News

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Renowned South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron was found dead in her Seoul apartment on February 16, 2025, at the age of 24. Authorities have determined the cause of death to be suicide.

Kim began her acting career at nine, gaining acclaim for her roles in films such as A Brand New Life (2009) and The Man From Nowhere (2010). She continued to build her career with notable performances in television dramas, including Secret Healer (2016) and the Netflix series Bloodhounds (2023).

In May 2022, Kim was involved in a DUI incident in Seoul’s Gangnam district, leading to significant career setbacks. Despite efforts to resume her career, including a role in Bloodhounds, her on-screen presence was reduced due to the controversy.

The actress’s untimely death has prompted discussions about the pressures faced by public figures in South Korea, with calls for greater awareness and support regarding mental health issues.

Authorities have stated that there are no signs of foul play, and investigations are ongoing.

By Anwar Usman

Kano state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has promised to complete all abandoned projects at the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil.

The governor who made the promise when he paid an unplanned visit to the university on Sunday, directed the Commissioners for Works, Land and Higher Education to immediately commence the process of construction of Senate building and completion of ongoing projects on Wudil Campus.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi on Monday.

“Giving much emphasis on the need to have a befitting Senate building, the Visitor to the university decried the non-existence of such a structure in the university despite being established about 25 years ago,” he said.

The statement read in part “other projects earmarked for the university include among others, staff quarters and additional students hostels, with a view to reducing daily shuttling to and fro Kano.

Yusuf was quoted saying “Abandoned projects such as the old Faculty of Engineering, Information and Communication Centre, and drainage are also going to be tackled soon”.

Meanwhile, the Governor who visited both male and female students hostels assured them of improved welfare especially in the areas of water and electricity supply.

While expressing his personal affection to the university, Yusuf said henceforth, special attention would be accorded the institution to enable it to rub shoulders with its peers in Nigeria.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Musa Yakasai appreciated the state government’s intervention in the past one year, urging for more government’s presence in the university.

The Vice Chancellor had during the visit, led Yusuf and his entourage on a Campus tour where he visited the land earmarked for Campus expansion and construction of Senate building, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering, Entrepreneurship Development Centre, students hostels, Convocation Square and Wudil Commercial Secondary School.

The governor was accompanied by Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Higher Education, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Commissioners, Special Advisers, politicians and top government officials among others.

By Uzair Adam

The federal government has announced plans to integrate 28,000 health workers into Nigeria’s healthcare system after their salaries were blocked by a policy under U.S. President Donald Trump.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television, noting Nigeria’s commitment to reducing reliance on foreign aid.

Pate acknowledged the significant support of the U.S. government in Nigeria’s health sector, particularly in combating HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

However, he stressed that Nigeria aims to take full ownership of its healthcare system. “There are health workers, 28,000 of them, who have been paid through U.S. government support.

While we appreciate this, these workers are Nigerians, and we must transition them into our system,” he said.

Trump had issued an executive order that paused funding for HIV treatment in developing countries, affecting the operations of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Despite the funding suspension, the U.S. government later approved a waiver allowing continued treatment for people living with HIV.

Meanwhile, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently allocated N4.5 billion for HIV treatment packs to support affected Nigerians.

By Uzair Adam 

The Zamfara State government has banned all political gatherings and rallies across the state, citing the need to maintain peace and stability.  

The restriction, which immediately applies to all political parties, was announced following a political clash in Maru Local Government Area.  

Speaking with BBC Hausa, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Broadcast, Media, and Public Affairs, said the decision was taken to prevent further unrest after a recent incident in Maru that resulted in casualties and property damage.  

He clarified that the ban is temporary, not intended to suppress political activities but to ensure public safety. Security agencies have been instructed to enforce the directive.  

However, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the move, arguing that it infringes on their rights. 

The party’s spokesperson, Malam Yusuf Idris Gusau, described the decision as politically motivated, claiming it was triggered by a recent APC gathering that unsettled the state government.  

“There is no law that permits the banning of political gatherings. Our party is registered at the national level, and our members are law-abiding citizens who will not engage in actions that threaten peace,” Gusau stated.  

The ban has sparked debate, with concerns over its implications for political engagement in the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to prioritize the establishment of a Combined Maritime Task Force to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.

He made the call at the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa.

He also offered Lagos as the potential host city for the task force’s headquarters.

In his address, delivered by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, President Tinubu reiterated the urgent need for such a task force to safeguard the region.

This comes as Nigeria signed an agreement with the AU to provide Strategic Sea Lift Services for peace support operations, humanitarian efforts, and personnel movement.

Under this agreement, Nigeria’s Navy will offer a vessel for the operations on a cost-recovery basis.

Key figures such as Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Badaru Abubakar, and Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, were present at the signing ceremony, alongside AU officials, including Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

President Tinubu also praised the AUPSC’s decision to upgrade the Nigerian National Counter-Terrorism Centre to a Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre and to renew the mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force addressing terrorism in the Lake Chad region.

Additionally, President Tinubu expressed concern over the escalating instability in Libya, linking it to the worsening security situation in the Sahel, and urged the Assembly to support efforts aimed at restoring order in Libya.

He also highlighted security challenges in countries undergoing democratic transitions, including Sudan, Mali, and Niger.

The Nigerian leader showed strong support for the establishment of an African-led credit rating agency (ACRA), which would provide fairer and more transparent assessments of African economies.

He further backed the Africa Financing Stability Mechanism (AFSM) to support member states in addressing financial vulnerabilities and fostering economic resilience.

