Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria ranked 20th among the world’s largest mineral fuel-producing countries in 2024, with an estimated output of 114.8 million metric tonnes, according to data compiled by Visual Capitalist.

The figure represents 0.7 per cent of global mineral fuel production for the year.

The ranking, published by Visual Capitalist, was based on data from the Austrian Ministry of Finance and covered steam coal, coking coal, lignite, petroleum, oil shales, natural gas and uranium.

The measurement focused on the physical quantity of mineral fuels produced rather than their monetary value or energy content. As a result, countries with large coal production gained an advantage over nations whose output is dominated by higher-value and more energy-dense fuels such as crude oil and natural gas.

China topped the global ranking with 4.81 billion metric tonnes, which accounted for 28.6 per cent of total world production.

The United States came second with 2.28 billion metric tonnes, equivalent to 13.5 per cent of global output, while Russia occupied the third position with 1.46 billion metric tonnes or 8.7 per cent.

India ranked fourth with 1.14 billion metric tonnes, while Indonesia completed the top five with 921.4 million metric tonnes.

The five leading producers collectively accounted for 63.1 per cent of global mineral fuel production in 2024.

China’s production was dominated by steam and coking coal, while petroleum and natural gas formed a much larger portion of the output from the United States and Russia.

India also recorded a substantial coal output, with steam coal accounting for the largest share of its mineral fuel production. Indonesia’s output was similarly dominated by steam coal.

Nigeria’s 114.8 million metric tonnes placed it behind Mexico, which recorded 119.2 million metric tonnes, but ahead of Colombia, Mongolia, Germany, Poland and Malaysia.

Among other major African producers, South Africa ranked 10th with 234 million metric tonnes, while Algeria occupied the 18th position with 146.8 million metric tonnes.

The data also showed that Asia-Pacific remained the largest regional producer of mineral fuels in 2024. The region produced 8.36 billion metric tonnes, representing 49.7 per cent of the world’s total output.

North America followed with 2.91 billion metric tonnes, or 17.3 per cent. The Middle East and Europe accounted for 12.9 per cent and 12.5 per cent respectively.

The report noted that the use of weight as the basis for the ranking significantly affected the positions of major oil-producing countries. Saudi Arabia, for instance, ranked seventh in overall mineral fuel production with 594.2 million metric tonnes despite its position as one of the world’s leading crude oil producers.

The ranking indicates that countries with large coal industries can record higher positions than some major oil and gas producers when mineral fuel output is measured by physical weight.

Beyond the 25 largest producers, the report noted that production levels declined sharply, with Germany, Poland and Malaysia each contributing less than one per cent of global mineral fuel output.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to guarantee a peaceful, transparent, and credible governorship election in Osun State scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The President, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, charged the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs to provide maximum protection at polling units across the state.

Fifteen candidates are vying for the governorship seat, including the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress candidate, Hon. Najeem Salaam.

“As the people of Osun State head to the polling units to elect who will govern them in the next four years, I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure orderly conduct of the election. The election must be transparent, free and fair,” Tinubu said.

The President emphasized that INEC must use the Osun off-cycle election as a test case to demonstrate its full preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

“No room should be allowed for troublemakers to disrupt the process. Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation,” he added.

Tinubu also called on Osun voters to turn out in large numbers to exercise their civic rights while avoiding any acts that could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election.

“Voters should feel confident to go out in their numbers to vote for the candidate of their choice as all measures necessary to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election have been put in place,” the President stated.

“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” Tinubu declared.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A former Christian pastor in Ondo State, Olabanjo Felix Gold, has announced his departure from Christianity and declared his commitment to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition.

Olabanjo, who founded Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries, made the announcement in a video circulated online.

In the video, he introduced himself under a new spiritual identity and spoke about his transition from Christianity to the practice of Ifá.

According to him, he was previously known as Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, the founder of Image of God Evangelical Ministries. He said he now identifies as Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, Babalawo of Ifá.

The former pastor expressed appreciation to traditional spiritual elders whom he credited with playing important roles in his spiritual transition.

He singled out his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he described as the Araba of Isararemọ, for special recognition.

Olabanjo also acknowledged other individuals who he said offered him support and guidance during his spiritual journey.

He stressed the significance of mentorship and the role of elders within indigenous spiritual practice.

