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Abuja, Adamawa, News

Col. Muhammad Mana, Ex-Plateau Administrator, is Dead

Former Military Administrator of Plateau State and later Senator representing Adamawa North, Col. Muhammad Mana, has died. He passed away on Friday evening in Abuja, two days after being discharged from a hospital in the city. A family member, the Sarkin Fulani of Mubi, Abdurrahman B. Kwaccham, confirmed the development to journalists. Read Also: Ganduje Pays Condolence Visit to Kogi Governor Over Father’s Demise Mana, who hailed from Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State, served as the Military Administrator of Plateau State between December 1993 and August 1996, under the regime of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha. He later became Commander of the Presidential Guard Brigade during the administration of former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, before being elected as Senator representing Adamawa North in 2007. According to Kwaccham, the late Mana is survived by wives and children. His funeral prayer was held at 2 p.m, today Saturday at the Abuja National Mosque.

Education, Kano, News

Kano Moves to Establish Gaya Polytechnic, Inaugurates High-Powered Committee

The Kano State Government has taken a decisive step toward expanding access to quality tertiary education with the inauguration of a high-powered committee to oversee the establishment and smooth launch of Gaya Polytechnic. On Thursday, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, speaking on behalf of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, inaugurated the 14-member committee in his office. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promise to the people of Gaya. The committee is chaired by Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa, Vice Chancellor of Northwest University, while Dr. Hadi Bala Yahaya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, will serve as Co-Chairman. Other members include Prof. Bala Sale D/Tofa, Dr. Muhammad Umar Kibiya, Prof. Auwalu Halliru Arzai, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibrin Fagge, Engr. Yahaya Abubakar Baba, Prof. Abba Garba Gaya, Dr. Garba Alhaji Adamu, Dr. Surajo Isa Gaya, Halilu Aminu, and Engr. Abubakar M. Adamu. Shehu Sani and Dr. Lukuman T. Suraj will serve as Head of Secretariat and Secretary, respectively. Read Also: Sa’adatu Rimi College Holds 2023/2024 Matriculation for BUK-Affiliated Students A statement issued by Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, quoted Comrade Gwarzo as urging the committee to work diligently to ensure that academic activities at the Polytechnic commence by the next academic session. He emphasised that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering socio-economic growth across the state. Responding, the committee chairman, Professor Kurawa, assured the Deputy Governor of the members’ dedication to delivering on the mandate, stressing that their combined expertise and experience would ensure success. The committee’s terms of reference include facilitating the passage of the Polytechnic Establishment Bill into law, securing National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) approvals for academic programmes, supervising construction and renovations, recruiting qualified staff, processing admissions, and establishing partnerships with relevant stakeholders. The establishment of Gaya Polytechnic is expected to mark a significant milestone in Kano’s educational development while creating opportunities for the local community.

Kogi, News

Ganduje Pays Condolence Visit to Kogi Governor Over Father’s Demise

The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, has paid a condolence visit to the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Usman Ododo, over the death of his father, Alhaji Ahmed Sani Ododo. The late Alhaji Ododo passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025. Dr. Ganduje described the death as an irreplaceable loss not only to the Ododo family but to the entire people of Kogi State. Related: Ganduje Condoles APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda Over Mother’s Death “I extend my deepest sympathies to His Excellency Governor Usman Ododo, his family, and the people of Kogi State during this challenging period. May Almighty Allah (SWT) grant the departed eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus and provide solace to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss,” he said. Dr. Ganduje was accompanied during the visit by his former Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba; Managing Director of Jama’are River Basin, Engr. Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi; Hon. Farouk Lawan; Architect Aminu Dabo, among others.

