Nigeria

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 Maryam Ahmad

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau has honoured Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, with the Gold Medal of the Republic, his country’s highest national award, for promoting education and African unity.

The medal was presented on behalf of President Embaló by Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Defence, Mr. Donisio Cabi, at a ceremony held at the Kano Government House.

Mr. Cabi praised Governor Yusuf for offering fifty scholarships to students from Guinea-Bissau, describing the gesture as visionary and consistent with the Kwankwasiyya ideals of empowerment and justice.

Governor Yusuf thanked President Embaló and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering education and African solidarity for peace and progress.

By Ishaka Mohammed

As a business owner in Nigeria, you can employ graduates to work for you for free, while each of them receives N150,000 from the European Union. Your role is to create a conducive environment for these young people to learn and grow over the next 12 months.

This is a marvellous opportunity created by the Federal Government of Nigeria, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) was launched on August 31, 2021, to address Nigeria’s unemployment challenges by connecting talented graduates with job placement opportunities in organisations across the country—offering experience and building skills.

In the first phase of the programme, 20,000 graduates under 30 years were shortlisted in 2022, but official reports indicate that many of them were not matched with organisations due to a scarcity of interested and qualified host organisations. 

For those who were matched with organisations between 2022 and September 2025, each person was entitled to a monthly stipend of N100,000—now N150,000, effective from October 2025.

The portal is now open for NJFP 2.0. If you have an organisation registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), this programme will greatly benefit you by boosting your visibility, providing free labour, and helping some young people in your host community achieve financial success. Visit https://host.njfp.ng/registration/, complete the application and check your email regularly.

With a reasonable number of interested and qualified host organisations, NJFP 2.0 is expected to be more successful than the first phase of the programme.

As for Nigerians under 30 who graduated not earlier than 2022 and possess the NYSC discharged or exemption certificate, this might be worthwhile. The application link is https://portal.njfp.ng/registration/.

By the way, many of those who were shortlisted in 2022 were delisted in 2025 without being matched with organisations. Consequently, interested applicants are advised to explore other means of upskilling and generating income even after being shortlisted.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

When asked whether the move to provide special seats for women in the National Assembly is worth celebrating, my answer is an emphatic yes. This milestone is long overdue, yet deeply heartwarming. 

It is one Nigerian woman who has waited for it with hope and tenacity, far too long for it to come. First introduced in the 9th National Assembly as one of five gender-related constitutional reform bills, the proposal failed spectacularly when it came up for voting in March 2022. 

At the time, it was among the five “gender bills” put forward during the fifth constitutional amendment process, all intended to address women’s issues in governance and representation.

Initially, the bill proposed 111 additional seats in the federal legislature – three special seats for women in each state and one in the FCT, spread across the Senate and House of Representatives. The current bill, however, scales this number down to 74 seats under HB 1349, addressing concerns about over-expansion of the legislature. 

Notably, it also includes a review clause, allowing for termination after 16 years. Now passed through its second reading in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action, the bill has gained real momentum. 

It enjoys strong backing from the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, women’s groups, the United Nations, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and several other key stakeholders. President Bola Tinubu, in his 2023 campaign manifesto, pledged to prioritise women’s inclusion. 

The advancement of this bill is thus heartening to see, a concrete step toward keeping that pledge. It is also a step in the right direction for Nigeria, opening doors for more women to participate in leadership and decision-making processes that shape the nation.

When this bill is finally actualised, Nigeria may only regret not taking the step earlier. Women have increasingly sought meaningful opportunities to prove their worth and play an active role in the country’s development. 

The aphorism goes, “Only a woman truly knows the pain of another woman.” With more women in parliament, issues that directly affect women and children will no longer be treated superficially or dismissed as “emotional.”

Beyond that, women deserve equal rights with men, including the right to participate fully in politics and lawmaking. Their presence in the National Assembly will not only bring balance but also a sense of belonging and pride. Issues like menstrual health, rape, child abuse, female genital mutilation, and femicide would find stronger voices and greater empathy in a more inclusive legislature.

As leaders and mothers, women bring perspectives grounded in lived experience. Their contributions would enrich debates, restore balance, and deepen gender equality—paving the way for a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria.

The case for women’s representation is not an empty one. Nigerian women have already shown what is possible when given opportunities. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Minister of Finance and current Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), remains a shining example of excellence on the global stage. 

Obiageli Ezekwesili, who served as Minister of Solid Minerals and later Minister of Education, earned the enduring title of “Madam Due Process” for her tireless efforts in implementing reforms. And today, young women like Maryam Hassan Bukar, a poet and the UN’s first Global Advocate for Peace and Security, are inspiring the world with their brilliance and courage.

For these reasons and more, the case for women’s special seats in the National Assembly is both urgent and undeniable. Let us continue to support women, acknowledge their contributions, and provide them with opportunities to lead and advance. 

To those fighting for the bill’s passage, thank you for your courage and resilience. And to those who will one day occupy these seats, may you excel and bring pride to Nigeria.

