A respected Nigerian business tycoon, philanthropist and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata I dead, aged 94. A family member confirmed his passing yesterday (June 27), evening. The famous Kano-born businessman died at a hospital in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates at about 3.00am Nigerian time. Aminu Dantata to whom Alhaji Aliko Dangote is a grandnephew, was born on May 19, 1931. He was one of the promoters of Kano State Foundation, an endowment fund that supported educational initiatives and provided grants to small-scale entrepreneurs in Kano. Aminu Ɗantata was one time Kano State Commissioner for Planning and Development from 1967 to 1972 under the government of military Governor, Audu Bako. He was a member of the Northern House of Assembly from Kano between 1960 and 1966. In 1978, he was a member of the National Movement, an organization that later transformed to the National Party of Nigeria, the second Republic’s ruling party. He was also an active member of the Northern People’s Congress from 1959 to 1966 as well as member of the Aminu Kano led Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) from 1959. Dantata was the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and one of the organizers of Jaiz Bank in Nigeria.
The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) has launched campaign for electoral reforms in its effort to promote gender equity and inclusive governance in Nigeria. The group, with support from MacArthur Foundation, recently convened a high profile community town hall meeting in Mubi North, Adamawa State, aimed at raising awareness around electoral reforms and citizen participation in the democratic process. The event, organized in partnership with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Adamawa State chapter and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), brought together a cross-section of community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), women groups, and associations of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). The meeting, held under the Electoral Accountability, Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Project highlighted the urgent need for reforms that would guarantee free, fair and inclusive elections. Central to the discussions was the role of women and marginalized groups in the political process, groups often left behind in the nation’s democratic journey. In her address, WRAPA’s Program Manager, Hajiya Umma Rimi, said that the town hall meeting was part of the broader #UnfinishedBusiness campaign, focused at ensuring that no one is excluded from Nigeria’s electoral and governance systems. “This is not just about elections, it’s about reshaping the future so that everyone, regardless of gender or physical ability, has a voice and a seat at the table.” Also speaking, the WRAPA Adamawa State Coordinator, Barrister Fatima Raji, alongside the chairperson of FIDA, Barrister Jamila Babuba, represented by Barr. Lubna Dodo, Vice chairperson of the organization educated participants on how electoral reforms could foster transparency, equity and stronger citizen trust in governance. They stressed that such reforms would remove longstanding barriers that have hindered women’s and PWDs’ participation in leadership. The interactive session saw participants sharing personal stories and challenges, underscoring the structural and societal limitations that keep women and persons with disabilities on the margins. Many participants expressed the belief that unless deliberate policies are put in place, the political space will continue to be skewed against vulnerable groups. The participation of the APC Zonal Vice Chairman for Adamawa North, Wilfred William Vimtim, who represented the State APC Chairman, Barrister Idris Shuaibu added colour to the event. Vimtim reaffirmed his party’s support for voter education and the principles of inclusive governance. His remarks were greeted with appreciation, even as he emphasized the importance of electoral literacy, especially at the grassroots level. WRAPA and its partners reiterated their commitment to continue these town hall engagements in Mubi South and other local governments to reinforce the message that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when it is inclusive, transparent and accountable to all.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has said that the emerging coordinated sabotage campaign being waged by faceless actors, both outside and within various levels of the organisation would not fly. In a statement today, June 27, NNPCL cried out against the group of detractors that have gone to town, spreading lies and misinformation simply to discredit the company’s leadership and derail the ongoing transformation into a corruption-free, performance-driven energy company, in line with the mandate of the President. “Their tactics include planting scandalous and fabricated reports, curated to distract leadership, mislead the public, and undermine the commitment of our dedicated workforce and reform-minded Nigerians. “These are calculated efforts by those who feel threatened by reform, transparency, accountability and change—clear evidence of the lengths to which they will go to obstruct the transformation of Nigeria’s foremost energy institution. “We expect a surge of defamatory content in the days and weeks ahead. NNPC Ltd. remains undeterred. “The transformation is underway, and no amount of sabotage will stop it. “We urge our dedicated staff, stakeholders, and all patriotic Nigerians to stay focused, ignore the noise and not be discouraged. We remain on mission.”
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduaje has resigned. Ganduje, who is the former Governor of Kano State, said his resignation is as a result of health challenges, but did not elaborate. In the resignation letter, he stressed the need for him to focus on his well-being. Details later.
