Nigeria

Ali Tijjani Hassan

I am in Damaturu to witness the third edition of the Yobe State Spelling Bee Competition, and to be honest, I might not be doing justice to what I witnessed if I wait for decades before telling my unborn children about how Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, is gradually refining the educational sector in Yobe State during his tenure.

His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, Wazirin Fune, declared the programme open and encouraged the young participants to do their best and make their communities proud. As he said, and I quote: “Forty-five years back, we were at your level, but today we are at the mantle of leadership and about to exit. You are indeed the leaders of tomorrow, and you are on the right track.” 

The Deputy Governor also appreciated the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr Mohammed Goje, FRSPH, for initiating, sustaining, and continuously improving this remarkable programme. He described it as an epitome of Dr Goje’s foresighted, selfless and transformative leadership in redefining the future of young people across the state.

It gladdened my heart to see some of the finest young brains among us serving as judges and facilitators. Among them was my friend, Shamsiyya Ibrahim Barde, a recent UN guest and UNOCT champion, who served as the lead judge, while Zara Alim Bakari, as the Master of Ceremony.

Then came the preliminary stage, where every participant had the opportunity to step onto the podium and show what they had upstairs. It was one of those experiences you genuinely wish you could record and replay. I saw young and talented teenagers trying to figure out what they could do with their abilities. For me, that is one of the greatest values of the Spelling Bee. Beyond competition, it gives young people a platform to discover, sharpen and showcase their abilities while preparing themselves for a world that will demand excellence from them. 

And, of course, the real drama started when a young man who, by all indications, is my Fulani brother, was asked to spell “Maritime.” My brother tried spelling it three times. The judges disagreed about his alphabet pronunciation, largely because of mother-tongue interference. For those of us in the audience, it became difficult to tell whether the sound he produced in the second syllable was “M” or “N.” As the debate intensified and the young man probably realised that his English-language command was not going to rescue him, he switched to Hausa and asked: Wai ko ba ‘Maritime’ ake nufi ba?”

The entire hall erupted in laughter. That young man single-handedly revived the energy in the room. But beyond the laughter, I admired something about him: confidence. He wasn’t afraid to try the word, even when he wasn’t entirely sure of himself. And sometimes, that confidence to stand before people, try, and keep going despite a barrier is itself a form of education.

Of course, I saw many other vibrant young people who came fully prepared to take the trophy home. Their confidence, composure and command of words were genuinely impressive.

Then came another moment that caught my attention. A young participant with visual impairment appeared on stage and was asked to spell “Senator.” He requested the assistance he needed to participate effectively, explaining that he had been taught to read and interpret words through a system different from what most of us were familiar with. That moment made me appreciate something beyond the competition itself: the preparation that went into making the programme inclusive. It reminded me that education is not truly transformative until it makes room for everyone.

I was equally impressed by the commitment of the organisers and stakeholders. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mohammed Goje, alongside members of his team and associates, including Dr Sa’id Ali Kori of Thinklab, Dr Suleiman Dauda of SOLID, Dr Bulama Maina Yaro of the Yobe State Pilot Livestock Development Programme, Dr Babagana Muhammad of Nigeria Food Corporation, and Prof. Sheriff Almuhajir of YMFB, maintained a constant presence throughout the programme despite their various professional and personal commitments. To me, that speaks to the strong commitment to the initiative.

The Yobe State Spelling Bee Competition is becoming more than an academic competition. It is creating a platform where young people can discover their confidence, test their abilities, compete with their peers and begin to imagine themselves in spaces of excellence.

And perhaps the greatest lesson from the competition is one I have always believed: School was never a scam. Give a child the right environment, expose them to opportunities, challenge them intellectually, and you may be watching the early stages of someone who will one day change your community.

The Yobe Spelling Bee is, without doubt, setting a pace for a future trajectory built around education, confidence, talent and the pursuit of excellence among the younger generation of Yobe State. Let’s come back tomorrow to witness what the next session’s “knock-out stage” will offer us. But I believe that many emotional moments would unfold.

Ali Tijjani Hassan writes from Damaturu.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Reverend Father John Inalegwu Otache, a Catholic priest abducted in Benue State, has reportedly regained his freedom following a rescue operation involving security operatives and local vigilantes.

Otache serves as the parish priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

He was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road while returning home from Otukpo.

His abduction raised concerns among members of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and residents of surrounding communities, prompting prayers and appeals for his safe return.

News of his reported rescue has brought relief to his congregation and other members of the Catholic community who had expressed concern over his whereabouts.

