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For generations, reliable public water supply has remained one of Kano’s most persistent development challenges. Across the ancient city, surrounding communities and expanding residential layouts, households have endured irregular supply, long searches for water and the uncertainty of when their taps would run again. For many residents, access to water became a daily struggle rather than a basic public service.

That reality is beginning to change under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, as the state’s water infrastructure rehabilitation moves from construction to service delivery; With the Challawa and Tamburawa treatment plants and their pumping stations reported to be 100 per cent complete, a successful test run conducted and water flow commenced, Kano has reached a significant milestone in its effort to restore dependable public water supply and its system.

The achievement is important, but its real value lies in what it means for ordinary Bakano. Water must not merely be treated and pumped; it must reach homes, schools, hospitals, markets and businesses consistently. The administration’s next task is therefore to translate restored infrastructure into reliable and consistent supply across the communities that depend on it.

Significantly, the test run has exposed reticulation challenges in parts of the distribution network across many locations in the state due to non-use of the pipes. These are now being addressed. Rather than diminishing the achievement, identifying these gaps provides a practical basis for targeted repairs and improvements. The ultimate measure of success will be how effectively the government closes these gaps and extends the benefits of the restored facilities to underserved neighbourhoods and communities.

For communities such as Dukawa, Kofar Wambai and Shehi, as well as semi-urban settlements and newer layouts around Tamburawa, the expectation is clear: water should flow reliably, safely and affordably. Completing treatment plants is a major step; ensuring that the distribution network delivers their output to the intended users is the test that follows.

The benefits of dependable water supply reach far beyond household convenience. Children can spend less time fetching water and more time learning. Families can reduce their reliance on costly alternatives, health facilities can improve hygiene, and small businesses can operate with fewer interruptions. Investment in water is therefore an investment in public health, education, productivity and human dignity and prosperity.

sacrosanct, the restoration of infrastructure must not be mistaken for the complete resolution of Kano’s water challenges. The state’s growing population, expanding urban settlements and the continuing cost of operating and maintaining major facilities demand sustained attention. Hence, regular equipment maintenance, water-quality monitoring, timely pipeline repairs and transparent reporting on service delivery will be essential to prevent a return to the shortages that residents have unnecessarily endured for years.

This is where the question of sustainability beyond 2031 becomes critical. Water infrastructure is a long-term public asset, not a temporary political project as always opined by Governor Abba. Its benefits must survive changes in government. The Yusuf administration is therefore establishing a durable maintenance system, securing a predictable operational funding, strengthening technical capacity and ensuring that future governments inherit functioning facilities rather than infrastructure requiring another round of rehabilitation.

Citizens, too, have a pivotal role to play by protecting public pipelines, boreholes and other facilities against vandalism and misuse. But public participation must complement, not replace, the government’s responsibility to maintain infrastructure and provide transparent, accountable service.

Ultimately, government performance is measured not by projects completed on paper but by improvements in people’s daily lives as we have seen in many sectors. Kano’s water intervention will be judged by the households receiving dependable supplies today and by whether that service continues in the years ahead and decades to come.

The journey from dry taps to running water has begun. The task now is to close the remaining distribution gaps, sustain the momentum beyond 2031 and make reliable water supply a lasting reality for every community. That is a legacy worth building by the governor and a promise worthy of Kano First.

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have repelled a terrorist ambush along the Anka-Guruzu Road in Zamfara State.

The military said the operations, conducted on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, were part of ongoing efforts to curb terrorist activities and protect lives and property across the North-West.

In a statement, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, said troops of Sector 2 came under attack while conducting a fighting patrol to clear the Anka-Guruzu Road following reports of terrorist activities in the area.

He said the terrorists launched a coordinated ambush from both sides of the road but were forced to retreat after the troops responded with superior firepower, inflicting heavy casualties on them.

The statement added that the troops subsequently secured the road and restored freedom of movement for commuters, although one soldier sustained a gunshot injury and was evacuated for medical attention. The soldier was said to be in stable condition.

