Tuesday, 14th July 2026

By Editor

The Kano State Ministry of Education has partnered with Phemia Consults & Integrated Services, a youth development and emotional wellness organisation led by Mrs. Nkechi Nwodo, to implement a Statewide Student Emotional Intelligence and Character Development Framework aimed at raising responsible, emotionally healthy and purpose-driven young people across Kano State. 

The initiative received official approval from the Ministry following a proposal submitted by Phemia Consults & Integrated Services. The approval was conveyed in a letter dated June 8, 2026, signed by the Director of Schools Management, Sagir Umar Danbare, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education. 

As part of the approval, the Ministry authorised the implementation of the pilot phase of the programme in ten public secondary schools across Kano metropolis. 

The programme is designed to equip students with emotional intelligence competencies, character values, leadership abilities and practical life skills necessary for personal success and responsible citizenship in an increasingly complex social environment. 

Mrs. Nkechi Nwodo explained that the initiative was conceived in response to growing concerns over youth involvement in violence, drug abuse, thuggery and other anti-social behaviours, stressing that preventive interventions among students remain more effective than corrective measures introduced after harmful behaviours have already taken root. 

According to her, many young people who eventually become involved in criminal activities often begin as students grappling with low self-esteem, negative peer influence, anger, poor decision-making and a lack of positive role models and direction. 

She noted that the framework seeks to intervene at this critical stage by helping students develop resilience, emotional maturity and positive values capable of guiding their decisions and shaping their future contributions to society. 

Under the programme, participating students will undergo intensive sessions covering emotional intelligence, character development, identity and self-worth, resilience and mental strength, peer pressure management, anger management, conflict resolution, leadership and citizenship, goal setting and future planning. 

The initiative will also feature anti-violence and anti-thuggery education designed to create awareness about the dangers and consequences of criminality, gang involvement, drug abuse and violent conduct while promoting peaceful alternatives and responsible citizenship. 

The pilot phase will engage 300 students drawn from ten public secondary schools approved by the Ministry, with each participating school nominating 30 students for the programme. 

The selected schools include GGSS Salanta, GGASS Sheka, GGSS Liman Idi, Government College Kano, Mairo Tijjani Government Secondary Technical College, GSS Danbare, Army Day Secondary School, Bukavu Barracks, GSS Kawaiji, GSS Tarauni and GSS Gwale. 

The Ministry further directed Mrs. Nkechi Nwodo and her team at Phemia Consults & Integrated Services to work closely with the Department of Schools Management throughout the implementation period. 

Speaking on the broader significance of the intervention, Mrs. Nwodo described the programme as an investment in peacebuilding, youth empowerment and social stability, noting that strengthening emotional intelligence and character formation among students would contribute significantly to building safer communities and a more productive society. 

She expressed optimism that the initiative would serve as a model for wider implementation across Kano State and eventually other parts of the country as stakeholders continue to explore innovative approaches to youth development and values-based education. 

Mrs. Nwodo added that the long-term vision of Phemia Consults & Integrated Services is to raise a generation of emotionally intelligent, disciplined and productive young Nigerians equipped to make positive choices and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Date: Wednesday 15th & 16th July 2026

For Partnership/Sponsorship & Enquiries:

08101088447, 08073675405 

Email: phemia.consults@gmail.com

Monday 13th, July 2026

By Editor

The sixth edition of the Run Club Abuja (RCA) Charity Half Marathon has raised ₦12.4 million to procure life-saving neonatal equipment for two public hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in a major boost to maternal and child healthcare.

The funds generated from the annual charity race will be used to purchase incubators, nebulisers and resuscitators for selected hospitals in the Abaji and Kuje Area Councils, where access to specialised neonatal care remains limited.

Speaking after the event, President of Run Club Abuja, Buchi Onyebule, said the remarkable increase in participation over the years reflects growing public confidence in the initiative and its impact on society.

According to him, the charity marathon, which attracted about 100 participants in its maiden edition and 250 in its second year, recorded approximately 1,000 runners this year, including fitness enthusiasts, philanthropists and social advocates from across the country.

Onyebule said that while promoting healthy living remains one of the club's core objectives, making meaningful contributions to society has become an equally important part of its mission.

Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Peju Lawanson, described the annual event as more than just a fitness gathering, noting that it has evolved into a platform for humanitarian intervention.

She explained that this year's edition is focused on improving maternal and child healthcare by providing essential neonatal equipment capable of saving the lives of vulnerable newborns in public hospitals.

Principal sponsor, Norrenberger Group, also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that combine healthy living with social impact. The company's Managing Director, Tony Edeh, said the organisation has partnered with the charity marathon for three consecutive years because it promotes wellness while supporting vulnerable communities.

The event also attracted international participants, including French couple Marie-Jo Tafforeau and Sylvain Tafforeau. Marie-Jo, who completed her first half marathon, described running as beneficial to both physical and mental wellbeing, while her husband encouraged people to exercise at their own pace and enjoy the social benefits of the sport.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who also participated in the marathon, commended the organisers for using sports as a platform for positive social change. He encouraged more Nigerians to embrace physical activity while stressing that charitable initiatives should complement, rather than replace, government's responsibility to provide quality healthcare.

Over the years, the Run Club Abuja Charity Half Marathon has grown into one of the Federal Capital Territory's leading fitness events, combining sports and philanthropy to raise funds for critical healthcare interventions while promoting healthier lifestyles across Nigeria.

Monday 6th, July 2026

By Admin 

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has ordered the compulsory retirement of a Sharia Court judge over bribery and imposed disciplinary sanctions on several judicial officers and court staff following investigations into allegations of misconduct.

The decisions were reached during the Commission's 90th meeting held on July 3, 2026, after it reviewed reports and recommendations submitted by the Judicial Public Complaints Committee on petitions involving judges and court personnel. The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson for the Kano State Courts, Baba Jibo Ibrahim.

According to the statement, Hon. Judge Aliyu Yahaya Muhammad of the Bebeji Sharia Court was compulsorily retired after investigators established that he received a ₦250,000 bribe in Suit No. CV/474/2024 between Talatu Ibrahim and Muntari Abubakar Baguda. The Commission also directed the judge to refund the entire amount received.

The Commission further suspended the Registrar of the Bebeji Sharia Court, Ibrahim Ahmad Ibrahim, without pay for four months after he admitted receiving part of the bribe.

In a separate case, the JSC approved the compulsory retirement of Muzambilu Ado, Acting Director of Public Relations at the Kano State Sharia Court of Appeal, after investigations uncovered what it described as serious irregularities in his academic credentials, including alteration of educational records and irregular entry into the judicial service.

Also sanctioned was Hon. Judge Usman Haruna Usman of the Goron Dutse Upper Sharia Court, who was demoted by one grade level for negligence after allowing proceeds from the sale of attached property to be paid into the personal account of a court staff member, resulting in the loss of litigants' funds.

The Commission also cautioned Hon. Judge Abdullahi Wayya of the Kasuwa Sharia Court over his handling of bail in Case No. CR/172/2022 involving the Commissioner of Police and Muhammad Musa Kadawa. It found that the judge failed to properly supervise the bail process, leading to the release of the defendant without adequate verification of the property documents presented as bail.

As part of its resolutions, the Commission directed that the case involving Inspector Shehu Adamu be forwarded to the Kano State Police Command for further investigation and possible disciplinary action after he was found to have misled the court by certifying that all bail conditions had been fulfilled. It also ordered a thorough investigation into the roles played by court cashiers Salmanu Zubairu and Ahmad Kabir in processing the bail documents.

Meanwhile, the Commission reversed its earlier suspension of Hon. Judge Umar Sunusi Danbaba following the submission of additional documents by the Judicial Public Complaints Committee. The fresh findings indicated that the committee had not recommended his removal from judicial duties. Consequently, the Commission restored him to office with effect from July 3, 2026, alongside his full salary and benefits.

Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, the Commission stressed that it would continue to uphold the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and discipline. It warned that any judicial officer or court employee found guilty of misconduct, corruption or abuse of office would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the law.

Mr. Maduka Madubuike

Saturday 4th, July 2026

By Admin

The Palace of HRM Igwe Ikechukwu Oliver Akpudo, Eze Ndi Igbo of Kano, has expressed concern over what it described as prejudicial and defamatory publications currently circulating in relation to the ongoing court proceedings arising from a business dispute involving the monarch and businessman, Maduka Madubuike.

