Category: Daily Trust

Former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, on Wednesday, vowed to remain active in politics for the rest of his life.

He stated this during an interactive session with journalists in Kano, as part of activities marking his 70th birthday anniversary.

The former governor, who described his political philosophy as rooted in faith and morality, said his guiding principle has always been that ‘my politics is my religion, and my religion is my politics.

‘I am not going to check out of politics because participating in the process of producing credible and trustworthy leaders is part of service to humanity and that is a religious duty in Islam,’ he said. Shekarau explained that his involvement in politics was never driven by personal ambition but by the desire to contribute to the emergence of just and competent leadership that serves the people faithfully.

‘So long as I have the strength to contribute in any form, I will continue to do so. Politics, for me, is not a career that ends; it is a lifelong responsibility,’ he added.

The former minister said he had no regrets in his political journey despite challenges and disappointments, noting that he had always accepted outcomes as the will of Allah.

‘Whatever comes my way, I take it as Allah’s decision. Even when I fail to achieve what I desire, I believe it is because Allah has chosen what is best for me. Regret only comes when one fails to appreciate Allah’s wisdom,’ he said.

Reflecting on his early political life, Shekarau recalled that his participation in elections dated back to his student days in the 1980s when he contested and won several leadership positions within teachers’ unions and educational associations.

‘So, elections are not new to me. I started contesting since 1982, and by 1988, I was National President of the Police Schools in Nigeria, overseeing over 8,000 schools. That experience shaped my confidence in leadership and service,’ he said.

Shekarau, who governed Kano State from 2003 to 2011, said he took pride in being the first politician to defeat a sitting governor in the state, noting that his victories were achieved through faith, discipline, and people’s trust.

He expressed concern over the current political atmosphere and urged opposition parties to form a united front to strengthen democracy.

‘I strongly believe the opposition must come together under one umbrella. That’s the only way to rescue the system and ensure balanced governance,’ he said.

The former governor praised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for its resilience, describing it as ‘the only party among those registered in 1998 that has survived till today,’ and expressed confidence that it would continue to remain relevant.

Commenting on the state of the nation, Shekarau acknowledged the federal government’s efforts but urged leaders to focus more on addressing insecurity, poverty, and hunger.

‘No nation is without crime, but the government must not allow criminality to thrive. When people can afford food and live decently, peace will naturally follow,’ he said.

Shekarau reaffirmed his optimism about Nigeria’s future, stressing that good governance, empathy, and fear of God are essential for the country’s progress.

‘I am optimistic and will continue to support any government that works for the peace and welfare of our people, regardless of political differences,’ he said.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Muhannad Halmouri, has expressed his government’s appreciation of Nigeria’s continued support for peace in the Middle East.

He commended both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their firm stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Speaking in Abuja, the envoy described Nigeria’s position as consistent, compassionate, and rooted in humanitarian values.

He also noted the international dimension of the peace process, mentioning recent initiatives by US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

In his remarks, Ambassador Halmouri emphasised that President Tinubu’s administration has maintained a principled foreign policy that upholds the sanctity of human life and calls for a two-state solution as the most viable path to lasting peace.

He noted that Nigeria’s leaders, through several statements at global and national forums, have made their concern for Palestinian civilians clear and offered moral and humanitarian support to the region.

The envoy particularly recalled the Vice President’s address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 24 September 2025, where Shettima, representing President Tinubu, reiterated Nigeria’s call for a ‘two-state solution’ and condemned the indiscriminate killing of civilians.

In that speech, Shettima declared that the Palestinian people ‘are not collateral damage in a civilisation searching for order,’ affirming Nigeria’s commitment to peace and justice for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Ambassador Halmouri also praised Nigeria’s historical role as a voice for justice and equity in global affairs.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria’s influence within the African Union and the United Nations could further promote diplomatic action toward ending hostilities and ensuring humanitarian access to affected areas in Gaza and the West Bank.

A United Kingdom based Benue scholar, Dr. Peter Atorough, has proposed the establishment of a Benue in Diaspora Investment Trust (BIDI Trust), a public-private partnership aimed at channeling the financial power, global expertise, and entrepreneurial capacity of Benue indigenes abroad into large-scale economic development in the state.

Atorough in an open letter to Governor Hyacinth Alia, on Tuesday made this known while he commended the administration’s rapid transformation efforts and urged the government to consolidate gains through a formal investment structure that engages the estimated 250,000 Benue indigenes living in the diaspora.

He noted that the proposal, the BIDI Trust would serve as a structured investment platform enabling diaspora members to fund commercially viable and high-impact projects in collaboration with the state government.