The former cleric further made a strong declaration about his new religious conviction. He rejected Christianity and other foreign religions and affirmed his allegiance to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.

He described the foreign religions as false and maintained that Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is the authentic spiritual path.

The announcement has generated reactions on social media, with the development attracting particular attention because of Olabanjo’s previous position as a Christian pastor and his leadership of an evangelical ministry.

His decision has also sparked discussions online about religious conversion and the growing interest in traditional African spiritual practices.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Aisha Musa, over an alleged attempt to poison her husband at Gwamma Village in Bauchi Local Government Area.

The police said the suspect had been married for about 40 days when she allegedly put a poisonous substance in her husband’s food on August 12, 2026.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Nafiu Habib, said the command received a distress call from an unidentified woman in the Wunti Dada area of Bauchi at about 7:40 p.m.

According to Habib, officers attached to the ‘C’ Division, Tafawa Balewa Estate, were dispatched to the location after the report.

The victim was taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi for medical attention. He was said to be in stable condition at the time of the report.

Police said Musa was arrested soon after the alleged incident. Habib added that the suspect allegedly admitted involvement during questioning.

Investigators also recovered an empty bottle suspected to have contained the poisonous substance and portions of the meal. The items were taken as exhibits as part of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

“The suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation,” the police spokesman stated.

The command reiterated its appeal to members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the police or the nearest security formation.

By Maji Bappa Maina
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‎Others are learned in the field, through years of organising people, managing interests, building trust, resolving disagreements, and understanding the mood of communities.
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‎That kind of experience cannot simply be transferred by appointment.
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‎It is earned.
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‎At the Osun APC Governorship Mega Rally, Governor Mai Mala Buni brought more than a title to the campaign.
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‎He brought years of tested experience in grassroots mobilisation, political organisation and stakeholder engagement.
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‎Having worked through different layers of political leadership, Governor Buni understands a fundamental reality of electoral politics: elections are ultimately about people.
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‎Crowds may fill a rally ground, but mobilisation goes deeper than numbers.
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‎It is about reaching communities.
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‎It is about understanding local concerns.
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‎It is about connecting party structures with the people.
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‎It is about turning political organisation into collective action.
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‎That was the significance of Governor Buni’s visible role at the Osun rally.
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‎His presence reflected the value of experience when it is put to work, not kept within the boundaries of an office.
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‎There is an interesting lesson here for political organisations.
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‎Every generation of politicians brings something different.
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‎The younger generation may bring energy, technology and new communication strategies.
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‎Seasoned political actors bring institutional memory, relationships, political judgement and an understanding of how to bring diverse interests together.
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‎When these strengths meet, mobilisation becomes more strategic.
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‎Governor Buni’s role in Osun therefore goes beyond participating in a campaign.
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‎It demonstrates how political experience acquired over many years can be deployed beyond one’s immediate political environment to strengthen a wider party organisation.
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‎For the APC, that experience is an asset.
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‎For political leadership, it is a reminder that influence is most valuable when it can be transferred, shared and put to work for a collective purpose.
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‎And perhaps that is one of the quiet strengths of experience:
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‎when the moment demands it, experience does not need to announce itself. It simply steps forward and gets to work.
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‎:Maji Bappa Maina
‎Political Writer | PhD Researcher,
‎Voice of Development, Leadership & Public Insight

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has allocated plots of land to 1,000 youths drawn from the 44 local government areas of the state, bringing to about 3,500 the number of beneficiaries of its recent land allocation exercises.

The latest exercise comes about two weeks after the government distributed land allocation documents to about 2,500 political appointees and polling agents, as part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s efforts to expand home ownership, reduce the housing deficit and empower different segments of the state’s population.

Representing the governor at the latest allocation ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said the initiative was particularly significant because it focused on one of the state’s greatest assets — its youth.

Yusuf said 1,000 young men and women from across the 44 local government areas had been selected to benefit from the programme, describing the allocation as part of his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people to own assets, build wealth and become productive contributors to society.

“Land remains one of the most valuable assets anyone can own. It appreciates over time, creates economic opportunities, provides security for families, and serves as a foundation upon which lasting wealth can be built,” the governor said.

He said providing young people with access to land would lay the foundation for a generation of homeowners, entrepreneurs, developers and investors.

