By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a public holiday in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.

He said the annual observance of June 12 remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, paying tribute to the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for the entrenchment of democratic governance in the country.

“June 12 remains a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible in this country. Their legacy continues to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles, including the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.

He noted that the administration remains dedicated to protecting and strengthening democratic institutions in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

The minister also assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would continue to strengthen internal security measures to safeguard lives and property across the country.

He stressed that a secure and peaceful environment is critical to sustaining democracy and promoting national development.

Calling on Nigerians to use the occasion for reflection, Tunji-Ojo urged citizens to recommit themselves to national unity, civic responsibility and respect for the law.

“As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he said.

He further encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s democratic journey and contribute positively to efforts aimed at deepening democratic governance and fostering national cohesion.

Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 in honour of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history.

By Lamara Garba in Makkah

The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has assured pilgrims from the state currently performing Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that adequate arrangements are being made to ensure a smooth, safe and hitch-free return to Nigeria.

Governor Yusuf gave the assurance while addressing Kano pilgrims in Makkah, where he commended them for their patience, discipline and exemplary conduct throughout the pilgrimage period.

The governor also urged the pilgrims to continue offering prayers for lasting peace, unity, tranquility and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria as a whole, stressing that the nation is in need of divine guidance and stability.

According to him, prayers remain one of the most powerful tools for overcoming the social, economic and security challenges confronting the country.

Speaking during the gathering, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, disclosed that the return airlift of Kano pilgrims is officially scheduled to commence on June 24.

However, he revealed that efforts are currently underway by the state government and relevant authorities to begin the evacuation exercise before the stipulated date if all logistical arrangements are concluded on time.

Matawalle explained that the board has finalized most of the necessary preparations to ensure an orderly and seamless return operation, noting that once the airlift begins, all Kano pilgrims are expected to be transported back to Nigeria within approximately three days.

He said flight schedules and operational plans have been carefully coordinated to avoid delays and ensure the comfort of pilgrims throughout the return journey from the Holy Land.

The Director General further commended officials, coordinators and welfare personnel deployed across the 44 local government areas of Kano State for their commitment and dedication, which he said contributed immensely to the successful conduct of this year’s Hajj exercise.

He also expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his continued support and concern for the welfare of Kano pilgrims from the beginning of the pilgrimage to its concluding stages.

Matawalle prayed to Almighty Allah to accept the acts of worship performed by the pilgrims, reward their sacrifices and grant them a safe return to their families and communities in good health and peace.

The planned commencement of the return airlift marks the final phase of the 2026 Hajj exercise for Kano pilgrims, bringing to a close weeks of spiritual devotion and religious activities in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Comrade Hasheem Abdallah has emerged as the newly elected Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic (BUPOLY), Hadejia Chapter, following a keenly contested election conducted on June 9, 2026.

The election, supervised by the ASUP Zone A Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Mohammed Mohammed, saw Comrade Hasheem Abdallah secure a decisive victory with 62 votes, defeating his opponent, Comrade Nafisa Nasir Ma’aruf, who polled 30 votes.

Speaking after the exercise, Comrade Mohammed Mohammed commended members of the chapter for their peaceful conduct and commitment to democratic principles. He described the election as one of the freest, fairest, and most peaceful electoral exercises he had witnessed throughout his years of participation in ASUP struggles and leadership activities.

He noted that the orderly conduct of the election reflected the maturity, unity, and democratic culture of the BUPOLY Chapter and expressed confidence in the ability of the newly elected executives to advance the objectives of the Union.

Following the announcement of the results, the Chapter Electoral Committee (ELCOM) immediately administered the oath of office to the newly elected executives.

This immediate transition of leadership aligns perfectly with Article 8.08 (The Chapter Executive Council) and the statutory operational guidelines of Articles 14.03 and 14.04 of the ASUP Constitution, which provide for the seamless assumption of office by duly elected officials, safeguard the stability of the Chapter, preserve executive continuity, and ensure the prompt execution of the mandate freely given by Congress.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Hasheem Abdallah expressed profound gratitude to members of the Union for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide purposeful, transparent, and inclusive leadership.

He assured members that his administration would work closely with all stakeholders to promote staff welfare, strengthen unity within the chapter, protect the rights and interests of members, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic.

The newly elected Chairman further extended a hand of fellowship to all members, including those who supported other candidates, emphasizing that the election had ended and that the collective interest of the Union must now take precedence over individual differences.

The election marks the beginning of a new leadership chapter for ASUP in Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic, as members look forward to renewed commitment toward academic excellence, staff welfare, institutional development, and the advancement of the Union’s ideals.

Comrade Hasheem Abdallah has emerged as the newly elected Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic (BUPOLY), Hadejia Chapter, following a keenly contested election conducted on June 9, 2026.

The election, supervised by the ASUP Zone A Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Mohammed Mohammed, saw Comrade Hasheem Abdallah secure a decisive victory with 62 votes, defeating his opponent, Comrade Nafisa Nasir Ma’aruf, who polled 30 votes.

Speaking after the exercise, Comrade Mohammed Mohammed commended members of the chapter for their peaceful conduct and commitment to democratic principles. He described the election as one of the freest, fairest, and most peaceful electoral exercises he had witnessed throughout his years of participation in ASUP struggles and leadership activities.

He noted that the orderly conduct of the election reflected the maturity, unity, and democratic culture of the BUPOLY Chapter and expressed confidence in the ability of the newly elected executives to advance the objectives of the Union.

Following the announcement of the results, the Chapter Electoral Committee (ELCOM) immediately administered the oath of office to the newly elected executives.

This immediate transition of leadership aligns perfectly with Article 8.08 (The Chapter Executive Council) and the statutory operational guidelines of Articles 14.03 and 14.04 of the ASUP Constitution, which provide for the seamless assumption of office by duly elected officials, safeguard the stability of the Chapter, preserve executive continuity, and ensure the prompt execution of the mandate freely given by Congress.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Hasheem Abdallah expressed profound gratitude to members of the Union for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide purposeful, transparent, and inclusive leadership.

He assured members that his administration would work closely with all stakeholders to promote staff welfare, strengthen unity within the chapter, protect the rights and interests of members, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic.

The newly elected Chairman further extended a hand of fellowship to all members, including those who supported other candidates, emphasizing that the election had ended and that the collective interest of the Union must now take precedence over individual differences.

The election marks the beginning of a new leadership chapter for ASUP in Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic, as members look forward to renewed commitment toward academic excellence, staff welfare, institutional development, and the advancement of the Union’s ideals.