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National, News, Politics

Atiku Declares Intention to Run for President in 2027

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, ending weeks of speculation about his political future. Atiku’s announcement came after reports suggested he would back any candidate that emerges under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the political platform recently adopted by the coalition he leads. In a statement released from his holiday home in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Atiku distanced himself from earlier remarks credited to Professor Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Ondo, who had said the former vice president was “not desperate” to contest in 2027. Read Also: Ganduje Foundation Expands Community Outreach With New Mosques, Schools in Kano “When people stand in for me at events, we preview my thoughts on the instant subject. In this particular instance, there was no engagement with me to distil my thoughts. Prof. Olateju was not speaking for me,” Atiku said. He added: “I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned to. The degeneration in our country, the level of poverty and pain, the anguish, is unacceptable.” Atiku, who has contested six previous presidential elections under different political platforms including the SDP, PDP, AC, and APC, assured his supporters that the coalition’s platform in the ADC would provide a credible alternative. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of unprecedented corruption, loss of values, and “mega-scale, unimpeded thievery,” insisting that Nigerians deserve accountable leadership. “The accompanying deceit, the loss of values, the mega-scale, unimpeded thievery and the absolute lack of accountability must disturb every concerned patriot. I will be offering myself to lead the reclamation and reconstruction of our traumatised homeland,” Atiku was quoted as saying. Atiku also expressed confidence that the coalition would “shock the world” in 2027, pledging to mobilise Nigerians across party lines to challenge the status quo.

Kaduna, Kano, News

Kano Holds Stakeholders’ Workshop to Review Drug Revolving Fund Pricing Policy

The Kano State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Lafiya Programme, has convened a two-day workshop to review the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Pricing Policy. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), Farouk Isa Musa. The workshop, held between August 24 and 25 in Kaduna, brought together government officials, donor partners, health practitioners, pharmacists, supply chain experts and community representatives to examine the current pricing framework and chart a new course for sustainability. Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Pharm. Aminu Bashir, represented by Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad, Director-General of the State Primary Health Care Management Board, described the DRF as a critical mechanism for ensuring continuous access to affordable, quality medicines. Read Also: OSN Annual Conference Opens with Free Cataract Surgeries in Kano He said the review was necessary to align with economic realities, supply chain challenges and global best practices. “This review workshop is timely. It gives us the opportunity to examine the current pricing policy in depth and collectively chart a path forward,” he said. “Policies must be periodically reviewed and refined to reflect changing realities, economic, logistical, or epidemiological.” In his welcome address, the Director-General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule, noted that the DRF has remained central to sustaining affordable medicines across state-owned facilities. He said the review would help address gaps in the current system, ensure equity, and strengthen efficiency. He added that the convergence of key stakeholders underscored a shared commitment to transparency and sustainability in the state’s health financing. Similarly, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Ministry of Health and Chairman of SHCSS-C, Pharm. Kamilu Mudi Salisu, explained that the objectives of the workshop included reviewing the current pricing structure, assessing its impact on drug availability and affordability, and exploring global models for sustainable DRFs. “The ultimate aim is to protect access to affordable medicines while maintaining the financial sustainability of the fund,” he said. Delivering a goodwill message, the State Team Lead of the FCDO Lafiya Programme, Alhaji Abdulkadir Salisu Kabara, commended the state government’s initiative. He urged participants to adopt data-driven and evidence-based approaches in making recommendations. “I am optimistic that the outcomes from this workshop will help inform policy reforms and contribute to strengthening the transparency and efficiency of the Drug Revolving Fund in Kano State,” he said.

News, Sokoto

How Overloading, Negligence Caused Fatal Boat Accident in Sokoto – NIWA

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed that six people died and three others remain missing after a boat accident in the Faji community of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State. NIWA’s Area Manager in Sokoto, Bala Bello, told journalists on Sunday that the mishap, which occurred on August 22, was caused by negligence, overloading, and violations of safety rules. He said 19 passengers were rescued alive, while search and rescue operations were ongoing to find the missing persons. Read Also: OSN Annual Conference Opens with Free Cataract Surgeries in Kano According to Bello, a joint inspection team involving NIWA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Red Cross confirmed the casualty figures during a visit to the affected community. He added that NIWA has continued to engage riverine communities on safety measures, including strict adherence to guidelines and the use of life jackets. The tragedy came barely five days after another boat mishap claimed four lives at Kojiyo village in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state. In that incident, 41 passengers were rescued while five others were declared missing after their boat capsized along the Sokoto Rima River.

