Nigeria

By Uzair Adam 

Renowned Hausa political singer, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, has received an honorary doctorate degree from the European-American University, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic of Panama.

The award was conferred on him during the university’s 23rd convocation ceremony held at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja on Saturday. 

Rarara was honoured with the Doctor of Science in Humanitarian Service, Music and Entertainment.

Speaking at the event, Professor Idris Aliyu of the Governing Council, who represented the Vice Chancellor, described the honour as a recognition of Rarara’s commitment to both music and community service.

In his remarks, the institution’s Northern Nigeria representative, Dr Musari Audu Isyaku, said Rarara and three others—Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr., Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Prof. Tarela Boroh—were selected for their outstanding contributions to humanity.

“This award is a testament to their dedication to excellence and development of the community,” Dr Isyaku stated.

Reacting to the honour, Rarara expressed joy over the recognition, noting that it would inspire him to expand his humanitarian services in Katsina and other parts of Nigeria. 

He also urged young people to be patient and dedicated, saying purposeful living brings wisdom and reward.

Governor of Katsina State, Dr Umaru Dikko Radda, who attended the event, described Rarara as “a phenomenon and unifier” who has delivered humanitarian projects across Nigeria while also promoting unity through music.

Other dignitaries present included the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmad Alkali; and members of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Nasiru Sani Danlami, and Abdulmumini Zannah Bungudu.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

The insecurity challenges in Nigeria, particularly banditry, have defied simplistic solutions. While the kinetic approach, military and law enforcement operations, has achieved some notable successes, it has not produced the outcome of sustainable peace. Instead, it has often fueled a cycle of violence between state and non-state actors, while local communities continue to suffer. To break this cycle, there is a compelling need to complement kinetic measures with non-kinetic strategies such as dialogue, community engagement, education, intelligence-driven peacebuilding, and socio-economic empowerment.

The kinetic approach is necessary but insufficient. It weakens the operational strength of criminal groups but fails to address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, social injustice, and a lack of community trust in the government. In some cases, heavy-handed operations or operational errors can create resentment among local populations, inadvertently attracting recruits to criminal networks.

The non-kinetic measures are designed to fill the gaps left by the actions of military and security forces, as well as to reduce unnecessary pressures on security forces. These include: building trust through dialogue with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local influencers, including the actors themselves; creating opportunities for youth through education, vocational training, and employment; rehabilitation and reintegration, including providing pathways for repentant bandits or militants to rejoin society; intelligence gathering and strengthening human intelligence networks within communities to prevent attacks before they occur.

In combating insecurity, multi-stakeholder engagement is imperative, as national security cannot be achieved solely by the federal government. A sustainable strategy requires the active participation of state governments in tailoring responses to local realities. Support from local governments in intelligence gathering and community mobilisation is also essential. 

Engagement of traditional and religious institutions as custodians of local values and mediators in conflict resolution, as well as collaboration with civil society and development partners to address humanitarian and socio-economic needs, is equally important. The government should also introduce local language media programs through social media and other media, it will reach and enlighten the bandits and other insurgents

The current approach of adopting a hybrid security framework that blends military action with non-kinetic approaches to create both deterrence and reconciliation is commendable. This dialogue approach should be institutionalised through community dialogue platforms. Furthermore, establishing regular consultation forums where local leaders and security agencies exchange intelligence and build trust is also important. 

Investment in youth empowerment and the development of targeted programs for skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and agricultural employment should be integrated into the non-kinetic approach to undercut the appeal of criminal networks. 

Another vital element is strengthening data-driven decision-making by basing security strategies on rigorous research, mapping conflict-prone areas, and conducting historical analyses of community dynamics. Fighting insecurity is a continuous process; any slack will have a negative impact. Therefore, creating measurable benchmarks and developing monitoring frameworks to evaluate the success of both kinetic and non-kinetic interventions over time will be beneficial.

No government can afford to sustain a security approach that fails to deliver positive outcomes. A purely kinetic strategy risks perpetuating violence, while a strictly non-kinetic approach may embolden criminal groups. The way forward lies in a carefully balanced model that applies force where necessary, while simultaneously addressing the root causes of insecurity through dialogue, trust-building, and socio-economic development. Only by harmonising both approaches can Nigeria break the cycle of violence and build a foundation for sustainable peace and security.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Anas Abbas

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspected vandals in connection with the destruction of a transformer at Government Girls Secondary School, Bunza, Bunza Local Government Area.

