Arewa

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all primary and junior secondary schools across the state as a precautionary security measure.

The directive was issued on Friday by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). In a statement released in Jos, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Richard Jonah, confirmed the directive.

Jonah addressed parents and guardians, assuring them that the shutdown is a temporary step.

He emphasized that the decision was imperative to avert potential security threats to students and school infrastructure.

While the statement did not specify the nature of the security threats or a potential reopening date, the move underscores the government’s priority to ensure the safety of schoolchildren amid ongoing security challenges in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has said that recent statements made by former United States President Donald Trump have revived the confidence of violent groups that are seeking to exploit global narratives for renewed attacks.

Akume issued the warning in a statement released on Wednesday. He addressed the evolving pattern of violent extremism, banditry and the broader security issues confronting Nigeria.

Trump had declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern’’ on October 31 over allegations of a Christian genocide.

He cautioned that American forces could be deployed to Nigeria if the alleged killings of Christians continued.

He also said he had directed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for “possible action” should the situation deteriorate.

Trump further threatened to suspend all American assistance to Nigeria if President Bola Tinubu’s government failed to stop the purported persecution.

Akume said insurgent networks had been weakened before those remarks were made. He noted that some groups are now attempting to use the international attention as an advantage.

His statement read in part, “Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets.

“Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry. This resurgence underscores the vital need for collaboration—not public labeling—between Nigeria and the United States.”

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s stance that Nigeria does not need foreign troops. According to him, the Nigerian Armed Forces have reclaimed territories and dismantled Boko Haram and ISWAP command structures.

He stressed that the country requires specific support in the areas of intelligence, technology and equipment rather than foreign boots on the ground.

He said, “The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. They have reclaimed vast territories, degraded Boko Haram/ISWAP leadership structures, and conducted successful multi-theatre operations.

“Nigeria does not require foreign troops. What is needed is targeted support from partners, especially the United States, in the areas of intelligence cooperation, technology and military equipment support for advanced engagement against the insurgents.”

Akume also rejected claims that the conflict in Nigeria amounts to a “Christian genocide”. He said available evidence shows that insurgents and criminal elements attack both churches and mosques and that victims include Muslims and Christians.

He added that Nigeria remains a secular nation and that government appointments represent the country’s religious and ethnic diversity.

He stated, “Nigeria rejects any characterisation of the conflict as a genocide against Christians or any group. Verified evidence shows that insurgents and criminal networks attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians alike. The Government remains committed to protecting all citizens and strengthening cooperation with international partners—especially the United States—to dismantle extremist and criminal networks.

“Nigeria is a secular state as guaranteed by various provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. No state religion is adopted as a national religion and no citizen of Nigeria is above the Nigerian constitution.

“The appointment made by the present administration reflects the diversities of our nation and both Christians and Muslims and members of the Federal Executive Council holding key positions in equal proportion, including the Nigerian security council, the body that deals with all security challenges in Nigeria.”

By Uzair Adam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has inaugurated the reconstituted Kano Council of Emirs, led by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, alongside the Emirs of Gaya, Karaye, and Rano as council members.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in Kano on Monday.

The inauguration follows the signing of the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024 into law by Governor Yusuf.

The law abolished the five emirate councils established by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, effectively restoring a unified structure under the Kano Emirate.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf said the reconstituted Council was aimed at enabling the traditional institution to function more effectively in promoting peace, stability, and development across the state.

“The traditional institution is a pillar of history, a guardian of people’s values, a custodian of heritage, and an engine of social stability.

“It remains an indispensable partner in governance. The inauguration of the Council of Emirs today reaffirms our administration’s commitment to preserving Kano’s cultural legacy, strengthening good governance, and deepening the partnership between the Government and the Emirates,” Governor Yusuf said.

He added, “This Council is envisioned to serve as a central forum where our Royal Fathers can meet, deliberate, and offer far-reaching counsel on matters affecting the well-being of our people.

”Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo expressed optimism that the Council, once operational, would play a crucial role in the overall development of Kano State.

Earlier, Professor Tijjani Muhammad Naniya, Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, gave a detailed presentation on the history of the Kano Emirate and its relations with the Rano, Gaya, and Karaye Emirates.

Prof. Naniya highlighted that Governor Yusuf had restored a historical legacy spanning over 700 years, in which the Kano Emirs operated in unity, with the Emir of Kano as head.

Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, speaking on behalf of the other member Emirs, described the revival and inauguration of the Council as timely and consistent with historical tradition.

He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his unprecedented achievements in the state and assured the Emirates’ commitment to contributing their best toward Kano’s progress.

By Ibrahim Aisha 

Across much of Northern Nigeria, girls still face an invisible wall after secondary school. Parents’ fears, tight household budgets, and the pull of early marriage keep many daughters at home. Yet, data and role models reveal what is lost when the ambition of a female child is clipped.

For generations, education has been regarded as the key to progress and empowerment. Still, in conservative societies, the education of girls beyond the basics is often seen as unnecessary or even a threat to tradition despite government campaigns, NGO interventions, and success stories of women who have broken barriers.

The world has become a global village. Technology, digital communication, and international mobility have reshaped how we live and work. In this new reality, uneducated girls are left voiceless, powerless, and excluded from the spaces where contemporary women now thrive sitting in parliaments, leading global institutions, directing multinational companies, and innovating in science and technology.

Why, in 2025, do some communities still resist girls’ education?

The answer often lies in illiteracy. Parents who never had the privilege of education sometimes fail to see its value. Many fear what they do not understand. To them, sending a daughter to university feels like losing her to an unknown world.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics as at 2017 defined literacy as the percentage of people aged 15 and above who can read, write, and understand simple expressions in any language. A Punch Editorial Board report from September 2023 highlighted Nigeria’s poor education outlook: although the government claimed a national literacy rate of 69%, this figure hides wide regional disparities. 

According to a UNICEF report on the state of Nigeria’s children, 10.2 million primary school-aged children and 8.1 million secondary school-aged children are out of school in the country.Reports indicate that between 2020 and 2025, Northern Nigeria consistently recorded between five and seven million out-of-school girls, with only minor fluctuations despite ongoing efforts.

Socio-Cultural Impediments 

Household-level constraints on access to education are not entirely economic. Studies and surveys identify several socio-cultural factors: erosion of extended family solidarity, weakening societal values, and gender-related issues such as teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and perceptions about the “proper role” of women.

Northern Nigeria is still shaped by cultural practices harmful to women’s emancipation, including early and forced marriage, wife-inheritance, widowhood practices, lack of access to education, low enrollment rates, poor funding, inadequate facilities for persons with disabilities, and frequent disruptions caused by conflict and seasonal migration.

Stories from the Ground

The experiences of girls and women across the North reveal both the struggles and the possibilities of education.

Rahama Dajuma, a graduate, said that education had done everything for her. She now works with an NGO and is about to get married. She relieved her father from the stress of buying furniture for her wedding, and her fiancé is allowing her to keep her job.

Zainab Abubakar, a student, mother and a resident of Sabuwar Gwammaja, argued that girls should be asked their opinions because “you can force a horse to the riverbank but you cannot force it to drink.” She added that many parents above 60 in her community do not want their sons to marry women educated beyond secondary school, fearing such women will not be submissive.

Zakiyyah Al-Hassan, a resident of Chiranchi, shared that she is not educated but wants her child to go beyond secondary school. According to her, the world is changing and women should not be stuck in the kitchen, as educated women contribute to the home even before bringing in their salaries.

Fatima Abubakar, a student of the School of Hygiene, explained that she is the only one schooling out of nine children. Her father could not afford fees for all, so her siblings sacrificed for her.

Iya Aminatu, a resident of Kurna Kwachiri, revealed that none of her seven daughters went beyond junior secondary school because her husband is completely against it, and she could not object to his decision.

Malam Rafa’i, a local Islamic teacher and resident of Tsakuwa, said during a telephone interview that it is a waste of time and resources to send a girl to school when she should stay home and learn how to cook so as to be a perfect wife to her husband.

Fatima Haruna, a secondary school graduate, recalled that her elder sister Khadijah finished with flying colours and was promised that she could continue schooling. After marriage, her husband refused, saying he had no intention of letting her further her education. He had only used that promise to lure her into marriage. Since then, their father insists that no daughter can further her education unless her husband agrees.

The Road Ahead

These stories show that the real question has shifted from “Should girls be educated?” to “How fast can Northern Nigeria catch up?” Education experts and stakeholders warn that if the situation does not improve, Northern Nigeria risks falling further behind, with dire consequences for national development. The region needs more investment in infrastructure, security, and teacher training. Cultural reorientation campaigns must also be intensified to promote the value of education, especially for girls.