Kano, National, News

Dr. Ganduje Back in Nigeria, Reassures Supporters of His Commitment — Muhd Garba

The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and two-term Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has returned to Nigeria after spending several weeks in London for medical treatment. Muhammad Garba, his former Chief of Staff, stated this to newsmen in a statement. According to him, Dr. Ganduje arrived in excellent health and has since settled at his residence, where he is taking time to rest following his treatment and recovery. His safe return is described as a manifestation of God’s mercy and the outcome of prayers and goodwill from his family, political associates, and millions of supporters across the country. Read Also: Abba Ganduje Distributes Over 1,000 Solar Lights to 38 Wards in Kano It will be recalled that Ganduje embarked on the medical trip just five days after voluntarily resigning as APC National Chairman to prioritize his health. His return, strong and revitalized, has been received with joy and relief by admirers, colleagues, and loyal supporters who continue to acknowledge his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy. As a two-term Governor of Kano State and later as APC National Chairman, Ganduje played a significant role in consolidating the party’s strength and advancing national development. On behalf of his family and close associates, appreciation has been extended to all those who stood by him with prayers and goodwill messages throughout his stay abroad. Dr. Ganduje has reiterated his commitment to the service of Nigeria, assuring that with renewed strength and vitality, he remains ready to continue offering political guidance, wise counsel, and patriotic leadership for the progress of the APC and the country at large. It would be recalled that Dr. Ganduje, who became APC National Chairman in August 2023, resigned from the position on June 27, 2025, citing health reasons. He was subsequently inaugurated as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on July 9, while former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Netanwe Yilwatda, has since replaced him as the APC National Chairman.

International, News

China Nears Breakthrough With Humanoid Robot Housing Artificial Womb

China is on the brink of unveiling a humanoid robot capable of hosting a fully functioning artificial womb, in what could mark a revolutionary leap in reproductive science. The project, led by Guangzhou-based Kaiwa Technology, is scheduled for debut in 2026, according to a report by Indian Times on Monday. Speaking at the World Robot Conference in Beijing, project lead Zhang Qifeng disclosed that the scientific groundwork has already been laid, with the next phase focused on integrating the artificial womb into a humanoid robot to enable what he described as “interactive pregnancy.” Read Also: Only 35.5% of Nigerian Newborns Breastfed in First Hour – UNICEF Artificial wombs are not entirely new. They mimic the uterine environment using synthetic amniotic fluid and an umbilical-like tube for oxygen and nutrient supply. In 2017, U.S. scientists successfully kept premature lambs alive for weeks inside such “biobags,” demonstrating the technology’s viability. What sets Kaiwa’s innovation apart, however, is its ambition to create a robot capable of managing the entire reproductive process, from fertilisation to full-term birth. The solution, expected to cost around 100,000 yuan (£11,000), is significantly cheaper than traditional surrogacy. Experts say it could become a disruptive alternative amid rising infertility rates, particularly in China.

Kano, News

Governor Yusuf Inaugurates New PCACC Chairman

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has formally inaugurated Barrister Sa’idu Yahaya as the new Executive Chairman of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC). The swearing-in ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Government House, Kano, where the State Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, administered the oath of office. Governor Yusuf had earlier forwarded Yahaya’s name to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation, in line with due process. Read Also: Kano State Govt Establishes Mobilization Taskforce on Voter Registration Born in 1978, Yahaya brings to the position nearly two decades of experience in anti-graft operations. He previously served with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for over 18 years, where he held key roles including Team Leader in General Investigations and in the Constituency Projects Tracking Division. An alumnus of Bayero University, Kano, Yahaya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation.

Kano, News

Kano State Govt Establishes Mobilization Taskforce on Voter Registration

In line with the directives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the commencement of voter registration nationwide, the Kano State Government has approved the establishment of the Kano State Mobilization Taskforce on Voter Registration. The Taskforce, which is a high-powered committee will be formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in due course, and is to be chaired by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Honourable Commissioner, for Information and Internal Affairs. The initiative is a strategic intervention designed to mobilize and encourage full participation of Kano citizens in the ongoing voter registration exercise, with a view to ensuring maximum success. Read Also: Kano Govt to Train Media Aides of 44 LG Chairmen Other Members of the Taskforce include: Hon. Commissioner, Women Affairs, children and Disabled Hon. Commissioner, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Special Adviser, Political Mobilization Special Adviser, Inter-Party Affairs Special Adviser, Population Special Adviser, Political Affairs Special Adviser, Student Matters Special Adviser, Grassroot Mobilization Special Adviser, Digital Economy Special Adviser, Information Special Adviser, Entertainment and Culture Director General, KASITDA Statistician General/Director General, State Bureau of Statistics Director General, Research and Documentation Directorate Managing Director, Kano State Radio Corporation Managing Director, Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV) Representative, State NNPP Representative, Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) Representative, Emirate Council Chairperson, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Representative, Kano Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) Senior Special Assistant, KANSIEC Representative, Council of Ulama Representative, HISBAH Board Representative, Kano Traders Association Representative, Kano Business Community Representative, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Representative, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Representative, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Representative, National Association of Kano State Students Representative, Kano State Youth Council Representative, Central Working Committee of Self-Help Groups Representative – Civil Society Organizations Nasiru Salisu Zango Tijjani Sarki Secretariat of the Taskforce: Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Office of the Head of Civil Service Director, Special Duties, Special Duties Directorate, Office of the Secretary to the State Government Director, Research and Evaluation, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs Directorate (REPA), Office of the Secretary to the State Government Director, Internal Affairs, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs The Government emphasizes that this Taskforce is not a mere administrative arrangement but a decisive step towards promoting participatory democracy and ensuring that every eligible Kano citizen registers to vote. It is therefore anticipated that, all stakeholders such as: traditional institutions, civil society, political parties, trade unions, youth and women organizations, and the general public —to join hands with the Government to achieve the desired goal The State Government further emphasized that voter registration is not just a routine exercise, but a civic responsibility with extraordinary importance and a gateway to shaping the future of governance and ensuring that the voices of the people of Kano are heard at the ballot boxes. Signed: Musa Tanko Muhammad Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kano. 19/08/2025