The initiative, he said, could mobilise up to $250 million annually and, with government match funding, potentially exceed $3.75 billion over a decade.

He disclosed that the Trust designed around two investment models to include the SME Mini-Projects Model, allowing individuals and cooperatives to invest between $10,000 and $100,000, supported by government grants or low-interest loans.

He described the second model as the Large-Scale Projects Model, targeting high-net-worth investors and corporations with stakes from $100,000 to $10 million in major infrastructure, energy, and industrial ventures.

Atorough emphasised that the initiative would accelerate job creation, modernise agribusiness, and promote industrial growth, while operating through a robust governance framework that includes representatives of the government, diaspora organisations, and private sector experts.

He further drew inspiration from international success stories such as Kerala’s Pravasi Welfare Fund in India and Ethiopia’s Diaspora Bond, stressing that the BIDI Trust could position Benue as a model for diaspora-driven investment in Nigeria.

‘The BIDI Trust offers a unique opportunity to integrate our global Benue community into the state’s development story. It will transform remittances into structured, transparent, and sustainable investments that secure a lasting economic legacy,’ Atorough posited.

The TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBIGRCC) has inducted 109 new members into its growing golfing community during a colourful ceremony in Abuja, further cementing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing golf clubs.

Speaking during the event, Club Captain, Maj.-Gen. Samson Jiya (rtd), said the ceremony was organised to help new members integrate into TYB’s culture of excellence, leadership, and camaraderie.

‘TYB is fast becoming the pride of Nigerian golf. We hosted this kitty to honour and educate our new members,’ he said.

He explained that golf at TYB extends beyond sport, serving as a medium for mentorship and personal growth.

‘Golf is not just a sport here. It is a platform for mentorship, discipline and social cohesion. We teach ethics, etiquette and what it means to be part of this family,’ he added.

Jiya revealed that with the latest induction, the club’s membership has surpassed 600 active golfers, with interest continuing to grow nationwide.

‘This event is special to us because we are building not just a club, but a community of leaders and gentlemen,’ he said.

The induction ceremony featured oath-taking, presentation of induction packages, a clubhouse tour, cocktail reception, and a putting competition coordinated by the club’s resident professional.

Francis Okosun, a member of the club’s Membership Committee, said the induction process was rigorous, ensuring that only individuals who align with TYB’s values of integrity and service were admitted.

‘We want members who will contribute positively, not just to the club but also to society through the values we uphold here,’ he said.

Veteran golfer Maj.-Gen. Godwin Umelo (rtd) urged the new members to embody the club’s values.

‘At TYB, we practise equality. Once on the tee-box, everyone is equal,’ he said. ‘We expect our members to be ambassadors of TYB and the military. Discipline and decorum are key.’

Vice Captain Ali Peters added that the growing turnout reflects TYB’s increasing prominence.

‘We started humbly, but now top players and elite Nigerians are flocking here. This turnout proves that TYB is the place to be,’ he said.

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has revealed that her mother, Rita Daniels, and other family members initially warned her against marrying Senator Ned Nwoko.

Daniels made the disclosure while addressing speculations surrounding her marriage in a video shared on her Instagram page on Wednesday.

The actress, who appeared emotional, said the ongoing controversy had taken a toll on her but maintained that she remained focused on protecting her children.

According to her, her mother and brothers strongly opposed her decision to marry Nwoko, but she went ahead because she was deeply in love.

‘Everyone said no. My mom warned me, my brothers were fighting, breaking bottles. I even went to the police station and said, ‘Arrest me! My family doesn’t want me to marry the love of my life,” Daniels said.

The actress also appealed to Nigerians to stop attacking her mother, describing her as her ‘pillar and protector.’

‘Please stop insulting my mom, I beg you. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me. She’s my God on earth. For seven years, my mom held it down. She warned me, but she tried her best,’ she said.

Daniels dismissed claims that her mother forced her into the marriage for financial gain, saying she had always supported her family even before she got married.

‘Stop saying I got married out of greed. We were not broke. Through me, my mom trained all her children. I was a blessing to her, and God used me to settle her,’ she added.

The actress further vowed to raise her two sons, Munir and Khalifa, regardless of any challenges in her marriage.

‘I’m going to fight for my children. I’ll take them, train them, and raise them with or without your support,’ she said.

Despite the emotional nature of her remarks, Daniels noted that she still respects her husband.