The suspects,Sanusi Muhammad and Ibrahim Lawal from Sokoto State, as well as Tasi’u Abubakar and Tasi’u Abdullahi from Zamfara State,were caught following a joint operation by the Divisional Police Officer in Bunza and local vigilante groups.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, said in a statement on Saturday that the incident occurred at about 3 a.m. on September 10.

The gang allegedly tied up the school’s watchman before dismantling the transformer with chainsaws and other tools.

Recovered from the scene were a black Toyota Corolla with registration number KNT-359-SN, believed to have been used for the operation, as well as the vandalised armoured cables and equipment employed in the act.

“While two suspects were arrested at the scene, further investigations by the State CID in Birnin Kebbi led to the capture of the fleeing gang members,” the police spokesman said.

He confirmed that all suspects remain in custody and will soon be charged to court.Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, lauded the prompt response of the Bunza DPO and vigilantes, describing the arrest as proof of the value of police-community cooperation.

He assured residents of the state that the Command remains committed to rooting out criminals and ensuring public safety, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and share credible intelligence with security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Command also announced progress in another high-profile case.

On September 10, six suspects were arrested over the theft of gold ornaments worth over ₦109.5 million in Ka’oje, Bagudo Local Government Area.

Among those apprehended was a serving Nigerian Correctional Service officer, Ibrahim Abubakar, who confessed to taking part in the heist.

The valuables, belonging to the family of Hajiya Amina Hassan Bello, included five necklaces, nine bangles, and four rings weighing 782.7 grams.

According to investigators, the suspects conspired to sell the stolen gold and channel the proceeds into land purchases.

The police said efforts are ongoing to track down additional suspects and recover more of the stolen property.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Kaduna State on Friday, September 19, for a one-day visit that includes a high-profile wedding and a private condolence call.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s itinerary is centered on two key events.

The primary reason for the visit is the President’s attendance at the wedding ceremony of Nasirudeen Yari, the son of former Governor of Zamfara State and current Senator for Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari.

Nasirudeen will be wed to Safiyya Shehu Idris.Following the wedding festivities, President Tinubu will pay a courtesy visit to Aisha Buhari, the widow of former President Muhammadu Buhari, at the family’s residence in Kaduna.

The visit is seen as a gesture of respect and condolence following the passing of the former leader.

The President is expected to return to the nation’s capital, Abuja, on the same day after concluding his engagements.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Chinese language, Mandarin, has been officially introduced into the senior secondary school curriculum in Nigeria, following a recent review of the national curriculum.

The announcement was made in Abuja on Tuesday by the Secretary of Education for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, during the commissioning of the 14th Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada.

The initiative is supported by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as part of its corporate social responsibility.

“May I inform you that in the recent review of our curriculum, the Chinese language has been selected as one of the international languages to offer in senior secondary schools. That is to say that the FCT has been very visionary in introducing the subject in our schools through the Chinese Corners early enough,” Hayyo said.

He stressed that Mandarin is the most widely spoken language globally and has become vital in commerce, education, and tourism. According to him, embracing Chinese education and culture is “a wise move.”

Hayyo further explained that with the new centre at GSS Tudun Wada, the FCT now has 14 Chinese Corners.

“The bilateral relations have led to the establishment of 13 Chinese Corners, and the commissioning of the 14th Corner at GSS Tudun Wada today.

These centres have greatly enhanced education and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. It has opened a window for better understanding and appreciation of our various cultures and given our students the opportunity to pursue further education in China,” he added.

He also noted that teachers and staff of the FCT had benefited from training in China.

“Today we are proud to say that it is only the FCT that has Chinese Corners in its schools in the whole federation,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Hayyo thanked the Chinese government and its embassy in Nigeria for their contributions to education and cultural exchange.

He ended his remarks with a Chinese proverb: “Hai nei cun zhiji, tianya ruo bi lin,” meaning, “A bosom friend brings distant lands near.”

The Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, said the Chinese Corners were born out of China’s commitment to strengthening cultural and educational ties with Nigeria.

