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Kano, National, News

Kano State to Host National Summit on Creative Industry Development

The Kano State Government has approved the hosting of a landmark National Summit on Harnessing the Creative Industry to Boost Nigeria’s GDP, a strategic event aimed at unlocking the vast economic potential embedded in Nigeria’s creative sector. The approval follows a compelling proposal submitted by the Kannywood Foundation, which highlighted Kano’s central role as the cultural and creative capital of Northern Nigeria. The summit will serve as a high-level platform to explore the immense opportunities within the creative industry, including film production, fashion, artisanal craftsmanship, music, literature, and digital content creation. Expected to attract key stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond, the summit will bring together international development partners, federal ministries and agencies, creative entrepreneurs, investors, and global digital platforms such as Netflix and Amazon. Read Also: 20 Groups Petition Police Over “Inciting” Statement by Former Kano SSG Usman Alhaji Discussions will focus on harnessing the creative sector to diversify the economy, drive youth employment, and promote innovation and cultural preservation across communities. To ensure smooth coordination and successful delivery, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the constitution of a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) comprising representatives from government agencies, private sector actors, creative industry guilds, traditional institutions, and academia. According to the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya: “This summit is not just an event, it is a strategic initiative to place Kano State at the forefront of Nigeria’s creative economy. Kannywood, our homegrown film industry, alongside our globally admired artisans and creatives, are finally receiving the attention they deserve. The summit aligns with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s people-centered vision to stimulate sustainable development, engage youth, and foster economic diversification.” The state government is calling on all stakeholders within and outside Kano, to support the success of this historic initiative, which complements the administration’s broader goals of youth empowerment, economic revitalization, and cultural renaissance. Signed: Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya Hon. Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Kano State 17th June, 2025  

National, News, Politics

Weak Local Government Structure Fuelling Insecurity — Senator Dickson

Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has blamed Nigeria’s escalating security crisis on the collapse of leadership and governance at the Local Government level. He called for urgent reforms to empower grassroots authorities and restore security across affected regions. Dickson made the remarks on Monday following a phone call with Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, where over the weekend, dozens of residents were reportedly killed in fresh attacks. “I condoled with him, the government, and the good people of Benue State, as well as the families and loved ones of those who died in this dastardly massacre,” the senator stated in a Facebook post. Read Also: 2027: North-Central APC Forum Condemns Gombe Disruption, Backs Ganduje’s Leadership He described the killings as “almost at a genocidal proportion,” warning that the country is becoming dangerously numb to bloodshed. “We cannot be a nation where hundreds of our citizens are killed routinely on a daily basis,” he said. “We are gradually becoming so used to the bloodletting that it no longer makes news. This is abnormal. It is turning us into a nation of brutes and lawlessness, a failed state.” Dickson welcomed the federal deployment of security personnel to Benue, which Governor Alia confirmed during their conversation. He urged the state government to support security operations and engage the public in peace building efforts. Local Government collapse linked to insecurity The former Bayelsa governor emphasized that the weakness of the local government system remains a major factor in Nigeria’s security challenges. “At the base of our nation’s political system the Local Government areas, there is a lacuna: a gap in leadership and capacity to function, which is also affecting our national security,” he said. Dickson urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court ruling that mandates direct funding of Local Government Councils. He argued that empowering Council chairpersons to collaborate directly with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and local security agents is crucial to effective governance and community safety. “The cooperation and understanding of governors must be obtained to ensure full autonomy, so council chairmen can take responsibility alongside DPOs and local officers who are familiar with the communities and their challenges,” he said. Citing his experience as governor from 2012 to 2020, Dickson said decentralizing security structures was key to managing conflict in Bayelsa and urged other states to adopt similar approaches. He also restated his support for state policing and stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation in tackling insecurity. “As I have always maintained, issues of national security, the economy, and the protection of our national values and democracy know no political colour,” he said.

National, News, Politics

2027: North-Central APC Forum Condemns Gombe Disruption, Backs Ganduje’s Leadership

