By Rabi Ummi Umar

On the cool evening of Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, I returned home after an exhausting day of accomplishing my mission in Edo State, popularly known as the “Heartbeat of the Nation” for its rich cultural heritage. 

As I took a moment to unwind and pack my bags for my return journey to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, a thought struck me, echoing a conversation from earlier that would not easily be shaken off.

It circled back to a personal reflection titled “When We Focus on What Truly Matters.” After that heartfelt conversation with a friend, one can’t help but wonder whether we’ve truly been living out the “sermon,” especially in our own lives. 

Yet, those moments of self-doubt reveal something profound: the beauty of life lies in its openness. As long as we remain receptive, each day presents a renewed chance for self-examination and an invitation to learn and grow.

This friend, who is deeply involved in politics, spoke passionately about his thing. While I don’t typically report on government affairs, my discipline as a communicator gives me more than enough to follow along. 

Nonetheless, that specific dialogue shifted my perspective entirely. It made me realise how many others might change their minds if they were privy to the same insights. That realisation is exactly why putting those to paper became an inspiration.

The weeks in Edo allowed me to embrace a spirit of exploration, stepping outside my comfort zone to truly thrive even in spaces I never thought possible or even imagined visiting. It was the unpredictable beauty of life, perhaps why travelling is said to be a form of gaining from the vast body of knowledge.

During Ramadan, there was an event for the “City Boy Movement.” Initially, I assumed it was strictly “for the boys,” and, to be honest, the concept caught my fancy, but I kept an open mind. 

Surprisingly, it was organic and inclusive, spanning 36 states and involving men, women, the elderly, and, interestingly, the physically challenged. While “rice sharing” politics was never something to admire, I walked away that day with a much deeper understanding of the grassroots and its place in politics.

A few weeks later, a conference organised by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Student Welfare and Development, a dear friend, took place. Some attendees like myself were there simply “to see,” but the event was blown away. As someone who values authenticity and integrity over political optics, I found the turnout genuinely impressive. 

Despite being born and raised in Edo and being the daughter of a former SSA to the State Government (2023), I had never witnessed an event of this calibre in the state before. It stood out as a beacon of what is possible if everyone played their part, if and when youths are involved in the scheme of things. 

These encounters brought a realisation that while the state, like many in Nigeria, still faces significant lapses, the progress is undeniable. From new flyovers and school construction to massive infrastructural shifts, the developments in education and youth empowerment are particularly striking. 

This experience made me wonder, if so much is happening here beneath the surface, how many “small wins” are we overlooking in other states? Nigeria, as a whole, is currently weathering a storm that cannot be ignored. 

We are battling banditry, kidnapping, insecurity, and a staggering cost of living. To many, it feels as though things are only getting worse. Yet if you look more closely, there is incremental progress.

Take the education sector, for example. The era of constant Academic Staff Union of Nigeria (ASUU) strikes has finally lost its steam compared to years past. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is also there, providing loans and stipends to students; it is systematically reducing the number of students who would otherwise miss tertiary education across the country.

Of course, the heartbreak of insecurity remains. It is illogical and devastating when groups attack villages without demands, leaving only grief behind. In these moments of unrest, it is easy to point fingers solely at President Tinubu. But some of our issues start much closer to home, with us, the citizens.

I remember a friend whose father was assassinated at his doorstep; despite the proximity, every neighbour claimed they “saw nothing.” Another friend was robbed during our university days; when she screamed for help, neighbours simply locked their doors tighter. 

The bitter reality is that we rarely look out for one another. How can we expect a transformation at the top when we refuse to show humanity to those beside us?

We have become a nation of finger-pointers. Many have traded accountability for ignorance, blaming leadership for even the smallest personal failings. Too many youths today avoid research and critical thinking, choosing instead to sit back and complain, a habit that only digs our collective hole deeper.

Yes, there is a mountain of work left to do. But we must acknowledge the work already being done. Our government is trying. From my vantage point, the President is a solution-oriented leader doing his best under immense pressure.

Consider this: when inflation hits, marketers and drivers are the first to hike prices. We understand why. But when the economy stabilises, and costs drop, those prices stay sky-high under the guise of “old stock.” Is that the President’s fault, or are we our own worst enemies?

As Nigerians, we need to have these uncomfortable conversations. The popular saying “change begins with me” is not just a poetic catchphrase; it is a practical necessity. We must be the change we seek if we ever hope to experience the Nigeria we want.

As I head back to Abuja, I am carrying the lessons from Edo with me. We are making progress, but there is still a lot more to do. We all just need to pitch in to get to the utopia we deserve.

