News

 By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, a member representing Bichi Federal Constituency from Kano State and chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, has sponsored 21 indigenes of Bichi Local Government on foreign scholarships to study in Malaysia. 

The beneficiaries will pursue an 18-month program in Engineering, Computing Science, Technology, and other courses at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), one of Malaysia’s highest-ranking universities. 

The scholarship recipients were presented with their admission letters and other necessary documents in Bichi on Wednesday.

Additionally, Hon. Bichi sponsored 59 science and technical students from SS1 to SS3 and provided them with educational kits.

He also recruited 150 temporary classroom teachers and 50 Islamiyya teachers to teach at various schools across the local government. 

Hon. Bichi stated the importance of empowering people based on their abilities, stating, “This is what leaders should do. People should be empowered based on their abilities. We don’t want to politicize education. We always require fair play.”

He reiterated the positive impact of education on reducing crime in Bichi Local Government, noting that the area has seen a significant decrease in crime due to increased access to education. 

The lawmaker also mentioned his commitment to supporting education in the region, stating, “We have been offering 100% scholarships to indigenes of Bichi to study at various Nigerian universities, including BUK, ABU, ABTU, among other universities. We paid the school fees of hundreds of students at various educational levels. We built over 500 classrooms across Bichi Local Government.”

By Uzair Adam

While Nigerians grapple with economic hardship, Borno State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, is urging the Federal Government to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima’s official aircraft, citing safety concerns.

Lawan’s call follows recent technical issues with the Vice President’s plane, including a damaged windscreen during a stopover in New York en route to the Commonwealth Summit.

Despite widespread financial strain affecting millions of Nigerians, Lawan highlighted the risks of Shettima’s continued reliance on the malfunction-prone aircraft, insisting that securing a replacement should be a priority.

His appeal, however, arrives at a time when citizens are facing inflation, fuel costs, and job cuts, sparking questions on the government’s spending priorities amidst nationwide hardship.

By Uzair Adam

Families worldwide are grappling with the effects of high prices, according to the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva.

Speaking at the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., Georgieva highlighted the ongoing challenges facing the global economy, which she described as being on a trajectory of slow growth and rising debt.

“The global economy has held up well, and inflation is gradually decreasing thanks to central banks’ coordinated efforts and easing supply chains,” Georgieva said during the Global Policy Agenda 2024 briefing.

“However, people’s optimism about their economic prospects remains low. Families are still hurting from high prices, and global growth remains sluggish.

“We project a 3.2 percent growth rate this year, slowing to an annual 3.1 percent over the next five years,” she added.

According to Georgieva, while trade has traditionally driven economic growth, it is no longer the powerful engine it once was.

The IMF report warned that the world economy risks being trapped in a cycle of lower growth, high debt, reduced government revenues, and constrained resources to support families and climate change initiatives.

The Global Policy Agenda 2024 report further indicated that the global economy is resilient, with a potential for a soft landing as inflation moderates.

However, significant uncertainty looms, with risks skewed to the downside. Public debt levels are at historic highs, projected to approach 100 percent of GDP by 2030, and geoeconomic fragmentation threatens to reverse decades of progress from cross-border economic integration.

The report also points to transformative shifts—such as the green transition, demographic changes, and digitalization, including AI—that present both challenges and opportunities for global economies.

As a response, Georgieva emphasized the importance of a policy shift aimed at escaping the cycle of low growth and high debt.

She called for monetary policies that ensure inflation stabilizes at target levels and fiscal policies that pivot toward consolidation to build resilience and maintain debt sustainability.

By Uzair Adam

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) representing the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has directed members to initiate an indefinite strike starting Monday, following the non-payment of four months’ withheld salaries.

The strike, initially scheduled for October 23, was postponed to Sunday night, October 27, 2024, to align with the NASU branches’ Trade Group Council meeting.

A circular signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim detailed this timing adjustment for unified coordination among union members.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval of 50% payment for the withheld salaries, JAC expressed frustration with the alleged inaction from the Minister of Finance, questioning the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.

