A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ali Modu Sheriff has identified two things he said could stand in the way of President Bola Tinubu winning the 2027 election for second term in office.
Modu Sheriff was two-term governor of Borno State and a former Senator of the federal republic of Nigeria. Speaking on Channels Television programme last night, July 28, Sheriff said: “I can tell you for free, the only things that will stop President Tinubu from winning the election in 2027 are only two factors: one, if there are no elections in Nigeria and two, if he decides not to run.”
“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.” These were the confessions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he received members of the Super Falcons from Morocco today, July 28 after their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). President Tinubu went on: “But I was still watching, with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.” Recounting further scenario around him during the sweat soaked dwell, Tinubu said: “you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner. ”She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country.” The President commended the players who he said have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable. “You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. “And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you. “Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.” The President assured the team of his administration’s continued support and commitment to sports development, pledging that the government would invest further in women’s football and youth talent development across the country. “Your story is a story of hope. And in this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream.” This was even as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also announced a donation of ₦10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors. The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as role models and shining examples of courage and excellence. She congratulated the team for their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit, describing their journey as “a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination. “You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over. “The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational. You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football.” The First Lady prayed for the team’s continued success and shared an earlier conversation with President Tinubu about the team’s bright future as world champions. “I told Mr. President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible.” Super Falcons Captain, Rasheedat Ajibade said that the victory was for the team and for every Nigerian girl who dreams of achieving greatness. “Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation. “On behalf of my teammates, coaches, and technical staff, I express our heartfelt gratitude for this warm reception and the unwavering belief you have shown in us.” The team captain emphasised the significance of their 10th WAFCON title, saying: “This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream… This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday.” Ajibade called for continued support from the government and stakeholders to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in women’s football. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the team’s victory as a symbol of national unity, inspiration, and the triumph of belief, courage, and excellence. Dikko credited President Tinubu’s administration with investing in sports development and women’s empowerment. “The Super Falcons’ triumph is a fruit of your unwavering support for sports and women. You have always believed that sports can unite us, heal us, and uplift our spirits as one of the major drivers of the economy. And today, we have seen it happen.” He commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her “constant support for our women in sports.” “This win goes beyond sports. It is a powerful symbol of our national unity and cohesion. In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere from the north, south, east and west held their breath, prayed together, cheered the team, and finally celebrated together. ”That is the power of sports, and indeed the power of our women in sports.”
Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu has rewarded members of the Super Falcons, a national female team, with $100,000 gift, national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a house each in Abuja, the federal capital city of Nigeria. This came today, July 28, in appreciation of the team’s win at the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations which took place at Rabat, Morocco. The 24-member team, led by their captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, won the championship for the 10th time against their Moroccan counterpart yesterday, July 27. Special assistant to the President on social media, Olusegun Dada, in a post on his verified X, said that each of the 24 players will receive a cash gift of $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Estate. He said that each of the technical team members will also receive a cash gift of $50,000 from the President. Dada wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confers National Honours of Officer of Order of Niger and 3-bedroom apartments each and a cash award of $100,000 each to the 24 players and $50,000 each technical team for all the members of the Technical Committee.”
No fewer than 23 persons have been killed in devastating flood that swept through parts of Yola, Adamawa State capital yesterday, July 27. The disaster was triggered by a torrential downpour that began around 1:00 a.m yesterday, leaving behind widespread destruction, damaging homes and property worth millions of naira. The State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who led a high-level delegation to inspect affected communities, expressed grief over the incident, even as he reassured the victims of the government’s commitment to bringing succor and aid recovery. The governor, who described the incident as “tragic and devastating,” sympathized with bereaved families and those who lost properties. He said that the state government would immediately set up a technical committee in collaboration with the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assess the full scale of the disaster. “We will constitute a technical committee to carry out a thorough assessment. “Based on their findings, we will take concrete steps to assist affected residents.” The Governor criticized individuals using the tragedy to spread misinformation and incite political tension. “This is not a time for politics or finger-pointing. It’s a time for unity and action.” Governor Fintiri attributed the flooding to a combination of intense rainfall and blocked water channels that prevented proper drainage of stormwater into the river, noting that such structural deficiencies must be addressed moving forward. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as emergency response teams continue to comb through submerged areas, searching for survivors and helping displaced residents.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined media team covering the presidency in mourning the death, yesterday, July 25, of one of them, Dr. Leon Habby Usigbe. The President, in a statement by his Chief media aide, Bayo Onanuga, expressed sadness over the death of Dr. Usigbe, who he described as “a veteran STATEHOUSE Correspondent and professional.” The President confirmed that the deceased, who until his death, was the Northern Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, was “a cherished member of the State House Press Corps.” Tinubu acknowledged Dr. Usigbe’s dedication to truth, balance and ethical journalism, which earned him the respect of colleagues, public officials and readers nationwide. He said that Usigbe’s insightful reporting and calm demeanour contributed immensely to strengthening democratic governance and keeping the public well-informed about the workings of the presidency and government at large. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues at The Tribune, and the entire Statehouse Press Corps. May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn this great loss.”
