209 graduates bag 1st Class in Dutse Varsity
About 209 students of Federal University of Dutse have graduated with first class for the combined 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 session. The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutse (FUD) Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Muhammed disclosed this to newsmen during the Pre-Convocation briefing held at University Senate chamber on Monday. He explained that, the combined convocation ceremony
209 graduates bag 1st Class in Dutse Varsity
About 209 students of Federal University of Dutse have graduated with first class for the combined 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 session.
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutse (FUD) Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Muhammed disclosed this to newsmen during the Pre-Convocation briefing held at University Senate chamber on Monday.
He explained that, the combined convocation ceremony schedule to take place in Saturday 5th July,2025 at convocation centre square by 9:30 am.
According to him, the total number of graduands for 8th and 9th combined convocation ceremony is 4,227 from the 45 academic departments and 10 faculties.
The Vice Chancellor maintained that for the 2022/2023 academic session a total 99 students graduate with first class, 544 with second class upper, 879 with second class lower while remaining 321 graduated with third class.
According to him, 110 students of the 2023/2024 session, students graduated with first class, 727 with second class upper, 1,155 with second class lower and 283 with third class.
Professor Muhammed also said the convocation ceremony shall be presided by a convocation lecture on Friday by 4:00pm at Nuhu Muhammadu Sunusi Auditorium.
He said the guest lecturer is the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Jibirilla Dahiru Amin with a title of the lecture ‘Harnessing Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The role of higher education Institutions.
209 graduates bag 1st Class in Dutse Varsity
Turji seeks truce with government after key commander’s death
Notorious bandit, Bello Turji, one of the most feared bandit leaders, is reportedly reaching out for dialogue, a few days after losing his most trusted ally in battle. According to those familiar with developments in the bandit camps, Turji is said to be quietly proposing a meeting with rival factions, apparently exploring a path toward
Turji seeks truce with government after key commander’s death
Notorious bandit, Bello Turji, one of the most feared bandit leaders, is reportedly reaching out for dialogue, a few days after losing his most trusted ally in battle.
According to those familiar with developments in the bandit camps, Turji is said to be quietly proposing a meeting with rival factions, apparently exploring a path toward negotiation with authorities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States.
The move, insiders told Zagazola Makama, a security analyst follows a major blow to Turji’s operations; the death of his cousin and close military strategist, Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo.
Known within their circle as the brain and backbone of the group’s brutal campaigns, Danbokolo was killed in a joint security operation late last month.
“He was the force behind Turji’s name,” one insider explained under anonymity to Makama.
“Turji spoke, but Danbokolo acted. He planned the ambushes, arranged the arms, and led their men. Without him, things have changed quickly.”
Danbokolo sustained critical injuries during a raid carried out on June 23 by a tactical unit made up of Department of State Services (DSS) personnel and hybrid operatives.
The clash took place in Chida village, located within the Fakai axis of Shinkafi Local Government Area. Despite frantic efforts by his men to move him across remote villages for treatment, he succumbed to his injuries three days later, on June 26.
Those tracking the situation suggest Turji’s sudden call for dialogue is likely strategic rather than sincere.
Some believe he’s trying to buy time and regain his footing after losing a commander who managed the group’s field logistics, tactical offensives, and territorial control.
“Without Danbokolo, Turji has no shield,” another source stated.
“He is exposed, weakened, and possibly scared. This isn’t repentance—it’s survival.”
Security officials have not yet commented on reports of Turji’s peace outreach, though military analysts and counterterrorism experts are urging the authorities to tread with caution.
“This is not the time for handshakes,” a source warned.
“Turji’s history is soaked in blood. Any talks should focus on dismantling what’s left of his structure, not entertaining deals.”
Turji seeks truce with government after key commander’s death
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AIG-Imoukhuede reveals major challenges facing civil service in Nigeria
Aigboje AIG-Imoukhuede, former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, and founder of the Africa Initiative for Governance, has stated that constraints such as fiscal pressures and budget processes are among the challenges the civil service must overcome. He also noted that youth unemployment, corruption, and waning public confidence in institutions pose
AIG-Imoukhuede reveals major challenges facing civil service in Nigeria
Aigboje AIG-Imoukhuede, former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, and founder of the Africa Initiative for Governance, has stated that constraints such as fiscal pressures and budget processes are among the challenges the civil service must overcome.
