Author: The Whistler Newspaper

… Inaugurates Boards For Education Agencies, University Principal Officers

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday flagged four key threats undermining Nigeria’s education system, citing learning poverty, teacher quality gaps, infrastructure deficits, and the urgent need to strengthen research and innovation ecosystems.

Alausa said the sector must confront these challenges head-on as the government drives comprehensive, data-driven reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve access, quality, equity, and relevance in education.

Alausa who was speaking during the inauguration of Governing Boards and Principal Officers of a university, including the appointment of a polytechnic rector in Abuja, described the inauguration as symbolic of the government’s commitment to repositioning education as the bedrock of national development and strengthening governance across all levels of the system.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unprecedented support, noting that the President’s bold investments and policy direction had created the enabling environment for the far-reaching reforms currently being implemented by the ministry.

Congratulating the newly appointed Chairmen and members of the Governing Boards, the Minister said their selection reflected proven competence, integrity, and commitment to national service.

He stressed that the governance of education agencies required clarity of vision, strong ethical standards, and alignment with national policy direction, and urged the appointees to provide strategic oversight, ensure accountability, and support management to deliver measurable outcomes.

He added that they must serve as a bridge between policy and implementation by inspiring confidence through transparency, discipline, and results.

Alausa also addressed the Principal Officers of the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, describing the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Bursar, and Librarian as pioneer leaders with the historic responsibility of laying a solid institutional foundation that would define the university’s vision, culture, and long-term trajectory.

He charged them to lead with vision and integrity by building strong academic programmes, investing in faculty development, promoting solution-oriented research, ensuring student welfare, and fostering strategic partnerships.

To the reappointed Chief Executive Officers of the ministry’s parastatals, Alausa commended their continued service and institutional knowledge, saying their reappointment was a recognition of performance and stability.

He however cautioned that continuity must not breed complacency but should serve as a platform to consolidate gains, deepen ongoing reforms, and accelerate progress.

The task ahead, he said, demands innovation, responsiveness, and a relentless focus on improving outcomes across the education value chain.

The Minister told the newly appointed Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, N’Yak-Shendam, that the appointment came at a pivotal moment as polytechnics remain central to the drive for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, skills acquisition, and industrialization.

He urged the Rector to build an institution that produces graduates equipped with practical competencies, entrepreneurial capacity, and industry-relevant skills rather than certificates alone.

Alausa reaffirmed that the reforms underway are not optional but imperative for national competitiveness and sustainable development.

He called for prudent management of resources, strict adherence to due process, and unwavering compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, stating that public trust is earned through integrity, accountability, and service.

He further pledged the ministry’s commitment to strengthening policy coherence, enhancing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and fostering collaboration across agencies and stakeholders in line with the One Government Approach doctrine to ensure that no Nigerian learner is left behind.

“Ultimately, the success of our education system will depend not only on policies and funding but on the quality of leadership that drives implementation. I therefore urge you to work collaboratively, lead with integrity, and remain steadfast in your commitment to excellence,” he urged them.

Learning Poverty, Infrastructure Top Education Crisis List – Alausa is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

…Says Saving Lives Beyond Religious Affiliation

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has emphasised that blood donation is a humanitarian duty that rises above religious and ethnic boundaries, as it intensifies efforts to save lives across the country.

Speaking with THE WHISTLER on Wednesday during activities marking World Red Cross Day at the society’s new headquarters in Gwarimpa, the National President, Oluyemisi Adeaga, said Nigerians are gradually embracing voluntary blood donation as awareness grows.

He stressed that the act of giving blood should not be influenced by personal beliefs or identity, noting that the urgency of saving lives outweighs such considerations.

“People are becoming more conscious because the need is spreading. This goes beyond religious or ethnic considerations. Whoever needs blood needs life, and whoever needs life has to be given the opportunity to live again, no matter the perception,” he said.

Drawing from everyday scenarios, he noted that in emergencies such as road accidents, responders do not consider the religion or ethnicity of victims before offering help, stressing that such should be the standard approach to saving lives.

