Richard Kanu served in Sierra Leone’s military for over 10 years, but nothing prepared him for the Russian army, which he says he was tricked into joining. As a migrant in St. Petersburg, he applied for a job by signing some Russian-language paperwork. He didn’t realize he had signed a contract for military service until he arrived at a base in Rostov-on-Don, just outside Ukraine. “They loaded us into a truck and I found myself in Donetsk,” he told the Kyiv Independent news website in 2024. “They said the contract you signed was to go to war.” Russian propaganda often…
Author: TheStories
Sokoto, Nigeria – The Sokoto Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project has called for enhanced collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Orientation to amplify its impact across the state. Mansur Isa Buhari, the Project Coordinator, made the appeal during a visit to the Ministry, underscoring the crucial role of effective communication in achieving the project’s goals. “We believe that effective communication is key to the success of our project. The Ministry of Information is our most strategic partner in ensuring that the people of Sokoto are informed and engaged in the important educational initiatives we are…
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Canada and beyond, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, stepping down as the leader of the country after nearly a decade in office. Trudeau, who has served as Canada’s Prime Minister since 2015, announced during a nationally televised address from Ottawa this evening. Speaking with a tone of gratitude and reflection, he expressed his deep appreciation to Canadians for the opportunity to serve, while citing personal reasons and a desire to “pass the torch” as key factors behind his decision. “Leading this country has been the greatest honor of my…
In a renewed call for transparency, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged China to share comprehensive data on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. This appeal comes as global scientists and health authorities continue to investigate the virus’s roots, which have remained a contentious topic since the outbreak in late 2019. Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of uncovering the origins of the virus to prevent future pandemics. “We need full access to all the data and studies conducted in China to better understand how this virus emerged and…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians of his administration’s determination to complete the Eastern Rail Line, which connects Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. This commitment was made during an interactive session with South East leaders as part of his official visit to Enugu State on Saturday. President Tinubu highlighted the importance of the rail project to Nigeria’s economic development, noting that it would significantly boost trade, particularly in non-oil exports. He stated, “This is a work in progress. I inherited some of these critical challenges, but I am committed to resolving them.” The session saw leaders from the region, including…
In recent years, a troubling pattern has emerged in Nigeria: military airstrikes intended to combat terrorism are increasingly resulting in the tragic deaths and injuries of innocent civilians. These incidents have left entire communities in mourning and have raised serious questions about the accuracy of military operations, the reliability of intelligence, and the commitment to safeguarding civilian lives in conflict zones. By Abdallah el-Kurebe The Kurebe tragedy In early 2022, the once peaceful Kurebe community in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area became a scene of unimaginable horror. An airstrike aimed at bandits hiding nearby mistakenly struck civilian homes, leading…
Although I am not exactly in the right frame of mind to express myself coherently about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first engagement with the media, I remain convinced that his responses to questions concerning the welfare of the people he is supposed to lead seem to indicate a lack of concern. His primary focus appears to be on accumulating more wealth and serving foreign interests, at the expense of Nigerians, many of whom defied challenges to ensure his emergence as the country’s number one citizen. By Abdu Labaran The disdain for his fellow citizens, particularly the poor, was palpable during…
Christmas 2024 will forever be remembered as a day most Nigerians would rather forget. It was marked by numerous setbacks for citizens, including an exponential increase in the cost of telephone calls and data usage in Nigeria. Tariffs for these essential services have risen by a staggering 40%. By Abdu Labaran This latest hike in tariffs means life for the average Nigerian will become even more challenging. Citizens must prepare for a rough 2025, contrasting sharply with the supposed “smooth” ride experienced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in 2024. Starting January 1, 2025, telephone usage in Nigeria will decline…
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Abdulkadir Maye, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the NGF, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. In a statement signed by the Director-General of the NGF, Dr. L.O.T. Shittu, the forum described Prince Abdulkadir as a distinguished public servant, a man of exceptional character, and a symbol of dedication and loyalty. “Prince Abdulkadir’s steadfast commitment to the ideals of good governance and his immeasurable contributions to the development of Kwara State and the nation at large will not be forgotten,” the statement read. The…
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar A. Namadi, on the passing of his mother, Maryam Namadi Umar, who died on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. In a statement, the Minister expressed his shock and sadness, saying, “I was deeply shocked to receive the heartbreaking news of the demise of Maryam Namadi Umar, the beloved mother of the Governor of Jigawa State.” He described the loss as a great tragedy and conveyed his deepest sympathies to Governor Namadi, his family, and the people of Jigawa State. The Minister prayed…