News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has raised an alarm that the widespread consumption of animal hides and skins, popularly known as ponmo, is endangering Nigeria’s leather industry, valued at approximately $5 billion.

Speaking at the National Campaign Against the Consumption of Ponmo in Abuja on Thursday, Professor Nnanyelugo Ikemounso, Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), stated that the practice strips local industries of the vital raw materials required for leather production and export.

Ikemounso revealed that the Nigerian leather goods market, valued at $2.79 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $4.96 billion by 2033.

He warned that this projected growth is at risk if the diversion of hides for food continues.“From an economic and industrial standpoint, cowhides are one of Nigeria’s most valuable raw materials,” Ikemounso said.

“Sadly, the continuous diversion of hides for ponmo consumption denies our industries access to quality raw materials, weakens our tanning and leather manufacturing sector, and diminishes Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global leather market.”

He emphasized that the campaign, tagged “Wear, Not Eat Your Leather,” is a strategic move to channel hides and skins into industrial use for national economic benefit, not an attack on cultural or dietary preferences.

Beyond the economic argument, the DG raised significant health concerns, describing ponmo as a food item with little to no nutritional value. He cautioned that many hides processed for consumption are treated with toxic substances like formalin and diesel.

“These pose serious health risks ranging from organ damage to increased risk of cancer,” Ikemounso warned.

The leather industry is considered one of Nigeria’s most promising non-oil sectors, with the potential to be a major source of export revenue and job creation, but the government fears the popularity of ponmo is stifling its full potential.

By Anas Abbas

A man identified as Isma’il Dahiru Ajingi has been re-arraigned before the State High Court at the Audu Bako Secretariat in Kano State on allegations of killing his father.

The arraignment follows investigations by the Kano State Government into the incident.

Although details of the alleged motive and the exact date of the offence were not publicly disclosed at the time of filing, the prosecution has brought forward the charge of homicide under the applicable provisions of the Penal Code.

The court hearing is now underway, with the accused remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings.

The case highlights serious concerns over domestic violence and filial conflict, prompting calls from stakeholders for heightened public awareness and stronger preventive measures.

By Anwar Usman

The Kaduna State Police Command has announced the rescue of 17 trafficked children and arrested three suspected child traffickers.

This was revealed by DSP Mansir Hassan, the spokesperson of the command, in a statement on November 12, 2025, following credible intelligence on suspicious movements of children under the Danmagaji Flyover in Zaria, detectives from Danmagaji Division swiftly swung into action, leading to the rescue of the children.

The rescued children were allegedly being prepared for trafficking to Abuja and other parts of the country and beyond.

Three suspects apprehended in connection with the incident include Musa Shuaibu, 21, a native of Funtua, Katsina; Sani Mamman, 23, from Ingawa, Katsina State; and Mubarak Ismail, 20, from Unguwa Uku, Kano State.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to having brought the children from different locations and were in the process of transporting them to Abuja before their arrest.

All the rescued children are underage and were found in good health, who are currently under the care and protection of the police command, as efforts continue to locate and reunite them with their parents or guardians.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has called for stronger collaboration with social media influencers and content creators to improve the dissemination of health information during disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.

This was made known by the Director General of the KNCDC, Professor Muhammad Abbas, during the second day of a three-day workshop on developing an Outbreak Communication Framework and Media Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Professor Abbas explained that influencers and digital content creators have the capacity to make health messages spread rapidly across different audiences through social media platforms. He added that this strategy aligns with modern audience segmentation, noting that Generation Z are more exposed to digital media than their parents, and can help convey accurate information to older populations who mainly rely on traditional media such as radio.

“The impact of influencers and content creators on social media should not be underrated. They can help amplify health messages and bridge communication gaps between institutions and communities. However, when choosing the influencers, we should consider those who value our norms, culture and religion and the message too should be culturally sensitive,” he said.

Also speaking, a media expert and editor of The Daily Reality newspaper, Aisar Fagge, backed the idea, emphasizing the need for a multi-dimensional communication strategy in public health campaigns, especially during emergencies.

Fagge pointed out that while the content of a message is vital, the identity of the messenger greatly influences public acceptance. He recalled past experiences where mistrust toward government-led health programs affected public response.

“People sometimes react negatively to health campaigns not because of the message itself, but because of who delivers it. Remember what happens during polio immunization and COVID-19. Therefore, engaging trusted influencers and content creators will make the communication more relatable and credible,” he stated.

The workshop, which gathered communication specialists, journalists, and health officials, was designed to strengthen Kano State’s capacity for effective risk communication and community engagement during health emergencies.

By Maryam Ahmad

Bundesliga club Mainz 05 have lost their appeal against the unfair dismissal ruling in favour of Dutch winger Anwar El Ghazi, who has been awarded €1.7 million in compensation.

