News

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Comptroller Kola Oladeji, head of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, visited the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and synergy between the two organizations. 

During the courtesy call, Comptroller Oladeji stated the strategic importance of Ogun state to the Nigeria Customs Service’s operations, particularly in the Southwest border areas.

He expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship between the Police Force and the NCS, stating, “We consider Ogun state strategic to our operations… and we have been benefiting from our relationship with the Nigeria Police.” 

Commissioner Alamutu welcomed the visit, highlighting the strong partnership between the agencies in maintaining peace and security in the state.

He reassured the NCS of the Ogun State Command’s commitment to collaborative efforts. Comptroller Oladeji also visited His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro & Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land, to strengthen Customs Community Relations in Ilaro Community.

He explained that the visit was in line with the Comptroller General of Customs’ directive to engage with border communities and familiarize themselves with local customs. 

The Olu of Ilaro acknowledged the cordial relationship between Customs and the community, praising the professionalism displayed by Customs officers. He assured his support and offered prayers for a successful reign. 

These visits demonstrate the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration and community engagement in Ogun state.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has issued a 16-day ultimatum to the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to convene meetings of various party organs or face legal action.

In a letter dated May 21, 2024, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lukman requested that the President compel Ganduje to convene meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC), National Caucus, and the National Advisory Council (also known as the Board of Trustees) within 16 days.

These organs have not met since Ganduje assumed office on August 3, 2023, with only the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting regularly to oversee the party’s day-to-day operations.

The letter was copied to Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum Hope Uzodinma, among others.

Lukman’s ultimatum emphasizes the need for the party’s organs to meet and make crucial decisions, warning of legal action if the meetings are not convened within the specified timeframe.

The letter reads in part, “l am compelled to kindly draw Your Excellency’s attention that as it is, our party is operating almost blindly without recourse to provisions of the APC Constitution. Meetings of organs as specified by relevant provisions of the APC Constitution are not taking place.

“Decisions, which established organs of the party are expected to take, are being taken by individual leaders outside those organs. One of the critical organs, the Board of Trustees, which is renamed National Advisory Council has not been inaugurated since the formation of the APC in July 2013.

“With such reality, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has appropriated the powers of all organs and in its name the National Chairman is taking discretionary decisions.

“With such reality, many of the decisions taken not only violate sections of the APC Constitution but also undermine Sections 221 — 229 of Part Il of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended as well as the Electoral Act 2022.

“I want to kindly demand that every necessary initiative should be started between now May 21, 2024 and June 7, 2024 to activate all organs of the APC in line with the extant provisions of the party’s constitution.

“Failure to do that will compel me as a patriotic Nigerian and loyal party member who has paid his dues to seek legal redress. Democracy is meaningless without functional political parties.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deepest condolences to the government and people of Kano State following a devastating fire incident at a mosque in Larabar Abasawa, Gezawa Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of several worshippers.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, condemned the “heinous act” and prayed for a speedy recovery for those injured.

According to reports, a family dispute over inheritance led to the tragic incident, which occurred during the early morning prayer session at around 5:30 am.

The suspect, Shafiu Abubakar, allegedly set the mosque ablaze by spraying petroleum and locking the door, trapping approximately 40 worshippers inside.

President Tinubu strongly denounced the act of arson, directing law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the prosecution of those responsible.

He extended his sympathies to the bereaved families, all those affected, and prayed for the quick recovery of the wounded.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State House of Assembly has agreed to amend the State Emirate Council law 2019 and Kano State Emirate amendment law 2023.

This move follows an urgency and public importance motion moved by the majority leader, Alhaji Lawan Hussaini Chediyar ƴan Gurasa, and seconded by Shu’aibu Rabi’u, representing Dawakin Kudu Constituency.

The amendment seeks to revisit the changes made to the emirate structure in 2019, which led to the fragmentation of the Kano Emirate into five distinct emirates and the deposition of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi.

