Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has pledged unwavering support for Burkina Faso in its fight against terrorism, underscoring the urgent need for regional cooperation in addressing insecurity across the Sahel. Sonko made the declaration during a two-day official visit to Ouagadougou, where he met with Burkinabe President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The visit focused on regional security and the imperative of collective action to combat terrorism and violent extremism. “I have come to convey a message of absolute support to President Ibrahim Traoré, his government, and all the people of Burkina Faso in their fight against terrorism,” Sonko said. “Senegal is…
Author: TheStories
Amid a flurry of media reports on the recent Supreme Court ruling involving the defunct FSB International Bank and Sagecom Concepts Limited, questions have arisen over Fidelity Bank Plc’s capacity to comply with the judgment. As the judgment debtor, the bank has faced speculative commentary from some quarters. However, it’s critical to emphasize that the case remains sub judice. A standing court order expressly prohibits the publication of details or commentary on the matter, with any violation constituting contempt of court—a serious legal offense. That said, this article provides an objective look at Fidelity Bank’s financial standing and strategic strength—key…
In the wake of Abdallah el-Kurebe’s thought-provoking editorial, “Why Nigerians Don’t Vote—and Why Forcing Them Won’t Fix It,” published on May 18, 2025, on ASHENEWS, I found myself stirred—not just by the clarity of his argument, but by what was left unsaid. El-Kurebe’s central thesis is compelling: Nigeria’s low voter turnout reflects more than apathy—it is a symptom of a fractured system, scarred by distrust, electoral violence, and political redundancy. He rightly dismisses compulsory voting as a simplistic fix for a deeply complex problem. But while his diagnosis is both honest and urgent, I believe it overlooks a more insidious…
The Obidient Movement, in a statement signed by Nana Kazaure, the Director of Strategic Communication and Media, said it had received numerous inquiries from members at home and abroad, as well as the general public, following claims about the alleged offer. The Obidient Movement, which comprises largely supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, denied reports that Obi had been offered the position of running mate to Atiku Abubakar in a coalition planned for the 2027 general elections. It described the reports as unfounded and warned against misinformation. “While frank and cordial engagements with our partners and stakeholders…
The National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has formally received 24 retired military officers who have pledged their allegiance to the Kwankwasiyya ideology. The declaration took place during a special gathering in Kano, where the former service members, drawn from various ranks of the Nigerian Armed Forces, were publicly welcomed into the movement known for its strong grassroots structure and red-cap symbolism. Kwankwaso, who also contested in the 2023 presidential election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), hailed the retired officers for their decision, describing it as a “boost…
As the world prepares for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) scheduled for June 30, 2025, in Seville, Spain, Nigerian civil society groups are rallying for transformative reforms in both global finance systems and domestic economic policy. Their unified stance is outlined in a newly released advocacy report titled “Financing for Development in Nigeria: Sectoral Context and Insights for the Fourth International Conference”. The document is the product of a coalition led by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), in collaboration with Oxfam in Nigeria, Christian Aid, the International Budget Partnership, Connected Development, and other partners…
In the dynamic circumstances of Nigerian politics, female politicians often face unique challenges and scrutiny. However, among the ranks of these formidable women, Hajiya Sa’adatu Garba Dogon Bauchi stands out not only as a Commissioner in the National Population Commission but also as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, particularly the youth in Kaduna State and the broader Northern region. Her journey transcends the realm of politics; she embodies the spirit of resilience, empowerment, and mentorship, making her an icon and an Amazon in her community. By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman Hajiya Sa’adatu’s political career is marked by her commitment…
I stumbled upon a flyer from Christ College, Zaria—an unassuming school by many standards—listing students who scored 300 and above in the UTME. Fifteen names graced the page, the lowest score being a staggering 302 and the highest, an almost mythical 371. By Bagudu Mohammed My first reaction was a mix of awe and mischief. I chuckled and muttered under my breath, “So, where are the big-name schools now?” You know the ones—those elite institutions nestled in Abuja, Lagos, Jos, Kano, and Minna, where fees can rival university tuition and where some believe excellence is simply a price tag away.…
The political atmosphere in Kebbi State is stirring once again, and this time, the spotlight is gradually shifting to one of Nigeria’s most prominent legal minds and political figures, Dr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. With 2027 on the horizon, calls for Malami to contest the gubernatorial seat are not only growing louder but are echoing across the three major Emirates of Kebbi: Zuru, Yauri, and Gwandu. The mounting support from political stakeholders, traditional rulers, and grassroots mobilizers underscores a sentiment long nurtured—Kebbi deserves tested leadership, and Malami fits the mold. By…
In recent times, a curious slogan has slithered into our everyday conversations, advertisements, and online banter—”This is not for civil servants.” It sounds like a joke. It feels like satire. But is it merely humour, or a mirror to a society that’s slowly losing its soul? What started as a casual quip has evolved into a cultural talking point, thanks in part to a stirring critique by Folorunsho Fatai Adisa in his piece “This is Not for Civil Servants: A Mockery Masquerading as Marketing.” In it, he challenges the moral foundation of a phrase that seems harmless on the surface…