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Major-General AK Ibrahim Bids Farewell as 33rd NDA CommandantBy Abdullahi Usman

Major-General AK Ibrahim Bids Farewell as 33rd NDA Commandant
By Abdullahi Usman

As Major‑General AK Ibrahim, OFR, brings his tenure as Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy to a close, the institution and the wider defence community pause to acknowledge his steady leadership and his contributions to officer training and professional development.

From the outset he emphasized the Academy’s dual mandate: rigorous military training coupled with sound academic instruction. He championed measures to ensure cadets graduate with both operational competence and the intellectual readiness to confront complex security challenges.

Modernizing training approaches was central to his command. He promoted contemporary doctrines and methods that reflect evolving security dynamics, aiming to produce officers who are adaptable and forward‑looking. Under his guidance, efforts to align academic curricula with operational requirements gained momentum, making classroom learning more relevant to field realities.

Instructor development was another priority. Major‑General Ibrahim advanced programmes to strengthen teaching capacity, professional pedagogy and subject‑matter expertise among academy staff, recognizing that quality instruction is foundational to effective training.

Cadet welfare featured prominently on his agenda. He opened channels for feedback, supported practical improvements to living conditions and backed welfare initiatives designed to sustain morale, resilience and the well‑being of cadets and their families.

Practical attention was given to infrastructure and facilities, with targeted upgrades intended to create a safer, more conducive learning and training environment despite resource constraints.

His leadership combined accessibility with firmness. Approachable to cadets and staff, he also demonstrated clear decision‑making when institutional challenges arose. Integrity, humility and discipline were hallmarks of his command; he modelled the professional standards expected of NDA graduates and consistently reinforced the ethical conduct befitting commissioned officers.

Mentorship formed a key part of his engagement with junior officers and cadet leaders. By taking time to advise and counsel, he helped shape the professional attitudes and career perspectives of many who will serve across the armed forces. He also encouraged collaboration with sister services and training institutions, recognizing that partnerships and exchanges broaden doctrinal understanding and professional experience.

Major‑General Ibrahim was mindful of institutional continuity. The initiatives he promoted were framed for sustainability so successors can build progressively rather than restart reforms.

Recognition is also due to his family, whose support enabled him to meet the demands of command. Their sacrifices and encouragement were important to the successes achieved under his leadership.

I wish my mentor, Major‑General AK Ibrahim, OFR, continued good health, fulfilment in future roles and enduring respect from colleagues and the nation. Your tenure will be remembered for steady stewardship, practical reforms and a lasting investment in the officers the Academy and the general public.

Shehu Sani to Washington Post: “Trump Was Misled by Anarchists; Nigeria Will Defeat Terrorism”

Shehu Sani to Washington Post: “Trump Was Misled by Anarchists; Nigeria Will Defeat Terrorism”

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has faulted former U.S. President Donald Trump over what he described as a “misleading narrative” about Nigeria’s internal security situation, stating that the country will eventually overcome terrorism despite challenges.

In an interview granted to the Washington Post, Sani stated that Trump had been “misinformed and misled by anarchists and propagandists” who distort Nigeria’s realities for political or ideological purposes.

According to the outspoken activist, “Trump’s views about Nigeria and its leadership were shaped by people who thrive in chaos and division. They present a one-sided picture of insecurity and ignore the courage and resilience of Nigerians confronting terrorism daily.”

Sani, who served in the 8th National Assembly and is a well-known human rights campaigner, emphasized that while Nigeria still faces serious threats from insurgents and bandits, the country’s security agencies and citizens remain united in their determination to restore peace and stability.

“Nigeria will defeat terrorism. It may take time and sacrifice, but the people have refused to surrender to fear,” Sani told the Washington Post. “Our diversity and democracy remain stronger than the hate and violence of extremists.”

He also urged the international community, including the United States, to avoid adopting biased reports and instead support Nigeria’s efforts through intelligence sharing, humanitarian assistance, and balanced diplomacy.

Sani further noted that the fight against terrorism requires both military strategy and social justice, stressing that addressing poverty, unemployment, and corruption is essential to achieving lasting peace.

The former lawmaker’s comments come amid renewed global attention to Nigeria’s security situation, following a series of foreign commentaries that have drawn mixed reactions from citizens and policymakers.