‘I did fall in love, and I still care and respect him. That’s love – care and respect. The only reason I’m not fighting you, Ned, is because I want my sons’ father’s name to remain strong,’ she said.

In the caption accompanying her post, Daniels wrote, ‘For the record, I don’t regret anything. Na only me carry my leg enter. This was a route I was meant to take – not my final destination.’

Gunmen have killed four people in Anwule village, Oglewu District of Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

Witnesses said the victims were hacked to death while working on their farms on Monday and Tuesday.

They also alleged that some persons were still missing after the attack, which devastated the village.

‘They killed two farmers who were working on their farms yesterday (Monday) and another two today (Tuesday).

‘As we speak, some persons are missing. Today, at about 5pm, the attackers also came into the village, but I’m yet to hear of any casualties,’ a resident told our correspondent.

The chairman of Ohimini LGA, Adole Gabriel, confirmed the killings to our correspondent in a telephone interview on Tuesday night.

Adole said the state government has deployed security personnel to the area after he reported the matter to the appropriate authorities.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, had yet to respond to calls and messages sent to her phone for confirmation as of press time.

Nigerian-born medical researcher and public health advocate, Uche Chukwuemeka, has raised fresh concerns about the growing mental health crisis among adolescents in Nigerian boarding schools, calling for early interventions and stronger support systems for students.

Chukwuemeka, a doctoral researcher in Clinical Adolescent Psychology at Prairie View A and M University (PVAMU), Texas, said his ongoing studies highlight an alarming trend of untreated mental health symptoms among teenagers, often dismissed as mere ‘school stress.’

‘What we are seeing is not just normal adjustment difficulties,’ he told Nigerian Tribune. ‘These are early signs of depression, anxiety, and trauma that are being ignored until they become full-blown crises.’

Drawing from his experience as a former medical officer at Brighton Ville Intensive Care Hospital in Nigeria and a public health researcher in the United States, Chukwuemeka explained that many adolescents in Nigerian boarding schools face significant emotional and psychological challenges. ‘Many of these students are away from home for the first time, in environments that can be harsh or punitive,’ he said. ‘Without emotional support or awareness from teachers and caregivers, they often internalize distress.’

His current research at PVAMU focuses on adolescent mental health, behavioral risk factors, and early intervention frameworks, particularly in African and diaspora communities. As part of his doctoral work, he is exploring ways to integrate mental health screening into school health programs. ‘We can no longer afford to treat mental health as an afterthought,’ he said. ‘School systems must train teachers to recognize early warning signs persistent withdrawal, sleep disturbances, or sudden aggression and refer students to professionals.’

Chukwuemeka, who also serves as President of Eta Sigma Gamma, the National Health Honor Society at PVAMU, emphasized the role of health education and peer support networks in addressing adolescent challenges. ‘Students often confide in their peers before approaching adults,’ he explained. ‘If we can train peer leaders to provide mental health first aid, we could prevent many tragedies before they escalate.’

His academic journey reflects a blend of clinical practice and research excellence. A medical graduate of Shenyang Medical College, China, Chukwuemeka practiced medicine in Nigeria before pursuing advanced studies in public health. At PVAMU, he has presented research at national conferences, including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), and has been recognized as the Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year (2025) by the School of Public and Allied Health.

Speaking on lessons from his community health work in Nigeria, Chukwuemeka noted that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to mental health care. ‘There is this perception that seeking psychological help means weakness or madness,’ he observed. ‘But in reality, early counseling or therapy can save lives, especially for students facing bullying, academic pressure, or loneliness.’

He urged policymakers and education authorities in Nigeria to adopt a multi-level strategy combining mental health education, counseling units, and policy reform. ‘A policy that mandates at least one trained mental health professional in every boarding school could transform outcomes,’ he said. ‘The future of our nation depends on how we nurture the minds of our young people.’

Beyond his academic roles, Chukwuemeka has contributed to several health outreach programs, including screenings and educational campaigns. He has also served on the CDC Student Scientific Writing Committee, furthering his advocacy for data-driven health policy. ‘Science must guide our decisions,’ he insisted. ‘Every school needs data on students’ mental well-being, not assumptions.’

As Nigeria grapples with reports of rising suicide attempts, substance abuse, and emotional breakdowns among teenagers, Chukwuemeka’s research offers a timely call to action. ‘We must not ignore the early signs,’ he concluded. ‘When a child’s laughter fades into silence, that is the first alarm. Our schools should be places of healing, not harm.’

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has asked Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to seek its approval for all contractual expenditures.

The bureau’s Director-General/CEO, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, said the directive was to curb financial irregularities and strengthen transparency in public spending.

