By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

During President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), Nigeria announced that it will co-host Investopia with the UAE in Lagos, Nigeria, in February. The initiative aims to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into Nigeria.

Nigeria has also concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE to deepen cooperation across key sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade. The agreement is expected to significantly strengthen trade relations and deliver tangible benefits for Nigerian businesses, professionals, and workers.

Overall, this expanding trade and economic relationship between Nigeria and the UAE represents a welcome development for both countries, with the potential to drive growth, job creation, and long-term economic collaboration.

However, on the international security front, the UAE is increasingly viewed through a more complex lens. Over the past decade, the country has pursued a more assertive foreign policy, particularly in parts of the Middle East and Africa.

The UAE has faced allegations and scrutiny from some governments, international organisations, media outlets, human rights groups, and analysts regarding its involvement in conflict-affected and politically fragile environments. These debates often centre on whether UAE actions have influenced or intensified existing crises, especially in several Muslim-majority countries.

In Sudan, various reports have alleged that the UAE was involved in the supply of weapons, including drones, to actors in the ongoing conflict. Some accounts claim that arms transfers were routed through neighbouring countries such as Chad, Libya, and Uganda, and that humanitarian operations served as logistical cover. Emirati authorities have denied these allegations, maintaining that the UAE supports humanitarian relief efforts and political solutions to the crisis.

In Yemen, the UAE was a key member of the Saudi-led coalition opposing the Iran-aligned Houthis. At the same time, analysts have pointed to UAE support for the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seeks greater autonomy or independence for southern Yemen. Critics argue that this support contributed to political fragmentation, while others describe it as a pragmatic response to local security challenges and counter-terrorism objectives.

In Libya, the UAE has frequently been cited in international reports as a major external supporter of forces led by Khalifa Haftar and the Libyan National Army. Allegations include the provision of military assistance during operations against Tripoli-based authorities. UAE officials have consistently rejected claims of direct military involvement, emphasising their support for stability and counter-extremism.

In Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, some observers have raised concerns about the UAE’s engagement with regional authorities and security actors, particularly in Puntland and Somaliland, suggesting that this involvement may have influenced internal political and security dynamics.

More recently, the Federal Government of Somalia announced the cancellation of all agreements with the UAE, including deals covering port operations, security cooperation, and defence. Somali authorities cited alleged violations of national sovereignty as the reason for the decision. The UAE, however, maintains that its activities in Somalia and the region are conducted within frameworks of cooperation, development assistance, and mutual security interests.

In 2022, the United States Treasury sanctioned six Nigerian individuals for allegedly raising funds in the UAE to support Boko Haram. This followed earlier actions by UAE authorities in 2021, when individuals were arrested and prosecuted for operating a fundraising network linked to the group. Despite these incidents, Nigeria–UAE relations remain largely focused on investment, trade, and broader economic cooperation.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemba Paul Koughna, has reassured residents of Tidibale community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State of the Army’s commitment to strengthened security and lasting peace.

Major General Koughna gave the assurance during an assessment visit to the community as part of his first official engagements since assuming office.

The visit followed the recent return of residents who had earlier fled the area due to threats from bandits.

Addressing members of the community, the GOC said the visit was aimed at evaluating the security situation and ensuring that normalcy is fully restored.

He stressed that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its responsibility to protect lives and property, adding that troops have been deployed and are now stationed in Tidibale to maintain a strong security presence.

According to him, the deployment would enable residents, particularly farmers, to go about their daily activities without fear. He assured the community that no part of Tidibale would be allowed to fall under the control of bandits, noting that troops are on constant alert and ready to respond swiftly to any security threat.

Major General Koughna also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious movements or activities, emphasizing that effective security can only be achieved through collaboration between the military and the local population.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Sarkin Arewa of Tidibale, Alhaji Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the GOC for the visit, describing it as timely and reassuring.

He said the presence of the Army has renewed hope among residents and boosted their confidence to return to their homes and farmlands.

Earlier, the GOC received an operational briefing from the Commanding Officer, 26 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Nasiru Mustapha, at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Isa.

The briefing highlighted the prevailing security situation and ongoing military operations in the area.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its determination to continue working closely with host communities to ensure enduring peace and security across the North West region.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following his participation in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where a significant economic agreement with the United Arab Emirates was finalized.

On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.

The pact is designed to strengthen economic ties, increase trade and investment, and foster collaboration in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy, including technology transfer.

