The Kano state government has revealed that the state attracted over $150 foreign direct capital last year.
According to the state’s Director-General, Investment Promotion Agency, KANINVEST, Muhammad Nazir Halliru, the investment in local currency amounted to over N204 billion.
He also noted that the state target is to ensure that it received over $5 billion within the next five years.
Halliru who spoke during the 60th anniversary of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, ICSAN held in the state’s capital at the weekend, disclosed that areas which attracted foreign investments include, renewable energy, comprising Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) programmes, among others.
Apart from these areas, the state investment boss said the transportation and agricultural sector also got the attention of foreign investors, adding that there are many investment opportunties in the state capable of attracting foreign investors.
“Kano is a country within a country. Its GDP is more than what you can find in Liberia, Niger, Chad and other sub-African countries.
“We have big markets that run on millions of naira turn over in a day. We have markets like Dawanau grain market, Kwari textiles market and Sabongari market among others,” Halliru stated.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC has denied reports that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso is planning to leave the party over dispute relating candidates selection for the 2027 election in Kano state.
The denial came at the weekend from the party’s National Publicity Director, Osa Director, who said the suggestion is a “media conjectures” and speculations aimed at undermining the peace in the party.
According to the party’s spokesman, who spoke in an interview on Arise TV, the report is the handwork of mischiefmakers, trying to demarket the party for their own diabolical reasons, noting that the former Governor of Kano state had never threatened to leave the party because of the dispute regarding candidates who are to represent the National Democratic Congress, NDC in 2027 from the state.
The reports had claimed that the former Minister of Defence and the 2023 NNPP Presidential candidate is angry with the leadership of the party after his candidate list was dropped.
Director, however, said “At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso, threaten to leave the party” saying the report was the handwork of ADC detractors.
“Those were just conjectures and media speculations trying to demarket the party, and we know where they are coming from,” he said.
The former governor was recently picked as the NDC vice persidential candidate, to run with Peter Obi, its presidential candidate.
Both had left the African Democratic Congress, ADC earlier to join the NDC in other to pursuse their presidentia; ambitions.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump Trump of the United States announced the cessation of hostilities with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The announcement effectively brought to end the over 100 days of war between US-Israel and Iran, which started on March 2, after the two allies launched deadly airstrikes against the Islamic Republic.
The first day of attack on Tehran led to the killing of the Supreme Leader of the country, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was hit in his bunker, alongside some of his family members and other political and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC military officials.
The government of Iran had reacted by targeting US bases in some Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. Iran also in retaliation of US-Israel attack blocked the strait of Hormuz, described by analysts as a critical maritime choke-point connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
According to analysts, roughly 20 percent of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) and 25 percent of global seaborne oil pass through it, during peace time serving as the sole sea outlet for several major Gulf countries.
In response to Iran’s blockade, President Trump, on April 30, ordered the blockade of Iranian major seaports by United State military, a situation that led to a deadlock for weeks, with global economic implications, including the astronomical rise in the price of crude oil from less than $80 in pre-war era to over $130 per barrel at the peak of the hostilities in May.
The deadlock was however broken on Sunday after the two feuding countries reached a Memorandum of Understanding in a peace deal brokered by Pakistan and Qatar.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump said noting that he achieved what his predecessors in office failed to do, saying the deal will lead to prosperity for the Islamic Republic.
“Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” President Trump announced on his Truth social media platform.
The US leader later said in a separate post, “This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region”, and hinted that a more comprehensive peace agreement with Iran would follow.
“Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!” he wrote.
According to sources in Pakistan and Qatar privy to the peace deal, it was supposed to be signed on Sunday but the ceremony was shifted after Iran threatened to end the deal following Israel’s deadly attack on Beirut, the Lebanese capital, which killed some Hezbollah leaders.
Iran had insisted that Lebanon be part of the deal with the US
Speaking, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, confirmed that an end to hostilities is expected to cover all “fronts’ including Lebanon.
According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, which quoted him Gharibabadi said an “immediate and permanent end to the war and military operations on various fronts, including Lebanon”, would be announced starting Monday.
Reacting to the truce on Monday, the secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the deal with the US includes the immediate suspension of hostilities on all fronts.
“Based on the agreements reached, the war and military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, will end immediately and permanently as of tonight, and in addition, the naval blockade against Iran will end immediately and completely,” it said in a statement.
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding will be officially held on Friday, June 19,” it added.