Rabi Ummi Umar is a corps member in Abuja. She can be reached via rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A synagogue in Tehran was “completely destroyed” following United States-Israeli airstrikes, Iranian media reported, as overnight attacks across Iran left more than a dozen dead.

“According to preliminary information, the Rafi-Nia Synagogue … was completely destroyed in this morning’s attacks,” reported Shargh newspaper on Tuesday.

Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency said the synagogue collapsed after an adjacent residential building in central Tehran was targeted. Video footage showed civil defence workers amid the rubble, with Hebrew-language books scattered on the ground.

The report added that narrow streets around the attacked building caused significant damage to the exterior and interior of neighboring structures. There was no immediate confirmation of casualties at the synagogue.

In a video shared on Telegram by Iran’s official IRIB News, Homayoun Sameh, a Jewish representative in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, said: “the Zionist regime showed no mercy to this community during the Jewish holidays and targeted one of our ancient and holy synagogues. Unfortunately, during this attack, the synagogue building was completely destroyed and our Torah scrolls were left under the rubble.”

Judaism is among Iran’s legally recognised minority religions, and the country has a small Jewish population, though many fled after the 1979 Islamic revolution. Shargh described the synagogue as “one of the most important places for Khorasan Jews to gather and celebrate.”

The strikes were part of a series of US-Israeli attacks overnight. Local media reported at least 15 people killed across Iran. Mehr stated that six bodies were recovered from rubble in Pardis, east of Tehran, while officials confirmed nine fatalities in an Israeli air attack on a residential area in Shahriar, west of Tehran province.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Zuru, has passed away.

Zuru died on Monday night in an Egyptian hospital, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. Sources close to the Kebbi State Government confirmed his death, but details of his condition were not released.

Until his passing, Zuru represented Zuru Constituency in the state assembly and was considered a key figure in the legislature.

Confirming the development, an aide to the governor on Communication and Strategy, Idris Zuru, described the news as shocking.

“The death of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman Zuru, came to us as a rude shock. It is a painful loss not only to Kebbi State but to the entire nation,” he said.

He added that further information would be shared by the government.

“We are still gathering full details surrounding his passing. The government will make an official statement and announce burial arrangements in consultation with the family,” Idris Zuru stated.

Additional announcements regarding funeral arrangements are expected from both the state government and the family.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has apprehended five individuals linked to the unlawful discharge of firearms at a social gathering, which resulted in the death of a teenage girl.

Reports show that a stray bullet, allegedly fired by members of a vigilante group, claimed the life of a 14-year-old girl last Saturday inside her family home at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) quarters.

In a statement released Monday, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI, together with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), arrested the five suspects in the Ngomari general area.

“The incident occurred at about 2:00pm on April 4, when vigilantes, later identified as members of an escorts team attached to the Chairman of a Local Government Area engaged in sporadic firing into the air during a wedding celebration at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.

“The reckless act led to the death of a young girl. The troops acted swiftly, traced and apprehended five suspects identified as Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18).”

Lt. Col. Uba added that the suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has demanded that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, retract his comments against journalist Seun Okinbaloye and issue a public apology, according to a report by TheCable.

IBAN also threatened to boycott all press briefings organised by Wike if he fails to meet the demand.

The threat follows Wike’s statement that he could “shoot” Okinbaloye while criticising the journalist’s opinion on a television programme. Wike later clarified that he did not mean the remark literally.

The association said that despite the subsequent clarification, such language is unbecoming of a public official, as it could intimidate journalists and further worsen the already challenging environment in which they operate.

IBAN urged the minister to retract his statement, tender an apology, and demonstrate support for press freedom, warning that failure to do so would lead them to suspend coverage of all his official activities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Military forces have dealt a fresh blow to insurgent groups operating in central Nigeria, neutralizing two suspected terrorists and arresting a kidnapper during back-to-back clearance operations in Plateau State.

The raids, conducted by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE under the special mandate of Operation WUTAN DAJI, targeted known insurgent corridors in Wase Local Government Area on April 4, 2026. Local vigilantes joined the coordinated mission across Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the dense Dutsen Zaki forest.

A fierce firefight erupted along the Babangida–Adua road, where troops engaged armed terrorists. Two suspects were killed on the spot, while others fled into the forest with gunshot wounds, according to military sources. A subsequent search recovered one locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cutlass.

In a separate operation early Sunday, troops in Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area intercepted four suspected armed individuals based on credible intelligence. A search revealed 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition in their possession.

When troops moved to dismantle the suspects’ hideout, they came under heavy fire from the terrorists’ associates. In the ensuing chaos, three of the four apprehended suspects attempted to escape and were struck down by their own accomplices’ gunfire.