He spoke on Monday during a stakeholder engagement with heads of tertiary institutions, agencies, bursars, and procurement directors in Abuja.

Procurement can make or mar you. It is an enabler, not a stumbling block,’ he said, insisting that the BPP must approve all spending in tertiary institutions and that the outcomes of tenders must be duly communicated to their governing councils.

Dr. Adedokun further warned against the unauthorized replacement of procurement officers, stressing that no institution has the right to make such changes without the Bureau’s approval.

He also condemned the practice of awarding contracts based on preliminary designs or engaging external consultants when qualified in-house officers are available, describing such actions as violations of procurement law. He reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement, adding that compliance with established procedures is non-negotiable. In his address to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the BPP Director-General also directed that the Ministry of Education, like all other ministries, must begin submitting quarterly reports of all contracts awarded to the Bureau for review. This, he said, will enhance oversight, ensure value for money, and strengthen integrity across government-funded projects.

Meanwhile, the federal government has announced that future funding and support for Nigeria’s tertiary institutions will now depend on their transparency and accountability performance.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja during the launch of the Federal Tertiary Institutions Governance and Transparency Portal (FTIGTP), describing the initiative as a ‘new dawn of transparency and accountability’ in the education sector.

The FTIGTP, a digital reform tool, aims to transform how universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education report and manage public funds.

Dr. Alausa stated that institutions demonstrating responsible financial management, timely reporting, and efficient resource use will henceforth receive priority in government funding and intervention. ‘We can no longer continue to fund opacity,’ he stressed.

He explained that the platform ends decades of fragmented data management by providing a unified, real-time system covering student enrolment, funding, TETFund allocations, research grants, and performance indicators.

The FTIGTP, he added, is more than a data tool-it’s a reform mechanism for better planning, budgeting, and international credibility.

The minister emphasized that all institutions must comply by submitting accurate data every first quarter of the year, noting that transparency metrics will directly influence access to grants and interventions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sought the approval of the Senate to borrow N1.15 trillion from the domestic debt market to finance the deficit in the 2025 national budget.

The request was contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the floor of the Senate during Tuesday’s plenary session.

In the letter, President Tinubu explained that the proposed borrowing is necessary to bridge the funding gap in the 2025 Appropriation Act and to ensure the smooth implementation of key government programmes and projects.

He noted that the borrowing plan is part of the administration’s fiscal strategy to sustain economic growth, create jobs, and deliver on the government’s developmental priorities.

Akpabio referred the presidential request to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt for further legislative consideration.

The committee has been directed to examine the proposal and submit its report to the Senate within one week.

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has unveiled plans to provide comprehensive Loss of Licence Insurance Cover for all Nigerian pilots and aircraft engineers.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening the welfare and professional security of aviation personnel across the country.

The scheme was developed in partnership with First Standard Insurance Brokers, according to the association’s Public Relations Officer, Engr. Blessing N. Ahmadu in a statement.

He stated that it was designed to protect pilots and engineers who lose their professional licences due to medical incapacity or other qualifying conditions that render them unable to continue flying or maintaining aircraft.

‘It will provide financial compensation, based on policy terms, to affected members, helping them manage career interruptions or medical recovery without financial distress.

Speaking on the initiative, Captain Bunmi Gindeh, President of NAAPE, said the Association reached the decision after extensive consultations with stakeholders in the aviation industry. He explained that the move reflects NAAPE’s commitment to improving members’ welfare and promoting professional stability within the sector.

He said, ‘Loss of Licence insurance for aviation professionals has long been a standard benefit in developed aviation markets worldwide. Our members face unique occupational risks that can abruptly end their careers. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that no pilot or engineer is left without financial support if they are declared medically unfit to continue their professional duties.

‘By introducing this important coverage in Nigeria, we are not only protecting individual professionals and their families but also strengthening the aviation sector by ensuring that our highly trained workforce can focus on maintaining the highest safety standards, knowing their careers are financially protected against unforeseen medical challenges.’

‘NAAPE is also working to make the insurance cover affordable and accessible to all members, including those in private and charter operations,’ Captain Gindeh further stated. He emphasised that the Association’s goal is to standardise professional welfare across both public and private aviation sectors.

Engr. Mudi Muhammad, NAAPE Deputy President, said, ‘We have seen too many of our colleagues face financial hardship after losing their licences due to unexpected medical conditions. This insurance programme ensures that no Nigerian pilot or engineer will face such circumstances alone. It provides a safety net that every aviation professional deserves.’