Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, is set to join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on a three-day state visit to France, underscoring efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. Invited by French President Emmanuel Macron, the visit will focus on fostering diplomatic, economic, and security partnerships. President Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening to a warm reception. Defence Minister Abubakar will engage in high-level discussions with other Nigerian ministers and their French counterparts during the visit. These meetings aim to enhance cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, and other critical areas of…
Author: TheStories
The Islamic State (ISIS)-affiliated militants, ISWAP on Monday claimed it coordinated an attack against the Nigerian troops involving the use of suicide bombers and direct assault. They claimed that two suicide bombers identified as Abu Aisha al-Barnawi and Abu Saddiq al-Muhajir believed to be a foreign national detonated vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) at military defensive positions, paving the way for a ground assault. They claimed that Seven military vehicles, including armored personnel carriers, were reportedly destroyed in the assault.Images purportedly taken by the attackers were shared online, showcasing the aftermath of the attack and captured military equipment. FACT Contrary…
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has inaugurated an 18-member committee to oversee the second phase of the Postgraduate Scholarship Program. In a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the initiative aims to support 1,001 first-class graduates in pursuing master’s degrees at leading public and private universities across Nigeria. represented by his Chief of Staff, Shehu Wada Sagagi, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and empowering Kano’s youth. “When we launched the 1001 Scholarship Scheme, our vision was to empower Kano’s brightest minds to compete globally, excel in their fields, and bring their…
Nigeria, burdened by debt, finds itself at a critical juncture in its economic history. President Bola Tinubu has embarked on an ambitious financial strategy, with the National Assembly’s recent approval for him to borrow an additional 2.2 billion US dollars, pushing Nigeria’s total debt to an unprecedented 138 trillion naira. This essay examines the implications of this borrowing spree, explores the trajectory of Tinubu’s fiscal policies since taking office, and scrutinizes the potential consequences of such financial maneuvers on Nigeria’s economic landscape. Debt can be a double-edged sword. On one side, it can provide the necessary capital for development projects,…
Sokoto State Government says it is ready to partner with Saudi Arabia in the propagation of Islam. The State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu gave this assurance when he hosted the representative of Saudi Arabian Embassy in Nigeria, Dr Nami Jarullah to a dinner. Gov. Aliyu described support to islamic activities especially propagation of Islam as crucial for clear understanding of the true teachings of Islam. “We need to collaborate with all the relevant stakeholders in ensuring that the negative perceptions the non Muslims have about Islam is changed. “Islam always preaches peace and it it is against violence or terrorism, it…
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 50-year-old businessman, Osuoha Christian Iheanacho, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, AIIA, Enugu, for ingesting 90 wraps of cocaine.Osuoha was intercepted on Wednesday 20th November 2024 at the arrival hall of the Enugu airport during the inbound screening of passengers arriving from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on an Ethiopian airlines flight following months of intelligence and surveillance on him. He was subsequently placed on excretion observation during which he egested 90 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.019 kilograms in seven excretions. Investigation reveals that the suspect who operates phone and…
By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman On August 17 2024, Nigeria commemorated the 82nd birthday of a significant figure in its political history—General Ibrahim Babangida, commonly referred to as IBB. His tenure as a military ruler from 1985 to 1993 was marked by sweeping reforms, infrastructural developments, and the establishment of numerous state institutions. This essay aims to explore the multifaceted contributions of IBB to Nigeria, particularly focusing on the creation of states, the establishment of security agencies, and the remarkable infrastructure projects that have left an indelible mark on the nation. One of the most notable legacies of Ibrahim Babangida is his…
By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman In the intricacies of Nigeria’s politics, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has long served as a critical voice for the northern region. The recent suspension of its chairman, Mamman Osuman, following his candid criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s policies, has ignited a firestorm of debate across the nation. I will explore the implications of this development, its potential as an attempt to silence dissenting voices from the North, and the broader ramifications of suspending a leader for articulating what may be perceived as uncomfortable truths. The ACF, established in 2000, aims to promote the interests of the…
By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman The northern region Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, grappling with both internal and external pressures that shape its socio-political landscape. As the specter of the 2027 elections looms, a palpable tension has emerged among prominent northern organizations, particularly between the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). The recent communiqué from the ACF, which lamented the poor state of the North and criticized the policies of the Bola Tinubu-led government, has ignited a discourse on the role of northern elites and the importance of collective action. The ACF, a socio-cultural group representing the…
Road traffic accidents have become a grim reality in Nigeria, claiming thousands of lives each year. At the heart of this tragedy lies overspeeding—a reckless disregard for safety that transforms our highways into danger zones. While overtaking can be a necessary manoeuvre, overspeeding takes it to a deadly extreme, leaving shattered lives and families in its wake. By Abubakar Abdullahi Kurebe The high cost of overspeeding Overspeeding accounts for nearly half of road traffic fatalities in Nigeria, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). During high-traffic periods such as festive seasons and the “Ember months,” the risk intensifies as…