The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP‑Nigeria) has advised Muslims to use the 1447 AH Hijrah New Year to build religious bridges. The new Islamic Year begins today, June 26, with the sighting of the crescent of new Muharram moon last night. In a statement, the Chairman of the Guild, Abdulkarim Abdulmalik recalled that Prophet Muhammad’s journey of faith began in this month with the migration from Makkah to Madinah, signifying courage, conviction and community-building. “On this auspicious occasion, we pray that Allah grants the Ummah guidance toward compassion, justice and unity. “As commitment to renewed hope and positive transformation for ourselves and the Nigerian society, our collective interfaith mission is strengthened by our example of solidarity, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence. “Muharram marks not only the beginning of the Islamic calendar but also a moment to reflect, resolve and rebuild. May this New Year usher in abundant blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.” Abdulmalik called on interfaith media colleagues to inspire collaborative efforts in peace-building and national dialogue, even as he wanted them to renew their dedication to narratives of bridge building and not walls. “Let this Hijrah New Year be a fresh opportunity to amplify stories of harmony, resilience and shared humanity in our diverse Nigerian landscape.” He also called on policymakers, civil society and faith leaders to embrace this season as a rallying point for advancing policies that promote interfaith tolerance, equitable representation and peaceful coexistence. “From all of us at GIMP‑Nigeria, we say: Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. 1447 AH Mubarak.”
Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), Major General Kevin Aligbe, has said that the world is becoming so complex now that Nigeria needs to get army commanders that think out-of-the-box In battlefield at all times. He declared: “We (Nigerians) want commanders who can think out of the box, apply unconventional tactics, and deliver battlefield results that matter. This is the kind of transformation that strengthens not just the Army, but national security as a whole.” The General was speaking at a week-long Manual Wargaming Workshop codenamed: Exercise MUNGAMA AIKI, in Minna, the Niger State capital. The workshop, aimed to equip tactical commanders with practical skills in combat strategy and decision-making, is being conducted by the Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA). It brings together commanders from across Army formations for intensive manual wargaming drills an approach that removes digital limitations and fosters raw strategic thinking. Major General Kevin Aligbe stressed the need for commanders to be agile, innovative and results-oriented, saying that the workshop is timely in view of the fact that Nigeria continues to face diverse and complex threats, ranging from insurgency and terrorism to banditry and cyber warfare.
According to the General, simulated battlefield scenarios would help sharpen participants’ judgment and response capabilities in real conflict situations. Major General Aligbe also stressed the importance of using manual wargaming to assess operational plans prior to deployment an approach that could save lives, time, and resources. He commended the Chief of Army Staff for his visionary leadership, which he said has continued to drive the Army’s professionalization efforts. “Our duty is clear: to protect this nation. We must train harder, plan smarter, and lead better.” In his welcome address, the Chief of Doctrine and Combat Development TRADOC NA, Major General Jamiu Jimoh, represented by Brigadier General Muhammed Abubakar described manual wargaming as an essential planning tool that enhances operational effectiveness, manages risk and fosters a unified planning language among commanders. He emphasized that the workshop will feature lectures, interactive discussions and practical sessions centered on the application of manual wargaming and the military decision-making process. The workshop is structured as a “train-the-trainer” program, where participants will replicate the wargaming model in their respective units to raise operational planning standards at all levels. Participants were drawn from Nigerian Army formations and training institutions. Major General Jimoh encouraged them to be fully engaged, open-minded and committed to transferring the knowledge gained to their respective commands for the benefit of national security. The workshop runs until 27 June 2025 and is expected to contribute significantly to the Nigerian Army’s doctrinal evolution and field strategy development. It is being held at the Lt General Faruk Yahaya Manual Wargaming Centre, co-located within the TRADOC NA Complex.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has sent a strong warning to traditional rulers and others that are directly and indirectly aiding criminals in any part of the State. The governor, who personnelly visited the family of retired military officer, Major Joe Ajayi. who died in kidnappers’ den, specifically warned traditional rulers against allocating lands in their domain to questionable characters. Speaking at the residence of late Major Joe Ajayi at Odo-Ape community, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of the State today, June 25, the state Chief executive declared a total clampdown on criminal elements operating in the area and other parts of the state’s West Senatorial District. “Any individual or group found aiding or abetting crime in any community will face the full wrath of the law.” The Governor described the late officer as a true patriot who served the country with honour and dedication, saying that his death at the hands of criminals was not only heartbreaking but a call to action. “I was personally touched when I heard about his death. “It would be a disservice to his memory if we fold our arms and allow criminals to take over our land.” Governor Ododo assured the people of Odo-Ape and the Kogi West that his administration would deploy all necessary resources to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that peace and security are restored to the area. The governor stressed that the state government would no longer condone the unregulated influx of criminal elements masquerading as investors, even as he cautioned traditional leaders in the area against indiscriminate allocation of land to individuals whose identities and intentions are unclear. Speaking on behalf of the family, younger brother of the deceased, Titus Ajayi thanked Governor Ododo for identifying with the family in their time of grief. He said that the visit was a strong source of comfort and assurance that justice will be served.
