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Kaduna Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, has clarified that the State Government offered bandits access to education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities rather than cash payment as part of efforts to end years of killings and kidnappings across the State.

Maiyaki made this known at a one-day workshop on Peace Journalism organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State in collaboration with the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and the Ministry of Information, Kaduna State.

He said the initiative, tagged Kaduna Peace Model, was a deliberate shift from confrontation to conversation, focusing on restoring humanity through dialogue and development instead of financial appeasement. ‘You cannot bomb peace into existence; you must build it with trust,’ he declared.

According to the Commissioner, the turning point came when leaders of the armed groups asked the government to reopen markets, schools, and healthcare centres that had been closed due to insecurity. ‘We agreed because these are basic human needs, not ransom payments,’ he explained. ‘We didn’t give them a dime. What we gave was life back to communities long abandoned.’

Maiyaki noted between 2015 and 2023, Kaduna recorded 1,160 security incidents resulting in 4,876 deaths, with thousands kidnapped or displaced. By 2021 alone, 1,192 people were killed and 3,348 abducted, forcing the closure of 142 schools and 192 health facilities.

He said Kaduna, once declared a ‘red zone’ by the international community, was gradually reclaiming its image through a non-kinetic approach anchored on intelligence sharing, dialogue, and socio-economic inclusion – in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Through the joint ONSA-Kaduna Peace Committee, he said, more than 500 captives were safely released via negotiations without any payment of ransom or resort to force. ‘We are seeing trust where there was fear, and cooperation where there was hostility,’ he said.

Maiyaki cited examples of former bandit leaders such as Jan Bros and Yellow One Million, who act as community peace mediators, helping to maintain stability in previously volatile areas. ‘The peace model works because it is owned by the people. Communities co-create peace instead of having it dictated by government,’ he stressed.

He added that over 500,000 hectares of farmland had been recovered with agricultural and commercial activities revived in Giwa, Birnin Gwari, and Kauru Local Government Areas. ‘Markets have reopened, and 20 to 30 cattle trucks now move weekly on roads once feared by travellers,’ he said.

Maiyaki maintained that every reopened school, clinic, or market represented a ‘victory over fear,’ proving that inclusion and dialogue could achieve what brute force could not. ‘Our people wanted dignity, not pity,’ he said. ‘Once they saw sincerity, they embraced peace.’

He clarified that the process was not a one-off truce but an ongoing engagement involving district heads, clerics, and local leaders to prevent relapse into violence. ‘We are not declaring victory,’ he quoted Governor Uba Sani as saying. ‘We are declaring commitment.’

Maiyaki concluded that the Kaduna Peace Model had become a living, evolving process rooted in trust and shared ownership. ‘Peace is cheaper, deeper, and more enduring when people have a stake in it,’ he said. ‘The Kaduna experience proves that security without humanity is insecurity in disguise.’

The Senator Samuel Anyanwu-faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended the November 15 and 16 elective National Convention of the party indefinitely.

Acting National Chairman of the faction, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammed, said at a briefing that proceeding with the convention will be a violation of the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Mohammed said even though they are aware of an exparte order by an Ibadan High Court, it does invalidate the judgement since an exparte order cannot over ride a valid judgement.

According to him: ‘The National Leadership of the PDP, under my humble leadership as Acting National Chairman. Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammed, in collaboration with our National Secretary, Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu, hereby formally informs the Nigerian public that we have received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered by Honourable Justice Omotosho in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.

‘Furthermore, we are pleased to confirm that our esteemed National Legal Adviser, Ajibade A. (SAN) has provided a thorough legal opinion on the implications of the judgment.

‘In strict adherence to due process and our commitment to faimess, we have filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal to seek further judicial clarification and interpretation in the overall interest of our party, our members and Nigerian democracy.

‘Consequently, having filed an appeal and in line with our responsibility to uphold the rule of law and the PDP, we hereby suspend and cancel the proposed Ibadan National Convention pending the decision pf the Court of Appeal. Any continuation with the proposed convention at this time would amount to a violation of the rule of law and shall not be condoned.