“Negotiations for a final agreement will be postponed until after the other party has fulfilled its obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding. The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciates the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of Qatar. Peace be upon you, God’s mercy and blessing.”
Also speaking, US Vice President JD Vance said the newly announced ceasefire could usher in a “new era” for the Middle East. He credited Trump’s diplomacy with Gulf countries and other regional partners for helping bring about the deal.
“What the president has done is create the real space to transform that region,” Vance said in an interview with Fox News. “And now, hopefully, a new era with the Iranians.”
Vance also reiterated what he described as a central US objective, saying: “I think we can safely say, with confidence, that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”
Names of those listed for National Honours in the broadcast by President Bola Tinubu to Mark this year’s democracy day have continued to elicit mixed reactions.
Some notable Nigerians cutting across political divides and professions including the media, law and activism were slated to be conferred with the prestigious national honors by President Tinubu.
In the June 12 broadcast, the president had assured that the list is unending and that it would continued to be modified to ensure inclusion of more deserving Nigerians.
One of the beneficiaries, Osa Director, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, (NDC), has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for conferring a national honour on him.
President Bola Tinubu
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Director said Tinubu should be commended.
Reacting to the conferment of national honours on himself and and other pro-democracy activists, Director stated that
“I’m happy that President Tinubu, being a pro-democracy activist, knew he had to correct these anomalies because in 1999, it was the pro-democracy activists who ensured Obasanjo didn’t die in jail.
“But when he became president, he didn’t appreciate the activists and the media.
So, if President Tinubu decides to right that wrong, he should be commended.
“I’m not one who plays politics of vindictiveness. I’m not going to deny my social relationship with people because I’m in the opposition party,” he added.
28 years after, the intrigues and power play which rocked the administration of the late military Head of State, Gen Sani Abacha are unfolding.
The Nigerian military head of state, Gen Sani Abacha, died on June 8, 1998.
In his new autobiography, a former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), revealed that a powerful clique of military officers operated around the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
He disclosed that members of the clique, which he did not named, sought the removal of some senior officers from government and at one point marked him and three other generals for retirement and political isolation.
Abubakar disclosed that he personally advised Abacha to dismantle the group, which he described as an influential “kitchen cabinet” that often shaped government decisions outside formal channels.
The former military leader made the revelations in his autobiography, Call of Duty, unveiled on Saturday alongside two companion volumes, Nigeria’s Grand Patriot and Mediating for Peace in Africa, during celebrations marking his 84th birthday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event attracted a distinguished gathering, including President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima; former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion; and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Abubakar, who served as Chief of Defence Staff under Abacha, said he eventually confronted the late ruler over the influence of the clique.
“In one of our conversations, I told him that he needed to disband the group of officers that formed the clique around him,” he recalled.
“He initially wanted me to talk to them and ask them to be careful, but I refused and insisted that he should be the one to speak to them. Finally, one by one, he retired them from the military.”
In the memoir, Abubakar offers one of the most detailed insider accounts yet of the workings of the Abacha administration, describing how a small group of influential officers wielded enormous power behind the scenes.
According to him, the group repeatedly pressured Abacha to retire certain senior military officers, including himself.
“To be fair, General Abacha was loyal to his friends,” Abubakar wrote.
“A caucus that sprang up when he became Head of State didn’t want to see some faces around and often insisted that some officers be retired.”
He identified those targeted as Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni, Lt. Gen. Garba Duba, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Balarabe Haladu and himself.
“All the time, four of us who were slated for retirement survived because Abacha was devoted to friendship.
“Ironically, all those hawks were retired before us. They became a pain in Abacha’s neck and he had to get rid of them,” he stated.
The former Head of State also disclosed that some members of the group wanted former military president General Ibrahim Babangida arrested.
Late Sani Abacha
According to him, Abacha rejected the proposal after asking what offence Babangida had committed.
“They said charges could always be found after his arrest,” Abubakar revealed.
General Abubakar also shed fresh light on efforts by senior members of the regime to persuade Abacha to release the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale .
(MKO) Abiola.
He said several officials appealed to the military ruler to engage Abiola directly and seek a political solution to the crisis triggered by the annulled election.
“We asked him to release Bashorun MKO Abiola from detention and to discuss with him one-on-one the way forward,” he wrote.
However, he said Abacha rejected the advice.
“Abacha did not give our advice any positive consideration.”