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has strongly condemned the recent disruption of the APC North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe State, where President Bola Tinubu was endorsed for a second term in 2027. In a statement issued Monday by the Forum’s Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, the group described the chaos allegedly triggered by the omission of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s name during the endorsement as “regrettable and unwarranted,” stressing that internal party disagreements should not lead to public disorder. The Forum expressed concern over the treatment of the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who was reportedly whisked away under tight security due to the incident. It defended Ganduje’s neutrality, stating that the selection of a running mate remains the exclusive prerogative of the President, not the party chairman. Related: After Gombe Incident, Ganduje Reasserts Call for Political Decorum It further called on Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, to investigate the alleged involvement of non-state actors in the protest, warning that such precedents could undermine party unity and discipline. Citing figures from the 2023 elections, the Forum challenged claims of marginalisation by the North-East, noting that the North-Central delivered over 1.76 million votes for President Tinubu more than the North-East’s 933,000 votes. It urged the party to consider electoral performance in future political decisions. The group clarified that its position was not intended to ignite regional rivalry but to promote fairness and strategic thinking within the party. On the question of ticket configuration for 2027, the Forum said the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted in 2023 was a strategic move and may not apply again. Read Also: Photos: Tinubu Inaugurates Greater Abuja Water Project to Expand Clean Water Access Reaffirming its full support for President Tinubu’s re-election and Ganduje’s leadership, the Forum pledged to mobilize at least six million votes from the North-Central region in 2027. “We urge members to rise above personal grievances and focus on unity, discipline, and progress. Now is the time to build bridges, not burn them,” the statement read.

Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, National, News

NiMet Issues 3-Day Weather Alert for Thunderstorms, Rain

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across various regions of the country from Monday, June 16 to Wednesday, June 18, 2025. In its latest three-day weather outlook released in Abuja, NiMet warned that northern states will experience morning thunderstorms and rains, especially in Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba on Monday. The intensity of thunderstorms is expected to increase later in the day across more areas including Borno, Zamfara, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, and Adamawa. The North-Central region will also experience morning and afternoon thunderstorms across parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa States throughout the forecast period. Read Also: Photos: Tinubu Inaugurates Greater Abuja Water Project to Expand Clean Water Access For the southern states, NiMet predicted morning rains over parts of Ebonyi, Abia, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Rivers, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River on Monday, with similar patterns expected to continue through Tuesday and Wednesday. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are likely over Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, and others. By Wednesday, the northern region is expected to record further rainfall, with thunderstorms forecast for Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Adamawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Gombe, Taraba, and others. The North-Central and Southern regions will also continue to experience scattered thunderstorms and rainfall during the morning and later hours. NiMet cautioned that strong winds may precede rainfall, advising residents to take precautionary measures such as securing loose objects, avoiding driving during heavy rain, and unplugging electrical devices during storms. The public is also advised to stay away from tall trees during storms to avoid injury from falling branches. Airline operators were urged to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for flight planning and safety. NiMet encouraged citizens to stay updated with real-time weather information via its website: www.nimet.gov.ng.

Abuja, National, News

Photos: Tinubu Inaugurates Greater Abuja Water Project to Expand Clean Water Access

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, aimed at improving potable water distribution across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu described the project as transformative and aligned with the national development agenda. He praised the partnership between the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Chinese government for making the project a reality. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike expressed gratitude to the President for his consistent support and recalled Tinubu’s 2023 concerns about water supply in Abuja. He disclosed that the contract, worth $420 million, was awarded in 2017 through an African Development Initiative partnership with China. China funded 85 percent of the cost, while Nigeria covered the remainder. Read Also: APC’s Rising Star: The Woman Ganduje Trusted with the Future Wike noted that the project covers pipeline Loops 1, 2, 5, and 6, and revealed that the procurement process has begun to extend water distribution to satellite towns like Bwari, Karu, and Kubwa. The Greater Abuja Water Supply Project increases the city’s water capacity from 240,000 to 720,000 cubic meters per day, serving over 2.5 million residents across 50 districts, including numerous estates and mass housing areas in Phases III and IV. The initiative also supports sustainable development, maximizes the use of existing water plants, and promotes local job creation. The commissioning is part of a 19-day series of project unveilings to mark President Tinubu’s second year in office. Dignitaries at the event included Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, former governors Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Simon Lalong, as well as federal lawmakers and other stakeholders.

National, News

Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Drops to 22.97% in May 2025 — NBS