‘The lndependent National Electoral Commission was a party to the suit and is fully aware of the judgement of the Federal High court. Nevertheless, we have dimmed it necessary and responsible to formally communicate our position to the commission. Accordingly, we have notified INEC to suspend the National Convention in strict compliance with the directive contained in the judgement

‘We are also aware of an ex parte order recently issued by a High Court in Oyo State. While we await the Certrfied True Copy of the said order, we reiterate that an ex parte order cannot override a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court. We shall continue to act only in accordance with valid judicial authority and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘As a responsible, law-abiding, and democratic institution, the PDP remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, constitutional governance, and internal party democracy Our actions will continue to be guided by legal advice, by respect for our members, and by our duty to protect the integnty of our party.

‘We assure our teeming supporters and the general public that every decision we take will be governed by wisdom, justice, legality, and the timeless values that have positioned the PDP as the strongest democratic institution on the African continent.

‘In the coming days, the National Working Committee (NWC) will communicate further decisions and next steps in compliance with our party constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘Let it be restated unequivocally: the PDP remains one united and indivisible family. We are strong. We are focused. We are committed to offering credible leadership, constructive opposition, and principled engagement in defence of Nigeria’s democracy, peace, unity, and prosperity’.

The joint congresses of the four in-house unions of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina have embarked on a two-week warning strike, from Nov. 3.

This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Katsina, signed by Dr Murtala Abdullahi, the Chairman, Academic Staff Union (ASUU), UMYU chapter, on behalf of the four in-house unions.

The other unions are the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and the Non-Academic Staff Union Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).

Abdullahi recalled that the unions had formally submitted the critical issues that led to the trade disputes to the University Governing Council and the state government, but said that they were yet to be resolved.

‘We also made it clear that the unions had reached an understanding with the government, through its representatives, on all the issues, with commitments on the part of the authorities to address the concerns of our members.

‘These issues, it should be recalled, border on condition of service and the future of our teeming members, as well as the security of our examinations/records and autonomy of the university.

‘However, it is regrettable to inform you that none of these agreements and understanding reached have been fulfilled by the state government,’ he said.

The ASUU chairman pointed out that in spite of their patience, since 2020, which led to giving the government an additional three weeks to honour their promises, there had been no meaningful response or action.

‘This continued disregard on the part of the state government clearly demonstrates a lack of seriousness and responsibility in addressing the plight of our members.

‘In light of this and after due consultations and extensive deliberations, the congresses of the four unions have resolved to embark on a two-week warning strike.

‘This is in order to further drive home our legitimate demands and compel the state government to wake up to its duties by demonstrating genuine commitment to resolving the issues at hand.

‘We wish to make it clear that this action is not taken out of pleasure or haste, but as a last resort after all the avenues of dialogue and understanding have been exhausted.

‘We sincerely appeal to our students, parents, the Katsina community and the nation at large for understanding and support. Our struggle is in the collective interest of quality education and the future of our children,’ Abdullahi said.

He said that at the end of the two weeks, if there were still no tangible progress from the government, the unions would reconvene to decide on the next course of action.

Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has expressed admiration for colleague Iyabo Ojo, declaring her Woman Crush Wednesday and describing her as one of the best in Nollywood.

In a post on Instagram, Funke praised Iyabo’s beauty, style, and elegance, while also commending her exceptional performance in the upcoming movie ‘Behind The Scenes’.

According to Funke, Iyabo’s talent, confidence, and passion for acting shine through in every role she takes on, solidifying her position as a top actress in the industry.

She wrote: ‘WomanCrushWednesday. My WCW is the beautiful, stylish and elegant Iyabo Ojo! Her performance in Behind the Scenes was absolutely phenomenal. Iyabo continues to prove why she’s one of the best in Nollywood. Her talent, confidence, and passion always shine through every role she plays’.

The post features clips of Iyabo on set, showcasing her impressive work and dedication to her craft.

Phil Foden scored twice and Erling Haaland netted against his former club as Manchester City brushed aside Borussia Dortmund to strengthen their position in the league phase of the Champions League.

Pep Guardiola’s men are unbeaten in their opening four matches and a third win moved them up to fourth in the table, with the top eight sides qualifying automatically for the last 16.