Rabi Ummi Umar can be reached at rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian academic, Dr Muhsin Ibrahim, a lecturer at the University of Cologne, Germany, has refuted claims made by United States President Donald Trump that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria.

In an article published recently on his Facebook handle, Dr Ibrahim said that framing Nigeria’s insecurity as a case of religious persecution is “a very simplistic narrative” that ignores the complex realities behind the country’s crises.

He expressed satisfaction that several Christian leaders, associations, and public figures had publicly rejected Trump’s claim.

He also commended Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore for putting aside his opposition to the current administration and “saying the truth” about the issue.

According to Dr Ibrahim, terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and violent bandits do not discriminate between Muslims and Christians in their attacks.

“Boko Haram’s bullets do not differentiate between Muslims and Christians,” he wrote, noting that the extremist group has “killed more Muslims than non-Muslims,” including during their deadly assault on the Kano Central Mosque.

He further pointed out that victims of banditry in states such as Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger are mostly Muslims and that many mosques and worshippers have been attacked without anyone framing it as religious persecution.

Regarding the recurring clashes between farmers and herders in parts of the Middle Belt, Dr Ibrahim argued that the conflicts are primarily driven by territorial, ethnic, and resource-based disputes, rather than religion.

Dr Ibrahim also warned that any sanctions the U.S. might impose on Nigeria over Trump’s claims would likely worsen the country’s situation.

“The sanctions, or some aid withdrawal, will eventually impact everyone, just as the violence does not spare anyone,” he said.

He urged Nigerians not to celebrate Trump’s statements, describing them as politically motivated rather than a genuine concern for human rights.

“It’s about politics, not genuine concern for humanity,” he wrote, questioning Trump’s silence on humanitarian crises in Gaza, South Sudan, Congo, and Haiti.

The academic concluded by expressing hope for peace in Nigeria and across the world, writing: “May there be more peace in our fatherland, Nigeria, and everywhere else, amin.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” following allegations of widespread killings of Christians across the nation.

Trump made the announcement in a post shared on his Truth Social platform on Friday, which was later reposted on the White House’s X account.

This is coming at a time when the larger percentage of the victims the killings in Nigeria are Muslims.

According to the Family Research Council, such a designation is usually made by the US government—particularly by the Secretary of State—under American laws that identify countries violating human rights or engaging in actions that contradict US interests.

In his post, Trump wrote, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’

”He added, “But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done! “I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter and report back to me.”

Trump further declared that the United States would not remain passive in the face of such violence, saying, “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”

FG Reacts

Reacting to the allegations, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the claims as “misleading and unreflective” of Nigeria’s complex security situation.

Speaking on CNN, Idris said some US lawmakers were relying on inaccurate and misleading data to accuse Nigeria of Christian genocide.

His media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, released a statement reaffirming that the Nigerian government remained committed to religious freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.

Idris said, “Some of the claims made by officials of the United States are based on faulty data and the assumption that victims of violence are largely Christians. Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not target one religion; they attack both Christians and Muslims, especially in the northern part of the country.”

The minister also cautioned that spreading such narratives could embolden criminal groups that seek to ignite religious tension and animosity among Nigerians.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm directive to Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs, demanding an end to terrorism and banditry and warning that “Nigerians expect results, not excuses.”

The President gave the charge on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after decorating the top military brass with their new ranks.

He emphasized that the security crisis, which began in 2009, cannot be allowed to persist any longer.

“I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal,” Tinubu stated.

He urged the chiefs to be “innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous,” and to deploy technology to stay ahead of threats.

A key concern highlighted by the President is the emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and some parts of the South.

“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head,” he declared.

While commending the military’s past sacrifices and successes, Tinubu tasked the service chiefs with ensuring synergy and providing exemplary leadership.

“Work with other security agencies and defeat this enemy once and for all. We need to clean them up, clear them out,” he said, promising full government support.

In his response, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked the President for the appointment and assured him of their determination to keep the country safe.

He also called on all Nigerians to support the military’s efforts.The event was attended by the Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, several state governors, and other top government officials.

The service chiefs were accompanied by their spouses, whom they saluted in a gesture that drew applause from the audience.

By Uzair Adam

Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on Thursday marked a century since the first aircraft landed in Nigeria, highlighting Kano’s pivotal role in the country’s aviation history.

The three-day celebration, organised by the Caliphate Aviation Training Centre, kicked off with exhibitions, panel discussions, and an airshow designed to inspire the next generation of aviators.Okikiri Musa, Regional and Airport Manager of MAKIA, described the centenary as a proud moment for both Kano and the nation.

“This milestone is significant for all of us, especially Kano,” Musa said. “Being the site of Nigeria’s first aircraft landing is something to celebrate. “Aviation has grown immensely, and Kano continues to be a key hub in air transport. We pray that Allah continues to bless Kano and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector.”

Hassan Abdulhamid, Director of Administration at Caliphate Air Services, noted that the event not only commemorates history but also encourages young Nigerians to explore careers in aviation.

“Celebrating 100 years since the first aircraft landed in Nigeria, here in Kano, gives students a hands-on experience in aviation — from ticketing and boarding to meeting pilots and engineers. We hope this inspires a lifelong passion and guides them toward aviation careers,” Abdulhamid said.

