News

By Aisar Fagge

The AMG Foundation has urged the Kano State House of Assembly to establish a legislative committee dedicated to addressing humanitarian issues in the state.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Jibril Isma’il Falgore, on Friday, 4th October 2024, the foundation’s Chair, Dr. Magashi, emphasized the urgent need for such a committee, citing the increasing challenges faced by the state’s vulnerable population.

This call comes months after the current administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf launched the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in April 2024, aimed at tackling poverty and humanitarian crises.

Dr. Magashi highlighted the pressing issues in Kano, including recurrent flooding, rising youth unrest, climate change impacts, food insecurity, and the alarming number of street children, homeless individuals, and women in distress.

“Kano is the Nigeria’s most populous state and is grappling with numerous humanitarian challenges that require immediate and coordinated legislative action,” Dr. Magashi stated in the letter.

The foundation believes that establishing a dedicated House Committee on the subject matter would enhance the state’s response to these crises and help create sustainable solutions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the nation’s second highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

In his 64th Independence Anniversary Speech on 1 October, President Tinubu conferred the Commander of the Federal Republic( CFR) on the speaker and the deputy senate president.

However, this development led to a debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, calling on the President to confer a higher honour on the Speaker.

President Tinubu was persuaded by the House of Representatives position and has decided to remedy the historical error and oversight.

Thus, he has decided to upgrade the Speaker to GCON from CFR, in accordance with the National Order of Precedence.

The Speaker, the Senate President, other principal officers of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be formally decorated.

By Wonderful Adegoke 

“I found several culture plates where none of the six antibiotics placed on them had any effect on the bacteria,” recalled Habibullah Ibuowo, a 400-level Medical Laboratory Science student. His startling discovery occurred during a 10-week clinical training required for Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) students. It was his first encounter with antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a problem growing quietly but dangerously in labs worldwide.

Ibuowo’s experience sparked a deeper interest in sensitivity testing, where bacteria are cultured alongside antibiotics to determine which drugs can effectively treat infections. But what intrigued him most was the unsettling reality of bacterial resistance to multiple antibiotics. Motivated by curiosity and concern, Ibuowo sought more information on AMR and soon became part of a student-driven initiative fighting this escalating threat. He joined the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Young Antimicrobial Resistance Stewards (UDUYARS).

UDUYARS is no ordinary student club. This pioneering initiative brings together a multidisciplinary team of students united by a shared mission: to fight the spread of AMR and confront related health challenges. Their efforts align with the global action plan on AMR and directly contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3—Good Health and Well-being. At the local level, UDUYARS raises awareness and protects the community’s health.

The club’s vision is nothing short of ambitious. Working with medical and non-medical innovators, UDUYARS aims to become a trailblazing force in the fight against AMR, developing innovative strategies and solutions that tackle the problem head-on. By equipping themselves with cutting-edge knowledge and tools, these students stand at the forefront of what the Bureau of Investigative Journalism has described as “disturbing first-hand evidence of what happens when drugs stop working.”

“I was more than happy to join hands with them to help spread the word,” Ibuowo shared, reflecting on his advocacy efforts. His role as a vocal advocate of antimicrobial stewardship has led him to engage peers, friends, and colleagues in critical conversations about the responsible use of antibiotics, the dangers of misuse, and the looming threat of AMR. Now serving as the Outreach Coordinator for the club, he participates in community outreach programs and has visited pediatric wards at the University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) to educate young people on antimicrobial stewardship.

More Stories from AMR Advocates 

The ripple effect of UDUYARS has extended far beyond just one student. Adeleke Shakirat Adenike, a nursing science student, credits the club for transforming her professional perspective. “Before UDUYARS, I had only a basic understanding of AMR. I didn’t fully grasp its significance as a global threat,” she admitted. Through her involvement in outreach programs and presentations, Adenike has deepened her knowledge and gained the confidence to address the importance of AMR awareness to a broader audience.