According to him, the programme formed part of the administration’s broader strategy to gradually bring different segments of Kano society onto the housing ladder, reduce the state’s housing deficit, expand home ownership and improve living standards.

The governor stressed that the beneficiaries were not receiving just any plots, but land within government-approved and professionally designed layouts.

He said the layouts had been planned with wide access roads, drainage systems, schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship, parks, open spaces, markets and security facilities.

“These layouts are not very much different from what we have in Nassarawa GRA. Such planning ensures orderly development, protects the environment, improves public safety, and significantly enhances the long-term value of your property,” Yusuf said.

The governor urged the beneficiaries to protect their allocation documents and avoid disposing of their plots hastily for immediate financial gains.

“Do not regard this allocation document as ordinary pieces of paper. They represent opportunity. They represent dignity. They represent security. And they represent the beginning of a brighter future for you,” he said.

Yusuf assured young people in Kano that his administration would continue to create opportunities for their economic and social empowerment, noting that government was also investing in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, skills development, industrialisation, technology and enterprise development.

He urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding, hardworking and committed to the development of their communities, saying they should serve as good ambassadors of Kano State.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar, described the allocation as another “bold and unprecedented initiative” by the Yusuf administration aimed at empowering Kano youths.

Umar said the 1,000 beneficiaries were drawn from across the 44 local government areas of the state, adding that the exercise demonstrated that the administration was not merely making promises but was committed to fulfilling them.

He said Governor Yusuf recognised young people as “the greatest asset of Kano State” and believed that every hardworking young person deserved an opportunity to own land, build a home, create wealth and secure a better future for their families.

The commissioner explained that the latest programme was part of a wider government vision to bring different segments of Kano society onto the housing ladder, expand home ownership, reduce the housing deficit and ensure that more citizens had legally recognised and secure properties.

He also emphasised the quality and planning of the layouts where the beneficiaries were allocated plots.

“These are government-approved layouts professionally planned by experts and every layout has been carefully designed with proper road networks, drainage systems, schools, healthcare facilities, open spaces and security facilities,” Umar said.

Umar urged the beneficiaries to value the opportunity, warning them against treating the allocation documents as ordinary papers or rushing to sell their plots because of immediate financial needs.

“My advice to every beneficiary is simple: value this opportunity. Do not regard these allocation documents as ordinary papers and do not rush to sell them because of immediate financial needs,” he said.

He advised them to protect their documents, develop their plots when they were able to and allow the properties to serve as the foundation of their families’ future.

The commissioner further said the administration had declared what he described as a decisive war against illegal land grabbing, locally known as “Awon igiya”.

He assured that the government would continue to recover public lands, prosecute offenders and restore sanity to land administration across the state.

Umar congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to remain responsible, productive and law-abiding citizens while supporting government programmes and serving as ambassadors of the administration.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially nominated Senator Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, putting to rest widespread speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan would be the party’s flagbearer.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already published Senator Onor’s name as the PDP’s presidential candidate, contrary to rumors that had been circulating heavily on social media platforms.

The announcement was made on May 26, 2026, at a ceremony in Abuja, where former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom formally unveiled Onor as the party’s consensus candidate. The event was held under the leadership of PDP National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, who endorsed the decision.

Onor was presented with his Certificate of Return and the party’s official flag during the gathering, which was witnessed by INEC officials who were present to observe the proceedings.

The development marks a significant shift in the PDP’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, as the party rallies behind the Senator from Cross River State as its standard-bearer.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Islamic cleric Sani Jingir has defended his call for a Muslim-Muslim leadership ticket in Nigeria, saying he has no regret over the controversial position.

Jingir spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa on Tuesday, days after he urged Muslims at a mass wedding in Kano to use their numerical strength when choosing political leaders.

The mass wedding, organised by the Kano State Government, involved 1,500 couples.

During his address at the event, the cleric had urged Muslims to “vote in a manner that would reflect their numerical strength in the country”.

Jingir said his position was rooted in his religious convictions and was not an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu or former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I have absolutely no regrets. I stand firmly by my words and will never apologise. I will continue to advocate for a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he said.

The cleric said he regarded the pulpit as a sacred platform for educating Muslims and communicating what he believes to be the truth.

He also said he regularly teaches his congregation that political participation is a religious responsibility.

