By Uzair Adam

Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru M. Hashim, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving water access in public hospitals amid growing concerns over climate-related water stress.

The commissioner made this known in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday.

Dr. Hashim, who has been at the forefront of the state’s environmental interventions, explained that many hospitals continue to face severe water shortages, which hinder sanitation, hygiene, and effective healthcare delivery.

He said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf directed the installation of solar-powered boreholes in major hospitals to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of clean water.According to him, the measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

“The governor’s directive aims to improve water security and the overall quality of care in our health facilities,” he noted in the statement.

The commissioner disclosed that he inspected the ongoing borehole installations at Sheikh Muhammad Jiddah General Hospital, the Kano State Hospital Management Board, Sir Muhammadu Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Gezawa General Hospital, and Minjibir General Hospital.

He said the visit was aimed at monitoring progress and ensuring that the work meets the standards set by the ministry.

Dr. Hashim added that water samples from the boreholes were submitted to the Kano State Pollution Control Laboratory for analysis.

He said the laboratory confirmed that the water meets acceptable standards for human consumption, describing the development as proof of the government’s commitment to providing safe, reliable water in public health institutions.

He urged the benefiting hospitals to ensure proper maintenance to sustain the facilities. He also appealed to borehole drillers in the state to prioritize water-quality testing.

“We encourage public and private borehole drillers to make use of our laboratory services to safeguard the health and wellbeing of residents,” he stated.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State passed away suddenly on Thursday after collapsing at a private event. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre but was pronounced dead by doctors upon arrival.

The cause of death has not been officially disclosed. State officials are expected to release a formal statement shortly.

The unexpected death has sent shockwaves through the state, creating an immediate vacancy in the executive branch and prompting widespread mourning from colleagues and the public.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Google Trends has released its Year in Search 2025 report, revealing the Nigerians who drew the most online attention throughout the year. Leading the list is Senator Natasha Akpoti, whose political activities and rising national profile kept her at the centre of public conversation.

Natasha Akpoti, the recently reinstated senator, has remained at the centre of national attention following a turbulent political year marked by her suspension after accusations from the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and an ongoing defamation suit he has filed against her.

Sen. Akpoti’s return to the Senate coincides with a period of renewed visibility at home, where she celebrated her 46th birthday and launched several constituency projects, including a new maternity hospital. In a gesture that drew widespread public reaction, she also gifted houses to some of her aides, further solidifying her image as a polarising yet impactful political figure.

The second most-searched Nigerian is Eberechi Eze, the England-based football star of Nigerian descent, whose impressive performances and debates over his international future fueled widespread interest. Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, ranks third as developments in the state continued to dominate headlines.

In fourth place is Chika Ike, the acclaimed actress and filmmaker whose resurgence in Nollywood and strong social media presence kept her trending. Closing the top five is Mr Eazi, the Afrobeats musician and entrepreneur whose creative and business ventures sustained considerable public curiosity.

The 2025 search trends show Nigerians’ keen engagement with politics, entertainment, and global sports. It also offers insight into the personalities who shaped national discourse over the past year.

Usman M Shehu

Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.— Alan Cohen

It is unfortunate that Nigerian youths are preoccupied with PR and brown-nosing politicians on social media, mistaking sycophancy for loyalty or mentorship. Not only that, but we are comfortable scrolling TikTok, posting pictures on Instagram,and debating at what age we should start paying attention to the state of the nation, let alone running for office. Why are the youths indifferent to our sick polity that is rotten from the core? Why are they comfortable staying on the fence and serving as spectators instead of actors? Why do our youths somehow believe that they are the leaders of tomorrow and not of today?Though it is the norm that young people, while growing up, usually learn from the older generation, what is there to learn from our current crop of terrible politicians who hold our nation by the jugular? They hide under the guise of “politics is a dirty game.” The old guard have the money, the influence, and the networks; what is lacking or is in decline are vision, energy, and perhaps conscience and discipline—attributes that are essential for good leadership. Unfortunately, what they have will not be willingly given, and what the youths need often seems lacking or absent. The joy of the youths when the Not Too Young to Run Act was passed by the National Assembly and signed into law on 31 May 2018 by President Buhari quickly dissipated when they realised that reality is different from what is written on paper or in Senate resolutions. It does not surmount all the barriers. Money continues to dominate our polity. Only a few youths can afford party nomination forms; the cost of contesting is so enormous that even the smallest elective office is far beyond the reach of most young people. Political parties prefer candidates who can fund them. These challenges are reinforced by the illusion that youths are inexperienced, impatient, and unprepared for leadership.

