News

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The Kano Road and Traffic Agency (KAROTA) has reportedly seized fake drugs worth N50 million in Kano.

A spokeswoman for the agency, Nabilusi Abubakar, revealed this in a statement on Saturday in Kano.

He said, “The vehicle with plate number MMR 153 XA conveying fake drugs was apprehended on Friday night around 9:00 p.m. at Murtala Muhammed Way.

“Some of [our] personnel said they suspected the driver was carrying fake drugs.

“Immediately the driver saw the personnel, he ran away which prompted them to search the vehicle.

“The drugs alleged to be fake were analgesic (pain killers), cough syrup and malaria drugs.”

He recalled that the managing director, KAROTA, Faisal Kabir as said the agency would not allow illegal drugs to be brought into the state.

“Anyone found wanting will be seriously dealt with,” he said.

Mr. Kabir appealed to the general public to desist from buying drugs from hawkers and unregistered agents to avoid negative effects.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In an unfortunate incident that unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, suspected kidnappers targeted the prominent El-Rufai Estate in the Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area of Bwari Local Council, Abuja. 

The assailants abducted a resident identified as Chinedu, marking the fifth kidnapping case to rock the area in recent months, leaving residents gripped by fear and insecurity. 

According to reports from Daily Trust, the victim, Chinedu, was forcibly taken from his home within the secure confines of the estate. 

The daring criminals, armed to the teeth, breached the estate’s defences by breaking through the perimeter fence. 

To further instill terror, they fired shots into the air, sending panic waves through the victim’s family and neighbours, before abducting Chinedu. Chinedu’s wife, who witnessed the terrifying ordeal, recounted the horrifying encounter with the kidnappers. 

“They shot sporadically in the air to scare our family members and neighbours before taking my husband away,” she said. 

As of press time, the kidnappers had not made contact with the family, leaving them in agonising uncertainty. Mai Baba Bego, the chairman of the Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area, expressed grave concern over the escalating incidents of kidnappings in the region. 

“We now live in fear as nobody knows who the next victim would be,” Mr. Bego lamented, underscoring the urgent need for heightened security measures in the area. 

In light of this distressing situation, Mr. Bego called for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area. 

This plea aims to mitigate the risk of further incidents and restore a sense of safety to the traumatised residents of El-Rufai Estate and its surroundings.

By Baba Isa

While reviewing my collection of photographs, I stumbled upon a significant historical image that reminded me of a momentous event during a public lecture in Sudan. It was during this event that distinguished figures such as Prof. Salisu Shehu, Prof. Sagagi, and Prof. Maqari embarked on a special joint visit to Sudan some years ago. Their visit aimed to understand the exceptional approach Sudanese institutions took in providing training to Nigerian students on their soil, enabling them to return to Nigeria as productive individuals.

During this lecture, Prof. Salisu Shehu said, “The educational experience for Nigerian students in Sudan extended beyond academic excellence. These students, who received education in diverse fields, also imbibed qualities of respect, commendable attitudes towards their communities, and a sense of understanding towards various religious doctrines. This was different to their counterparts studying in different foreign nations.

Prof. Added that the Nigerian Sudan-educated students exhibited unmatched expertise and skills compared to their counterparts in Nigeria. Therefore, the Council of Ulama of Nigeria felt compelled to delegate us to come to Sudan and delve deeper into brief research and learn more about strategies employed by Sudanese institutions and their communities to empower these students. So that we can take back reports to Nigeria and put it into practice”.

The lecture was delivered at the International University of Africa (Indimi Hall) during this insightful visit, and I captured the picture.

Regrettably, the Sudan we love, the Sudan we learn from and once held in high esteem, an exemplar of a hygienic educational environment, now stands ravaged by conflict. It’s disheartening that we have not extended a helping hand to a nation from which we have drawn knowledge and inspiration. Sudan, which significantly contributed to the growth and development of our region through its educational support (like its massive Scholarship scheme to everyone in any course without exception)and enlightened Islamic scholars, medical doctors and other professionals, remains in dire need of our attention, prayers, and support.

