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The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Niger State Chapter, has received with deep shock and profound sorrow the news of the demise of Madam Halima Muhammad, a distinguished broadcaster with Crystal Radio, Minna.

A statement issued and co-signed by the Chairperson, Caretaker Committee, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Niger State Chapter, Dr. Asabe Garba and the Secretary, Maimuna Raji Egigogo, copies made available to newsmen in Minna on Friday, stated that Madam Halima Muhammad was not just a committed journalist, but a passionate voice for truth, fairness, and social change.

The statement added that her professionalism, humility, and dedication to the ethics of journalism earned her respect among colleagues and listeners alike. Through her work, she inspired many young women to pursue careers in the media, using her platform to promote justice, peace, and community development.

The statement stated further that her death is a monumental loss not only to the media industry but also to the entire Niger, where she played a significant role in shaping public discourse through responsible broadcasting.

‘NAWOJ mourns the passing of a rare gem whose voice resonated with integrity and whose commitment to service remains a lasting legacy.

‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues at Crystal Radio. We pray that Almighty Allah forgives her shortcomings, grants her Aljannatul Firdaus, and gives those she left behind the fortitude to bear this painful loss,’ the statement maintained.

Following his passion and commitment to the Nigerian brand promotion project, the former Director General of NTDC, now NTDA and NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Rumewe was recently conferred with the Pillar of Nigerian Tourism and Culture Award by the Association of Travel Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET).

The award which took place during the 2025 ANJET Conference and Awards held at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, rallied eminent stakeholders in the public and private spheres to a day session where the audience brought alive memory of golden days of impactful tourism and culture promotion domestically and internationally.

The event did not only highlight the frenetic effort but also the uncommon passion of Runsewe and other awardees in building a voice for practical tourism to strive.

Speaking at the event, the president of ANJET, Mr Okorie Uguru, reeled out the landmark achievement in capacity building, diplomatic ties and brand promotion and positioning of Nigeria’s tourism and cultural potentialities within and outside Nigeria.

Uguru said the awards aim to promote the culture of service to the people, and also showing appreciation to those who have served the nation with distinction while holding public office.

He said: ‘It is not about celebrating those who are serving the country now, but showing appreciation to those who have served in the past, to challenge current political office holders to put in their best.

‘The individuals and distinguished Nigerians we are honouring are among the people that built the visibility and growth the tourism industry is enjoying today. They have contributed, and are still contributing to the sector.

‘As holders of institutional memories and archivists of this industry, we know the roles they have played and are still playing in the development of the Nigerian tourism industry. That is why years after some of our awardees have left public offices, we still call them to bestow this honours.’

While receiving the award, Runsewe lamented the inability of Nigeria to take tourism seriously. He said: ‘I stopped talking for some time because there are too many talks in tourism, there is no action.

Runsewe and tourism are life era.

Runsewe has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s tourism industry, which have greatly enhanced the country’s visibility on the global stage. Through his active participation in key international events, including the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as well as major travel markets such as FITUR in Spain, ATM in Dubai, ITB Berlin in Germany, and WTM Excel in London, Runsewe has elevated Nigeria’s presence in the tourism sector.

One of his notable achievements is the launch of the ‘Tourism is Life’ marketing campaign, which has provided Nigerian tourism with unprecedented levels of both national and international recognition, establishing Nigeria as a top tourism destination in Africa.

His leadership in organizations such as the National Council for Arts and Culture and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority has further reinforced his influential role in the industry.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Runsewe took decisive actions to mitigate its effects on Nigeria’s creative sector, where many professionals were left without salaries due to the lockdown.

He led the Post COVID-19 Initiative Committee on the Creative Industry to assess the pandemic’s impact and recommend necessary support measures.

This initiative not only addressed immediate concerns but also sought government intervention to provide relief for affected professionals, resulting in various support programs and funds.