However, details surrounding the operation remain unclear. His current health condition and the specific circumstances of his reported release have yet to be confirmed.

Further information is expected as more details emerge.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved the acquisition of additional train coaches and surveillance equipment to improve railway services and address security threats, including banditry, kidnapping and vandalism.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, disclosed this on Saturday while inspecting the Kano-Maradi railway project.

According to Adebiyi, the new coaches are expected to increase the capacity of railway services for both passengers and freight, while the surveillance equipment will help protect rail infrastructure and passengers.

He added that the ministry was training railway personnel to operate and maintain the coaches once they arrive.

Adebiyi made the disclosure during an inspection tour alongside the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation and Mobility, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola Ade-John, and other government officials. The team also inspected bridge-beam casting work along the railway corridor.

The permanent secretary identified insecurity as a major challenge to railway operations, noting that attacks on rail infrastructure disrupt services, threaten lives and increase maintenance costs. He cited the Abuja-Kaduna railway corridor as an example of the security risks facing the sector.

“I’m glad to inform you that Mr President has given the go-ahead for us to embark on the acquisition of surveillance security equipment all across the country, and we are working around the clock to ensure this,” he said.

The planned acquisitions form part of the government’s efforts to strengthen railway security and improve the reliability of rail transportation across the country.

By Uzair Adam

The third edition of the Kano International Poetry Festival (KAPFEST) brought together writers, poets, artists and cultural enthusiasts in Kano to promote indigenous languages, celebrate cultural diversity and create opportunities for young creatives.

The festival, organised by the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, held from October 15 to 17, 2026, under the theme “Reclaiming Languages,” with activities aimed at encouraging literary expression, cultural exchange and the preservation of indigenous languages.

The main festival programme opened on Friday, October 16, at Amani Event Center, following a cultural showcase at Gidan Dan Hausa on Thursday.

The three-day event featured literary conversations, performances and exhibitions, culminating in a poetry slam competition with a N1 million prize for participants on the final day.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the founder of Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, Salim Inusa, said the festival was established to provide young people with creative talent a platform to showcase their abilities, connect with artists from different parts of the world and improve their skills in writing, poetry and other artistic expressions.

Inusa said the initiative also sought to challenge perceptions that Northern Nigeria lacked young intellectuals and accomplished writers, noting that creatives from the region were often overlooked in national conversations about literary talent.

“Our aim is to change the narrative about the North that we do not have young people who think or writers. Whenever you see any list, you hardly find a writer from the region,” he said.

He added that KAPFEST was designed to promote Northern Nigerian creatives beyond the region and provide them with opportunities to engage with their international counterparts, rather than limiting their exposure to Southern Nigeria.

Inusa said the festival also sought to honour past generations of writers and cultural figures whose contributions had helped shape the region’s literary heritage, including Abubakar Imam and Bashir Tofa.

He said recognising their contributions to literature, history and culture was essential to sustaining the region’s creative legacy and inspiring emerging writers.

Also speaking, Anas Abba, an executive officer of the Kano State History and Culture Bureau, described poetry as an important component of Hausa literature and a longstanding means of communicating messages to different sections of society.

Abba said oral poetry had historically been used to convey messages to traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, wealthy individuals and ordinary members of the public, while also serving as a tool for educating young people.

According to him, Hausa poetry has addressed social issues, including idleness, while encouraging productive activities such as farming and promoting the Hausa language.

“Poetry is an important pillar of Hausa literature. We have different forms of oral poetry that have, for a long time, helped to communicate important messages to different people,” he said.

Abba said the festival’s growing acceptance demonstrated the potential of collaboration between cultural organisations and government institutions to promote literature and preserve indigenous traditions.

He added that the Kano State History and Culture Bureau would continue to support efforts to strengthen the festival and ensure that subsequent editions achieved even greater success.

One of the attendees, Abdurrazak Ibrahim from Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, said he was impressed by the participation of people from different ethnic backgrounds and their willingness to showcase their cultures in Kano, a city widely associated with Hausa heritage.

Ibrahim said the presence of participants from different communities, including Igbo, Yoruba and Ebira groups, demonstrated how cultural events could bring people together and encourage mutual understanding.

“I am really impressed by what I have seen because people from different ethnic groups are here in Kano, which you can call the headquarters of the Hausas, and everyone is showcasing their culture. It is a good thing,” he said.

He added that the festival could strengthen social relationships, promote cultural development and help preserve indigenous languages at risk of disappearing.