In a separate operation in Sokoto State, the troops foiled an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock and abduct herders at Takasaba village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

According to the statement, the troops acted on credible intelligence about the terrorists’ activities and swiftly mobilised to the scene, forcing the attackers to flee and abandon the 520 livestock and two abducted herders.

The rescued victims were identified as Malam Sulaiman, 50, and Nasiru Sulaiman, 14. They were subsequently handed over to the Sabon Birni Local Government authorities.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General W.B. Idris commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to sustain the offensive against terrorist groups.

He also reassured residents of the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security across the Joint Operations Area, urging members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and credible information.

Comrade Okwuchukwu Oluchi Joy has emerged the National President of the Association of Nigerian Female Students (ANFS), after defeating her opponent, Adewale Mansoura, by 22 votes to three.

The election was held during the association’s 2026 National Convention at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Abuja.

Oluchi Joy, an indigene of Imo State who schools in Oyo State, secured 22 votes, while Mansoura polled three votes.

The Convention Chairperson, Comrade Princess Omoniyi Alice, announced the outcome in a statement congratulating the newly elected president on her victory.

She described the outcome as a decisive mandate for Oluchi Joy, expressing optimism that her emergence would usher in a new phase of leadership in the association.

According to her, the new administration is expected to prioritise students’ welfare, inclusive leadership, gender equality, educational opportunities and effective representation of female students across the country.

She also called on members and stakeholders of the association to support the new leadership in the interest of unity and institutional development.

Omoniyi further urged the incoming administration to strengthen engagement with relevant stakeholders and protect the interests and aspirations of Nigerian female students.

The 2027 Nasarawa North Senatorial election which is featuring Governor Abdullahi Sule, former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku and 10 other candidates is attracting more attention than the two other senatorial districts of South and West in the state, due to the involvement of the state governor in the race.

Governor Sule, having secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket is set to slug it out with eleven other candidates in the 583 polling units of the three local government areas that constitute the Nasarawa North Senatorial District: Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba.

The contest has become a political barometer for the APC in Nasarawa State, given that the governor is personally on the ballot, and for the opposition, which sees the zone as its traditional stronghold to prove its resurgence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In the array of candidates as finally listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, apart from Governor Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress, are former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku of the Labour Party, Madaki Banbella Anthony of the Peoples Democratic Party, Innocent Daniel Lagi of the Allied Peoples Movement, Duba Ishaya Dodo of the Social Democratic Party, Mohammed Steve Alaku of the African Democratic Congress and Yusuf Awuya of the Action Democratic Party.

Others are Victor Affiku Tsaku of the Action Alliance, Amos Jugbo Yusuf of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Johnson Bulus of the National Rescue Movement, Danladi Njehntegazoka James of the National Democratic Congress and Paul Isaac Audu of the Young Progressives Party.

A political analyst, Lazarus Salaki of the Nasarawa State Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance Group, said the 2027 Nasarawa North Senatorial election will be very competitive and won by a slim margin.

Describing the zone as dicey and complicated, Salaki said elections there are highly localized, with a history of sharing positions between Akwanga and Nasarawa Eggon.

He said the power of incumbency will play out for Governor Sule, followed by Maku and Barrister Lagi, with votes shared among the 12 contenders.

Salaki noted that resources will be decisive, adding that Maku will leverage his regional acceptability. He attributed APC’s victory in the 2026 bye-election, a departure from history where ruling parties lost in the zone, to massive deployment of resources to replace late Senator Akwashiki.

He said Maku came distant second due to lack of resources to match government influence, but stressed that politics is dynamic.

On religion and ethnicity, Salaki said they will not play major roles, as families in the zone have both Christians and Muslims and vote across faith lines. He added that Nasarawa Eggon results usually come first, while rural votes from Farin Ruwa and Mada Station often determine the winner.

A zone known for upsets

Our correspondent recalls thar since 1999, both the ruling and opposition parties have won the seat at different times depending on the political alignment of the people of the senatorial district, where they have a gentleman agreement to rotate the Senate seat among the three local government areas.