But then I often ask myself: do we have what it takes to lead, especially now that we are bedevilled with so many crises? It is like a person afflicted with multiple diseases—these include an identity crisis, the collapse of leadership from top to bottom, and a sick civil society. Fixing these issues is daunting even for
experienced and seasoned leaders, let alone those still learning the ropes. It will only be possible through self-education, mentorship, and massive orientation and mobilisation. As Usman Sarki, Daily Trust columnist, rightly put it: “A new generation of rational leaders must arise from the ranks of men and women unafraid to confront entrenched interests, guided by data, driven by conscience and inspired by service.” A corrupt youth cannot be good for the health of our Federal Republic. Only youths of integrity can enhance the good health of our community.

Youths must acquire relevant skills such as adaptability and emotional intelligence, educate themselves, and build strong networks. For youths to be taken seriously, they must be sober, visionary, disciplined, and driven. Before we hold others accountable, we must start with ourselves. With the desire for change
and disillusionment with the status quo, youths can become actors, seize power, and replace some of the politicians who treat power as if it has no expiry date—which is why they often disappear from the spotlight without warning.

In a nation where political power is seen as conquest and humility as weakness rather than virtue, the youths must be brave and courageous in asking for power or running for office. We must sketch a realistic roadmap and hold a vision of rescuing our polity that is being dragged down the drain. With the election season only inches away, the time to act is now.

Usman M Shehu

By Anwar Usman

The Police Service Commission, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has announced the commencement of the recruitment of 50,000 police constables, as approved by President Bola Tinubu.

The recruitment process, according to the PSC, is in line with the President’s order to strengthen community policing, improve internal security and boost manpower within the police.

Recall that, on November 26, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency, ordering the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces to recruit additional personnel to tackle rising insecurity across the country.

The Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu, in a statement on Thursday, said the Commission’s recruitment portal would open to eligible Nigerians from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026.

The statement in part read, “The PSC, in collaboration with the NPF is pleased to announce the commencement of recruitment of 50,000 Police Constables into the Nigeria Police Force, as directed by President Bola Tinubu. Following this Presidential directive aimed at strengthening community policing, enhancing internal security and expanding the manpower base of the Nigeria Police Force, the Commission has approved the opening of the recruitment portal for applications from eligible Nigerians.

“For the General Duty cadre, applicants are required to possess GCE Ordinary Level, SSCE/NECO or equivalent qualifications with at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in no more than two sittings.

“Applicants for the Specialists cadre must possess a minimum of four credits, including English and Mathematics, also in no more than two sittings, and must have at least three years of experience and relevant trade test certifications.”

He added that “Candidates for General Duty must be between 18 and 25 years old, while those applying as Specialists must be between 18 and 28 years old. General Duty applicants must also meet minimum height requirements of 1.67m for men and 1.64m for women. All applications are to be submitted online via the portal.”

By Usman M. Shehu

Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.— Alan Cohen

It is unfortunate that Nigerian youths are preoccupied with PR and brown-nosing politicians on social media, mistaking sycophancy for loyalty or mentorship. Not only that, but we are comfortable scrolling TikTok, posting pictures on Instagram, and debating at what age we should start paying attention to the state of the nation, let alone running for office. Why are the youths indifferent to our sick polity that is rotten from the core? Why are they comfortable staying on the fence and serving as spectators instead of actors? Why do our youths somehow believe that they are the leaders of tomorrow and not of today?

Though it is the norm that young people, while growing up, usually learn from the older generation, what is there to learn from our current crop of terrible politicians who hold our nation by the jugular? They hide under the guise of “politics is a dirty game.” The old guard have the money, the influence, and the networks; what is lacking or in decline are vision, energy, and perhaps conscience and discipline—attributes that are essential for good leadership. Unfortunately, what they have will not be willingly given, and what the youths need often seems lacking or absent.

