The Sokoto State Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to correct and resubmit their 2026 appropriation proposals for consolidation by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayyana, at the end of the bilateral budget discussions with MDAs held at the Ministry. Dr. Zayyana explained that the corrections would enable the Ministry to proceed to the next stage of consolidating all MDAs’ proposals into the overall 2026 state budget. He noted that this process is vital to provide a clear picture of…
Author: TheStories
As the first morning of September rose today, I caught myself smiling—one of those involuntary smiles that could make a stranger pause and wonder, “Who’s he talking to? What’s so delightful?” The truth is, I was alone, but the feeling was real. Something about the beginning of a new month always carries with it an unexplainable wave of happiness, as if the calendar itself sprinkles a little hope into our hearts. Psychologists might call this the fresh-start effect—the way humans reframe time markers as opportunities to reset, begin again, and dream afresh. Yet, my excitement for a new month led…
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed claims that his political future is closed, insisting that nobody has the power to dictate his choices ahead of the 2027 elections. Jonathan was reacting to recent remarks by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) and rights activist Chidi Odinkalu, both of whom argued that he was constitutionally barred from contesting again. Keyamo’s claim Keyamo had insisted that Jonathan’s tenure was over, saying:“The law is clear. Jonathan has exhausted his chances of seeking another mandate. Any speculation about his return in 2027 is dead on arrival.” Odinkalu’s argument On his part, Odinkalu described the idea…
Veteran broadcaster Moji Makanjuola has condemned the reported assault on Comrade Ladi Bala, immediate past President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), allegedly by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). In a statement, Makanjuola described the incident as “a direct attack on media freedom and workplace dignity,” stressing that journalists have faced harassment for too long. She called for a personal and public apology to Bala, noting that an apology to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) alone was insufficient. She also demanded a formal apology to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and other professional…
Amid rising debates over Nigeria’s security challenges, Abdulrahaman Kwacham, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholder from Adamawa State, has responded strongly to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent remarks on national security. Kwacham’s reaction follows El-Rufai’s comments on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where the former governor alleged that the Federal Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) led by Nuhu Ribadu, was engaging in a policy of offering allowances and food supplies to bandits instead of directly confronting them militarily. He described this as a national strategy that incentivizes criminal groups rather than stopping them,…
Nestled in the heart of Northern Nigeria, Zaria is a city that embodies rich history, culture, and resilience. Its ancient walls whisper tales of empires and scholars, while its bustling markets pulse with the vibrancy of everyday life. Yet, the true essence of Zaria transcends its storied past; it lies in the spirit of its people who, with determination, strive for progress and development. At the forefront of this movement is Iyan Zazzau Abbas Tajuddeen, the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives. His transformative contributions to the socio-economy of Zaria are a testament to the potential that lies within…
The newly appointed Executive Director of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Prof. Muhammad Bashar Nuhu Tachi, was on Sunday, August 31, 2025, warmly received by his community in Kuta, headquarters of Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State. The homecoming, which also featured a special prayer session, brought together elders, youth, religious leaders, family members, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate his elevation and to pray for Allah’s guidance as he takes on his new national assignment. In his remarks, Prof. Nuhu expressed gratitude to his people for their support and prayers, assuring them of his commitment to deliver on…
The political atmosphere of Nigeria has often been marked by a tumultuous interplay of power, authority, and the consequences of governance. One of the most striking examples of this dynamic is the tenure of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State. Known for his authoritarian approach and a penchant for silencing dissent, El-Rufai’s leadership style has drawn both admiration and criticism. However, the recent events surrounding his administration reveal a profound irony: the very tactics he employed to suppress opposition have now come back to haunt him. The phrase “paying El-Rufai coin for coin” encapsulates this notion of retribution,…
According to the latest data from the World of Statistics based on the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, the highest percentages of people practicing open defecation are found primarily in African countries, with Eritrea leading at 67%, followed closely by Niger (65%), Chad (63%), and South Sudan (60%). Benin and Namibia also face significant challenges with 49% and 37% respectively. Other African countries like Liberia (35%) and Madagascar (34%) have similarly high rates. Nigeria shows an 18% rate of open defecation, representing a large number of people given its population size, although the country has been working on sanitation campaigns to…
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Thursday met with Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, in Abuja to discuss strategies for trade-led growth, investment, and inclusive development. Edun highlighted recent macroeconomic gains — including a stronger naira, easing inflation, and credit ratings upgrades from Fitch and Moody’s — as a platform for sustained growth. He outlined a plan centred on export diversification, private sector investment, and human capital development, intending to achieve 7% GDP growth. Okonjo-Iweala praised Nigeria’s reforms, describing them as capable of restoring investor confidence and…