
The Kano State Hisbah Board has finalized preparations for the medical screening of 3,000 prospective couples participating in the state's mass wedding program. Deputy Commander General Sheikh Mujahedeen Aminudeen announced that the screening will start on Monday, June 8, 2026, across 24 local government areas. The 1,500 female and 1,500 male participants will undergo mandatory health checks for HIV/AIDS, drug use, genotype, hepatitis B, and other sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea. This initiative is a collaboration between the Hisbah Board, the Ministry of Health, and the State Agency for the Control of AIDS. Couples have been instructed to report to Hisbah offices in their respective local government areas for the screening, with failure to attend resulting in delisting from the program. Only those who pass the health screening will qualify for the mass wedding. The Kano State Government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, reinstated the mass wedding program to address prostitution and other social vices, particularly among young women whose families cannot afford their marriages.
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Must ReadThe International Air Transport Association IATA forecasts a significant decline in global airline profitability by 2026, attributing the downturn to war-related disruptions in the Middle East and increasing jet fuel prices. IATA's outlook, released on Sunday, projects a combined net profit of $23 billion for airlines in 2026, a nearly 50% reduction from the estimated $45 billion for 2025. This figure is also considerably lower than the earlier projection of $41 billion for 2026. Carriers in the Middle East are expected to incur losses due to weak demand and operational disruptions, while airlines in other regions, though remaining profitable, will see reduced levels. IATA Director-General Willie Walsh stated that the rapid 70% rise in jet fuel prices is severely impacting airline bottom lines. While some of the additional cost is being offset by price adjustments and efficiency improvements, it will not be enough to maintain previous profitability levels. The industry's net profit margin is expected to decrease to 2.0% in 2026 from 4.2% in 2025, and net profit per passenger is projected to fall to $4.50 from $9.10. Operating profit is also anticipated to drop to $48 billion in 2026 from $76.4 billion in 2025. The industry's return on invested capital is expected to decrease to 4.3% in 2026 from 6.6% in 2025, remaining below the estimated weighted average cost of capital of 8.5%, highlighting structural challenges within the global airline industry.
Must ReadFormer Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, praised the Nigerian military for the successful rescue of 360 women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Borno State. The victims, who had been held captive since March, were freed on Saturday. This rescue operation occurred three months after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military base in Ngoshe on March 4. The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the development. Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, also confirmed the release through a statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya. Ndume commended the troops for their professionalism and patriotism despite operational challenges. He also expressed gratitude to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Maiduguri, and the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, as well as Governor Zulum, for their contributions. The lawmaker further praised the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, for providing relief materials and urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to support the rebuilding of Ngoshe. Ndume also called for intensified efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, and travelers kidnapped along the Biu-Buratai road, and condemned the killing of soldiers and repentant Boko Haram volunteers in Mandaragra village, Biu Local Government Area.

The Nigeria Customs Service NCS hosted ambassadors, high commissioners, and heads of diplomatic missions in Abuja on June 3, 2026, to strengthen international cooperation and trade relations. This strategic engagement, held at the NCS headquarters, aimed to boost trade facilitation, border security, and economic growth. Dignitaries present included the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, thanked the diplomatic community for their support in bilateral relations and international trade. He affirmed the NCS's commitment to supporting diplomatic missions in Nigeria and advancing collaborative initiatives for trade and economic development. Adeniyi highlighted the NCS's global reach, with collaborative frameworks with over 20 customs administrations worldwide, focusing on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and operational cooperation. He emphasized that collaboration among customs administrations, diplomatic missions, and security agencies is crucial for addressing modern trade and security challenges, achieving efficient border security, enhanced revenue generation, and improved economic competitiveness. The Comptroller-General noted that such diplomatic engagements foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and new areas of cooperation to strengthen Nigeria's trade and diplomatic architecture. The event concluded with networking sessions and positive feedback fro