Abubakar acknowledged that despite disagreements within government, ultimate authority rested with the Head of State.
“No matter what I say, I cannot deny that I was his Chief of Defence Staff and a member of the Provisional Ruling Council. But the final decision was for the Head of State to make,” he said.
The former military ruler further claimed that many critical decisions during the Abacha years were taken outside formal government structures.
Although the Provisional Ruling Council met regularly, he said some matters had already been decided by members of the informal inner circle before reaching the council.
“I found out that some matters were discussed by the kitchen cabinet and, in some cases, decisions were already taken prior to the meetings,” he wrote.
He also maintained that he was sidelined from major investigations, including the alleged coup plots that led to the arrests of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Major-General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and later Lieutenant-General Oladipo Diya.
Despite serving as Chief of Defence Staff, he said he was often excluded from key security deliberations.
“The home truth was that a large chunk of Abacha’s kitchen cabinet did not see me as part of the administration,” he stated.
Abubakar also addressed the long-running controversy surrounding funds later traced to members of Abacha’s family and associates.
He said reports linking the late ruler to massive offshore assets came as a surprise to him because the Abacha he knew was meticulous about accountability and prudent in government spending.
According to him, it was only in the final days of his own administration in 1999 that he was shown documents detailing transfers linked to Abacha’s family and associates.
“It was in the closing days of our administration in 1999 that I was shown papers of money transfers to accounts traced to members of his family and associates,” he wrote.
Abubakar said he was subsequently informed that the funds had allegedly been moved abroad as a contingency measure against possible international sanctions.
“He was said to have been advised by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi that if Western powers froze Nigeria’s assets, his government would be stranded if it did not have funds abroad,” he stated.
While stressing that he could neither verify nor dismiss the explanation, Abubakar added:
“I would be lying to say I thought of Abacha as a thief.”
He nevertheless acknowledged that senior officials, including himself, were never informed about the transactions.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t put some of us in confidence about what he was doing. Perhaps it would have been a different story,” he said.
Although about the sum of two billion Naira was raised on Saturday when former Head of State, retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar presented three of his books and launched a fundraiser for his proposed Africa Resource Centre to be built in Abuja, the Federal Government has said it will not only allocate a very large expanse of land for the project, but would pick the bill for its construction.
Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Tinubu at the occasion, announced that the gesture was in appreciation of what General Abubakar did for Nigeria.
He said: “The establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre is a worthy initiative that aligns with the values General Abdulsalami Abubakar has championed throughout his life.
“In recognition of its importance, I hereby direct the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate a very huge piece of land within the Federal Capital Territory along the Airport Road for the development of the centre and the advancement of its mission.
“The Federal Government has already reviewed the building plans and would finance the project.”
President Tinubu went on to describe the former Head of State as one of Nigeria’s most consequential leaders. He showered praises on Abubakar for keeping his promise to return the country to democratic rule after he assumed office in 1998.
Tinubu: “At a moment of profound uncertainty, when Nigeria stood at a crossroads, Providence entrusted him with the responsibility of leadership.
“He pledged to return the country to democratic rule and fulfilled that pledge faithfully and honourably. In doing so, he rendered one of the greatest services any leader can render a nation. He placed country above self and principle above power.
The transition programme supervised by Abdulsalami in 1999 laid the foundation for the Fourth Republic and the country’s longest uninterrupted democratic era.
During the fundraiser for tye project, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, donated the sum of N500m while the second richest African, Abdul Samad Rabiu said he would chip in N250m. A business man, Dahiru Mangal, donated N100m, while the Niger State Government pledged N350m.
Ondo State Government on Sunday assured residents that necessary security and intelligence mechanisms have been activated to ensure the safe rescue of 60 years old Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village, who was kidnapped by suspected gunmen in Owo Local Government Area on Saturday.
It gave the assurance in a statement by the Information and Orientation commissioner, Mr Idowu Ajanaku.
According to the statement: “The government wishes to reassure the family of the victim and the general public that Police and other security agencies, in collaboration with the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), have swung into action and are currently conducting coordinated search and rescue operations across strategic locations within and around the area of the incident.
”The swift response to the unfortunate development underscores the effectiveness of the state’s sustained investment in strengthening its security architecture.
“Through the provision of modern intelligence-gathering equipment, including surveillance drones and other technological assets, the Ondo State Government has continued to enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies in combating criminal activities across the state.
”The preliminary intelligence reports indicate that security operatives are making significant progress in tracking the perpetrators.