Addressing the summit, President Tinubu unveiled plans for a joint Nigeria-UAE “INVESTOPIA” event scheduled for Lagos in February.

The initiative is targeted at drawing global investors to the country.

The President also outlined Nigeria’s ambitious climate finance goal, stating the nation aims to secure up to $30 billion each year to support its energy transition and drive efforts to expand electricity access across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation following the gruesome murder of a woman and her six children at their home in the Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters on Friday.

According to a police press release, a distress call was received at about 12:10 pm on January 17, 2025, reporting that unknown hoodlums had broken into the residence of Haruna Bashir and attacked his household.

The victims, identified as 35-year-old Fatima Abubakar and her six children, were assaulted with dangerous weapons, sustaining fatal injuries.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, immediately deployed a team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Lawal Isah Mani, to the scene.

The bodies were evacuated to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where medical personnel confirmed their deaths.

The Police Commissioner has instructed a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), led by ACP Wada Jarma, to conduct a thorough investigation to apprehend the perpetrators.

The command has expressed its condolences to the bereaved family, the Dorayi Chiranchi community, and the people of Kano State.

By Ahmed Usman

Away from political noise and headline-grabbing theatrics, Jigawa State under Governor Umar Namadi is pursuing a disciplined development path; one that prioritises agriculture, human capital, and long-term economic foundations.

In Nigeria’s political culture, analysts have long relied on improvised metrics to judge elected officials: the first 100 days, the first year, or the widely appealed 18-month threshold, said to be the point when a new administration needs to settle, understand its responsibilities, and develop its own identity separate from the previous government. Yet in practice, Nigerian governments often have only two effective years to deliver results before politics and electioneering reclaim the agenda. 

The remaining two years are usually taken over by political campaigns, party struggles, and early preparations for the next election. By that measure, the administrations sworn in May 2023 have crossed the decisive midpoint, and any government unable to clearly articulate its policy direction, measurable outcomes, and long-term vision at this stage must confront uncomfortable questions about competence and priorities.

This moment offers a useful lens through which to reassess Jigawa State, a place often dismissed by outsiders as economically marginal or politically inconsequential. For decades, Jigawa was viewed through a narrow lens of poverty rankings and limited industrial activity. With agriculture providing livelihoods for nearly two-thirds of households and with relatively low levels of urbanisation, critics frequently argued that the state lacked the structural foundations to become economically competitive. Such narratives, however, ignore a fundamental truth about development: transformation often begins quietly, long before it becomes visible in national headlines. Under Governor Umar Namadi Danmodi, Jigawa is now presenting evidence of such a shift, deliberate, methodical, and quietly disruptive.

I do not write as a political pundit but as a citizen who cares deeply about his locality, a state too often stereotyped and misunderstood. Jigawa has long been caricatured as peripheral, yet today it provides an unlikely case study in how disciplined governance can chart a new economic course. What makes this transformation compelling is not bombast or political spectacle, but the understated way the administration communicates, through actions, policies, and investments rather than theatrics. The government speaks not in rhetoric but in results that are gradually reshaping the state’s economic and social landscape.

That message is clearest in the administration’s approach to agriculture. Recognising that Jigawa’s comparative advantage lies in its fertile land and large smallholder base, Danmodi has pushed aggressively to modernise the sector. Irrigation expansion, improved access to inputs, and strengthened value chains are already raising yields and market access. Given that Jigawa possesses nearly 150,000 hectares of land suitable for irrigated agriculture, this strategy is not only rational but transformative, positioning the state as a future food production hub in northern Nigeria. These efforts may not dominate front-page news, but they represent the kind of foundational work that changes economic destinies.

That same quiet logic underpins reforms in education, perhaps the most consequential area for a state where literacy remains below the national average. From classroom renovations and teacher training to curriculum enhancement, these interventions reflect a long-term commitment to human capital rather than a search for quick political points. In a region where poor educational outcomes fuel cycles of poverty, ignoring such structural issues would be far more costly than confronting them.

Equally important is the administration’s effort to build an economy that is less dependent on federal allocations. In a country where many states survive almost entirely on monthly revenue from Abuja, Jigawa’s pursuit of internally generated revenue, industrial growth, and investment-friendly reforms reflects an understanding that true development requires financial independence. The state’s infrastructure push, spanning rural electrification, road construction, and urban renewal, is designed to support this transition. Reliable electricity, particularly, is indispensable for revitalising small and medium enterprises, which account for the lion’s share of non-oil employment in Nigeria.