Late Patrick Aga won on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, platform in 1999 and John Danboyi won in 2003 on the same platform. Patricia Akwashiki won in 2007 under the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, banner as opposition. Yusuf Musa Nagogo won under the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, banner in 2011 as opposition but his victory was upturned by the Court and the late Solomon Ewuga was declared the winner of that election.

Philip Aruwa Gyunka won with the PDP ticket in 2015 as opposition. The Godiya Akwashiki won with the APC ticket in 2019 as ruling party and in 2023 as opposition under the SDP but passed on before he could complete the term. Few months ago, Halilu Danladi Envulu-Anza won the bye-election of 2026 for the ruling APC and replaced the late Akwashiki who died in December last year.

A look at the political history of the zone shows that it does not vote on party leanings alone, but on personality, ethnic balancing, religious sensitivity and the political mood of the time.

The 2027 calculations

Some of the 2027 senatorial candidates like Maku of Labour Party, Alaku of ADC and Dodo of SDP participated in the 2026 senatorial bye-election and were defeated by Envulu-Anza who is now not in the race with them, but they are contesting against the incumbent Governor Sule who is from the same APC with Envulu-Anza. Even though they have rejected the outcome of that bye-election alleging irregularities in the process, the bye-election has given them grassroots exposure that they intend to leverage upon.

Analysts say as the zone is constituted of different ethnic and religious groups with candidates from both faiths banking on different influences in the area to give them an edge, it is not easy to conclude who will carry the day.

Nasarawa North is predominantly Eggon, Mada, Rindre and other smaller groups.

If the influence of the candidates is to be reckoned with, Sule is expected to showcase his project distribution across the senatorial district, political appointments in his government and those he influenced at the federal level, civil servants recruited from the area, as well as his relationship with traditional institutions and stakeholders in the area.

Also, the nomination of the APC governorship running mate Emmanuel Ombugadu from the largest ethnic group of the zone, the Eggon, may also influence the chances of Governor Sule, as it is expected to deliver large votes from Eggon land if properly managed.

Governor Sule’s biggest asset is incumbency. As sitting governor, he controls the state machinery and also facilitated federal appointments for sons and daughters of the zone. His supporters argue that electing him as Senator will give the zone a ranking voice in the National Assembly, given his experience as governor.

However, his biggest liability is also incumbency. In a zone known for anti-establishment voting, there is a sentiment that the governor should have allowed power to rotate freely, especially after the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki. Some stakeholders in Wamba and Akwanga feel the senatorial ticket should remain in their axis for equity.

Labaran Maku of the Labour Party remains Governor Sule’s most formidable opponent. Maku was a Commissioner, Deputy Governor of the state and later Minister of Information. Holding these positions attracted people to him which also gives him popularity in the state particularly from the senatorial district where he hails from.

Like Governor Sule, Maku facilitated employment of hundreds of youths from the state many of whom are from the Senatorial district. This made him a household name and many people believe it has also given him popularity which can help to boost his chances in the election. Maku contested in 2015 and 2019 for governorship and in 2026 for senatorial seat bye election, building a resilient political structure. His strength does not only lie in Nasarawa Eggon where he is seen as a son of the soil but across the senatorial district and his national visibility as former Information Minister gives him leverage.

Another candidate is Duba Ishaya Dodo of the SDP, an architect, philanthropist, and politician. He is a prominent grassroots mobilizer and his influence in the upcoming election is relying on scholarship programmes that provided educational funding and support to hundreds of underprivileged students across Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, and Wamba local government areas. He has also provided financial grants to support orphans in local schools.

Dodo has funded several community infrastructure repairs. Notably, he personally sponsored the restoration of a solar-powered grid in the Ningo Sambe community after a devastating two-year blackout. As a young politician, his challenge is how acceptable he is to the old stakeholders even if he has the support of youths and women that he is assisting. His youth appeal could split the votes that would have gone to Sule and Maku.

Another candidate, Barrister Innocent Daniel Lagi of the APM, is a prominent Nigerian lawyer, human rights activist, and politician. He is best known for serving as the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Nasarawa State under the administration of Governor Umaru Al-Makura. He represented Wamba Constituency as a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly between 2008 and 2011.