Meanwhile, in Shendam Local Government Area at about 9:35 a.m., troops working with local residents arrested a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village. The suspect is linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the area on April 3.

All suspects are now in custody facing further investigation and potential legal action. The military has called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as clearance operations continue.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Ministry of Education on Monday launched an N8.5 billion public-private partnership (PPP) project aimed at transforming Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, into a National Centre of Excellence.

The project involves the development of 18 critical infrastructure and assets as well as the renovation of 15 additional facilities at the unity college.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the school premises, is part of the federal government’s efforts to address infrastructure deficits in public schools through collaboration with the private sector.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and represents a strategic effort to improve learning environments across federal institutions.

She said the project, valued at over N8 billion, would significantly improve the physical and academic landscape of the college.

According to her, the intervention will include the construction of facilities such as a skill acquisition and entrepreneurship centre, modern hostels, staff quarters, a health centre and other essential infrastructure, alongside the renovation of several academic and support facilities.

“The initiative is not just about infrastructure alone; it is about impact,” she said.

Professor Ahmad noted that the growing demand for quality education has placed pressure on existing facilities, making it necessary for the ministry to adopt innovative financing models such as PPP to bridge infrastructural gaps.

She added that the federal government oversees nearly 120 unity colleges across the country and cannot solely fund large-scale infrastructure projects in all of them.

“This PPP land-swap model demonstrates the federal government’s resolve to leverage private sector efficiency, ensure optimal use of public assets and deliver value for money,” she said.

The minister explained that the land designated for the project had remained undeveloped since the establishment of the college but would now be utilised to improve educational infrastructure.

She added that the transformation of FGC Kano was deliberate, noting that the institution plays a key role in promoting national unity, excellence and inclusivity.

Professor Ahmad also assured stakeholders that the ministry had put in place mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability and proper oversight in the implementation of the project.

Representing the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar, expressed the state government’s support for the initiative.

He said the project would help optimise land assets that had remained unused for years while also creating value for the government and surrounding communities.

“We are delighted that for the first time the landed asset that has been lying fallow for years will be optimised in a way that properly captures the value of land in Kano State,” he said.

Umar also urged the project promoters to ensure effective stakeholder engagement in order to clearly communicate the benefits of the initiative.

“We call on the project promoter to provide quality infrastructure in a way that the project will serve as a reference point for other PPP projects across Nigeria,” he added.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Pluck Global Nigeria Limited, the private partner in the project, Musa Diktali, said the development reflects efforts to bridge infrastructure gaps in public institutions through collaboration between government and private investors.

He said the project, valued at over N8.5 billion, is expected to be completed within 18 months.

According to him, the PPP arrangement allows private investors to finance infrastructure projects while the government provides land as part of the partnership agreement.

“As you know, the government alone cannot fund infrastructure, so private investors need to come in and support the development of critical infrastructure,” he said.

He added that the project would benefit students of the college and other stakeholders in the education sector.

The event was attended by officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, representatives of the Kano State Government, school management, alumni members, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

By Anwar Usman

Iran has rejected a proposed truce in its war with the United States and Israel, state media reported Monday, despite a stark threat by US President Donald Trump to destroy its vital infrastructure.

“Iran has conveyed to Pakistan its response to the American proposal to end the war,” the news agency IRNA said, without revealing its source or what the US offer contained.

“In this response—set out in ten points—Iran… has rejected a ceasefire and insists on the need for a definitive end to the conflict.”

AFP reports that, several countries are trying to find a diplomatic solution to end 38 days of war sparked by Israeli and US attacks against Iran, which has responded by firing missiles at targets across the Middle East.

Recall on Sunday President Trump warned that, unless Tehran agreed by Tuesday evening to allow free passage to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, he would order strikes on its power plants and bridges.

But IRNA said Tehran had countered with demands of its own, including “an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reconstruction, and the lifting of sanctions”.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has launched a strong criticism of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, alleging that the electoral chief lacks integrity.

Dalung spoke during an interview on Trust TV, where he questioned Amupitan’s moral authority to comment on political matters. He referred to past encounters with the INEC chairman during their time at the University of Jos.

“The Amupitan I know since 1991 as a student and later in 2004 as a colleague when I was lecturing in the university has no integrity. So I am not going to speak for him,” Dalung said.

He added, “There were things that happened under his watch in the University of Jos when I was a lecturer. So he’s not somebody who has any integrity that one should be here wasting time.”

Dalung also faulted remarks reportedly made by Amupitan about the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He accused the INEC chairman of attempting to silence opposition voices under the pretext of issuing warnings.

