By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, as public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Wednesday by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and its prospects for the future.

He highlighted Nigeria’s human capital, natural resources and cultural diversity as key national assets, while stressing the importance of peace and stability to the country’s development.

The minister urged Nigerians to emulate the patriotism of the nation’s founding fathers and contribute to building a country that future generations would be proud of.

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens to use the celebration to promote unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has expressed displeasure over the destruction of banners bearing the images of the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The 15th Emir’s Chief Councillor, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, disclosed this while addressing journalists, saying that the Emir had already directed that the damaged banners be repaired.

According to him, 15th Emir Bayero stressed that the traditional institution must remain above partisan politics, saying, “We are fathers of the people, not politicians.” He therefore appealed to the Emir’s supporters and well-wishers to avoid bringing partisan political activities into the affairs of the traditional institution.

The Sarkin Dawaki Babba also conveyed the 15th Emir’s appreciation to the thousands of supporters men and women, youths and elders who demonstrated their love and loyalty by complying with the government’s directive and accompanying the Emir on foot to his residence at the Nassarawa Palace, despite the heavy rainfall and strong winds.

He said the 15th Emir had no adequate words to express his gratitude to the people for their show of love, patience and solidarity, adding that His Highness prayed that Almighty Allah would reward them abundantly.

The 15th Emir also urged his supporters to continue with prayers, as is customary, for peace, stability and progress in Kano State and Nigeria, as well as abundant blessings and prosperity for the people.

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested one Tasiu Adamu Maje over the alleged illegal sale and leasing of a government-owned Horse Stable at the Race Course, popularly known as Filin Sukuwa, in Kano.

The Commission disclosed this in a statement signed by its Acting Chairman, Hafsat Ada’u Kutama, Esq., where it said the arrest followed complaints lodged by Muhammad Amir Yunusa and Usman Bala Yakasai, popularly known as Sharif, over alleged unauthorised dealings involving the government property.

According to the PCACC, the complainants alleged that Maje transferred and offered the Horse Stable to private individuals despite having no lawful authority to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of the government-owned property.

The Commission said its investigation established that the Kano State Sports Commission, which is the statutory body responsible for the allocation and management of Horse Stables in the state, had no knowledge of or involvement in the purported transactions.

The PCACC said it invited and interviewed individuals connected with the transactions as part of its investigation into the allegations.

According to the Commission, the investigation revealed that the Kano State Sports Commission did not authorise any transaction involving the Horse Stable and that the property had never been officially allocated to any individual either through sale or lease.

The anti-corruption commission further said the document allegedly relied upon by the suspect to facilitate the transaction was not an approved or recognised document of the Kano State Sports Commission.

The Commission added that the same unapproved document was allegedly used in transactions involving two different individuals, raising further concerns about the legitimacy of the dealings.

According to the PCACC, the sale, lease or transfer of government-owned Horse Stables to private individuals without the requisite approval is contrary to established government policy and applicable administrative procedures.

The Commission alleged that Maje agreed to sell the Horse Stable to Muhammad Amir Yunusa for ₦4.5 million while simultaneously collecting rent from Usman Bala Yakasai.

The PCACC said ₦180,000 was demanded as rent from Yakasai, out of which ₦150,000 was reportedly paid in connection with the purported transaction.

Following its investigation, the Commission declared the purported transactions involving the Horse Stable unauthorised and invalid.

The Commission maintained that the property remains the property of the Kano State Government and is under the control and management of the Kano State Sports Commission.

According to the PCACC, no individual has the authority to sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of government property without the appropriate legal and administrative approval.

The Commission said it had commenced steps to recover the Horse Stable and return it to the Kano State Sports Commission.

The PCACC further disclosed that the suspect is expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, where the allegations against him will be subjected to due process.

The Commission said it would also pursue all appropriate administrative and legal measures in accordance with the law in connection with the case.

The Acting Chairman warned individuals who may attempt to convert government property into private assets or sources of personal profit that such conduct would not be tolerated.

According to Kutama, government property is not meant for private sale, unauthorised leasing or personal financial gain.

The Commission said it would continue to investigate allegations involving the unlawful disposal, transfer or commercialisation of public assets and would take appropriate action against anyone found to have violated the law, regardless of status.

The PCACC also advised members of the public to exercise caution before entering into transactions involving government property.

The Commission urged prospective buyers, tenants and investors to verify the ownership, allocation and legal status of any government property directly with the relevant government authority before making payments or entering into agreements.

The anti-corruption commission reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding government property, preventing abuse of public assets and promoting accountability, transparency and responsible management of public resources.

The PCACC also called on members of the public to report suspected corruption, abuse of office, illegal disposal of government property and other forms of misconduct through its official reporting channels.