The Adamawa State Government has withdrawn the title of ‘Waziri Adamawa,’ second-in-Command to Lamido Adamawa, from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying that he is not an indigene of the Emirate. A circular, dated June 20, 2025 and signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs in the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, explained that Atiku who hails from Jada Local Government Area under the Ganye Chiefdom is no longer eligible to hold a title within the Adamawa Emirate Council. The few worded circular reads: “Following the creation of new Chiefdoms in the state by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, I am directed to inform you that all Kingmakers and Council members in the state must be indigene (sic) of their Chiefdoms. “E.g, all Kingmakers and Council members from Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigene of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo Districts; while those of Mubi Emirate Council, must be indigene of Mubi North, Mubi South vis-à-vis all Emirates/Traditional councils in the state.”
Thousands of herbalists and traditional religion practitioners across Anambra State have unanimously endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for second-term ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election. The endorsement came during a statewide gathering held in Awka, where members of the traditional spiritual community discussed recent legislative actions affecting their practice and addressed public misconceptions about the government’s stance on traditional institutions. The herbalists, drawn from all 21 local government areas, used the occasion to sensitise members on the provisions of the newly enacted Anambra State Homeland Security Law. The law, passed in January, aims to distinguish legitimate traditional practitioners from criminal elements operating under the guise of native medicine. The State Coordinator of Native Doctors and Spiritual Material Sellers, Daniel Ejie praised Governor Soludo for his visionary leadership and inclusiveness. “The Homeland Security Law is a bold and timely intervention. “It has not only sanitised our practice but has given native doctors legal recognition and legitimacy. “We were once wrongly associated with criminals, but Governor Soludo has restored our dignity by officially acknowledging our role in society.” He commended the Anambra State House of Assembly for sponsoring and passing the bill, noting that it had instilled a renewed sense of pride among genuine practitioners. “We also applaud the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, youth empowerment, digital governance, and his efforts to create a lawful environment for all professions—including indigenous ones. For these reasons, we fully endorse his re-election.” The event featured chants, drumming, and public declarations of support, as the practitioners expressed confidence in Soludo’s leadership and commitment to preserving Igbo culture and values. Responding, the Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Ikenna Ofodeme, assured the traditionalists of continued government support. He dismissed rumours of government opposition to traditional institutions, stressing that Soludo remains a strong advocate for the protection and regulation of indigenous practices in modern governance. “The Soludo administration is inclusive and deeply rooted in the promotion of Igbo culture. “The recent legislation formally organises and recognises native doctors’ operations in Anambra. “It draws a clear line between cultural preservation and criminal abuse.” He said that Governor Soludo swiftly signed the bill into law, further demonstrating his commitment to cultural inclusion and public safety.
President Donald Trump of the United States of America has expressed his anger with Israel which dropped bomb in Iran a few hours after he brokered the truce between the two feuding countries. Trump said that he was “really unhappy” with Israel, warning that it should not drop fresh bombs. “Israel. Do not drop those bombs. If you do it it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had earlier vowed to order “intense strikes” on Tehran. He accused Iran of firing missiles in violation of a ceasefire agreed to after 12 days of war. Katz asked the military to “continue high-intensity operations targeting regime assets and terror infrastructure in Tehran” in light of “Iran’s blatant violation of the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States.”
However, Iran denied the claim, saying that missiles had been fired at Israel before the ceasefire took effect.
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