By Jamilu Uba Adamu

It’s impossible to start this column without some reflection, especially with my interest in Kano football history.

After holding its AGM meeting last week, the Kano State Football Association (KSFA) organised an award night to honour the achievement of some truly deserving individuals. 

For some reason, I have not been able to attend the event, but from the videos and the pictures I saw, the award night was a resounding success and full of important guests. 

The venue was beautifully decorated, and a giant screen was mounted on the stage with a background picture of each recipient of the award playing, just like we usually see at international events. 

It was top-notch, from the meeting to the plaque award presentation to the awardees. The awards themselves were a fitting tribute to the outstanding contributions of the honorees. 

It was a night to remember, and the Kano State Football Association, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Sharu Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan, has set a high standard. It deserves a standing ovation for organising an outstanding event. The efforts have made a significant impact.

Aside from all that, after going through the list of the award categories that include NLO Kano State Football Association Best Player, NPFL Best Player and SWAN Kano Chapter Award, a reflection that comes to my mind, especially considering my interest in the history aspect of sports, I observed that there is no inclusion of posthumous award category among the list. 

This means that as laudable as the award event is, there is no recognition for a posthumous award to those who deserved to be honoured for planting the seeds of the game of football in Kano long ago. It continues growing as we have it today. 

Those individuals are worth mentioning for special recognition for their contributions to nurturing the game and setting the pace we are following today. 

On such award occasions, the KSFA ought to create a posthumous award category for people like the Late Muhammadu Ɗanwawu Fagge, the man who led the legendary Kano XI to win the 1953 Challenge Cup and the sponsor of the defunct Ɗanwawu cup.

Pioneer Kano Pillars FC Chairman late Alh Isiyaku Muhammad (whom his blossom friend, Alh. Isiyaku Umar Tofa, on so many occasions, used to say it was him that convinced him to be sponsoring the Tofa Cup back then). 

Also, former Kano Pillars FC Chairman’s Late Alhaji Hassan Na-Abba, late ACP Sabo Abdullahi, Late Hon. Ɗanlami Hamza, Late Sani Muhammed Usman, and late Alh Kabiru Waya or even the famous legendary Kano XI squad, that consists of the Late Sidi Coach, Maxwell, and Okoh brothers, that won the first Kano state football trophy in far away Lagos in 1953, the list goes on.

Each of those mentioned above-listed individuals deserves to be posthumously awarded. I am sure honouring them this way can be an opportunity to celebrate a legacy, inspire others, and preserve history because omitting posthumous recognition can lead to forgotten legacies and leave a legacy uncelebrated.

With this, I urge the Kano State Football Association to, in the future event, seriously consider bestowing posthumous awards to these deserving historical individuals who put not only   Kano State but the whole of Northern Nigeria on a football map. 

Let me close by extending my wholehearted congratulations to Kano State Football Association and the awardees.

Jamilu Uba Adamu is a freelance sports writer and can be reached via jameelubaadamu@yahoo.com.

By Abdullahi Algasgain

The attention of the Sokoto State Government has been drawn to a malicious publication credited to the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) alleging a plan by the sttate government to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

The state government wondered how a responsible body like MURIC, claiming to be protecting the rights of the Muslims would descend so low and cheaply as to join hands with deluded mischief makers and enemies of progress to fabricate such a false and unsubstantiated story just to create an unfriendly atmosphere and fear in the minds of the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the state.

We believe that MURIC is not the type that will be dancing to the tunes of enemies and mischief makers who are trying to take away the attention of the good people of Sokoto state and Nigerians on the transformative initiatives taking place in Sokoto State over the last one year.

We also like to assure MURIC that the present administration just like the previous administrations in the state cherishes and respects the Sultanate Council long before MURIC was established.

The Sultanate Council, which has a long standing historical importance is so reverred to all the people of Sokoto State, therefore we still hold the institution in very high regards and esteem.

This is not the first time stories such as this were fabricated to show that all is not well between the state government and the Sultanate Council, as some few months back we had a similar obnoxious story which the state government categorically condemned and denied in whole.

From the look of things,those nefarious detractors and distracting enemies of progress have not relented in their failed efforts to smear the cordial relationship existing between the state government and the Sultanate Council.