Runsewe’s extensive contributions extend beyond pandemic response; he has been instrumental in organizing significant cultural events such as the Abuja Carnival and the Nigerian Tourism Village, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. His leadership roles at the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) have played a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s narrative in arts, culture, and tourism.

In summary, Otunba Segun Runsewe’s dedication to promoting Nigeria’s cultural and tourism sectors has fostered development within the industry, both locally and globally. His ongoing efforts continue to support and enhance Nigeria’s creative landscape.

This nomination feels like a full-circle moment. What does this recognition from The Future Awards represent to you personally?

Honestly, it feels surreal. I started with little more than curiosity and a deep love for the magic of sound; how a single voice could move people, inform them, or shift how they saw the world. There were moments I questioned if the work mattered, especially in the early years when radio didn’t seem to offer clear rewards beyond passion.

So, this nomination from The Future Awards Africa feels like a quiet validation that showing up, staying true, and believing in your voice still counts. It represents growth, faith, and the beauty of staying the course even when no one is clapping yet.

You’ve carved out a space for yourself in the Nigerian radio landscape. What, in your own words, makes a truly great broadcaster today, beyond just having a good voice or presence on-air?

A great broadcaster today is not just a voice; they are a bridge between people, cultures, and ideas. Beyond speaking well, it’s about listening deeply, thinking critically, and connecting authentically.

In today’s world, you must understand the pulse of your audience; what they care about, how they feel, and how your words can serve or uplift them. Great broadcasting is empathy on air.

Radio has changed drastically: audience behavior, technology, even tone. How have you evolved with the times while keeping your authenticity intact?

I’ve learned to evolve by embracing change, not resisting it. The audience has moved from being passive listeners to active participants, and that’s why I focus on engagement-driven shows like Blast Rise. We bring real stories, conversations, and energy that people can see themselves in.

At the same time, I’ve stayed authentic by remembering why I started, not for trends, but for connection. Technology might change how we reach people, but the heart of what we do, storytelling and truth, will always remain constant.

Every broadcaster has that one moment they realised their words carried weight. What was yours?

Mine came during The Radio Room Live session. After one of our conversations about burnout and the mental health of broadcasters, a participant walked up to me and said, ‘Thank you. I was close to quitting radio, but today reminded me why I started.’

That moment shifted everything. It made me realize that radio and podcasting go beyond entertainment – they are lifelines for people who simply want to be seen, heard, or reminded that they matter.

The journey hasn’t been linear. What’s one moment you almost gave up, and what pulled you back into the game?

There was a time when I felt stuck, doing the work but not feeling seen. Opportunities weren’t coming, and the industry felt crowded. But every time I thought of giving up, I’d remember a listener’s message or a young broadcaster reaching out to say I inspired them.

Those moments pulled me back. I realized that fulfillment doesn’t always come from recognition; sometimes, it comes from quiet impact. That mindset helped me stay grounded and keep building.

The Nigerian creative industry is fast-paced and often underappreciated. How do you stay motivated and relevant in an ecosystem that doesn’t always reward consistency?

I focus on value and growth. I tell myself that while the system may be slow to reward, the audience never forgets authenticity. I also invest in learning through trainings, collaborations, and platforms like Managing Conflict in Today’s Newsroom by Aga Khan University. Those experiences keep me evolving, and when you keep improving, relevance becomes natural.

You’ve worked across platforms from OGBC to Women Radio, and now Blast FM. What has each experience taught you about leadership, storytelling, and connecting with audiences?

OGBC taught me discipline, the structure of broadcasting. Women Radio taught me empathy, how stories can empower and create visibility for underrepresented voices.

Blast FM taught me innovation on how to merge urban culture, creativity, and substance in a way that resonates with young listeners.

Each platform refined my leadership; learning how to guide teams, share ideas, and co-create experiences that matter.

Beyond the microphone, there’s a creative mind, a mentor, and a thinker. What kind of legacy do you hope to build in broadcasting, and what conversations do you want your work to spark in this generation?

