News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the implementation of a Presidential Executive Order aimed at strengthening local production of healthcare products, which will reduce the cost of medical equipment and consumables.

According to the NCS, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the guidelines for this initiative through the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun.As part of the directive, the government has granted a two-year exemption from import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential raw materials used in pharmaceutical production.

These include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, and other key materials required for manufacturing essential medicines, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents, and packaging materials.

To ensure that only qualified manufacturers benefit from these incentives, eligibility is restricted to pharmaceutical producers recognised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Additionally, such manufacturers must possess a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).In a move to enhance transparency and accountability, the NCS will generate quarterly reports detailing all importations under the policy.

These reports will include information on importers, quantities, and the value of imported items to ensure proper oversight.Reaffirming its commitment to supporting government policies, the NCS emphasised its role in trade facilitation, border security, and national development.

It also called on all stakeholders, including importers, manufacturers, and relevant government agencies, to collaborate in ensuring the success of this initiative.

“The successful implementation of this policy requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including importers, manufacturers, and relevant government agencies. Through our collective efforts, we can achieve the shared goal of a robust healthcare sector that meets the needs of all Nigerians,” the statement read.

By Habibu Maaruf Abdu!

The Kannywood film industry has lost one of its most beloved pioneers. Veteran actor Abdullahi Shuaibu, widely known as ‘Baba Karkuzu,’ breathed his last on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the 25th of Ramadan 1446.

He reportedly died at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital after a prolonged battle with illness. 

His demise comes nearly a year after the passing of the celebrated Kannywood actress Saratu Daso, who died on the 30th of Ramadan, 1445. 

A respected figure in the Hausa entertainment industry, Baba Karkuzu made his debut in the 1980s with his iconic drama ‘Karkuzu na Bodara,’ which earned him the stage name by which he became widely known. His unique acting style and contributions to the industry played a crucial role in shaping the early days of Kannywood.

However, Karkuzu had struggled with health complications for several years, which led to blindness before his death. Reports indicate that he had been facing significant hardship since 2018, prompting renowned Nigerian footballer Ahmed Musa to extend a helping hand by donating ₦5 million and gifting him a house.  

His funeral took place according to Islamic rites today, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at his residence on Haruna Hadeija Street in Jos, Plateau State.

Karkuzu’s death signifies the end of an era in Kannywood, leaving a legacy that future generations will remember.

By Uzair Adam

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is yet to decide whether he will run for president in 2027, emphasizing that a strong and viable platform is crucial before making any commitment.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Trust ahead of the airing of Untold Stories, a television program hosted by Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, Atiku addressed speculations about his political future but remained noncommittal.

“I don’t know because there has to be, first of all, a viable platform, more than any other time in the political history of this country, particularly since the return of democracy,” he said.

Atiku, who has contested the presidency six times, recently announced a coalition of opposition leaders aiming to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

However, questions remain about who will lead the alliance, with Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, and Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor, among those being considered.

Despite his uncertainty, Atiku stressed that Nigeria is in urgent need of experienced and credible leadership.

“I have not seen Nigeria in such a dire need of strong leadership as we are today,” he said.

Atiku also addressed the controversy surrounding his decision not to select Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as his running mate in the 2023 election.

He explained that unlike in 2019, when he picked Peter Obi without broad consultations and faced backlash, he allowed the party to recommend three candidates in 2023, ultimately choosing Ifeanyi Okowa, who was ranked first, over Wike, who was second on the list.

“No, not at all,” Atiku said when asked if he regretted not picking Wike.

Reflecting on the 1993 presidential election, Atiku recounted how his political mentor, the late Shehu Yar’adua, asked him to step down for Chief Moshood Abiola.

He said an initial agreement was for Abiola to select him as his running mate, but governors within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) pressured Abiola into choosing Babagana Kingibe instead.

“They threatened him and said, ‘Look, if you don’t take Kingibe, we are not going to support you.’ Abiola felt it was a risk worth taking,” Atiku said.

While Atiku remains undecided about his 2027 ambition, his recent political moves suggest he continues to play a significant role in Nigeria’s opposition politics.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has accepted the resignation of Maj. Gen. Muhammad Inuwa Idris (Rtd) as Commissioner for the newly formed Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services.  

In a statement by spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed his gratitude for General Idris’s contributions in laying the groundwork for the ministry’s operations.  

“Major General Muhammad Inuwa Idris (Rtd) has shown unwavering commitment to Kano State, and we wish him a peaceful and fulfilling retirement,” Governor Yusuf stated.  

Idris’s brief tenure is recognized for establishing a solid foundation that will enable his successor to advance the ministry’s crucial work in internal security.

By Uzair Adam

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has stated that corruption poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s development.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to tackling the menace and urged all stakeholders to support the anti-corruption campaign.

Speaking at the launch of the EFCC’s “Integrity Club” in primary and secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday, Olukoyede, represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said the initiative aims to instill values of integrity, honesty, and diligence in young Nigerians.

“The EFCC is determined to bring corruption to its knees in Nigeria, and together we can achieve this goal,” he said.