MURIC should have cared to find out if there was ever any query, warning or any threatening documents served on the sultan by the state government.

We equally like to remind MURIC that promoting Islamic affairs is the second item on the Ahmed Aliyu’s nine-point Smart Agenda,therefore Islam means so much to the present administration, coupled with the fact that Sokoto being the Seat of the Caliphate, is a 100 per cent Muslim-dominated society.

It is on record that no administration in the history of Sokoto State has done to Islam what the present administration has done in just one year. This we say without any fear of contradictions.

Therefore, for any one to think that the present administration could engage in acts or actions that could jeopardize the development of Islam is not only unfair but unjustifiable.

To put the records straight, we would like to tell the world that the relationship between the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration and the Sultanate Council under the leadership of our most respected monarch, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has been very cordial.

The present administration always consulted with His Eminence, the Sultan on issues affecting the state, and his invaluable contributions and inputs are always respected and included in policy implementation.

On the issue of sacking and transfer of some District Heads in Sokoto State, MURIC should know that the affected District Heads were accused of some unbecoming behaviours,such as land racketeering, aiding insecurity as well as insurbodination to the constituted authority.

In order to give them fair hearing the committee summoned all the affected District Heads, after which it came up with a whitepaper report, advising the government on what to do. And it was based on that and also in the public interest that the state government acted in conformity with the recommendations made by the whitepaper committee.

It is equally important for MURIC to note that nobody is above the law, therefore,the sacked District Heads are just reaping what they saw, and that the action taken by the Sokoto State Government was indisputably in the best public interest.

Abubakar Bawa
Press Secretary to
Sokoto state Governor
25/06/2024.

By Haroon Aremu

On a peaceful Sunday afternoon, I found myself immersed in the music of Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, a pioneer Fuji maestro known for his deep and meaningful lyrics that reflect Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. As I listened to a track titled “Adieu MKO,” which began with Nigeria’s newly adopted anthem, I was inspired to delve deeper into MKO Abiola’s legacy in relation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential journey and the adoption of the new anthem, as I began to wonder if all this could be a strategic message to Nigerians.

Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, a renowned Fuji musician, frequently added societal issues into his music, notably addressing the life and contributions of MKO Abiola. Barrister’s songs portrayed Abiola with admiration, acknowledging his philanthropy, political influence, and commitment to democracy. Barrister shared personal anecdotes, portraying Abiola as a humble figure despite his wealth and influence, creating a multifaceted portrayal of the Nigerian icon.

According to Historical research, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola began his journey from humble beginnings. Born into a low-income family in Abeokuta, Ogun State, he started earning money at a young age by performing odd jobs, including singing and drumming at events. His exceptional intelligence earned him a scholarship to attend the prestigious Baptist Boys’ High School in Abeokuta. Later, he received a government scholarship to study at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, where he earned a degree in accountancy.

Beyond his political aspirations, Abiola was a successful businessman who built a vast business empire with interests in telecommunications, oil, and banking. He founded the telecommunications giant ITT Nigeria and was also involved in the publishing industry, owning newspapers like Concord Press. His philanthropy earned him the title of “Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland,” a highly esteemed traditional title.

Abiola is most famous for his presidential bid 1993, which is widely believed to have been the most free and fair election in Nigeria’s history. Despite winning, the election results were annulled by the then-military government led by General Ibrahim Babangida, leading to a significant political crisis. After declaring himself the rightful president of Nigeria, Abiola was arrested in 1994 by the military regime of General Sani Abacha. He remained in detention for four years and died under suspicious circumstances on July 7, 1998, the day he was due to be released.

Despite the controversies surrounding his death, Abiola’s legacy as a champion of democracy in Nigeria is honoured. In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously awarded him Nigeria’s highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), and declared June 12 as Democracy Day in recognition of his contribution to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Abiola was also a cultural figure with deep connections to the Yoruba cultural renaissance and promoted Nigerian culture globally. His influence extended beyond politics and business, impacting social and cultural spheres in Nigeria. He maintained extensive international connections in business and politics, improving Nigeria’s relations with other countries.

MKO Abiola embodied the patriotic spirit that “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” represented. As a businessman, philanthropist, and political leader, Abiola’s efforts were always aimed at uplifting Nigeria and contributing to its progress and unity.