He explained that the first two days of the event are focused on secondary school students, while university students and lecturers will later present research to address data gaps in the aviation sector.

“There is limited data on aviation in this region. By involving universities in research, we aim to generate insights that will benefit the industry,” he added.

Transport historian Dr. Yusuf Madugu of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), recalled that the first aircraft to land in Nigeria touched down in Kano on November 1, 1925.

“The flight, led by Lieutenant Arthur Cunningham, came from Egypt via Khartoum and N’Djamena. It landed at the Kano Racecourse, now the Polo Club, as there was no airport at the time. Smoke from a fire was used to guide the pilot,” Dr. Madugu explained.

He emphasized that Kano’s status as a commercial and religious hub made it the ideal destination for the historic flight.

“Kano was the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, which is why the colonial authorities chose it as the first point of air entry into the country,” he said.

The centenary celebration included a historical exhibition on aviation in Nigeria, discussions on the sector’s economic impact, and tributes to pioneers of the industry.

Other highlights featured a static airshow, kiting competitions for children, and live aerial demonstrations.

Organisers said the event aims to renew public interest in aviation and reaffirm Kano’s role as the cradle of Nigeria’s air transport history.

By Uzair Adam

Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on Thursday marked a century since the first aircraft landed in Nigeria, highlighting Kano’s pivotal role in the country’s aviation history.

The three-day celebration, organised by the Caliphate Aviation Training Centre, kicked off with exhibitions, panel discussions, and an airshow designed to inspire the next generation of aviators.

Okikiri Musa, Regional and Airport Manager of MAKIA, described the centenary as a proud moment for both Kano and the nation.

“This milestone is significant for all of us, especially Kano,” Musa said. “Being the site of Nigeria’s first aircraft landing is something to celebrate. 

“Aviation has grown immensely, and Kano continues to be a key hub in air transport. We pray that Allah continues to bless Kano and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector.”

Hassan Abdulhamid, Director of Administration at Caliphate Air Services, noted that the event not only commemorates history but also encourages young Nigerians to explore careers in the aviation industry.

Celebrating 100 years since the first aircraft landed in Nigeria, here in Kano, gives students hands-on experience in aviation — from ticketing and boarding to meeting pilots and engineers. We hope this inspires a lifelong passion and guides them toward aviation careers,” Abdulhamid said.

He explained that the first two days of the event are focused on secondary school students, while university students and lecturers will later present research to address data gaps in the aviation sector.

“There is limited data on aviation in this region. By involving universities in research, we aim to generate insights that will benefit the industry,” he added.

Transport historian Dr Yusuf Madugu of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), recalled that the first aircraft to land in Nigeria touched down in Kano on November 1, 1925.

“The flight, led by Lieutenant Arthur Cunningham, came from Egypt via Khartoum and N’Djamena. It landed at the Kano Racecourse, now the Polo Club, as there was no airport at the time. Smoke from a fire was used to guide the pilot,” Dr Madugu explained.

He emphasised that Kano’s status as a commercial and religious hub made it the ideal destination for the historic flight.

“Kano was the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, which is why the colonial authorities chose it as the first point of air entry into the country,” he said.

The centenary celebration included a historical exhibition on aviation in Nigeria, discussions on the sector’s economic impact, and tributes to pioneers of the industry. 

Other highlights featured a static airshow, kiting competitions for children, and live aerial demonstrations.

Organisers said the event aims to renew public interest in aviation and reaffirm Kano’s role as the cradle of Nigeria’s air transport history.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Efforts to strengthen vaccine delivery systems across northern Nigeria received a major boost as the All Babies program, implemented by New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal (NI-ABAE), convened a two-day Roundtable Meeting of Cold Chain Stakeholders in Kano.

Held at Tahir Guest Palace from October 24 to 25, the meeting brought together 35 participants from state and zonal cold chain offices, development partners, and the Kano State Primary Health Care Board. The focus was on improving coordination, data management, and logistics in vaccine distribution across 14 northern states.

During the technical session, program officials presented encouraging results from the third quarter of 2025. Katsina and Zamfara states recorded the sharpest declines in zero-dose infants, each achieving a 40-percentage-point reduction, while Kaduna saw a 15-point drop. So far, All Babies has enrolled over 5.6 million infants, supported 7,128 clinics, and facilitated more than 85 million vaccinations through conditional cash transfers to caregivers.

Stakeholders at the meeting resolved to improve real-time vaccine data reporting through Nigeria’s OpenLMIS platform, enhance coordination between state and local levels, and push for increased transportation funding via the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to ease vaccine movement to remote areas.

Niger State’s Cold Chain Officer, Abubakar Hussaini, praised the program’s impact, saying, “All Babies has done a great job increasing vaccination awareness and turnout. We hope the program expands nationwide so every child benefits from these life-saving vaccines.”

The roundtable ended with a joint communiqué reaffirming partners’ commitment to ensure that every child, regardless of location, receives timely and essential vaccines.