The joy of the youths when the Not Too Young to Run Act was passed by the National Assembly and signed into law on 31 May 2018 by President Buhari quickly dissipated when they realised that reality is different from what is written on paper or in Senate resolutions. It does not surmount all the barriers. Money continues to dominate our polity. Only a few youths can afford party nomination forms; the cost of contesting is so enormous that even the smallest elective office is far beyond the reach of most young people. Political parties prefer candidates who can fund them. These challenges are reinforced by the illusion that youths are inexperienced, impatient, and unprepared for leadership.

But then I often ask myself: do we have what it takes to lead, especially now that we are bedevilled with so many crises? It is like a person afflicted with multiple diseases—these include an identity crisis, the collapse of leadership from top to bottom, and a sick civil society. Fixing these issues is daunting even for experienced and seasoned leaders, let alone those still learning the ropes. It will only be possible through self-education, mentorship, and massive orientation and mobilisation. As Usman Sarki, Daily Trust columnist, rightly put it: “A new generation of rational leaders must arise from the ranks of men and women unafraid to confront entrenched interests, guided by data, driven by conscience and inspired by service.” A corrupt youth cannot be good for the health of our Federal Republic. Only youths of integrity can enhance the good health of our community.

Youths must acquire relevant skills such as adaptability and emotional intelligence, educate themselves, and build strong networks. For youths to be taken seriously, they must be sober, visionary, disciplined, and driven. Before we hold others accountable, we must start with ourselves. With the desire for change and disillusionment with the status quo, youths can become actors, seize power, and replace some of the politicians who treat power as if it has no expiry date—which is why they often disappear from the spotlight without warning.

In a nation where political power is seen as conquest and humility as weakness rather than virtue, the youths must be brave and courageous in asking for power or running for office. We must sketch a realistic roadmap and hold a vision of rescuing our polity that is being dragged down the drain. With the election season only inches away, the time to act is now.

Usman M. Shehu wrote in from Bauchi State and he can be reached via usmanmujtabashehu@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

A student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has died in tragic circumstances following an alleged assault by fellow students who accused him of involvement in a phone theft incident.

The incident occurred at the Eni Njoku Hall of Residence, where the undergraduate was reportedly confronted by other students over suspicions that he was connected to the disappearance of a mobile phone.

Sources say that the confrontation quickly escalated into a physical attack, with several students and hostel residents reportedly administering a severe beating.

The victim was said to have suffered critical injuries during the altercation and was later taken to a medical facility, where he was pronounced dead.

Details about the identity of the deceased, including his name and level of study, have not yet been officially released by the university or law enforcement, but various posts on social platforms refer to him as a UNN student who was allegedly beaten to death on suspicion alone.

The Enugu State Police Command has reportedly initiated an investigation into the matter to ascertain the exact sequence of events and whether criminal charges are warranted. Authorities are reviewing eyewitness testimony and security footage as part of the probe.

UNN management has not yet issued an official statement confirming the student’s death, but the incident has sparked concern among students and advocacy groups over rising cases of campus vigilante justice and the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands.

Further updates are expected as police continue their investigation and as the university responds to queries from the press and the public.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has stated that corruption in Nigeria is so widespread that fully applying the law would imprison a vast majority of the population.

ICPC’s Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Kaduna State, Mr. Sakaba Ishaku, issued the stark warning at a workshop on local government accountability in Kaduna on Wednesday.

“If the laws were to be applied to the letter, about 80 percent of the people you see walking the street freely will be in jail,” Ishaku declared.

He described corruption as “endemic and deeply entrenched,” driven by weak institutions and a lack of accountability, which diverts public resources and stalls development.

The commissioner challenged local government chairmen who leave office without visible achievements, questioning their legitimacy.

He also called for harsher penalties for graft, stating that current punishments are merely “a slap on the wrist.”

Echoing the concerns, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government, Sadiq Mamman Legas, highlighted how public attitude compounds the problem.

He revealed that communities vandalized and stole from transformers after the state spent billions repairing rural electrification projects.

Both officials called for stronger public enlightenment and community ownership of assets to combat the deep-seated crisis.

By Engr. Khalilah Yahya Aliyu 

September was the month dedicated to raising awareness of various medical conditions, among them hydrocephalus, which is commemorated in the United States on the 20th. This article was meant to have been published as my contribution to this course, but you will have to forgive me. The pen became too heavy for me to write as it required revisiting emotional wounds and acknowledging future fears.