Sani concluded by warning against what he termed “weaponization of misinformation” against African nations, saying it undermines democracy and fuels instability.

“Nigeria’s story should be told by Nigerians, not by those who profit from its pain,” he said.

Group Calls on EU,China,UK , Canada to Deny visa to Their Attackers on Social Media platforms.

Group Calls on EU,China,UK , Canada to Deny visa to Those Attacking them on Social Media platforms.

The Forum for Growth and Development of Nigeria (FGDN) has urged the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), the People’s Republic of China, and Canada to impose visa restrictions on individuals engaging in what it described as “coordinated social media attacks” against the organizations and its leadership.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Signed by Dr Adams Shaiza Musa and made available to journalists in Kaduna, the group expressed deep concern over what it termed an increasing wave of “malicious and unhealthy” online campaigns targeted at both local and international organizations.

According to the statement, FGDN—known for its advocacy for national unity, good governance, and youth empowerment—said it has recently noticed some “unwarranted and orchestrated online assaults” aimed at discrediting the international organizations.

“We are disturbed by the level of hate speech and false narratives being peddled on social media against several organizations. These attacks are not only defamatory, but also capable of inciting divisions and discouraging civic engagement between among patriotic Nigerian and international communities.” the statement read.

While reaffirming support for the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the group stressed that such freedom must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of truth and decency. It warned that the abuse of digital platforms to spread misinformation and launch personal attacks poses a threat to national unity and social cohesion.

“We call on the embassies of the EU member states, China, the United Kingdom, and Canada to take note of individuals who habitually use the internet to malign others. They should be denied visas and international privileges until they desist from such unethical conduct,” FGDN stated.

The group also called on relevant Nigerian agencies, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to strengthen regulatory measures governing online communication in order to curb misinformation and cyberbullying.

However , it reaffirmed FGDN’s commitment to promoting development-oriented dialogue, civic education, and initiatives that foster peace and social progress across Nigeria.

“FGDN remains focused on its mission to contribute positively to national development. We will not support those who seek attention through baseless accusations. Our objective is to unite Nigerians with international communities around ideas that can move the nation forward,” he said.

The statement concluded with an appeal to media practitioners and social commentators to verify information before publishing or sharing it online, urging them to uphold ethics and professionalism in their work.

A Bold Step in Non-Kinetic National Security: Commending DSS and the DG on the N50,000 Cash Empowerment Initiative for 7,774 Vulnerable Nigerians

A Bold Step in Non-Kinetic National Security: Commending DSS and the DG on the N50,000 Cash Empowerment Initiative for 7,774 Vulnerable Nigerians

In a nation where economic hardship continues to test the resilience of its people, the Department of State Services (DSS) under the visionary leadership of Director General Mr. Adeola Oluwafemi Ajayi, has once again demonstrated that true security transcends the barrel of the gun. The recent announcement of a N50,000 one-time cash assistance to 7,774 carefully selected vulnerable Nigerians, 10 from each of the 774 local government areas stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of non-kinetic security operations in Nigeria.

This initiative, totaling approximately N388 million, is not merely a welfare gesture, it is a masterstroke in nation-building, social inclusion and sustainable peace.

The Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement for Peace, Unity, Empowerment and Development Initiative (NSNCM) wholeheartedly commends the DSS and its Director General for this people-centered intervention. By deliberately targeting the “poorest of the poor”, widows, the elderly, persons with disabilities, the unemployed, and those burdened by medical challenges. It recognizes that hunger, despair and exclusion are fertile grounds for unrest, radicalization and criminality. In providing direct financial relief, the DSS is not only alleviating immediate suffering but is also fortifying the social fabric of our beloved country.

The selection process itself deserves special praise. Unlike many top-down interventions that often bypass the most deserving, the DSS adopted a grassroots, consultative approach. Security heads, traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government officials, and community stakeholders were all involved in identifying beneficiaries. This ensures transparency, fairness, and cultural relevance. When an 80-year-old grandfather like Pa Segun in the Southwest receives his N50,000 with tears of gratitude, it is not just money changing hands, it is dignity being restored, hope being rekindled, and loyalty to the state being reinforced.

