
Muhammadu Yahaya, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, has urged the New Nigeria Development Company NNDC to undergo an urgent transformation to address the economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria. Speaking at a retreat in Abuja, Governor Yahaya, represented by Ezekiel Gomos, Director-General of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, emphasized that the NNDC is crucial for the North's economic future and must operate at its full potential. He highlighted pressing issues such as rising unemployment, economic strain, insecurity, and declining investor confidence, stating that institutions like the NNDC must become engines of recovery. Governor Yahaya expressed optimism that the NNDC can become a catalyst for economic revival if its Board and Management demonstrate bold thinking, decisive leadership, and consistent execution. He challenged the NNDC to rediscover its original purpose as a strategic economic vehicle rather than a passive legacy institution, stressing that shareholders expect innovation, growth-oriented thinking, and commercially viable investments. He also urged the NNDC to embrace the digital economy, including opportunities in ICT, fintech, and innovation-driven enterprises, to leverage the entrepreneurial potential of the North's youth. The governor called for a strategic reassessment, suggesting options like restructuring, partnerships, repositioning, or divestment, and linked economic performance directly to regiona
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Must ReadDr. Kehinde Ololade, an oncologist and Medical Director of Jacaranda Cancer Centre, Abeokuta, stated that cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, regardless of status, gender, or tribe, and is not a spiritual attack. He emphasized that early presentation of cases is crucial for fighting cancer. Dr. Ololade made these remarks during a visit from the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, led by its Chairman, Dr. Adetokunbo Vaughan. He highlighted late presentation, the misconception of cancer as a spiritual problem, and the high cost of care as significant challenges to effective cancer management in the country. Dr. Ololade explained that early detection is key to survival, noting that many survivors presented their cases early and received appropriate treatment. He urged people to seek medical evaluation for symptoms such as breast lumps, bloody discharge from nipples, armpit lumps, or unexplained weight loss. While acknowledging that cancer care is globally expensive, he suggested that government support, particularly financial aid for cancer care centers, could help save lives. The Jacaranda Cancer Centre manages over 300 patients annually, provides chemotherapy, and offers community-based interventions with free cancer tests. Dr. Vaughan reiterated that cancer is treatable with early detection and urged Nigerians to prioritize routine screening. He also noted that personnel and infrastructure shortages are challenges,
Must ReadA US federal appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump cannot prevent migrants from seeking asylum at the border. The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld a lower court's decision, stating that Trump exceeded his legal authority by banning asylum claims from migrants who illegally crossed the US-Mexico border. The judges emphasized that Congress did not intend to grant the Executive such broad removal authority, and that the asylum statute grants all foreign individuals physically present in the United States the right to apply for asylum. They further stated that any modification to this system must be presented to Congress. This ruling follows a case brought by immigrant rights groups and asylum seekers, where a District Judge previously found Trump's proclamation to be a violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Since returning to the White House, President Trump has increased deportations and reduced border crossings, though some of his deportation efforts have been halted by courts due to concerns over migrant due process rights.

Masalaha Law & Associates has issued a pre-action notice to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Nyesom Wike, regarding alleged lack of transparency and developments at Jabi Lake Park. The firm, representing IESP Initiative and Concerned Residents and Users of the park, claims authorities failed to disclose public records and permitted developments without proper legal authorization. They highlight that Jabi Lake Park is a designated public recreational space and express concern over ongoing construction and potential privatization activities without public disclosure of the legal basis or concession arrangements. An earlier Freedom of Information request for the park's master plan, land use designations, and details of any public-private partnerships, including Environmental Impact Assessments and planning approvals, went unanswered within the statutory timeframe. The lawyers warn of legal action, including seeking an order of mandamus to compel disclosure, a declaration that any undisclosed privatization is unlawful, or an order setting aside inconsistent allocations. In response, Olayinka Lere, media aide to the FCT Minister, stated that the development plan for Jabi Lake Waterfront was made public on February 13, 2026, following an MoU signing between the FCTA and private firms Suburban Broadband and Akida Hills Limited. Lere asserted that the agreement was transparent, aimed at transforming the waterfront into a luxury tourism destination, and th

Former Minister of National Planning and Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, has defended former President Goodluck Jonathan's legacy, countering recent remarks by Atiku Abubakar. Abubakar, in an interview, suggested that Jonathan's administration struggled due to his inexperience, particularly when faced with national challenges after succeeding Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. Yuguda, a former Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, stated that Abubakar's comments were inaccurate. He highlighted Jonathan's extensive prior experience as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice-President, and Acting President, asserting these roles provided critical preparation for the presidency. Yuguda pointed to significant economic expansion during Jonathan's tenure, including Nigeria becoming Africa's largest economy, increased investor confidence, and reduced poverty levels. He also cited reforms in agriculture, the revival of train routes, and the establishment of new federal universities and Almajiri schools as key achievements. Yuguda emphasized Jonathan's calm temperament and respect for democratic values, noting his peaceful concession of power in 2015, which he believes profoundly shaped Nigeria's democratic culture. He contrasted Jonathan's approach with the past strained relationship between Atiku Abubakar and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, suggesting Jonathan's statesmanship is evident in his continued engagement in peace negotiations and election observation missions.