He also noted that youth unemployment, corruption, and waning public confidence in institutions pose challenges that require enhanced citizen engagement.
He said that continuous reforms in the civil service are crucial for enhancing efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
He stated this as part of his keynote address at the International Civil Service Conference 2025, where he spoke on the subject, “Supporting Public Service Reforms: A Partner’s Experience.”
The former bank CEO noted that governments worldwide are under increasing pressure to improve the performance of public institutions and the delivery of public goods and services.
According to him, rapid technological advancements, evolving citizen expectations, and complex global challenges have further put greater pressure on the public sector to be agile, responsive, and dynamic in its approach to governance.
“Even the citizens of the most advanced nations have reason to demand for better performance from their public institutions,” he said.
Aigboje AIG-Imoukhuede, who is the co-chairman of the United Kingdom-Nigeria Capital Market Task Force, noted further that successful reforms must reach beyond conventional bureaucratic adjustments and must embrace innovation, digital transformation, and participatory governance to remain effective in an ever-changing world.
“Modern governments must be able to swim the tide of digital disruption, embrace the power of artificial intelligence and adapt government operating models and rules of engagement to align with 21 century realities,” he said.
“Constraints such as fiscal pressures, and budget processes, are amongst challenges to be overcome. Youth unemployment, corruption and waning public confidence in institutions pose challenges that require enhanced citizen engagement.
“Governments cannot meet the demands of its citizens by acting alone, in Africa the realities of reform require public institutions and leaders to find willing and able collaborators, whether local, regional, and international who bring added value to the reform effort.”
AIG-Imoukhuede reveals major challenges facing civil service in Nigeria
Zamfara: Top Turji commander Danbokolo killed in joint DSS, HYBRID forces operation
Nigeria’s security forces have scored a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and banditry in the North West with the elimination of Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, a notorious field commander under the Turji-led terror network, during a decisive joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and HYBRID Forces. The operation, conducted on June
Zamfara: Top Turji commander Danbokolo killed in joint DSS, HYBRID forces operation
Nigeria’s security forces have scored a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and banditry in the North West with the elimination of Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, a notorious field commander under the Turji-led terror network, during a decisive joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and HYBRID Forces.
The operation, conducted on June 23 in the Chida general area of Fakai District, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, also saw the neutralisation of at least 25 fighters and the destruction of multiple terrorist camps in a methodical, high-impact sweep of the area.
Danbokolo, who led the defence of the enclave, attempted to repel the advancing operatives by launching a fierce ambush. During the intense firefight, he sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen and lower chest.
Despite a hasty evacuation by his fighters to Kamarawa village in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Danbokolo died of his injuries on June 26.
His death, confirmed through intercepted communications and corroborated by local informants, is seen as a turning point in the fight against insurgency across Zamfara and neighbouring states.
“This is not just another kill; this is the removal of a key node in the Turji network’s operational structure. Turji doesn’t lead attacks himself; Danbokolo was his executioner. Now, communities can finally breathe,” a local source told Zagazola Makama.
For over five years, Danbokolo ruled forest enclaves across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina like a warlord, imposing illegal taxes on farmers and killing those who resisted. His deep knowledge of the terrain, forest routes, and logistics supply lines made him central to attacks on civilian and military targets.
“Removing him from the battlefield is akin to taking the engine out of a moving truck,” a Sokoto-based security expert explained.
Despite the mission’s success, it came at a cost. A counter-ambush led by Turji, who mobilised over 100 fighters, resulted in the deaths of 13 operatives, including 10 HYBRID Forces members and three private collaborators such as former militant leader Bashir Maniya and two of his lieutenants. Twenty-three others sustained injuries of varying degrees during the encounter.
Widespread celebrations have been reported across communities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina following the news of Danbokolo’s death, with locals expressing relief over the dismantling of a major pillar in the Turji network.
While the DSS has not issued a formal statement in line with its tradition of operational discretion, senior security sources have described the mission as a “major operational success” expected to temporarily weaken the Turji faction’s cohesion and operational capability in the region.