Kano, News

Kano Govt Denies Sale of Civil Service Application Forms

The Kano State Government has dismissed reports alleging that the State Civil Service Commission (CSC) was selling employment application forms, describing the claims as false and misleading. The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Kano by the Commission’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai. “The Kano CSC noted with concern the circulation of false information suggesting that employment application forms are being sold to prospective job seekers,” the statement said. Read Also: OSN Annual Conference Opens with Free Cataract Surgeries in Kano It emphasised that the Commission has never authorised the sale of recruitment forms. “At no time has the Commission sanctioned the sale of application forms for recruitment into the State Civil Service. This claim is entirely untrue and should be disregarded in its entirety,” Yakasai added. The CSC urged the public to rely only on official government channels for authentic information, stressing that all recruitment announcements would be issued through approved platforms. It reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process in recruitment exercises, warning that anyone caught defrauding applicants in its name would face prosecution. “For credible and official information on the activities of the Commission, the public is advised to always use government-approved communication channels or visit the Kano State Civil Service Commission office at Audu Bako Secretariat, Kano,” the statement concluded.

Benue, News, Politics

Benue Speaker Dajoh Resigns, Emberga Elected Successor

Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, has resigned his position, two days after suspending four lawmakers, including the Deputy Whip, Alfred Emberga. Dajoh was said to have recently clashed with Governor Hyacinth Alia after insisting that some senior government officials, including the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Comfort Adagba, be suspended for six months over alleged insubordination. The governor, however, approved only a one-month suspension. Sources said this disagreement escalated into a plot to remove the Speaker. In his resignation letter, Dajoh said he stepped down in good faith and in the interest of the state, while pledging continued commitment to his legislative duties. Read Also: Kano CSOs Demand Suspension, Prosecution of Officials Linked to Multi-Billion Naira Corruption Scandals At an emergency sitting on Sunday, presided over by Deputy Speaker Hon. Lami Ogenyi, the House recalled Emberga and three other suspended members. Emberga, who represents Makurdi North Constituency, was subsequently elected as the new Speaker. The motion for Emberga’s recall was moved by Majority Leader Tiseer Saater and seconded by Peter Ipusu, representing Katsina-Ala West, while his election as Speaker was moved by Douglas Akya (Makurdi South) and seconded by Abu James (Apa). In his acceptance speech, Emberga acknowledged the weight of his new responsibility and the expectations of Benue people. He praised his predecessor for his service and decision to resign, describing it as an act of courage and respect for the legislature. He promised to run an inclusive leadership that respects diverse opinions, pledging cooperation with the executive and judiciary while safeguarding the Assembly’s independence. “The House under my watch will uphold the dignity and integrity of the Assembly at all times,” he said. “Our people are yearning for development, peace, and good governance. It is our duty to rise above personal interests and partisan divides to make laws that improve lives, strengthen institutions, and advance the overall progress of Benue State.”

