In Nigerian history, few figures have resonated as profoundly as the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. His tenure was marked not only by the political and economic challenges of a nation in transition but also by an unwavering commitment to the principles of integrity and trust. Since his passing, a chorus of voices has emerged, each recounting personal anecdotes that underscore Buhari’s steadfast dedication to these values. Reflecting on my own interaction with him, I’m reminded of the profound impact a single conversation can have—particularly when it centers on the ethical foundations of leadership. In 2014, while serving as the…
Author: Editor
In the heart of Nigeria’s historic Northwest, a bold educational revolution is quietly unfolding. Northwest University Sokoto, founded just over two years ago, is charting an ambitious course toward becoming a global academic hub. With a clear and compelling vision, the university is setting new standards in academic excellence, infrastructure, innovation, and student-centered learning. In this exclusive interview with THESTORIES, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza, outlines its strategic priorities and enduring commitment to empowering future leaders from Nigeria and around the world. EXCERPTS: What is your overarching vision for Northwest University Sokoto, and what strategic…
The Nigerian Bar Association’s Jalingo branch has extended heartfelt congratulations to one of its most distinguished members, Aishatu Mohammed Esq, following her election as Treasurer of the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL). In a statement filled with pride and admiration, members of the Jalingo Bar described her victory as a well-deserved recognition of her unwavering commitment to justice, public interest, and the development of the legal profession in Nigeria. SPIDEL, an arm of the Nigerian Bar Association, is a platform dedicated to the promotion of public interest law and litigation. It seeks to ensure access to…
The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in public financial management through a two-day capacity-building workshop for key stakeholders in the budgeting and finance sectors. The training, held at Reiz Continental Hotel in Abuja, brought together officials from the State Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Sokoto State Internal Revenue Service. It focused on the updated National Chart of Accounts (NCoA), budget performance reporting, and state financial accounting standards. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayyana, said the initiative reflects the…
In a country where senators are often known more for speeches than action, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko has, over the last 10 years, carved a legacy that blurs the line between a lawmaker and a leader of government. From powering entire communities to sponsoring the education of hundreds, he has shown that one senator, armed with political will and a heart for service, can behave like a small government unto his people. By Abdallah el-Kurebe Powering dreams: Wamakko, lighting up communities forgotten by the grid Electricity is more than light, it’s dignity, it’s opportunity. For rural communities in Sokoto State…
Burkina Faso has been ranked the most impacted country by terrorism in the 2025 edition of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), reflecting the deepening security crisis in the Sahel region of West Africa. By Abdallah el-Kurebe The report, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), identifies the top 10 countries most affected by terrorism, with Pakistan, Syria, Mali, and Nigeria rounding out the top five. Key findings in the Global Terrorism Index: Burkina Faso – Ranked #1 Once considered a relatively stable West African nation, Burkina Faso has seen a dramatic surge in terrorist activity over the past…
Burkina Faso has taken decisive control over its gold and mineral resources, unveiling its first-ever gold refinery and producing homegrown gold bars for the first time in history. This is in a moment for national pride and economic sovereignty. After years of watching its vast mineral wealth flow out of the country with minimal returns, Burkina Faso has turned a page. In a bold move to reclaim its natural resources, the West African nation has established a domestic gold refinery—an industrial milestone that signals both a symbolic and strategic shift in its economic direction. The new facility has already refined…
As the world prepares for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) scheduled for June 30, 2025, in Seville, Spain, Nigerian civil society groups are rallying for transformative reforms in both global finance systems and domestic economic policy. Their unified stance is outlined in a newly released advocacy report titled “Financing for Development in Nigeria: Sectoral Context and Insights for the Fourth International Conference”. The document is the product of a coalition led by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), in collaboration with Oxfam in Nigeria, Christian Aid, the International Budget Partnership, Connected Development, and other partners…
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), established in 1975, has long been a stabilizing force in the region, fostering economic cooperation and collective security among its 15 member states. However, recent political upheavals, military coups, and internal divisions have exposed cracks in the regional bloc, weakening its ability to address security threats. At the same time, insurgency and violent extremism are spreading across West Africa, exacerbating instability. This analysis explores the deepening fractures within ECOWAS, their impact on counterinsurgency efforts, and the growing security threats posed by insurgents in the region. By Abdallah el-Kurebe The ECOWAS crisis: A…
In recent years, a troubling pattern has emerged in Nigeria: military airstrikes intended to combat terrorism are increasingly resulting in the tragic deaths and injuries of innocent civilians. These incidents have left entire communities in mourning and have raised serious questions about the accuracy of military operations, the reliability of intelligence, and the commitment to safeguarding civilian lives in conflict zones. By Abdallah el-Kurebe The Kurebe tragedy In early 2022, the once peaceful Kurebe community in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area became a scene of unimaginable horror. An airstrike aimed at bandits hiding nearby mistakenly struck civilian homes, leading…