In a statement made available to our correspondent, the Palace said while it respects the right of every citizen to seek legal redress and remains fully committed to the judicial process, allegations contained in court filings should not be presented to the public as established facts before the conclusion of trial.

The Palace noted that HRM Igwe Ikechukwu Oliver Akpudo has pleaded not guilty to the allegations before the court and remains constitutionally entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.

According to the statement, concern has grown over reports and public commentaries emanating from the dispute and the subsequent proceedings which allegedly seek to prejudice the ongoing judicial process and subject the monarch to public ridicule and reputational harm even before the courts have had the opportunity to determine the issues before them.

The Palace further observed that while the dispute originated from business dealings between parties now before the court, recent reports and headlines had unnecessarily projected the revered institution of Eze Ndi Igbo of Kano into the controversy in a manner it considers damaging and prejudicial.

"The Palace is particularly concerned by publications and commentaries which appear calculated to prejudice ongoing proceedings, subject His Royal Majesty to public ridicule and inflict reputational injury upon both his person and the revered institution of Eze Ndi Igbo of Kano before the conclusion of the judicial process," the statement read.

It urged members of the public to distinguish between allegations contained in court proceedings and findings reached by a court after the conclusion of trial.

The Palace further disclosed that it is reviewing publications and reports presently in circulation concerning the matter and stated that appropriate legal and other lawful actions would be taken where necessary to protect the reputation and rights of the monarch and the institution he represents.

The Palace reiterated confidence in the judicial process and expressed optimism that the courts would arrive at a fair and just determination of the issues before them.

Friday 4th, July 2026

By Admin

The Knights of St. Mulumba and the Papal Knights and Medalists of Nigeria have launched an initiative aimed at securing the release of inmates detained for minor offences and reducing congestion in correctional centres across Nigeria.

The intervention, unveiled in Abuja during a meeting with the National Human Rights Commission, will focus on assisting Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) who remain behind bars simply because they are unable to meet bail conditions despite facing minor and bailable offences.

Leading the delegation was the National President of the Papal Knights and Supreme Knight of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Steve Adehi, who expressed concern over the growing number of Nigerians languishing in correctional facilities despite not having been convicted of any crime.

According to Adehi, many detainees remain in custody not because they are guilty, but because poverty has prevented them from meeting bail requirements or because they have become victims of prolonged unlawful detention.

Responding to the initiative, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, described the situation as a serious indictment on Nigeria's justice system.

Ojukwu revealed that the Commission had documented cases of Nigerians being held in detention over debts and disputes involving as little as ₦5,000, stressing that restoring the freedom of such individuals is both a legal and moral obligation.

Under the partnership, the Knights and the NHRC will jointly identify inmates detained for minor offences solely because they cannot satisfy bail conditions and work towards facilitating their release.

Beyond securing freedom for affected inmates, the initiative also includes rehabilitation and reintegration programmes such as vocational skills acquisition, halfway homes and support packages aimed at helping former inmates rebuild their lives and avoid returning to crime.

As part of broader correctional reforms, the partners also plan to organise human rights training programmes for correctional officers to promote humane treatment of inmates in line with Nigeria's Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and internationally recognised standards, including the United Nations' Nelson Mandela Rules.

The Head of the NHRC's National Preventive Mechanism, Kabiru Elayo, warned that without proper reintegration structures, many former inmates could find themselves back in custody shortly after release.

To formalise the arrangement, the NHRC is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Knights of St. Mulumba and the Papal Knights and Medalists of Nigeria, after which implementation will commence through the Commission's offices across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Thursday 3rd, July 2026

By Admin

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent measures to address what it described as persistent attacks, marginalisation and negative profiling of Muslims in Nigeria, warning that continued inaction could threaten national peace and stability.

In a statement issued by the Council's Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on behalf of its President-General, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the apex Islamic body reaffirmed its commitment to peace, national unity and religious harmony despite what it described as repeated provocations against Muslims across the country.

The Council stated that while Muslims had continued to exercise restraint in the face of perceived discrimination and hostility, such patience should not be interpreted as weakness.

