News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Netflix has lost billions of dollars in market value after billionaire Elon Musk urged viewers to cancel their subscriptions, accusing the streaming giant of promoting what he described as excessive LGBTQ+ content — including in children’s shows.

Musk, in a post on X, said Netflix had become “unwatchable,” claiming it was “almost impossible to find a movie without an LGBTQ+ scene.”

The Tesla and SpaceX chief linked his criticism to his long-standing stance on gender and identity issues, particularly after his child, Vivian Wilson — formerly Xavier Musk — transitioned and publicly cut ties with him.

Following Musk’s comments, Netflix’s share price fell between 2% and 4% within a short period, resulting in an estimated loss of about $15 billion in market capitalization, according to reports from Investing.com and Anadolu Agency.

Analysts noted that while the drop coincided with Musk’s remarks, broader market movements may have also contributed.

However, some social media posts and blogs have claimed the loss exceeded $20 billion, a figure not supported by mainstream financial outlets or market data.

Financial experts caution that the online figure appears to be exaggerated or based on speculative estimates.

Musk’s criticism has sparked heated debate online. Supporters praised him for taking a stand against what they call “agenda-driven content,” while others accused him of intolerance and misinformation.

Netflix has not issued an official response to Musk’s remarks, but the company has previously defended its content diversity, saying it aims to reflect a wide range of human experiences.

While the exact financial impact of Musk’s boycott call remains unclear, the controversy once again highlights how powerful public figures can influence corporate reputation and market performance in the digital age.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has disbursed N5.6 billion to 1,198 former councillors who served between 2018 and 2020 under the administration of ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The payment, which covers severance, gratuity, accommodation, and leave allowances, represents the second batch of liabilities inherited from the previous administration. In May, the governor released N1.8 billion to 903 councillors in the first phase of the settlement.

Speaking at the disbursement ceremony at Coronation Hall, Government House, Yusuf said his administration inherited a total of N15.6 billion in outstanding obligations to former councillors. He assured that the final tranche of N8.2 billion, covering 1,371 beneficiaries, would be cleared by the end of November.

“This is more than a financial settlement. It is about restoring dignity, fairness, and justice to those who sacrificed for grassroots governance,” the governor said.

The event was greeted with jubilation as beneficiaries, many of them members of the opposition APC, received instant payment alerts. Their leader commended Governor Yusuf for his fairness despite political differences, describing him as just and compassionate.

The Executive Secretary of the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Professor Salisu Shehu, has paid a courtesy visit to Northwest University Kano on Thursday, 2 October 2025, where discussions were held on strengthening collaboration between the two institutions.

The visit, which took place at the office of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa, saw Professor Shehu—former Vice Chancellor of Istiqamah University Sumaila—reaffirming the Council’s commitment to advancing educational development nationwide.

Speaking during the engagement, Professor Shehu explained that NERDC, established in 1988, has 10 directorates with specific functions, with its primary mandate focused on curriculum development for both foundational and secondary school levels.

He emphasized the regulatory role of the Council in ensuring quality teaching materials, stating: “Every book written in Nigeria must be submitted to the NERDC for review before it can go through further necessary processes. This is crucial in safeguarding quality and uniformity in our education system.”

Professor Shehu appreciated the Vice Chancellor for creating the platform for the visit, adding that the synergy between NERDC and Northwest University Kano would be of immense benefit to both institutions.

In his welcome remarks, Vice Chancellor Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa congratulated Professor Shehu on his appointment as Executive Secretary of NERDC, describing it as a proof to his distinguished service in the education sector.

While pledging the University’s readiness to collaborate, he highlighted recent reforms introduced by the institution. “We have amended our system to allow students to be part of entrepreneurship programs, where they will acquire practical skills during holidays. This is in line with global best practices in higher education,” he said.

Professor Kurawa, whose tenure as Vice Chancellor is nearing completion, assured the NERDC delegation that the incoming administration would sustain the partnership. “Though my time as Vice Chancellor is coming to an end, I will ensure that my successor continues with this collaboration,” he added.

The meeting was attended by the principal officers of the University, who joined the Vice Chancellor in receiving the NERDC team.On the same day, past and present staff of the Vice Chancellor’s office presented an award of excellence and gifts to Professor Kurawa in recognition of his leadership.