The recent electoral victory of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who campaigned on restoring the traditional Kano Emirate system, has revived efforts to reinstate Emir Sanusi.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), has emphasized the party’s commitment to reviewing the changes made to the emirate structure.

He expressed confidence in Governor Yusuf’s ability to address the challenges effectively and resolve the issues planted in Kano state, ensuring peaceful coexistence among citizens.

As the legislative process progresses, the potential amendment of the Emir Appointment Law holds significant implications for the traditional emirate system and leadership structure in the region.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Thousands of Iranians gathered in the streets on Tuesday to bid a final farewell to President Ebrahim Raisi and seven members of his entourage who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash.

The mournful procession began at a central square in the northwestern city of Tabriz, the destination Raisi was headed to when the helicopter went down on Sunday.

With somber faces and waving Iranian flags, the crowd paid their respects to the late president and his companions, carrying portraits of Raisi as they marched through the streets.

The funeral procession was a poignant display of national grief and solidarity, as Iranians came together to honor the memory of their leader and the lives lost in the devastating crash.

By By Muhammad Suleiman Yobe

The Coordinator of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League, Mahmud Hadeija, says the body remains committed to providing the necessary enablers for the game to excel in the nation.

Speaking with Sports Writers during the 2024 Nigeria Beach Soccer League, second round at Nnewi High School Beach Soccer Pitch, he said it would not relent in developing the sport through staging competitions.

While describing the game as unique and one of the fastest-growing leagues in Nigeria, he stressed that youngsters could demonstrate their skills and participate actively on a national scale through the game.

Hadeija, who is President of the African Beach Soccer League, emphasised that fostering a robust Beach Soccer League in the nation could enhance the growth of the game and the nation’s global sports presence.

“The good thing now is that we have the league that is ongoing for the fourth year, fourth season consistently and gradually both on the technical aspect, organisational aspect and also the structure of the teams.

He expressed gratitude to the Anambra State Beach Soccer Association for successfully hosting the event and providing the players with support services to pursue success.

Victor Madubuko, Contributing Chairman of Anambra State Beach Soccer Association, said his gift for innovation and passion for doing something new spurred him to contribute to the development of the game.

Madubuko said he was glad that the collaboration with stakeholders and sponsors, including Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), was yielding the desired result.

One of the highest goal scorers in the league, Chimobi Ekwo, Anambra State Beach Soccer Team, said the team, which has remained unbeaten so far, would not relent in its determination to excel in the Super Four Competition slated to be held in Kaduna.

Six teams from Kebbi, Kaduna, Jigawa and Anambra States are participating in the League.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In a bid to strengthen customs community relations, Comptroller Kola Oladeji of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, has embarked on a familiarisation visit to traditional rulers in the South West Zone. 

During the visit, Comptroller Oladeji met with several traditional rulers, including the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Onikpokia of Ikpokia Kingdom, Oba Yisa Adeniyi Olaniyan, and the Olu of Owode Yewa Land, Oba Matthew Akindele. 

Comptroller Oladeji noted the importance of community support in achieving the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) mandates, stating, “We attach much importance to these communities and seek the blessing and guidance of Royal Fathers to strengthen customs community relations.” 

He stated the innovative approaches introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, which have enhanced the service’s performance. 

The Olu of Owode Yewa Land, Oba Matthew Akindele, appreciated the improved relationship between the customs service and the community, stating, “The chaos we experienced with customs officers has reduced drastically, thank you for that, and we also thank the federal government.” 

He also requested employment opportunities for youths and a more cordial relationship to foster peace and tranquility in the community. 

Comptroller Oladeji assured the traditional rulers that the NCS would continue to discharge its responsibilities within the ambits of the law and observations of rules of engagement.

By Muhammad Suleiman Yobe 

The Chairman of the technical committee on the mini sports festival, Alhaji Musa Muhammad Yaalleman, also the chairman of the Jigawa State Badminton Association, went around to supervise the preparations to kick off the Jigawa State Mini Sports Festival 2024 across the five selected participating associations.