"Restraint is not cowardice, but there is always a limit to endurance," the statement noted.

The NSCIA alleged that certain individuals and organisations have continued to portray Muslims as oppressors despite what it described as their own experiences of marginalisation in public life. It further claimed that some foreign interests were exploiting religious differences in an attempt to sow discord and destabilise the country.

The Council also criticised remarks recently made by former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ayo Oritsejafor, during a television programme, describing the comments as reckless, unfounded and capable of heightening religious tensions.

According to the Council, similar remarks from a Muslim leader would likely have attracted swift intervention from security and regulatory agencies, urging authorities to apply the law fairly and impartially regardless of religious affiliation.

The Islamic body further rejected attempts to link Muslims and Fulani communities to a recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, arguing that the identities of those arrested in connection with the crime did not support such allegations.

The NSCIA also condemned the killing of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria chairman in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, following what it described as a peace meeting in Otukpo Local Government Area, and called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.

The Council equally expressed concern over what it described as the under-representation of Muslims in public appointments, alleging that the replacement of Muslim political office holders with non-Muslims reflected a broader pattern of exclusion.

While urging Muslims nationwide to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to national unity, the NSCIA called on the Federal Government to ensure that those responsible for violent attacks and killings in both Kaduna State and Benue State are identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Council also demanded transparent investigations into allegations involving police officers accused of misconduct in separate incidents, including claims surrounding the death of a female Muslim scholar in Kaduna State and the circumstances surrounding the killing of the MACBAN chairman.

By Admin 

The Senate of Northwest University Kano has approved disciplinary measures against dozens of students found culpable of examination malpractice during the institution's second semester examinations for the 2024/2025 academic session.

According to an official bulletin issued by the university's Public Relations Unit and dated June 30, 2026, the decisions were reached following recommendations submitted by the Senate Committee on Examination Misconduct and subsequently adopted during the Senate's 66th Statutory Meeting held on June 17 and 18, 2026.

The university announced that a total of 34 students were expelled for various examination-related offences, while 18 others were rusticated in accordance with the institution's examination regulations as contained in the Students' Handbook.

In addition, 22 students received written warning letters after being found guilty of lesser violations of the university's examination rules.

The Senate also cleared one student, identified as Rukayya Ahmad Zukuri, after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the case and determining that there was insufficient basis for disciplinary action.

The institution stated that the sanctions were imposed in line with its commitment to maintaining academic integrity and preserving the credibility of its examinations and certificates.

A detailed list of affected students, including those expelled, rusticated and issued warning letters, was attached to the official bulletin released by the university.

The latest action underscores the university administration's resolve to enforce strict compliance with examination regulations and discourage all forms of academic misconduct among students.

By Admin

A discussion on accessibility and inclusion has emerged online after deaf advocate and disability rights campaigner Abba Shehu Hussaini questioned whether the use of projector screens alone is sufficient for deaf participants attending privacy-related programmes, trainings and workshops conducted without sign language interpreters.

In a social media post, Hussaini asked whether deaf individuals can effectively participate in confidential sessions where organisers decline to provide interpreters because of the sensitive nature of discussions, relying instead on presentations displayed on projector screens.

The question has since generated conversations among disability advocates and members of the public, many of whom argued that visual presentations cannot replace sign language interpretation in ensuring full and meaningful participation for deaf attendees.

Responding to the issue, one commenter noted that concerns about privacy should not become a justification for communication barriers, stressing that people with hearing impairments have historically been denied access to important information and opportunities because of inadequate accessibility measures.

The commenter further argued that organisations worried about confidentiality could engage sign language interpreters as members of staff or require them to operate under confidentiality agreements, similar to arrangements commonly used for other professionals who handle sensitive information.

The debate has also drawn attention to the provisions of Nigeria's Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, which seeks to guarantee equal access and participation for persons with disabilities in public and private institutions.

Disability rights advocates maintain that accessibility should not be viewed as an optional service but as an essential requirement that enables every participant to contribute, learn and benefit equally regardless of disability.

The discussion highlights the growing demand for more inclusive policies in workplaces, government programmes, trainings and professional events, particularly as awareness of disability rights continues to expand across Nigeria.