“Twelve years ago, out of the cherishment for China-Nigeria friendly relations and the expectation for cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board joined hands to establish the Chinese Corner as a unique platform for cultural and educational exchanges,” he said.

He noted that the initiative had grown into “a link connecting Chinese and Nigerian cultures, a bridge narrowing the hearts of young people from the two countries, and one of the most popular cultural check-in spots among teachers and students in Abuja.”

Yang assured that China would continue to promote cooperation in culture and education, adding, “Today, the inauguration of the Chinese Corner is not an end, but a new starting point for cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria.”

Also speaking, the Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Muhammed Ladan, said the project was evidence of the strong ties between the two countries.

“The Chinese Corners aim not just to foster people-to-people exchanges, but also to provide resources for learning Mandarin and opportunities for scholarships in China. It is also a means of strengthening diplomatic relations through artistic collaboration,” he said.

Ladan recalled that the first Chinese Corner was set up in 2013 at GSS Garki, with more centres added in later years, including one at GSS Wuse Zone 3 in 2024.

He disclosed that two additional centres were being planned with the backing of Chinese companies in Nigeria.

The inclusion of Mandarin follows the Federal Government’s announcement earlier this month that it had completed a thorough review of the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum.

In a circular dated September 8, 2025, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council confirmed that the revised curriculum would be implemented from the 2025/2026 academic year.

Other international languages listed as optional subjects include French and Arabic.

Meanwhile, as part of its support for Chinese language education, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria recently donated 15 sets of teaching materials and cultural books to Nigerian secondary schools.

By Sonia Wa Sarki

I write this letter to call the attention of Nigerian graduates to the urgent need to learn veritable and viable skills. The realities of today’s world have shown that academic certificates alone are no longer sufficient to guarantee a meaningful livelihood. The growing rate of unemployment in Nigeria calls for a rethink of how young graduates prepare themselves for life after school.

Every year, thousands of students graduate from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country. Unfortunately, the labour market cannot absorb them all. The available jobs are too few, and competition is fierce. Those who rely only on their certificates without developing practical, marketable skills often find themselves stranded, frustrated, and disillusioned.

It is no longer news that many young Nigerians roam the streets with impressive degrees but little to show in terms of personal enterprise. Some spend years submitting applications that yield no results. Others become dependent on their families, while a few give in to despair. The question that every graduate must ask is: what can I do with my own hands that can sustain me, even if no one gives me a white-collar job?

Skill acquisition is the surest answer to that question. Beyond academic knowledge, every graduate needs to learn something practical that the society demands. Skills such as digital technology, software development, photography, tailoring, catering, welding, shoemaking, agriculture, or even content creation can open unexpected doors of opportunities. Many Nigerians who embraced skills early now employ others, including degree holders.

Graduates must understand that the global economy is changing. The age of oil wealth and government jobs is fading fast, while the knowledge and creative economies are rising. Nations now reward innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience more than mere certificates. Nigeria cannot be an exception, and her graduates must adjust accordingly.

It is also important to stress that learning a skill does not diminish the value of one’s degree. Rather, it enhances it. A graduate of engineering who also learns carpentry or metalwork is far more resourceful than one who waits endlessly for an engineering job. A graduate of English who also learns publishing, editing, or graphic design can create multiple income streams. Education and skills should complement each other.

Moreover, employers themselves now look beyond certificates when hiring. They want problem solvers, creative thinkers, and innovators. A graduate who demonstrates practical competence stands out more than one who merely quotes theories from textbooks. Skills sharpen critical thinking, instil discipline, and provide a sense of independence that certificates alone may not offer.

Dear Nigerian graduates, it is time to rise above excuses and face reality. The government may provide some jobs, but it cannot employ everyone. Waiting endlessly for opportunities is a dangerous gamble. The future belongs to those who take initiative, who refuse to be idle, and who create value through the mastery of viable skills.

Parents and educational institutions also have a role to play. Schools must integrate vocational training into their curricula, while parents should encourage their children to explore talents beyond the classroom. Society at large must begin to respect artisans, entrepreneurs, and skill-based workers as much as professionals in traditional fields.