For the beneficiaries, this N50,000 is far more than a cash transfer, it is a lifeline with transformative potential. In rural communities where daily income barely exceeds N500, this sum can cover three months of basic food needs for a family of five. A widow in Sokoto can now purchase grains, cooking oil, and medicine without begging. An unemployed youth in Ebonyi can use the funds to start a small poultry or vegetable farm, generating sustainable income. A disabled artisan in Kano can acquire tools to resume his trade. These are not abstract possibilities, they are real pathways out of poverty, made possible by the DSS’s foresight.

Moreover, this initiative aligns perfectly with global best practices in countering violent extremism. Research from the United Nations and the Institute for Economics and Peace consistently shows that economic empowerment reduces vulnerability to recruitment by criminal or terrorist groups. When citizens feel seen, supported, and valued by state institutions, they become active defenders of peace. The DSS, through this program, is building a human security firewall and deserve our commendation for that. We particularly applaud the DG’s emphasis on “winning hearts and minds.” This is leadership with empathy.

In a time when security agencies are often criticized for heavy-handedness, Mr. Ajayi has shown that strength also lies in compassion. By investing nearly N400 million of its resources into direct citizen support, the DSS is setting a powerful example for other agencies and tiers of government. We call on state governors, local government chairmen, and federal ministries to emulate this model. Imagine the impact if every security outfit in Nigeria allocated just 1% of its budget to similar empowerment schemes.

As the National President of the Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement, I urge the DSS to sustain and expand this initiative. Future phases could include skills training, micro-credit follow-ups, and digital literacy programs to ensure long-term self-reliance. We also recommend the establishment of a public monitoring framework, perhaps through civil society partnerships to track outcomes and share success stories nationwide.

In conclusion, the DSS N50,000 cash assistance program is without doubt a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s development journey. It proves that security is not just about intelligence and enforcement but about justice, equity and human dignity.

On behalf of the Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement for Peace, Unity, Empowerment and Development Initiative (NSNCM), I extend our deepest gratitude to Director General Adeola Ajayi and the entire DSS family. May this initiative inspire a new era of inclusive governance where no Nigerian is left behind.

Dr Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu
Sarkin Yakin Kanya Babba,
National President
Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement For Peace, Unity, Empowerment and Development Initiative (NSNCM)

God, Guns and Geopolitics: Trump’s Nigeria’s Gambit Rocks Diplomacy

God, Guns and Geopolitics: Trump’s Nigeria’s Gambit Rocks Diplomacy

By Aminu Hussaini Sagagi

“The U.S’s accusation of alleged “Christian Genocide” against Nigeria with a threat of possible military action against the country would constitute a breach of International Law.
Analysts warn that, without recourse to any United Nation’s declaration, however noble the US unilateral intervention might seem within the country’s public policy perspective, the “action” smacks of violation of the very principles that sustain the global order.
Barrister Aminu Hussain Sagagi in this article highlights why Kano State Government align with the Federal Government stand, examining how the US’s threat against Nigeria would further escalate strain relationship and the resultant effect may lead Nigeria to embrace alternative global partners such as China or Russia – a shift that could reshape the regional alliances”.

In a move that has sent ripples through diplomatic circles across Africa, U.S. President Donald J. Trump has designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under U.S. religious-freedom laws, alleging a “genocide of Christians.” He also warned of possible U.S. military action, a statement that has sparked intense debate over international law, sovereignty and the limits of moral intervention in global affairs.
Trump, speaking via his Truth Social platform, accused Nigeria’s leadership of “turning a blind eye” to the alleged killings of Christians, calling the situation “an existential threat to Christianity.” The U.S. Department of State confirmed that the designation was made under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, which enables sanctions against nations found to be violating religious freedom in a “systematic and egregious” manner.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has rejected both the allegations and the label, describing them as “misinformed and unfounded.” Officials insist that Nigeria remains committed to protecting citizens of all faiths and that the violence ravaging parts of the country stems from terrorism, banditry and resource competition, not state-sponsored religious persecution.

