Author: Editor

The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Ismail Falgore, has extended warm greetings to Muslims on the commencement of Ramadan, calling on the faithful to embrace compassion, charity, and prayers for peace. Falgore made the call in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai, to mark the beginning of the Islamic holy month of fasting. He described Ramadan as a sacred period that reflects the true values of compassion, sharing, and supporting one another, urging Muslims to increase their acts of charity, particularly towards the less privileged. The Speaker emphasised the need for…

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has commended Governor Dauda Lawal for equipping troops in Zamfara State with armoured personnel carriers, surveillance drones, and other operational equipment. The distribution ceremony took place at the Government House, Gusau, where Governor Lawal formally handed over 25 advanced Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to security forces deployed across the state. According to the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the APCs are designed to enhance troop protection during high-risk operations, while the newly procured 80-meter endurance surveillance drones can operate continuously for eight hours and cover up to 50 kilometres, improving intelligence and monitoring…

Ado Salisu Mercy Yohanna delivered a standout performance to emerge overall winner at the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) President and 2025–2027 Executive Committee Inaugural Invitational Kitty, held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club. Playing off handicap 28, Yohanna returned an impressive 93 gross and 65 net to secure victory in the keenly contested tournament, which attracted nearly 200 golfers from across the country. An elated Yohanna described her triumph as both memorable and motivating. “I feel very excited winning this prestigious kitty. The competition was keen, and I had to stay focused throughout the round,” she said.…

Kabiru Haruna Mudi Sipikin In the world of sports journalism, few names resonate with as much integrity and promise as Aminu Halilu. A young man who once chased dreams on dusty football pitches, Aminu’s journey from grassroots footballer to respected reporter is a testament to his resilience and passion for truth. Yet, his path has not been without its challenges—often, he finds himself in a cage of unruly horns, surrounded by pressures, egos, and tempers that threaten to derail his mission. The recent incident involving Eugene Agagbe, a coach who, after a victorious match, was expected to display humility and…

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Katsina State Office, has inaugurated and inducted new members of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Gusau. The inauguration marks a significant step toward strengthening accountability and promoting transparency within the state’s basic education administration. The ACTU serves as an institutional watchdog established to entrench a culture of zero tolerance for corruption and related offences within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Katsina…

The House of Representatives has declared that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) deserves increased funding and formal commendation from the Federal Government, citing its strong performance despite significant financial constraints. Lawmakers made the declaration during the Commission’s defense of its 2026 budget proposal before the House Committee on Anti-Corruption. ICPC Arraigns Visa Agent Over Alleged UK Visa Fraud in Lagos Members of the committee praised the ICPC for achieving substantial recoveries for the Federal Government while operating with what they described as inadequate funding. The lawmakers questioned the rationale behind underfunding an agency tasked with…

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is currently in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation. In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Commission said El-Rufai was in its custody as of the close of work on the same day. The statement was signed by the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. J. Okor Odey. El-Rufa’i and The Crushing Pain of Losing a Doting Mother According to the Commission, the former governor is being held as part of investigations, although it…

Yushau A. Shuaib From time to time, I retreat into the fond memories of my youth in Delta State. Between 1992 and 1993, I served in Asaba as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) a predominantly Christian community. In those days, faith was practiced with dignity, confidence, and mutual respect. We did not merely observe our religious obligations; we lived them openly, without fear or suspicion. During Ramadan, we undertook Islamic propagation across rural communities. It was a season of purpose and conviction. Kabir Alabi Garba now the Weekend Editor of The Guardian newspapers was then the…

President Bola Tinubu has signed the amended Electoral Act 2026 into law, officially mandating real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units to INEC’s central servers ahead of the 2027 general elections. The signing took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja shortly after the National Assembly concluded legislative work on the bill. INEC Partners BUK to Boost Voter Registration, Election Credibility The timing is significant, coming just days after the Independent National Electoral Commission unveiled the official timetable for the next general elections. The amendment has revived nationwide discussions over the role of electronic transmission of results. Advocacy groups…

Less than 72 hours to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmanship candidate for Bwari Area Council, Julius Adamu, has stepped down for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Joshua Ishaku Musa. Julius Adamu, who made this announcement few minutes ago, said his decision was as a result of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s intervention. FCT Elections 2026: PDP Moves to Court, Alleges Irregularities “I am standing here before you this afternoon to tell you that I have been in deep consultation with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. And i have come to…

The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) on Wednesday inaugurated the Sectoral Industry Advisory Board (SIAB) of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), appointing Chairperson of Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) International Group, Hajiya Dr Salamatu Garba, as Chair of the Board. Speaking at the inauguration, the Vice-Chancellor said the calibre of professionals appointed would significantly enhance the Centre’s capacity to advance food security in Nigeria. He prayed for divine guidance for members as they assume what he described as a strategic and demanding responsibility. He also congratulated WOFAN, the CDA, and the University on the successful launch of the…