Northern Nigeria has encountered setbacks in the realm of girls’ education. In the past, we lamented the shortage of female doctors, resulting in inadequate female doctors in healthcare for women in our hospitals. Our parents in the Northern region were hesitant to enrol our sisters in local institutions, let alone consider overseas education, given concerns about religious beliefs, cultural norms and environmental disparities.

These barriers hindered the prospect of sending our sisters abroad for education. This predicament led us to lag in conventional education and the attainment of female medical doctors. Recently, a positive shift has occurred as our parents have become more receptive to sending our sisters to study medicine and various other disciplines, especially in Sudan, due to the conducive educational environment and Islamically oriented. However, it is disheartening to note that challenges mar the current situation in Sudan.

The aftermath of the evacuation of Nigerian students from Sudan – more than 2000 – medical students, primarily females from the north- has left us searching for alternatives that can provide the same nurturing educational environment. Regrettably, no such choice has presented itself, leaving us feeling powerless.

Recent events have highlighted the impactful role that Northern Nigerian scholars have played in resolving crises, as evidenced by their intervention in the unrest following a coup in Niger. Drawing from this, I earnestly beseech our esteemed Northern scholars to extend their benevolent interventions to Sudan. While Sudan may not be a member of ECOWAS, its historical and cultural ties to us cannot be taken away. Just as we stand by Niger, we must stand by Sudan.

In this challenging time, I humbly implore our esteemed Ulama to exert their influence and restore peace and tranquillity in Sudan. Just as they have done in our region and Niger, their intervention could serve as a beacon of hope for a nation that has been an invaluable contributor to our growth and development.

Pharm. Baba Isa, Former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Sudan.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has made an unusual request, urging his friends and political allies to abstain from placing paid advertisements in newspapers or utilising paid channels to convey birthday wishes as he approaches his 57th birthday on September 2nd. 

In a press statement personally signed by the Vice President, Shettima justified this unique decision by citing the nation’s commitment to responsible resource management and responsive governance. 

In the statement which he posted on his verified Facebook page, he emphasised the importance of diverting resources towards more meaningful endeavours for societal betterment. 

Shettima stated, “In the spirit of our nation’s commitment to responsible resource management and responsive governance, I kindly request that my friends and political allies refrain from placing paid advertisements or using paid channels to convey birthday greetings on my behalf.” 

Instead of extravagant displays of birthday wishes, the Vice President urged those who wished to celebrate his birthday to contribute to the betterment of society by donating to charity organisations dedicated to the collective pursuit of a more humane and functional world. 

He expressed his belief that such contributions could have a more profound impact on society than paid advertisements. 

This move by Vice President Shettima reflects his dedication to principles of responsible governance and resource management, which he has consistently championed throughout his political career. 

As he celebrates another year of life, he encourages others to join him in prioritising meaningful contributions to society over ostentatious displays of birthday wishes.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Corps members deployed to Katsina State have received advice from retired deputy director of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Fadimatu Muhammad, to refrain from seeking relocation and instead embrace their mandatory one-year service in the assigned state. 

This advice was given during a lecture at the NYSC permanent orientation camp along Mani Road in Katsina. With a total of 1,070 corps members inducted on August 18, the three-week orientation course aims to provide participants with a solid foundation for their upcoming service year. 

Mrs. Muhammad emphasised the significance of unity among Nigerians and explained that continuous requests for relocation could undermine the very purpose of the NYSC scheme. 

During her lecture, Mrs. Muhammad delved into the historical background, mission, and vision of the NYSC, urging corps members to participate actively in the in-camp Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program. 

She stressed that cultivating relevant skills would be essential in a landscape where traditional white-collar jobs are becoming scarcer.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Ajuri Ngelale, President Bola Tinubu’s special assistant for media and publicity, revealed that the president would not hesitate to axe any minister who falls short of expectations. 

In an interview with Channels TV Sunrise Daily on Monday, Mr. Ngelale said that the president has established deadlines and goals for each member of his cabinet. 

