Nigeria

By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR

It often begins in silence, the kind of silence that follows suffering, that surrounds forgotten people and places. Then, one day, someone listens. Someone hears the unheard cries and decides to act. Not for praise. Not for politics. Just for people. That is how the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation was born out of quiet empathy and bold conviction.

Founded by the respected and remarkably selfless Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti, this foundation has grown into a strong pillar of light for those trapped in the shadows of neglect. It doesn’t announce itself with noise, but rather with impact. It doesn’t parade power, but wields compassion with quiet strength. In every village it touches, in every child it lifts, the foundation tells a story of care that is both personal and profound.

At the heart of Wunti Al-Khair is a simple but powerful philosophy: people matter. Whether it’s a sick mother, a child without a school, a youth without skills, or a traditional gasping for breath—everyone counts. The foundation has built its work on four timeless pillars: health, education, skills, culture, and community services. These aren’t just categories; they are the lifeblood of any thriving society. And Wunti Al-Khair doesn’t just serve these areas; instead, it brings them to life.

In healthcare, the foundation reaches places others overlook. It breathes life into under-equipped rural clinics, supports emergency services, organises medical outreaches, and ensures that the poorest families are not left behind. Where once fear and despair prevailed, now there is relief—and a renewed will to live. For many, a hospital bill is the difference between hope and helplessness. But through Wunti Al-Khair, that burden is lifted with dignity.

In education, the foundation does more than hand out books, renovate classrooms, or award scholarships. It opens the doors of destiny. Imagine a young girl from a forgotten hamlet stepping into school for the first time, her eyes wide with dreams, her hands clutching a schoolbag gifted by strangers who saw her worth. That’s the kind of miracle Wunti Al-Khair delivers—not one-time donations, but long-term transformation.

Skills development follows naturally. Because education alone can inspire, but skills empower. The foundation trains women, nurtures local entrepreneurs, supports artisans, and helps young people turn their talents into trades. It doesn’t just teach people to fish; it gives them a pond, a rod, and the confidence to cast their lines.

Then there is the culture: the soul of a people. Now, as globalisation tries to wash away local identity, Wunti Al-Khair holds firm. It celebrates heritage, promotes traditional art, supports festivals, and reminds communities that their past is not a relic but a treasure. By honouring culture, it strengthens pride, and through pride, it nurtures progress.

Governments often fall short in fulfilling their responsibility to provide basic amenities for the populace. The Wunti Al-Khair Foundation has stepped in to fill the gap with endless commitment. The foundation restores hope in underserved communities by implementing impactful, grassroots initiatives. Among its most notable contributions are the drilling of solar-powered boreholes in rural areas, ensuring access to clean and sustainable water sources. It also extends compassion to the less privileged and vulnerable by providing permanent and temporary shelter solutions.

But a foundation, no matter how noble, is only as strong as the man behind it. And in Dr. Bala Wunti, we see not a benefactor from above, but a father beside us. His generosity is quiet, his heart open, and his actions resolute. Those who know him describe a man who listens before speaking, gives without being asked, and navigates life with humility and purpose. His leadership is not defined by status, but by service.

Dr. Bala’s life is a lesson. From humble beginnings to impactful influence, he has never lost sight of the human face of hardship. He gives not because he has to, but because he cannot not give. For him, lifting one person is worth more than a thousand compliments. He believes that the true measure of wealth is not in what you own, but in the number of lives you’ve made better.

Wunti Al-Khair Foundation is not just an organisation; it’s a movement of mercy. It is a reminder that in a world often clouded by selfishness, there are still hearts that beat solely for others. You won’t always see its name in headlines, but you’ll find it in the eyes of a healthy mother, in the smile of a child clutching a scholarship letter, in the hands of a youth finding his worth and becoming independent, and in the praises of others whose lives have been touched.

This is a revolution led by kindness. One community at a time. One human being at a time.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a significant move to overhaul Nigeria’s educational infrastructure, the Federal Government has inaugurated a high-level committee to develop comprehensive Public-Private Partnership (PPP) guidelines aimed at attracting private sector investment into the sector.