“I’ve learned so much,” she added. “It’s been amazing to share that knowledge with my peers, and UDUYARS has given me a sense of purpose. It’s fostered a strong spirit of volunteerism in me, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling. My public speaking skills have also improved through this experience.”

The significance of AMR is hard to overstate, and UDUYARS continues to rally students from across disciplines in its campaign. Safiyyah Ismaeel, from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, is keenly aware of the urgency. “We see the need to educate young people about AMR because this growing global issue is making infections harder and harder to treat,” she explained. “By working together, we can spread awareness across all departments and fight this menace.”

In the face of an ever-evolving health crisis, UDUYARS demonstrates how collective action, led by an inspired generation of students, can contribute to solving one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang, has formally inaugurated the Justice Reform Project Committee, with a charge to members to take their job seriously.

The Governor acknowledged the wealth of experience and exposure among the consultants, and challenged them to lay a good legacy for others to ride upon which he said is a stepping stone for higher heights.

Held at the Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang said that the inauguration of Committee was the first of its kind in the history of Plateau State and stated the need for documentation and record keeping because, according to him, there was noticeable lack of documented laws with resultant challenges faced in locating necessary legislation.

Governor Mutfwang said it was, therefore, time to change this trajectory, adding that ‘’we can’t keep using the laws that apply to the time past, hence the need for this reform project which is critical at such a time as this.’’

Head of the committee, who is the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, Esq. delivered a keynote address, stating that the aim of the Law Reform Committee is to modernize and strengthen the state’s legal framework, address outdated laws and ensure they meet societal needs.

Furthermore, he said the commencement of the Law Reform in Plateau State will create a legislative framework that is just, equitable and reflective of the cultural, religious, traditional and economic aspirations of the people.

The Attorney General called for a collaboration with the judiciary, legislature, professionals, civil society, traditional institutions, labor, farmers, market men and women, tribal associations, and the general public to ensure the success of the law reform project.

He said, because the laws are dynamic and forward-looking, they will address new realities such as the digital economy, cyber security and data protection.

The event featured key stakeholders including traditional leaders, judiciary members and legislative officials who emphasized the importance of law reform for governance, economic development and social justice.

Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Joel Tahvan, Esq. who made the opening remarks expressed gratitude to the governor for seeing the need to kick-start the law reform process.

He highlighted the need for consistent review and reforms of laws to meet the demands of the times.

Tarvan also acknowledged the Attorney-General and the consultants for their vision and commitment to guiding the state in this direction.

His Royal Majesty, Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba said the foundation of all laws is in the 10 commandments and prayed for wisdom for the committee members.

Speaking on behalf of the council of chiefs and emirs, the monarch also urged on the need for forgiveness and reconciliation outside of courts.

Chief Judge of Plateau State, Hon. Justice David Mann in his goodwill message highlighted the importance of Law Reform as a vital process that reflects commitment to justice, equity and progress.

He acknowledged the critical role of the committee in shaping the legal landscape and ensuring the law serves the need of all citizens.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has initiated the distribution of essential learning materials to schools across the state’s 44 local government areas.

The launch ceremony, held at the government house on Thursday evening, saw the distribution of 120,000 cartons of chalk, 97,532 workbooks, 93,600 exercise books, 199,234 classroom registers, 350,000 report sheets, 351 lesson observation books, and national anthem booklets to schools.

Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of this effort in revitalizing the state’s struggling education system.

“This marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by Kano’s education sector, which has suffered from inadequate infrastructure and a growing number of out-of-school children,” the governor remarked.

He further stated the government’s focus on training and retraining teachers, rehabilitating schools, and constructing new classroom blocks to create a more conducive learning environment for students.

The Commissioner of Education, Umar Haruna Doguwa, praised the governor’s unwavering support for the education sector and noted that the declaration of a state of emergency on education had led to meaningful reforms and exceeded expectations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the appointment of Abdulmalik Suleiman Abubakar as Senior Special Assistant (SSA 1) and Focal Person for the Solution for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities (SOLID) Project.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who conveyed the Governor’s approval, said in his new role, Abdulmalik will be responsible for spearheading the SOLID Project.

