I write these words with a heavy heart and trembling hands, having just seen fresh images of my beloved village, Allawa—one year and four months after the military suddenly withdrew from the community. The land that once breathed with life, laughter, and tradition now lies in silence, overshadowed by terror and neglect. Allawa is not just any place—it is home. A land rich in agriculture, abundant in solid minerals, and blessed with a vibrant cultural heritage. But all of that means nothing today. On June 12, 2014, our fate was sealed when the Allawa military base was unexpectedly dismantled. With…
Author: TheStories
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has expressed strong concerns over Abia State’s rising debt profile, following the release of the state’s 2025 mid-year financial report. According to the report, Abia recorded a ₦75 billion increase in external loans in 2024 and now receives an average of ₦38 billion in monthly federal allocations. While acknowledging the improved revenue outlook, FENRAD warned that the state’s growing reliance on external borrowing could lead to unsustainable debt levels and long-term financial vulnerability if not carefully managed. “We view the rising allocation and borrowing as a dual-edged sword,” said Nelson Nnanna…
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has raised an alarm over imminent flooding in Abia State, urging residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate immediately to safer locations. The Corps’ warning follows flood predictions by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), which forecast above-normal rainfall in several parts of the state. In a statement released Friday by the Abia State NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Akinsola Aderemi, and signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Doreen Udugwu, the Corps identified nine local government areas at high risk. These include Aba North, Aba South, Ukwa…
This piece isn’t intended to relay issues of corruption or the political crises of past administrations but to provide an overview of Niger State’s development trajectory. It aims to awaken a sense of purpose and clarity of priorities among our current political leaders—perhaps encouraging them to pursue the right path toward sustainable development for our dear state. In hindsight, Niger State before May 29, 1999, evokes nostalgia—a serene place with stable localities governed by relatively functional local government administrations. Most people sustained themselves through small-scale agricultural activities and commodity trading. These localities were coordinated by one of Nigeria’s most peaceful…
The Rotary Club of Bauchi Central has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian services and developmental support in Bauchi State. This was made known during the unveiling of the Club’s first public signpost at Miri community along the Bauchi–Jos Federal Highway, marking a significant step in enhancing public visibility and community engagement. President of the Club, Rotarian Adeyemi Adekunle, said the installation is part of efforts to raise awareness about the Club’s presence and activities in the state. “Since we started Rotary Club in Bauchi, many people are unaware of our presence. This is our first public Rotary signpost in the…
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Federal Government to ensure equal representation of Shari’ah law in Nigeria’s judicial system by establishing Shari’ah Federal Courts across all states of the federation. In a statement issued on Friday, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the current judicial framework in Nigeria is lopsided and discriminatory against Muslims, particularly those living in southern states where no Shari’ah courts exist. Professor Akintola argued that while federal and state high courts based on common law exist in all states of the country, Shari’ah courts are only operational in the North,…
It’s one of the most curious ironies of our time: while many Nigerians bemoan the supposed decline in educational standards, the world can’t seem to get enough of Nigerian health workers. From London to Riyadh, New York to Toronto, they are in scrubs, commanding respect, saving lives, and quietly rewriting the global narrative about the quality of Nigerian education. Yes, we hear it all the time—our elders lament the good old days when education “meant something.” They scoff at the new generation, claiming today’s graduates struggle to write proper sentences, let alone defend their certificates. The stories of exam malpractice,…
The Commissioner of Police in Niger State, CP Abdullahi Adamu Elleman, has been urged to urgently order the arrest of the District Head of Ekugi village in Katcha Local Government Area, Abdullahi Kaffa, for allegedly masterminding the brutal killing of one Mohammed Baba Mohammed. Mohammed Baba, who had just completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Enugu State in May 2025, was reportedly killed shortly after returning to his hometown. In a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police by a Minna-based legal practitioner, Olukunle Oluwole, and copied to our correspondent, it was alleged that Abdullahi Kaffa led over…
Dear Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, I write with immense respect and deep appreciation for your outstanding leadership and visionary governance since assuming office. Your swift and strategic appointments, infrastructural strides, and policy-driven reforms have not only positioned Kaduna as a beacon of progress but also reflected your commitment to inclusive development. One of the most commendable steps you’ve taken is appointing seasoned professionals to key positions—ensuring that competence, experience, and dedication drive public service delivery. Your recent appointment of Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki as Commissioner for Information is a prime example. As a respected journalist and authority in…
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, alongside four other Nigerian governors, has been nominated for the 2025 African Governors Excellence Award, scheduled to hold in Paris on August 19. The other nominees from Nigeria are Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, and Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State. This was disclosed in a statement by Dr. Idahosa Osamahze, Vice Chairman of the Award’s Selection Committee, who noted that the prestigious initiative aims to celebrate visionary leadership, outstanding governance, and transformative development across Africa. “The award recognises governors…