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of human rights journalist and investigative reporter Ahmed Isa Sakpe, who was recently arrested by the Niger State Police Command over alleged cyberbullying and related offences linked to his professional work. This was contained in a statement released Signed,by the Executive Director, CITAD, Y. Z. Ya’u made available to newsmrn in Kano. CITAD condemned the arrest as part of a troubling trend where cybercrime laws are reportedly used to intimidate journalists, activists, and citizens expressing dissenting views or carrying out investigative reporting. “Freedom of…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna State, as the Renewed Hope Ambassador and Deputy Director-General for party outreach, engagement, and mobilisation. The appointment takes immediate effect. In a letter conveying the appointment, President Tinubu commended Governor Sani for his leadership and organisational skills, emphasizing that his role will involve close collaboration with the Director-General of the Renewed Hope initiative and the hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly the party’s national chairman. Gov Idris Backs Renewed Hope , Promises Robust Collaboration in Kebbi Governor Sani’s responsibilities will include promoting harmony, inclusiveness, and strategic coordination…

Sani Dutsinma The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has empowered thirty-one (31) farmers’ groups in Kebbi State with modern farming inputs to enhance food production and strengthen national food security. The initiative was unveiled during a farm input distribution event in Arugungu Local Government Area, Kebbi State. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, represented by the Director of Cooperative Services, Dr Mohammed Bashir Abdulkadir, said the programme aligns with the ministry’s mandate to provide continuous support to farmers and promote year-round agricultural activities. Tagged “Inputs Distribution for All-Year-Round Farming”, the intervention targets smallholder farmers, who…

The Federal Ministry of Education has launched a one-year strategic intervention to recruit Technical Facilitators for Federal Technical Colleges nationwide, reinforcing ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The initiative, aligned with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Renewed Hope Agenda, is designed to bridge Nigeria’s critical skills gap by engaging qualified, industry-oriented professionals to deliver modern, competency-based training. According to the Ministry, the recruitment drive targets experienced technical experts with strong pedagogical capacity to enhance both practical and theoretical instruction in Federal Technical Colleges. This intervention is part of broader reforms to ensure technical education is responsive…

Veteran Bollywood screenwriter Salim Khan has been hospitalised at the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after reportedly suffering a minor brain haemorrhage, raising concern among fans and members of the film industry. Salim Khan, 90, father of Bollywood actor Salman Khan, was admitted to the hospital on February 17, 2026, and is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). According to doctors, his condition is stable and he remains under close medical observation. Senior pulmonologist Dr Jalil D. Parkar, who is part of the medical team attending to him, clarified that the veteran writer did not undergo any major…

A Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced a woman, Janet Theophilus Danjuma, to five years imprisonment for defrauding a victim of N22.35 million through a fake investment scheme. The conviction was secured by the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice S. M. Shuaibu. Danjuma was arraigned on Monday, February 16, 2026, on a one-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence. According to the charge, the defendant, a staff member of Taj Bank Limited, Nai’bawa Branch, Kano, fraudulently obtained the sum of N22,350,000 from one Wade Bamaiyi in October 2024 under…

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has coordinated an emergency response to a fire incident at a restaurant located near the Federal Ministry of Power Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. In a statement issued on Tuesday, NEMA said the incident occurred on February 17, 2026, and was reported to its Abuja Operations Office at about 2:36 p.m. EFCC Ta Nemi A Ci Gaba da Shari’ar Tsohon Gwamna Sule Lamido The agency said it immediately activated emergency response stakeholders, including the Federal Fire Service and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service, and deployed its search-and-rescue and response teams to the scene.…

A traditional ruler from the South-East on Tuesday urged President Bola Tinubu to free the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, or return him to Kenya, where he was allegedly arrested. He warned that the continued detention of the separatist leader was fuelling agitation among youths in the region. S/East Economic Activities Shut Down as IPOB Protests Onitsha Market Closure The Eze Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom, Dr Lawrence Agubuzu, made the appeal directly to the President during the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.…

Lamara Garba From the moment Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima touched down at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, the ancient city shifted into a different rhythm. The roads from the airport were not just filled; they were alive. Traders, Market women, civil servants and artisans all abandoned their stalls and places of livelihood for a glimpse. Young men climbed rooftops and signposts. Elderly men in flowing babbar riga stood shoulder to shoulder with restless students waving party flags. The chants rolled like thunder across the airport Road, Fagge quarters, Murtala Mohammed Way and curved through the arteries leading to…