A German labour court had earlier found that the club acted unlawfully when it terminated El Ghazi’s contract in November 2023 following social-media posts he made during the Gaza–Israel crisis. The arbitration panel upheld that decision, rejecting Mainz’s argument that the posts constituted grounds for immediate dismissal.

In a statement, Mainz said it accepted the ruling but stressed its commitment to maintaining its internal code of conduct. El Ghazi welcomed the outcome, describing it as a vindication of his right to express his views.

By Uzair Adam

Landowners in Dangoro community of Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano State, have expressed disappointment over what they described as poor representation and lack of transparency during a meeting between government officials and community leaders on the ongoing land dispute in the area.

The meeting, which took place at the Kumbotso Secretariat, was attended by representatives of the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), officials from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, and traditional rulers from the area.

The landowners alleged that they were deliberately left out of the meeting by their district head, Ishaq Yusuf Ishaq, despite prior attempts to engage him on the matter. They accused him of siding with the government instead of protecting the interests of his subjects.

Speaking on behalf of the landowners, Vice Chairman of the group, Sunusi Haruna, said they only learned about the meeting through unofficial sources after it had already begun.

He stated that, “When he was informed about the meeting, he kept mute. He thinks what we are doing for our lands is wrong and sees us as his enemies. When we heard about the meeting, we rushed to the disputed land, only to be told it was at the village head’s palace.

“By the time we got there and later moved to the secretariat, the meeting was already over, and we didn’t know what was discussed,” Haruna added.

The landowners described the situation as a calculated attempt to exclude them from crucial discussions that could determine the fate of their farmlands and plots. They maintained that the district head’s decision not to inform them was unfair and contrary to his duty as a community leader.

They further argued that showing empathy and ensuring fair representation for his people would not amount to defying the government but rather demonstrate good leadership.

It will be recalled that residents of Dangoro community recently held a special prayer session, seeking divine intervention over what they described as the continuous takeover of their farmlands and plots by the state government.

The residents said they were thrown into panic following the government’s plan to relocate the Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Yankaba Vegetables Market to their area — an action they fear could result in another round of land seizures and displacement.

Also Speaking during the latest meeting, another landowner, Haruna Muhammad, who represented a group of individuals with inherited lands in the area, warned that the planned relocation could cause serious hardship.

He stated that, “There are many people whose plots are under my care. Some of them inherited these lands from their parents. It will be a great problem if the government takes them away.”

Also speaking, a respected community elder, Alhaji Gambo Saminu Adamu, appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to personally intervene in the matter.

“We are pleading for your intervention. We know you are just and compassionate. We want you to come to our rescue and choose what is best for us, and we will accept it,” he said.

When contacted, the Secretary of Kumbotso Local Government, Abubakar Bala Sheka, urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the government had no intention of forcefully taking over their lands.

He expressed surprise that the district head failed to inform the landowners about the meeting but noted that the government’s plan was purely developmental.

She added that, “There is a need for understanding. Governor Yusuf bears no ill will. The market is going to be modern and standard. As explained by the Chief Surveyor, if there are ten shops on your land, the government will take five and you will retain five.”

Despite the assurances, the landowners vowed to continue advocating for fair treatment and transparent engagement, insisting that their voices must be heard in any discussion affecting their lands and livelihoods.

By Wathrayel Bassi Amos‎‎‎

Social media was once celebrated as a force for empowerment, creativity, and free expression. Yet beneath that promise lies a sophisticated system—the algorithm—engineered to keep users endlessly engaged. This unseen mechanism values attention over awareness, pushing content that evokes the strongest emotions: anger, envy, or desire. In today’s digital landscape, shock value has become the new form of currency. The more sensational the content, the greater its reach.‎‎

The algorithm, devoid of moral judgment, amplifies whatever sustains attention the longest—even when it undermines social values. From sexually suggestive dance trends to prank videos glorifying deceit, the boundary between entertainment and immorality grows increasingly faint.

Traditional moral guides—parents, teachers, and religious leaders—now struggle to rival platforms that reward sensationalism over substance. Never has indecency been so readily available, flooding timelines without consent. Some entertainers even release explicit material intentionally, using controversy as a marketing tool. In this new age, modesty has lost its worth, while moral decay is repackaged as strategy.

‎‎Cultural and religious voices continue to warn against this decline. They decry how virtues like humility, discipline, and community spirit are being replaced by an obsession with digital recognition. Success is now measured not by integrity but by influence—the size of one’s following. This transformation goes beyond behavior; it is reshaping the psyche of the youth, cutting them off from the moral and cultural foundations that once defined Nigerian identity.‎‎

The dominance of globalized online content represents a quieter form of cultural colonization. Though Nigeria is politically free, its digital life remains governed by algorithms designed abroad—systems detached from local values. These digital gatekeepers decide what trends, what sells, and what the public sees. Some nations, like China, have moved to restrict foreign platforms to safeguard their moral and cultural integrity.‎‎

Nigeria’s youth—the nation’s largest population segment—now grow up in virtual spaces where moral responsibility is optional and validation is everything. Many define themselves not by character, empathy, or contribution, but by the currency of likes, followers, and views. Digital popularity has replaced moral virtue as the new standard of worth.