In conclusion, this letter is not to discourage academic pursuit but to remind Nigerian graduates that degrees alone are not enough in the present world. Certificates may open doors, but skills sustain livelihoods. The graduates who will thrive in today’s Nigeria are those who combine knowledge with practical ability. To every graduate out there, my message is simple: learn a skill today, and secure your tomorrow.

Sonia Wa Sarki writes from Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.

By Sonia Wa Sarki

I write to call the attention of the newly established National Almajiri Commission and other relevant agencies saddled with the responsibility of tackling the crisis of out-of-school children. The issue has lingered for too long and demands urgent, pragmatic action if Nigeria is to make meaningful progress in education and human development.

For decades, the North has struggled with the twin challenge of the Almajiri system and the rising number of children who are completely out of school. This has created a dangerous cycle of illiteracy, poverty, and social vices. Every street corner in many northern cities tells the same story: barefooted children, bowls in hand, begging for alms instead of sitting in classrooms.

According to UNICEF reports, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10 million children excluded from basic education. A significant percentage of these children are from the northern part of the country. This reality is not only a unfortunate but also a time bomb that threatens national security, peace, and development.

The Almajiri system, once rooted in noble intentions of imparting Islamic education, has today become synonymous with neglect, child labour, and poverty. Many parents, unable to cater for their children, send them off to distant towns under the care of teachers who lack the resources to provide proper welfare. The result is a generation of children abandoned to hunger, street begging, and exploitation.

The consequences of this neglect are glaring. Many of these children grow up without formal education, lacking the skills necessary to compete in today’s world. Worse still, they become easy recruits for criminal gangs, violent groups, and extremist movements. Nigeria cannot afford to ignore the dangerous implications of having millions of idle, uneducated, and hopeless youths roaming the streets.

The creation of the National Almajiri Commission is a welcome development, but it must not become another toothless bureaucracy. The commission must develop a clear strategy to integrate Quranic education with modern subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and vocational training. This will give the children both spiritual grounding and the practical skills needed to survive in today’s society.

Government at all levels must also invest massively in building functional schools across the North. The lack of infrastructure is one of the reasons many children remain out of school. Where schools exist, they are often overcrowded, understaffed, and poorly equipped. Education must be made accessible, attractive, and affordable for every child.

Equally important is the role of parents. Many parents deliberately withdraw children from school, either due to poverty, cultural beliefs, or ignorance. Sensitisation campaigns are necessary to change attitudes and emphasise the importance of education. No society can progress when its children are left behind.

Religious and traditional leaders must also rise to the occasion. For too long, the Almajiri menace has been treated with silence or indifference. Leaders who wield influence in communities must use their voices to advocate reforms, encourage enrolment in schools, and support initiatives aimed at ending child neglect.

Addressing this menace also requires economic empowerment. Poverty is at the root of the problem. Many families send their children to beg simply because they cannot provide food, clothing, and shelter. Empowering households with jobs, microloans, and skills training will reduce the burden and keep children in school.

Another critical step is the enforcement of child rights laws. Nigeria has the Universal Basic Education policy, but its implementation remains weak. States must enforce compulsory education and punish parents or guardians who neglect their children’s education. Without enforcement, policies remain mere paperwork.

Civil society organisations and international partners also have a role to play. Collaboration is key in building model schools, providing teacher training, and supporting child welfare. With proper synergy between government, NGOs, and communities, the tide can be turned.

The media must equally sustain the spotlight on this issue. The plight of the Almajiri and out-of-school children should not only make news during special events but remain a central theme in public discourse. Awareness is the first step towards action.

In conclusion, Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable development while millions of its children are excluded from education. The Almajiri crisis and the epidemic of out-of-school children must be treated as a national emergency. Education is the foundation of progress, and leaving children on the streets is nothing short of mortgaging the country’s future.

The time to act is now. The National Almajiri Commission and all stakeholders must rise above lip service and deliver real, tangible solutions. The future of the North—and indeed Nigeria—depends on it.

Sonia Wa Sarki writes from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has officially ended the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight tonight, reinstating Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state’s legislative assembly to their full powers.

The announcement, made in a national address on Wednesday, brings a close to a six-month period of direct federal intervention triggered by a crippling political war between the executive and legislative branches that brought governance in the oil-rich state to a standstill.

