By Lukman Dahiru 

Ahmad Uthman Muhammad is a beacon of hope and environmental stewardship in Nigeria. He is particularly noted for his tireless efforts in combating climate change. As the founder of the Purelife Foundation, he has spearheaded numerous tree-planting initiatives that have significantly contributed to reforestation and environmental conservation efforts across the region. His dedication to this cause has not only earned him respect but also the prestigious traditional title of ‘Inuwar Kasar Hausa’ in Daura, Katsina State, a recognition of his commitment to the land and its people.

From a young age, Ahmad has exhibited a rare blend of passion, vision, and action, equipping him excellently for any role in politics. In addition to his environmental efforts, his philanthropy has impacted numerous lives, highlighting his commitment to social welfare. His work with the Purelife Foundation has demonstrated his ability to mobilise communities for a greater cause, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds to strive towards the common objective of a greener, more sustainable future. 

Ahmad’s venture into politics would mean introducing fresh, dynamic leadership to Adamawa’s political sphere. His understanding of environmental issues is not merely academic but practical, having implemented successful projects that could be scaled up for broader impact. His approach to politics would likely focus on sustainable development, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of the environment. 

Imagine the potential benefits if Ahmad Uthman Muhammad became a federal legislator: his advocacy for policies promoting ecological balance, initiatives for green jobs, and legislation supporting renewable energy projects could have a profound impact nationwide. Moreover, his philanthropy extends his influence into areas like education, health, and social services, where his charitable initiatives could inspire policy changes that address poverty and support the underprivileged. 

Ahmad’s youthful dynamism would likely bring fresh perspectives to education, health, and infrastructure, fostering policies encouraging youth empowerment and innovation. His understanding of community needs, evidenced by his work with the Purelife Foundation, suggests he could push for legislation that enhances social services, supports local economies, and ensures more equitable resource distribution across the country. 

Ahmad’s connection with the community, evidenced by his traditional title, suggests a deep understanding of local culture and needs. This understanding would ensure that his representation would be effective and empathetic. His bid for the House of Representatives is not about personal ambition but about extending his environmental advocacy and philanthropy into the legislative arena, where they can have a wider impact. 

In conclusion, Ahmad Uthman Muhammad embodies a new wave of leadership—one that prioritises the health of the planet alongside the prosperity of its people. His background, achievements, and vision position him as a promising candidate who could effect significant positive change. His philanthropy emphasises his commitment to not only environmental but also social issues, establishing him as a holistic leader for the future.

Lukman Dahiru wrote from Yola, Nigeria, via ldahyru@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly convened an “emergency meeting” for European leaders to discuss United States President Donald Trump.

According to Fox News, citing Politico, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski hinted at the planned meeting on Saturday during the Munich Security Conference.

The report states that two European Union officials confirmed to Politico that the meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday.

“I’m very glad that President Macron has called our leaders to Paris,” Sikorski was quoted as saying, adding that the discussions would focus on the implications of Trump’s actions “in a very serious fashion.”

Sikorski has been vocal about US politics in the past.

He previously compared President Joe Biden’s weak debate performance to the decline of ancient Rome.

He also acknowledged Trump’s stance on NATO spending, and agreed that member countries should increase their defense budgets.

The report indicated that Macron has maintained a cordial relationship with Trump since his reelection in November 2024.

The French leader had earlier expressed his willingness to work with Trump, writing on X:“Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”

Macron also described it as “an honor” to host Trump in December when the US president visited Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, alongside New Incentives All Babies Are Equal (NI-ABAE), has launched the All-Babies Livelihood Grant program to enhance routine immunisation rates. The initiative provides ₦5,000 to caregivers who complete their child’s vaccination schedule.

The launch, held at the town’s Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) in Dass, was organised by the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board (BSPHCDB). Esteemed guests included local government officials, WHO representatives, and community leaders.

Umar Faruq Abubakar, Head of Administration of Dass LGA, hailed the program as a crucial advancement in healthcare. Dan Asabe Abdullahi, State Director of Public Health, emphasized its importance amid economic challenges. He noted, “If sustained, this program will help reduce childhood deaths from preventable diseases.”

Under the initiative, caregivers will receive ₦1,000 for each of the six immunisation visits, totaling ₦6,000, plus an additional ₦5,000 upon schedule completion, amounting to ₦11,000, the NI-ABAE Stakeholder Relations Director, Nura Muhammad, highlighted the program’s potential benefits.

The Emir called the grant a timely intervention, addressing transportation barriers that hinder healthcare access. He urged caregivers to prioritise completing immunisation schedules and assured traditional leaders’ support in promoting community health.

In his closing remarks, the Emir expressed gratitude to NI-ABAE and partners for their commitment to improving immunisation efforts in Bauchi State.

By Anwar Usman

The president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has urged the Governor of Kano, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to resolve the ongoing land dispute between Bayero University Kano and neighbouring communities.

Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaibu Ahmed made the call on Saturday in Kano during the 39th convocation ceremony of the university.

He called on the governor to take swift action by issuing the university’s title deed to resolve the matter.

He stressed the importance of securing the institution’s land.

Regarding infrastructure, Tinubu acknowledged the lack of perimeter fencing at the university’s new campus. He assured that the Federal Government had allocated funds for the project.

She stated that, “The Federal Government has already provided funding, and work is underway”.

The president reiterated the administration’s commitment to upgrading university infrastructure nationwide.

Tinubu stated that the government was supporting research and infrastructure improvements through the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Public Universities Intervention.

He called on Nigerian universities to include research into teaching and learning to build a knowledge-driven society.