Amid the diplomatic storm, the Kano State Government, led by His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared its full solidarity with the Federal Government and the People of Nigeria. In a statement issued in Kano, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed the State’s unwavering loyalty to the Nigerian federation and condemned attempts to portray the nation as a site of religious genocide. “Nigeria is a united and resilient country where Christians and Muslims have lived together for generations,” the statement read. “Kano stands firmly with the Federal Government in defending our sovereignty, our diversity and our dignity in the comity of nations.”
While the CPC designation itself is primarily diplomatic, Trump’s accompanying threat of deploying U.S. forces has raised serious legal questions. Under Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, member States are prohibited from using or threatening force against the territorial integrity of another Member State unless in self-defence or with UN Security Council authorization. Without Nigeria’s consent, analysts warn, any U.S. military action would constitute a breach of International Law.
Nigeria is not a failed State; any unilateral intervention, however noble it may seem within the public policy perspective of the USA or Europe, would violate the very principles that sustain the global order.

The use of the term genocide is particularly contentious. Under the Genocide Convention of 1948, genocide requires proof of intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic or religious group. Human-rights organizations acknowledge that Nigeria faces severe insecurity – including attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP and armed militias – but warn against oversimplifying the conflict as one of religion.
The violence affects Muslims and Christians alike. It’s driven by a noxious mix of poverty, climate stress, extremism and weak governance – not by any single religious agenda.

The U.S. move risks straining one of its most strategic relationships in Africa. Nigeria is a key partner in counterterrorism, regional stability and economic development. The Nigerian Senate has called for calm diplomacy, urging engagement with Washington. The African Union has also expressed concern, warning that “unilateral actions under humanitarian pretexts” could undermine African sovereignty and set troubling precedents.
Should relations deteriorate further, experts warn, Nigeria could pivot toward alternative global partners such as China or Russia – a shift that could reshape regional alliances.
Trump’s rhetoric has revived the age-old debate about the intersection of morality and power in international relations. Proponents say Washington is right to speak out against persecution, while critics argue that selective interventions erode credibility and risk weaponing human rights.
“Religious freedom is an important value,” says Dr. Samuel Adebayo, a Nigerian diplomat and governance scholar. “But turning moral advocacy into a pretext for coercion blurs the line between protection and interference.”

For now, Nigeria’s leadership – buoyed by broad domestic support, including that of Kano State and other subnational governments – appears united in rejecting the U.S. narrative. While sanctions or diplomatic restrictions could follow, actual military action remains unlikely and legally indefensible without UN approval or Nigerian consent.
As Nigeria continues to confront terrorism, inequality and communal conflicts, its leaders insist that reform and reconciliation must come from within – not through threats from abroad. The unfolding episode, analysts say, will test not just Nigeria’s resilience, but also the world’s commitment to the delicate balance between sovereignty and global conscience.

Barrister Aminu Hussaini is a Special Adviser on Justice/Constitutional Matters to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf

Nigeria’s Sovereignty, Our Unity: Responding to Threats of Foreign Intervention

Nigeria’s Sovereignty, Our Unity: Responding to Threats of Foreign Intervention

When we first red the words of President Donald Trump on social media over the weekend that he may send U.S troops into Nigeria over what he described as “Christian killings” in this country, we felt more than surprise. We felt the sharp pang of a violation, not only of facts, but of our dignity as a sovereign nation.

We are saying this as plainly as possible: yes, Nigeria suffers insecurity. But no, we do not live under a campaign of targeted genocide against Christians. Violence in Nigeria is not shaped by faith alone. It is shaped by geography, by poverty, by criminal networks, and by terror groups who kill indiscriminately both Christians and Muslims, infact more Muslims have been killed by these groups than Christians.

When a foreign power threatens invasion or military action on behalf of one religious group, we must see it not as defence, but as interference. It risks dividing us further, weakening our national resolve, and eroding the principle that no external actor takes orders from a sovereign that will not give them. In that moment, we must remind ourselves: we are Nigerians first. United in diversity. Bound by shared citizenship.

President Trump has claimed there are “record numbers of Christians being killed in Nigeria,” suggesting U.S. military action could follow unless those “killings” stop. He even placed Nigeria once more on the so-called “Countries of Particular Concern” list, citing alleged religious freedom violations. When violence occurs in northern or central Nigeria, it may strike Christian communities, especially in mixed-religion zones, but the pattern is not one of religious extermination. It is instead a pattern of insecurity that fails us all. It undermines farmers, destroys villages, displaces families and leaves both Christians and Muslims reeling in pain and anguish.