The initiative, led by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa CON, seeks to address persistent infrastructural and capacity deficits, particularly in secondary and tertiary institutions.

Speaking at the committee’s inauguration, Dr. Alausa emphasized the need for innovation and collaboration in education financing. “Government cannot do it alone… We must leverage private funding to modernize and sustain our educational system,” he said, noting that while current funding efforts—such as the 2025 education budget and TETFund interventions—are commendable, they remain inadequate.

The newly inaugurated committee, chaired by the Honourable Minister of State for Education (represented by the Director of Special Duties), includes key directors from the ministry, and representatives from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Ministry of Housing, and other stakeholders.

Its mandate includes formulating PPP benchmarks, reviewing legal frameworks, clarifying stakeholder roles, establishing performance indicators, designing oversight mechanisms, and recommending penalties for non-compliance. The committee has been given three months to submit its report.

“If we do this right, this document can be a model for other ministries,” Dr. Alausa noted.

Other speakers at the event, including ministry officials and stakeholders, expressed strong support for the initiative and its potential to transform Nigeria’s education landscape.

By Uzair Adam

The Kaduna State chapter of the Union of Retired Police Officers has announced plans for a nationwide demonstration scheduled for July 21, 2025, to protest what it describes as persistent pension-related challenges.

Dubbed the “Mother of All Peaceful Protests,” the demonstration aims to draw attention to the plight of retired police personnel enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme, which the group argues has caused severe financial hardship, psychological distress, and a rise in deaths among retirees.

The union’s Chairman, Mannir M. Zaria, and Vice Chairman, Danlami Maigamo, disclosed this decision after their monthly meeting held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kaduna.

They stressed that their demand is for the Nigeria Police Force to be withdrawn from the Contributory Pension Scheme and for the establishment of an independent Police Pension Board.

They maintain that the current system is unjust and has failed to protect the welfare and dignity of retired officers.

“We have no option but to embark on another peaceful protest tagged ‘Mother of All Peaceful Protests’ on July 21, 2025,” the union stated, vowing to keep their agitation peaceful and lawful across all 36 states.

The group also recalled an earlier protest between February 24 and March 3, 2025, at the National Assembly by the Kaduna and Bauchi chapters, during which petitions were submitted to key legislative and security offices.

However, they expressed frustration over the continued silence from the authorities, especially the lack of progress on the Police Pension Board Bill discussed in a public hearing on November 19, 2024.

They reaffirmed their commitment to non-violence and distanced themselves from any group plotting violent action, insisting their demands are centered on justice, welfare, and reform.

“The silence from the authorities is deafening, but we remain committed to lawful engagement,” the union said.

By Kamal Alkasim

As a passionate observer of our culture and heritage, I am writing this letter from the heart of Kano metropolis. It was driven not by personal interest, but by love for our land, its history, and the legacy entrusted to its leaders.

Your Highness, it is said that to whom much is given, much is expected. As the custodian of a rich cultural heritage, the expectations placed on your shoulders are immense. You come from a distinguished royal lineage: your late uncle, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi I, was a towering figure whose leadership left a deep mark across Northern Nigeria. More recently, your nephew, Muhammadu Sanusi II, carried the same torch, boldly defending the dignity and legacy of the Kano Emirate, even after facing unjust dethronement in 2020.

The legacy of your father, the late Emir Ado Bayero, speaks for itself. He reigned with wisdom and dignity for over five decades. History recalls how former Governor Abubakar Rimi once attempted to depose him, but fate and divine will had other plans. That chapter ended in tragedy, and Rimi never held office again. Your father, on the other hand, continued to serve and left behind an enduring legacy.

Your Highness, the Kano Emirate has stood for over a thousand years as a beacon of leadership, culture, and Islamic scholarship. It deserves a leader who will defend its dignity with integrity, wisdom, and a sense of responsibility that transcends personal or political interests.

