In northwestern Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara State, the rainy season brings more than relief from the heat. It brings distress, disease, and preventable deaths. Between May and September, daily survival becomes a struggle as flooding, outbreaks of infectious diseases, and worsening food insecurity converge. For communities already affected by years of insecurity, the consequences are devastating. Years of armed violence in Zamfara State—marked by kidnappings, village raids, cattle rustling, and ambushes—have uprooted tens of thousands of people, shattered livelihoods, and severely restricted access to essential services. Communities face overwhelming barriers to healthcare due to poverty, insecurity, long distances, and weak…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Adenike Oladiji, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to combating food insecurity through innovative agricultural initiatives, research advancement, and modern farming technology. Speaking during a tour of major projects across the university as part of activities marking her fourth anniversary in office on Friday, May 22, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor said the institution was strategically positioning itself for large-scale agricultural production and possible export-driven operations. She disclosed that FUTA had completed the construction of new greenhouse structures, which are already being deployed for specialised farming. The 11 new structures, measuring 5…
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has called on journalists and media organisations to intensify public enlightenment on Zakat and Waqf, describing the Islamic institutions as critical tools for poverty alleviation, social welfare, and humanitarian development. The call was the central focus of a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s congress held on Saturday at the NUJ Press Centre, Sokoto, following a presentation by the Chairman of the Sokoto State Zakat and Waqf Board, Malam Lawal Maidoki. Speaking on the topic, “The Role of Zakat and Waqf in Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Service: The Responsibility…
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State has formally affirmed former Deputy Governor, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general election following an endorsement by delegates drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state. The affirmation, which took place during a stakeholders’ gathering attended by party leaders, delegates, elders, youths and women groups, was described as a demonstration of unity and consensus within the party as it prepares to challenge for power in 2027. Delegates unanimously endorsed Dan’iya after consultations among aspirants and key stakeholders of the party. Speaking after the affirmation, Dan’iya…
The leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu, for what he described as people-oriented projects and impactful governance across the state, following the governor’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election. Wamakko made the remarks during the APC governorship affirmation exercise held on Thursday, at the party secretariat in Sokoto, where Aliyu was formally endorsed by party delegates and stakeholders as the APC flagbearer for the next gubernatorial election. The endorsement comes shortly after the APC affirmed Governor Aliyu as its consensus candidate, a move…
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has been affirmed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state. The affirmation was announced on Thursday by the Chairman of the APC Governorship Affirmation Committee, Muhammad Mukhtar Birniwa, during a party gathering attended by delegates, stakeholders, and supporters in Sokoto. Speaking shortly after the exercise, Governor Aliyu expressed appreciation to party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to consolidate on the achievements recorded by his administration over the past three years. He said his administration would continue to prioritise security, infrastructure…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that six laureates advancing primary health care were recognised during the 79th World Health Assembly. WHO said this on Wednesday, stating that the recipients were honoured by Assembly President Dr Víctor Lajam and Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus. “Dr Víctor Lajam and Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus presented the 2026 prizes. “The 2026 prizes celebrate dedication to primary health care, reducing inequities, and achieving health for all,” the global health body said. The statement noted that WHO’s Executive Board selected the laureates in February, recognising their commitment to scientific excellence and outreach. According to WHO, the…
Kenya has approved field trials for gene-edited banana varieties developed to resist Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW), a major disease that continues to threaten banana production and farmers’ livelihoods across East Africa. The approval follows a landmark determination by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), which ruled that the gene-edited banana lines developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Kenya are not classified as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) because they do not contain foreign genetic material. The decision clears the way for the improved banana varieties to advance through conventional research pathways, marking a significant step in the application…
A new scientific briefing has warned that Africa could face a “Year of Reckoning” in 2026 unless governments, donors and researchers mount urgent, coordinated responses to overlapping climate, food security and public-health threats. The African Science Lab Report (Issue No. 01, May 2026) pulls together recent findings across four interlinked research frontiers — climate‑resilient agriculture, drought‑tolerant crop genetics, integrated healthcare systems and nature‑based climate solutions — and concludes that piecemeal action will be insufficient to avert growing risks to livelihoods and national economies. Climate stress is already cutting yields The report highlights an outlook by the African Centre for a…
Nigeria’s economy recorded significant gains across key macroeconomic indicators as the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 26.5 per cent, citing the need to sustain stability and consolidate ongoing reforms. The decision was reached at the MPC’s 305th meeting, where members also retained all other monetary policy parameters, reflecting what the apex bank described as a cautious and forward-looking strategy aimed at anchoring inflation expectations and preserving macroeconomic stability. CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the Nigerian economy remained resilient despite global and domestic challenges, noting that Gross Domestic…