Abuja, National, News

NCS Trains, Graduates 50 Officers at Command and Staff College

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has graduated 50 officers from Junior Course 22 at its Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja. In a statement issued on Sunday, the service said Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources Development, Greg Itotoh, urged the officers to embrace innovation, discipline, and resilience as they progress in their careers. “Adeniyi urged the graduates to be committed to excellence, stressing that the future of the service depends on their dedication,” the statement said. Read Also: Son of Late Kano Military Administrator, Colonel Wase, Appointed GOC 1 Division Delivering his remarks, Itotoh congratulated the officers, attributing their success to hard work and perseverance. “We can forget the harsh corrections, the restrictions, and the pain of training, but let us never forget the lessons learnt,” he said. “As you return to your units, face the unknown with courage and determination, because as Customs officers, our duties are laced with challenges.” The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General Oluyomi Adebakin, described the graduation as a milestone in the college’s mission to prepare officers for greater responsibilities. She explained that the Junior Course was designed to strengthen leadership, discipline, and professional capacity in an evolving operational environment. “This cohort has invested significant mental, emotional, and physical effort, and their dedication has paid off,” Adebakin said. According to the statement, the training also included health checks, physical drills, and assessments in punctuality, teamwork, and conduct, aimed at producing well-rounded officers. Outstanding participants were recognised in categories such as leadership, discipline, marksmanship, and academic excellence, while all 50 graduates received certificates of completion and were charged to serve as good ambassadors of the college in their future postings.

Health, Humanitarian, Kano, News

OSN Annual Conference Opens with Free Cataract Surgeries in Kano

The Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) has commenced a free cataract surgery programme in Kano as part of events marking its 50th Annual National Conference. The exercise, which began on Sunday at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), is expected to provide surgery for 500 patients living with cataract, the leading cause of blindness in Nigeria. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the conference, Dr. Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said 400 patients would undergo surgery at AKTH with support from the AMA Foundation, while another 100 would be treated at Murtala Muhammad Hospital in collaboration with Sight Booth Hospital, a private facility in Kano. Read Also: Over 100 Widows Receive Cash Support from Caleb Danladi Foundation in Kaduna “Cataract remains the number one cause of blindness in the country, but it is entirely curable through surgery,” Ibrahim said. “This programme is about restoring sight to those who need it most but cannot afford treatment.” Project Manager of AMA Foundation, Muhammad Nasir Musa, said the foundation supplied consumables for 450 surgeries and also provided facilities for screening minor eye conditions, distributing reading glasses, and offering free medications. He added that the Kaduna-based organisation has carried out similar interventions in nearly 26 states across the country. “This is our way of payback to society and supporting the less privileged,” Musa said, while urging wealthy individuals and organisations to emulate such initiatives. One of the beneficiaries, Zainab Umar from Takai Local Government Area, expressed appreciation. “The programme is free, we didn’t pay anything, and my eyes will be operated on,” she said. The OSN conference, hosted in Kano this year, also features medical outreaches, scientific sessions, and social activities aimed at strengthening ophthalmology practice in Nigeria. Photos:

Kano, News

Kano CSOs Demand Suspension, Prosecution of Officials Linked to Multi-Billion Naira Corruption Scandals

The League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano State has called for the immediate suspension and prosecution of senior government officials implicated in two multi-billion naira corruption scandals currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). In a statement on Sunday, the coalition warned that Kano was “at a crossroads,” saying the revelations had “shattered public trust and could derail the state’s economic stability.” On July 18, Nigerian Tribune reported that the ICPC uncovered a N1.02 billion money laundering scheme allegedly involving the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Sani Lawan Malumfashi, alongside two senior officials of the commission. Barely a month later, Daily Nigerian exposed another case in which the Director-General of Protocol at the Kano Government House, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, was accused of diverting N6.5 billion through shell companies and bureau de change operators. Read Also: Kano Governor’s Protocol Chief Caught in N6.5bn Corruption Scandal “These cases are not isolated incidents,” the League said. “They reflect a disturbing pattern of systemic abuse of public office, where state institutions are weaponised for personal enrichment. The implications are far-reaching and devastating.” The coalition demanded that all implicated officials be suspended pending the outcome of investigations, while urging the Kano State Government to cooperate fully with the EFCC and ICPC. It also called for an independent forensic audit of state finances. The statement, endorsed by over 20 civil society leaders including Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama of Wuro Development Concerns, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo of CEFSAN, and Fatima A. Ibrahim of the United Action for Democracy, further pressed for quarterly publication of state financial reports, stronger legislative oversight, and whistleblower protection. The CSOs cautioned that corruption in Kano had gone beyond theft of public funds. “When elected officials and senior bureaucrats are implicated in grand corruption, it signals a breakdown of the social contract and breeds cynicism, apathy, and disillusionment among citizens,” the statement read. They also urged residents to remain vigilant, stressing that “corruption is not just a crime; it is a betrayal of every child who goes to school without books, every patient who visits a hospital without medicine, and every citizen who dreams of a better tomorrow.”