These economic initiatives intersect meaningfully with reforms in healthcare and social protection. For a state grappling with high maternal and infant mortality, investments in primary healthcare centres, vaccination programs, and emergency response systems signal a welcome shift toward preventive, not reactive, governance. Jigawa’s emerging life-cycle social protection model, supporting individuals from pregnancy through childhood, youth, and old age, offers an unusually holistic approach in a country where social safety nets are often fragmented or nonexistent. Together, these policies communicate a consistent message: development is possible only when people are healthy, educated, and economically empowered.

Taken as a whole, the administration’s work sends a subtle but powerful signal. It suggests a government not merely managing day-to-day affairs but intentionally laying the groundwork for what the state could become. This is the essence of Jigawa’s quiet revolution: a governance model that prioritises structure over spectacle and competence over performative politics. It is a reminder that some of the most meaningful transformations are neither loud nor dramatic; they are steady, disciplined, and anchored in long-term vision.

For years, sceptics argued that Jigawa lacked the capacity to catch up with more industrialised states. But development rarely follows a straight line. It accelerates when leadership aligns with strategy, when investments target the roots rather than symptoms of underdevelopment, and when political ambition is tempered with economic realism. 

Under Danmodi, Jigawa is beginning to suggest that its future will not be determined by its past reputation but by its present choices. These choices, rooted in economic transformation, human capital development, and institutional stability, show a state no longer content to survive but ready to shape its own future.

This is why the story of Jigawa today matters. It is a reminder that progress does not always announce itself with fanfare. Sometimes, it emerges quietly, through the steady accumulation of policies that, taken together, signal a shift too significant to ignore. Under the right leadership and with the right priorities, even a state long written off by pessimists can begin to rewrite its place in the Nigerian economy. And in Jigawa, that rewriting has unmistakably begun.

Ahmed Usman wrote via ahmedusmanbox@gmail.com.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Provost of Audu Bako College of Agriculture (ABCOA), Dambatta, Professor Muhammad Abdu Wailare, has formally handed over the leadership of the institution to the Deputy Provost after unveiling the college’s Science and Technology Journal.

The handover took place during a ceremonious send-forth event organized in honour of the outgoing Provost, whose administration spanned eight years from 15 January 2018 to 15 January 2026.

Professor Wailare’s tenure was widely described as impactful, recording remarkable achievements across all sectors of the college, benefiting students as well as academic and non-academic staff.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Deputy Provost, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim who has now assumed office as the Acting Provost highlighted the significant developments witnessed under Professor Wailare’s leadership.

“Professor Wailare is calm and focused, hardly distracted from his vision,” Dr. Ibrahim said.

“Before his administration, ABCOA had fewer than 30 academic programmes, but today the college runs about 80 different programmes.

“Social inclusiveness has also improved significantly, with young academics now serving as heads of departments. We assure him that his legacy in this college will be sustained,” the Acting Provost concluded.

Other members of the college management also took turns to testify to the leadership qualities and achievements of the outgoing Provost.In his remarks, Professor Wailare expressed gratitude to the entire ABCOA community, stating that the college would forever remain dear to his heart.

“I am overwhelmed and deeply indebted for this warm reception,” he said. “Even after my departure, I will continue to stand with you, and my doors remain open to honour your personal invitations.

“Eight years are not eight days. Today, I am bidding farewell to the college and its people. I realised that ABCOA has many intelligent and talented individuals. Identifying and engaging them was the key to our success.

“The students are also a major part of our success, especially the last dual leadership of NAKSS and the Students’ Union Government,” he added.

Professor Wailare expressed confidence in the leadership of his successor, describing the Acting Provost as capable and competent.

The event also featured the presentation of awards by various academic and non-academic unions to the outgoing Provost, as emotions ran high among staff and students marking the end of Professor Wailare’s tenure.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senior officials in the administration of United States President Donald Trump have cautioned that Canada will come to regret its decision to permit imports of Chinese electric vehicles, while stressing that such vehicles will not gain access to the US market.

The warning followed an announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that Ottawa had reached a trade arrangement with Beijing to allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles into Canada at a reduced tariff rate.

Speaking on Friday at a Ford manufacturing plant in Ohio, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticised the move and suggested it would have long-term consequences for Canada.

“I think they’ll look back at this decision and surely regret it to bring Chinese cars into their market,” Duffy said during the event, which was attended by other senior officials and focused on lowering vehicle costs for consumers.

