Category: Daily Trust

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) Wudil chapter, has expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership style of the university’s administration, describing it as ‘characterized by insubordination, lack of transparency, and accountability.’

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the branch Chairperson, Dr. Aliyu Yusuf Ahmad, and Secretary, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Tukur, following the union’s congress meetings held on October 2 and 23, 2025.

The union said the congress deliberated extensively on a number of unresolved issues affecting the institution and the welfare of both staff and students.

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According to the statement, ASUU-KUST Wudil expressed concern over the university administration’s failure to improve the working and living conditions of staff and students for effective teaching, learning, and research. The union also faulted the management’s refusal to release the audited accounts of the university for 2023 and 2024, as well as the budget performance reports for 20 quarters spanning January 2020 to December 2024, describing it as a flagrant violation of the KUST (Amendment Law) 2017.

‘The congress noted with concern the existence of bogus and unexplained expenditures contained in the Budget Performance Reports of the First and Second Quarters of 2025,’ the statement said.

ASUU further decried the university’s delay in recruiting the required number of academic staff, especially for newly established departments, and the failure to regularize the appointments of members who were unjustly placed on contract rather than permanent appointments.

Other grievances raised by the union include the need to reconnect all sections of the university to regular electricity supply and the settlement of outstanding entitlements of members.

The union, therefore, called on stakeholders and well-meaning citizens of Kano State to prevail upon the Vice Chancellor to address the highlighted issues urgently.

ASUU urged the university management to ‘run the institution in strict compliance with the enabling laws and with a sense of patriotism’ to avert an impending industrial disharmony.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has warned that peace negotiations allowing armed groups to retain their weapons while dictating terms only postpone violence and undermine state authority.

He stated this on Wednesday while delivering a lecture to participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 18 at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) in Abuja.

A statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the lecture was themed ‘Non-state Actors in Security Management: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects for Peace and Development in Africa – A Zamfara State Perspective.’

Participants included officials from key Nigerian security agencies and counterparts from other African nations, including Chad, Ghana, Rwanda, Somalia, and Gambia.

Governor Lawal cautioned against unregulated peace efforts in parts of the North-West, emphasising that ‘dialogue can aid conflict management, but true peace requires disarmament and reconciliation without control equates to surrender.

‘Allowing armed groups to keep their weapons while setting peace terms simply delays violence and compromises state sovereignty.

‘At this crucial time, peace efforts should be strong, coordinated, state-led, and backed by legitimate authority. The State must show it has both the capacity and the will to enforce peace. Sustainable peace arises when armed actors acknowledge the rule of law and the government’s commitment to protect its citizens.’

Governor Lawal stated that the Zamfara experience reflects broader local and continental struggles for peace and stability.

He traced the state’s security crisis to years of economic deprivation, resource competition, climate change, arms proliferation, weakened traditional structures, and youth unemployment.

‘When we assumed office in 2023, we made security of life and property our top priority. Effective security management, however, requires active community participation,’ he said.

He outlined his administration’s three-pronged strategy: improved coordination among security agencies through a unified State Security Council, the creation of Community Protection Guards (CPG) to support law enforcement, and enhanced intelligence sharing between traditional institutions, local councils, and security operatives.

To foster durable peace, he added, the state established peace committees in all local government areas, involving emirs, imams, women, and youth leaders to mediate conflicts and rebuild trust.

Zamfara also collaborates with the Office of the National Security Adviser and international partners like Colombia on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programmes, he said.

It is with profound dismay and outrage that I express my deepest condolences and condemnation over the tragic murder of Nurse Hadiza Musa, a dedicated staff member of Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, who was brutally killed during a violent phone-snatching incidence.

This barbaric act has not only robbed our society of a compassionate and selfless health worker, but it has also shaken the confidence of all public service professionals in the safety of their daily duties.

This senseless killing underscores the alarming rise in violent street crimes across the nation. As a staff of essential public services, we cannot remain silent while our fellow citizens and public servants are targeted for mere mobile devices. The Kaduna State Government and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) must act decisively and without delay to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.