Sadly, many believe that under your leadership, the kingdom has faltered. There are concerns that you have allowed yourself to be used as a tool by those with no regard for the unity and peace of Kano. These are strong words, but they come from a place of deep concern and affection for our home.

Leadership is not about holding a title; it is about rising to the moment and making tough but principled decisions in the interest of the people. Leadership is not about clinging to a throne while the city suffers unrest and division. Peace, justice, and unity must always come first.

Your name will forever be in the history books as one of the Emirs of Kano. That, in itself, is no small achievement—one that countless princes before you have dreamed of. But how your name is remembered depends on what you do with the responsibility now entrusted to you.

Let Kano rise again—not as a battlefield for political power plays, but as the most peaceful, united, and respected state in Nigeria and beyond. Let the Emirate return to being a symbol of honour, not controversy.

May God guide you to lead with justice, dignity, and wisdom—for the sake of our people and the generations to come.

Kamal Alkasim is a Concerned Son of Kano.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has rescheduled the recruitment exercise into four key paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior.

In a statement released on Wednesday night, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) announced a new date for the opening of its recruitment portal.

“The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), wishes to notify the general public that its recruitment portal which was earlier slated to open on Thursday 26th June, 2025, will now open on Monday 14th July, 2025,” the statement said.

The Board also informed applicants that the recruitment portal can now be accessed via recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng, and reminded the public that the entire application process is free.

“Applicants are kindly requested to take note of the above changes as well as be reminded that all applications are free and do not attract any payment,” it added.

The Board apologized for any disruption the change may have caused and urged applicants to disregard any contrary information not coming from official sources.

This announcement comes days after the Board had declared the commencement of recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Fire Service, and Nigerian Correctional Service.

Thousands of job seekers across the country are expected to apply for the limited positions in the various agencies.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

There is growing discontent among Hausa speakers and language professionals over what many describe as careless and culturally insensitive translations in advertisements and public communications by major Nigerian companies.

This concern resurfaced recently when Hygeia HMO, a prominent health maintenance organization, launched a campaign in Northern Nigeria using the slogan “Lafiya Ubangiji ne.”

While it may have sounded spiritual to non-native ears, it struck many Hausa speakers as bordering on blasphemy.

“The intended meaning was likely, ‘Health comes from God,’ but what people heard was ‘Health is God,’” said Habib Sani Galadima, a professional Hausa-English translator. “It wasn’t just a translation error. It was a failure to respect cultural and religious sensitivities.”

In an opinion piece published by Nigerian Tracker, Galadima criticized the use of literal translation in a language where tone, logic, and spiritual coherence matter deeply.

He pointed out that the message would have been better rendered with a familiar Hausa expression such as “Lafiya uwar jiki”, which loosely means “health is wealth.”

“Too often, translation is treated as a technical afterthought,” Galadima added. “But when it’s done carelessly, the damage is real—especially in communities where moral and religious values are central.”

The outrage is not limited to a single campaign. Another incident involved a drink advertisement that attempted to promote a non-alcoholic beverage using the phrase “Ba barasa a cikin wannan giya”, which literally means “No alcohol in this beer.”

But in Hausa, both barasa and giya mean alcohol—making the phrase sound absurd.

A better alternative, Galadima suggested, would have been “Abin sha mai daɗi kuma babu giya a cikinsa”—a clearer and culturally appropriate way to convey the same message.

Frustration is also mounting on social media, where many Hausa speakers are voicing concerns over perceived regional bias and neglect.

“How is it that companies based in Lagos are approving translations for audiences in Kano?” one user asked. “You call MTN customer care or your bank, and you’re shocked by how bad the Hausa sounds.”

Others argue that the issue goes beyond language—it’s about representation and systemic imbalance.

“Most company headquarters are in the South, and they prefer to use their own people—even when the result is subpar,” said one commentator. “Even when northern celebrities are made ambassadors, their packages don’t compare to those given to their southern counterparts.”

Some have pointed to the broader cultural implications, suggesting that the North must do more to support its own.

“We don’t promote our own talent enough, and we’re not intentional about protecting our language,” one respondent lamented.