The project focuses on providing sustainable solutions to improve the living conditions, welfare, and integration of displaced populations, while simultaneously strengthening the socio-economic capacities of host communities across Gombe State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expects the new appointee to bring to bear, his wealth of experience, to ensure efficient coordination between government agencies, NGOs, and international partners involved in SOLID project to deliver tangible results.

This appointment is with immediate effect.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a ruling preventing Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from stopping vehicles, seizing or taking possession of vehicles, and imposing fines on drivers. The Daily Reality reports that Justice Evelyn Maha announced the decision in a fundamental rights enforcement case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, filed by human rights activist and public interest lawyer Abubakar Marshal. The ruling also affects the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander of Jabi, the Team Leader of Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who are listed as respondents.

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State High Court has adjourned a ruling on the ongoing dispute over renovations to the historic Nasarawa mini palace in Kano until October 10, 2024. 

The case, presided over by Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki, involves an application seeking to halt the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with modernisation plans for the palace.

The plaintiffs, which include the Kano State Government, the Attorney General, and the Kano Emirate Council, are pushing to preserve the palace’s original structure, arguing that renovations would compromise its cultural and historical significance. 

The Daily Reality reports that the Emir is the sole defendant in the case.

During the hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel, Habib Akilu, noted that the defendant’s legal team was absent and moved for an interlocutory injunction to prevent any renovation until the court delivered its final judgment.

The plaintiffs had previously secured an interim injunction on September 13, 2024, following the release of a proposed plan to modernise the palace. 

In support of the motion, a 33-paragraph affidavit deposed by the Matawallen Kano, Ibrahim Ahmed, emphasised the palace’s importance as a symbol of cultural heritage, warning that any changes could erase its architectural and historical integrity.

Justice Aboki has ordered that all relevant court processes be posted publicly to keep all parties informed.

By Uzair Adam

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed on Wednesday that while Iran is not seeking war, it will deliver a stronger response if Israel retaliates for the recent missile attack.

Speaking alongside Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in Doha, Pezeshkian emphasized that Israel is pushing the region into conflict.

“We are not looking for war, but if Israel reacts, we will respond even more forcefully,” Pezeshkian stated, holding Israel accountable for escalating tensions.

The remarks follow Iran’s launch of about 200 missiles, including hypersonic weapons, towards Israel.

Although Israel intercepted most of the missiles, some damage was reported, including a school building, and two civilians sustained minor injuries from shrapnel.

Israeli military sources confirmed that some missiles landed near air force bases without causing significant damage.

Pezeshkian criticized Israel’s intentions, accusing it of creating instability in the region and called on the US and European nations to pressure Israel to halt its actions.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Emir also condemned Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Gaza, warning that the region was being pushed to the brink of disaster.

Qatar remains committed to brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

By Uzair Adam

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended four notorious kidnappers in Abuja, acting on credible intelligence.

The suspects, identified as Yau Sani, also known as Baba (an ex-convict), Nuhu, alias Giwa, Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan, were arrested at their hideout in Sauka, Abuja.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects had been living among the general population and confessed to being involved in a series of kidnappings in the FCT and neighboring areas.

The Daily Reality gathered that the gang’s activities had resulted in the deaths of seven victims.

The suspects also led the police to another hideout in Gauraka Forest, Suleja, Niger State, where officers recovered a significant cache of arms, including four AK-47 rifles, thirteen magazines, and 162 rounds of live ammunition.

The group had previously attacked areas such as Dakwa, Dawaki, Aco Estate, and villages in Niger and Kaduna States.

They also admitted to planning future attacks on government institutions and estates in Abuja, which were successfully foiled by the police.

The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling crime in the region and urged residents to report any suspicious activities through provided emergency numbers.