The festival featured literary conversations, panel discussions, performances and exhibitions involving artists working across Hausa, Fulfulde, Kanuri, Nupe, Shuwa Arab, Yoruba, Igbo, Ebira, Tiv, Igala and other languages, alongside Arabic, French, German and English.

The activities at Gidan Dan Hausa on Thursday featured a cultural showcase involving traditional music, poetry, drama and fashion, alongside workshops and literary sessions aimed at developing the skills of emerging writers.

The main programme on Friday also featured discussions on indigenous languages, translation, artist mobility and literary exchange, as well as Hausa literary and musical expression across generations.

A major highlight of the festival was the presentation of the KAPFEST Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Ibrahim Malumfashi in recognition of his contributions to literature and culture.

The festival concluded on Saturday, October 17, with further conversations, performances and cultural exchanges, alongside a poetry slam competition in which participants competed for a N1 million prize.

The event also featured a closing performance by its headline act, Bash Amuneni.

The third edition coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, which began as an online hashtag before developing into a platform for poetry, literature, performance, cultural exchange and education.

By Uzair Adam

Residents of Kumbotso, Madobi and Dawakin Kudu local government areas of Kano State have accused the state government of destroying farmlands during ongoing fencing work on an industrial layout, alleging that officials continued the exercise despite a court order to suspend it.

The residents said the ongoing work had heightened concerns over an earlier land measurement dispute already before the court, while a proposed extension of the industrial layout into additional plots and residential areas had triggered fresh opposition from affected property owners.

Speaking on behalf of the affected residents, Alhaji Rabi’u Idris, a Kumbotso community leader and chairman of an elders’ committee advocating for landowners in the three local government areas, said the dispute had been pursued through legal channels for nearly four years.

Idris said residents were particularly concerned about the extension of the layout and the treatment of those opposing the exercise, insisting that their demand was for fairness and transparency in the handling of their properties.

He also alleged that crops, including rice, maize and beans, had been destroyed during the ongoing fencing activities, leaving farmers worried about the loss of their investments and livelihoods.

According to him, the dispute affects more than 15,000 people across the three local government areas, many of whom acquired land and invested their savings in the properties.

“Our complaint is not against the measurement itself, but the irregularities surrounding it. We are asking for justice,” Idris said.

He added that the residents had sought permission from relevant authorities before attempting to organise demonstrations, but abandoned an earlier plan after security officials advised against it.

Idris also expressed concern over the arrest of the chairman and secretary of a youth association following a protest in Tamburawa, insisting that the two leaders were not involved in the demonstration that preceded their arrest.

Another affected resident, Alhaji Adamu Malam, alleged that the original land measurement exercise was characterised by irregularities, claiming that some landowners received allocation documents covering fewer plots than those recorded in their names.

Malam said residents became more concerned when officials resumed work on the layout, with fencing activities continuing while the earlier dispute remained before the court.

He claimed that residents had obtained a court order directing the suspension of the exercise, alleging that officials who were shown the order maintained that it did not apply to them.

Malam called on the government to review the measurement and allocation process, arguing that landowners should be given clear information about the plots allocated to them and the portions retained by the government.

“What we want is for the measurement to be reviewed, even if the exercise must continue. Every landowner should be satisfied that they have been treated fairly,” he said.

He added that transparent communication about land allocations would help resolve the dispute and restore confidence among affected residents.

Similarly, Sadiku Magaji Bello, a youth leader in the area, said residents initially cooperated with the government but became concerned when the industrial layout was extended to additional plots and residential areas they believed were outside the original demarcation.

Bello alleged that armed security personnel accompanied officials of the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning when they resumed work on the extension.

He maintained that the extension had also become a subject of legal contention and appealed to the Kano State Government to address residents’ concerns before proceeding further.

“We gave the government 100 per cent cooperation at the beginning, but we later discovered that the exercise had been extended to areas belonging to ordinary residents,” he said.

Bello urged the state governor to intervene and ensure that the land exercise was conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.

He warned that failing to address the grievances could deepen frustration among residents in the affected communities.

However, the Kano State Government has defended its handling of the land exercise, maintaining that it has the legal authority to manage public land and would ensure fairness to affected parties.

The Director of Public Enlightenment at the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, Murtala Shehu Umar, said the existence of a court case would not necessarily prevent the government from carrying out its responsibilities.

Umar said the government had engaged affected landowners and paid compensation where necessary, maintaining that the dispute over the extension was distinct from the original land measurement exercise.

“The government owns the land and has the authority to manage it. Going to court will not necessarily stop the progress of work,” he said.

He added that the government had held discussions with residents over the extension but that some individuals continued to resist the exercise.