This issue is not new in the tech and linguistic communities either. A PhD who is a Hausa NLP expert, shared how during his early involvement with Masakhane, an African language machine translation initiative, Yoruba speakers were initially translating Hausa using tools like Google Translate.

“I had to push back and reclaim that space for actual Hausa speakers,” he said.

The recurring problem, many argue, is the lack of qualified translators with a deep understanding of Hausa culture, values, and dialectal variations.

In Hausa, words are not just linguistic units—they carry rhythm, reverence, status, and deep social cues.

Professional translators and language advocates are now calling for a national conversation and policy shift.“What would change if we trained translators not just in grammar, but in cultural listening?”

Galadima asked in his piece. “This work requires more than accuracy. It requires care.”

As Hausa remains one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa, the stakes are high.

Without proper translation, messages meant to connect may instead offend, confuse, or alienate the very people they are trying to reach.

For now, voices from the North are growing louder: “This is more than bad grammar—it’s about respect.”

By Uzair Adam

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Adamawa State has arrested 583 suspects and seized four tonnes of illicit drugs between June 2024 and June 2025.

The State Commander, Aliyu Abubakar, disclosed this during a press conference in Yola on Wednesday to mark the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

He revealed that N1,213,875, being proceeds of crime, was forfeited to the Federal Government and paid into the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

According to Abubakar, the command also secured 225 convictions, with the offenders sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.

He added that 53 individuals battling drug addiction—51 males and two females—were treated and rehabilitated within the period.

The agency, he said, has also launched a programme known as “Prevention Ambassadors” aimed at training 1,000 secondary school teachers and other stakeholders to champion drug prevention efforts.

“This is being achieved through the creation of drug prevention desks in all secondary schools across the state,” he explained.

It was gathered that this year’s theme is “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” with a central message urging society to “Break the Cycle.”

Abubakar described the theme as a reaffirmation of NDLEA’s resolve to address drug abuse and illicit trafficking, positioning prevention as not only a health issue but a matter of national security.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stated that it is committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation with India’s Customs Administration during a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the 92nd Session of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Policy Commission.

The session, which took place on June 25, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium, offered a platform for both nations to review their joint initiatives and explore new areas of collaboration.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, led Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting with Mr. Surjit Bhujbal, a senior official from India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

The two parties evaluated progress made under the Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA), which both countries signed on November 16, 2024.

The discussions centered on crucial areas such as customs valuation, tackling abusive transfer pricing, and fostering synergy between customs and tax systems.

Both parties also reviewed joint efforts in combating the cross-border trade of substandard pharmaceutical products. Recent seizures in Nigeria, attributed to improved intelligence sharing between the two nations, were acknowledged as a positive outcome of their cooperation.

Speaking after the meeting, CGC Adewale Adeniyi stated, “Today’s dialogue is a continuation of the strong foundations laid during the signing of the CMAA in November 2024. We are intensifying efforts to tackle undervaluation, abusive transfer pricing, and to improve system integration between customs and tax authorities. Additionally, our joint actions in curbing the importation of substandard pharmaceuticals yield results and protect public health.”

He also expressed Nigeria’s desire to expand the scope of collaboration by introducing joint technical missions, training initiatives, and data-sharing mechanisms.

According to him, these measures will support more effective risk management, improve revenue assurance, and bolster trade controls.

“This partnership reflects our vision of a smarter, collaborative, and globally connected customs administration,” Adeniyi added.

The agreement under review was originally signed during the Indian Prime Minister’s state visit to Nigeria in 2024, marking a significant step forward in strengthening trade ties, institutional engagement, and mutual security interests between the two countries.

Mr. Surjit Bhujbal, speaking on behalf of the Indian delegation, noted, “India regards Nigeria as a crucial partner in Africa. The CMAA has opened a structured channel for mutual assistance, information exchange, and capacity building.

“We are keen to deepen technical cooperation on valuation, combat revenue leakage through transfer pricing schemes, and share our experience integrating customs with tax systems.”