The newly adopted anthem’s lyrics, emphasising unity and patriotism, reflect Abiola’s vision for Nigeria. He consistently advocated for a united Nigeria, free from the divisions that plagued the country. His presidential campaign in 1993 was a significant demonstration of his commitment to national unity and democracy.

Abiola’s contributions to Nigerian culture and his promotion of the Yoruba cultural renaissance align with the pride and national identity celebrated in “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” He supported cultural initiatives to foster a sense of pride and belonging among Nigerians.

The anthem’s call to serve the nation resonates with Abiola’s extensive philanthropic activities. He invested in education, healthcare, and community development, reflecting the anthem’s spirit of dedication to the well-being of Nigeria and its people.

The period during which “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was the national anthem corresponds with a formative time in Nigeria’s political history, including the early years of independence. Abiola’s political career, especially his role in the 1993 presidential election, continues the struggles and aspirations encapsulated in the anthem.

With some sense of factual comparison, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s relationship with MKO Abiola reflects a shared commitment to democracy, justice, and the advancement of Nigeria. Both leaders believed in the country’s potential and actively worked towards its progress. Tinubu and Abiola were influential figures in Nigeria’s political landscape, with Abiola’s 1993 presidential bid resonating with Tinubu’s political aspirations and being associated with the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Abiola’s leadership qualities, philanthropy, and vision for Nigeria deeply inspired Tinubu, who likely admired Abiola’s ability to connect with the masses and his unwavering dedication to democratic ideals. 

Like many other pro-democracy activists, Tinubu supported Abiola’s mandate and condemned the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, forging a bond rooted in shared democratic principles. Tinubu continued to champion democratic values, electoral reform, good governance, and the rule of law, echoing Abiola’s vision for a democratic Nigeria. 

Furthermore, both leaders have been actively involved in philanthropic activities and community development initiatives, aligning with Abiola’s legacy of social responsibility. The Fuji icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal has sung about Tinubu following Abiola’s legacy, highlighting their enduring connection and further reinforcing the significance of Abiola’s impact on Nigeria’s political landscape. 

Considering the recent anthem change by the president, one could perceive it as a message of togetherness and an assurance of following Abiola’s legacy, given the similarities between Abiola and Tinubu, including their association with Muslim-Muslim tickets and other shared values.

To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I implore all citizens to wish and pray to God to grant him insight and foresight. Imight (strength) need to realise the democratic journey that Abiola envisioned.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a youth Corp Member with PRNigeria centre, Abuja and wrote in via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu said his administration would not rest on its oars until banditry, terrorism and other forms of insecurity are completely eliminated from the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Kashim Ibrahim Shatima, opened the session of the North West Peace and Security Summit with the theme, “Regional Cooperation for Securing Lives and Livelihoods in North West Nigeria.”

The summit was organised by the North West Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at Government House, Katsina State.

In his remarks, he declared that the Tinubu administration will not rest on its oars until banditry, terrorism, and other forms of insecurity are completely eliminated from the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has collaborated with the European Union (EU), the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, and GIZ to launch a capacity-building program for the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). 

The training, held from May 20 to May 31, 2024, focused on critical customs procedures such as Tariff Classification, Rules of Origin, and Customs Valuation. 

“The capacity building is divided into three stages: Intermediate, Advanced, and Training-of-Trainers (ToT), to ensure a thorough and progressive enhancement of skills among NCS officers,” said a WCO official. 

The training aimed to improve the implementation of Advance Ruling, a trade facilitation measure designed to bring certainty and transparency to Nigeria’s customs operations. 

“The WCO has supported the development of Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) to guide the implementation of Advance Rulings, providing detailed guidelines on handling HS and RoO,” the official added. 

The initiative aims to create a more efficient and transparent customs environment in Nigeria, aligning with international standards and fostering greater trust and cooperation in global trade.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi

A recent report by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed that Nigerians are increasingly relying on loans to survive the harsh economic conditions, with consumer credit jumping by 12% to approximately ₦3.9 billion in January 2024. 

According to the CBN’s monthly economic report, the total consumer credit outstanding increased to ₦3,823 billion in January 2024, with personal loans accounting for 79% of consumer credit and retail loans accounting for 21%. 