I want to build a legacy of voice and value to remind this generation that broadcasting isn’t just about fame, it’s about influence with intention.

Through The Radio Room, I want to inspire broadcasters to see themselves as culture shapers and community builders. My hope is to spark conversations about authenticity, wellness, and purpose in media – because those are the conversations that create longevity, not just visibility.

The Future Awards are known for spotlighting young Africans shaping the culture. How do you think today’s OAPs and broadcasters can shape the next phase of Nigerian storytelling?

We have to stop seeing radio as just ‘talking’ and start seeing it as documenting. We are the custodians of our people’s voices, humor, struggles, and triumphs.

Today’s OAPs can shape the next phase by merging old-school depth with new-school creativity, using platforms like podcasts, live shows, and digital media to tell our stories with honesty and flair.

Let’s talk about what’s next. What should we expect from you going forward?

The next chapter is about expansion, taking The Radio Room across more cities, collaborating with international broadcasters, and creating a mentorship ecosystem for young OAPs.

I also want to grow as a storyteller, exploring new media formats and documentaries that spotlight the African experience. The goal is simple: to keep evolving, keep learning, and keep amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.

Farmers in Takalifiya community of Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State have expressed delight over the payment of compensation to farmers whose farm lands were acquired by a firm, aimed at boosting the economic growth of the local government, as well as the state at large.

The village head of Takalafiya, Alhaji Usman Sarki, made the commendation recently, during the payment of compensation, held at Lapai Emirate council.

Alhaji Sarki noted that his people are predominantly farmers, adding that the compensation will go a long way to assist the farmers in going into large-scale farming.

The village head attributed the successes recorded since the beginning of the negotiations to the leadership role played by the state governor, Mohammed Bago and Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umaru Bago Tafida III, who ensured that the interest of the farmers were protected in the whole processes.

‘We were really excited about the process. My people were satisfied, everybody was paid for the crops on his/her farmland accordingly. Our governor and the emir stood by us. We thanked them,’ Usman said.

Acting Secretary of Lapai Emirate Council, Saidu Abdullahi, has expressed satisfaction over the payment of compensation for the cash crops to farmers, describing the process as historic.

Abdullahi, who conducted the process, praised the management of the firm for making the process a reality, urging them to adhere to all the terms of the agreement entered into with the locals, just as he commended the people of Takalafiya as well as the community leaders for their cooperation.

Earlier, the Chief Operating Officer, Elin Group Limited, Hassan Isah, disclosed that the company was in the area for the mining activities, highlighting that the company has obtained its mining license which was approved by the Federal Government and will soon go into full-fledged mining operations in the community.

‘In line with the Mining Act, there were some requirements that had to be meat, which we have met all of them. The first was the community development, specifying what project we have for them and that has been taken care of since August. We have rolled out all our proposed projects before everybody and agreement to that effect was signed accordingly at the Emirate Council in August 2025,’ Isah said.

A coalition of Muslim scholars, civil society actors and citizens under the banner of Concerned Muslim Scholars, Civil Society and Citizens for Justice and Peace in Nigeria has condemned what it described as the continued mass killings, abductions and displacements in Northern Nigeria, calling for urgent humanitarian, legal and moral action.

In a statement titled ‘Muslim Response to the Mass Killings in Northern Nigeria: Between Faith, Justice and Survival’, and signed by Prof. Taofiq Abdulazeez of the University of Abuja, the group said it could no longer remain silent in the face of ‘repeated massacres of innocent people across the North-West and North-East, most of whom are Muslims.’

‘Our silence is no longer neutrality; it is complicity before God and history,’ the statement declared.

‘Villages burnt, highways unsafe, farmlands deserted and families scattered,’ the group moaned, describing the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe.

‘Thousands of men, women and children have been massacred. The pain of these killings transcends ethnicity or sect; it is an assault on the sanctity of human life,’ the group said, citing the Qur’anic verse (5:32) that equates the unjust killing of one person with the killing of all humanity.

