”.

At the closing session of the AGM, the board appointed new auditors and reappointed directors after due consideration.

The meeting set the stage for long-term planning, including upgrading aircraft maintenance facilities, improving ground handling services, and expanding the NCS fleet to support customs enforcement operations.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Ahmad Salkida, founder and CEO of HumAngle Media, laments the daunting challenges entrepreneurs face in Nigeria. With several years of experience and travels across 25 countries, he describes Nigeria as one of the most challenging environments for independent businesses.

Salkida points to excessive taxation and a lack of basic amenities, arguing that the legal framework fails to distinguish between social enterprises and traditional businesses. 

“The legal and regulatory framework fails to differentiate between social enterprises and traditional businesses, with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) focused solely on meeting unrealistic revenue targets at the expense of struggling businesses.

Success relies solely on relentless hard work and prayers,” Salkida stated, lamenting the physical and mental exhaustion that often comes with achieving success in such a challenging landscape. 

Salkida emphasizes the urgent necessity for systemic reforms to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state has dismissed the suspended chairman and members of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) over allegations of employment fraud.

The announcement was made on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of 16 newly appointed commissioners at City Hall in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

Governor Sule also disclosed plans to establish an independent body to oversee fresh selection interviews for 3,000 previously recruited teachers, with the aim of selecting 1,500 qualified candidates.

The newly appointed commissioners, who were screened by the state legislature, include:

Yakubu Kwanta – Youth and Sports (Akwanga LGA)

Umar Tanko Tunga – Lands (Awe LGA)

Munirat Abdullahi – Finance (Doma LGA)

Gabriel Agbashi – Science & Technology (Doma LGA)

Isaac Danladi Amadu – Environment (Karu LGA)

Margret Itaki Elayo – Pending Portfolio (Mans LGA)

Dr. Ibrahim Tanko – Information (Keffi LGA)

John D.W Mamman – Education (Kokona LGA)

Aminu Mu’azu Miafata – Local Government & Community Affairs (Lafia LGA)

CP Usman Baba – Security & Sundry (Lafia LGA)

Mohammed Sani Ottos – Trade and Investment (Nasarawa LGA)

Mohammed Agah Muluku – Water Resources (Nasarawa Eggon LGA)

Barr. David Moyi – Special Duties & Legal (Obi LGA)

Gaza Gwamna – Health (Toto LGA)

Barr. Jugbo Hauwa Samuel – Justice (Wamba LGA)

Mu’azu Gosho – Works (Wamba LGA)

Governor Sule reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nasarawa State.