I therefore once again, to call on the IGP and the Kaduna State Government to launch an immediate, high-profile police investigation to trace, arrest, and prosecute all those involved. Such swift and firm action will not only serve justice to the late Nurse Hadiza Musa but will also act as a deterrent to others who may contemplate such inhumane crimes.

Furthermore, I urge the relevant authorities to provide immediate relief and support to the bereaved family of late Nurse Hadiza Musa, including financial assistance and counseling.

I stand in solidarity with all health workers, security agencies, and citizens in demanding a safer environment for everyone. It is only through collective action and unflinching resolve that we can honour Nurse Hadiza Musa’s memory and prevent future tragedies of this nature.

I pray for peace in our land and urge all leaders at every level of government to act swiftly and decisively to protect the lives of all Nigerians.

Ethiopian Airlines yesterday inaugurated its second flight to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, increasing its frequencies to Nigeria.

With the flight inaugurated yesterday, the airline now has 34 frequencies to Nigeria.

These comprise 14 weekly flights to Lagos; 10 weekly flights to Abuja (7 midday and 3 evening flights); three weekly flights to Enugu and seven weekly flights to Kano.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana was at an event to commemorate the new flights.

Firiehewot Mekonnen, Area Manager, Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria said, ‘Today, we are not only adding another flight; we are celebrating a deeper partnership, a stronger connection, and a shared journey between two great nations Ethiopia and Nigeria. ‘For me personally, this day holds special meaning. My professional journey with Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria began here, in this very city, many years ago. To return now to welcome a new flight into Abuja is both nostalgic and fulfilling a reflection of growth, progress, and enduring partnership.’

He stated that the additional flight ‘symbolizes our continued commitment to strengthening the deep-rooted ties between Ethiopia and Nigeria and supporting Nigeria’s position as a leading aviation and economic hub in Africa.’

‘Our partnership with Nigeria has always been symbiotically built on mutual respect, shared vision, and trust. We love Nigeria, and Nigerians have always loved Ethiopian Airlines.

‘Together, we have connected Nigeria to over 150 global destinations through our Addis Ababa hub, using one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world, including the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

‘Abuja is rapidly transforming into a global centre for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). With this new frequency, we aim to make Abuja a preferred gateway for global business, tourism, and diplomacy, truly positioning it as the Conference Capital of Africa.’

‘Our continued growth in Nigeria reflects not only our commercial success but also our unwavering belief in the Nigerian market, its people, and its future. We remain committed to providing world-class service, supporting tourism and trade, and contributing to Nigeria’s aviation development for decades to come,’ the ET official added.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has been conferred with the Nana Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award in Nairobi, Kenya.

Presenting the award at a ceremony organised by the African Democratic Union (ADU), the organisers said it was in recognition of his ‘long-standing record as a champion of democracy and good governance in Africa’.

The event was attended by leaders of Centre-Right political parties across the continent, policy makers, business leaders, academics, parliamentarians, and international development partners.

Former President of Ghana, Akufo-Addo, whom the award was named after, stated that the award represents a challenge for the recipient to continue his steadfastness in improving the democratic process on the continent and ensuring it leads to improved standard of living for the people.

‘I am deeply humbled by the honour you have done me, in naming the Africa Democracy Award after me. I accept this not as a personal accolade, but as a reminder of my duty to uphold the constitutional order, defend free expression, ensure the impartiality of our courts, and safeguard the ballot as the sole source of legitimate political authority.’

‘To the award recipients who will be recognized today, know this – The Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award is only a signpost. The road is the daily work of building institutions that outlast leaders. Wear the award lightly – your real validation is the verdict of citizens. Choose courage over convenience, refuse shortcuts that corrode institutions. Use democracy to deliver schools that teach, clinics that heal, roads that connect, jobs that dignify, because when services fail, democracy’s credibility suffers. Build successors, not echo chambers, because renewal is a democratic virtue. Guard truth in this information age, because disinformation fractures nations.

