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By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Wednesday, 18th February, 2026 as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH following the confirmed sighting of the new moon.

The announcement was contained in a press release signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.

According to the statement, reports from various National Moon Sighting Committees across the country confirmed the sighting of the new moon on Tuesday, 17th February, which marked the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH.

Accepting the reports, the Sultan, who is also the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), officially declared Wednesday as the first day of the holy month.

The Sultan congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and prayed for Allah’s guidance and blessings throughout the period. He urged all Muslims to use the season to pray for peace, progress, and development of the nation.

He wished all Muslims a happy and blessed Ramadan Kareem, praying that Allah (SWT) accepts all religious deeds.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran on the anniversary of its Islamic Revolution, describing the occasion as an important landmark in the country’s contemporary history.

This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria extends warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the occasion of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution,” the statement read.

Nigeria said the commemoration reflects Iran’s “enduring commitment to sovereignty and national development.”

The ministry stated that Nigeria acknowledges the importance of the anniversary to Iranians. It also recognised their “continued pursuit of progress, stability and prosperity.”

According to the statement, Nigeria and Iran have sustained diplomatic relations for more than five decades. It explained that the relationship has been anchored on mutual respect, shared interests and constructive engagement.

The ministry added that both nations continue to work together at bilateral and multilateral levels. Their cooperation covers political, economic, cultural and technical fields. It said this engagement demonstrates a shared dedication to peaceful collaboration and global partnership.

Nigeria used the occasion to restate its resolve to deepen diplomatic relations with Iran through dialogue and mutually rewarding cooperation.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria conveys its best wishes to the Government and people of Iran for continued peace, stability and prosperity,” the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Saudi Arabia has announced plans to introduce official passports for millions of camels across the kingdom as part of efforts to improve oversight and management of its prized livestock.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said the move would help raise standards in the sector and create a dependable national record, noting that the initiative would increase “productivity and efficiency in the sector and build a reliable reference database for camels.”

A social media post released by the ministry on Tuesday showed the proposed document, which appears as a green passport bearing the Saudi coat of arms and a golden image of a camel.

According to state-owned broadcaster Al Ekhbariya, the passport will “contribute to organizing sales and trading operations by regulating trade and transportation, providing official documentation, protecting the rights of owners, and facilitating proof of ownership.”

Government estimates in 2024 placed the camel population at about 2.2 million, underscoring the importance of the animals, which have served as transport, symbols of status and key drivers of a lucrative breeding industry in the kingdom for centuries.

By Dr. Saifullahi Shehu Imam

The political landscape of Kano, ever dynamic, influential and consequential has entered a defining moment. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s decision to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), anchored on the powerful declaration “Putting Kano First for the Good of All,” is far more than a political realignment. It is a bold statement of priorities, a calculated act of leadership, and a clear signal that governance, not partisan rigidity, will guide the future of Kano State. Critics will be quick to cry foul, branding it as opportunism. But leadership demands that we look beyond labels and emotions, and instead interrogate outcomes.

Kano, as the economic nerve centre of northern Nigeria, stands at a crossroads. The challenges are real and urgent: revitalizing commerce and industry, tackling youth unemployment, rebuilding critical infrastructure, improving security and expanding access to quality education and healthcare. These challenges cannot be met by isolation or political friction; they require cooperation, access, and influence at the highest levels of national decision making.

Governor Yusuf’s resolve to put Kano first reflects a practical understanding of Nigeria’s federal structure. In such a system, meaningful development thrives where state and federal governments work in harmony. When alignment exists, projects move faster, funding flows more smoothly, and policy coordination becomes effective. By choosing synergy over strain, the governor has removed an avoidable bottleneck to progress. This is not capitulation, it is strategic foresight that ensures that Kano’s voice is amplified in the corridors of power, not muffled by political dissonance.

Equally important is the governor’s emphasis on “the Good of All.” This phrase must not be overlooked. It speaks directly to the everyday realities of Kano’s people: the traders in our markets seeking a stable economy, the teacher grappling with overcrowded classrooms, the healthcare worker striving with limited resources, and the graduate searching for dignified employment. Governance must ultimately be measured by its impact on these lives, not by party posturing.

Political energy spent on constant confrontation is energy diverted from solving real problems. It is understandable that some citizens may initially struggle with the shift. Change, especially in politics, often provokes uncertainty. But history consistently rewards leaders who take difficult decisions in the interest of the greater good. The ultimate loyalty of any governor is not to party structures, but to the people who entrusted him with their mandate.

If this decision accelerates the delivery of roads, schools, hospitals, security, and jobs, then it stands justified by its results. In essence, Governor Yusuf has not abandoned his principle; he has elevated it. He has chosen the principle of effective governance over comfortable stagnation, cooperation over confrontation, and results over rhetoric. Putting Kano First is a declaration that development will no longer wait for perfect political conditions, it will be pursued through intelligent alignment and purposeful action. The responsibility now shifts to execution.

The governor must translate this political capital into visible, measurable progress. Likewise, the APC must ensure that this homecoming yields tangible federal presence and support in Kano. If both sides rise to the occasion, this moment will be remembered not as a political switch, but as a decisive turning point in Kano’s development trajectory. For the people of Kano, this is not a time for cynicism but for constructive expectation. This move represents a bold gamble on efficiency, inclusion, and progress. And if rightly harnessed, it could usher in a new era where governance truly serves the many, not the few. That ambition alone deserves our support and our keen expectation of the results to come.