The event, held in his office, was filled with emotion as staff members expressed appreciation for his dedication and prayed for greater success in his future endeavors.

Responding to the gesture, Professor Kurawa said: “I am deeply touched by this show of love. Working with such a committed team has been one of the highlights of my tenure. I remain grateful for your support and prayers.”

In another development, on 30th September 2025, the Bursary Department of the University, under the leadership of the Bursar, Malam Salmanu Muhammad Kibiya, organized a send-forth ceremony in honor of Hajiya Amina Shehu Maimota, who retired after decades of meritorious service.

The event featured emotional speeches and presentation of gifts from colleagues and friends both within and outside the department.

The Bursar described her as a committed staff whose contributions greatly enriched the University’s financial administration.Speakers praised her professionalism, dedication, and commitment in service, while wishing her a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a major move to tackle the nation’s security challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Forest Guards of Nigeria, a new security outfit tasked with flushing out terrorists and bandits from the country’s vast woodland areas.

The President has directed the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to commence the immediate recruitment of personnel for the new force.

According to a statement by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the guards will be assigned to secure 1,129 forests across the country.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the federal and state governments.The President mandated that the forest guards be “well-trained and armed” to effectively carry out their primary duty of combating criminals who use the forests as hideouts for illegal activities.

The Office of the NSA and the Federal Ministry of Environment have been tasked with overseeing the full implementation of the initiative, which is expected to employ thousands of young Nigerians.

The establishment of the Forest Guards follows President Tinubu’s recent vow that his administration would not surrender any Nigerian territory to criminals, emphatically stating that the country “would take back its forests.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nobel Prize winner, Professor Wole Soyinka, has revealed the reason behind his decision to accept the renaming of the National Arts Theatre in Lagos after him.

Soyinka, who spoke on Thursday during the reopening of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, said he once believed the landmark could never be restored.

He explained that he had considered the facility beyond redemption until the Bankers’ Committee carried out a comprehensive renovation.

The literary icon admitted that he agreed to the honour reluctantly, stressing that he had always criticised leaders who attached their names to public monuments.

“I have to stand up in public and watch my name being put up as yet another appropriator. It just didn’t seem very well for me,” Soyinka said.

He further noted that he was ready to “eat his words” if the remarkable transformation of the National Theatre was the cost of having it renamed in his honour.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the state’s Commissioner of Police, accusing him of incompetence and lack of professionalism.

The governor made the appeal on Wednesday during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that Nigerians deserve security officers who are fair, transparent, and dedicated to safeguarding lives and property without bias or political interference.

His call comes at a time of heightened debate over the management of security in Kano, especially the role of the police in the state’s political affairs.

Details later…….

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the worst of the country’s economic challenges are behind them, saying the nation has “finally turned the corner.”

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Tinubu admitted that his economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates, brought temporary hardship.

However, he defended the policies as crucial to saving the country from what he described as a “near-collapsed economy” and “economic chaos.”

“The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” the President declared from the Presidential Villa.

He praised Nigerians for their patience, resilience, and support during the difficult period.

Tinubu used the address to present what he described as his administration’s progress report, outlining 12 key milestones achieved since May 2023.

He cited recent economic growth of 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest in four years.

Inflation, he said, had eased to 20.12 percent in August, the lowest in three years, while external reserves had climbed to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.

Other achievements highlighted include a ₦7.46 trillion trade surplus, improved oil production at 1.68 million barrels per day compared to under one million in 2023, and the stabilisation of the naira, with the gap between official and parallel market rates narrowing significantly.

On security, the President praised the armed forces for “making significant sacrifices to keep us safe,” noting that peace was gradually returning to previously troubled communities in the North-East and North-West.

He also addressed the youth, pointing to programs such as the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed ₦99.5 billion, and the YouthCred initiative for corps members.

“We will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high,” he assured.Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace a culture of production rather than consumption, urging citizens to farm the land, build factories, and support made-in-Nigeria goods.

“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers,” he said.

The President closed his address on a hopeful note, expressing confidence in a “new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria.”

He declared that with divine guidance, the nation’s brighter future had already begun.