Nico Kovac’s Dortmund side had started on the front foot but faded away as the hosts scored twice in seven first-half minutes to wrestle control of the contest.

Foden was impressive throughout and he stung the palms of Gregor Kobel with a powerful strike from outside the box, before a curling free-kick straight into the hands of the visiting goalkeeper.

It was third time lucky for the Englishman in the 22nd minute, picking the ball up outside the box and, as the Dortmund defenders stood off, Foden rolled a delightful finish low into the bottom corner.

It was his first Champions League goal in exactly a year after netting in a 4-1 defeat by Sporting in last season’s competition.

City then attacked at will and seemed intent on steamrollering the opposition as Kobel tipped over a close-range effort from Nico O’Reilly, before the prolific Haaland thumped home a cutback from Jeremy Doku in the 29th minute.

It was the Norwegian’s fifth successive Champions League strike – becoming the first player to do so for three different teams – RB Salzburg, Dortmund and now City.

Kobel was kept busy, batting away a thunderous drive from Tijjani Reijnders.

But City pushed on after the restart and Foden doubled his tally in the 57th minute by curling home a delightful second.

Dortmund, who are 12th in the table, staged a late rally and Waldemar Anton poked home a consolation from a Julian Ryerson cross.

But substitute Rayan Cherki restored City’s three-goal advantage in added time with a lovely run and neat finish.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has summoned Air Component Commanders from all operational theatres, charging them to intensify precision air operations that deliver ‘smarter, harder, and more decisive firepower’ against terrorists and other non-state actors.

Addressing the commanders, during a high-level strategic meeting at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters, Abuja, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that the days ahead demand agility, precision, and intelligence-driven warfare against criminals threatening the peace and stability of the country.

‘We must fly smarter and strike harder not only to neutralize threats but to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians,’ he said.

‘Every mission must reflect professionalism, purpose, and patriotism.’

According to the NAF boss, the evolving nature of threats across theatres requires synchronization of air, land, and maritime operations to achieve joint mission success.

‘Our operations must be intelligence-led, coordinated, and focused. We will continue to work closely with the sister services and other security agencies to ensure a united front in the fight against terrorism and criminality,’ he added.

Air Marshal Aneke charged the commanders to translate strategy into decisive action, sustain operational tempo, and ensure every sortie achieves tangible impact on the ground.

‘The safety and confidence of our citizens are our mission success indicators. Nigeria is counting on us, and we will not fail,’ he declared.

While affirming that the NAF will prioritize innovation, technology, and training to enhance mission success, Air Marshal Aneke, reassured the commanders and all NAF’s personnel of his commitment to their welfare, capacity development, and operational effectiveness.

He said: ‘Every airman and airwoman has a role to play in achieving our collective vision. I will ensure you are equipped, trained, and motivated to deliver results.’

The NAF boss emphasized that the NAF remains dedicated to the government’s vision of peace and security, while upholding international standards of conduct and accountability.

‘We will apply decisive force against those who threaten our nation, with discipline, humanity, and professionalism.

‘The Nigerian people, government, and international partners expect nothing less from us,’ he said.

The Nation reports that the meeting provided a platform to harmonize strategies, strengthen inter-service cooperation, and ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains a decisive instrument of national security and a symbol of hope for citizens.

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Music has a way of sticking with us. Yet for many, today’s tracks just don’t hit the same way. If you’ve been feeling that 2025 music isn’t ‘it,’ this list is your guide. From Afrobeats to global pop, spanning the early 2000s to the 2020s, these thirteen albums bring back the sounds and styles that feel missing in today’s music.

1. Born in the wild – Tems (2024)

Soulful, introspective, and rich in emotion. Tems brings back the kind of depth that defined classic R and B, but through her own Afrofusion lens.

2. Timeless – Davido (2023)

An album that truly lives up to its name. Timeless merges amapiano, Afrobeats, and melody-driven storytelling, evoking the golden warmth of 2010s Afropop.

3. Mr. Money with the vibe – Asake (2022)

Afrobeats at its most energetic. Asake blends catchy melodies, playful lyrics, and irresistible grooves that keep you moving from start to finish.