Kano First. For the Good of All. Dr. Saifullahi Shehu Imam can be reached via: saifaz2005@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Rap star Nicki Minaj has openly explained why she considers herself a steadfast supporter of United States President Donald Trump, a stance that has drawn both attention and controversy.

Minaj made the declaration on Wednesday during an event promoting “Trump Accounts,” a federal initiative intended to provide trust funds for children. During her remarks, she described her admiration for the American leader in strong terms.

“I will say that I am probably the president’s number one fan, and that’s not going to change,” the 43‑year‑old musician said. “And the hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more.”

Minaj also addressed the criticism aimed at the president, saying she would oppose what she interprets as mistreatment by his critics. “We’re not going to let them get away with bullying him and, you know, the smear campaigns. It’s not going to work, OK? He has a lot of force behind him, and God is protecting him. Amen,” she added.

Her remarks followed an appearance on stage with Trump, where she stepped forward to express her backing for the president’s policies and the new trust account programme.

Minaj’s support for Trump, which she reiterated despite public disagreement from fans and observers, has reignited debate about her political alignment and public image.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed 64 ambassadorial nominees presented by President Bola Tinubu, among them former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri.

The confirmation took place on Thursday after the Senate adopted a report submitted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The committee stated that all nominees underwent screening and met the requirements for appointment.

This development came two days after the upper chamber approved three non-career ambassadorial nominees—Lateef Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Emmanuel Ayodele Oke from Oyo State.

Their confirmation raised the total number of approved ambassadors to 67.

Those cleared on Thursday included former Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Special Adviser on New Media to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri; former presidential aide, Ita Enang; and former senator, Grace Bent.

Also confirmed were former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu; former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu.

Altogether, the confirmed nominees consist of 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners, alongside 30 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners.

By Anwar Usman

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the online registration for the 2025 Batch C prospective corps members by 48 hours, as a result of technical glitches experienced during the registration process.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Director of Information and Public Relations of NYSC, Caroline Embu, saying the registration, earlier scheduled to close on November 9, will now end at midnight on Tuesday, November 11.

“The longer than usual time it is taking some PCMs to complete the registration is as a result of network issues.

“While Management regrets the inconvenience this might have caused our valued prospective corp members, we wish to assure all that we are working round the clock to resolve the issues and ensure they enjoy seamless registration,” she stated.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Vice President Namadi Sambo on his turbaning as the Sardaunan Zazzau.

The ceremony will be performed by the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, on Saturday, October 11.In a press release, President Tinubu described the title as one of “great cultural and historical significance in Northern Nigeria.”

He stated that the honour reflects the Zazzau Emirate’s confidence in Sambo’s “wisdom, integrity, and commitment to society’s progress.”

The President praised the former Vice President’s exemplary leadership, humility, and dedication to national development.

He also commended the Emir for upholding the tradition of honouring individuals whose character embodies the Emirate’s values of unity and service.

President Tinubu wished Sambo success in his new role and urged him to continue guiding the younger generation and working with community leaders to advance peace and development in the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A cleaner at a tertiary hospital in Maiduguri, Faiza Abdulkadir, has been widely commended for her integrity after returning N4.8 million that was mistakenly transferred into her bank account.

Faiza, who earns a monthly salary of N30,000 and supports five children, discovered the error and immediately took steps to return the funds. She explained that she was motivated by her conscience and faith.

“When I confirmed it was genuine, I knew it wasn’t my money. I decided to transfer it back for my peace of mind and quest for paradise,” she said.

The incident, which initially caused her significant distress, has since drawn national attention.

Local residents and activists have hailed her as a role model and are urging the government to provide her with support and official recognition.

Calls for Faiza to receive a national honour are growing, and a fundraising effort has already gathered over N135,000 to assist her and her family.

By Uzair Adam

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised alarm over the growing threat of loneliness, revealing that more than 871,000 people die globally each year due to its effects.

In a report released on Monday, the WHO Commission noted that one in six individuals worldwide is grappling with loneliness — a condition that, along with social isolation, significantly impacts both physical and mental health.

The report outlined that loneliness raises the risk of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and suicide. It also has academic and economic consequences, with lonely teenagers 22 percent more likely to perform poorly in school, while affected adults struggle more with employment.

Beyond personal consequences, the commission said loneliness leads to major economic costs due to increased healthcare demands and lost productivity.

Co-chair of the commission, Vivek Murthy, described loneliness as “a painful, subjective feeling that many of us experience when the relationships that we need do not match the relationships that we have.”

He distinguished it from social isolation, which he defined as an objective state of having few social connections.

According to the WHO, one in three elderly people and one in four adolescents are socially isolated.

The report cited causes including illness, low income, poor education, lack of social opportunities, living alone, and excessive use of digital technologies.

Murthy highlighted that while human communication has traditionally included facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, these elements are often lost when interaction is limited to phones and social media.

Sweden was highlighted as a model example in tackling loneliness.

The country has launched a national strategy to promote social connections in public spaces like shops, restaurants, and clubs.

Swedish Social Minister Jakob Forssmed revealed that prepaid cards are being introduced for children and teens to encourage participation in group leisure activities.

The country also plans to ban mobile phones in public schools to foster in-person interaction.

Studies referenced in the report suggest such efforts have improved social bonds, reduced cyberbullying, and improved sleep patterns among young people.

While acknowledging the benefits of digital tools, the WHO emphasised the need for physical spaces where people can connect without technological interference.

Murthy stressed, “Having places and spaces in our life where we can interact face-to-face with other people without the distraction of technology is very important.”