Headlines
Reopen Land Borders, Kano Gov Pleads with Tinubu
Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider reopening Nigeria’s borders for the importation of food in order to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
Governor Yusuf made the appeal through the Comptroller of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who visited him at the Government House, and made public in a statement issued by his spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa.
The governor lamented the critical condition of hunger and starvation in the country, which he attributed to the incessant hike in the prices of commodities in the country.
“We wish to appreciate the President’s intervention on the ongoing national food initiative, which he considers Kano as the host for the initiative to be launched, believing that the programme will cushion the effects of food scarcity if implemented.”
According to the governor, another immediate intervention that can make food available and affordable to our teaming population is for the Federal government to consider the reopening of the borders and allow free importation of commodities.
During the meeting with the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in his office, Governor Yusuf emphasised the prevalent hardships faced by the populace, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan, underscoring the necessity of opening the borders to alleviate their distress.
He also expressed satisfaction with the Customs Service’s initiative to commence the distribution of food items to the citizens of Kano amidst the prevailing hardships and hunger experienced by many, urging the Customs Service to ensure that this benevolent act reaches those most affected.
Furthermore, the governor assured the Customs Service of his support in all aspects, particularly those that would yield positive outcomes for Kano State and Nigeria at large.
In his remarks, the Comptroller General, Adeniyi, reiterated the significance of fortifying the bond between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Kano community, emphasising the service’s deeper commitment to collaboration and mutual understanding.
He pledged to implement policies aimed at refining business processes and fostering engagement with stakeholders.
While in Kano interacting with various stakeholders, CG Adeniyi also stated that the service has made arrangements to address the current challenges of food scarcity and hardship in Kano by distributing essential food items to the residents.
Former governor of Anambra State, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has officially defected to the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi announced the decision on Tuesday at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.
“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi said.
The National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, was among the attendees.
United States Representative Riley Moors has said further military strikes against Islamic State-linked militants in Nigeria could follow recent operations ordered by President Donald Trump, describing the actions as aimed at improving security and protecting Christian communities facing violence.
Moore made the remarks during a televised interview in which he addressed U.S. military strikes carried out on Christmas Day against militant targets in North-west Nigeria.
The strikes were conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government, according to U.S. and Nigerian officials.
“President Trump is not trying to bring war to Nigeria, he’s bringing peace and security to Nigeria and to the thousands of Christians who face horrific violence and death,” Moore said.
He said the Christmas Day strikes against Islamic State affiliates had provided hope to Christians in Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by repeated attacks during past festive periods.
According to U.S. authorities, the strikes targeted camps used by Islamic State-linked groups operating in parts of north-west Nigeria.
Nigerian officials confirmed that the operation was carried out with intelligence support from Nigerian security agencies as part of ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between both countries.
The United States Africa Command said the operation was intended to degrade the operational capacity of extremist groups responsible for attacks on civilians and security forces.
Nigerian authorities have described the targeted groups as a threat to national security, noting their involvement in killings, kidnappings and raids on rural communities.
Moore said the strikes marked a shift from previous years in which attacks were carried out against civilians during the Christmas period. He said the U.S. administration was focused on preventing further violence by targeting militant groups before they could launch attacks.
U.S. officials have said the military action was carried out with the consent of the Nigerian government and formed part of broader security cooperation between the two countries. Nigeria has received intelligence, training and logistical support from international partners as it seeks to contain militant activity.
Moore had previously called for stronger international attention to attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria and has urged continued U.S. engagement in addressing extremist violence. He said further action would depend on developments on the ground and continued coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Nigerian officials have maintained that counter-terrorism operations are directed at armed groups threatening civilians, regardless of religion, and have reiterated their commitment to restoring security across affected regions.
World-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua on Monday survived a ghastly road accident in Makun, Ogun State.
Eyewitnesses report that the incident occurred along a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
The vehicle carrying Joshua, a Lexus Jeep with the number plate, KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with a stationary truck under circumstances that are still being investigated.
Joshua reportedly sustained minor injuries, while two persons were said to have died on the spot.