As a rights crusader, Barrister Lagi is said to have provided pro-bono legal representation for over 300 unjustly dismissed workers and union members from various federal and state parastatals. He has collaborated extensively with legal and electoral reform civil societies, including Access to Justice and the Network of University Legal Aid Institutions.

But his performance in the upcoming election, analysts believe, can be determined by the level at which he reaches out to the electorate. Lagi is respected among the educated elite and in Wamba, his home base, which is considered a swing local government.

The ADC candidate, Mohammed Steve Alaku, is a seasoned Nigerian technocrat, community leader, and politician. Alaku was in the Public Service and served for over 34 years at the Department of Petroleum Resources where he rose to the position of Deputy Director and Head of Downstream Monitoring and Regulations.

Outside of formal governance, Alaku is widely recognized in his local community as a philanthropist. His notable community interventions include funding local water projects, boosting youth education, upgrading rural healthcare access, and personally facilitating the installation of electricity poles and wiring in parts of Mada Station.

What will decide the contest

Analysts point at different factors. The zone for instance has difficult terrains and riverine settlements that were recently affected by flooding. Ability to mobilize voters on election day will be key.

Many believe that if Eggon votes split between Sule’s APC, Maku’s Labour Party, and Dodo’s SDP, Wamba and Akwanga could decide the winner. In other words, ‘whoever gets the buy-in of traditional rulers in Akwanga and Nasarawa Eggon will have an upper hand,’ said an analyst. With 12 candidates in the race, vote splitting is inevitable.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to present the 2027 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly before the end of 2026.

The Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite, disclosed this on Wednesday when she briefed State House correspondents on some of the outcomes of the Federal Executive Council meeting.

Uzoka-Anite said the administration is already assembling the proposal, which President Tinubu is expected to present to lawmakers before December 31.

She also said that the FEC had officially endorsed the National Development Plan 2026-2030 alongside new legal frameworks designed to tackle child stunting and boost national food security.

Why FG is borrowing $21.7bn loan

Earlier, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, clarified that the $21.7 billion borrowing proposal transmitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu is an investment in assets and not for spending.

Oyedele explained that the proposed $21.7 billion plan represented a multi-year investment plan spanning roughly five years rather than an immediate drawdown.

He disclosed that $10.6 billion of the money was slated for critical transport links, including the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the Kano-Kaduna Metro Rail.

Oyedele said that over $7.9 billion of the loan would be sourced from multilateral and bilateral development partners (led by $5 billion from the World Bank) at an average interest rate of just 2.1 per cent.

The minister said the government was prioritising favourable financing terms to reduce borrowing costs and ensure that the projects delivered lasting economic benefits.

Cash transfer: 10m households receive over N600bn

The minister also disclosed that more than 10 million households had received over N600 billion in cash transfers, while the Nigerian Education Loan Fund had disbursed N372.6 billion to more than 1.5 million students.

He added that more than 800,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises had benefited from subsidised loans at single-digit interest rates.

Today, I am writing on a weighty subject. I am not even certain that this column, due to its spatial limitations, is the right place to discuss religion and radicalisation in the North. However, considering recent events in the country, it seemed uncharacteristic to ignore the issue. So consider this an opening of a conversation, one I would be pleased to discuss further with readers.

Two things happened this week. One was the brutal assassination of the Islamic preacher, Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim Masussuka, and the other, the trending video of Umar Gandi, a member of the First Aid Group of the Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS).

I had heard of Masussuka before now through the controversy surrounding his preaching. The one video of him I had seen prior to his death, however, was one in which he was preaching peaceful coexistence between different faiths. I thought that sort of preaching was refreshing because for far too long, faith leaders across the lines have advanced hatred, sowing and nurturing the seed of violence that has been engulfing the country for years.

My cursory look into his theology showed some radical departures from mainstream Islam-and this had nothing to do with interfaith coexistence. Upon investigating, I immediately understood the friction between him and other Muslim clerics. I did not think this was anything different because such frictions, of course, have always been normal in theology. It existed between Sunni, Salafist, Sufi and Shi’a scholars, and even between different factions of the Izala group, for instance, who are all Sunni. It is also true of Anglican, Pentecostal, and Catholic clergy and sometimes even intradenominational.