‎‎To secure its future, Nigeria must reshape its digital culture around responsibility rather than recklessness. Social media should serve as a platform for enlightenment, not erosion—a space that uplifts intellect instead of promoting indecency. The internet must return to its true purpose: a marketplace of ideas, not a stage for moral decline.‎‎

Wathrayel Bassi Amos wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri. ‎

By Wathrayel Bassi Amos

‎The recent altercation between Minister Nyesom Wike and a young Naval officer exposes the deeper structural flaws troubling Nigeria’s democracy. This was not an isolated incident, but a symptom of a long-standing decay—marked by the misuse of law enforcement agencies and the erosion of democratic principles.

Nigerians have watched security operatives act in ways that raise doubts about where their true loyalty lies: to the nation, the law, or to those in positions of power.‎‎In present-day Nigeria, it often takes only a minor disagreement for an influential figure to unleash security agents to pursue personal interests.

From Lagos to Kogi, Rivers, and Abuja, we have witnessed operatives carrying out unlawful instructions for political or private gain. This impunity thrives on the weakening of democratic institutions and the deepening divisions within the political system.‎‎

Regardless of the situation, Minister Wike had no justification for personally confronting military officers executing a lawful directive from their command. As a senior government official, he was expected to act with restraint and pursue the proper channels.

If he believed that the land in question was unlawfully acquired by a former Naval Chief, the appropriate step would have been to compile evidence and submit it to relevant authorities or the courts.‎‎

Ideally, Wike could have written formally to the Minister of Defence to request an investigation, or sought redress through legal means—if the matter was not already under litigation. However, by storming the site with armed escorts and verbally abusing a commissioned officer, even calling him a “fool,” the Minister displayed poor judgment and conduct unbecoming of his office.‎‎

This episode underscores the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy and the rising public resentment toward the political class. While the government has a legitimate duty to demolish illegal structures in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond, such actions must always respect due process and human rights.

‎‎Beyond Wike’s behavior, the incident also exposes the equally troubling misuse of state resources by powerful figures. It was wrong for a former Chief of Naval Staff to deploy serving officers—funded by taxpayers—to secure a private property under dispute. Such acts represent the growing trend of elites using national security assets for personal protection and gain.‎‎

No serious nation should condone the disgraceful scene that unfolded between Wike and the Naval officer. It tarnishes Nigeria’s image and erodes public trust in governance. The President must act decisively to end this culture of impunity.

True leadership demands composure, adherence to due process, and respect for democratic values. When public officials behave as masters rather than servants of the people, the very foundations of governance begin to collapse.

‎‎Wathrayel Bassi Amos wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri. ‎

By Maryam Ahmad

German police have arrested 16 people in a major operation against an international network behind a telephone fraud known as the “grandchild scam.”

The Berlin State Criminal Police Office stated that the operation involved officers from all German states, as well as Europol and police forces in Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

Several call centres linked to the scam were shut down, and 44 planned fraud attempts — worth about €2 million (₦3.9 billion) — were prevented.

In the scheme, fraudsters call elderly victims pretending to be relatives in urgent need of money. In some cases, they claim to have caused a fatal road accident and are followed by fake police officers demanding cash to avoid prosecution.

The suspects, aged between 22 and 63, included callers and money collectors. Among them is a 26-year-old Slovakian woman accused of similar crimes in her country.

Police said the coordinated raids took place between mid-September and late October.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

A group of prominent Nigerian citizens has condemned recent threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to relist Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” and possibly take military action to protect Christians, describing the move as an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty.

In a statement issued in Kaduna, the group — comprising Dr Bilkisu Oniyangi, Professor Usman Yusuf, Dr Ahmed Shehu, Dr Aliyu Tilde, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, and Barrister Kalli Ghazali — warned that such rhetoric from Washington could inflame religious tensions and “turn Nigeria into a pawn in global geopolitics.”

The signatories emphasised that while the concerns of friendly nations such as the U.S., China, the U.K., and Russia are welcome, threats and external pressure are counterproductive. “This is our problem as Nigerians, and it will be solved by us,” the statement read.

The group urged President Bola Tinubu to directly address Nigerians, prioritise national security, and suspend foreign travels until the crisis is resolved. They also called on the U.S. to withdraw its threats and instead assist Nigeria through strategic cooperation and capacity building against terrorism and banditry.

They further appealed for unity among Nigerians, noting that “every life taken, every kidnapping or assault anywhere in Nigeria matters equally.”

Reaffirming faith in Nigeria’s resilience, the statement concluded: “Our independence and unity have been tested many times, and this too shall pass — but only if we act together as one people.”