NEWS
Kano Emirship Tussle: Ribadu, Yusuf Meet in Abuja

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf on Thursday met with National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja where they discussed issues concerning the Kano Emirship tussle.
This was contained in a statement issued by Yusuf’s Director-General, Media and Publicity, Malam Sunusi Tofa, in Kano.
Tofa said the meeting was prompted by recent events in Kano following the dissolution of five emirates and the restoration of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II.
Tofa said that the two leaders deliberated on various matters relating to state and national development as well as peaceful coexistence in the state.
Emir Ado Bayero is in court challenging the reinstatement of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II by the Kano State government.
While Sanusi is operating from the Emir’s Palace, Bayero is holding forth at the Emir’s Guest House.
Tofa quoted Yusuf as describing the meeting as fruitful and emphasised the critical role of NSA in ensuring peace in the country.
“I briefed him on the recent developments in Kano, and we discussed ways to promote national security and development,” he Tofa quoted Yusuf as saying.
The meeting comes after the NSA was accused of meddling in the Kano crisis, which he swiftly denied.
The Kano State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Gwarzo, had apologised to the NSA for the allegation, attributing it to flawed intelligence.
The meeting coincided with Sanusi’s sixth day at the Kano palace, where a significant majority of district heads and kingmakers have pledged their allegiance to him.
The state government has assured that Kano remains peaceful and tranquil, urging residents to continue their regular activities in compliance with the laws of the land.
Sanusi Makes First Appointment amid Emirship Tussle
In as much as the controversy trailing Kano Emirate tussle continues, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II had on Thursday made his first appointment.
This was coming barely a week after he was reinstalled as the Emir.
Sanusi, the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, approved the appointment of a new Ward Head of Kofar Mazugal, Hamisu Sani in Dala Local Government area of the state.
The Emir called on the new ward Head to ensure peaceful coexistence among the subjects of the area and contribute his quota towards the development of the state as a whole.Earlier, district heads and personalities such as delegations from religious and market bodies paid homage to Emir Sanusi at the palace.
NEWS
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SERVICE COMMISSION

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved Dr Saviour Enyiekere’s appointment as Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) for a five-year renewable term.
Until his appointment, Enyiekere, an environmental specialist, was the deputy chief of staff to the Senate President.
President Tinubu also approved the appointment of two commission members from each of the six geopolitical zones.
The 12 members are:
NORTH WEST:
(a) Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi
(b) Hon. Yusuf A. Yusuf Tabuka
NORTH EAST
(c) Aminu Ibrahim Malle
(d) Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud
NORTH CENTRAL
(e) Mark Hanmation Tersoo
(f) Salihu Umar Agboola Balogun
SOUTH WEST
(g) Hon.
Taiwo Olukemi Oluga(h) Hon. Afeez Ipeza-Balogun
SOUTH EAST
(i) Hon. Dr. Nnanna Uzor Kalu
G) Festus Ifesinachi Odii
SOUTH SOUTH
(k) Patrick A. Giwa
(l) Mrs. Mary Ekpenyong
Like the chairperson, members of the Commission shall hold office for a renewable term of five years.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
February 20, 2025
NEWS
Benue Govt Approves Lydia Memorial Hospital as Focal Center for Infectious Disease Treatment

By David Torough, Abuja
The Benue State Government has officially approved Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, as a focal hospital for the treatment of infectious diseases, making it the first private hospital in the state to receive such recognition.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, announced the approval while receiving the hospital’s management team, led by its Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director, Dr. Mark Ogbodo, during a courtesy visit to his office on Tuesday.Dr. Ortese commended Dr. Ogbodo for maintaining high professional standards and delivering quality healthcare services.”I was very impressed with the report from the supervision team I sent to your hospital. Based on their positive assessment, I had no option but to approve Lydia Memorial Hospital as a focal hospital for infectious disease treatment. This makes it the first private hospital in Benue State to achieve this status,” he stated.He encouraged Dr. Ogbodo to continue upholding professional ethics, assuring that the government remains committed to combating medical quackery and promoting quality healthcare services.”I urge you to remain dedicated to the ethics of the medical profession, as the sky will only be your lower limit,” Ortese added.The Commissioner emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government and private health institutions to improve healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas.”This award will spur me to do even more for both the private health sector and the state’s healthcare system at large. We are committed to sustaining high standards and will continue to foster collaborations that enhance healthcare delivery across Benue State,” Dr. Ortese remarked.He also expressed optimism that the government would provide more support to private hospitals to ease their operational burdens and improve service delivery.In his remarks, Dr. Mark Ogbodo praised Dr. Ortese for his exceptional leadership and unwavering support for private healthcare providers.”Your leadership is a source of inspiration, and your kindness to Lydia Memorial Hospital will always be remembered and cherished,” Dr. Ogbodo said.Dr. Ogbodo particularly thanked the Commissioner for approving Lydia Memorial Hospital as a focal center for infectious disease treatment, describing the approval as a historic milestone for private healthcare in Benue State.”This approval is not just a recognition of our efforts but also a motivation to continue striving for excellence in healthcare delivery,” he added.As part of the visit, Dr. Ogbodo on behalf of the management team, presented an Award of Excellence to Dr. Ortese in recognition of his outstanding contributions to healthcare in Benue State and Nigeria.”This award is a token of our appreciation for your exceptional leadership, your commitment to medical excellence, and the many courtesies extended to Lydia Memorial Hospital,” Dr. Ogbodo stated.There was a renewed commitment from both parties to strengthen public-private partnerships and improve healthcare access and quality across the state.NEWS
Katsina Hisbah Bans Nightclubs

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has banned all nightclub activities across the state, citing Islamic principles and the need to uphold moral values.
The Hisbah Commander-General, Dr Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), announced this in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday. He stated that nightclub owners must shut down their establishments to curb immoral practices, protect societal values, and address security concerns in the state. “The board warned that violators would face strict penalties. Security agencies have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the order. “We are committed to building a morally upright society and ensuring peace and security in Katsina State,” Usman said. He confirmed that the board has informed relevant security agencies, including the state Commissioner for Internal Security, to enforce the directive effectively. “This move aligns with Hisbah’s broader efforts to ensure residents continue their lives in line with religious and moral standards,” he stated. (NAN)