‘I congratulate you and wish you well in your endeavours to build the best Africa we can get. In closing, remember how our earlier DUA conversations began: with a call to cooperate across borders and parties to advance democracy and enterprise. That call still stands. Let us leave Nairobi with fewer promises and more plans, fewer declarations and more deals, fewer excuses and more execution’, he stated.

In his acceptance speech, Saraki expressed appreciation to the ADU led by Ms Louisa Atta-Agyemang for considering him for the awards among many other Africans who featured on the selection list.

He however dedicated the award to Kenyan politician and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, who passed some days before the award on October 15, 2025.

Saraki described Odinga as an African patriot and recalled how during his travails under the Buhari administration, the Kenyan leader mediated and sought to achieve reconciliation between him and the former President.

Saraki had at the ADU forum delivered the keynote address with the theme: ‘Navigating Africa’s Strategic Position in a Multipolar World: Towards Equitable and Mutually Beneficial Partnerships’ in which he discussed the issue of how Africans can dismantle the pillars of dependency and improve the standard of living of their people.

Many of the parliamentarians, present at the award presentation congratulated Saraki for the award.

While commenting on the award to Saraki, Hon. Jesmed F. Suma, the national chairman of the NGC Party in Serra Leone, noted that ‘Dr. Saraki’s insightful remarks on the need for a paradigm shift in governance and economic systems across the continent deeply resonated with me. They mirror the core principles that drive my vision and work toward building sustainable pathways to economic growth and prosperity’.

Other awardees from across Africa were Hon. Alonso Marceta Dhlakama, Hon. Rose Waruhiu, late President Arap Moi whose plaque was received by his son, Gideon Moi, Hon. Lutero Chimbirombiro Simango, Dr. Kizza Besigye Kifeefe, and Hon. Tundu Antiphas Mughwai Lissu.

US President Donald Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, will make her LPGA Tour debut next month.

The 18-year-old has received a sponsor’s exemption to play at The Annika, which has a prize pool of $3.25m (£2.45m) and is scheduled to be held at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida from 13 to 16 November.

She is the eldest daughter of Donald Trump Jr and has committed to play golf at the University of Miami in 2026.

She will compete against some of the biggest names in the sport at the Annika, including world number two Nelly Korda, who won her third title in the event last year, England’s Charley Hull, Lexi Thompson and 2023 champion Lilia Vu.

Every year, tens of thousands of Nigerian women are diagnosed with breast cancer. For some, the disease is caught early enough to treat. For many others, diagnosis comes too late.

In hospitals across the country, doctors say ignorance, fear and cultural stigma remain the biggest barriers to survival. But survivors and advocacy groups are breaking that silence taking awareness from hospitals to markets and communities.

So, how bad is the situation? How can women detect it early? And how far has Nigeria come in the fight against breast cancer?

This is what we are discussing in today’s episode of Nigeria Daily.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, ordered the permanent forfeiture of 49,700 dollars allegedly recovered from Dr Nura Ali, former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for Sokoto State in the 2023 general elections.

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order after Osuobeni Akponimisingha, counsel to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), moved a motion to the effect.

Akponimisingha, while moving the application, told the court that the ICPC had complied with the earlier interim order made by the court for the temporary forfeiture of the money.

The lawyer said a publication was made for interested person(s) to show cause why the recovered funds should not be forfeited permanently to the Federal Government as directed by the court.

He, however, said that no interested person had shown up since the day of the publication, and neither was any interested person represented in court today.

‘We, therefore, seek an order forfeiting the sum of $49,700 US dollars to the Federal Government in view of the processes filed in respect of this matter from interim forfeiture to this stage,’ he said. (NAN)

Delivering the ruling, Justice Nwite held that the application by the lawyer was meritorious.

‘Consequently, the application is granted,’ the judge ruled.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Nwite had, on December 30, 2024, ordered the temporary forfeiture of the seized funds, after the lawyer moved the ex-parte motion.

The federal government had told the court that the money could not be the legitimate earning of Dr Ali, adding that it is suspected to be the proceeds of crime.