As we are unsure who is responsible for his death-as even claims that the Boko Haram offshoot, Ansaru, has claimed responsibility have themselves become controversial- it would be hasty to conclude about the motives. Which is why we must hope that the authorities hurry up and conclude their investigations by arresting the culprits so we can have some definitive answers. Yet, to hope would be to wilt in waiting. The assassinations of Sheikh Jafar Adam (2027), and Sheikh Muhammad Auwal Albanin Zaria (2014), killed in similar fashion, have remained unsolved. Both crimes have been claimed by Boko Haram, against whom both scholars have been very critical and have preached against.

The controversy surrounding Masussuka’s death somehow got entwined with the controversial video of an individual who has now been identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi, from Zamfara, who was leading children in a training exercise and singing a radicalising motivational song that encourages killings of Christians. Of course, coming from a man dressed in the uniform of a group affiliated with a popular Muslim group, it genuinely raised concerns about the radicalisation or normalisation of radicalisation in the North.

The question here is that the First Aid Group of JIBWIS, to which the man and the children belonged, is supposed to be a first aid group, not a militia kitted in a knock-off version of the Saudi Police uniform.

In addition to their roles in organising religious gatherings, instead of training these young volunteers in First Aid and other emergency medical services that could actually benefit society through interventions in cases of natural disasters or other tragedies, it is sad to see their training emphasis being on pseudo-paramilitary exercises, sometimes with wooden guns as props. It seems like a waste of potential for the group. But worse is to see children being indoctrinated through songs like that to consider interfaith violence as normal or something to aspire to.

The uproar against the video has been overwhelming. While one commends JIBWIS for quickly distancing itself from the act, identifying the culprit and handing him over to the authorities for investigation, its hastiness to dissociate itself from Gandi, by claiming that he did not even have a group ID, misses the point. The fact that he himself felt vindicated in singing that song, having it recorded and posting it on his social media, is indicative of a deeper malaise that the group needs to address-and this is the fact that the group has created an ambience that allows for the nurturing of such sentiments.

That hastiness papers over a cultivated groupthink. There is a recording of one of the group’s leading clerics praising the militarisation of the First Aid Group, boasting that they are more populous than the police and should be on standby to change the country. Of course, the cleric in question can explain exactly what he means by that, but any Hausa speaker who hears it won’t miss the insidious undertones in his word choices and tone.

Which brings me to the more concerning issue of the reactions to both the videos and the assassination of Masussuka. I have seen members of JIBWIS, including one claiming to be a member of the First Aid Group, denouncing the actions of Gandi; however, some have gone out of their way to claim that the videos, which the man himself posted on his socials, were AI-generated or doctored. The desperation to make that claim is again in keeping with the notion of avoiding a reality that needs confronting. The North has a radicalism problem that it desperately needs to address.

This manifests further in the reactions to Masussuka’s assassination, where some comments have been celebratory even, including ones that addressed very unkind remarks to the man’s grieving widows. This followed a rather baffling interview some journalists conducted with one of them hours after the man died.

I understand that some of those reactions, especially the ones denying that Masussuka had been killed, derived from the preacher’s own denial of the killing of the Prophet’s grandson, Hussein (RA), because, according to him, it was not mentioned in the Qur’an. It intends to apply the same parameters he applied to other historically factual events-vis-à-vis-since his death is not mentioned in the Qur’an, it did not happen. My understanding has always been-and this too is fundamentally derived from Islam-that a disagreement over theology should not warrant threats of death or celebrations of it, as that should be seen as a missed opportunity to engage the said party with superior intellectual arguments.

