The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies as part of efforts to safeguard democracy and national integrity.

Speaking at the ongoing NUJ National Security Summit in Abuja, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, conveyed the message of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, stressing the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and supporting government initiatives.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that the media remains a vital channel through which government policies can reach the youth and wider society, noting that journalists have a responsibility to combat fake news, disinformation, and misinformation.

“The media has the responsibility of informing the public about government activities while also protecting and preserving the integrity of the nation. This is part of our constitutional duty as citizens,” Waiya stated on behalf of the governor.

He commended the summit’s theme, which highlights the nexus between security and media practices, describing it as “timely and visionary.” According to him, security matters require careful reporting, and the media must balance press freedom with national interest.

Waiya further disclosed that the Kano State Government has maintained a cordial relationship with security agencies, providing them with operational support including vehicles and logistics for the Police, NSCDC, JTF, and other formations.

He assured that both government-owned and private media outlets in Kano enjoy a free and enabling environment without harassment or intimidation, adding that the state organizes periodic capacity-building programs for journalists to enhance professionalism and service delivery.

“We are creating a nexus between the media, security, and government. By supporting security agencies, we are not only helping them but also protecting ourselves as citizens,” he said.

The commissioner concluded by reaffirming Kano State’s commitment to constitutional values, press freedom, and collaborative governance, stressing that the partnership between media and security agencies is essential for peace, stability, and development.

Franco-British International University (FBIU), Kaduna, on Wednesday recorded a milestone with the matriculation of 362 students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The maiden matriculation ceremony attracted parents, guardians, government officials, academics, invited guests and well-wishers from across the country to witness the formal admission of the students into the university community.

A member of the MAAUN Group of Universities, FBIU matriculated students into four schools: the School of Nursing Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Computing, and School of Social and Management Sciences.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President of FBIU, Prof. Abdullahi Sabo Muhammad, congratulated the students on behalf of the management and the entire university community.

He described the occasion as a significant milestone in the lives of the students and the history of the university, marking the official commencement of their academic journey.

In his address, the Founder of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, warned the students against immorality and other social vices, stressing that the group operates a zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse.

He urged the matriculating students to remain focused on their studies, emphasizing the university’s commitment to producing quality graduates who will contribute to the development of Nigeria and Africa.

Prof. Gwarzo also announced plans to establish an Internationalisation Unit at the university to facilitate access to scholarships, academic exchanges and global learning opportunities.

In his goodwill message, the Chancellor of FBIU, Senator Shehu Sani, urged the matriculating students to uphold discipline and good character, stressing that these virtues are essential to safeguarding the university’s reputation and attaining academic excellence.

In their separate remarks, the President of MAAUN Nigeria, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr, the Registrar of MAAUN Niger and Migeria, Dr. Shu’aibu Usman Tanko, and the representative of the Canadian University of Nigeria, Prof. Ahmed Maigari Ibrahim, described the students as privileged to have gained admission into one of the leading emerging universities in sub-Saharan Africa.

They encouraged them to remain focused and make the most of the opportunities available.

Also speaking, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Dr. Baba Muhammad Yakubu, congratulated the students and commended the university for offering academic programmes that are responsive to contemporary societal needs and aligned with global standards.

The Vice President Administration of FBIU, who presided over the ceremony, administered the matriculation oath to the students, formally admitting them into the university community.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has hinted at possible measures against South African companies operating in Nigeria, including telecommunications giant MTN, as outrage grows over the continued harassment and attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Thursday, while addressing concerns over the worsening anti-migrant attacks in South Africa and the evacuation of Nigerians from the country.

The minister said Nigeria had exercised restraint and continued to pursue diplomatic engagements but warned that the government might be compelled to explore other options if the attacks persist.

“As I indicated before, there are these huge conglomerates. By the way, there are over 120 South African companies operating in Nigeria.

“Nobody is asking them to provide proof of identity. Nobody is asking South African staff working there whether they are South Africans or Nigerians, and nobody is taking over their shops or businesses.

“But this is happening to Nigerians in South Africa. So, I think that at some point, we really have to review the options available to us.

“We have MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic, Protea and many other South African brands spanning multiple sectors,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

The minister, however, stressed that any retaliatory measures would have to follow constitutional provisions and due legislative process.

She explained that the Federal Government was currently engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels, while the National Assembly would play a constitutional role in determining Nigeria’s response should those efforts fail.

The minister also disclosed that the South African authorities discarded their memorandum of understanding with Nigeria on early warning mechanism which they had signed in October 2025.

She added that the pact was essentially to protect the lives and property of both Nigerians and South Africans in times of conflict like this.

“When it comes to situations like this, of course, it is necessary to be temperate and exercise caution. But when your citizens are being harassed, when your citizens are people who have spent years there, and mind you, some of them are married to South Africans and have children who have known no other home but South Africa, then it becomes a serious concern.

“Now, under these circumstances, they are asking not just Nigerians, but also their South African spouses and their children, to leave South Africa,” the minister said.

Recall that in May, th esenator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, called for the revocation of licences of South African companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN and MultiChoice, owners of DSTV, following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

The National Assembly also condemned the attacks, urging the federal government to take immediate diplomatic and protective measures to safeguard Nigerian citizens abroad.