The Sokoto State Government has launched an e-ticketing system for its 126 mass transit vehicles currently serving inter-state, intra-city, and inter-local government routes. The e-ticketing initiative was unveiled during a demonstration to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, showcasing how the system works and how passengers can easily obtain tickets without hassle. Governor Aliyu explained that the e-ticketing initiative is part of his administration’s measures to enhance transparency and accountability in the mass transit unit and across the state. “This system is excellent as it promotes a cashless operation and ensures that all transportation fares are deposited directly into the government’s coffers. “With…
Author: Abdoulaye Kay
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic will cease to be members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 2025. Alieu Touray, president of ECOWAS commission, made the announcement on Sunday during the 66th ordinary session of heads of states and governments in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. Touray set the countries’ exit at January 29, 2025 – July 29, 2025. The ECOWAS president said the timeframe would allow for last mediations and any diplomatic interventions.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a series of new appointments and the redeployment of key Heads of Agencies and Special Advisers. The announcement was made in a press statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The new appointees include Dr. Ibrahim Musa, a renowned public health expert and hematologist from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), and popular Kannywood actor, Sani Musa Danja. Below is the full list of appointees and their portfolios: New Appointments Dr. Ibrahim Musa – Special Adviser, Health Services & Personal Physician to the Governor Dr. Hadiza…
The academic achievements of Prof. Iya Abubakar, former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria continue to shine at the University of Ibadan (UI), 67 years after his graduation. This was confirmed by the Head of the Mathematics Department at UI, Dr. Murphy E. Egwe, during a goodwill message at Prof. Abubakar’s 90th birthday celebration on Saturday, December 14, 2024. The event, held at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, was jointly organized by the Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria and the Nigeria Computer Society. Dr. Egwe, an associate professor, described Prof. Abubakar’s academic record as unparalleled. He revealed…
Niger’s authorities have suspended the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for three months following its coverage of an alleged extremist attack that reportedly claimed the lives of dozens of Nigerien soldiers and civilians. The government accused the BBC of disseminating false information, which it claims destabilized public order and undermined troop morale. The controversial BBC report, aired in Hausa, stated that gunmen killed over 90 soldiers and 40 civilians in two villages near the Burkina Faso border. The French broadcaster Radio France Internationale (RFI) also reported the incident, describing it as a jihadi assault with the same death toll. However, Niger’s…
TelCables Nigeria, a subsidiary of global ICT solutions provider Angola Cables, has announced plans to establish a new Point of Presence (PoP) at the Lagos Rack Centre facility. This strategic move aims to enhance low-latency interconnectivity and Cloud access across West Africa. Fernando Fernandes, CEO of TelCables Nigeria and West Africa, highlighted the initiative as a critical step in leveraging Angola Cables’ extensive backbone network to provide businesses and communities with faster, more affordable access to digital content and services. “The new PoP at Rack Centre represents a significant advancement in West Africa’s digital infrastructure, delivering faster and more reliable…
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), at its December 2024 meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, shared a total sum of N1.727 trillion to the three tiers of government as Federation Allocation for November 2024 from a gross total of N3.143 trillion. A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga on Friday, said from the stated amount inclusive of Gross Statutory Revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT), Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), Exchange Difference (ED), the Federal Government received N581.856 billion,…
The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced the scrapping of the office of the Chief of Staff and the removal of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, citing health reasons. The shakeup, announced on Thursday by the Director-General of Media, Sanusi Dawakintofa, aims to optimize the cabinet’s performance and ensure better political and administrative alignment. Among the key changes, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has been reassigned from Commissioner for Local Government to Commissioner for Higher Education. Cabinet reshuffle highlights Chief of Staff Office Scrapped: Shehu Wada Sagagi’s office has been eliminated as…
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Thursday that Zimbabwe is bracing for another dry spell that could push millions of already struggling citizens deeper into hunger. The persistent drought, driven by the El Niño weather phenomenon, is among the worst Southern Africa has experienced in decades, leaving countries like Zimbabwe grappling with severe food shortages. Despite earlier forecasts that rains would begin in October to mark the start of the six-month rainy season, the country has experienced only sporadic rainfall, with a few days of rain in late November offering little relief. Communities bear the brunt In…
The Chad National Transitional Council (CNT) has elevated General Mahamat Idriss Déby to the prestigious rank of Marshal, equating him with his late father, Idriss Déby Itno, who previously held the title as president of Chad. The decision, made on December 10, 2024, passed overwhelmingly with 160 votes in favour, two against, and six abstentions in the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS)-dominated council. Chad’s rank of Marshal is reserved for military leaders who have demonstrated exceptional success in safeguarding the nation against insurgencies. The late Idriss Déby Itno, who ruled Chad for 30 years, earned this rank in 2020 after…