Doctor Leon Usigbe, representing Tribune newspaper at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, is dead. His death was made known by a colleague, Mrs. Juliana Taiwo Obalonye in a common Whatsapp group platform this evening, July 25.
…Dr. Usigbe
Dr. Usigbe was said to be sick for sometime, “but we didn’t think it would result to death,” Taiwo Obalonye said. Late Usigbe had covered the Aso Rock Presidential Villa for more than fifteen years. As at the time of his death today, he was the Bureau Head of the Tribune newspaper in Abuja, and the North.
His death came barely a year after Kabiru Yusuf, representing French Radio broadcasting network in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa died, shortly after returning from pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested no fewer than 25 students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) for alleged internet fraud. A statement by the commission said that the students were arrested opposite BUK new site, following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in cybercrime activities. The statement said that all suspects apprehended are undergraduate students of Bayero University Kano (BUK). It said that items recovered during the operation include, mobile phones, laptops, internet routers and one Honda Accord car. The statement gave the names of suspects as Ismaíl Nura, Suuleyman Ayeh, Usman Abdulrazaq, Emmanuel Chigozie, Akabe Seth, Daniel Imoter, Abdulganiyu Jimoh, Jafar Abubakar, Usman Nuraddeen, Mohammad Adnan, Abubakar Abusufyan, Abdulmalik Ibrahim, Abubakar Sadiq, Daniel Masamu, Abdulrasheed Abdulsamad, Issac Dosunu, Nuraddeen Ogunbiyi, Onyeyemi Kaleem, Miracle Joseph, Danjuma Musa, Ibrahim Mubaraq, Yusuf Salihu, Lawal Ibrahim Edebo, Abdulmajeed Suleiman and Dauda Abdulhamid. It said that they were arrested following weeks of surveillance linked to their alleged involvement in internet fraud, identity theft, and financial scam It said that the suspects would be charged to court after the investigations are concluded.
Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Nigeria’s Humanitarian Minister, has emerged as new National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He his emergence came today, July 24, at the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party. Professor Yilwatda succeeded Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned recently. Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda is a distinguished academic and advocate for humanitarian and poverty reduction initiatives. Born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area, he hails from a lineage of service, being the son of the Late Rev. Toma Yilwatda. He attended the prestigious Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri. His academic journey saw him obtain his first degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, followed by a master’s degree from ATBU, Bauchi, and a doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializing in Electronic and Computer Engineering. Prof. Yilwatda returned to his alma mater, the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he served for over 26 years. He was the University’s pioneer Director of ICT, leading transformative digital reforms that automated key institutional processes. He earned multiple accolades, including Best Staff of the Year and Best Director of the Year. Prof. Yilwatda has played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Nigeria’s public and private sectors. His consultancy work spans multinational organizations and global development partners such as the European Union, UNICEF, the World Bank, and TECHVILE USA. In 2017, he was appointed a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During his tenure, he championed some reforms, including policy amendments to the Electoral Act, the development of voting frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and the deepening of technology in Nigeria’s electoral system. In 2021, he stepped down to pursue public service through elective office, contesting as the Plateau State gubernatorial candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and serving as the Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization in Plateau State during the 2023 General Elections.