It argued that INEC does not pay its staff members with United States dollars as salaries or allowances

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nominations of the new service chiefs forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for legislative approval.

During their screening, the newly appointed military chiefs pledged to work collaboratively to address all forms of security threats across the country and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

In a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu requested the Senate to confirm the nominees he appointed last Friday to replace the outgoing service chiefs.

Under the new appointments, General Olufemi Oluyede becomes the Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General Waidi Shuaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff; Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff; and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas assumes office as the Chief of Naval Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

The service chiefs assured lawmakers of their commitment to strengthening inter-agency coordination, enhancing intelligence gathering, and boosting the morale of troops to effectively counter terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other national security challenges.

We need local arms production – Defence chief

Addressing lawmakers, the defence chief, Oluyede, called for the establishment of a local military-industrial complex to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on costly foreign arms imports.

‘We can’t keep buying equipment from outside; it’s extremely expensive. Nigeria must develop its capacity to produce the tools needed to prosecute wars and tackle insecurity,’ Oluyede said.

He described the role of a service chief as ‘challenging and all-consuming.’

Oluyede also advocated for the restructuring of the Police Force, noting that the military often performs duties that should ordinarily be handled by the police.

He further urged Nigerians to contribute actively to national security, warning about emerging threats such as cyber warfare and misinformation.

We’ll fight smartly, offensively – Air chief

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, pledged to fight ‘smartly, professionally, aggressively, and offensively’ to defeat terrorism.

Responding to concerns about the whereabouts of the Super Tucano aircraft procured from the U.S. in 2021, Aneke confirmed that all aircraft were operational and deployed in the North-East and North-West.

‘We have men and women risking their lives every night. These assets are giving value for money,’ he said, adding that even a single missile costs tens of thousands of dollars.

‘Every decision I make will be guided by the singular purpose of safeguarding our nation and preserving peace,’ he said.

We’ll use modern technology to tackle maritime crime – Naval chief

The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, said the Navy would deploy modern technology, including drones, to strengthen maritime surveillance and combat piracy, oil theft, and kidnapping.

‘Some patrols waste resources due to terrain challenges. Drones will make our monitoring more effective,’ he told lawmakers.

On the deradicalisation of repentant terrorists, he expressed support for the initiative but urged sensitivity toward victims’ families.

We’ll strengthen intelligence, manpower – Army chief

The Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waidi Shuaibu, said the Army would focus on improving intelligence gathering and personnel capacity to combat insecurity.

Senator Isa Jibrin (Kogi East) urged him to work closely with the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure better coordination in security operations.

Speaking after the closed-door session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the Senate had thoroughly grilled the nominees before confirming them.

‘They have answered all questions during the interactions. Let me also thank the President for the selection of the nominees who have now been approved and confirmed by this chamber.

‘On the whole, we believe this will renew the hope of Nigerians regarding the restoration of security to our nation,’ he added.

As Nigeria marks nearly 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, it is important to reflect on one of the noblest pillars of democracy, freedom of speech. The right to freely express one’s opinion without fear or intimidation is not just a political privilege; it is the soul of a free society. The beauty of democracy lies in its tolerance for dissent, its openness to criticism, and its respect for the diversity of thought that drives progress.

In the immortal words of John Milton, the 17th-century English poet and philosopher, ‘The liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.’ This enduring declaration captures the essence of democracy itself: that the right to speak and to question authority without fear remains the highest expression of human freedom. Without it, every other right becomes vulnerable.

Since 1999, Nigeria has made commendable progress in consolidating democratic institutions. The country has witnessed peaceful transitions of power, vibrant media engagement, and the growing influence of civil society. Yet, the true test of democracy is not merely the holding of elections but the space it creates for dissenting voices. Freedom of speech must not remain a constitutional formality; it must become a living practice, upheld both by law and by culture.

