In a generous show of support and appreciation, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has donated 1,000 Saudi Riyals—equivalent to ₦450,000—to each of the 3,200 pilgrims from the state currently performing the Hajj as Sallah gift. The announcement was made on Saturday during the governor’s visit to the Sokoto contingent in Mina, where he congratulated the pilgrims on the successful completion of their spiritual journey. Governor Aliyu said the Sallah gift was intended to offer financial relief to the pilgrims as they prepare for their return to Nigeria. “I want to thank you most profoundly for being good ambassadors of…
Author: TheStories
The people of Tukur-Tukur community in Zaria have expressed deep appreciation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for his continued support and developmental initiatives that have positively impacted their lives. In a statement delivered to the press in Abuja, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, a respected community leader, conveyed the community’s gratitude and praised Speaker Abbas for his tangible contributions to improving infrastructure, education, and overall living standards in the area. “Speaker Abbas has shown what it means to be a true son of the soil,” Suleiman said, emphasizing the Speaker’s connection to the people and his consistent efforts…
The Director of Budget in the Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Buhari Umar has been named the 2024 Most Outstanding Public Administrator of the Year by Champion Newspapers. The award, announced this week, recognizes Umar’s exceptional leadership in public finance management, transparency, and policy execution, marking him as one of Nigeria’s standout figures in modern governance. In a statement by the Commissioner at the Ministry, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayana on Sunday, described the honour as a “well-earned tribute to a man who has made excellence his standard and service his calling.” “Under Umar’s stewardship, the Sokoto State…
Sallah is here again! This time, it’s the grand one—Eid el-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, also known as Eid Kabir, often beautifully aligned with the Hajj pilgrimage. It’s that special season when rams lose their lives, stomachs find fulfillment, and our social media timelines overflow with familiar greetings and blessings. But here’s the curious part: the messages hardly ever change. Each celebration—be it Sallah, Christmas, birthdays, weddings, or naming ceremonies—comes wrapped in the same ribbons of prayer. We send and receive wishes about peace, health, prosperity, and national progress like they’re part of a ceremonial script written by tradition and…
In a country where conversations about public service too often center on missed opportunities, unmet promises, and mismanagement of state resources, it becomes all the more important to pause—and recognize those who choose to serve differently. Criticism, yes, is a civic duty. But when leadership is truly demonstrated, honest praise becomes just as essential. It nurtures a culture of accountability, dignity, and hope. By Abubakar Abdullahi el-Kurebe It is on this note that I write to acknowledge the uncommon display of empathy and leadership by the Deputy Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Senior Commander Yakubu Garba, during the recent…
The African Union (AU) has expressed deep concern and disappointment following the expansion of a U.S. travel ban under former President Donald Trump, which affects 19 countries, including several across the African continent. In a statement issued by the AU Commission, the continental body said it had “taken note” of the new policy, describing it as troubling and counterproductive, particularly in light of longstanding partnerships between African nations and the United States. The expanded ban imposes full travel restrictions on citizens from 12 countries, among them Somalia, Libya, Eritrea, and Sudan—four African nations that have previously struggled with conflict, governance…
The UNICEF’s U-Report initiative in Sokoto State organized a tree-planting ceremony at the Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Runbukawa, Sokoto North Local Government Area, in alignment with the global theme of World Environment Day 2025, “Combating Plastic Pollution. By Usman Mohammed Binji The event marked the commencement of a campaign to plant 1,000 trees across Sokoto State. The aim is to mitigate desert encroachment and provide shade to the healthcare facility. This initiative also complements efforts to reduce plastic pollution by promoting sustainable environmental practices. Mr. Ibrahim Khalil Adamu, the Sokoto State Coordinator of U-Report, emphasized the importance of environmental…
In a country where senators are often known more for speeches than action, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko has, over the last 10 years, carved a legacy that blurs the line between a lawmaker and a leader of government. From powering entire communities to sponsoring the education of hundreds, he has shown that one senator, armed with political will and a heart for service, can behave like a small government unto his people. By Abdallah el-Kurebe Powering dreams: Wamakko, lighting up communities forgotten by the grid Electricity is more than light, it’s dignity, it’s opportunity. For rural communities in Sokoto State…
The Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has reaffirmed that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) June 3, 2025, deadline for the recapitalisation of Bureau De Change (BDC) operators remains unchanged and binding. ABCON President, Dr. Aminu Gwadabe, made this known during an interview in Lagos following a stakeholders’ engagement with the CBN. In May 2024, the apex bank issued new operational guidelines requiring all existing BDC operators to reapply for new licences under a revised capital structure. Under the new framework, Tier 1 BDCs are expected to have a minimum capital base of ₦2 billion, while…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed as false the widely circulated reports suggesting that serving members of the National Assembly under its platform will automatically receive the party’s tickets for the 2027 general elections. In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka, categorically denied the claims, describing the report as “fake news” with no basis in fact. “The attention of the APC has been drawn to a purported breaking news report titled, ‘APC Grants Automatic Tickets to All National Assembly Members,’ currently making the rounds on social media and some online…