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NAHCON Commissioner Elegushi Accused of Defying VP’s Directive, Retaining Retired Staff and Ex-Corper

By Nura Ahmad
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A fresh wave of controversy is sweeping through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as mounting allegations implicate the Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, in what insiders describe as a brazen disregard for civil service rules, Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s explicit directive, and growing tendencies of nepotism and impunity. Multiple senior staff who spoke to this newspaper, fearing reprisals, disclosed that Mr. Elegushi has continued to retain a retired NAHCON official, Mr. Gaffar, who left the service in 2023. Despite having no legal standing within the commission, the retired officer allegedly maintains unrestricted access to official operations and enjoys privileges befitting a serving staff. “He has no portfolio, no official role, yet he attends meetings, travels with the commissioner, and even maintains offices in both Abuja and Saudi Arabia,” one source lamented. “This is a clear violation of the Public Service Rules, and staff confidence i...
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Open Letter To President Bola Tinubu On Returning NAHCON To The Coordinating Authority of the SGF

By Nura Ahmad
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His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President, Federal Republic of Nigeria State House, Abuja Your Excellency, I write as a concerned citizen and Muslim who cares deeply about the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims and the reputation of our country. I respectfully urge you to review the current supervisory arrangement of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and return its day to day supervision to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), while keeping it firmly under the Presidency as required by law. This request is about efficiency, productivity, accountability, and the long term stability of Hajj administration in Nigeria. 1. Brief history of Hajj management in Nigeria 1. In 1953, Alhaji Abubakar Imam moved a motion in the Northern House of Assembly for a Nigerian pilgrims office in Jeddah, to protect pilgrims who were facing hardship in Saudi Arabia.  2. Regional Pilgrims Welfare Boards emerged from 1958 in Western Re...
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Oyedeji Hails Lagos Legends' Historic Triumph, Champions A Vision for A Stronger Nigerian Basketball League

By Nura Ahmad
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Former NBA star and one of the long-time pillars of of Nigerian basketball, Olumide Oyedeji, praised Lagos Legends for their dramatic 74–72 victory over Rivers Hoopers on Sunday. A win that delivered the franchise its first-ever NBBF Premier League title and a prized ticket to the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL). Oyedeji, the proprietor of Hoops N’ Read and a respected NBBF board member, described the victory as “a new chapter” for the domestic league, insisting that Legends’ rise is proof that Nigerian clubs can hit continental standards with the right planning and discipline. “Your victory is the result of hard work, and other teams should learn from the way Lagos Legends went about their business,” Oyedeji said, urging the champions to begin early preparation for the enormous challenge the BAL presents. While his own Hoops N’ Read side did not reach the Final Four this season, bowing out in the Final Eight, Oyedeji remained fully invested in the league’s growth. ...
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Rano Emir pledges to support Maryam Idris Umar College of Education

By Nura Ahmad
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The Emir of Rano, Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Isa Umaru has pledged to support Maryam Idris  Umar College of Education aimed at boosting education in the emirate, and statewide. The Emir made the pledge while receiving the management, staff and students of the college led by the proprietor and provost of the institution, Alhaji Sani Jogana and Hajiya Bilkisu Abdullahi Turaki who paid him a courtesy visit at his palace. A statement signed by the college's head of public relations department , Ado Salisu, said the emir described education as a backbone of every development especially at this critical period. Ambassador Dr Muhammad Isa Umaru assured the leadership of the college that the emirate will do everything possible to support it with a view to actualize it's objectives. While expressing gratitude to the college management for the visit, he urged them to sustain the tempo for the overall development of education in the state and beyond. Ear...
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DELAY DEFEATS EQUITY: Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as a Case Study

By Nura Ahmad
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When justice is delayed, it ceases to be justice. Equity demands that justice must not only be done, but done in good time. Time, in many respects, is the currency that gives justice its meaning. The prolonged delay in the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) undermines these principles of natural justice and equity. Why? It has been more than four months since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Engr. Ramat. He has undergone screening by the Senate and, by every legal and professional standard, fulfilled the requirements of the position. Yet, vested interests have kept his confirmation in limbo. The Senate Committee on Power—after a thorough, transparent, and bipartisan screening—unanimously cleared him. Their report, recommending his confirmation, was duly transmitted to the Senate leadership over a month ago. Accordingly, the Senate Order Paper of October 22 clearly listed his confirmation as a...
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Kano Intensifies Collaboration With the Dangote Foundation to boost Social Protection for Millions of Residents