  The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has announced a decline in Nigeria’s inflation rate to 22.97 percent in May 2025, down from 23.71 percent recorded in April 2025. This was disclosed on Monday in Abuja by the Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, who said the drop represents a 0.74 percent reduction, indicating a slight relief in inflationary pressure. On a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate stood at 1.53 percent in May, which is 0.33 percent lower than the 1.86 percent recorded in April. Prince Adeniran explained that the major contributors to the overall inflation rate during the month were the rising prices in food and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants and accommodation services, and transport. Meanwhile, sectors such as recreation and culture, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, and insurance and financial services contributed the least. The food inflation rate in May rose to 21.14 percent on a year-on-year basis. Month-on-month, it climbed to 2.19 percent, slightly higher than April’s 2.06 percent. This increase was largely driven by the rise in the average prices of essential items like yam, ogbono (avenger), cassava tuber, maize flour, fresh pepper, and sweet potatoes. Read Also: Beyond the Headlines: The Untold Truth behind Nigeria’s Herders-Farmers Clashes In terms of core inflation, which excludes volatile agricultural produce and energy, the rate stood at 22.28 percent year-on-year in May. On a month-on-month basis, core inflation declined to 1.10 percent, compared to 1.34 percent in April. The inflation rates for specific sub-indices showed that farm produce and goods were at 22.38 percent and 9.39 percent respectively in May, while services and energy recorded 1.79 percent and a notable -0.43 percent, reflecting a decrease from 2.20 percent and 13.6 percent respectively in the previous month. Urban inflation stood at 23.14 percent year-on-year, with a month-on-month rate of 1.40 percent in May, slightly higher than April’s 1.18 percent. Rural inflation was recorded at 22.70 percent on a year-on-year basis. However, the rural month-on-month inflation rate dropped to 1.83 percent from the high of 3.56 percent recorded in April. The Bureau also noted that revisions were made to the April 2025 state CPI figures due to updated information, affecting all states except Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, and the FCT. Importantly, the revision did not impact the national CPI for that month. During the review period, Borno, Niger, and Plateau states recorded the highest year-on-year all-items inflation rates, while Katsina, Adamawa, and Delta had the lowest. On a month-on-month basis, inflation rose sharply in Bayelsa, Bauchi, and Borno, but declined in Kaduna, Jigawa, and Edo. For food inflation, Borno, Bayelsa, and Taraba experienced the highest annual increases, while Katsina, Rivers, and Kwara recorded the slowest growth. Monthly food inflation also surged in Bayelsa, Cross River, and Anambra, but fell in Katsina, Jigawa, and Kaduna. Prince Adeniran concluded by highlighting that the May 2025 report is based on a new CPI base year of 2024, with 2023 serving as the weight reference period. He added that the Consumer Price Index rose to 121.35 in May, reflecting a 1.83-point increase compared to the previous month.

Abuja, National, News

President Tinubu Postpones Kaduna Trip, Heads to Benue over Escalating Violence

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his official visit to Kaduna State, redirecting his schedule to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in response to the recent surge in violent attacks that have left dozens dead and communities devastated. The visit to Benue underscores the President’s renewed commitment to fostering peace and finding long-term solutions to the persistent crisis plaguing the state. According to a statement by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President will meet with a broad spectrum of stakeholders—ranging from traditional rulers, political and religious leaders, to youth and community representatives—during a town hall meeting aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict. Read Also: IGP Egbetokun Visits Benue Over Yelewata Massacre as Nation Demands Action Ahead of his visit, President Tinubu has already deployed key government officials to Benue, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Defence. President Tinubu, who has consistently condemned the violence in Benue, urged all citizens to embrace peace, mutual respect, and national unity. He also extended his condolences to the families of victims and those affected by the crisis. Meanwhile, the President’s visit to Kaduna State—initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 18—has been moved to Thursday, June 19, 2025. He is expected to commission key state projects during his stop in Kaduna. Signed: Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) June 16, 2025  