He explained that the Integrity Clubs serve as platforms for interaction, enlightenment, and empowerment, helping students cultivate ethical values.

He noted that children at this stage are still receptive to guidance and can be molded into responsible leaders through proper mentorship.

“Our children can only become the leaders we desire if we equip, mentor, and guide them with the right values. Integrity Clubs will provide them with the foundation to resist corruption,” he added.

Olukoyede urged schools to actively engage students in discussions on ethical conduct and regularly provide feedback to the EFCC on the club’s activities.

In his remarks, the acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, Hassan Sule, commended the EFCC for the initiative, stating that prevention is the best approach to tackling corruption.

“This initiative will shape children’s character and influence their peers positively. If we can implement it effectively, we will have responsible adults in the future,” he said.

He assured that the board would institutionalize Integrity Clubs in at least 30 schools within the FCT, emphasizing that education remains the most effective tool in the fight against corruption.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Han Jong-hee, the joint chief executive officer of Samsung Electronics, has died of a heart attack at the age of 63, the company announced.

Han had led Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division since 2021, navigating the tech giant through an increasingly competitive market dominated by Chinese rivals.

His sudden passing leaves Jun Young Hyun, who oversees Samsung’s semiconductor business, in sole charge of the company until a successor is appointed.

Samsung, the world’s largest producer of memory chips, smartphones, and displays, is yet to announce details of Han’s funeral or succession plans.

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested no fewer than 133 individuals in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme operating under the name Q University, also known as Q-Net, in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

According to the anti-graft agency, the institution was running a scheme that recruited young Nigerians, promising them unrealistic financial gains.

The suspects were reportedly enrolled in a program dubbed “Special Training for New Generation Billionaires,” where they were allegedly brainwashed into believing they would become wealthy by recruiting others into the system.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that the suspects were required to obtain an “Independent Representative Application Form” with motivational slogans such as “I’m a Champion,” “I’m Unstoppable,” and “I’m Infinity.”

The operation was conducted in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army. Items recovered from the suspects include mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

The EFCC confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of inquiries.

By Maryam Ahmad

Oscar-winning filmmaker Yuval Abraham has revealed that his co-director, Hamdan Ballal, was beaten and attacked by Israeli settlers. Abraham, who co-directed No Other Land with Ballal, shared the news following their recent Academy Award win.

According to Abraham, Ballal was assaulted by a group of Israeli settlers amid escalating violence in the region. The attack has sparked outrage, with calls for accountability and protection for journalists and filmmakers working in conflict zones.

No Other Land, which won Best Documentary at the 2024 Oscars, highlights the impact of Israel’s occupation through a deeply personal perspective. The film’s success has drawn global attention to the Palestinian struggle, but its creators now face increasing threats.

Ballal’s condition remains unclear, and further details about the attack are yet to be confirmed. Human rights groups have condemned the incident and demanded an independent investigation.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Al Jazeera journalist Hossam Shabat was killed in an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza shortly after reporting on the death of his colleague, Mohammed Mansour.

Shabat’s car was bombed on Sunday, marking yet another fatal attack on media workers in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Shabat had just posted about Mansour’s killing when he himself became a victim of Israeli bombardment. His death adds to the growing toll on journalists in Gaza, where at least 208 media workers have been killed since Israel launched its military offensive on October 7, 2023.

The targeting of journalists has drawn widespread condemnation, with press freedom organizations calling for accountability and urgent protection for reporters covering the war.

Al Jazeera has repeatedly accused Israel of deliberately targeting its journalists, a charge Israel denies.

The ongoing war in Gaza has led to unprecedented casualties among civilians and media professionals, raising concerns over press freedom and the safety of journalists in conflict zones.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Angry youths in Gombe State have looted Ramadan palliative supplies reportedly meant for distribution by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The incident occurred as part of a Ramadan feeding program launched by Seyi Tinubu during his visits to northern states for Iftar celebrations with residents and political leaders.

Seyi’s initiative, aimed at assisting the less privileged during the holy month, has sparked a wave of mixed reactions on social media.

While some welcomed the gesture, others criticized it, arguing that the north deserved more sustainable support than temporary palliative aid.Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor, voiced his displeasure on Facebook, urging Seyi to implement long-term empowerment programs.

He suggested that the youths in Bauchi needed job opportunities, business startups, and digital skills training rather than food parcels.

“Teach our youths how to fish rather than feed them for one day,” he said.

In Gombe, the distribution of palliative items, including rice, sugar, oil, salt, and pasta, quickly turned chaotic.

Video footage showed youths unloading and carting away cartons of food from a truck, with some throwing the items to others on the ground.

Two trucks containing 3,500 cartons of food had been allocated to the state, but while one was reportedly distributed, the other was intercepted by the angry youths.

Observers have suggested that the distribution might have been sabotaged by those left out of the initial handout event, which took place at the state’s APC Secretariat.

Seyi’s outreach initiative, while framed as part of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement program, is also seen by some as a strategic political move to strengthen his father’s political foothold in the northern region, where there is still some resistance to his re-election.