“It may be your relative tomorrow or someone you don’t know. The most important thing is that we are able to save lives,” he added.

Adeaga, however, explained that humanitarian response is becoming increasingly challenging amid a rise in disasters and insecurity, both globally and within Nigeria, placing greater pressure on the society’s resources.

According to him, the organisation is grappling with a widening gap between the growing number of vulnerable persons and the limited number of volunteers and funding required to meet those needs.

He noted that despite Nigeria recording millions of internally displaced persons due to insecurity, the Red Cross volunteer base has not expanded at a commensurate rate.

“We have both internal and external factors influencing our operations. Globally, there is an increase in conflict and multiple crises, and locally, insecurity such as banditry is rising. But our volunteer base is not growing in proportion, and funding is very low,” he said.

Adeaga appealed to the government to strengthen support for the society, recalling that the organisation was established by an Act of Parliament in 1960, which places a responsibility on authorities to assist its operations.

He also called for stronger collaboration between the media and the Red Cross to deepen public awareness on the importance of humanitarian service and voluntary donations.

Earlier, while addressing volunteers, he stressed that the strength of the Red Cross lies in its grassroots network, spanning Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all local government areas.

“There is no Red Cross anywhere without its divisions and branches. They are the pillars on which the national society rests,” he said, urging members to continue reaching vulnerable communities.

He praised volunteers for carrying “hope to those that really need it,” adding that their work has had a significant impact.

The event featured symbolic engagement with young members, whom he described as future leaders capable of shaping not only the Red Cross but the nation and the world.

Also speaking with THE WHISTLER, a volunteer, Justice Patience, reinforced the life-saving impact of blood donation, citing recent experiences.

“A lot. About two weeks ago, blood saved lives,” she said, recalling how access to donated blood has been critical in emergency situations.

She explained that during a recent visit to a medical blood service facility, she observed how stored blood is distributed to hospitals in need, commending the efforts of those managing such systems.

“They have a bank where they give blood to different hospitals that are in need. They are doing a good job by storing blood for people who need it,” she said.

Justice, who works with a non-governmental organisation supporting the Red Cross and other international humanitarian bodies, noted that such interventions underscore the importance of sustained public participation in blood donation drives.

THE WHISTLER reports that the event featured voluntary blood donation and HIV testing. Organisations present included Mozuk Future Solutions, Cece Yara Child Advocacy Center, and a team from the National Blood Transfusion Service, among others.

Red Cross Intensifies Push For Voluntary Blood Donation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested nine suspects following a targeted raid on hideouts in Mubi and its surrounding areas.

The operation specifically focused on identified black spots within the Mubi metropolitan area known for illicit activities.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Command on Wednesday, indicating that the operation was carried out earlier on Monday, May 4.

“At the conclusion of the raid, a total of nine suspects were apprehended. Items recovered from the suspects include dangerous weapons—such as a firearm and knives—as well as illicit drugs and other controlled substances,” the statement explained.

Signed by the NSCDC State Command Public Relations Officer, DSC Nyako Amidu Baba, the statement said all arrested suspects have been transferred to the Command Headquarters in Yola, where they are undergoing profiling and investigation.

“This operation was conducted in direct and prompt fulfillment of the Executive Security Directive of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who mandated an immediate and comprehensive raid on all identified black spots within Mubi metropolis and its surrounding environs,” Baba stated.

He added that the state commandant of the NSCDC, Idris Dahiru Bande, acted on the governor’s directive by mobilising and deploying a team of specially trained operatives who executed the operation.

NSCDC arrests nine suspects in Adamawa raid

The Nigerian Navy has handed over 125 bags of seized foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.

This was following a successful anti-smuggling operation conducted by personnel of Naval Base EPE in Lagos State.

Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, led by Superintendent of Customs Chinedu Eboh, arrived at Naval Base EPE on 5 May 2026 for the formal handover of the seized items.