In his statement, President Tinubu justified the initial emergency proclamation on March 18, 2025, citing a “total paralysis of governance.”

He detailed a deep-rooted crisis where a faction of 27 lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, was locked in a bitter struggle with Governor Fubara, who was backed by only four assembly members.

This impasse prevented the governor from presenting an appropriation bill, cutting off funds for state operations and leading to a breakdown of public order, including vandalism of critical oil infrastructure.

The President noted that the Supreme Court itself had acknowledged there was “no government” in the state.

“Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown,” Tinubu stated, defending his decision to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as necessary to avert “anarchy.”

While acknowledging over 40 court challenges to his decision, which he called a normal feature of democracy, the President expressed gratitude to the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and citizens of Rivers State for their support during the emergency period.

The key reason for lifting the order, he revealed, was a “groundswell of a new spirit of understanding” among all stakeholders in the state, indicating a readiness for a return to functional democratic governance.

“Therefore, I do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer,” Tinubu declared.

With the emergency lifted, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and all members of the State House of Assembly are to resume their offices from Thursday, September 18, 2025.

The President concluded with a stern warning to all state governments across the federation, urging them to learn from the Rivers crisis and prioritize harmony to deliver the dividends of democracy.

All eyes will now be on Port Harcourt to see if the warring political factions have truly reconciled or if the power struggle will resume where it left off six months ago.

By Salihi Adamu

Writing A Glimpse of Takai in the History of Kano has been a personal journey for me. Growing up, I have read stories about Takai’s rich history and its impact on the Kano emirate. However, I noticed that there wasn’t a single book that told the story of Takai in a way that was easy to understand. This book is my attempt to fill that gap.

As I researched Takai’s history, I discovered many interesting stories and facts. I learned about the town’s founding, its role in the Kano Civil War, and its cultural heritage. I also met with people from Takai who shared their experiences and insights with me. Through these interactions, I gained a deeper understanding of the town’s history and its people. This book is a reflection of what I have learned, and I hope it will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Takai.

This book is not a complete history of Takai. Instead, it’s a collection of stories and facts that give readers a glimpse into the town’s past. I have endeavoured to make the book accessible to a diverse range of readers, from those interested in history to those seeking to learn more about Takai.

One of the challenges I faced while writing this book was deciding what to include and what to leave out. Takai’s history is complex and multifaceted, with many stories that could be told. I have tried to focus on the most important events and themes, while also leaving room for further research and exploration.

I hope that A Glimpse of Takai in the History of Kano will inspire readers to learn more about Takai and its people. I also hope that it will contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of the town’s history and culture.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this book, from the people of Takai who shared their stories with me to my family and friends who supported me throughout the writing process. Ultimately, this book is a labour of love, and I am proud to share it with readers. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Zamfara State Police Command has verified that eight worshippers were abducted during morning prayers in Gidan Turbe, Tsafe Local Government Area.

Those taken away by the attackers include Liman Yahaya, Dan Garfi, Malam Damu, Bello Natsuhuwa, Yakubu Isa, Audu Minista, Yaquba Ado, and Sabi Usman.

This clarification followed a report circulating online that claimed as many as 40 worshippers were seized in the assault.In a statement issued on Tuesday, the police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, dismissed the exaggerated figure and confirmed that only eight persons were abducted.

He explained, “The attention of the Zamfara State Police Command has been drawn to a recent report alleging that 40 persons were abducted while observing morning prayers on Monday, September 15, 2025.

“Contrary to the figure reported, the incident occurred at about 05:07 hrs when suspected bandits invaded the Gidan Turbe area of Tsafe LGA and abducted eight individuals.”

Abubakar stressed that the police were collaborating with security agencies and local stakeholders to rescue the victims. He added, “The Zamfara State Police Command is actively working with other security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.

“We urge members of the public and the media to always verify information from official sources before dissemination so as not to cause unnecessary panic.”

Reassuring the public, he emphasized the command’s determination to safeguard lives and property. According to him, “The Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to intensify efforts towards combating all forms of criminal activities across the state.

“We appeal to residents to remain calm and report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines.”

The attack adds to a rising number of assaults on worship centres in Northern Nigeria. Only last month, an incident at a mosque in Lafiagi, Kwara State, left one worshipper dead.