The answer lies in stronger government commitment, sustained community awareness, and the courage to challenge harmful traditions. Education is no longer a privilege. It is a necessity for survival in the global age. 

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate of negligence, which he claims led to the United States placing Nigeria on its list of “Countries of Particular Concern” for alleged religious persecution.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Senator Ndume stated that both the executive and legislative arms failed to act with urgency in addressing the U.S. government’s accusations, ultimately resulting in the designation.

The senator recalled that he had previously sponsored a motion in the Senate calling for an investigation into what he termed the “baseless allegations of Christian genocide,” which later led to a resolution advising the federal government to engage the U.S. government with factual data.

The designation was announced on Friday by former U.S. President Donald Trump via his Truth Social platform, a move subsequently published on the White House’s X account.

The Nigerian government has swiftly denied the allegations, asserting that Trump’s claims do not reflect the reality within the country.

However, Senator Ndume blamed the Tinubu administration and the Senate for failing to take appropriate action since U.S. Representative Riley Moore first raised the issue, before Trump reiterated it.

He advised the government to take immediate steps to confront the U.S. administration with credible evidence that terrorists are killing people without religious discrimination.

“I have told the government before, I even sponsored a motion. Nigeria is a free country; this is not something America should do for us, but a misunderstanding and its political implications are what led to us being placed on this list,” Ndume said.

“We should confront the U.S. government with the true data and statistics. We must get them to listen to the views of the Nigerian government and the Muslim community. Muslims are also being killed. This is not a genocide of Christians; this is a killing of Nigerians in general.”

By Murtala Sani

Muhammadu Gwarzo was one of the first five people that pioneered Hausa novel. He was selected alongside Abubakar Imam, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, John Tafida and Bello Kagara by Rupert East, a colonial master who contributed a lot in the promotion of Hausa Language and Literature. The five pupils were tasked to write Hausa novels which were published by Literature Bureau. The Bureau was renamed Northern Nigerian Publishing Company(NNPC), Zaria.

Therefore, a competition was organized which led to the emergence of “Ruwan Bagaja” by Abubakar Imam, “Shehu Umar” by Abubakar Tafawa Balewa,”Jiki Magayi” by Rupert East and John Tafida, “Gandoki” by Bello Kagara and “Idon Matambayi” by Muhammadu Gwarzo.

Mallam Muhammadu Gwarzo,OBE, was born in 1911 at Gwarzo, which is now a Local Government in Kano State. He attended Kano Provincial School from 1923 to 1928. He proceeded to Katsina Higher College from 1928 to 1932.

He worked as Water Works Superintendent at Kano N.A. Electricity and Water Supply Undertaking from 1932 to 1936. He served as a Clerical Officer, Kano N.A. Works Department from 1936 to 1939. Mallam Muhammadu Gwarzo became a Teacher at Kano Middle School from 1939 to 1944.

During his stay in the school, he held the position of Assistant Headmaster from 1944 to 1948 and then the school’s Headmaster from 1948 to 1952. He was a Staff Officer, Kano N.A. Staff Office from 1952 to 1954. At Kano Provincial Office, Muhammadu Gwarzo was a Provincial Adult Education Officer from 1954 to 1955 and then a Staff Officer from 1956 to 1963.

He also served as a Chief Scribe, Kano N.A. Central Administration from 1963 to 1969. He was a Councillor for Establishment and Training, Kano N.A. Establishment and Service Matters Department from 1969 to 1975.

Later,Mhammadu Gwarzo became a Permanent Commissioner, Kano State Local Government Service Commission from 1975 to 1980.

Muhammadu Gwarzo performed some honorary assignments; Military Training for Civil Defence during World War II,1940. He was a Member, Peace Committee for Kano Riots,1953. He was a Member, Federal House of Representatives ofr Karaye,from 1959 to 1966. He was a Chairman, Kano State Scholarship Board, from 1970 to 1975,He was a Member Nigerian Citizenship and Naturalisation Committee in1973. He was a Member Governing Council,Universitywe of Benin, from 1975 to 1980.