The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 39(1), guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference. This provision is the backbone of every democratic society. However, it must operate within the framework of the law, respecting peace, order, and national unity. Still, within that lawful boundary, no citizen should be intimidated, detained, or silenced for expressing an opinion or for criticizing those in authority. A democracy that cannot accommodate dissent is a democracy in retreat.

In this light, Omoyele Sowore stands as one of the most symbolic figures of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to protect civic space and uphold fundamental rights. His activism often controversial but undeniably patriotic, represents the resilience of citizens who insist that government must serve the governed. Sowore’s passion for justice, accountability, and reform has made him a voice of conscience in our public life. Rather than view such individuals as adversaries, state institutions, particularly the police, should regard them as contributors to national progress.

When security agencies treat rights activists with fairness and respect, it sends a powerful message to the world that Nigeria’s democracy is growing stronger. Activism and law enforcement are not enemies; they are both crucial to nation-building when guided by the rule of law. Constructive criticism is not rebellion – it is patriotism in action.

Sowore’s call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the #FreeNnamdiKanu campaign, must however be addressed strictly within the rule of law. Since the matter is before the courts, it is right that the judiciary is allowed to perform its duty without interference or political pressure. This respect for due process underscores the maturity of our democracy and strengthens the faith of citizens in the legal system.

No democracy can thrive in an atmosphere of fear or suppression. Nations that have progressed politically and economically did so by allowing ideas, even unpopular ones to flourish. From the civil rights movement in America to the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, freedom of expression has always been the catalyst for positive change. Nigeria, despite its many governance challenges, remains one of Africa’s freest societies in terms of speech and media vibrancy. Citizens debate issues openly, criticise public officials boldly, and hold leaders to account through various platforms. This openness must be preserved and expanded, not restricted.

Nevertheless, the frequent harassment of protesters, the intimidation of journalists, and the misuse of cybercrime laws to silence online critics remain worrisome trends. Such practices erode public trust in government and contradict the spirit of democracy. The government must recognise that the free exchange of ideas, however uncomfortable, is the lifeblood of democratic development. The true measure of democracy is not how a nation treats those who praise it but how it treats those who disagree.

It is therefore time for Nigeria to institutionalise peaceful civic engagement by establishing Freedom Squares in all state capitals, public spaces where citizens can lawfully assemble to express their views, hold rallies, or debate issues of national concern. Properly managed, these arenas would reflect our confidence in democratic principles and our respect for the rights of citizens to speak freely. They would also help prevent confrontations between protesters and security agencies by providing an organized setting for lawful demonstrations.

Freedom, of course, carries responsibility. Free speech is not a license for lawlessness or incitement. Citizens must conduct their advocacy peacefully and responsibly, while law enforcement officers must exercise restraint and uphold human rights standards. Both sides must understand that democracy thrives where mutual respect exists between authority and the people.

As Nigeria celebrates nearly 25 years of democratic continuity, it is vital to strengthen the legal and institutional framework that protects freedom of speech. The National Assembly should review ambiguous provisions of the Cybercrime Act and Public Order Act, which are sometimes used to stifle dissent. Modern democracies adapt their laws to safeguard civil liberties in a digital era; Nigeria must not be left behind.

After all, democracy is not defined by the absence of military rule, but by the presence of civil rights. The ability of citizens to speak freely, to question leaders, and to seek accountability is what distinguishes democracy from tyranny. Omoyele Sowore’s activism reminds us that a nation’s greatness is not determined by how loudly its government speaks, but by how freely its citizens do.

As I have often argued, Nigeria is already among the freest nations in Africa, with a vibrant media, outspoken citizens, and active civic organizations. But freedom, once gained, must be guarded jealously. The challenge before us is to protect and institutionalise it so that future generations inherit a democracy that is both strong and just.

In the spirit of John Milton’s timeless words, ‘The liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties,’ we must never allow fear or intolerance to silence the Nigerian voice. Freedom of speech is not merely a democratic right; it is the foundation of national progress and human dignity.

A free people are not those without rules, but those whose rights are protected by the rule of law. That is the beauty of democracy, and Nigeria must continue to uphold it.