The WCO Policy Commission serves as a critical forum for customs administrations worldwide to set policy direction, advance trade facilitation, and discuss enforcement strategies.

Nigeria’s involvement in the commission reflects its ongoing commitment to aligning with international standards and modernising its customs operations.

By Malam Aminu Wase

Plateau State is a richly diverse and vibrant community, home to people of various ethnic and religious backgrounds. We are one family, destined by God to live together in peace and mutual respect. Sadly, this unity is too often ignored when it comes to leadership, particularly the highest office in the state. The persistent adoption of a Christian-Christian gubernatorial ticket threatens the very foundation of our coexistence.

It is time for Plateau to embrace equity, justice, and inclusiveness. For too long, Muslims in the state have been marginalised in political leadership, particularly at the executive level. This exclusion must end. I firmly believe that the next governorship candidate, regardless of religion, should choose a Muslim as a running mate. A Muslim-Christian or Christian-Muslim ticket would truly reflect the spirit of fairness and unity we all profess to uphold.

For more than two decades, Muslims in Plateau State have shown unwavering political support for Christian-led tickets, believing in the promise of shared governance and mutual respect. From Wase to Kanam, Jos North to Shendam, Barkin Ladi to Quanpaan, Mangu, and other local government areas, Muslim communities have consistently turned out in large numbers to vote, not out of compulsion, but from a sincere desire to contribute to the democratic process and to foster unity across religious lines. Yet, this goodwill has not been met with reciprocity.

Despite making up a significant portion, nearly half of the state’s population, Muslims remain glaringly absent from the highest levels of leadership. This is not merely a matter of political imbalance but a painful reminder that inclusion and equity remain elusive. When a group that has given so much continues to receive so little in return, it breeds frustration, weakens trust, and threatens the very cohesion that Plateau so desperately needs. We cannot claim to be united while one half of our people are repeatedly shut out of the room where decisions are made.

Our call is simple: include us. Recognise our presence. Acknowledge our contributions. Let us build a Plateau where everyone feels seen, respected, and valued regardless of faith.

Personally, some of the most meaningful relationships in my life have been with my Christian friends, friendships that began in the classrooms of Pilot Central Primary School in Wase, grew stronger at Government Science College Wase, and deepened further during my university years. These bonds have shown me the beauty of unity, the strength of mutual respect, and the power of shared dreams. That is why it pains me deeply to see Muslims continually left out of leadership. It feels like a betrayal of the unity we have lived and believed in. If we can walk together in friendship, why can’t we lead together in governance on the Plateau?

In the Wase Local Government, Christians are a minority, yet they have never been treated as outsiders. They have held key positions, including that of the Deputy Chairman, and many have benefited from the federal appointments from the Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, the immediate past Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, thanks to his inclusive leadership. This is what true leadership should look like, recognising every citizen’s worth, regardless of faith or number. It proves that fairness is not a favour, it’s a duty. If such inclusive governance can be practised locally, why can’t it be replicated across the entire state?

Plateau belongs to all of us. We must build a future where leadership reflects our shared diversity. Let’s end the cycle of exclusion and embrace a new era of fairness, justice, and genuine unity.

Malam Aminu Wase writes from Kaduna State. He can be reached at aminusaniusman3@gmail.com.

By Saifullahi Attahir

In life, every valuable thing has a cost, and a price must be paid. As the saying goes, nothing good comes free. This is true in almost all walks of life.

Looking at human history from time immemorial, man has always cherished being known, popular, heard, and respected. This is one of the powerful factors behind the human search for power, influence and riches. And to be fair to the modern age, this is not a new thing in human history.

But in our insatiable search for popularity and prestige, we must be mindful of what we are trading in exchange for. This article offers some advice on how a celebrity can navigate life without much temptation from his newly acquired status.

As billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates stated, success is a lousy friend. It deprives many of the original energy, enthusiasm, discipline, hard-working spirit, and humility that catapulted them to success in the first place. Successful people easily become complacent and trapped in their orbit of self-entitlement.