In the intricate dance of creative writing, few decisions are as pivotal as determining where, and with whom, your story truly begins. The adage, “When you know the core of your story, it becomes easier to identify which of your characters has the burden of opening the window into the narrative,” isn’t just a truism; it’s a fundamental principle that underpins effective storytelling. The character who first speaks, acts, or is observed holds immense power, shaping not only the reader’s initial perception of the world but also establishing the tone, stakes, and central conflict that will unfold. The “core of your story” is its beating heart—the central theme, the primary conflict, the driving question. Is it a tale of profound loss and redemption? A high-stakes political thriller? A nuanced exploration of family dynamics? Once this essence is clear, the path to choosing your opening character becomes significantly clearer. This isn’t about simply picking the protagonist; it’s about identifying the character whose perspective offers the most immediate and impactful access to that core. Consider a story centered on a devastating societal collapse. While the ultimate hero might be a determined survivor, the most potent opening might come from a character experiencing the very first tremors of the catastrophe—perhaps a scientist observing an anomaly, or an ordinary citizen grappling with an inexplicable disruption. Their initial confusion, fear, or dawning realization directly conveys the core theme of societal vulnerability. Conversely, if the core of the story is an intensely personal journey of self-discovery, opening with the protagonist already on the cusp of a significant internal shift, even if subtly hinted at, immediately draws the reader into their interior world. The character bearing the “burden of opening the window” serves multiple crucial functions. First, they are the “initial point of identification” for the reader. Their emotional state, their immediate surroundings, and their initial actions become the reader’s entry point into the narrative. If this character’s experience doesn’t resonate with the story’s core, the opening can feel disconnected, forcing the reader to work harder to understand the true purpose of the narrative. Second, this character dictates the “initial narrative perspective and voice”. An opening through the eyes of a cynical detective will feel vastly different from one filtered through the wonder of a child, or the detached observation of an omniscient narrator. Each choice subtly, but powerfully, signals the kind of story that is about to unfold. If the story’s core is a dark mystery, a world-weary detective’s jaded perspective might be the perfect fit to set the tone. Finally, the opening character often introduces the “inciting incident or the seeds of conflict”. They might be the recipient of a life-altering message, witness a pivotal event, or simply be in a position where the central tension of the story is immediately evident. Their initial interaction with the world should hint at the larger forces at play, drawing the reader deeper into the narrative’s central question. Ultimately, choosing the right character to open the narrative is not a random act; it’s a deliberate craft decision rooted in a deep understanding of your story’s essence. When the core is clear, the character best suited to unlock its mysteries and invite the reader into its world will emerge, bearing the essential burden of that crucial first impression. It is through their eyes, their voice, or their immediate circumstances that the story truly begins to breathe.
*Shehu is the author of four poetry collections, Questions for Big Brother, Open Sesame, Icarus Rising and The River Never Returns. He is a co-founder of the Abuja Writers Forum (AWF).
A popular public affairs commentator and professor of Mass Communications teaching in America, Professor Farooq Kperogi has tendered public apology to Aisha Buhari, wife of the immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari who died in London on July 13. In an open publication in social media and other outlets, Professor Kperogi said: “to Mrs. Aisha Buhari, I offer my heartfelt and unreserved apology for the needless and deeply regrettable hurt I have caused. I am truly sorry.” The top ranking journalist, who worked with Daily Trust newspaper in Nigeria before he flew to America for teaching career, had last week, while the nation was in deep mourning mood with the death of ex President Buhari, came up with a story that Aisha and Buhari had divorced before his death on Sunday last week. The full message of apology by the Professor is reproduced hereunder: Although I absolutely should have foreseen it, I honestly didn’t anticipate the profoundly painful consequences that my July 16 Facebook update titled “Aisha Buhari, Divorce, and Forgiveness Claim” would have on former First Lady Mrs. Aisha Buhari and people closest to her. It’s one of the worst and cruelest lapses of judgement I have ever committed in my life, and it has been a source of unfathomable personal anguish for me these past few days. My source, whose integrity is unimpeachable, insists the information is accurate, but never intended for it to become public. Going public with the information was an error on my part, as not every well-sourced information is for public consumption. On the other side, Alhaji Sani Zorro, former SSA to the First Lady on Public Affairs, whom I hold in the highest esteem, has reached out to question the accuracy of my claims. I will not contest the particulars and veracity of the information with Alhaji Sani who conveyed the former First Lady’s position that her marriage was intact. After all, as the late MKO Abiola memorably said, no one can give you a haircut in your absence. Clearly, Mrs. Buhari herself has the ultimate authority and right to define the status of her marriage with her late husband. Her truth should be respected as supreme, whatever other facts may exist. Moreover, the truth of this information is now far less significant than the hurt my disclosure of it has caused. I shouldn’t have shared it publicly. Period. Doing so violated every moral and ethical principle I cherish and uphold. But it shows I am only human, an imperfect human. I realize it might be impossible for many to believe (except those who truly know me) that I acted without malice, ulterior motives, or external influence. But I sincerely did not intend to harm Mrs. Buhari or execute any personal vendetta. To Mrs. Aisha Buhari, I offer my heartfelt and unreserved apology for the needless and deeply regrettable hurt I have caused. I am truly sorry.
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…Dr. Usigbe…
