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By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has condoled with the government and people of Bauchi State over the demise of Emir of Ningi, Alhaji (Dr.) Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya, OON who passed away in the early hours of today, Sunday at the age of 88 years.

In a message of condolence, the Governor said the demise of the first class traditional ruler, especially at this time, is a great loss not only to Ningi emirate but the country as a whole.

He described the monarch as an iconic ruler and a man of peace who, throughout his 46 years of reign, was known for preaching and promoting unity and harmony among the people of his domain, Bauchi state and the nation at large.

The Gombe Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, consoled the bereaved royal family to take solace in the fact that the late emir left behind legacies of honour, dignity and selfless service, urging them to uphold and sustain same.

Governor Inuwa, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe state, extended his heartfelt condolences to his Bauchi state counterpart, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Chairman of Bauchi State Council of Emirs and Chiefs and Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, members of Ningi Emirate Council as well as government and people of the state over the great loss.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has revealed that over 21,600 students are using fake certificates obtained from degree mills in countries such as Benin Republic and Togo.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, during a press briefing in Abuja, marking his first year in office.

Professor Mamman stated that out of these, 1,105 students hold fake certificates from Togo.

This revelation follows the government’s formation of an Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee on Degree Certificate Milling in March, aimed at addressing the proliferation of fake degrees.

The Minister stated that all fake degrees, whether from Nigerian or foreign institutions, will be systematically removed from the system.

He mentioned that the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation has been instructed to issue a circular to ensure the removal of individuals holding such certificates.

Additionally, Professor Mamman highlighted the challenges faced by tertiary institutions due to high electricity tariffs and announced a government-approved long-term plan to power these institutions using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

He also shared that, over the past year, the ministry has successfully reintegrated around four million out-of-school children back into the education system.Efforts are also underway to enhance teacher support, welfare, and development in collaboration with UNESCO and the World Bank.

Furthermore, the Minister addressed recent concerns about the safety of school buildings and the government’s collaboration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering to improve school infrastructure standards.

In response to the ongoing discussions with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Mamman assured that steps are being taken to meet their needs and prevent future strikes.

By Uzair Adam

Reports coming from northwest Nigeria have shown that bandits attacked the Moriki community in Zamfara State on Wednesday night, abducting over 10 residents and demanding a ransom of N50 million.

The attack has further intensified the sense of insecurity in the area.The Zamfara State Police Command, through its spokesperson ASP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident.

He stated that the Commissioner of Police has ordered immediate action to rescue the victims.

A resident of Moriki community shared with the BBC Hausa Service on Thursday that the bandits have been a constant threat to the community.

He revealed that they previously abducted other residents and claimed their cows were killed by a local commander.

During this latest attack, the bandits reportedly went from house to house, capturing people and setting a deadline for the ransom payment.

According to the resident, this isn’t the first time the bandits have attacked the community for ransom.

He recounted a recent incident where they extorted N20 million from the community, allowing locals access to their farms in return. “The community remains in a state of insecurity,” he said.

By Khalid Imam

Dr. Bukar Usman, the acclaimed President of the Nigerian Folklore Society, (NFS) and the President of the Dr. Bukar Usman Foundation who was a recipient of many illustrious awards including one of the highest national medals, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), is to be deservedly inducted with the most distinguished Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (Hon. FNAL).

In a well-crafted letter sent to Dr. Usman, the National President of NAL, Professor Sola Akinrinade, FNAL aptly enumerated that the Honorary Fellowship is the most prestigious award that the Nigerian Academy of Letters bestows on well-qualified non-members who have significantly made astonishing contributions to the transformation of the Arts and Humanities in Nigeria. While felicitating with Dr. Usman, an esteemed honoree, Prof. Akinrinade rolled out the deserving names of some of the acclaimed past honorary awardees of Hon. FNAL which include among others; late Mr. Gamaliel Onosode; HRH Alhaji Umaru Sanda Ndayako late Etsu Nupe, Emir of Bida; HRM Omo n’Oba n’Edo Erediauwa, late Oba of Benin Kingdom; a seasoned administrator and politician, late Mallam Adamu Ciroma and an astute diplomat, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, and Most Rev. Bishop Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah.

These past Honorary Fellows were all distinguished giants in their different professional callings whose fascinating contributions to Arts and Humanities as well as other fields were well noted and appreciated.

Considering the high esteem and recognition Dr. Usman is enjoying due to his oeuvre cutting across the fields of literature, language, history and security, NAL President stated in his letter to Dr. Usman that, the illustrious and apex body of scholars considered it as an honor that Dr. Usman, a son of Biu from Borno State of northeastern Nigeria will be one of those called to join the hall of honour of Hon. FNAL.