A statement signed by Captain AA Folorunsho, Director Naval Informat said that acting on credible human intelligence on 29 April 2026 at 0300hours, personnel of Naval Base EPE intercepted a Peugeot J5 van with registration number EKY-168YC laden with 125 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into Lagos State through illegal border routes.

It said in line with extant regulations and established inter-agency collaboration procedures, the seized items were formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service for further investigation and necessary action.

It said the handover was conducted on behalf of the Commander, Naval Base Epe, Captain Levi Deyin, represented by the Acting Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Elvis Egbe.

The successful interception and subsequent handover, according to the navy, underscore the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at combating smuggling, protecting the nation’s economy, and strengthening internal security through effective inter-agency cooperation.

It said the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against all forms of illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime and littoral environment.

Nigerian Navy hands over 125 bags of seized foreign parboiled rice to NCS

China has urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring an end to its conflict with the United States and Israel, following a request from the Trump administration for Beijing’s assistance.

At a meeting in Beijing, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the need to halt the fighting, according to Chinese state media.

Wang stressed that peace talks should not be delayed.

He said, “China believes that a comprehensive cessation of hostilities should not be delayed, any reigniting of hostilities is even less desirable, and sticking to negotiations is particularly important.”

He also said efforts should focus on restoring safe and normal movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.

During the height of the conflict in March, Iranian and China-linked ships were still moving through the strait.

However, the situation changed after the United States imposed a full blockade on Iran’s ports, which effectively halted most traffic in the area.

China urges Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary forfeiture of nine properties linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the order following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), moved by its counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe.

In his ruling, the judge said: “An interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting the properties being properties suspected to be proceeds of some unlawful activities pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for final forfeiture order.”

The judge added: “An order is made directing the publication for anyone who is interested in the property to appear within 14 days why the final order should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

The court further granted the EFCC’s request that the notice be published within seven days of receipt of the official court order. The matter was adjourned until May 25 for a report on compliance.

According to the EFCC, the application was filed under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. The agency said the properties are suspected to be linked to unlawful activities.

The properties are located in various high-value areas of Abuja. They include terrace buildings in Dakibiyu, a duplex with a penthouse and office space on Niger Street, a unit in Palm Springs Estate in Mpape, and several blocks of flats in Wuse, Garki and Maitama.

One of the buildings is currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency in Garki.

Court orders temporary forfeiture of nine properties linked to Timipre Sylva

The newly sworn-in Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, officially resumed duties on Wednesday as the state’s second-in-command.

The event was attended by several prominent political figures, including former Kano governors Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Ibrahim Shekarau.

Also present were former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, lawmakers Abubakar Kabir Abubakar and Alhassan Ado Doguwa, as well as the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmud Bunkure.

Speaking at the event, Garo thanked God for enabling him to witness what he described as a historic moment.

He also expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other stakeholders for entrusting him with the responsibility.

Garo pledged to make effective use of the guidance given to him to help achieve the “Kano First Agenda” of the governor, aimed at improving the state.

He also prayed for God’s direction in his new role and thanked the people of Kano for their continued support and prayers.

Deputy Governor Garo assumes office, pledges support for ‘Kano First Agenda’

Global debt rose to a record $353tn by the end of March 2026, according to the Institute of International Finance (IIF), as borrowing continued to climb across major economies despite elevated interest rates.

The latest Global Debt Monitor, titled “Storm Clouds: Debt Markets on a Precipice,” showed an increase of more than $4.4tn in the first quarter alone, marking the strongest quarterly rise since mid 2025.

The surge follows a record $348tn at the end of 2025, when global debt expanded by about $29tn over the year.

The IIF said the global debt to GDP ratio remained broadly stable at around 305 percent, noting that nominal debt growth continued to be offset by economic expansion in several regions.

The increase in early 2026 was driven mainly by higher government borrowing in the United States and a sharp rise in non financial corporate debt in China, particularly among state owned enterprises. Emerging markets excluding China saw debt rise to a record $36.8tn, led primarily by sovereign borrowing, while debt levels in most other advanced economies were broadly steady.