The union stated that multiple requests for resolution have gone unanswered, prompting their decision to proceed with the strike.

JAC reiterated its appreciation for the members’ loyalty and assured them of continued efforts to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano Independent Electoral Commission has issued certificates of return to the newly elected 44 Local Government Chairmen across the state.

The certificates were issued by the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Sani Malumfashi, on Sunday.

Malumfashi explains that the commission is the body responsible for issuing certificates and urged the newly elected LG chairmen and councillors to discharge their duties effectively.

Report has it stated that the state governor, Abba Yusuf, would soon swear in the chairmen at Government House in Kano.

The electoral commission had declared the New Nigeria People’s Party the winner of all 44 chairmanship positions and the 484 councillorship positions in Saturday’s LG election in the state.

“Six political parties participated in the election: AA, AAC, Accord, ADC, APM, and NNPP.

“The NNPP won all 44 local government chairmanships and 484 councillorship positions contested,” Malumfashi explained.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Muti, spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), narrowly escaped death after being stabbed twice in the stomach by armed robbers in Minna, Niger State.

The incident occurred on Friday evening around 8 p.m. near the Federal Housing Estate Gbeganu in Chanchaga Local Government Area. 

Muti recounted the ordeal when stated that about nine men attacked him while he rode in a tricycle.

The robbers emerged from a nearby bush after the tricycle operator stopped to pick up two passengers.

They stabbed him with a knife and stole his phone and other valuables. 

Fortunately, the robbers fled after noticing Muti’s uniform trousers, mistaking him for a soldier.

He received treatment and was discharged from the hospital on Friday. 

This incident shiwy the growing concern about crime and insecurity in Nigeria.

By: Habibu Maaruf Abdu 

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, coinciding with World Polio Day, UNICEF launched the ‘No More Zero Dose’ immunisation song across Nigeria and other West and Central African countries. 

The Kano state launch took place at Tahir Guest Palace, attended by government officials, Kannywood members, social media influencers, and journalists from Jigawa and Katsina states.

According to Mr. Rahama R.M. Farah, chief of UNICEF’s Kano field office, the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of immunisation, especially for children under five. 

“We have gathered this morning to raise awareness on the importance of Immunization, which remains the most cost-effective intervention to confront vaccine-preventable diseases, especially in children under 5 years of age…”

“Thank you for joining us this morning to launch the Immunization Song aptly entitled, No More Zero Dose!” He added 

The No More Zero Dose song highlights the urgent need to boost immunisation coverage in West and Central Africa, a region with the lowest vaccination rates in the world. This reality has led to multiple outbreaks of preventable diseases such as diphtheria, measles, polio, yellow fever, and cerebrospinal meningitis in the region.

The song features Spyro, Ali Nuhu, other top music stars, and UNICEF Champions from Mali, Chad, Cameroon, and Guinea. 

A media dialogue on immunisation followed the song’s launch. UNICEF Communication specialist Samuel Kaalu then mobilised caregivers for the upcoming immunisation campaign in November, encouraging them to amplify the message.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has stated the importance of tackling corruption and other related offenses head-on, as he read a riot act to the newly inaugurated Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) members at the Nigeria Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

Represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Aliyu Alajogun, the CGC stressed that the unit’s operations must be free from corruption and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. 

“We are tasked with ensuring that our operations are free from corruption and that we uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in all our dealings to ensure a far-reaching impact on our economic stability and international reputation,” Alajogun stated.

He urged the newly inaugurated members to adhere to the standards of their new roles, adding, “You are the frontline defenders against corruption and environmental degradation.

Each of you has been selected for your expertise, integrity, and dedication to public service. Together, you will lead initiatives that foster accountability and restore public trust.” 

Olusegun Adigun, Acting Director of the System Study and Review Department at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), praised the CGC for his commitment to enhancing transparency and integrity.