“Government remains confident that ongoing operations will yield the desired outcome and lead to the safe rescue of the victim while ensuring that those responsible for the criminal act are brought to justice.
”The administration of Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives and property.
“Security agencies have been directed to deploy every available resource towards the successful resolution of the incident, while efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing and community-based security measures continue across the state.
”The Ondo State Government therefore urges residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding. Members of the public are encouraged to support security agencies with credible information that may aid ongoing operations.
Labour Party, (LP) candidate for the Owerri Federal Constituency in the 2027 election into the House of Representatives, Dr Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has advocated a shift from individualistic to collective representation, for the development of Imo state.
This was contained in a newly launched developmental drive for the constituency.
Tagged “The New Deal”, the governance and representation framework aimes at strengthening collaboration among federal and state lawmakers to drive coordinated development in Owerri Federal Constituency.
Dr Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of the late Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, disclosed this in a policy statement shared with reporters.
Particularly, the document proposed a shift away from what she described as fragmented legislative representation, where federal, state, and local government actors operate independently with limited synergy.
She pointed out that this lack of coordination has contributed to duplication of efforts, weak advocacy for development projects, and limited impact on grassroots communities.
According to her, a more collaborative model between the member representing Owerri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and lawmakers representing Owerri West, Owerri North, and Owerri Municipal constituencies in the Imo State House of Assembly would significantly improve development outcomes.
“The New Deal is built on a simple but powerful principle: collaboration between federal and state legislators can unlock transformative socio-economic development at the grassroots.
“Under the proposed framework, lawmakers would jointly identify community priorities, harmonize legislative advocacy and pursue coordinated interventions across key sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and security.
She emphasized that residents are less concerned about whether development projects originate from Abuja or Owerri, but are more interested in tangible improvements in their daily lives.
“Development has no political boundaries,” she said, adding that roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and economic opportunities should be evenly distributed across communities.
The initiative also proposes periodic strategy meetings among elected representatives to review ongoing projects, assess community needs, and develop a shared legislative agenda with measurable outcomes.
Describing the model as a shift from individualistic to collective representation, she said: “One voice advocating in Abuja is good. Multiple voices advocating in Abuja and Owerri simultaneously is even better.”
Beyond infrastructure and economic concerns, the candidate also highlighted insecurity, unemployment, youth restiveness, and poverty as challenges requiring coordinated responses across all levels of government.
Dr Anyanwu-Akeredolu further stressed the importance of inclusive governance and increased participation of women in leadership, stating that gender should not be a barrier to public service.
“A society that excludes women from leadership denies itself half of its talent, creativity, and potential,” she said, adding that greater female participation would strengthen democracy and governance outcomes.
The candidate described the “New Deal” as not just a political agenda, but a broader governance philosophy aimed at promoting accountability, collaboration, and measurable development impact.
She expressed optimism that the approach, if adopted, would usher in what she called “a new era of partnership” in representation and development planning for Owerri Federal Constituency.
The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has described the tragic death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe in the hands of bandits, as a damning indictment of the Federal Government’s failure to secure the lives of Nigerians.
Atiku, in a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, said the death of the former Director of Defence Information once again exposes the ineffectiveness of the Tinubu administration’s approach to tackling insecurity and highlights the frightening reality that no Nigerian, regardless of status or service to the nation, is safe.
“It is with profound sadness and deep anger that we mourn the death of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, a distinguished former Army Spokesperson and Director of Defence Information, who tragically passed away while in the captivity of bandits.
“General Rabe devoted the better part of his life to defending Nigeria. He served this country with honour, courage, and distinction. That such a man could end up dying in the hands of criminals is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” Atiku said.
General Rabe was abducted on May 30, 2026, alongside his wife, who is reportedly still being held by the kidnappers in Katsina State.
Reports indicate that the retired General succumbed to complications arising from diabetes and hypertension during his ordeal after efforts to secure his release proved unsuccessful.
Major -General Rabe Abubakar
According to Atiku, the tragedy is not merely the death of one retired military officer, “it is a stark reflection of a nation where criminal elements have become emboldened while citizens are increasingly left to fend for themselves.
“His death marks yet another painful blow to our nation’s security architecture and a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of even our most experienced military leaders in the face of rampant banditry and terrorism.
“General Rabe’s ordeal is not an isolated case. In recent times, other senior military officers and distinguished Nigerians have either been killed or subjected to similar traumatic experiences at the hands of criminal gangs.