The report highlighted growing divergence in global debt markets, with corporate credit showing resilience, supported in part by artificial intelligence related issuance, while government bond markets faced renewed pressure from sustained fiscal expansion and higher refinancing needs.

It also pointed to early signs of diversification in sovereign bond demand, with stronger interest in European and Japanese government debt compared with relatively stable demand for U.S. Treasuries.

The IIF warned that structural pressures are likely to sustain elevated borrowing levels. These include aging populations, rising defence and security spending, energy transition financing, cybersecurity requirements, and continued investment in artificial intelligence.

The report also flagged geopolitical tensions and inflation uncertainty as additional risks that could amplify vulnerabilities if global growth slows or financial conditions tighten unexpectedly.

Emre Tiftik of the IIF said diverging debt trajectories across regions are increasingly shaping investor behavior and could influence long term funding conditions.

Analysts said markets have so far absorbed rising issuance, but warned that refinancing risks in emerging markets remain a key vulnerability heading into 2026.

The IIF added that while financial markets remain broadly stable, the rapid pace of global debt accumulation raises concerns about long term fiscal sustainability if growth underperforms expectations.

Global Debt Reaches Record $353tn In Early 2026 – IIF is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has dismissed renewed claims of an alleged “Islamisation” agenda in Nigeria, warning that such narratives are baseless and risk deepening divisions among citizens.

Speaking on Wednesday at the First Triennial Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in Abuja, the Sultan said that there is no coordinated effort by Muslims to dominate or suppress Christians in the country.

He described the coexistence of Islam and Christianity in Nigeria as part of a divine design, urging adherents of both religions to embrace tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect.

The sultan who also serves as Co-Chairman of NIREC and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue in strengthening national unity.

He noted that his participation in NIREC engagements over the years reflects a long-standing commitment to interfaith harmony.

“We believe talking is better than fighting. Let us understand our differences rather than trying to erase them”

Addressing concerns around religious teachings, he cautioned against the rising influence of unqualified clerics, noting that fluency in Arabic alone does not equate to sound Islamic scholarship.

He urged religious leaders to deepen their knowledge in order to guide followers responsibly and prevent the misuse of religion for personal or political interests.

On the issue of insecurity, the Sultan condemned attempts to associate criminality with religion, insisting that bandits and terrorists should not be profiled along religious lines. He reiterated that Islam does not support violence against innocent people.

“Anyone who kills an innocent person in the name of religion is going to hell,” he stated, adding that many victims of terrorism in northern Nigeria are Muslims.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he urged religious leaders to build trust with their followers, stressing that national progress depends on it.

He also commended NIREC’s collaboration with international partners, including recent interfaith engagements involving the Church of England and global Islamic scholars aimed at addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

While acknowledging the Federal Government’s support, the Sultan reaffirmed NIREC’s commitment to promoting peace nationwide, emphasizing that its activities would continue regardless of funding constraints.

He added that the visible cooperation between Muslim and Christian leaders remains a powerful example of unity for communities across the country.

Sultan Debunks Islamisation Narrative is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has said that taking up a role in government would not prevent him from continuing his career as an artist.

Speaking during a recent livestream with Davrel, the award-winning singer explained that if he ever decides to venture into public office, he would remain active in music.

Davido cited former Haitian President Michel Martelly as an example of a musician who successfully balanced political leadership with an entertainment career.

“If I ever decide to work in government, I would still be performing. I don’t think that stops anything.

“Obviously, it won’t be as much as before. While he was president of Haiti, Michel Martelly was a musician and still performed. He even went on tours during his presidential vacations,” he stated.

Despite his comments, Davido revealed that his interest in politics has significantly declined over time.

According to him, observing the experiences of other celebrities who have ventured into politics has led him to reconsider his own political ambitions.

The singer argued that many Nigerian entertainers who transitioned into politics have struggled to achieve notable success, adding that the current political landscape has made him more skeptical about pursuing such a path.

Davido noted that while he once had political aspirations, present realities have caused him to reassess those ambitions.

Politics Won’t End My Music Career, Says Davido is first published on The Whistler Newspaper