We must recognise that Nigeria’s North is fertile ground for religious radicalism. Incidentally, this is across the board and results from decades of resource competition and gaps in the political system. As far back as the 1920s, the colonial administration was concerned about the rise of the Tijaniya sect as a radical ideology to challenge colonial rule. What allowed the rise of that ideology was the gap in the power structure created by the colonial takeover that divested the emirs of power. The colonial administration’s desire to respect the ‘natural characteristics’ of the people by not interfering in religious matters, and the emirs’ lack of political power to address those issues, allowed room for those ideas and sects to emerge and take shape. While the Tijaniya group has since moved away from that initial radical ideology, succeeding governments have maintained the structure that continues to allow the gaps for radicalisation to sneak in and subsist.

On the other hand, one must understand that the version of Christianity introduced into Northern Nigeria as championed by the German missionary and strategist Karl Kumm (1874-1930) positioned Christianity as a buffer and antithesis to Islam. It specifically targeted what were then the pagan tribes who were not particularly fond of the caliphate and their slave raids into their territories. Thus, Islam and Christianity in Northern Nigeria met on the tip of a sword, at a point of conflict that fosters mutual enmity, mutual distrust, and hatred.

With a population of 230 million people, with 50 million between the ages of 18 and 30, and the appalling social conditions in the country, Nigeria provides an amenable population that can easily be radicalised on either side and attracts the interests of fanatics from elsewhere. The preaching of both faith leaders has continued to foster this atmosphere. I could go into detailed examples of how radicalised groups have emerged among both faiths but there is not enough space for it here.

However, not to digress from the point, it is a good thing that Mr Gandi has been handed over to the security operatives for investigations into his hate messaging and indoctrination of minors. I hope this will be a first step in checking religious radicalisation and hateful preaching across the country. A standard must be set. What we have failed to do as a nation is to be very deliberate about national unity beyond slogans and banners. We have failed to install guardrails to curtail hate rhetoric, preaching, and indoctrination. It is about time that changes. His controversial Islamic theology aside, the loss of Masussuka on the front of building interfaith harmony is a significant one.

Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have renewed their commitment to the peaceful resolution of outstanding boundary issues, with both countries seeking stronger cross-border cooperation to improve security and development in border communities.

The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surveyor Adamu A. Adaji, stated this on Wednesday while delivering his welcome address at the opening of the meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on the Nigeria-Benin International Boundary in Lagos.

The meeting, which runs from October 28 to 30, 2026, is aimed at reviewing outstanding boundary issues, considering technical recommendations and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

In a statement on Thursady, Adaji said the meeting was an important step towards strengthening friendship, cooperation and peaceful coexistence between Nigeria and Benin, which share approximately 770 kilometres of land boundary traversing six Nigerian states.

He noted that communities on both sides of the boundary maintained longstanding social, cultural and economic relationships, stressing the need to consider their interests in the demarcation process.

‘The management and resolution of boundary issues must be guided by applicable legal instruments, available evidence and technical procedures, while also taking into account the legitimate interests of border communities,’ he said.

The NBC director-general called for adequate sensitisation and engagement with affected communities as both countries work towards completing the boundary demarcation process.

He said the current meeting built on deliberations at previous meetings held in Abuja in 2022 and Cotonou in 2024.

Adaji also highlighted recommendations from a meeting of the Joint Technical Team held in Kétou, Benin Republic, from June 2 to 8, 2026, following field completion exercises conducted by both countries along the Illo-Borgu boundary.

He stressed that completing the demarcation process must go hand in hand with sustained cooperation among government institutions and communities living along the shared boundary.

The director-general called for the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Local Cross-Border Cooperation, following undertakings signed by chairmen of border local governments in Nigeria and their counterparts in communes in Benin Republic.

He said translating the agreement into practical action through regular consultations, joint action plans and community-based initiatives would strengthen border security, promote cultural integration, facilitate legitimate cross-border trade and enhance socioeconomic development.

Adaji also commended the government of Benin for its continued commitment to bilateral boundary mechanisms and acknowledged the support of the German government, through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), for promoting peaceful boundary management and cross-border cooperation.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working with its Beninese counterpart to resolve outstanding issues and advance the demarcation process, urging both delegations to agree on practical, time-bound measures that would benefit the two countries and their border communities.