He was a Member, Governing Council, University of Ibadan,from 1984 to 1988. He visited Great Britain in 1952 and Saudia Arabia for Hajj Pilgrimage in 1961. In the 1980s, he performed Umrah several times. Reading and hockey were his hobbies. While serving as Water Works Superintendent, he persuaded public to embrace the use of pipe-borne water and abandon the use of wells and other open sources of water in order to prevent them from diseases.

At that moment,hospitals were dreaded because of ignorance and lack of sufficient enlightenment. During his stay at Kano Middle School, he indoctrined and instilled displine and sound morals to school boys in order to become responsible and productive adults to the society. This was reflected in the lives of some of his pupils from 1939 to 1952. Few of the pupils were; Late Alhaji Ado Bayero, Sarkin Kano, Late Tijjani Hashim, Galadiman Kano, Late Alhaji Abbas Sunusi, Wamban Kano and later Galadiman Kano,Late Mahe Bashir Wali, Walin Kano,Alhaji Muhammad Koguna, Durbin Kano, Alhaji Sama’ila Gwarzo,former Minister of Police Affairs and National Security Advisor, Late Haliru Gwarzo, former journalist and BBC reporter.

He contributed to the restoration of peace, tranquility and concord between different ethnic groups during the 1953 Kano Riots. Muhammadu Gwarzo’s “Idon Matambayi” revolves around the lives of four thieves whose lives entirely defend on armed robbery and stealing. They deployed different tricks outsmarting innocent people. Although they had a teamwork,there was no trust among them. They were always on constant fear of being cought despite their mastery in the evil act. The central moral of the story is that all the thieves met their waterloo. While the three thieves were arrested, the central character, Idon Matambayi, lost all his ill gotten fortunes despite the fact that he repented from stealing.

Muhammadu Gwarzo died in 1992. He had two wives, initially. He left five children;Sa’idu Gwarzo,former Federal Permanent Secretary,first Secretary Kano State Civil Service,first Director Kano State College of Art,Science and Remedial Studies(CAS),former Chairman Kano Civil Service Commission.

Basiru Muhammad Gwarzo, former Local Government Secretary within various Local Governments in the old Kano State before Jigawa State was carved out,he was also a school mate of late General Muhammadu Buhari and late General Shehu Musa Yar’adua at Katsina Provincial School. Hannafi Muhammadu Gwarzo, former Deputy Director, Kano State Ministry of Works. Hauwa Muhammadu Gwarzo,a housewife. Dalhatu Muhammadu Gwarzo, former General Manager NNDC Kaduna,former Kano State Commissioner for Special Duties, former Kano State Commissioner Ministry of Commerce, former Executive Director Express Petroleum and Gas Company Limited. Dalhatu Gwarzo is the only living son of late Muhammadu Gwarzo.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a significant political shift, three members of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State have defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, announced the defection on Tuesday. The lawmakers crossing the aisle are Hon. Abdulkarim Hussain Mohammed, Hon. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi, and Hon. Sadiq Ango Abdullahi.

The political event was graced by the presence of Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, who attended the plenary specifically to witness the defection.

The lawmakers justified their move by pointing to internal crises and deep-seated divisions within the PDP.

Following the announcement, Governor Sani led the defecting legislators to the Speaker’s office for a photo session before departing.

However, the move was immediately contested by the Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda.

He challenged the defection and called on the Speaker to declare the seats of the three lawmakers vacant, citing the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Frustrated by persistent and deadly bandit attacks, residents of the Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State have issued a desperate appeal to the Federal Government, urging President Bola Tinubu to grant them permission to bear arms for self-defence.

The appeal was made during a press conference held at the press centre in Sokoto, where community leaders voiced their profound frustration with the government’s perceived failure to protect them.

Led by their community head, Alhaji Adamu Kebbe, the residents accused both state and local government authorities of abandonment, leaving them in a state of perpetual fear and vulnerability.

“We cannot sleep with both eyes closed. Our towns have been nearly wiped out, yet the government is not doing enough to protect us,” Alhaji Kebbe stated.

He emphasized that the people can no longer endure the relentless killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property.

The community’s request highlights a growing trend of citizen militancy in the face of escalating insecurity. Security analysts have warned that such calls for self-armament are a clear indicator of eroding public confidence in the state’s ability to provide security, necessitating urgent federal intervention.

“If the government cannot protect us, it should allow us to protect ourselves,” one villager was quoted as saying, capturing the sentiment of many.