This initiative, designed to provide financial stability and support long-term development goals, has gained significant traction in recent AU discussions.

President Tinubu concluded by commending the progress made on the African Standby Force and urged the AU to adopt the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for its operationalization.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Tudun Tagarji in Kano State were left in shock on Saturday after a newborn baby was discovered abandoned inside a carton near a drainage in the Kaura area.

The discovery was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday by the Commander of the Operation Zaman Lafiya vigilante group, Rabiu Sulaiman.

Sulaiman explained that his team encountered the tragic scene while on routine patrol in the early hours of the morning.

“Yesterday, around 2 a.m., while we were on patrol, we came across a shocking incident inside a pit very close to us. Upon close observation, we noticed a disposed carton, but we had no idea what was inside it.

“To clear our doubt and be sure nothing harmful was kept there, I instructed my boys to open the carton, and behold, upon opening it, we saw a baby already dead,” he recounted.

Following the discovery, the vigilante team immediately informed local community leaders before reporting the matter to the police.

“By morning, we invited the ward head to come and see for himself, along with other members of the community, before conveying the baby to the police station and informing them,” Sulaiman added.

The authorities directed them to a hospital, where doctors confirmed the baby was already deceased.

“We came back home and organised burial rites for the baby in accordance with Islamic teachings,” he stated.

Sulaiman urged community vigilante groups to remain vigilant and stated the importance of parental guidance, particularly in preventing situations that could lead to unwanted pregnancies.

“Unwanted pregnancy contradicts Islamic teachings. Parents must monitor their children’s movements and guide them properly,” he advised.

The incident has sparked deep sorrow within the community, with calls for increased awareness and preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly convened an “emergency meeting” for European leaders to discuss United States President Donald Trump.

According to Fox News, citing Politico, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski hinted at the planned meeting on Saturday during the Munich Security Conference.

The report states that two European Union officials confirmed to Politico that the meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday.

“I’m very glad that President Macron has called our leaders to Paris,” Sikorski was quoted as saying, adding that the discussions would focus on the implications of Trump’s actions “in a very serious fashion.”

Sikorski has been vocal about US politics in the past.

He previously compared President Joe Biden’s weak debate performance to the decline of ancient Rome.

He also acknowledged Trump’s stance on NATO spending, and agreed that member countries should increase their defense budgets.

The report indicated that Macron has maintained a cordial relationship with Trump since his reelection in November 2024.

The French leader had earlier expressed his willingness to work with Trump, writing on X:“Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”

Macron also described it as “an honor” to host Trump in December when the US president visited Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, alongside New Incentives All Babies Are Equal (NI-ABAE), has launched the All-Babies Livelihood Grant program to enhance routine immunisation rates. The initiative provides ₦5,000 to caregivers who complete their child’s vaccination schedule.

The launch, held at the town’s Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) in Dass, was organised by the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board (BSPHCDB). Esteemed guests included local government officials, WHO representatives, and community leaders.

Umar Faruq Abubakar, Head of Administration of Dass LGA, hailed the program as a crucial advancement in healthcare. Dan Asabe Abdullahi, State Director of Public Health, emphasized its importance amid economic challenges. He noted, “If sustained, this program will help reduce childhood deaths from preventable diseases.”

Under the initiative, caregivers will receive ₦1,000 for each of the six immunisation visits, totaling ₦6,000, plus an additional ₦5,000 upon schedule completion, amounting to ₦11,000, the NI-ABAE Stakeholder Relations Director, Nura Muhammad, highlighted the program’s potential benefits.

The Emir called the grant a timely intervention, addressing transportation barriers that hinder healthcare access. He urged caregivers to prioritise completing immunisation schedules and assured traditional leaders’ support in promoting community health.

In his closing remarks, the Emir expressed gratitude to NI-ABAE and partners for their commitment to improving immunisation efforts in Bauchi State.

By Anwar Usman

The president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has urged the Governor of Kano, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to resolve the ongoing land dispute between Bayero University Kano and neighbouring communities.

Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaibu Ahmed made the call on Saturday in Kano during the 39th convocation ceremony of the university.

He called on the governor to take swift action by issuing the university’s title deed to resolve the matter.

He stressed the importance of securing the institution’s land.

Regarding infrastructure, Tinubu acknowledged the lack of perimeter fencing at the university’s new campus. He assured that the Federal Government had allocated funds for the project.

She stated that, “The Federal Government has already provided funding, and work is underway”.

The president reiterated the administration’s commitment to upgrading university infrastructure nationwide.

Tinubu stated that the government was supporting research and infrastructure improvements through the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Public Universities Intervention.

He called on Nigerian universities to include research into teaching and learning to build a knowledge-driven society.

The President further explained that the future of Nigeria depended on quality human capital.

He emphasized the government’s focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for national development.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Bayero University, Kano (BUK) celebrated a significant milestone on February 15, 2025, by conferring honorary Doctorate Degrees on Colonel Sani Bello, former Military Administrator of Kano State, and Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, CEO of A. A. Rano Group of Companies, during its 39th Convocation.

The honorary degrees recognised their exceptional contributions to education and socio-economic development in Kano State and Nigeria. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad Sa’id, praised the honourees and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to human capital development through education.

BUK’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, highlighted the graduation of 3,400 students, including 295 from the Dangote Business School and 275 PhD graduates, with 176 achieving First Class Honours. 

Pro-Chancellor Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna encouraged graduands to uphold the university’s reputation, noting BUK’s recent ranking of 43rd in Africa by the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, inspiring them to strive for excellence and service to humanity.