He stated that a minister could lose their position if they are not successful in meeting their objectives. 

“President Bola Tinubu is someone who has the results. He says ‘these are your benchmarks, I know what I want you to achieve. 

“I’m not expecting you to just come up with some plan when you get there. I’m telling you the time frame within which I expect you to achieve,” he said. 

“And if you don’t, there are consequences. He’s ready to fire a minister at the drop of a dime if he is not getting what he wants. Absolutely,” Mr Ngelale added.

By Aisar Fagge

The Dangote Articulated Truck Driving School has graduated 50 Special Truck Drivers on weekend.

It was gathered that ten of the drivers were women and trained on Defensive Driving for three months.

A statement signed by the spokesman of the Dangote Group, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, and made available to journalists on Monday, disclosed.

The statement qouted Mr. Ajay Singh, the Divisional Director of the Dangote Cement Plc, Transport section, Obajana Plant, Kogi State, to have said that the Articulated Driving School was aimed at taming the tide of auto crash in Nigeria.

Singh who spoke during the graduation ceremony added that “The company has a zero tolerance for auto crash, which informed the setting up of different programmes, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

“Head of Human Resources, Mr. Azeez Adeniyi said the Dangote Articulated Truck Driving School, is unique, being the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria,” he stated.

The statement further added that “He (Singh) urged the graduates to maximize the advantages from the training, adding that it was a rare and golden opportunity to have passed through the school.

“The school manager, Mr. Daniel Marcus Akuso, said some of the courses offered for the Batch A include: Civic Education, English, Mathematics, Defensive Driving, Truck Handling, Maintenance Technology, DCT Administration Procedures, Root Cause Analysis, Health and Science, Road Signs and Codes.

“Mr. Akuso said the graduates will now undertake a six-month attachment to enable them to acquire practical experience.

“Speaking, Deputy Road Commandant, (OC Instructor) of the FRSC attached to Dangote Driving School, Engr Mukhtar Umar said his agency plays a significant role in the training and certification of old drivers and newly recruited trainees.

“We teach them defensive driving, road signs, responsibilities of the driver, driving culture, and then certify them. These are Special Drivers,” Engr Umar said.

“Representative of Fantique Driving Centre, South Africa, Mr. Jacques Van Heerden, said the graduates were trained on defensive driving, assuring that if they abide by the lessons learned from the courses, it will help Nigeria in reducing the menace of auto crash.

“On his part, Col Ravig Kumar, Chief General Manager, Maintenance Department, expressed optimism that the female drivers, especially, will make Nigeria proud, while urging them not to disappoint the company, wherever they may find themselves.

“Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Mr. Ajayi Kehinde Daniel, said: “We are not just drivers, but defensive drivers. Throughout this period of training, we have been exposed to the causes of road accidents, and how to avoid them. Some of these causes, if not all, are actually avoidable.”

“Also present at the Graduation Ceremony were: Head of Department, Post Trip Inspection(PTI), Mr. Charles Theophilus, Head of Control, Mr. Suresh Ramamoorthy, Col Hemant Rana, as well as other members of the Fantique Training Centre of South Africa: Pieter Momberg and Anton Schenk,” the statement added.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Wusasa neighbourhood of Kaduna State’s Zaria Local Government Area saw a gang of suspected bandits ambush and kidnap a health worker and his brother. 

According to reports, the incident occurred on Friday night. 

Engineer Isiyaku Ibrahim, the village chief of Wusasa, confirmed the incident. 

He bemoaned that the kidnappers have so often made their area the target of their attacks, abducting many of the people in the neighbourhood. 

Mr. Isiyaku added that Wusasa village, which is outside of the historic city of Zazzau, has seen a number of attacks recently.

Recall that a recent attack left an army officer and a vigilante member dead.

By Yakubu Ammar Sani

On the unfortunate evening of August 24, 2023, around 8:30 p.m., a horrifying incident of police brutality unfolded in the peaceful neighborhood of Dabar Makaho, around Famfon Shanu, Azare Bauchi State of Nigeria. This incident serves as a shocking reminder of the abuse of power and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. 