4. Love, Damini – Burna Boy (2022)

Emotional, global, and reflective, Love, Damini blends pride and vulnerability in a way few modern records can.

5. 19 and dangerous – Ayra Starr (2021)

Ayra’s debut glows with youthful rebellion and sincerity, representing a new generation’s confidence while echoing early 2000s pop soul.

6. Planet her – Doja Cat (2021)

A kaleidoscope of pop, R and B, and digital funk. It’s futuristic but nostalgic.

7. Made in Lagos – Wizkid (2020)

A masterpiece of modern Afrobeats. Smooth, melodic, and globally resonant – it’s the album that set the standard for 2020’s African pop.

8. Please excuse me for being antisocial – Roddy Ricch (2019)

Trap beats and melodic hooks define this debut, combining catchy rhythms with emotional storytelling.

9. good kid, m.A.A.d city – Kendrick Lamar (2012)

A cinematic, storytelling masterpiece that brought realness back to hip-hop – one of the last albums that felt like a movie.

10. B’Day – Beyoncé (2006)

Bold, iconic, and sonically rich. Beyoncé’s 2006 era was pure empowerment wrapped in danceable R and B perfection.

11. Expression – Styl-Plus (2006)

Every Nigerian remembers this one. Expression defined our R and B era – love songs, harmonies, and pure emotion that never age.

12. No strings attached – NSYNC (2000)

Boy-band pop at its peak. Harmonies, heartbreak, and infectious hooks – the sound of an entire generation growing up.

13. Black and Blue – Backstreet Boys (2000)

Romantic and melodramatic in all the right ways, it’s the blueprint for 2000s pop nostalgia.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced plans to introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) as part of efforts to strengthen identity management and enhance border governance in line with global standards.

The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, disclosed this at the Joint Thematic Meeting of the Khartoum, Rabat and Niamey Processes, co-hosted by Nigeria and the Government of France.

In a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Akinsola Akinlabi on Wednesday in Abuja, Nandap said that the new document would replace the existing Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC).

The NIS CG said that it would also serve as a temporary, single-entry travel document for Nigerians abroad whose passports have expired, been lost or stolen, enabling them to return home in a secure and verifiable manner.

She explained that STEP would be issued at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates and forms a key component of the Service’s reform agenda targeted at modernising migration systems and improving service delivery.

‘The initiative aligns with the Service’s commitment to robust identity protection, efficient consular support and enhanced border management capabilities,’she said.

Nandap who delivered a keynote address titled ‘Insights on Prevention and Protection as Strategic Pillars to Effective Law Enforcement and Prosecution Responses, the Nigeria Immigration Service Perspective,’ outlined the ongoing reforms to combat irregular migration.

She said that the NIS was prioritising enhanced border governance, improved migration management systems, targeted capacity building and stronger international collaboration to combat smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons.

Nandap reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global migration dialogue platforms.

She also stressed that the NIS would continue to align policies and operations with international best practices to ensure orderly, safe and regular migration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting brought together major stakeholders in migration governance.

This include representatives of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), ECOWAS, African Union (AU), European Union (EU), as well as African and European nations.

The engagement focused on strengthening coordinated prevention, protection and prosecution approaches to migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons across key African and European migration routes.

Actress Mercy Aigbe has extended support to colleague Regina Daniels amid her marital crisis with estranged husband Ned Nwoko.

Aigbe, on Instagram, sent love, strength, and prayers Regina’s way, urging her to stay positive and focused on her personal growth.

In the post, Mercy reminded Regina of her youth, talent, and potential, acknowledging that she’s still learning and growing.

She recognised that life is full of ups and downs, with some seasons being gentle and others stormy.

However, Mercy expressed confidence that with love, faith, and time, Regina would overcome her current challenges.

She wrote: ‘Sending love, strength, and prayers your way @regina.daniels. You’re young, talented, and still learning – and that’s okay. We all go through seasons –some gentle, some stormy. But with love, faith, and time, we overcome..Keep your head high, keep growing, and never lose your beautiful spirit. Sending love and light your way’.