Posts

Featured post

Professor Nasiru Hassan Wagini: The Nigerian Professor Who Sells Vegetables

Image
In a country where many graduates struggle with unemployment and societal pressure to secure white-collar jobs, Professor Nasiru Hassan Wagini stands out as a powerful example of humility, resilience, and enterprise. A lecturer at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, Professor Wagini is not only a respected academic in the field of Plant Physiology but also a regular vegetable seller at Batsari market in Katsina State. Born into a farming family, Wagini never lost his connection to agriculture. Despite rising through the academic ranks, he chose not to abandon his farming roots. Every week, he sets up a stand to sell vegetables and soup ingredients—known locally as kayan miya. This choice is not born of necessity alone but also of purpose. For him, it is a message to Nigerian youth: dignity lies in labour, and success can be found outside of office walls. Professor Wagini has become a local icon, showing that no work is beneath anyone, regardless of their education or positi...

Senate to Consider 31 Proposals on State Creation in Nigeria’s Constitution Review

Image
In a landmark move that could reshape Nigeria's political landscape, the Nigerian Senate has announced it is considering 31 proposals for the creation of new states as part of the ongoing constitutional review process. This development comes amidst growing calls for decentralization and greater representation across various regions of the country. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) is currently undergoing a significant review, with lawmakers across the National Assembly proposing amendments aimed at addressing issues of marginalization, underdevelopment, and ethnic representation. The demand for new states is not new in Nigeria’s political discourse, but the sheer number of proposals now under consideration—31 in total—is unprecedented. Some of the proposed states include Anioma from Delta State, Orlu from Imo State, Ibadan from Oyo State, Etiti from parts of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, and Mambilla from Taraba State. Proponents argue that creating new states would br...

Scandal at Kirikiri: Prison Officers Caught Escorting Convict to Process Passport, Visa in Lagos

Image
A shocking scandal has rocked Nigeria’s prison system, as officers at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos were caught escorting a convicted inmate, Haruna Ayo, to process an international passport and visa. The incident, which took place in May 2025, has sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about corruption and privilege within the Nigerian Correctional Service. Haruna Ayo, who is serving a 21-year sentence for armed robbery, was allegedly moved from the prison under the guise of receiving medical attention. However, instead of heading to a hospital, Ayo was taken to the Nigeria Immigration Service office in FESTAC Town, where he was caught in the process of obtaining travel documents. Immigration officers, sensing something unusual, flagged the suspicious behavior and reported it to authorities. Sources revealed that Ayo was among a select group of inmates assigned to domestic duties at the residence of a senior prison official. During this assignment, a warder...

West Africa Wants Deals with Trump, but US Entry Bans Pose Barrier –Nigerian minister

Image
As the 2024 U.S. elections approach, West African leaders are expressing renewed interest in strengthening economic ties with a potential second Trump administration. However, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs has voiced concern that existing U.S. travel restrictions on several African nations may stand in the way of fruitful cooperation. In a recent statement, the minister emphasized that while West Africa is open to building pragmatic relationships with any U.S. administration, including a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, immigration and visa restrictions remain a major obstacle. “Our region is interested in investment, security collaboration, and trade partnerships,” he said. “But restrictive policies like entry bans, which disproportionately affect Africans, send the wrong message.” During Trump's first term, his administration imposed travel bans on several countries, including Nigeria, citing security concerns and inadequate information-sharing ...

Atiku, El-Rufai, Others Apply to Register New Political Party – All Democratic Alliance (ADA)

Image
Nigeria’s political terrain is set for a shakeup as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other prominent figures, has initiated the process of registering a new political party – the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) . The group recently submitted their application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), signaling a major shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. The proposed All Democratic Alliance is envisioned as a broad coalition of politicians from different political backgrounds, including former members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and other smaller parties. This new movement aims to harness widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians regarding insecurity, economic hardship, and the current state of governance. Insiders say the ADA seeks to provide a credible and united platform for change, focusing on good governance, you...