Danbokolo’s death is seen not only as symbolic but strategically significant in the ongoing efforts to restore security across Nigeria’s troubled North West.
Zamfara: Top Turji commander Danbokolo killed in joint DSS, HYBRID forces operation
Nico Williams’ Barcelona transfer on hold
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams’ potential transfer move to Barcelona this summer is currently on hold. According to Mundo Deportivo’s Fernando Polo, negotiations have completely stalled at the moment over new conditions from Williams and his agent. Barcelona find the conditions that Williams and his agent are demanding as completely unacceptable at the moment, and
Nico Williams’ Barcelona transfer on hold
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams’ potential transfer move to Barcelona this summer is currently on hold.
According to Mundo Deportivo’s Fernando Polo, negotiations have completely stalled at the moment over new conditions from Williams and his agent.
Barcelona find the conditions that Williams and his agent are demanding as completely unacceptable at the moment, and as a result, negotiations have stopped.
Williams wants guarantees from the La Liga champions that they would not struggle to register him next season.
Barcelona struggling to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor some months ago has left a negative impact as Williams does not want a similar scenario to repeat itself.
This comes after Williams recently agreed personal terms on a six-year contract with the Blaugrana.
The Spain international is desperate to join their La Liga rivals this summer, after missing out on a deal last year.
Nico Williams’ Barcelona transfer on hold
Ebonyi community petitions governor over alleged illegal Chinese underground mining
The people of Enyim Agalegu Edukwu Opeke community, in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have raised the alarm over alleged illegal underground mining activities being carried out by a Chinese company in the area. The community made the allegation in a strongly worded petition addressed to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru.
Ebonyi community petitions governor over alleged illegal Chinese underground mining
The people of Enyim Agalegu Edukwu Opeke community, in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have raised the alarm over alleged illegal underground mining activities being carried out by a Chinese company in the area.
The community made the allegation in a strongly worded petition addressed to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru. They alleged that the illegal mining was in connivance with some local collaborators.
The community youths, in the petition, accused four individuals of colluding with the foreign company to conduct unauthorised underground mining on sacred community land, including the revered ancestral shrine located in Ugwogo Forest.
Mr. Ogbuinya Livinus, the Youth President, alleged in the petition that the mining activities are illegal and in violation of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, particularly Section 61.
The petition noted that the law mandates an environmental impact assessment, EIA, report, community engagement, and federal certification before any such activity can begin.
According to them, none of these requirements were met by the company before embarking on the alleged illegal mining.
“The shrine has been our ancestral deity since centuries ago,” the petition reads. “Its desecration by this Chinese firm and their local accomplices is not only a cultural affront but also a spiritual violation.
“The underground mining poses serious environmental risks including potential tunnel collapse, land subsidence, and even earthquake-like consequences,” they said.
In a disturbing twist, the petitioners alleged that the Chinese company, in collaboration with the aforementioned individuals, has begun arresting and harassing community youths who have peacefully resisted the unauthorised mining.
The youths further revealed that no licence was granted to the Chinese firm for underground mining on the disputed land.
According to them, the original leaseholder, Royal Salt Limited, which was officially granted mining rights over the land, has distanced itself from the Chinese firm’s operations.
“Royal Salt has categorically denied granting any license or permission to the Chinese company to enter the land, much less mine it,” the petition noted.
The situation, the petitioners claimed, is further compounded by the fact that the Chinese company has gone far beyond any designated mining boundaries.
They alleged that the firm is now digging dangerously close to the Royal Salt mining dump, a development they warned could have catastrophic consequences.
“They are digging deeper than they were ever permitted and heading towards the Royal Salt mining dump.
“This reckless activity could trigger seismic tremors, cause collapses and endanger lives. If the heavy rains persist, the village could witness a disaster of unimaginable scale,” the petition warned.
The community called on Governor Nwifuru to issue an immediate executive order halting the illegal operations and to launch a full-scale investigation into the involvement of the Chinese firm and its local collaborators.
“We are still holding our peace in respect of your peace initiative in Ebonyi State through your People’s Charter of Needs. But we urge you to act now before it’s too late,” the petitioners concluded.
Ebonyi community petitions governor over alleged illegal Chinese underground mining
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