Canada imposed a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024, following similar measures taken by Washington.

However, under the new agreement announced in Beijing, Canada will permit a limited number of Chinese EVs to enter the country at a tariff of 6.1 percent under most-favoured-nation terms.

The shift has raised concerns in the United States, where officials fear the policy could strengthen China’s presence in the North American auto market at a time when Washington is tightening its stance on Canadian vehicles and auto parts.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer sought to downplay the immediate commercial impact on American manufacturers, noting that the arrangement would not disrupt US exports to Canada.

“I don’t expect that to disrupt American supply into Canada,” he said. “Those cars are going to Canada – they’re not coming here.”

The Canadian Embassy in Washington did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.In a separate interview with CNBC, Greer described Canada’s decision as “problematic” and linked US opposition to Chinese vehicles to existing trade protections.

“There’s a reason why we don’t sell a lot of Chinese cars in the United States. It’s because we have tariffs to protect American auto workers and Americans from those vehicles,” he said.

As part of the broader trade discussions in Beijing, Prime Minister Carney said China was expected to reduce tariffs on Canadian canola seed by March 1, bringing the combined rate down to about 15 percent from 85 percent.

Greer questioned the long-term value of that agreement, saying, “I think in the long run, they’re not going to like having made that deal.”

Greer also pointed to US regulations on vehicle cybersecurity as a major barrier for Chinese automakers. He said rules introduced in January 2025 for internet-connected vehicles and navigation systems posed serious compliance challenges.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has warned that his administration could impose tariffs on countries that refuse to support Washington’s claim to control Greenland, as a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers moved to ease rising tensions with Denmark and Greenland.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States must control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory under Denmark, which is a NATO ally.

Earlier in the week, he said any outcome short of US control of the Arctic island would be “unacceptable”.

Speaking on Friday during a White House event focused on rural healthcare, Trump recalled how he previously threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceutical products.

“I may do that for Greenland too,” Trump said. “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that,” he said.

Trump has described Greenland as vital to US security due to its strategic position in the Arctic and its large mineral reserves. He has also refused to rule out the use of force to take control of the territory. This marks the first time he has openly linked tariffs to efforts to press US claims over Greenland.

Earlier in the week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland held talks in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

While the discussions failed to bridge major differences, both sides agreed to establish a working group, although Denmark and the White House later offered sharply different accounts of its purpose.

European leaders have maintained that decisions concerning Greenland rest solely with Denmark and the territory itself. Denmark also announced this week that it was strengthening its military presence in Greenland in coordination with allies.

On Friday, a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers travelled to Copenhagen, where they met Danish and Greenlandic leaders in a bid to reduce tensions sparked by Trump’s remarks. The delegation sought to reassure officials that Congress views Greenland as an ally rather than property.

The 11-member group, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and members of both Danish and Greenlandic parliaments.

“There’s a lot of rhetoric, but there’s not a ‍lot of reality in the current discussion in Washington,” Coons told reporters after the meetings, adding that the lawmakers planned to “lower the temperature” once they returned home.

Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy to Greenland said he remained optimistic about reaching an agreement. Jeff Landry announced plans to visit the Danish territory in March and suggested negotiations could yield results.

“I do believe that there’s a deal that should ‍and ⁠will be made once this plays out,” Landry said during a Friday interview with Fox News.

“The president is ‌serious. I think he’s laid ‌the markers down. He’s ⁠told Denmark what he’s looking for, and now it’s a matter ‌of having Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio and Vice President JD ‍Vance make a deal.”

As diplomatic efforts continue, European countries have already deployed small numbers of military personnel to Greenland at Denmark’s request, underscoring growing concern over the dispute and its implications for NATO unity.

By Tahir Mahmood Saleh

Kabeer 2Pac’s rise to online fame began in early 2025, when he started posting highly unconventional videos on his TikTok account. Born Kabiru Isma’il and known online as Kabeer2pac (a name he chose in homage to the late American rapper 2Pac Shakur), he quickly garnered massive attention for performing bizarre, often shocking stunts. His content included immersing himself in stagnant open cesspools and smearing sediment on his body, actions he explained were not signs of madness but deliberate attempts to “trend” and gain visibility online (“ɗaukaka na ke nema”).