“I must commend the Comptroller-General of Customs for today’s inauguration,” he said.

“It is hoped that this event will empower the unit to deliver on its mandate, which includes periodic staff training on anti-corruption and the examination of system processes.” 

The newly inaugurated ACTU Chairman, Comptroller Emmanuel Osogba, pledged to implement policies enhancing transparency across Customs operations.

“Our focus will be on establishing clear guidelines for transparency, enhancing mechanisms for reporting misconduct, and engaging with different departments and units within the Service to foster trust and participation,” Osogba said. 

The ACTU members took the Oath of Allegiance, administered by Barrister Nkem Ezenwa, Director of the Anti-Corruption Unit. Their tenure will span three years.

By Zainab Haruna Shittu

Nigeria’s public relations sector is on the cusp of a revolution driven by artificial intelligence (AI) integration. This technological advancement transforms how PR professionals work, interact with audiences, and craft compelling narratives.

Artificial intelligence enhances creativity, streamlines processes, and provides data-driven insights, revolutionising the PR landscape. Renowned experts Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu and Mr. Yusha’u Shuaibu emphasise AI’s potential to automate routine tasks, facilitate strategic decision-making, and foster personalised stakeholder communication.

Professor Adamu, a distinguished scholar at Bayero University’s Department of Information and Media Studies, notes that AI has transformative potential. He adds, “AI can automate routine tasks, facilitate strategic decision-making, and foster personalised stakeholder communication.” However, he cautions that AI’s impact on PR is still uncertain due to limited empirical evidence.

Integrating AI in public relations offers numerous benefits, including enhanced creativity and strategic thinking, improved stakeholder engagement and crisis management, targeted messaging and personalised storytelling, and increased productivity through automation.

Despite AI’s potential, challenges persist, including technical issues, infrastructure constraints, a lack of skilled manpower and training, high costs and budget constraints, potential biases, and ethical concerns.

Professor Adamu cautions, “AI can perpetuate biases if not critically evaluated. PR practitioners must develop expertise to recognise and mitigate these biases.” To maximise AI’s benefits, PR professionals should invest in AI training and capacity building, develop critical thinking to evaluate AI outputs, and balance AI-driven efficiency with human touch.

Mr. Issa Ali Musa, a leading media and IT expert, notes, “AI tools have increased productivity by automating tasks like media monitoring, sentiment analysis, and stakeholder segmentation.” However, he emphasises the need for human judgment and creativity.

Looking ahead, experts agree that AI will enhance PR practice in Nigeria. By embracing AI, Nigeria’s PR sector can improve efficiency, precision, and creativity, ultimately leading to better communication strategies.

PR professionals must build the capacity for expertise and criticality to recognise AI biases. As Nigeria’s PR sector evolves, embracing AI will be vital to staying ahead of the curve. By adapting to AI-driven changes, PR professionals can unlock new opportunities, enhance their skills, and drive business success.

 Zainab Haruna Shittu wrote from Bayero University, Kano, via harunazainabshittu7567@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has shared the strategies he employed to secure significant debt relief for Nigeria during his administration from 1999 to 2007.

Among these strategies was the establishment of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Obasanjo explained that upon taking office, Nigeria was burdened by a debt of about $36 billion, with annual servicing costs of $3.5 billion, while the nation’s reserves were just $3.7 billion.

He reiterated the need for debt relief, expressing concern over the economic toll of continuously paying interest and penalties without reducing the principal debt.

In discussions with international lenders, Obasanjo presented a transparent plan, promising that funds saved from debt forgiveness would be used for development.

The creation of the ICPC and EFCC demonstrated his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption and increasing accountability.

These efforts helped convince creditors of Nigeria’s readiness for reform, leading to eventual debt forgiveness.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s current state, Obasanjo expressed disappointment over perceived declines in ethical leadership and economic planning, warning that without genuine reforms, further debt relief may remain unattainable.

He added that responsible governance is important to avoid a repeat of past financial struggles.