The report noted that personal loans increased by 14.3% to ₦3,028 billion, while retail loans rose by 4% to ₦795 billion. However, consumer credit as a share of total credit from Online Data Capture Systems (ODCs) declined to 7% from 8% in the preceding month. 

The surge in demand for loans comes as the headline inflation rate hit 33.95% in May, forcing the CBN to hike the interest rate consecutively to 26.25%. 

A study by SBM Intelligence found that 27% of Nigerians across different income categories now resort to loan apps to keep up with their living expenses in the wake of record inflation. 

“The severe impact of the unyielding inflationary pressures on the daily lives of Nigerians, especially those already grappling with limited financial resources, is evident in the surge in demand for loan apps,” the report noted. 

As the cost of living continues to escalate, Nigerians are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet, with many resorting to loans as a survival strategy.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

A United States congressman, Major Owens once said, ‘I have a great deal of respect and admiration for people who put themselves on the line.’

Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s political doppelganger, Awana Alhaji Gana, often describes him as an exemplary leader because, according to him, he was taught as a child in Islamic school that a leader is a servant of the people and a loyal servant sacrifices his life to protect his masters – the people.

Indeed, this was justified by Shettima when he was the governor of Borno State. He stood his ground to protect his people and never ran away from battle, putting his life on the line and confronting the monsters called Boko Haram.

He mobilised the police, rallied soldiers and established the Civilian JTF – a group of patriotic young people who are always ready to sacrifice their lives for their country – which helped to stem the tide of the insurgency.

The fear in Maiduguri in 2014 was so intense that some notable persons, politicians, and non-politicians had to relocate their families to Abuja. Shettima, who was abroad at that time, canceled the assignment, returned home, and mobilised residents to rise in defense of their ancestry. They succeeded in pushing the enemies back. That was the time when everybody thought the cursed elements had hoisted their flags in the city of Maiduguri.

Based on the sleepless nights he had endured in the latter part of his first tenure – moving from one shooting or bombing scene to the other and liaising with the federal government to protect Borno people – most observers actually thought he would just chicken out and not bother to seek a second term in office. But he contested, won, and sustained the fight against the enemies.

VP Shettima has always attracted the best brains to himself, being a first-rate intellectual as well. This was why it wasn’t difficult for him and this remarkable look-alike to find each other and connect.

Unlike other politicians who only read articles written by their admirers and watch activities done by others in their names without appreciation, Shettima keeps his eagle eyes around, following everything that involves his name and showing appreciation. He doesn’t look down on people, which is why his political network is full of diverse people of all classes.

This reminds me of the first time he called to appreciate me when I wrote an article titled “Kashim Shettima: Courage, Conviction Cannot Kill a Man,” in 2022 which was published in many national dailies across the country.

Interestingly, when VP Shettima met Alhaji Gana, who politically mimics him, he observed the striking similarities between himself and the latter.

Kashim Shettima is known for visiting his friends, honouring their special invitations, and standing with them during trying times. These quintessential traits have been maintained by his political doppelgänger whose friends work with him. Awana attends marriages, condoles with people who lost their loved ones, and organises a caricature of every political event the VP has attends.

VP Shettima once again showed the humane side of him recently when he posted on Facebook that: “On Tuesday, I paid a condolence visit to the family of my brother, friend, and colleague at Zenith Bank, Chief Kester Christopher Kenechuku Ogualili, who passed away on May 3, 2024. Kester and I have come a long way, and now that he is no more, we will step in to fill the vacuum created by his demise.”

Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Borno and can be reached via email: lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched a series of airstrikes against illegal refining sites and boats in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Imo states, destroying 13 sites and 7 boats. 

According to NAF spokesperson, AVM Edward Gabkwet, the air interdictions were carried out between June 18 and June 22 as part of Operation Delta Safe. 

Gabkwet said the airstrikes also dispersed 5 J-5 buses attempting to siphon crude oil products from surface tanks. 

The NAF spokesperson described the operation as a significant success, saying: “Air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes.

“This is majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air-to-ground coordination, and most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience.” 

He added that the operations will be sustained until the activities of the oil thieves are reduced to the barest minimum. 