The TikTok metrics behind his rise were striking. Within months of posting these videos, Kabeer had amassed millions of views and a large following. One of his most-viewed clips, in which he shook off charcoal dust while wearing a distinctive winter jacket, reached over 51 million views, and at one point, his account had approximately 1.8 million followers and 15.1 million likes. These numbers reflect how quickly his brand took off in an environment where the algorithm rewards shocking or novel content.

Kabeer’s content evolved over time as he experimented with different styles and stunts to maintain attention. After his early cesspool videos gained traction, he shifted to other eye-grabbing visuals, such as having bags of charcoal dust dumped on him, which again drew viral attention. This strategy positioned him as a cultural exemplar of the “attention economy,” in which creators leverage extreme content to secure views, engagement, and, eventually, financial or material rewards.

His fame translated into real-world opportunities, though not without controversy. A notable outcome of his online popularity was an invitation from Gwanki Travels and Tours International Ltd in Kaduna, who publicly offered him a free ticket to perform Umrah (a pilgrimage to Mecca). Kabeer expressed gratitude for achieving the fame he sought and noted that such endorsement was among the factors that drove him to continue his work. However, reactions were mixed: while many fans celebrated his creative drive, some religious leaders and critics warned against harmful behaviour and urged investment in education or trade instead.

Despite his meteoric rise, Kabeer himself acknowledged the ephemeral nature of his viral popularity. In later interviews shared online, he said he understood that people might soon tire of his antics as the public constantly seeks fresh content and new personalities. Beyond the sensational stunts, he also sought to diversify his videos by including short comedy skits and dance clips to retain audience interest, a common strategy among creators seeking to build sustainable relevance.

Today, the outcome is telling. There is no consistent content relevance, no major promotion, no formal education leveraged, no lasting sponsorships, no two million followers, just a fading digital footprint. Kabeer2pac’s story is not merely about an individual; it is a cautionary tale.

For Arewa content creators, the lesson is clear: fame without strategy is noise, not power. Visibility alone does not ensure sustainability. Without structure, skill development, personal growth, and long-term planning, viral attention fades as quickly as it arrives. In the digital age, the challenge is not how to trend, but how to remain relevant with dignity, purpose, and value.

Tahir Mahmood Saleh wrote from Kano via tahirmsaleh.seggroup@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has warned he may deploy the military to Minnesota under the Insurrection Act as tensions rise over an intensified immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

The threat follows days of clashes between local residents and federal officers after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot U.S. citizen Renee Good in her car eight days ago.

Protests over the killing have spread to multiple cities, Reuters reports.

Trump’s warning came shortly after another shooting in Minneapolis. Authorities said an immigration officer wounded a Venezuelan man in the leg after he fled when agents tried to stop his vehicle.

“If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT,” Trump wrote on social media.

The president, a Republican, has repeatedly criticised Minnesota’s Democratic leadership and referred to Somali-origin residents in the state as “garbage” who should be “thrown out” of the country.

Nearly 3,000 federal officers have been deployed to Minneapolis. Armed personnel wearing military-style camouflage and masks have patrolled the streets while residents protested loudly and angrily.

On Wednesday night, crowds gathered near the area where the Venezuelan man was shot. Some shouted in protest, prompting federal officers to fire tear gas and use flash-bang grenades.

After most residents left, a small group vandalised a car believed to belong to federal officers, spray-painting: “Hang Kristi Noem,” a reference to the Homeland Security secretary.

Since the enforcement surge began, federal agents have arrested both immigrants and protesters. In some cases, officers smashed windows and removed people from vehicles. They have also faced criticism for demanding identification from Black and Latino U.S. citizens.

Both the Trump administration and Minnesota officials have blamed each other for fueling anger and violence.One widely reported incident involved U.S. citizen Aliya Rahman, who was detained near the site of Good’s killing.

She told Reuters, “They dragged me from my car and bound me like an animal, even after I told them that I was disabled.”

Rahman added that she repeatedly requested medical attention while in ICE custody but was taken to a detention centre instead. She said she later lost consciousness in a cell and was transported to a hospital.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said an “agitator” ignored an officer’s orders to move her vehicle away from an enforcement action and was arrested for obstruction.

The wounded Venezuelan man, identified by DHS as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, entered the U.S. in 2022 under former President Joe Biden’s humanitarian parole programme.

The Trump administration has since revoked parole granted to Venezuelans and others admitted under the programme.According to DHS, officers attempted to stop Sosa-Celis in his vehicle.

He fled, crashed into a parked car, and ran on foot. During a struggle, two other Venezuelan men allegedly attacked an officer with a snow shovel and broom handle.