According to him, Muslims should take part in politics based on their convictions rather than accept financial inducements from politicians.

“I am not campaigning for Bola Tinubu, I am campaigning for my religion,” he said.

“As I have stated before, my advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim leadership structure is not about Tinubu or Muhammadu Buhari. It is strictly for the sake of Allah.

“My additional perspective is that today’s world is filled with propaganda, which fails to let people truly understand the situation they are in. The preaching podium is a sacred space meant for education.”

Jingir said he was aware that his position would attract criticism but insisted that public opposition would not make him abandon his views.

He also maintained that advocating for Muslim candidates did not take away the right of Nigerians to vote for candidates of their choice.

The cleric said his appeal was for Muslims to support a “righteous and better Muslim”, while stressing that corruption and stealing are prohibited in Islam.

“If you know you are speaking the truth, you must never allow public criticism to discourage you, which is why I continuously emphasise this message,” he said.

“I have already mentally prepared for the backlash. Whatever they say about me, I am fully ready to face it.

“My words carry no harm. I explicitly stated that people are free to vote for whoever they want, while I will personally do what aligns with my beliefs.”

Jingir further claimed that his position had received substantial backing from Muslims across the country.

“I swear that I have received immense support from the Muslim community. A vast majority of Muslims agree with this stance,” he added.

“Look at what happened during my address in Kano. I asked the crowd if they stood with Islamic principles, and they overwhelmingly responded in the affirmative.”

His comments have since attracted criticism from some Nigerians.

By Anas Abbas

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have apprehended four suspects believed to be part of a criminal syndicate accused of carrying out killings, armed robbery and cult-related activities within the Ajah area of the state.

Items recovered from the suspects include three locally fabricated pistols, one round of live ammunition, two battle axes and a Point-of-Sale terminal.

This was contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos, SP Abimbola Adebesi, released on Wednesday.

The statement explained that the arrests came about through continued investigative work tied to a robbery case previously reported to the command.

Those apprehended have been named as Kareem Abiodun, 26; Tansiru Emmanuel, 29; Lateef Usman, 28; and Alashe Azeez, 32.
Police said early findings tie the suspects to a string of robbery incidents recorded around Ajah, Sangotedo and Ibeju-Lekki in recent times.

According to the command, the four have since confessed to their roles in cases bordering on armed robbery, murder and cult activities.
Officials disclosed that the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, noting that a manhunt is underway for other gang members still at large, alongside efforts to recover additional items linked to the crimes.

Once investigations are concluded, the suspects will be arraigned in court, the police said.
The Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, praised the operatives involved for their diligence, urging them to keep up the momentum in tracking down the remaining members of the syndicate.

He further warned criminal elements operating within the state that the command would continue relying on intelligence-driven operations to hunt them down and ensure they face justice.

Residents have been encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police through its emergency contact lines for swift response.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) is participating in the ongoing development and validation workshop for the African Continental Curriculum Framework (ACCF) in Windhoek, Namibia.

The Daily Reality reports that the development was disclosed by the Council on its verified Facebook post on Tuesday, noting that the workshop is being held from August 11 to 13, 2026, as part of efforts to develop and validate the continental curriculum framework.

The workshop provides a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and technical engagement on the development of the ACCF, covering education from Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) through secondary education.

According to NERDC, the meeting is part of broader continental efforts to strengthen collaboration among African member states towards the harmonisation and advancement of curriculum frameworks across the continent.

The initiative is aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA), with participants expected to deliberate on key issues that could shape the future of education and curriculum development across Africa.

The Council said participants would identify priority competencies, values and learning areas for African learners, while exploring mechanisms for curriculum harmonisation that would preserve national and regional contexts.

The three-day workshop is organised by the African Union (AU) in collaboration with Namibia’s Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC).

Directors of Curriculum and curriculum experts from AU member states are attending the workshop to discuss and chart the way forward on the roadmap for the African Continental Curriculum Framework.

NERDC is represented at the event by its Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, and the Head of its Curriculum Development Centre, Dr. Chima Egbujuo.

Dr. Egbujuo is also scheduled to make a paper presentation at the workshop as participants deliberate on strategies for developing a common continental curriculum framework that responds to Africa’s educational priorities while taking into account the diversity of individual countries and regions.