We must state clearly: Nigeria is a sovereign state. We do not take orders from another sovereign, whether in rhetoric or in action. If any foreign leader believes that military operations can simply be imposed on Nigeria because of alleged human rights violations, then that undermines our constitutional independence. If the U.S. has concerns about religious freedom or violence, there are diplomatic channels, partnership frameworks, multilateral mechanisms. But they do not extend to invading a country under the banner of defence of one religious group. That is dangerous. It could set a precedent not just for Nigeria, but for all nations.

We also must remember: the United States itself faces severe internal challenges. Gun violence, domestic terrorism, civil unrest, fracturing communities etc. These are real issues within its own borders. It is somewhat ironic to issue threats of military intervention abroad while your own soil is grappling with violence. Perhaps America should look inward and address its challenges before brandishing threats against another country.

That said, we cannot dismiss the reality: Nigeria does face a ravaging insecurity crisis. Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, kidnappers, ethno-communal violence etc. These are real and they harm people, regardless of faith. We must acknowledge that the government, security forces, civil society and citizens are striving every day to curb the carnage.
There are efforts under way: military operations in the northeast, patrols in rural communities, peace-building dialogues, policing reforms, attempts at disarmament, investment in local conflict resolution mechanisms and coordination with international partners who support not through threats, but through capacity-building.

We must support that. We must urge it. Because while external threats of invasion are misguided, internal reform is both necessary and urgent. Our leaders must be held accountable. Our security architecture must be improved. Our communities must heal.

In this moment of tension, Nigerians must resist the temptation to divide along religious lines. We must reject false narratives that places Christians against Muslims or one region against another. Such division plays into the hands of violent actors which are the terrorists, the extremists, the opportunists, who thrive in fragmentation.

Let us instead remind ourselves of who we are: a country of over 200 million people, with many faiths and ethnicities, united by a shared aspiration for peace, security and development. When we say “security for all,” we mean every Nigerian, regardless of faith or tribe.

When foreign voices threaten intervention in the name of one group, we should see that as a call not to turn inward in anger alone, but to stand outward in solidarity. We must also call on our leaders to continue to fight insurgency, modernise our security forces, ensure justice for victims, invest in community protection and reform local governance. Let our security strategy be shaped by Nigerians first, with Nigerian consent, not by pressure applied from beyond our borders.

Conclusively, let us not celebrate the absurd idea that an American leader might invade our land for alleged failures that do not reflect the full picture. That kind of rhetoric divides more than it heals.
Instead, let us affirm our unity. Let us work harder to build a security architecture that protects all Nigerians. Let us demand good governance, efficient security service, and genuine justice. Let us resist external coercion, and stand tall under our own flag.

May we remain one people, one nation, committed to peace, justice and greater destiny under God Almighty.

Dr. Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, President, Northern Consensus Movement for peace unity empowerment and Development initiative. NSNCM.

Jalingo Chair Race: Dantsoho Promises Kefas-Level Governance, Training for Youths

Jalingo Chair Race: Dantsoho Promises Kefas-Level Governance, Training for Youths

A frontline chairmanship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former member representing Jalingo I Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Nuru Dantsoho, has pledged to replicate Governor Agbu Kefas’ governance model in Jalingo Local Government if elected.

Addressing supporters, Dantsoho said his leadership blueprint is anchored on the five-point agenda of Governor Agbu Kefas, which include:

Security, peace and unity
Economy and job creation
Education
Healthcare
Women and youth empowerment

He vowed to strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence among residents, emphasising that genuine development can only thrive in a harmonious environment.

“Our local government will reflect the peaceful, people-focused leadership style of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas,” Dantsoho said. “We will bring unity to our communities and uphold respect for our traditional institutions.”

Dantsoho also promised massive investment in youth empowerment by sponsoring young people for vocational training and providing working tools for them afterward.

“No youth under my administration will be left idle,” he said. “We will build a skilled generation capable of creating wealth and contributing to Taraba’s development.”