It all began when a group of police officers, whose duty is to protect and serve the community, unlawfully used excessive force on an accused person. The officers, instead of conducting a proper arrest, resorted to violence, misusing their firearms, and hitting the accused with sticks. 

Tragically, in the midst of this brutal act, an innocent young boy passing by became an unintended victim. The excessive force used by the police officers resulted in the boy suffering a severe eye injury, nearly causing the loss of his eye. This incident has undoubtedly left a traumatizing impact on the young boy’s life. 

What is even more distressing is the apathy shown by the police officers involved. Instead of rushing the injured boy to the hospital for urgent medical attention, they callously neglected his wellbeing. This blatant disregard for human life is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about the values and principles these officers are supposed to uphold. 

In a further display of aggression, when a concerned Good Samaritan attempted to intervene and bring attention to the officers’ wrongdoing and the critical condition of the young boy, they responded with further violence. It is shocking to witness those entrusted with maintaining law and order resorting to further brutality and attempting to silence those who speak out against injustice.

The victim, Usman Sa’idu, who is 13 years old.

The incident that occurred on August 24, 2023, is not an isolated event. Instances of police brutality have become all too common, leaving a trail of suffering and shattered lives in their wake. These incidents highlight the urgent need for robust reforms within law enforcement agencies. Comprehensive training programs focused on human rights, ethics, and de-escalation techniques must be developed and implemented to ensure that officers understand the importance of safeguarding the public and upholding the law. 

Equally important is the establishment of effective mechanisms for reporting and addressing cases of police misconduct. It is essential for individuals who witness or experience such brutality to feel safe and confident in reporting these acts, knowing that appropriate action will be taken. Proper investigation and accountability measures must be in place to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. 

As a society, we cannot stand idle and allow the abuse of power to continue. It is the collective responsibility of citizens, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies to work together to address these grave issues. This means fostering a culture of respect, transparency, and accountability within our police forces. Only then can we begin to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. 

Furthermore, it is the duty of the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens by enacting legislation that protects individuals from the atrocities of police brutality. This legislation should provide clear guidelines on the appropriate use of force, ensure effective oversight mechanisms, and ensure that justice is served for victims of police misconduct. 

The incident that took place on August 24, 2023, serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for reform. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to work towards a future where every individual, regardless of age, gender, or social status, can feel safe and protected by those sworn to uphold the law. 

Let us unite as a community to demand accountability, transparency, and justice for the victims of police brutality. Only then can we create a society where every person can live without fear of harm and where those in positions of authority carry out their duties with integrity and respect for human life.

Yakubu Ammar Sani wrote from Azare, Bauchi State and can be reached via -ammaryakubusani@gmail.com.

By Muhammadu Sabiu  

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has announced a relief fund of N36.4 million to assist the 1,215 members of the National Youth Service Corps currently stationed in the state for their national service. 

Each individual within the corps will receive N30,000 as part of the support initiative. 

Following his attendance at the oath-taking ceremony for these youth corps members during the reopening of the camp in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum made a weekend visit to the NYSC orientation camp. 

During the visit, he inspected the honour guard and subsequently addressed the corps members. 

Furthermore, the Governor extended his support by providing 10 cows, 10 bags of 100 kg beans, 10 litres of cooking oil, 100 bags of rice, and 10 more bags of 100 kg beans.

These provisions are intended to facilitate a special meal as part of the ongoing three-week orientation programme for the youth corps members. 

In his address, Governor Zulum emphasised the importance of adhering to camp rules and fostering positive relationships among one another.

He urged the corps members to contribute to national harmony through their actions and interactions. 

Governor Zulum conveyed his aspirations for the corps members to exhibit dedication and loyalty to authorities while fostering friendships within the region.

He highlighted the collective goal of building a prosperous Nigeria with sustainable economic growth and development. 

The governor expressed gratitude to the federal government for bolstering security in Borno State, which paved the way for the resumption of NYSC orientation camp operations in Maiduguri after a 13-year hiatus.