It lamented that while ‘the North bleeds,’ its suffering is often ‘overshadowed by political noise and selective empathy.’

The statement rejected all forms of violence ‘whether committed in the name of religion, tribe or politics,’ as well as the ‘criminal neglect that allows the continuous slaughter of Muslims in their own communities.’

The group emphasised that every life, ‘Muslim or non-Muslim,’ deserves protection under both divine law and the Nigerian Constitution.

However, it expressed grave concern over what it described as the state’s repeated failure to protect victims or prosecute offenders.

The Muslim scholars outlined a four-point response framework covering humanitarian duty, justice and accountability, intellectual engagement and regional cooperation.

They urged Islamic organisations, wealthy individuals and local communities to provide food, shelter and medical support to displaced persons; establish trauma and education centres for affected children; and sponsor widows and orphans as sadaqah jariyah (continuous charity).

The group demanded an independent and transparent national inquiry, possibly with international participation, into the killings, kidnappings and destruction in Northern Nigeria.

It also called on the government to publish arrest and prosecution records and for the National Assembly to summon security chiefs for public accountability.

Muslim scholars, journalists and academics were urged to counter ‘dangerous narratives that demonise entire ethnic or religious groups as terrorists,’ and to document all attacks with names, locations and patterns to preserve evidence for justice.

The statement called for stronger cross-border cooperation to cut off foreign arms, financing and mercenary networks fuelling violence from the Sahel, urging the international community to treat the crisis as ‘a humanitarian and security emergency, not merely an internal conflict.’

Quoting Qur’anic injunctions and prophetic traditions, the scholars stressed that Islam forbids aggression and vengeance, insisting that the Muslim response must be guided by ‘prophetic justice, not reactive revenge.’

‘Justice is not weakness; it is strength disciplined by divine fear,’ the statement added.

The coalition called on Muslims to combine ‘spiritual jihad – prayer, patience and moral reform – with social jihad – organisation, advocacy and lawful resistance to oppression.’

It also proposed a Northern Muslim Peace and Justice Summit to develop a coordinated response encompassing humanitarian, legal and moral strategies.

‘We refuse to be provoked into chaos or silence. We choose disciplined compassion, documentation and unity,’ the group affirmed.

‘The blood of innocent Muslims in the North cries out for justice, not vengeance; for reform, not despair. We will not surrender our faith to fear, nor our destiny to chaos.

‘And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare in horror. (Qur’an 14:42),’ the statement declared.

EXPERTS have made a case for a stricter regulation of religious activities by the government as a way of maintaining law and order and preventing conflicts.

They also emphasised the importance of knowledge in the understanding and worship of Allah.

Speaking in Abuja during the third Islamic Annual Conference of the Aonus Sunnah Da’wah Society, a Senior Lecturer at the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Dr Bashir Abdul, particularly advised government to take a keen interest in religious matters and ensure that different faiths are practised peacefully.

He stressed that knowledge is essential for Muslims to worship Allah properly and to live a virtuous life.

Dr Abdul called for strict adherence to Islamic principles and cautioned Muslims against engaging in activities that contradict their faith.

He also emphasised the need for mutual respect and understanding among adherents of the different faiths in the country.

Dr Abdul cautioned against what he called disconnection from Allah, which he said is capable of leading to a range of negative consequences, including poor moral character and a lack of direction.

Another speaker, Ustaz Yusuf Abdul Salam Jabratah, founder of An-Nusra Islamic Dawah Group, corroborated Dr Abdul, noting that many people have deviated from the path of Allah, and have succumbed to satanic influences and materialistic pursuits.

Ustaz Jabratah said the economic situation in Nigeria has contributed significantly to this disconnection, and has led many to seek quick-fixes and illicit means to sustain their lives.

He lamented the rise of cybercrime, particularly among young graduates, and the erosion of moral values.

