Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Sokoto State Government has declared Friday, July 24, 2026, a work-free day for civil servants to enable eligible workers who have not registered as voters to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the decision was aimed at providing civil servants with adequate time to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘We have declared Friday, July 24, 2026, a work-free day to enable civil servants of voting age who have not yet registered to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards,’ the governor said.

Aliyu urged all eligible civil servants who are yet to register to take advantage of the opportunity, stressing that the PVC remains the only legal instrument through which citizens can exercise their constitutional right to vote.

‘I urge all eligible civil servants to make use of the work-free day to register and obtain their PVCs so they can participate in the forthcoming general elections,’ he said.

The governor noted that his administration remains committed to promoting civic participation by ensuring workers are not denied the opportunity to fulfil their democratic responsibilities.

‘Our administration is committed to ensuring that civil servants are given every opportunity to participate in national assignments and exercise their civic rights,’ he added.

He also appealed to other eligible residents of the state, particularly those who have recently attained voting age or are yet to register, to utilise the extension granted for the CVR exercise.

Aliyu reminded residents that the extended voter registration exercise will end on Sunday, July 26, 2026, and urged all eligible voters to complete their registration before the deadline.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested five suspected kidnappers and recovered locally fabricated firearms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe.

The suspects were apprehended on Thursday when troops of the 233 Battalion, operating from the Damaturu Military Cantonment, raided Jegalari Village in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group after acting on credible intelligence.

The military said the operation led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, assorted ammunition and four mobile phones suspected to have been used in the group’s criminal activities.

The suspects are being held in military custody, while the recovered items have been retained as exhibits pending the conclusion of investigations into their alleged involvement in kidnapping and other crimes.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Friday.

He said the operation reflected the military’s sustained offensive against criminal groups through intelligence-led operations across the North-East.

According to Goni, ‘Troops of Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with the Yobe State Hunters Group, arrested five suspected kidnappers during a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted on 23 July 2026 at Jegalari Village in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.’

He added that the raid followed actionable intelligence on the activities of the suspects, leading to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and mobile phones believed to be linked to their operations.

Goni further stated, ‘The suspects are currently in military custody alongside the recovered exhibits for further investigation to ascertain their involvement in kidnapping and other related criminal activities.’

Reaffirming the resolve of the Joint Task Force to tackle insecurity, the military spokesman said Operation HADIN KAI would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the region.

He also urged residents to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious persons, movements and activities, noting that credible information from the public remained vital to ongoing efforts to protect communities and strengthen security.

This version is polished for publication, with a stronger lead, smoother transitions, tighter attribution, restrained use of quotations, and natural newsroom language that avoids the tone and structure of a typical press release.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has unveiled plans to establish a state-owned commercial airline as part of efforts to create employment opportunities for Kano indigenes who have completed professional pilot training.

The governor disclosed the plan during the 40th Executive Council Meeting held at the Government House, Kano, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Yusuf said the proposed Kano Airline was expected to commence operations within the next year, adding that the project was designed to provide direct employment for state-sponsored pilots and strengthen the state’s presence in the aviation sector.

He assured members of the Kano State Pilot Association that his administration would provide all the necessary support to ensure the successful establishment and operation of the airline.

The governor made the announcement after receiving several awards, including an honour from the Kano State Pilot Association in recognition of his administration’s support for members of the association to complete their aviation training.

Yusuf also expressed satisfaction with the academic performance of Kano-sponsored pilots who underwent training in Jordan under a programme initiated by a previous administration.

He pledged to build on the achievements of the programme by creating opportunities that would enable the trained pilots to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Kano State Pilot Association, Naziru Ibrahim, commended the governor for his continued support for members, particularly his intervention in facilitating the revalidation of their flying licences.

Ibrahim appealed to the governor to further assist the pilots in obtaining their final certifications, which would qualify them to operate commercial flights within Nigeria and on international routes.

The proposed airline, if realised, is expected to enhance employment opportunities for trained aviation professionals from Kano while expanding the state’s investment in the transport sector.

FOR years, studies have linked coffee drinking to a longer life and a lower risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes. Now, scientists believe they may have uncovered one of the reasons why.

Researchers at Texas A and M University have found that natural compounds in coffee activate a powerful protective receptor known as NR4A1, which helps the body’s natural defences combat the effects of aging.

The findings, published in the journal Nutrients, provide one of the strongest explanations yet for coffee’s long-observed health benefits, and are among the first to reveal how the popular beverage may produce many of its protective effects.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was that caffeine wasn’t the key player. Instead, the researchers found that plant-based compounds called polyphenols, particularly caffeic acid, were far more effective than caffeine at activating the body’s natural defence system.

‘Our findings suggest that at least some of coffee’s health benefits come from activating this receptor,’ said lead researcher Dr Stephen Safe.

Laboratory experiments showed that once activated, NR4A1 helped reduce cellular damage and slowed the growth of cancer cells. When scientists removed the receptor, those protective effects disappeared, providing strong evidence that it plays a central role in coffee’s beneficial effects.