The President further explained that the future of Nigeria depended on quality human capital.

He emphasized the government’s focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for national development.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Bayero University, Kano (BUK) celebrated a significant milestone on February 15, 2025, by conferring honorary Doctorate Degrees on Colonel Sani Bello, former Military Administrator of Kano State, and Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, CEO of A. A. Rano Group of Companies, during its 39th Convocation.

The honorary degrees recognised their exceptional contributions to education and socio-economic development in Kano State and Nigeria. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad Sa’id, praised the honourees and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to human capital development through education.

BUK’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, highlighted the graduation of 3,400 students, including 295 from the Dangote Business School and 275 PhD graduates, with 176 achieving First Class Honours. 

Pro-Chancellor Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna encouraged graduands to uphold the university’s reputation, noting BUK’s recent ranking of 43rd in Africa by the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, inspiring them to strive for excellence and service to humanity.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Bayero University Kano (BUK) celebrated its 39th Convocation by conferring Emeritus Professorships on Professor Garba Dahuwa Azare, Professor Julius Afolabi Falola, and Professor Musa Borodo for their significant contributions to academia.

The ceremony featured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Minister of State for Education Professor Suwaiba Ahmad Sa’id. Before her appointment, Sa’id was also a member of the Bayero University, Kano, staff.

Tinubu congratulated the honourees and graduates, emphasised the importance of education in fostering national progress, and assured ongoing support for the education sector to boost global competitiveness.

BUK Vice Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, praised the awardees as influential figures in shaping the nation and celebrated the graduation of 3,400 students, including 176 who achieved First Class Honours.

Pro-Chancellor Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna encouraged graduates to become ambassadors of the university, noting BUK’s recent ranking of 43rd among African universities. The conferral of Emeritus Professorships reaffirms BUK’s commitment to honouring excellence in education.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, following a hard-fought election that took five rounds of voting.

Youssouf emerged victorious after defeating Kenya’s Odinga Odinga in the fourth round, which marked the end of a competitive race that had observers initially predicting Odinga’s win.

Youssouf’s election means he will succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, who completed two terms at the helm of the AU Commission. Mahamat’s tenure, which lasted eight years, was marked by significant efforts to push for deeper integration across the African continent.

The race for the AU Commission’s top post was contentious, with Odinga, widely considered the favorite, leading early on in the first round of voting.

However, the momentum shifted as the election progressed. Despite a strong start, Odinga saw his support wane in later rounds, even after the third candidate, from Madagascar, dropped out of the race.

The turning point came when Odinga, during his speech, spent a significant portion of his allotted time—three minutes out of the five allowed—detailing the history of Pan-Africanism and African solidarity.

This left him with little time to present his vision for the AU, and the electronic timer cut him off before he could finish.

In contrast, Youssouf delivered a more concise and convincing vision, which ultimately swayed the voters in his favor.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kano has confirmed that 16 people lost their lives in a road accident at the Muhammadu Buhari Interchange Flyover in the Hotoro area of the state on Friday.

The Public Relations Officer of the FRSC Kano Sector Command, Abdullahi Labaran, disclosed this in a statement released the same day.

“Upon receiving the distress call, the FRSC Kano rescue team, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, promptly moved to the scene to carry out a rescue operation and restore normal traffic flow,” he said.

According to Labaran, preliminary findings indicated that the accident involved a DAF trailer loaded with goods and carrying 71 passengers. He attributed the incident to reckless driving caused by excessive speed, which resulted in the driver losing control of the vehicle.

“The total number of people involved was 71 while the total number of injured was 52 and total fatalities were 16,” he stated.

The injured victims were immediately taken to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano for urgent medical attention.

Labaran added that in response to the tragic event, the FRSC Kano Sector Commander, CC U.M. Matazu, had dispatched an investigation team to conduct a thorough inquiry into the crash.

He further extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The sector commander urged motorists to strictly follow traffic regulations.

He also cautioned against the dangerous practice of overloading trailers with goods, animals, and passengers, stressing that such actions significantly increase the risk of fatal accidents.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has rejected allegations from a viral video suggesting that its fuel products are substandard. NNPC called the claims false and based on unverified amateur research.

The company stressed that its fuel is formulated for optimal performance and that a significant portion of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sold in Lagos is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, which meets strict quality standards.

NNPC described the video’s spreading as a tactic by “economic saboteurs” to misinform the public and harm its reputation.

The company plans to take legal action against those disseminating false information and urges Nigerians to rely on verified sources for accurate updates.

By Safiyanu Ladan 

The Kaduna State government recently announced that it has entered a peace deal with notorious bandits, particularly in the Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government Areas. The aim of the deal is to end banditry in the region. This development is a positive step forward.

For years, bandits have wreaked havoc on local communities, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. Their actions have severely disrupted the socioeconomic activities of these areas.

According to the government, the peace deal is yielding positive results. Relative stability has returned to the affected regions. A cattle market that had been closed for decades has resumed operations, and residents can now go about their daily activities without constant fear of attacks or kidnappings.

However, although relative peace has been observed in the northern part of the state over the past few months, the situation in the southern part is significantly different. Recently, residents of Anguwan Ate in Kachia Local Government Area have staged protests due to the ongoing attacks and kidnappings carried out by bandits.

The resurgence of kidnappings in certain areas of the state following the peace deal is concerning. The government and other stakeholders involved in brokering this peace agreement need to reassess the situation and address any existing loopholes to prevent an escalation of violence.

Safiyanu Ladan wrote from Kaduna.