I am a mum to a vibrant two-year-old blessed with this little-known condition–Hydrocephalus. Or so I thought, until I had him and realised hydrocephalus has quietly existed around us all along. During my final ultrasound before delivery, I curiously read the note from my OB-GYN: “mild ventricular dilatation.” At the time, “dilatation” only meant one thing to me, which was that my body was preparing to bring my baby into the world. What caught my attention, though, was how different this report was from the one I received during my first pregnancy.

As soon as I got home, I turned to Google: “What is mild ventricular dilatation in a foetus?” I learned it’s also called ventriculomegaly. It is a condition characterised by enlarged ventricles (fluid-filled spaces in the brain). The diagnosis was mild, and I read that it might normalise. I was still advised to watch for signs like visible veins on the scalp, projectile vomiting, and a rapid increase in head size.

Let me take you back a bit. Hydrocephalus, in direct translation from Greek, means ‘hydro’ (water) and ‘cephalus’ (head). Literally speaking, “water in the head”. But it’s not just any water. It’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). While CSF is essential, an excess of it leads to hydrocephalus.

Although some cases are congenital, it is critical to note that hydrocephalus can be acquired either due to old age or blunt trauma to the head. The case that scared me to my bones was when we were researching for a registered Medtronic vendor to purchase Ja’far’s shunt. We heard about a ten-year-old whose head accidentally hit a wall. The trauma distorted the flow of CSF, and he was not diagnosed on time till he nearly lost his mobility and sight. The shunt surgery restored his health.

I gave birth via emergency C-section after a prolonged labour. The first thing I checked when I held my baby was his head. It looked normal, covered in a full mass of hair. I couldn’t even see his scalp. Due to the labour complications, we stayed in the hospital longer. On the second day, neonatal jaundice set in, and my baby was admitted to the Intensive Care Baby Unit (ICBU). By the third day, I noticed something unusual. He vomited after every feed, and not just regular spit-up. It was forceful, the typical definition of projectile vomiting. I informed the paediatrician, who advised smaller, more frequent feeds. I followed the advice, but the vomiting persisted. Luckily for us, he had a voracious appetite, and after each episode, he’d eagerly refill his tummy.

We were discharged after 10 days. Grandma gave him his first haircut, and that’s when we noticed the intricate network of veins on his scalp. Visitors had all sorts of suggestions, from saffron oil to headache “ciwon kai” remedies. But deep down, I knew what it was. I anxiously waited for the final symptom to appear. Within days, his head began to enlarge, and his fontanelle (Madiga) wasn’t pulsating as it should. The vomiting continued. I turned to my husband and said solemnly, “Baby Ja’far needs urgent medical attention.” Grandma agreed. I trusted my instincts, and kudos to my husband, family, and friends for providing me with the strength to keep hope alive. They left no stone unturned to make this trial bearable.

At precisely one month old, we took him to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. We first saw a paediatrician at the GOPD, who ordered a scan, and my fears were confirmed. He has Dandy Walker Syndrome (DWS), which has led to excess fluid buildup in his head. I cried. Yes, I did. But I was also hopeful because I had read that early intervention could improve his chances of living an everyday life. We were given a medicine, Acetazolamide, that must be compounded to suit a child’s dosage. The medication is to reduce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and help manage intracranial pressure. We were then transferred to the Neurosurgical Department, where we met the neurosurgeons on their clinic day, a Wednesday. A strike by resident doctors worked in our favour, allowing Ja’far to be seen directly by a consultant neurosurgeon. 

I mentioned how warm his head felt, and the consultant reassured me it wasn’t related to hydrocephalus. “He’s like any other baby,” he said. “He can have a fever”. That was the beginning of our journey. I was frantic. I just wanted him treated quickly to relieve the cranial pressure. He needed brain surgery to insert a shunt that would regulate the CSF flow. Delays could cause irreversible damage. The medical team was dedicated and compassionate, particularly the doctors. He had the surgery successfully at two months old, and we watched him ace his developmental milestones. We celebrated his second shunt anniversary on June 19, 2025.

After Ja’far’s diagnosis, my curiosity deepened. I consumed every piece of literature I could find related to hydrocephalus. Wednesdays became my learning days, not just from the doctors but from fellow patients and caregivers. I remember overhearing a professor of neurosurgery advising a mother of another shunted warrior: “You and your partner should properly plan subsequent pregnancies. Gone are the days of ‘just taking in'”. He emphasised starting folic acid six months before conception, staying healthy, and avoiding harmful practices. And of course, make prayer your closest ally as you follow the healthiest regimen possible. Take your child to the hospital because even with limited resources, our healthcare workers continue to perform wonders, saving lives every day. They are our true heroes. 