Dr. Usman, a renowned author of over thirty well-received publications, famed for being very meticulous in research and dissimulation of profound history facts is a silent achiever and disciplined organizer who, before his retirement from the presidency in 1999 as a Permanent Secretary was adjudged to be among some of the finest public administrators. Through his Dr. Bukar Usman Foundation, Dr. Usman has been publishing and distributing free books to educational institutions, individuals and organizations across Nigeria and beyond. A philanthropist par excellence, Dr. Usman has been supporting vulnerable individuals with education support funds, health support bills, and he has been distributing free fertilizers and quality seeds to poor farmers in his Biu community. A detribalized Nigerian, he is with loyal friends and colleagues across the Niger. A man with heart of gold he is always willing to be a part of worthy endeavors that would move Nigeria forward. A tower of strength to the youths he is a reliable bridge-builder.
To those familiar with Dr. Usman’s outstanding public service achievements, literary contributions and philanthropy, many recognized him as one of the most generous patrons of books, arts and literature, therefore his investiture for the conferment of the Hon. FNAL held on Thursday, 8th August, 2024, at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, has been long awaited. Hence, the good news of this Hon. FNAL award has been receiving wide applause and salutes among the academics, writers and readers across the country.

Among his many awards are: LAN award by Linguistic Association of Nigeria in 2013; Honorary Doctorate degree, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) in 2014 by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; the Golden Ingots honour for excellence by his alma mater, the King’s College, Lagos in 2015; Award for Value-Oriented Leadership by the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 2016; among many others too numerous to roll out here.

Dr. Usman who became active in writing after his retirement from public service, born on 10th December, 1942, is without doubt a prolific writer without border, especially when the array of areas he delved into are anything to consider. Some of his publications are: A History of Biu; Language Disappearance and Cultural Diversity in Biu Emirate; Girl- Child Education in Biu Emirate: the Early Years; My Literary Journey; My Public Service Journey: Issues in Public Policy Administration in Nigeria; Hatching Hopes; Folklore and History: the Twin Rivers of World Heritage; Leadership, Security and National Development; Issues and Challenges of National Security; Language, Technology and Democratic Culture; Restructuring Nigeria: An Overview; Public Policy Formulation in Nigeria; Taskar Tatsuniyoyi; A Selection of Nigerian Folktales: Themes and Settings; People, Animals,. Spirits and Objects: 1000 Folk Stories of Nigeria; Gods and Ancestors: Mythic Tales of Nigeria; My Literary Works: Reviews and Reports; A Foundation of Hope and many others.

As Dr. Bukar Usman receives the prestigious Hon. FNAL award, one can’t fail to hail NAL for bestowing honour to whom it is duly due. Congratulations.

Khalid Imam is a Kano-based bilingual poet, writer and education administrator who is the Curator of All Poets Network International and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Poetry Renaissance Trust. He can be reached via email: khalidimam2002@gmail.com

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A massive crowd of youths enthusiastically welcomed Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya with the green-white-green Nigerian flag during his visit to Kumo, the Headquarters of Akko LGA.

The display of patriotism was a stark contrast to recent events in other parts of the country where some youths were seen waving foreign flags.

The governor was received by a jubilant crowd from the outskirts of Kumo, who accompanied him throughout his visit, expressing gratitude for the development projects undertaken in the area.

Governor Inuwa, who inspect the newly completed ultra-modern general hospital, commission road projects and flag-off new ones, commended the youths for their patriotic spirit.

“While in some places you see the flags of other countries being raised, here, you see support and love from the people,” he said, expressing optimism about the nation’s future with such a positive youth demography.

“The enthusiasm and patriotism displayed by these young people today give me great hope for Nigeria’s future. Peaceful and patriotic youths are indeed the bedrock upon which a brighter Nigeria will be built,”Gov. Inuwa asserted.

He called on the people to maintain peace and harmony, assuring them of the government’s commitment to improving their lives.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has on Thursday, received, on a courtesy call, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) supervising the North East geopolitical region, Bala Ciroma, who was on a tour to evaluate the security situation and strengthen coordination between the police force and state authorities in the aftermath of the violent protest that erupted on August 1.  

Speaking to newsmen shortly after a closed-door meeting with the Governor, the DIG stated, “It is part of my responsibility to come around to assess security situation and to seek areas of cooperation between the respective state governments and police commissioners to enhance security in the states across the Northeast region.” 

“ I can confirm that the situation in Gombe State is calm. However, there is a need for us to fortify security around so that we can cope with any eventuality, not only in terms of the protest but also in terms of enhancing security in respect of other crimes that may be prevalent around”, the DIG added.  

Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended the DIG for his proactive approach and reassured him of the Gombe State Government’s commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security in the state.  

The Governor further stressed that his administration has always focused on creating a safe environment conducive to growth and development and that the recent protests, while concerning, have been managed effectively by the security apparatus with people now going about their normal businesses.

By Anas Abbas  

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a warning against planned protests in various parts of Nigeria, citing a sinister plot by unknown elements to infiltrate the demonstrations and cause chaos and extreme violence. 

According to the DSS, the planned protests are politically motivated and aimed at smearing the federal and sub-national governments, making them unpopular, and pitting them against the masses.

The ultimate goal, the service claims, is to achieve a regime change, particularly at the federal level. 

The DSS says it has identified the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators of the plot and is working to dissuade the planners from carrying out their objectives.

The Service has applied non-kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement, and multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to resolve the situation peacefully. 

The DSS warns protest groups to eschew violence, anarchy, and destruction of property, urging them to engage with authorities peacefully.   

The Service also calls on various groups, including leaders of thought, captains of industry, labour unions, student associations, youth leaders, civil society organisations, NGOs, and politicians, to shun any invitation to participate in orchestrated violence.

However, parents, guardians, and heads of institutions are advised to caution their children, wards, and students against participating in the planned protests.  

The DSS assures the public that it will work with other security agencies to maintain peace and apply legitimate methods to achieve this goal.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, has announced that the Federal Government will increase the monthly allowance of corps members once the ongoing negotiations on the new minimum wage are completed.

Ahmed made this known during a visit to the Ogun State NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu, where he addressed 2,762 corps members of Batch B, Stream One.

He congratulated the corps members for making it to the orientation camp, noting that many of their colleagues had not been so lucky academically to have the privilege of being called corps members.

The DG urged the corps members to take their training seriously, as it is designed to sharpen their leadership skills and make them better Nigerians and more useful to society.

He also warned them against posting camp activities on social media, stating that three corps members had been expelled from the camp for flouting this rule.

Ahmed advised the corps members to prioritize their security and avoid unnecessary journeys, especially at night.

He also encouraged them to consider a career in the military, impressed by the military skills displayed by the parade guard.

The DG donated four cows to the corps members for their feeding and commended the military skills displayed by the parade guard.

He also urged the corps members to respect the culture of the communities they will be posted to for their primary assignment and discharge their duties responsibly as worthy ambassadors of the 51-year-old scheme.

The Ogun State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Olayinka Nasamu, appreciated the DG’s visit and highlighted the camp’s needs, including additional boreholes, water reservoirs, inadequate bunks and mattresses, a functional ambulance, and a proper food store.

She also noted that the camp has provided handwashing stations and sanitizers to prevent the outbreak of cholera.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a member of the State House of Assembly, a district head, and a former local government chairman in connection with ongoing banditry in the state.

Commissioner of Police Muhammad Dalijan disclosed this during a meeting with Thomas Parker, the officer in charge of the Counterterrorism Unit under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

While the names of the arrested individuals were not disclosed, CP Dalijan emphasized the importance of international support in combating crime in the region.

He appealed to the United Nations to help establish a forensic laboratory in Zamfara to eliminate the need for traveling to Lagos for forensic analyses.

The meeting at the command headquarters in Gusau also discussed the need for training on investigations and the establishment of forensic laboratories to speed up the investigation and prosecution of suspected criminals.

Despite challenges, Dalijan noted a reduction in crime rates in Zamfara due to the concerted efforts of security agencies and Community Protection Guards (CPGs).

The UNODC team has embarked on a three-day stakeholders’ engagement in the state to understand the scope, challenges, and drivers of the insecurity and determine the best methods for addressing the threats.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has responded to the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s recommendation to probe his 8-year tenure as governor.

El-Rufai’s Special Adviser on Media, Muyiwa Adekeye, issued a statement expressing disgust at the “show of shame” exhibited by the State House of Assembly during the sitting of the ad-hoc committee.

El-Rufai is confident in his records, assures integrity and competence during his tenure, and dismisses the probe as a politically motivated witch hunt.

According to the statement, El-Rufai led a government of integrity and competent governance, and he is immensely proud of his record of governance and the legacy he left in Kaduna State.

The statement also mentions that many officials who served in the El-Rufai government appeared before the ad-hoc committee, confident in the quality of their service and the rectitude with which they served Kaduna State.

The statement concludes by assuring discerning Nigerians that El-Rufai has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team, and that he complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was governor.