The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, recently visited Senator Hassan Nasiha, a former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, to offer condolences following the passing of his wife, Hajiya Kulu. Hajiya Kulu passed away in India after experiencing a brief illness.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Visit and Reception: Minister Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State, arrived at the Gusau International Airport, where he was welcomed by hundreds of supporters before traveling to Senator Nasiha’s home.

• Accompaniment: The minister was joined by various political leaders and stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

• Condolences and Prayers: During the visit, the minister conveyed his sympathies to the family and offered prayers for the deceased’s eternal rest and for the family’s strength during their bereavement.

• Nasiha’s Response: Senator Nasiha, who served as deputy governor under Matawalle and was his 2023 running mate, thanked the minister for the visit, characterizing him as a leader who prioritizes relationships regardless of political affiliation.

• Notable Attendees: The delegation included several dignitaries, such as Senator Sahabi Ya’u, Yazeed Shehu Danfulani, Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya, and other key APC officials and party leaders.

New details regarding the military and intelligence operation to rescue 39 pupils and six teachers from Oriire, Oyo State, have been revealed. Key aspects of the operation include:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Strategic Pressure: Security forces detained relatives of the suspected kidnappers, including their wives and children, which proved decisive in pressuring the abductors before the final assault on their hideout in the Oyo National Park.

  • Detention and Investigation: Following weeks of intelligence gathering, the Department of State Services (DSS) tracked and detained the kidnappers’ relatives across the country. While children found uninvolved in crimes are expected to be released, adults suspected of aiding the kidnappers face potential investigation and prosecution.

  • The Rescue Operation: The final assault was swift and coordinated, utilizing overwhelming firepower to catch the terrorists by surprise. This followed weeks of skirmishes that weakened the gang and depleted their ammunition supply, leading to significantly lower resistance during the final rescue.

  • Casualties and Arrests: While all surviving victims were rescued, some terrorists were killed during the operation, and eight suspects were arrested. Security forces involved in the rescue also sustained casualties, though official figures have not yet been released.

  • Government Policy: The kidnappers had demanded ransom and the release of detained Ansaru terrorist commanders—Mahmud Usman, Abbas Mukhtar, and Abubakar Abba—who were arrested by the DSS last year. The Federal Government maintained its firm policy against negotiating with terrorists, refusing both ransom payments and the release of detainees.

  • Background: The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota, and Alawusa communities; one teacher was tragically killed by the abductors shortly after the initial abduction.

Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and the 2027 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), has pledged to eliminate registration fees for public examinations if elected. He argues that education is a fundamental right rather than a privilege and essential for the nation’s progress.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Free Public Examinations: A Sowore administration would ensure that no child is required to pay fees for WAEC, NECO, or other public examinations.

• Comprehensive Educational Support: The policy aims to guarantee free, high-quality education from early childhood through the university level.

• Modernized Learning: This commitment includes providing well-paid teachers, student grants, virtual learning, and modern classrooms to ensure equal opportunities for all Nigerian children.

• Poverty Alleviation: The candidate emphasizes that a child’s future should not be dictated by their parents’ financial status.

Sowore’s declarations come in response to the Federal Government’s approval of an 82 per cent increase in registration fees for WAEC and NECO examinations, which will rise from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000 starting in 2027. While the Federal Ministry of Education stated this increase was necessary to cover rising costs associated with security, logistics, printing, and administration, the decision has faced significant backlash. Critics, including educationists and parents, warn that this fee hike may exacerbate the country’s out-of-school crisis by making it unaffordable for children from poor households to complete their secondary education.