The crackdown on oil thieves is part of the Nigerian government’s efforts to combat illegal oil refining and smuggling in the Niger Delta region.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

A couple of days ago, the Lagos State government officially entered into an agreement with the Netherlands government to establish a waste-to-energy firm. 

The initiative was said to get rid of heaps of waste across the Lagos metropolitan area (about 2250 tons daily) and generate between 60 and 75 megawatts of electricity annually, providing some 40,000 homes. 

In addition, the Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu said the project will help cut down the country’s carbon footprint, as about 550,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses emitted daily from the dumpsite will be addressed. 

Singapore is one of the countries that is an embodiment of waste to energy. Singapore is said to have zero waste, thanks to its waste-to-wealth program. They completely convert their waste, partly into energy and other parts into recycling.  

Trust developed nations; they always think ahead. In Denmark, an innovative twist was added to this technology. Due to the extensive space occupied by the conversion centre, the top area of this facility would be transformed into a game reserve and tourist attraction. Who said you can’t kill two birds with one stone?

As Sanwo-Olu highlighted, the world is currently grappling with climate change, so several countries have been resorting to generating energy from biomass. This includes food crops (maize, sugarcane, cassava, etc.), lignocellulosic materials (e.g., woods), and waste (a mixture of biomass, petroleum products, and metals), the latest being the most expensive for conversion. By using waste to generate energy, countries would not only clean the environment but also cut down their carbon budget, hence mitigating the effect of the looming climate change. 

The most widely used technology for waste-to-electricity conversion is the combustion integration into steam turbines. In this process, the waste is burned in the boiler unit to generate steam, which generates steam channels to power the turbine and the movement of turbine generic electricity. But that is not all; the exhaust steam is channelled into a condenser unit, where the steam is converted back to the water, then finally the water is pumped to the boiler to complete the cycle.  

Applications of the laws of thermodynamics in each unit allow the energy usage analyses to make each step more efficient, that is, reduce energy waste in each section (boiler, turbine condenser, and pump). This technology is known as a steam turbine, one of the heat engines based on the principle of the Rankine cycle. A closely related heat engine is a locomotive rail or refrigeration and Air conditioning system based on Rankine cycles. 

 The second way to convert waste to energy is pyrolysis. In pyrolysis, waste is converted to oil instead of directly burning them. As mentioned above, these oils can then be burned in a boiler to generate steam and the cycle proceeds. Catalysts like zeolite can be used to upgrade the oil for use, such as petroleum.  The difference between pyrolysis and combustion is that in the former, oxygen is not allowed; in fact, pyrolysis means a lack of oxygen. In the former, oxygen is necessary; without oxygen, combustion will not occur, or there will be incomplete combustion if it is inadequate. 

The last category of technology for waste conversion is gasification; in this process, waste is converted to carbon monoxide and hydrogen (syngas); these gasses can be burned in a boiler to generate steam, and the process proceeds just as mentioned. Similarly, the syngas can be upgraded to synthetic fuels using metal catalysts like iron through popular technology known as Fischer-Tropsch. Depending on the quality, synthetic fuels produced may be used as petroleum, too. Gasification differs in combustion in the oxygen usage; in the former, oxygen is meticulously controlled.

Wise students will check out abundant videos on YouTube demonstrating these three categories of biomass conversion: combustion, pyrolysis, and gasification, the principles of Steam Turbines, Heat Engines, the Rankine cycle, and the Carnot Cycle, the applications of the laws of thermodynamics, and the catalysis involved in the bio-oil upgrade and the Fischer-Tropsch process.

If you are in the secondary or early years of a degree program and already aware of this information, then you are a step ahead, and you are not only fortunate than your peers but most of us at your level.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin wrote via bilal4riid13@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, paid a surprise visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Daura, Katsina State. 

Accompanied by former Governor Aminu Tambuwal and other PDP stalwarts, Atiku’s closed-door meeting with Buhari has set tongues wagging about the purpose of the visit.

This development comes hot on the heels of Atiku’s recent meetings with former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, in Niger State. 

While the details of these discussions remain under wraps, sources suggest that Atiku’s visit may be connected to the 2027 general elections.

As political intrigues continue to unfold, many are watching with bated breath to see what this unexpected meeting will yield.