He further assured traditional rulers of greater honour and support, describing them as strategic custodians of culture and peace at the grassroots.

With the general election held on Saturday, November 8, Dantsoho’s candidacy has continued to galvanize support across Jalingo, as his grassroots experience and alignment with Gov. Kefas’ development vision fuel optimism for sustained transformation at the local level.

KANO’S GEOSTRATEGIC RELEVANCE IN NIGERIA’S CONFLICT LANDSCAPE: BEYOND POLITICS – WHY KANO DESERVES A SPECIAL FEDERAL STATUS

KANO’S GEOSTRATEGIC RELEVANCE IN NIGERIA’S CONFLICT LANDSCAPE: BEYOND POLITICS – WHY KANO DESERVES A SPECIAL FEDERAL STATUS

Kano State is crucial to Nigeria’s security and economic future, serving as a shield and gateway. The state’s strategic location and economic significance is important to national stability. Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi in this write up examines why Kano’s strategic security and a major economic driver, deserves a dedicated federal funding, with infrastructure investment, and institutionalization as a special Federal Security and Economic Status.

By Aminu Hussaini

In the unfolding dynamics of Nigeria’s national security and economic future, Kano State stands as both a shield and a gateway — a critical axis whose stability is indispensable to the peace and prosperity of the nation. The strategic need for the Federal Government to accord Kano a special Federal Security and Economic Status has become not just desirable but urgent, given the State’s centrality as a security buffer zone and a commercial hub vital to Nigeria’s regional and continental aspirations.

This urgency has been underscored by recent reports of bandit incursions in Shanono Local Government Area, signaling the growing fragility of the northern security belt. These attacks are a stark reminder that even relatively stable states like Kano are not immune to the spillover of violence from surrounding regions. The time to act is now – before the ripple of insecurity breaches Kano’s long-standing resilience.

A Strategic Security Buffer in Northern Nigeria
Kano occupies a rare and irreplaceable position in Nigeria’s security architecture. It sits at the crossroads of the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions, all corridors of complex conflicts involving insurgency, banditry and communal tension.

For over a decade, Kano has served as a stabilizing buffer, preventing the contagion of insecurity from neighbouring states such as Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Bauchi and Yobe. This function has not happened by accident; it is the product of community vigilance, responsible governance and proactive local collaboration with federal security agencies.
But with the recent rise in cross-border bandit activity, especially the attacks in Shanono, the State’s strategic insulation faces serious strain. If Kano’s stability falters, the humanitarian and economic consequences could be national in scale. This is why the Federal Government must act swiftly to institutionalize Kano’s protection through a clearly defined federal security framework.

A Federal Security and Economic Designation
Kano’s significance transcends local or regional boundaries. Its stability underpins national cohesion, northern economic productivity, and inter-state commerce.

What the moment demands is an official Federal Security and Economic Designation — a framework that integrates military, intelligence and economic interventions under a unified federal structure, akin to the model used for the Niger Delta and the Federal Capital Territory. Such a designation would ensure dedicated federal funding, enhanced security coordination and infrastructural investment aligned with Kano’s role as Nigeria’s northern economic hub.
Economic Gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Kano is more than a domestic stronghold; it is Nigeria’s gateway to continental trade. With the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Kano’s position as a commercial and logistics hub becomes a matter of national strategy.

The State connects Nigeria directly to the Sahel and North Africa through well-established trade routes and emerging infrastructure like the Kano–Maradi railway, Aminu Kano International Airport and the Dala Inland Dry Port. To ignore Kano’s economic potential is to undermine Nigeria’s leverage in the AfCFTA framework.

A Federal Economic Zone status would strengthen these corridors, attract investment and institutionalize Kano as a major driver of Nigeria’s regional export economy.

A Moment of Opportunity under a Progressive State Administration.
This is also a moment of historic alignment between opportunity and leadership. Kano today is governed by an aggressively progressive administration, under His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf — one that has demonstrated readiness to reform, innovate and partner constructively with the Federal Government.