The Islamic cleric called on the government to take responsibility and effectively address security challenges besetting the nation and provide for the people.

Jabrata emphasised the importance of returning to Allah and following His teachings to find true peace and prosperity.

He also condemned acts of violence and genocide, stating that they are not Islamic and have no place in Muslim communities.

Ustaz Jabratah implored individuals, communities and the government to work towards a more just and peaceful society.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Abdelaziz Shitu Balogun, the immediate past Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at the University of Abuja, emphasised the importance of peace and practicality in Islamic teachings.

Professor Balogun urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of compassion, justice and peace in their daily lives.

‘Acts of violence and terrorism have no place in Islam. Muslims should strive to protect human life and promote peace,’ he said.

He also emphasised the importance of inter-faith understanding and cooperation in promoting peace and security, and called on Muslims to retrace their steps and abide by the teachings of the Qur’an and the Hadith.

Mukhtar Yusuf, a media and politics expert from Aounus Sunnah Islamic Group, called for a comprehensive approach to address the growing insecurity in Nigeria.

He bemoaned what he described as the exploitation of religious sentiments by politicians, noting that the violence and killings in the North are not solely related to religion, but indicative of a complex issue with political and economic undertones.

He urged the political class to have the political will to address the root causes of these issues and work with communities to find solutions.

The Emir of Kaura Namoda in Zamfara State, the Sarkin Kiyawa, Alhaji Sanusi Ahmed Asha, has disclosed that the Almustaqil School of Technology and Vocational Training, Kaura Namoda, is determined to produce skilled artisans, entrepreneurs, and professionals who will not only be employable but also capable of creating jobs for others.

He assured that trainees from the school will no longer search for white-collar jobs, adding that the vision of the school is to build a model centre of excellence where creativity, discipline, and innovation meet practical knowledge.

He said that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has approved 12 vocational training programmes for school.

This was announced by the Director of the school, Mohammed Makwashe, during the flag-off of orientation training at Kaura Namoda town, under the NBTE and TVET initiative programme in the state.

Earlier, the Emir of Kaura Namoda, Alhaji Asha, assured that all the trainees will be provided with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical training, guided by qualified instructors and supported with modern equipment.

‘Under the NBTE and TVET initiative programme, our institution has been approved to offer 12 trades, including poultry farming,tailoring/fashion design and char maul making, catering and hotel management hospitality and catering training, electrical installation and maintenance, IEF and computer operations, social media, welding and fabrication, among others,’ Makwashe.

Earlier, the Emir of Kaura Namoda, Alhaji Asha, assured that all the trainees will be provided with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical training, guided by qualified instructors and supported with modern equipment.

He called on individuals, government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private bodies, and politicians to collaborate with the training school in order to train their wards, beneficiaries and members of their communities.

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has distributed 850 units of 13-horsepower hand-driven Power Tillers, along with relief materials and life jackets, to farmers across the states under the Commission’s oversight.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, flagged off the distribution at the N-HYPPADEC Headquarters in Minna.

He commended the Commission and its Managing Director for their unwavering commitment to developing the N-HYPPADEC states, noting that his reappointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for another tenure is a testament to that effort.

Bago said the distribution demonstrates N-HYPPADEC’s willingness to support benefiting communities and contribute to food security despite the flood disasters ravaging some member states.

He urged farmers to pursue dry-season farming by taking advantage of the Lower Niger Basin and to engage in pasture production aligned with the president’s agricultural and livestock initiatives for Nigeria.

Reaffirming his administration’s readiness to sustain support for N-HYPPADEC, he pledged to provide 160 water pumps and stated that the state government will partner with the commission to boost agricultural activities.

He also urged N-HYPPADEC to consider reticulating the New Bussa, Borgu LGA and Bida towns in its 2026 budget and called for intervention in the Kuta waterworks.

On the issue of recurring boat mishaps in Niger State, the governor emphasised that lives have been lost and called for re-education.