By Nura Ahmad
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The Kano State Social Protection Agency (KASPA) has expressed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation to enhance social protection interventions targeting the poor and vulnerable across the state. This was disclosed during a courtesy visit to the Foundation’s office by the Director General of KASPA, Dr. Fatima Abubakar Abdullahi (Amneef), who led a high-level delegation comprising all directors of the agency. In a statement signed by the Director Public Enlightenment of the Agency, Rabi'u Khalil Kura, said the Director General reaffirmed KASPA’s mandate as the coordinating authority responsible for harmonizing, implementing, and monitoring all social protection activities in Kano State.  She emphasized that the agency’s core mission is to reduce poverty, improve social inclusion, and strengthen the livelihoods of citizens across all 44 local government areas. Dr. Fatima conveyed the appreciation of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir ...
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NUGA Games fallout: BUK Gold Medal Winning V/ball Female team dedicates victory to VC, coach Abdallah

By Nura Ahmad
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The Gold Medal Winning Volleyball Female team, Bayero University Kano BUK players have dedicated their medal at the just concluded NUGA Games to the institution's Vice Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa and coach Usman Abdullah. The BUK volleyball team who among the 91 universities competed in this year's Nigerian University Games Association NUGA held at University of Jos has described their victory to the commitment and support from institution's management and the technical bench led by ex international, Usman Abdullah. The university's captain Faith Baba Kenzie said despite the challenges in the prelims, the players played as a team to emerge victory at the end of the tournament. ''This remarkable achievement is the first-ever gold medal in the history of team sports for our university, and the athletes have unanimously dedicated this historic victory to you, Professor Haruna Musa in appreciation of your fatherly support, guidance, a...
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Nigerian Tennis Federation NTF approves date for Dala Hard Courts Tennis championship in Kano

By Nura Ahmad
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The Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) has approved the dates for the 38th edition of Dala Hard Courts Tennis championship, as over 200 players across the country are expected to compete in the seven days tournament . The tournament Director, Alhaji Yusuf Datti stated this while briefing Newsmen on the preparations ahead of the competition. Alhaji Yusuf Datti who doubles as Vice President of Nigerian Tennis Federation said that the championship will take place from 20th to 29th November, 2025 at the Kano Club tennis section The Director added that the preliminary rounds will be held from 21st to 23rd November while the main draw commencing on Monday 24th November and final will hold on 29th. Alhaji Yusuf Datti who is also a registrar of Khalifah Isyaku Rabiu University KHAIRUN pointed out that the organisers have requested the NTF to invite the top 30 ranked men and the top 10 ranked ladies to participate in the main draw of the event. ''This year's budget is pr...
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Utopia Secures Trademark Status in Nigeria, Marks a New Era of British Craftsmanship and Global Growth

By Nura Ahmad
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Utopia Bath & Kitchen, a renowned British bathroom manufacturer, has officially registered its trademark in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s ongoing global expansion strategy. Founded in 1989, Utopia is celebrated as one of the United Kingdom’s most established and respected bathroom manufacturers. For more than three decades, the company has embodied the finest traditions of British craftsmanship, innovation, and design excellence — values that continue to define its products and partnerships worldwide. All Utopia products are designed and made to the highest standards of quality and precision engineering. The company’s comprehensive range includes complete bathroom solutions such as furniture, vanities, basins, sanitaryware, mirrors, storage, and accessories — each created with meticulous attention to detail and durability. Through a consistent commitment to excellence, Utopia has earned multiple industry awards and conti...
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Brig Gen Samaila Uba FNIPR Takes Over as Director Defence Information

By Nura Ahmad
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Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR) and an experienced strategic communication specialist, has assumed office as the new Director of Defence Information (DDI).  A seasoned military officer with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from the prestigious Bayero University Kano (BUK), his appointment signals a renewed focus on strategic communication within the military. The handover took place during a brief ceremony at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), following a recent reorganization within the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Brig. Gen. Uba took over from Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, whom he appreciated for his achievements during his tour of duty. In his inaugural address, Brig Gen Uba pledged to steer the Directorate under four strategic priorities: unity of purpose, timeliness and transparency, digital innovation, and media collaboration. He commended his predecessor for his contributions and wished him success...
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