In their appeal, the Kebbe community also requested direct financial support from the Federal Government to the local councils to enable them to take immediate emergency measures to protect civilians.

Sokoto State, particularly regions like Isa, Sabon Birni, and Kebbe, has been one of the epicentres of bandit violence in recent years. While the state government has acknowledged the severe threat, residents insist that the measures taken so far are insufficient to guarantee their safety.

Community leaders at the conference reported that at least 17 villages have been completely deserted due to the frequent attacks, displacing thousands and crippling agriculture and daily life.

This is not the first such plea from the state. Earlier, youths in the Shagari local government area had also threatened to take up arms, citing exhaustion from the relentless attacks and kidnappings that have plagued their region.

In response to the latest appeal, the Sokoto State government has assured the public that it is doing everything within its power to end the security crisis in Kebbe and surrounding areas.

By Khairat Suleiman

Physical attractiveness is recognised as one of the strongest societal currencies, with research suggesting it fosters confidence and can translate into personal and professional success for many women. 

A 2023 study from the Journal of Social Psychology found that attractive individuals are perceived as more competent in initial social interactions, particularly in image-driven industries, which can be especially relevant in contexts like that of the Hausa/Fulani parts of Northern Nigeria, where cultural norms often emphasise appearance in social and marital roles. However, this focus can overshadow the importance of education, skills, and intellectual growth.

Consider the 2022 case of 5-year-old Hanifa from Kano State, who was tragically murdered by her head teacher tragically murdered. Her death sparked temporary outrage on social media, with behavioural psychologists attributing much of the reaction to her good looks, as noted in various analyses. This example, while digressive, highlights how attractiveness influences societal perceptions, even in tragic contexts.

While beauty can open doors, overemphasising it often has consequences. A 2025 LinkedIn report highlighted that women with advanced skills in fields such as technology, finance, or leadership earn 20-30% more than those relying on appearance-based roles, which often have shorter career spans. Investing in intellectual and professional growth not only leads to personal fulfilment but also challenges societal expectations, with confidence from career milestones being just as enduring, if not more, than that from physical enhancements.

Social media plays a vital role in promoting beauty standards over career-focused content. A 2024 analysis of TikTok content revealed that posts about Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs), Botox, and skin bleaching receive millions of views, often outpacing career-focused content. Influencers promote these aesthetic procedures by sharing recovery tips and glowing results, which normalise and glamorise them. 

Meanwhile, women sharing career advice, skill-building tips, or educational opportunities are underrepresented, with a search for “career growth for women” on Instagram yielding fewer than 10% of the results compared to “beauty tips.” This imbalance creates a feedback loop, bombarding young women with messages prioritising looks over substance.

In the Hausa/Fulani parts of Northern Nigeria, career women face additional challenges due to stereotypes that suggest women’s value lies primarily in their appearance, undermining their professional and intellectual capabilities and hindering progress toward gender equality. An example is a female broadcaster from an international radio station who was ‘praised’ for her beauty while her professional qualities were ignored, with viewers even bullying and discrediting other broadcasters with equally laudable professional qualities for not meeting the ‘attractiveness’ standards. These stereotypes are rooted in cultural norms, thus often confining women to domestic roles and limiting their participation in many life-changing activities.

We need to amplify platforms and role models that celebrate diverse definitions of success. We need more women sharing skill-building resources, career tips, or educational opportunities, rather than BBLs, Botox, aphrodisiacs, and skin bleaching, which have surged in popularity. Self-care isn’t inherently harmful; the key is balance. Looking good should complement, not overshadow, a woman’s intelligence and abilities.

Khairat Suleiman can be reached via khairatsuleh@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Thousands of mourners, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and prominent traditional rulers such as the Emirs of Zazzau, Kazaure, Dutse, and Kano, have converged on Daura, Katsina State, for the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Daily Reality reports that Buhari’s remains, which arrived in Katsina on Tuesday from London where he passed away on Sunday, were received by President Bola Tinubu.

A motorcade then conveyed the body to Daura, the late president’s hometown, where he will be buried after funeral prayers.

Other dignitaries present at the residence of the deceased include Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and former governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Alimodu Sheriff (Borno), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Aminu Masari (Katsina), and Adamu Aliero (Kebbi).

Also in attendance were former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.

It was also gathered that a large crowd of well-wishers filled the streets and gathering venues in Daura to pay their last respects to the former president.