Once a man becomes successful, a binge of arrogance and self-entitlement starts appearing. He begins to stop listening to experts, observing and learning, and soon, he stops improving. Over the long run, unknown to him, those attitudes he had abandoned are the fabric behind his success. 

One thing we should all know: every man who was on a path to utilise his talent, produce something magnificent, and become successful, whether in sports, leadership, business, entertainment, professionalism, music, writing, or any creative talent, must have met with a bunch of critics.

From the day you become a celebrity, your activities will no longer be secret: your outfits, marital affairs, social life, assets, family, and movements. You will bid farewell to some level of privacy, and life will never be the same again. 

Many people are not prepared for this stage of their lives. Many great men, especially celebrities, were lost in this ocean of deception and falsehood. You would now focus more on pleasing people: good outfits, even at the cost of debt, new skin, costly living just to show off, and new fake friends.

On another dimension, the kind of social pressure met is unimaginable: constant calls, constant meetings, constant online presence, just to satisfy your fans or followers. This demand is so consuming that many celebrities hardly cope with it. Stories of celebrities taking drugs and injections are not a new thing. Few celebrities sleep without the aid of pills. Many celebrities lost the battle to alcohol and toxic heroin and were unable to find peace. 

A popular Hausa songwriter, Aminuddeen Ladan Ala, once described how difficult it was to become a celebrity in his famous album “Shahara”. Only phone calls were enough to drain your energy, plus the number of expectations by loved ones seeking your attention. Many celebrities would become friends with highly influential people whose offers they can’t easily turn down. You would be invited at any hour without much consideration for your schedules and health, and turning such invitations down would be described as arrogant to your fans and followers.

This is more common among those who made it in life at a very young age. The majority of these young celebrities squander their fortune. They return to square zero without proper guidance, discipline or genuine counselling. Many celebrities become depressed, psychotic, and destitute.

Well-grounded and sustainable success requires a solid foundation of time, perseverance, and smart decisions. Unfortunately, many celebrities, especially in the music, sports, and entertainment industries, lack such foundations, hence the many sorrowful celebrity stories. Uncountable stories of suicide, crime, divorce, and bankruptcy are always in the papers.

Although I’m not much of a football fan, I always admire the lifestyle of one player called Lionel Messi. Messi was among the greatest and most successful football players of all time, a record breaker in many aspects, but still one of the most humble people on earth. Lionel Messi has all it takes to be arrogant and showy, but he was disciplined enough to maintain his zeal, energy, humility, and enthusiasm. This principle has helped him throughout his football career. He didn’t allow his initial success to distract him from achieving more. 

This attitude of self-entitlement has destroyed many players. Just after a season or two of trophies and achievements, they began to disobey, fight, and become distracted by amusement and glitter. Many celebrities started to lose focus on their primary goals; they became carried away by displaying their newly built homes, newly bought luxury cars, newly made friends, or newly made beautiful girlfriends.

These celebrities become attention seekers on social media platforms. They always engage in trivial issues and display wealth or status, adding to their load of enemies. They have forgotten that their primary goal was to hone more of their talents, score more goals, produce more beautiful songs, deliver more as leaders, maintain their positions in class, and profit more as business individuals.

Another destructive attitude of some celebrities was engaging in a competitive war with their rival colleagues. After being recognised by their followers, they began to install software to envy anyone trying to catch up with them. They subscribed to slander and a war of words to denigrate their rivals to maintain their status. Smart champions never engage in such an attitude; they recognise their God-given talent as a favour from their Lord and offer gratefulness by being humble and respecting their positions even if time changes and they lose their status to the new generation.

Smart celebrities respect others below them; they never act in desperation for money or status; they are philanthropists with their wealth; they are less pompous and showy; they invest and diversify their sources of income; they still make time for their families and core friends; and they always have learning minds and listening ears.

We seek Allah’s guidance in every step of our journey, Ameen.

Saifullahi Attahir is the President of the National Association of Jigawa State Medical Students (NAJIMS) National Body, and he wrote this piece from Federal University Dutse. He can be contacted via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com.