“The message being sent is dangerous: that those who once defended the nation can no longer rely on the nation for protection.
“As Nigerians mourned the passing of a retired Major General in the captivity of bandits, terrorists were simultaneously attacking the Kautikari community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State and setting primary and secondary school facilities ablaze.
“Chibok is not just a location; it is a national scar. Since the abduction of more than 270 schoolgirls in April 2014, the name has become a symbol of pain, loss, and collective trauma.
“Twelve years later, many families have still not fully recovered from the emotional devastation of that tragedy. Yet, on the very day a retired Major General died in the captivity of bandits, terrorists returned to the Chibok axis to burn schools.
“It was as though Nigeria was being dragged back into one of the darkest chapters of its history. The flames that consumed those school buildings yesterday also reignited painful memories that Nigerians have spent more than a decade trying to overcome.
“The tragedy is not merely that schools were burnt; it is that a wound that never truly healed has been torn open once again.
“The symbolism is devastating. A retired General who spent his life fighting for the security of Nigeria dies in the hands of criminals, while terrorists return to one of their most notorious trademarks — attacking schools and terrorising communities in Borno State.
“What this tells Nigerians is simple and painful: despite the sacrifices of our soldiers, despite the billions spent on security, despite the countless lives lost in the war against terror, the nation is steadily losing the gains that were won through blood and sacrifice.”
The former Vice President lamented that approximately 90 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oyo and Borno States since May 15 remain in captivity, alongside scores of other Nigerians being held by bandits and terrorists across the country.
He said the burning of schools in Chibok while schoolchildren remain in captivity elsewhere should alarm every Nigerian and force the government to confront the reality that insecurity is worsening rather than improving.
“Every school burnt by terrorists is an attack on Nigeria’s future. Every child abducted is a reminder of state failure. Every citizen killed or left in captivity is an indictment of a security architecture that is no longer working.
“The death of General Rabe and the burning of schools in Chibok on the same day are not isolated incidents. Together, they tell the story of a nation under siege and a government that is steadily allowing hard-won security gains to slip away.
“This is precisely why I called for the declaration of a state of emergency on security. We cannot continue to pretend that all is well while bandits and terrorists roam freely, abduct citizens, burn schools, occupy communities, and even bring down our senior military officers.
“The Federal Government must rise to the occasion without further delay. Empty promises, propaganda, and routine condemnations are no longer enough.
“Nigerians deserve decisive, coordinated, and result-oriented action that will rescue those in captivity, dismantle criminal networks, and restore confidence in the capacity of the state to protect lives and property.”
Atiku extended his condolences to the family of the late Major General Abubakar Rabe, prayed for the safe release of his wife and all Nigerians currently held captive, and urged the nation not to become numb to the daily tragedies unfolding across the country.
“May the soul of General Rabe rest in peace. But let his death serve as a wake-up call. A nation that cannot protect its heroes, its children, and its citizens is a nation facing a grave crisis. The time for decisive action is now.”
Isyaka Rabe Abubakar, one of the sons of Defence spokesperson, Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died in the custody of his abductors, has strongly rejected claims suggesting that diabetes and hypertension may have caused the death of his father.
The Source reports that General Abubakar, who was kidnapped on May 30, 2026 by terrorists alongside his wife, was announced dead by the Katsina state Government on Saturday, June 13 ,2026
A statement from the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Dr Nasir Mu’azu informed that the retired Army General died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in the custody of the terrorists.
But in an interview with Radio Deutsche Welle, the younger Rabe insisted that his father had no known record of diabetes or hypertension as being propagated.
According to Isyaka Rabe ,there are strong and widespread insinuations linking his fathers death to snake bite, as evidenced in the last video of him released by the hoodlums.
This was as he however, maintained that only God knows for certain what most have led to the unfortunate death of his father.
Notwithstanding the troubling circumstances that surrounded his death, Isyaka believes that his soldier-father died a hero.
Isyaka despite putting up the public announcement for the funeral prayers, said he cannot in all honesty explain how the corpse was recovered.
“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayers, many people began asking how the body was recovered.
Major -General Rabe Abubakar
” I told them that I did not know, and that they should direct the questions to the Government”, he stated.
He disclosed that contrary to speculations suggesting that his mother was released alongside his father’s corpse , Isyaka informed that she is still in captivity.
“Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released” Isyaka declared.