The discovery may also explain why decaffeinated coffee has repeatedly been shown to deliver many of the same health benefits as regular coffee.

The researchers cautioned that the study was conducted in laboratory models and does not prove that drinking coffee directly prevents disease in humans. Further studies are needed to determine how important this mechanism is in people.

Even so, the findings add to growing evidence that plant-based compounds found in everyday foods and drinks can influence biological processes involved in ageing and disease.

Beyond explaining coffee’s potential health benefits, the discovery could also support the development of new drugs that target NR4A1 to treat cancer and other age-related diseases.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s comments on the Federal Government pension backlog as ‘unnecessary ghosting and futile political shadow chasing by an inept APC-led administration.’

The Atiku Media Office, in a statement on Friday, described as ‘untenable frivolity’ the remarks made by the President to visiting Northeast stakeholders led by Governor Babagana Zulum, where he blamed the country’s pension problems on the Obasanjo/Atiku government that left office almost two decades ago.

‘Both President Tinubu and his inept APC administration should seek more knowledge about good governance and developmental communication. Government is a continuum.

‘The present helmsmen cannot continue to waste valuable national time and resources on ghosting and blaming past administrations. A successor must inherit assets and liabilities,’ Atiku said.

The ADC candidate recalled that when the Obasanjo/Atiku administration took office in 1999, it inherited a broken, unfunded, and non-contributory Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) with an unsustainable pension liability deficit estimated at over ?2 trillion – about 25% of the country’s GDP at the time.

‘We did not embark on calling out our predecessors but rolled our sleeves to turn around the situation,’ the statement said.

According to the Atiku Media Office, by 2007 the administration had enacted the Pension Reform Act of 2004, leaving behind a fully funded, privately managed Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) regulated by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

It explained that the old Pay-As-You-Go model relied purely on annual budgetary allocations which were severely underfunded and created massive arrears. The system was also fragmented, plagued by ghost pensioners, data inaccuracies and bureaucratic delays. Many private sector workers had no coverage at all.

‘But by the time Obasanjo/Atiku left office in 2007, their administration had completely revolutionised the sector,’ the statement noted.

‘By shifting future liabilities to a fully funded framework, their reforms stopped the accumulation of new un-backed state debts. This foundation laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s modern pension assets, which have since ballooned into tens of trillions of naira,’ it added.

The Atiku office accused Tinubu of being ‘mischievous’ for not acknowledging the reforms, and advised him to focus on governance instead.

‘This is what Tinubu should be building upon and not quarrelling with his tools like a bad farmer,’ Atiku advised.

The statement also reminded that the Obasanjo/Atiku era laid the foundation for liberalising the economy, paying off foreign loans, and creating enabling environments in banking, telecoms, hospitality and other sectors.

Atiku urged the President to address pressing national issues rather than blame the past.

‘Tinubu should focus on resetting the salient issues of hunger and anger in the land, mostly caused by unabated insecurity, alarming mass youth unemployment, broken-down economy, strangulating social environment and wanton destruction of the nation’s political fabrics,’ he said.

Bauchi gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2027 general elections, Sen Shehu Buba Umar, has picked a onetime Majority Leader of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, as his running mate.

Reports from the gubernatorial candidate and the party revealed that the choice of Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu was a major political step taken by Sen Shehu Buba Umar in his resolve to build a strong, vibrant, and people-focused government.

The move is to ensure that people of Bauchi State get the best of governance effective from May 29th, 2027, leading to an economically viable and strong State which will eventually make it better than what it is presently.

Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu is a politician of repute in the State who is versed in governance and economic activities, having worked in different organizations and a stint with the government public service.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) also in Business Administration from the famous Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zariya.

He was a member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly representing Azare/Madangala Constituency between 2015 and 2023, during which he served as the Majority Leader of the House.

While he was at the House, he was described as a politician who demonstrated zeal and competence in ensuring the passage of laws that had a direct positive impact on the people of Bauchi State.

Before venturing into politics, Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu had a long stint in the banking industry where he was dealing with building businesses and supporting companies to grow.

He served with International Trust Bank Plc, Global Bank Plc, Intercellular Nigeria Plc, as well as Mutunchi Pride Nigeria Limited.

The statement contained that his experience as a banker and astute politician will add to the growing popularity and love of the people for the PRP in the 2027 general elections.

It is believed that the combination of Sen Shehu Buba Umar and Hon. Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu will adequately help in building a Bauchi State that will tackle the problems facing it in terms of youth unemployment and women empowerment.

It is also expected that the team will ensure growth and development of Agriculture, wealth creation, good governance, and above all security and peace.

Sen Shehu Buba Umar expressed confidence that the choice of Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu as his gubernatorial running mate will further strengthen the PRP chances of winning the confidence of the electorate.

The PRP therefore called on its members, supporters and stakeholders to be united and support the ticket as plans are concluded for electioneering campaigns which will soon begin.