Seizing this window of cooperation is crucial. A federal intervention now will not only reinforce Kano’s stability but also amplify the developmental momentum already being driven by the State Government in areas such as education, urban renewal, industrial revitalization and youth empowerment.
Waiting for instability to escalate before responding would be a costly mistake. The Shanono incident should be treated as a warning shot — not an isolated occurrence. The Federal Government must act with dispatch, leveraging the synergy with Kano’s reform-minded administration to secure and strengthen the State’s strategic role in Nigeria’s future.

Why Federal Designation is Essential
Granting Kano this dual status — as a Federal Security and Economic Zone — will institutionalize federal security coordination in the State; protect national industrial and commercial assets; enhance cross-border trade and anti-smuggling frameworks; strengthen Nigeria’s northern logistics corridor for the (AfCFTA) and Reinforce national unity through shared economic prosperity.
Such a designation could be achieved via Presidential Executive Order or Legislative Action, providing a durable legal basis for sustained federal engagement and investment.

Conclusion
Kano’s stability is not just a regional issue, it is a national imperative. With rising insecurity in the northern corridors and new economic frontiers opening under the AfCFTA, Kano’s role as both a fortress and a frontier must be preserved and enhanced.

The Federal Government has before it a rare convergence of opportunity and necessity: a progressive State leadership willing to collaborate and a moment demanding swift, strategic action.
To delay is to invite crisis. To act now is to safeguard the nation’s future. Because when Kano stands, Nigeria stands. Kano must never be allowed to fall.

This piece is contributed by Barrister Aminu Hussaini, the Special Adviser on Justice/Constitutional Matters to His Excellecy, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State

TOMORROW SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2025: NSIEC SET FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION

TOMORROW SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2025: NSIEC SET FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION

The Niger state Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), set for local government election in the state scheduled to take place 1st November, 2025, across the 25 local governments areas of the state.

The Chairman of the Commission, Engr. Mohammed Jibrin Imam, told newsmen in Minna: “I can assure you that preparation for the election is already complete, it is 95 to 96% complete.”

Imam added that “All our materials for the election are in place the list of personnel for the election have been compiled, the personnel have been trained.”

He said that the election would be conducted in 4,950 polling units with a minimum of 400 voters for each of the polling unit. He pointed out that the election would be conducted “manually”, thereby ruling out the use of the BVAs machines.

He also said ballot boxes belonging to INEC would not be deployed for the polls.

The Chairman disclosed that adhoc staff to be used during the election were already being screened and wrote proficiency examinations to ensure their competences are not be in doubt.

Imam said the Commission was however collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the police and some civil society groups to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.

On insecurity in some areas of the state Imam revealed that “we have perfected how to conduct election in all polling units notwithstanding the security situation”.

Almost 10 political parties, including the PDP, SDP Accord would take part in the election.

Boya Bags Top Honour: North East’s Best Legislator of the Year

Boya Bags Top Honour: North East’s Best Legislator of the Year

By Tom Garba

In a glittering ceremony that drew lawmakers, dignitaries, and stakeholders from across the region, Hon. Aliyu Boya Wakili, the first-term representative for Fufore/Song Federal Constituency in Adamawa State, was crowned the Best Performing Legislator of the Year for the entire North East.

The prestigious award, presented on Wednesday at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, recognizes outstanding legislative excellence and was handed over personally to Hon. Boya by the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. The event was packed with attendees, underscoring the growing influence of such honors in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Organized annually by Nigerian Magazine of Today and backed by the World Bank Group along with other development partners, the award celebrates lawmakers who go above and beyond in serving their constituents.

Out of 48 members from the North East geopolitical zone, Hon. Boya – a barrister by profession – emerged as the standout performer, highlighting his impactful debut term in the House of Representatives.

In his acceptance remarks, the elated lawmaker expressed profound gratitude for the recognition. “To be singled out among 48 North East members is a strong indication that we are on the right path,” Hon. Boya said.

“We are poised to deliver on our mandate to provide better welfare for our constituents, and we will continue to do more.”

The honor comes as a testament to Hon. Boya’s focus on grassroots development, constituency projects, and effective representation since assuming office. Supporters say it validates his hands-on approach in a region grappling with security and economic challenges.

As Nigeria’s democracy evolves, awards like this serve as a benchmark for accountability and performance in public office. For Hon. Boya, it’s not just a trophy – it’s fuel to push harder for the people of Fufore/Song.