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…
Author: TheStories
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…
The Sokoto State Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to submit their monthly expenditure reports to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayyana, stated that the directive aligns with state, national, and international standards and best practices in Public Financial Management (PFM). According to him, the Ministry is mandated to review, analyze, and consolidate expenditure reports from all MDAs to ensure proper financial oversight. He noted that the objective of the exercise is to ensure compliance with budgetary provisions, promote transparency and accountability, and enhance…
In the shadow of the ongoing conflict and devastating floods, hope quietly found its way into homes and hearts across Borno State in 2024. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), working closely with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), extended a lifeline to hundreds of thousands, many of whom have known nothing but hardship for years. From performing life-saving surgeries to building shelters, from feeding malnourished children to reconnecting separated families, the ICRC’s work this past year was not just about numbers—it was about restoring dignity, offering comfort, and helping people reclaim their lives. Healing the wounds of…
Stakeholders from Sokoto South Senatorial District have reviewed and unanimously endorsed the memorandum on the Reserved Seat for Women Bill, which is to be presented to the Constitutional Reforms Committee during the forthcoming public hearing. By Ankeli Emmanuel After a thorough review of the bill’s memorandum during a senatorial advocacy/town hall meeting held in Sifawa, Bodinga Local Government Area, stakeholders agreed that the nation can only progress through the genuine inclusion of women in leadership positions at all levels. The town hall meeting was organized by the Sokoto State chapter of the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA), with funding…