Umar maintained that the original landowners had received their entitlements and were satisfied with the outcome, urging all parties to remain calm.

“Everyone should remain calm. The government will ensure that justice is done to everybody,” he said.

The affected residents, however, insist that their concerns extend beyond the original measurement exercise to the ongoing fencing, alleged destruction of farmlands and the proposed expansion into additional plots and residential properties.

They are calling for the government to address the allegations, respect applicable court directives and ensure a transparent resolution of the dispute that protects the interests of all parties.

By Uzair Adam

A Sharia court in Kano State has ordered Ahmad Salisu Sheka to sweep Murtala Mohammed Friday Mosque and attend all five daily obligatory prayers in congregation after convicting him of conspiracy and theft.

The Upper Sharia Court sitting at Hausawa, Kano, presided over by Dr Bello Musa Khalid, handed down the sentence after Sheka pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court established his guilt through his confession before ordering him to clean the mosque and participate in the five daily congregational prayers.

It also directed him to pay compensation before handing him over to a correctional facility official, Habib H. Habib, for the execution of the sentence.

Reports indicated that Sheka was arrested alongside a friend over the alleged theft of streetlights in the Sallare neighbourhood of Kano.

However, his alleged accomplice reportedly escaped from those who apprehended them.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Gynaecologists have encouraged hospitals to allow husbands, partners or trusted relatives to accompany women during labour and childbirth, saying their presence can reduce anxiety, provide comfort and improve the overall delivery experience.

The experts said companionship during labour offers emotional and practical support, while helping women cope with pain and feel more confident throughout the process.

Professor Chris Aimakhu, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, said allowing birth companions had become part of modern maternity care worldwide.

He explained that the World Health Organisation’s Labour Care Guide encourages companionship during labour as part of efforts to improve care for women.

“The companion can provide emotional support, often by offering reassurance, reducing fears and anxiety, and helping the mother feel in control.

“The person can also provide physical comfort by assisting with massage, rubbing the woman’s back, helping her change positions, encouraging her, and telling her how to breathe,” he said.

Aimakhu added that companions could help bridge communication gaps between women in labour and healthcare workers, provide practical assistance and help ensure that patients received respectful treatment.

He clarified, however, that the primary purpose of having a companion present was to support the woman rather than monitor medical procedures or investigate suspected criminal activities.

“The companion is not there to monitor your organ transplant or all that; the person is there to help the woman go through the experience of pregnancy and childbirth,” he said.

According to the professor, support from husbands or relatives may help women cope with contractions, follow medical instructions and feel more comfortable during delivery.

He also said companionship could reduce the need for pain-relieving medication, improve satisfaction with childbirth and encourage bonding between parents and their newborn.

Aimakhu noted that some hospitals also permit a husband or another chosen companion to remain with a woman during a caesarean section, depending on the facility’s procedures and circumstances.

A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Olanrewaju Jimoh, also highlighted the emotional benefits of having a familiar person present during labour.

He said women who enter labour wards surrounded by unfamiliar people may experience fear and anxiety, particularly when they are separated from their personal belongings and loved ones.

Jimoh argued that allowing a trusted companion could ease such fears and help women feel more secure during childbirth.

He said, “Evidence has shown that companionship during labour reduces fear and gives women more confidence because they see a familiar face.”

The consultant added that emotional support could help reduce stress and improve a woman’s perception of pain, even though it would not eliminate the pain itself.

“It also helps the progress of labour. The perception of pain is reduced considerably. The woman still feels the pain, but when she looks at her husband or relatives, the pain may not feel as severe as it would if she had nobody with her,” he said.

Jimoh further explained that companionship could contribute to shorter labour and reduce the need for some medical interventions, including assisted delivery, although the outcome would depend on individual circumstances.

He acknowledged that the practice had both advantages and disadvantages but maintained that its benefits outweighed its drawbacks.

However, he stressed that a companion’s role should not be confused with that of a witness to possible wrongdoing.

“The presence of husbands, partners, or relatives is more of psychological and emotional support rather than as a crime witness,” he said.

The experts’ recommendations place emphasis on compassionate maternity care, with trusted companionship serving as a potential source of reassurance for women during labour and delivery.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a one-month-old baby girl allegedly sold for N2 million and arrested two suspects, including the child’s mother and the owner of the health facility where she was delivered.

The incident occurred in Ido Local Government Area of Ibadan, according to a statement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade.

The suspects were identified as 23-year-old Cecilia Amos, the baby’s mother, and 40-year-old Dr Adeleke Ebenezer, owner of Ebepraise Health Centre in Ido.