Africa and the Diaspora to Shine at Montreal’s International Junkanoo Festival, June 2025

Image
Montreal is set to come alive with color, rhythm, and culture as the city hosts the International Junkanoo Festival of Tourism and Culture from June 23 to 29, 2025 . This year’s edition will spotlight the rich traditions of Kenya, Nigeria, Liberia, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Jamaica , offering a powerful celebration of African heritage and Caribbean spirit on a global stage. The festival, known for its vibrant displays of music, dance, and cultural expression, serves as a bridge connecting African nations and the Caribbean diaspora. Attendees can look forward to an explosion of traditional costumes, electrifying dance performances, and pulsating drumbeats that speak to centuries of resilience, pride, and creativity. Each participating country will showcase unique cultural elements at the festival’s Cultural Village . From Nigeria’s lively masquerade dancers to Kenya’s captivating tribal music, and Jamaica’s signature Junkanoo rhythms, visitors will experience the soul of these ...

Israel-Iran War: Stranded Nigerians Cry for Help from Underground Shelters

Image
  As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, many Nigerians caught in the warzone are sending out desperate cries for help. These stranded citizens, including students, workers, and tourists, have found themselves in a terrifying and uncertain situation. Many are currently hiding in underground bomb shelters across Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, as rockets continue to rain down from both sides of the conflict. The situation escalated rapidly after tensions between Israel and Iran exploded into full-scale warfare, resulting in missile attacks, airstrikes, and widespread panic. Foreign nationals, including Nigerians, were caught off guard and have had little time to flee. With airports shutting down and public transportation disrupted, many have found themselves trapped with no immediate way out. In distressing videos circulating on social media, stranded Nigerians can be seen crouching in bunkers, visibly shaken and calling for urgent evacuation. "We are running out of foo...

UK Court Rules Against Shell Over Nigerian Oil Spill: A Landmark Victory for Niger Delta Communities

Image
In a major legal breakthrough, a UK High Court has ruled against oil giant Shell in a case involving large-scale oil pollution in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. The judgment, delivered on June 20, 2025, represents a significant step forward for the Bille and Ogale communities, who have battled for years to hold Shell accountable for decades of environmental damage. The court firmly rejected Shell’s claim that the case was invalid due to Nigeria’s five-year legal time limit. It ruled that the continued presence of pollution in the affected areas constitutes a “continuing nuisance,” meaning the communities can still seek justice even if the original oil spills occurred long ago. This decision sets an important legal precedent that could impact future environmental cases. Importantly, the court also dismissed Shell’s argument that it could not be held responsible for oil spills caused by third-party sabotage. The judge noted that Shell may still be liable if it failed to take adequate steps to...

PhD Student Sues Federal Government After Visa Revoked Without Warning

Image
A Nigerian PhD student in the United States has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. federal government after his student visa was abruptly revoked without prior notice. The student, whose name has been withheld for legal reasons, was enrolled in a prestigious university and was in the final stages of his doctoral program when he received a shocking notice that his F-1 visa had been cancelled. According to the lawsuit, the revocation came without explanation, warning, or any opportunity to respond. The student alleges that he had maintained full compliance with all immigration and academic requirements, including active enrollment, regular reporting, and good academic performance. The sudden visa cancellation left him in legal limbo, forcing him to pause his research and putting his future academic and professional career at serious risk. In his legal filing, the student argues that the visa revocation violated his right to due process under U.S. law. He contends that the government’s a...

EU And Germany Partner With Nigeria On 17.9m Euro Off-Grid Power Initiative

Image
In a major step toward tackling Nigeria’s persistent power challenges, the European Union and Germany have pledged a combined £17.9 million to support Nigeria’s off-grid energy sector. The funding is part of Phase III of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), a long-term initiative focused on expanding access to reliable, clean electricity—especially in rural and underserved communities. This collaboration, led by Germany’s development agency GIZ and the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Power, aims to provide electricity access to at least 154,000 Nigerians and clean cooking solutions for 30,000 households through LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Additionally, the project will generate an estimated 8 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity, primarily through mini-grid installations and other decentralized systems. Nigeria’s national grid remains weak and inconsistent, with repeated collapses affecting millions. The push for off-grid alternatives, therefore, is not just timely b...

Popular posts from this blog

Anambra Boutique Owner Sues NAFDAC Over Claimed Theft of Merchandise During Onitsha Drug Market Operation

"Kano girls, having been married off from an orphanage, face abandonment by their husbands and endure abuse, as they are now forced to seek assistance to survive."

Benin Republic, Niger enjoy smuggled fuel as Nigerians keep vigil at petrol stations