Kano, News

Kano Govt to Train Media Aides of 44 LG Chairmen

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has assured media assistants to the 44 local government chairmen in the state of the Ministry’s commitment to organise capacity-building training aimed at enhancing their professional skills and improving productivity. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Ibrahim Abdullahi, Deputy Director, Information, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs. Comrade Waiya gave the assurance when he received members of the forum of media aides to the local government chairmen, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Tuesday. Read Also: Appointment of Mustapha Bala Dawaki as APC Chief of Staff Sparks Jubilation in Kano He explained that the Ministry remains the central hub of information dissemination in the state, and as such, is committed to ensuring effective communication between the government and the public. The Commissioner further disclosed that the state government will soon convene a joint capacity-building workshop for members of the forum and local government information officers. The initiative, he said, is designed to bridge communication gaps, foster unity, and equip participants with the requisite skills to carry out their assignments professionally, efficiently, and effectively. While calling for synergy between the aides and information officers, Comrade Waiya noted that although media aides primarily engage the public through social media platforms, information officers are responsible for subjecting reports to proper scrutiny before publication. Earlier, the Chairman of the forum, Abubakar Haruna, commended the Kano State Government for the developmental projects being implemented across the state. He explained that the association had already introduced itself to the local government chairmen and was now seeking formal recognition from the state governor. Haruna also appealed for training opportunities, provision of working tools, and professional guidance from the Ministry to enable members to discharge their responsibilities more effectively.

News, Sport

Super Falcons Insist on Dollar Payment of Tinubu’s $100,000 Gift

The Super Falcons have reportedly rejected an attempt by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to pay President Bola Tinubu’s $100,000 reward in Naira, demanding instead that the funds be settled in dollars. Sports analyst Aron Akerejola, speaking on the matter, explained that the delay in disbursing the funds was not due to negligence by the NFF, but because the players turned down the local currency option. “The part of the story they are not telling is that these girls were given the money,” Akerejola said. “The NFF proposed paying their allowances in Naira at the rate of N1,530 to a dollar. The players refused, saying, ‘We don’t live in Nigeria. What will we do with Naira?’ Read Also: Tinubu Hails Students’ Global Feat, Silent on Cash Reward Demands He disclosed that following the players’ refusal, the NFF returned the money to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for conversion into dollars, a process that further delayed payment. “It’s not the fault of the NFF. The government released the money, but the players rejected Naira. That’s why it dragged on,” he added. Confirming the situation, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade recently told reporters that the squad had yet to receive Tinubu’s promised bonus. “We have not received our money, but hopefully, it will be paid,” she said. President Tinubu had announced the $100,000 cash reward, alongside national honours and housing allocations, for the Super Falcons following their triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

National, News

Ganduje Condoles APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda Over Mother’s Death

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has extended condolences to the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, following the death of his mother, Madam Lydia Yilwatda. In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje described the late Madam Lydia as a devout and virtuous woman whose life was dedicated to God, family, and community. Read Also: Ganduje’s Statesmanship Beyond Kano Borders He said her exemplary values are evident in the leadership qualities of her son, who currently leads the affairs of the ruling party. “The passing of a mother is one of life’s greatest pains. On behalf of my family, associates, and supporters, I extend heartfelt condolences to our National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and the entire Yilwatda family,” Ganduje stated. According to him, Madam Lydia will be remembered for her moral uprightness, selfless disposition, and the role she played in nurturing generations of responsible citizens. “While her death is a great loss, we are consoled by the fact that she lived a fulfilled life of impact and service,” the former governor added. Ganduje urged the bereaved family to take solace in her enduring legacies and called on APC members nationwide to stand in solidarity with Yilwatda during this period of mourning.

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