Ayanlade said the case was reported on October 15, 2026, by Mary Amos, who lives in the Ogunwade area of Ido. She reportedly told the police that her daughter gave birth to the baby on September 6 at the health centre.

According to the statement, the mother disappeared with the child about a week after delivery and could not satisfactorily explain the baby’s whereabouts, prompting suspicions that the child had been sold.

Police operatives subsequently arrested Cecilia for questioning. The command said she allegedly confessed during interrogation that Ebenezer and another suspect, Hassan Oludunni, had lured her into the arrangement and facilitated the sale to a person identified as Odunayo Folawewo.

Investigators reportedly discovered that the alleged transaction involved N2 million, of which Cecilia received N1 million, while Ebenezer and Oludunni allegedly received N500,000 each.

The police said the baby was subsequently rescued and Ebenezer arrested in connection with the case.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Folawewo and ensure that everyone allegedly involved is brought to justice, according to the command.

The police reiterated their commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, urging residents to report suspected child trafficking and related offences promptly.

Members of the public can contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre on the toll-free number 615 or reach the state police command’s control room on 08081768614 or 07055495413.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has ruled out supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election, despite his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, declaring support for President Bola Tinubu.

The singer stated his position during an interview with News Central TV in a video circulating online following the Osun State governorship election.

Davido said his uncle’s political decision did not mean he had to adopt the same position, adding that he had no preferred presidential candidate at the moment.

Recalling his involvement in political campaigns, the Grammy-nominated musician highlighted his role in the campaign that led to his uncle’s electoral victory in Osun State.

“I defeated 17 governors with all their power, with all their immunity, escort commanders, DSS, with all their billions. I defeated them with just a phone.

“For now, I feel like I did what I had to do for the Osun people and my family.

“You can’t force me to have a presidential candidate. My uncle might have his personal reasons for the gain of the state.”

The singer said Governor Adeleke declared support for Tinubu shortly after winning the election, but stressed that he would make his own political decision.

“My uncle, immediately he won, came out to declare his support for President Tinubu. But as for me, I am not prepared to support anybody.

“I personally haven’t seen anybody in the past. Yes, I have supported Atiku before when we were in PDP, and I even supported in 2015 when APC first did the merger. My late uncle was part of the APC, so I campaigned then.

“But right now, I don’t have a presidential candidate. It might change, sha. It’s not going to be APC, but everybody should have their own,” he said.

Davido’s remarks indicate that he intends to maintain an independent political position ahead of the 2027 presidential election, despite his family’s political affiliations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A private jet operated by Triton Aviation made an emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after losing a door shortly after take-off while travelling to Lagos.

The incident occurred on Thursday at about 4:20 pm, involving a CL60 aircraft with registration number T7-SEI and flight identification DWC052.

According to an incident report obtained by PUNCH, the crew alerted air traffic controllers that a door had opened during the flight, prompting instructions for the aircraft to return to Abuja.

The report indicated that the jet had departed Runway 22 at 4:17 pm UTC. It was “about three nautical miles from the airport, climbing through 3,000 feet, when the crew transmitted a distress call: ‘Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.’”

Airport firefighters, emergency responders and medical personnel were immediately placed on standby as preparations began for the aircraft’s return.

At about 4:29 pm UTC, the crew contacted the control tower to ask whether officials could determine if the door was open.

“The duty air traffic controller attempted to observe the aircraft using binoculars, but could not establish the door’s condition because of the aircraft’s position. The crew was subsequently informed that the controller could not confirm the situation visually,” the report said.

The aircraft landed safely on Runway 22 at approximately 4:34 pm UTC, about 14 minutes after the distress call.

After landing, the air traffic controller observed that the door was missing from the aircraft’s fuselage. The jet was subsequently moved to the international apron extension with the assistance of a marshaller.

Meanwhile, a video obtained by PUNCH showed the missing door, which was reportedly found by farmers on a farm in the Abuja area.

In the footage, a man whose identity was not established said the farmers discovered the object while returning from their farm.

“This is what we found as we were returning from our farm. It fell from a plane, but we don’t know much about its identity. As I am sending it to you, sir, just check it.”

The number of passengers aboard the aircraft had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the incident but said the investigation fell under the responsibility of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

Although the NSIB had not issued an official statement at the time, a source within the agency confirmed the seriousness of the incident and said investigators had been deployed.

The source added that the bureau’s management would release an official statement in due course.

Triton Aviation could not be reached for comment before the report was filed.