Kano, News, Religious

Ganduje Foundation Expands Community Outreach With New Mosques, Schools in Kano

Worshippers and students in Kano State are set to benefit from new religious facilities as the Ganduje Foundation intensifies its community intervention programmes. The Foundation’s patron, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, on Saturday inspected a series of ongoing construction projects in Ungoggo and Nasarawa local government areas. The projects include a Juma’at mosque and Islamiyya school at Bachirawa, to be overseen by Sheikh Lawal Triumph; a smaller mosque with an adjoining learning centre in the same community; and another Juma’at mosque with a female wing at Lodge Road in Nasarawa LGA. Read Also: Abba Ganduje Distributes Over 1,000 Solar Lights to 38 Wards in Kano Speaking during the inspection, Ganduje explained that the Foundation was established to promote Islamic values and contribute to community development through education and worship. He said the projects underscored the organisation’s drive to serve humanity and strengthen faith-based learning. Among those who accompanied him were Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, APC’s 2023 governorship candidate and Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank; Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmud; former Kano Commissioner of Information, Comrade Muhammad Garba; Managing Director of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi; and Hon. Farouk Lawan. Over the years, the Ganduje Foundation has facilitated the construction of several mosques and Islamiyya schools across Nigeria, cementing its place as one of the country’s notable faith-based charity organisations. Photos:

Kano, News

Kano Governor’s Protocol Chief Caught in N6.5bn Corruption Scandal

The Director-General of Protocol to the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Rogo, has been implicated in a N6.5 billion corruption scandal currently under investigation by Nigeria’s foremost anti-graft agencies, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Investigators allege that Rogo diverted state funds through suspicious companies, bureau de change operators, and personal accounts. ICPC documents show that over N1.3 billion has already been recovered, including monies traced to corporate fronts and his private accounts. Court-Ordered Forfeiture On 2 July 2025, the Federal High Court in Kano ordered the final forfeiture of N142 million linked to Rogo. The sum had earlier been placed under interim forfeiture in May, following an ex parte motion by the ICPC. With no claimant stepping forward, the court ruled the funds were proceeds of corruption. Read Also: Appointment of Mustapha Bala Dawaki as APC Chief of Staff Sparks Jubilation in Kano But investigators insist this represents only a fraction of the illicit transactions traced to the governor’s aide. Complex Money Trails The ICPC identified companies allegedly used as laundering fronts, including H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited. According to investigators, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum and Ammas Oil diverted N1.17 billion, laundered through bureau de change operators and allegedly delivered in cash to Rogo. One account at Alternative Bank, opened in the name of AH Bello Business Solutions Ltd., reportedly served as a private laundering channel. Between August 2024 and February 2025, it recorded inflows of N3.07 billion and outflows of N2.6 billion before the N142.2 million balance was seized by court order. Rogo’s Zenith Bank accounts were also flagged: one personal account received N2.28 billion in inflows over three years, while another corporate account recorded N54.1 million. Both have since been frozen under “Post No Debit” restrictions. Legal Counterattack In February 2025, Rogo filed a suit at the Kano State High Court (Bichi Division) accusing ICPC and EFCC of harassment, intimidation, and double jeopardy. He argued that repeated invitations from the two agencies violated his rights and disrupted his official duties. He sought N20 million in damages, N2 million in costs, and an injunction restraining further investigations. Both ICPC and EFCC opposed the suit, arguing that their actions were lawful and within their statutory mandates. They stressed that double jeopardy applies only to trial, not investigations. However, on 18 August 2025, Justice Musa Ahmad ruled in favour of Rogo, restraining the agencies from further investigating him and awarding N2 million in costs. The judge held that, while his rights had not yet been violated, the overlapping invitations created a likelihood of breach. The ICPC has vowed to appeal, describing the judgment as a setback in the fight against corruption.

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