In his remarks, the Director-General of Benin’s Agency for Integrated Management of Border Spaces and head of the country’s delegation, Adam Youssoufou, thanked the Nigerian government and people for their hospitality.

Youssoufou also commended GIZ for supporting efforts to resolve boundary issues and facilitate cross-border cooperation between the two countries.

He said unclear boundary demarcation had created challenges for security, economic development and cooperation along international borders.

The Beninese delegation leader urged both countries to work together to ensure the final demarcation of the boundary, expressing confidence that the meeting would produce positive outcomes and strengthen their shared commitment.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, represented by the Acting Director of the West Africa Division, Mrs Temidayo Balogun, said the objective went beyond defining a geographical boundary.

‘The objective before us, is not merely the delineation of a geographical line, but the consolidation of a peaceful, predictable and mutually beneficial relationship between two neighboring states,’ she said.

She added that the success of the process should be measured not only by technical progress but also by the confidence it inspired, the cooperation it facilitated and the benefits it delivered to citizens of both countries.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to restore Biology as a core and compulsory subject in the senior secondary school curriculum, warning that its removal could undermine students’ scientific knowledge.

The House also called on the Federal Ministry of Education to introduce Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian languages into the school curriculum to address Nigeria’s shortage of interpreters and strengthen the country’s capacity to engage in international affairs.

The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, seeking a review of the Federal Ministry of Education’s circular of September 8, 2025, on approved subjects for basic and senior secondary education.

Moving the motion, Isiaka expressed concern that Biology, which he described as essential to understanding the human body, plants and other living organisms, had been removed from the list of core and compulsory subjects under the revised senior secondary curriculum.

He argued that the subject had traditionally been a compulsory component of secondary education in Nigeria and remained important for equipping students with scientific knowledge applicable to human existence and the environment.

The lawmaker noted that biological and scientific research continued to play significant roles globally, including in space exploration and missions to the moon and Mars. He therefore argued that removing Biology as a compulsory subject would be counterproductive at a time when scientific and technological knowledge was increasingly important.

The House also observed that Nigeria’s growing international, economic, scientific, technological and geopolitical engagements made it necessary to expand language education beyond the existing options.

It said introducing Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian into the curriculum would help develop a pool of trained interpreters and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign language services.

Consequently, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Education to review the revised curriculum and reinstate Biology as a core and compulsory subject for senior secondary school students.

It also called on the ministry to develop strategies for recruiting and training qualified teachers in the proposed foreign languages, particularly for basic and senior secondary schools.

The House mandated its Committees on Basic Education and Services, Alternative Education, and Basic Examination Bodies to engage with the ministry to ensure compliance with the resolutions.

The committees were directed to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

The ongoing trial of the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, before a Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged cyberbullying was stalled on Thursday owing to his absence and a letter he wrote praying for an adjournment.

At the mention of the case, prosecuting lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), noted that the defendant was absent in court.

Defence lawyer, T. O. Etonyeaku, who said she was holding the brief of Sowore’s lead counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), told the court that the politician was in Ekiti State for his presidential campaigns.

Etonyeaku prayed the court for a stand-down to enable another senior lawyer, who was earlier in court before the commencement of proceedings, arrive and conduct the case of the defence.

The judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, drew the attention of both lawyers to a letter written the court by the defendant. The judge asked Kehinde if he was aware of the letter.

The prosecution lawyer denied being copied the letter. He argued that it was wrong for an accused person, who was being represented by a lawyer, to bypass the lawyer and write directly to the court and also fail copy the other party.

He added that since there is no evidence that Sowore has discontinued with the service of his lawyer, Olumide-Fusika, he ought not to have written personally to the court.

Kehinde however, conceded to an adjournment in the interest of justice.

The prosecuting lawyer noted that the defence was yet to respond to the written address he filed, as ordered by the court, on the issue of whether or not he could be subpoenaed to testify as a defence witness.

Justice Umar adjourned till November 3 for adoption and continuation of defence.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over his August 2025 published posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, describing President Tinubu as a ‘criminal’ and accusing him of lying about the level of corruption in the country.