Abuja, National, Politics

After Gombe Incident, Ganduje Reasserts Call for Political Decorum

By Umar Idris Shuaibu In what was supposed to be a high-level consultative meeting for stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North East, a disturbing turn of events unfolded on Sunday in Gombe, when a group of unruly party elements attempted to disrupt proceedings and physically assault the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. What transpired was not just an affront to the man leading the party’s national structure, but a slap to the core values of democracy, civility, and party discipline. Despite the tension, Dr. Ganduje maintained composure, attempting to restore calm and reiterate his unwavering support for the North East zone, a region that produced Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. His appeals for unity and recognition of the constitutional integrity of the Tinubu-Shettima joint ticket were met with recalcitrance from a disruptive faction bent on chaos. Chief Oliver Okpala, Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the APC National Chairman, described the act as “condemnable, unpatriotic, and irresponsible.” He warned of the dangerous precedent being set, drawing parallels to the Western Region political crisis that helped precipitate the collapse of Nigeria’s First Republic. Read Also: APC’s Rising Star: The Woman Ganduje Trusted with the Future “How do you treat a man who has laboured round the clock for peace like this?” Okpala asked rhetorically, echoing the sentiments of many party faithful who watched the events unfold with dismay. While some may view the event as isolated, it has ignited deeper reflection within the party and beyond. Dr. Ganduje, a veteran in Nigerian politics, has consistently worked behind the scenes to reconcile aggrieved members, unify party ranks, and deepen the internal democratic process of the APC. His contributions toward building a strong political structure that cuts across ethnic and regional divides are well documented, from his time as governor of Kano State to his current role at the apex chairman of the party. That such a man would be physically threatened while performing his duties as National Chairman is both an aberration and an indictment of those who seek power not through persuasion or consensus but through aggression and political brigandage. Yet, in the face of this provocation, Ganduje did not retaliate. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to party discipline, decorum, and dialogue principles that should be the bedrock of modern Nigerian politics. His speech at the meeting was clear: the APC remains one party, under one leadership, with a joint presidential ticket that values every region of Nigeria equally. He reminded the stakeholders that Shettima’s position as Vice President is not symbolic but strategic, and that the North East plays a crucial role in the APC’s national outlook. His attempt to calm tempers did not go unnoticed. Security operatives, acting swiftly, shielded him from what could have easily turned into a national embarrassment. That prompt intervention likely saved the party from descending into a public relations crisis and further disunity. Read Also: Dr. Ganduje Undertakes Hajj Amid Rising Political Influence Across the political spectrum, voices are rising in solidarity with Ganduje. Observers and analysts have described the attack as “politically unwise,” “disrespectful,” and “a shameful display of desperation.” Even within the North East, many responsible party leaders have begun calling for discipline and sanctioning of those responsible. More than ever, Dr. Ganduje’s stature as a leader of peace and unity is being tested, but if history is any indicator, this moment will not weaken him. Rather, it strengthens his resolve to build an APC that is not just electorally dominant, but internally stable, ideologically consistent, and democratically driven. A Call for Political Decency Chief Okpala’s warning must be heeded. Nigeria’s political culture must never tolerate thuggery, particularly within parties that pride themselves on progressivism. It’s not just about Ganduje; it’s about the future of internal party democracy and the need to safeguard our political institutions from the recklessness of fringe elements. As Nigeria’s largest political party, the APC must rise above internal provocations. Leaders across all zones must rally around the values of consultation, consensus, and mutual respect, values that Dr. Ganduje continues to promote in every forum. For now, the dust in Gombe may settle, but the implications remain. Dr. Ganduje, unshaken and unbroken, walks forward with the dignity of a leader focused not on retaliation but on rebuilding trust and reinforcing unity, the kind of leadership the APC, and indeed Nigeria, needs in these times. This piece was written by Umar Idris Shuaibu, a digital journalist based in Kano. He can be reached via email at shuaibuumaridris@gmail.com

Kaduna, National, News

Gunmen Abduct Village Head’s Wife and Son in Kaduna Midnight Attack

Tension has gripped the Doka Avong community in Kufana District of Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, following a midnight attack by gunmen who abducted the wife and son of the local village head. The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when heavily armed men stormed the residence of the Village Head, targeting his family. The assailants abducted 38-year-old Deborah Jonah and her 14-year-old son, Maxwell Jonah, plunging the community into fear and uncertainty. Confirming the incident in a formal letter to the Agom of Kufana Chiefdom, the Overseer of Kufana District, Mr. Stephen Maikori, described the situation as alarming. Read Also: Eight Family Members Killed in Tragic Kaduna-Zaria Highway Crash “This unfortunate event has caused widespread fear and anxiety within the community,” Maikori wrote. “In light of this, I respectfully call for the urgent intervention of relevant security agencies to enhance surveillance and fortify security in and around Doka Avong and the entire Kufana District.” He further emphasized the need for “prompt and decisive action” to prevent further loss of lives and property, and to restore public confidence. Kajuru Local Government has remained one of the most volatile areas in Kaduna State, with recurring attacks by armed groups. The latest abduction has heightened concerns among residents, who continue to live under the threat of insecurity.

Abuja, Education, National, News

30,000 Candidates Sit for 2025 TVET Entrance Exam Nationwide

A total of 30,000 candidates participated in the 2025 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) entrance examination conducted on Saturday across Federal Technical Colleges in Nigeria. The examination was organized by the Federal Government through the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB). While monitoring the exercise at the Federal Technical College, Orozo, Abuja, NABTEB Registrar and CEO, Dr. Mohammed Mohammed, described TVET as a transformative initiative aimed at equipping Nigerian youth with practical, industry-relevant skills and promoting human capital development. Read Also: Kano State Schools to Resume June 15 and 16 After Eid-El-Kabeer Break He emphasized that the exam serves not only to admit students but also to assess their individual strengths and match them with appropriate vocational trades such as electrical installation, tailoring, and solar maintenance. “The era of paper qualifications is phasing out. We are now in the era of ‘what can you offer?’” Dr. Mohammed stated, lamenting Nigeria’s reliance on foreign artisans for basic construction tasks. He highlighted that training under the TVET programme would range from six months to one year, depending on the chosen trade. Graduates will receive starter packs and may access business loans to kickstart their enterprises. “This is not just about skill acquisition, it’s about job creation and economic empowerment,” he added. A selection committee comprising principals, NABTEB officials, and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education will oversee the admission process. Results will be released within 21 days.

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