A culture of unquestioning loyalty to political leaders is undermining accountability in Nigeria, Professor Umaru A. Pate has warned, challenging citizens to examine how their support for those in power may be helping to sustain poor leadership and weaken democratic institutions. Pate argued that Nigeria’s democratic crisis could not be blamed on politicians alone, insisting that followers also bear responsibility when they tolerate failures, defend questionable conduct or place personal and group loyalties above the public interest. The Professor of Journalism and New Media Studies at Bayero University, Kano, delivered the message in a presentation titled The Psychology of Leadership…
Author: National Update
The Kano State Government has moved to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking with the donation of operational equipment to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command. The equipment was presented on Thursday, October 22, 2026, by the Chairman of the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The intervention comes amid growing concerns over substance abuse and its contribution to social problems, with the state government pledging sustained support for agencies at the forefront of the anti-drug…
Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, best known for his role as Ahanna in the classic film Rattlesnake, has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness. His family announced his death in a statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, expressing gratitude to fans and well-wishers for their prayers and support. “We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the statement said. The family added: “We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.” Duru is survived by…
The Senate is examining a bill to establish the Federal University of Science and Technology, Korokorosei, in Bayelsa State, amid calls for greater investment in science education to address Nigeria’s shortage of skilled professionals. The proposal was considered on Thursday at a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse. Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Ibrahim Mustapha, who declared the hearing open on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said the proposed institution must deliver measurable academic, technological and economic benefits. He urged lawmakers to look beyond establishing another university and focus…
The Idoma Hall of Fame has honoured the late Pastor Inalegwu Omakwu, popularly known as Pastor Ina, for his contributions to Christian ministry, humanitarian service and the development of the Idoma nation. Omakwu, founder of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, was among distinguished personalities inducted on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Peachvine Marquee Wedding and Event Centre, Wuye, Abuja. The recognition celebrates his legacy of faith, compassion and practical service, particularly his commitment to vulnerable people. A native of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Omakwu grew up in Kaduna, where his passion for Christianity and leadership developed. Beyond preaching,…
Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals, a man and a woman, convicted of committing what authorities described as “indecent acts” inside a mosque in Mecca, Islam’s holiest city. Bangladesh said it was not notified before the executions and has sought clarification from Saudi authorities over the circumstances surrounding the case. The Saudi Interior Ministry announced the executions, citing what it called the gravity of the offences and the violation of the sanctity of both time and place. “The gravity and seriousness of their actions in violating the sanctity of both time and place,” the ministry said, without providing further…
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has called for a coordinated development framework among Lagos and five other Southwest states, warning that fragmented planning could undermine the region’s infrastructure expansion, investment drive and economic potential. Under the proposed alliance, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti would develop a joint investment and development compact to tackle challenges that extend beyond individual state boundaries, including transportation, urban growth, industrial development and environmental sustainability. Bamidele made the proposal on Thursday at the Lagos Physical Planning Summit at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, arguing that the region needed to approach development as an interconnected…
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded an immediate security offensive against armed bandits following reports that gunmen intercepted a vehicle and shot passengers returning from Sokoto city, along the road to Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The rights group warned that Nigerians could not continue to travel in fear while armed criminals turned public highways into killing grounds, insisting that security agencies must deliver arrests and prosecutions rather than issue routine condemnations after every attack. Reports indicate that the gunmen attacked the passengers on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The number of people killed or…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja The Kogi State Government is facing calls for an independent investigation into reported auctions and proposed removal of public waterworks equipment in Ankpa, Isanlu and Dekina-Anyigba, amid concerns over access to safe drinking water. The Kogi Non-Governmental Organisations Network (KONGONET) said the reported transactions raised questions about the handling of public assets and demanded full disclosure of approvals, valuations and auction records. In a statement issued by its Chairperson, Hamza Ibrahim Aliyu, the coalition said water facilities acquired with taxpayers’ money should not be auctioned or dismantled without lawful authorisation, independent engineering assessments and transparent valuation.…
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of 23-year-old Kaduna journalist Farida Isiak, reportedly sentenced to four years in prison or a ₦1.75 million fine over a Facebook post criticising police treatment of her parents. The group said the case raises serious concerns about press freedom, police accountability and the alleged use of state power to silence criticism. Isiak, a reporter with Nagarta Radio, was reportedly arrested on October 20 following a dispute involving her mother and a neighbour over ₦100 change from a charcoal sale, according to Amnesty International. Amnesty alleged…