During the supervision, the chairman was accompanied by the senior special assistant on sports and other members of the technical committee. He commended the executive governor of the state, Mallam Umar Namadi, for approving the conduct of the festival for the teeming youths in the state.

He said the state has many potential and talented youths, which, if properly utilised, will make the state more productive in all sporting activities.

He equally appreciates the efforts of the state commissioner of sports, Hon. Sagir Ahmad, for giving all associations the necessary support directly to organise their program and selecting the experienced team to handle the successful conduct of the program.

He said that these initiatives have immensely benefited the association in terms of court repair, sporting equipment purchases, and the rest.

He thanked the governor and Commissioner for sports for fulfilling their promise about the conduct of this festival.

He also appealed to the Commissioner to make this program quarterly, as this would help reduce tension and crime and increase revenue and employment for the state.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking, arresting four members of a cocaine cartel and declaring a couple wanted in connection with the crime.

According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the agency arrested Imran Taofeek Olalekan and Ishola Isiaka Olalekan on April 3, 2024, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, as they attempted to export 3.40kg of cocaine to Oman.

Investigations revealed that the duo was allegedly working for a cartel headed by Alhaji Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade, aka Abdul Qassim Adisa Balogun, an Indian resident who has been declared wanted alongside his wife, Rashidat Ayinke Owoalade, aka Bolarinwa Rashidat Ayinke.

NDLEA operatives also arrested Hamed Abimbola Saheed, a member of the syndicate, on May 14, 2024, in the Abule Egba area of Lagos, and recovered 900 grams of phenacetine, a cutting agent for cocaine, from his residence.

A follow-up operation at the Owoalade couple’s residence in Ogudu Orioke, Lagos, led to the arrest of another suspect and the recovery of a new Toyota RAV4 SUV, 400 grams of cocaine, and other drug paraphernalia.

In related operations, NDLEA officers intercepted cocaine and amphetamine concealed in steel bolts and shea butter at a courier firm in Lagos, and thwarted attempts to export cannabis and opioids to Dubai, China, and the UK.

The agency also arrested several suspects and recovered large quantities of drugs in various operations across the country, including 840kg of cannabis in Lagos, 75,000 pills of opioids in Benue, and 2kg of cannabis and diazepam in Borno.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers involved in the operations and reiterated the agency’s commitment to fighting drug abuse and trafficking.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Flame Tree Writers’ Project, in partnership with the Heinrich Böll Foundation, has announced a call for applications for a writers’ workshop targeting emerging writers from Northern Nigeria.

The initiative aims to support young writers in honing their craft and envisioning a more democratic and peaceful Nigeria.

According to Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, founder of the Flame Tree Writers’ Project, “This has been a passion project of mine for so long, and I am excited that, with the support of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, it is coming to fruition.”

The workshop, scheduled for June 24–28, 2024, in Abuja, will be co-facilitated by NLNG Nigeria Prize–winning authors Abubakar Adam Ibrahim and Chika Unigwe.

Participants will receive guidance in writing a short story suitable for publication in an anthology. 

Ere Amachree, Program Manager at the Heinrich Böll Foundation, noted, “The foundation is excited about the Flame Tree Writers’ Project, as it advances our vision of promoting writing as a means of political expression, just like Heinrich Böll, the German writer after whom our foundation is named.” 

The call for applications is exclusively for writers from the 19 Northern States of Nigeria, aged between 18 and 35. Female emerging writers are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Interested participants must meet the eligibility criteria and submit their applications to flametreewritersproject@gmail.com by June 1, 2024. 

Encouraging writers to apply, Mr. Abubakar said, “It’s not just a workshop but a project that will publish the stories from the workshop in an anthology of new writing and get them into institutions of learning, where they will be taught as part of the growing and exciting corpus of literature from this part of the country.”