The statement was signed and issued by Comrade Sabo Mohammed, Adviser, Media and Publicity to Sen Shehu Buba Umar Mai Ba Sanata Shehu Buba Umar, on Friday.

Confirming the development to our Correspondent vide a telephone conversation, Tijani Mohammed Aliyu said, ‘Yes, I have been chosen as the gubernatorial running mate to Sen Shehu Buba Umar for the 2027 general elections.’

He added that, ‘I have accepted the nomination and ready to work for the success of the PRP in the 2027 general elections. We are a team to beat by other teams. I am a team player.’

Police have confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the alleged diversion of goods valued at N32m in Oyo town, Oyo State.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement, gave the names of the suspects as Olawale Kareem ‘M’ (40) and Ogunbiyi Monday ‘M’ (46).

He said the operatives stormed the hideouts of the suspects in Oyo town when their arrest was effected.

‘Operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, Oyo Operational Base, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the hideout of a criminal syndicate allegedly specializing in the diversion and unlawful conversion of goods in transit,’ the statement said.

The operation, according to him, also resulted in the recovery of an IVECO truck/trailer with registration number MUS 809 XY (Lagos), loaded with 570 bags of guinea corn that had allegedly been diverted while being transported from Kaduna State.

The statement adde, ‘The recovered consignment is valued at approximately N32 million.

‘They have confessed to their respective roles in the crime, while concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover any additional diverted goods linked to the criminal enterprise.’

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and swift response to actionable intelligence, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property, and commercial activities across the state.

He further warned individuals involved in economic sabotage and other criminal acts to desist or face the full weight of the law.

The MTN Foundation has opened applications for the 20th edition of the MTN Foundation – MUSON Music Scholars Programme. This year’s edition marks 20 years of the Foundation’s partnership with the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), one of Nigeria’s longest-running private sector investments in music education.

Since 2006, the partnership has helped over 500 talented young Nigerians access professional music education at the MUSON School of Music. It has nurtured aspiring musicians, removed financial barriers to learning, and contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s creative industry.

Applications opened on Monday, July 20. Young Nigerians who meet the admission requirements and have a passion for music are invited to apply for the fully funded scholarship programme. Successful applicants will receive scholarships covering tuition, books and approved course-related expenses for the duration of their studies.

Speaking on the call for applications, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, said the 20-year partnership reflects the Foundation’s commitment to developing young talent through education. ‘For two decades, our partnership with MUSON has created opportunities for talented young Nigerians to pursue professional music education. We are proud of the impact the programme has made over the years and remain committed to supporting the next generation of musicians as they develop their talent and build rewarding careers.’

The scholarship is open to candidates who meet the admission requirements of the MUSON School of Music. Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria carefully and submit all required documents before the application deadline.

The MTN Foundation MUSON Music Scholars Programme remains a key part of the Foundation’s education portfolio. Through the initiative, the Foundation continues to equip young Nigerians with the skills, discipline and professional training needed to thrive in the music industry. Applications close on Sunday, August 23.

Every rainy season, many Nigerians become familiar with Apollo, which is the local name for conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. The infection often spreads rapidly in schools, offices and other crowded places where people interact closely and use the same facilities.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious and spread through direct contact with infected eye secretions, contaminated hands and shared objects. Without proper precautions, one infected employee can unknowingly spread the infection to several colleagues.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights practical ways to protect your workplace during the Apollo season.

Practise good hand hygiene

Regular hand washing with soap and clean water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis. Employees should wash their hands after using shared office equipment, before eating and after touching their faces. Where soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitiser is a good alternative.

Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes

Touching your eyes with unwashed hands increases the risk of transferring viruses or bacteria into the eyes. If your eyes feel irritated, wash your hands before touching them or use a clean tissue instead.

Do not share personal items

Face towels, handkerchiefs, eye drops, cosmetics and other personal items should never be shared. These items can carry infectious eye secretions and easily spread the infection from one person to another.

Disinfect shared surfaces regularly

Frequently touched surfaces such as desks, keyboards, mouse, telephones, door handles and meeting room tables should be cleaned regularly. Routine disinfection reduces the presence of germs that may contribute to the spread of infections in the office.

Encourage sick employees to stay home

Anyone with symptoms such as red eyes, eye discharge, excessive tearing or swollen eyelids should avoid coming to work until they have been properly evaluated by a healthcare professional. Staying home while contagious protects other employees and reduces the likelihood of an office-wide outbreak.

Nigerian media personality and critic, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has reacted to Habeeb Hamzat, also known as Peller’s wedding announcement, urging the young content creators to reconsider decision to get married.

In a video shared on his social media page, VDM questioned whether Peller and Jarvis were ready for marriage, saying they were still young and should carefully think through such a major life decision.

According to him, the pair should prioritise education and personal growth before settling down.

‘Jarvis and Peller, I hope you actually know what you guys are doing because marriage is not a joke or a content creation. You really need to think about this. Peller, you are still a very young boy that needs to be in school not in marriage. Think very well,’ he said.