“But let me go back to what he said — that he was telling ADC, he was warning ADC that what happened in Zamfara would happen with the ADC. Excuse me, is Amupitan aware of what happened in Zamfara?” he queried.

He argued that the political crisis in Zamfara State was linked to procedural violations rather than party leadership issues.

“What happened in Zamfara was not about the leadership of the party. Because if what happened in Zamfara has to do with the leadership of the party, the entire PDP election in Nigeria would have been cancelled by the court. It has to do with the process of selecting candidates which the Electoral Act was not followed,” he said.

Dalung further claimed that the alleged warning to the ADC reflected poorly on Amupitan’s conduct.

“So for him to use that as a warning to the ADC, it is clear that he is demonstrating the type of character he is. He failed to address issues but was issuing warnings because that was part of the game… so that he will come on air and then threaten Nigerians so that he can whittle down the momentum in ADC,” Dalung alleged.

“It was so disappointing that a professor of law could go that low to begin to issue warnings when he has a responsibility of explaining. So I know Amupitan very, very well. He’s somebody I have worked with closely. He doesn’t have integrity,” he added.

When asked about the seriousness of his claims, especially given Amupitan’s credentials and security clearance, Dalung argued that such processes do not guarantee integrity.

“Thank you very much. The security checks and screening is not about integrity. If it were about integrity, so many people would not be accountable when they went for the screening,” he said.

Pressed to provide evidence, Dalung cited alleged irregularities during Amupitan’s tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos.

“But to be asking me specific issues, yes, I have specific issues which border on integrity,” he said.

“When he was dean in the Faculty of Law, the 2009–2010 academic session, 16 students had their 2-1 results traded off under his watch. And we had special students, some of them were serving duty in the General Police, some of them were politicians in the National Assembly, in the House of Representatives, who were even absentee students. They graduated with 2-1, while 16 students had their 2-1s traded off.”

Dalung said he led a protest in response to the alleged actions, despite threats to his academic progress.

“I, Solomon Dalung, took the struggle of the 16 students against the faculty board. I was threatened that if I do not step down the struggle, I will not graduate for my master’s programme. And I sacrificed my master’s programme to fight for the students,” he stated.

He continued, “We got eight 2-1 students back, two we lost. This happened under his watch as dean of the Faculty of Law.”

Dalung also alleged that he faced consequences for his actions, including delays in the release of his results and certificate.

“Yes, I graduated ultimately with my master’s degree, but my results were not released until after two years. And my certificate was not issued to me until after about four or five years,” he alleged.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Detained Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur, Linus Williams Ifejirika, widely known as B-Lord, has rejected claims that he reached out to plead with social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, while in custody.

B-Lord is currently held at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja after his arraignment before a Federal High Court over allegations that include criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and the unauthorised use of VeryDarkMan’s identity.

His position was made public by a delegation that visited him in detention on the instruction of human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

In a video seen on Monday, members of the delegation stated that the businessman remained firm despite his situation. They said he also expressed appreciation to Nigerians who have supported him.

Speaking after the visit, a member of the delegation, AK Musa Esq., said, “We just concluded a visit to Mr. Linus Williams, aka B-Lord. Our visit was upon the mandate of Mr. Omoyele Sowore in solidarity with B-Lord concerning the ongoing incarceration.

“We met him in very high spirits. He’s very comforted, very resolute and gallant in his convictions. And he has extended his appreciation to all Nigerians who have stood with him in solidarity. He is very grateful to everybody who has raised their voice on this matter.”

Another member of the team, Rock Yusuf, addressed reports that B-Lord had attempted reconciliation with VeryDarkMan. He dismissed the claims and clarified B-Lord’s stance.

“And for the record, B-Lord said he did not send anybody to go and beg the complainant, which is VeryDarkMan,” Yusuf said. “He said anybody who went to beg VeryDarkMan, they are on their own.

“That he wants to see this matter to the logical conclusion,” Yusuf added.

The case followed a petition filed by VeryDarkMan, who accused B-Lord of using his name and image without permission to promote business activities.

According to the activist, the entrepreneur allegedly produced documents and promotional materials bearing his identity and claimed an endorsement deal valued at hundreds of millions of naira that did not exist.

B-Lord has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court ordered that he be remanded in custody, with the next hearing scheduled for April 27, 2026.

Earlier, Sowore criticised the detention. He warned against what he described as the misuse of the legal system to suppress citizens. He also pledged to work towards the discontinuation of the case and B-Lord’s release.

Despite the controversy, B-Lord’s latest position indicates that he intends to challenge the allegations in court rather than seek an out-of-court settlement.