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ACF warns against premature 2027 campaigns, urges focus on governance

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The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has issued a stern warning to political actors across the country against engaging in premature campaigns for the 2027 general elections at the expense of governance.

It described such actions as insensitive amidst the deepening insecurity, economic hardship, and growing discontent among Nigerians.

The ACF Chairman, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman, stated this at the 715th National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the forum at its national secretariat in Kaduna.

The ACF chairman described the recent resurgence of violent attacks in parts of the North and other parts of the country as disturbing and unacceptable, saying, “Only recently, we were rudely astounded by the sad news of the resurgence of terror attacks and loss of lives and property in Bokkos, Plateau State; the gruesome assassination of Northerners in Uromi, Edo State; and renewed Boko Haram assaults in Borno State.”

He noted with concern that while federal authorities continue to assure of normalcy in the North-East, the return of insurgents to communities has shattered public confidence.

“These insecurities have interfered with the peaceful co-existence of our people. Farms are abandoned, schools closed, and petty trade halted, crippling livelihoods,” Osuman lamented.

ACF also expressed sympathy for victims of the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri and its environs, urging federal and state authorities to scale up emergency response and rebuild critical infrastructure.

On the political climate, Osuman decried the growing tempo of political campaigns and media rhetoric ahead of the 2027 elections, describing it as a distraction from the urgent task of governance.

“While the desire to serve is commendable, the safety, welfare, and prosperity of Nigerians should take precedence. The momentum around 2027 should take a back seat for now,” he said, stressing the need for responsible leadership that addresses terrorism, mass killings, hunger, and disease.

He called on members of the forum and leaders across the board to be courageous and selfless in speaking truth to power, likening their role to that of global moral icons such as Martin Luther King Jr., Indira Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela.

Highlighting internal developments within the forum, the chairman commended revitalisation efforts in various state chapters, particularly applauding the Gombe State chapter for its coordination and engagement during recent visits.

He also announced the creation of six additional standing committees on agriculture, livestock, education, politics, code of conduct and ethics, and the 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, bringing the number of ACF standing committees to fifteen.

“Our influence as a socio-cultural force must not be seen as symbolic. We must match our ideals with action and tangible impact,” he said, just as he tasked committee members to deliver on their mandates and ensure the forum “leaves lasting footprints on governance, policy, and peacebuilding in the region.”

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Nigeria has achieved 79.65% tele-density, 48.81 broadband penetration – NCC

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The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has said that Nigeria has witnessed tremendous transformation in the telecoms sector leading to the achievement of over 79.65% tele-density and a Broadband Penetration of 48.81 as at May 2025.

NCC EVC, Aminu Maida spoke during the Stakeholders Forum on General Authorisation Framework for the Nigerian telecoms industry on Thursday.

According to him, this transformation, which followed the liberalization of the sector, has been on the rise in the last 24 years.

Maida pointed out that the progress has been driven by the rapid uptake of mobile technologies, surging data consumption, and an increasing appetite for digital services.

He noted that the recorded progress cannot be sustainable and beneficial to the people if a regulatory paradigm that is not only responsive but enabling is not embarked upon.

“Today, we are at a significant juncture, where disruptive innovations are accelerating the evolution of the communications ecosystem.

“We are now at a turning point, where the nature of innovation demands a regulatory paradigm that is not only responsive but enabling,” he said.

Maida maintained that modern regulation must be designed to enable innovation rather than hinder it.

“This is an objective that lies at the core of NCC, latest initiative: the General Authorisation Framework.

“This reform introduces a flexible and responsive regulatory licensing approach that is structured to embrace new and emerging services that fall outside the existing License Structure,” he added.

However, the EVC further noted that regulation alone is not enough, “You—our stakeholders—are central to the success of this framework.

“Mobile Network Operators, Service Providers, Infrastructure Companies, OEMs, startups, civil society, and academia all have a role to play.

“Your insights, your ideas, and your partnership are critical in refining this
approach and making sure that it works for Nigeria.

“As we look to the future, we must ensure that no one is left behind. That means expanding access, closing connectivity gaps, and empowering our youth, women, and The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is no longer distant.

“It is unfolding right before
us. And at the heart of this future is the communications sector—our shared infrastructure for innovation, inclusion, and economic advancement.

“To sustain momentum, we must be bold, collaborative, and committed to building a resilient and innovative ecosystem. Through the General Authorisation Framework, we are unlocking new pathways for experimentation, market entry, and growth.”

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Higher fertilizer cost threatenening wet season farming – Jigawa farmers cry out

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Farmers in Jigawa State have expressed fear of inability to go back to farm due to the higher cost of fertilizer and losses recorded during dry season farming.

Some of the rice farmers disclosed this in an interview with Ekwutosblog ahead of their preparation for the wet season farming.

They explained that many farmers will not go back to farm for the wet season farming because they are unable to recover from the huge losses suffered during the last dry season farming.

 

According to Malam Musa, a farmer, “without government intervention, it will be difficult for most of us to return to our farms for the rainy season.

“The fertilizer we used to buy at N40,000 is now being sold at N60,000 and what we used to buy at N35,000 is now being sold at cost of over N45,000.

“We are therefore appealing to Governor Umar Namadi to come to our aid for timely provision of agricultural inputs,” he said.

They also urged the state government to use the previous section and distribution procedure used under the Fadama office to ensure that fertiliser and other inputs reached genuine farmers at the grassroots.

Another farmer, named Auwalu Kaci said, “It’s only through Fadama lll office our farmers at the grassroots level get access to the government’s inputs directly without any hindrance.”

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Buhari showed little respect for my grandfather – Shehu Shagari’s grandson

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Nura Muhammad Mahe, a grandson of Nigeria’s former President Shehu Shagari, has accused late former president Muhammadu Buhari of showing little respect for his grandfather even in death.
Mahe said this in a statement on Wednesday, publicly expressing dissatisfaction with the way the late Buhari handled Shagari’s death.

He, however, lauded President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a show of honour and statesmanship in organising a state burial for Buhari, who died on Sunday and was laid to rest on Tuesday in Daura with full military honours.

He described Tinubu’s attendance at the funeral as a symbol of national unity and dignity.

“This is in stark contrast to how the late President Shehu Shagari was treated during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari,” Mahe said.

According to him, when his grandfather died in 2018, Buhari neither attended the funeral nor arranged a state burial in his honour despite being in Nigeria at that time .

“Instead, a government delegation led by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who is notably a non-Muslim, was dispatched to represent him,” he said.

Mahe said the actions were a slight to Shagari’s legacy, stressing that the late leader deserved more recognition for his service as Nigeria’s first democratically elected Executive President.

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