He said discussions with the Etsu Nupe and the N-HYPPADEC Managing Director are ongoing to determine how best to enforce the use of life jackets.

The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, disclosed that out of 850 units of 13-horsepower hand-powered tillers allocated to all N-HYPPADEC states, Niger State has 165 units.

The other items include 4,000 life jackets, 500 bags of NPK fertilisers, 50 cartons of pesticides, and 100 cartons of herbicides for flood-affected communities in Mokwa and other local government areas of the state, in addition to a recently awarded contract for the supply of planters and sprayers for distribution to affected communities in N-HYPPADEC’s member states.

Yelwa emphasised that the distribution of the hand-powered tillers and other items is yet another practical step in their continuing effort to reduce vulnerability, improve livelihoods, and promote inclusive development.

He said the efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises empowerment, agricultural productivity, and community resilience, and resonates deeply with the Niger State Government’s strong commitment to agricultural advancement and water-transport safety.

In separate goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Matthew Ahmed; Estu Nupe; and Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, commended N-HYPPADEC’s activities and interventions to ensure safety of lives and to increase food productivity and security in the state.

They added that the programme is in line with the farmer-governor’s vision, and noted that the state has already provided tractors to service smallholder farmers across the state.

Zamfara State government and stakeholders have met to validate and domesticate national gender policy on education aimed to promote equal access to quality education for all in the state.

The Zamfara State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, who supported and organised the stakeholders’ meeting, said the aim was to review and validate the National Policy on Gender in Education and adapt it to align with the state.

Speaking during a two-day meeting, the Zamfara State AGILE coordinator, represented by the deputy coordinator, Dr. Salisu Dalhati, explained that the meeting comprised critical stakeholders from government, ministries, departments, and agencies as well as some key actors in education in the state.

‘Our goal is to ensure that the policy aligns with ongoing education reforms. After this, we will develop a costed implementation plan with a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress,’ he said.

Dr Dalhatu further emphasised that the domesticated policy will help institutionalise gender across all MDAs and ensure sustainability even after the end of AGILE project in the state.

‘After the review and validation exercise, we will clean up the document and present it to the state Project Steering Committee for onward presentation to the state Governor for consent and adoption,’ he revealed.

He expressed optimism that Zamfara will emerge as a frontline state in the implementation of gender-responsive educational policies for the state.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mallam Wadatau Madawaki, who was represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Sani Malafiya, said the National Policy on Gender in Education was aimed to address disparities and promote equal access to quality education for all in the state.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations, intercepting petroleum products and other contraband items valued at over N112 million within two months.

The Area Comptroller, Bashir Garuba, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Customs House, Yola, Adamawa State, while presenting the command’s performance report, as he described the achievement as a testament to the dedication of officers in combating economic sabotage and protecting national interests.

‘In just six grueling weeks, the command’s eagle-eyed officers made 29 seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N112,590,000. These efforts are not just statistics; they are victories for Nigeria’s economy, health and security,’ Bashir said.

He said that the seizures were made across several notorious smuggling routes, including the Mubi-Sahuda axis, Girei-Wuro Bokki stretch, Jamtari-Farang/Belel corridor and the Damare riverbank, as well as Gurin-Fufore and Yerima road in Gembu, spanning both Adamawa and Taraba states.

Among the seized items were 20,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) packed in 824 jerry cans, 91 cartons of expired 50mg Tramadol capsules, 54 cartons of prohibited foreign soaps, and 64 pieces of donkey skins concealed in sacks and destined for export to Cameroon.

The fake drugs, according to Garuba, were handed over to NAFDAC for destruction in line with Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The Comptroller explained that the interception of the donkey hides-prohibited under Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff and Section 150 of the NCS Act-saved endangered animals from further slaughter, while the seizure of expired drugs prevented a potential public health crisis.

Garuba commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their guidance and support, acknowledging the collaboration of sister security agencies and the media in helping the command achieve its mandate.