It is pertinent to add, though solemn, that a shunt is a foreign body and can be prone to infection, blockage or malfunction. You must be alert; should you observe the slightest recurrence of any of the pre-surgery symptoms, hasten to the hospital for proper diagnosis. The doctors often reassure us that milestones might be delayed for our warriors. Still, with the appropriate care, they accomplish them over time. Seeing the scars where the shunt is placed, be it the catheter or the pump, and knowing that it is going to be there for life, can be heartbreaking. But I have learned to overcome this feeling by viewing it as a lifesaver because without it, you might not even be able to hold your bundle of joy. Brace up, not everyone’s journey is the same, but be ready for bumps. They can come in the form of incessant headaches, seizures or double incontinence.

I cannot conclude without a strong plea to the government. Congenital diseases are rare. Ja’far’s DWS, for example, ranges from 1 in 10,000 to 35,000 live births. Setting aside funds that low-income parents can access to cover medical expenses will go a long way toward improving our warriors’ quality of life. Make the health sector more robust. Map out a lasting plan to eradicate strikes. It might have worked in our favour, but it has also stalled the needed intervention for some of our warriors, leading to irreversible brain damage. Mandatory, accessible antenatal care, overseen by qualified medical practitioners, will help preserve the rarity of these conditions.

To all my fellow hydro mums, be grateful to the Almighty for the gift and celebrate your little warriors. Whether it’s an inch or a milestone, every step is worth celebrating. Also, you are not alone. We have a community, and we’re here to support one another, always. To everyone who stood by us throughout this journey, I want to say thank you. Where could we have found the strength to carry on without you?

Engr. Khalilah Yahya Aliyu wrote via khalilah20@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chair of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), HRH Abubakar Sa’ad III, on Wednesday warned that the Council risks losing relevance unless religious leaders embrace sincerity, accountability and genuine engagement.

His remarks came as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) renewed calls for stronger government action on insecurity, while the Federal Government dismissed global claims of religious persecution in the country.

These exchanges took place at NIREC’s Second Tri-Annual Meeting in Abuja, where the Sultan, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, delivered some of their most direct assessments of Nigeria’s security challenges and interfaith relations.

Speaking candidly, the Sultan said NIREC had drifted from its founding vision, stressing the need to confront internal contradictions that undermine its credibility.

He lamented that some religious leaders preach unity during meetings but make divisive statements outside, a pattern he said weakens interfaith harmony.

“We sit down and say good things to one another, knowing God owns everything. Yet when we leave this room, we begin to say negative things. Are we really honest with ourselves?” he asked.

He urged the Council to decide whether to continue with its current approach, undergo reforms, or return fully to its founding principles. He also commended Cardinal John Onaiyekan for his consistency and sincerity since NIREC’s early days.

The Sultan noted that many members fail to communicate NIREC’s resolutions to their communities, leaving the public unaware of decisions that could reduce tension.

He emphasised that dialogue—rather than force—remains the surest path to peace.

Turning to security, CAN President Archbishop Okoh warned that Nigeria faces a dangerous phase of violence marked by mass abductions, banditry and extremist attacks.

“The daily loss of innocent lives is alarming and heartbreaking. Communities are being deserted and citizens are fearful,” he said.

While acknowledging existing government efforts, he urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen responses proportionate to the scale of the crisis. He also stressed that faith institutions remain vital to peacebuilding due to their grassroots influence.

He insisted that justice must underpin peace: “Those who perpetrate or finance violence must be held accountable, and victims must be supported.”

In his remarks, SGF Senator George Akume rejected global claims that Nigeria is experiencing religious genocide, arguing that such narratives misrepresent the country’s complex security issues. He noted that both Christian and Muslim communities have suffered devastating attacks.

He announced plans for a US–Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security, where religious leaders will contribute to policy discussions.Akume urged delegates to speak frankly and work in unity, saying: “Let us collectively silence the merchants of hatred and disunity.”

The meeting ended with a consensus that Nigeria’s fragile peace requires renewed honesty, deeper collaboration and a united moral front between religious leaders and the government.