Ever since I was privileged to cover and report on two breakthroughs during the boring of the 37.9-kilometre English Channel Tunnel between Folkestone in England and Calais in France for the BBC Hausa Section, I became fascinated by railways projects. I track such projects in Nigeria and elsewhere in the world. It is in the context of my interest in railway projects that I was delighted when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s willingness to complete the rehabilitation of the Eastern Rail Line connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri and all ongoing railway projects financed by the Federal Government. President…
Author: TheStories
A viral video clip shows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saying that he was elected to implement reforms and that was why he removed the subsidy on petrol on his first day in office as President. He said that the subsidy on petrol was a pipeline for fraud. He mentioned that more reforms were coming, presumably in sectors other than the problematic energy industry. The reforms, he admits, are painful but necessary. On June 12, 2024, Reuters, the French News Agency, quoted President Tinubu as saying that the hardships caused by the reforms, through higher interest rates, spiraling inflation, and the…
The Kano State Government, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), is set to establish four bilingual schools offering education in both English and Arabic. This initiative aims to integrate Almajiri children into the formal education system and address the growing challenge of out-of-school children in the state. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the partnership on Monday while distributing 789,000 school uniforms to pupils in over 7,000 public schools across Kano’s 44 local government areas. Speaking at the event held at the Government House, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making education a top priority. He emphasized the…
The Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has contributed N10 million to the Kano Emblem Appeal Fund to support fallen heroes in the state The donation was announced at the 2025 Emblem Appeal Fund launch, held on Monday at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, as part of activities marking the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. A statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Kano Government House, Usman Gwadabe revealed that Governor Yusuf personally donated N2 million to the fund. Furthermore, the state’s 44 Local Government Areas collectively contributed an additional N10 million to the…
The Republic of Cuba has officially filed a declaration of intervention in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding South Africa’s genocide case against Israel. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing international legal battle over alleged human rights violations in Palestine. South Africa lodged the case against Israel in late 2024, accusing it of committing acts of genocide against Palestinians under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The case has drawn widespread attention, sparking global debate on Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and the broader political dynamics of the Middle East conflict.…
The Sokoto State Government has directed teachers to commence academic activities immediately as schools across the state resume for the second term on Monday. Professor Ahmed Ladan Ala, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, issued the directive in a statement released by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Iya, over the weekend. According to the statement, boarding schools will reopen on Sunday, January 12, 2025, while public and private schools are set to begin second-term academic activities on Monday, January 13, 2025. Parents, guardians, School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) are urged to ensure the prompt resumption…
As Governor Abba Kabir marks his 62nd birthday, his exceptional rapport with the media takes center stage, reflecting a leadership approach characterized by openness, strategic communication, and transparency. His tenure has not only shaped governance in Kano State but has set a new standard for how political figures can effectively engage with the media to enhance governance, foster public trust, and increase democratic accountability. By focusing on transparency, utilizing digital tools, and championing the role of the media, Governor Kabir has transformed the way the government interacts with its citizens. By Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu Since assuming office, Governor Abba Kabir…
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on residents of Kano to remain calm and avoid any actions that could disrupt the peace of the ancient city. The Emir made this appeal on Friday evening in response to the Court of Appeal’s judgment on the validity of his appointment as the 16th Emir of Kano. A three-member panel of Justices from the appellate court, sitting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), overturned an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court, Kano Division, which had nullified his reinstatement. The Federal High Court decision, delivered by Justice Abdullahi Liman in…
The Kano State Government has lauded the recent Court of Appeal judgment affirming its reforms in traditional institutions and overturning prior Federal High Court rulings concerning the Kano Emirate Council. In a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre, Kano, on Saturday, January 11, 2025, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, alongside the Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Information, and 44 Local Government Chairmen, addressed the media. The government reiterated its commitment to justice, equity, and the modernization of traditional institutions while safeguarding the state’s rich cultural heritage. The appellate court’s decision…
A joint operation led by the Department of State Security (DSS) has rescued four victims from a bandits’ den in Malafana Bush, Sokoto State. The successful mission highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle banditry in the region. Among the rescued victims is Malam Umar Umar Dankoli Kagarar Rima, who recounted his 26-day ordeal. He revealed that he was kidnapped alongside his 13-year-old granddaughter, and the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦50 million, later reducing it to ₦10 million. According to Malam Umar, the family raised ₦1 million through contributions, which his eldest son delivered to the bandits…