By Anwar Usman

The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday stated that his administration has disbursed N330 billion to eight million households under the Federal Government’s social investment programme, designed to support poor families and vulnerable Nigerians.

The president disclosed this in his 65th Independence Day broadcast, noting that the disbursement was part of his administration’s resolve to cushion the impact of economic reforms on the most disadvantaged groups.

He noted that many of the beneficiaries had already received one or two out of the three tranches of N25,000 each.

“Under the social investment programme to support poor households and vulnerable Nigerians, N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of the N25,000 each,” Tinubu said.

The President further admitted that Nigeria had for many years failed to make critical investments in infrastructure, power, and public services, leaving a heavy burden on the present generation.

“Fellow Nigerians, we are racing against time. We must build the roads we need, repair the ones that have become decrepit, and construct the schools our children will attend and the hospitals that will care for our people,” he said.

According to him, the neglect of the past has resulted in poor electricity supply, crumbling roads, and a lack of modern facilities that can compete globally.

He further stated, “We have to plan for the generations that will come after us. We do not have enough electricity to power our industries and homes today, or the resources to repair our deteriorating roads, build seaports, railroads, and international airports comparable to the best in the world, because we failed to make the necessary investments decades ago. Our administration is setting things right”.

The President assured Nigerians that his government was already implementing corrective measures to reverse the country’s decline in infrastructure and the economy.

He praised Nigerians for their resilience in enduring tough times, pledging not to betray the trust that had been reposed in him.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of three new heads for federal agencies in a move aimed at strengthening key sectors and institutions across Nigeria.

The announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The President tasked the new appointees to contribute their expertise to the development of their respective agencies for the good of the nation.

In the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), President Tinubu has appointed Bello Bawa Bwari from Niger State as the new Director-General.

His appointment is for an initial term of four years, effective from September 18, 2025, and is in accordance with the provisions of the National Biosafety Management Agency Act, 2015.

For the Investment and Securities Tribunal, Hon. Barrister Aminu Junaidu of Zamfara State has been appointed as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

He is set to serve a five-year term, which also began on September 18, 2025.Similarly, the President approved the appointment of Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

His initial four-year term took effect earlier, on September 2, 2025.

The Presidency stated that these appointments underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning strategic institutions for greater efficiency and impact.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death in absentia after convicting him of war crimes, treason, and a range of other serious offenses.

The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, marks a dramatic escalation in the political conflict between the former president and his successor, Felix Tshisekedi.

The High Military Court in Kinshasa found Kabila guilty of charges including treason, crimes against humanity, murder, sexual assault, torture, and insurrection.

Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi, presiding over the tribunal, stated that the court applied the most severe penalty under the military penal code.

Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, did not attend the trial and was not represented by legal counsel.

His current whereabouts are unknown, though he has been living primarily in South Africa since 2023 . The former president had previously dismissed the case against him, calling the courts “an instrument of oppression”.

The case stems from accusations that Kabila provided support to the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group.

The prosecution alleged he was plotting to overthrow President Tshisekedi and that the other charges were linked to the M23’s activities.

The court concluded that Kabila “had always been the undisputed leader of M23” and had led meetings and inspected training centers for the group.

The M23 has seized large swaths of territory in the eastern DRC this year, including the major cities of Goma and Bukavu.

The sentence intensifies a long-simmering political feud. Kabila handed power to Tshisekedi after the 2018 elections, but their alliance quickly soured.

In May 2025, Kabila made a highly publicized visit to the rebel-held city of Goma, where he met with religious leaders and expressed his desire to help achieve peace in the troubled eastern region .Earlier this year, the DRC Senate voted to repeal Kabila’s immunity from prosecution, a move he denounced as dictatorial.

The government has also moved to suspend his political party and seize its leaders’ assets .Despite the verdict, Kabila’s arrest seems unlikely in the immediate future.

An appeal is possible before the Court of Cassation, though only on procedural grounds . The DRC lifted a moratorium on the death penalty last year, but no judicial executions have been carried out since.

The sentencing comes amid ongoing violence in eastern DRC, where numerous armed groups operate. While a U.S.-brokered peace agreement was signed in June, and churches have launched peace initiatives, violence and atrocities against civilians persist.

The verdict against Kabila risks fueling further divisions in the vast, mineral-rich nation.