Nigeria Customs Service Pledges Cooperation with Online Journalists and publishers to ensure balanced reporting of its activities. This assurance was given by Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, who hosted the leadership of Northern Online Reporters and Publishersat the command’s headquarters in Kano.

Welcoming the delegation, Comptroller Abubakar expressed his willingness to foster a mutually beneficial relationship with online journalists, emphasizing that the command remains open to engagement at all times. In a heartfelt moment, he offered condolences to the President of the Northern online reporters and publishers over the tragic loss of his child, reflecting his deep understanding of the challenges faced by media professionals.

“I am one of you,” he stated, noting his previous role as an Assistant Public Relations Officer (PRO) before attaining the Present position within the customs service. He further highlighted the importance of objective and balanced journalism, encouraging reporters to highlight both the achievements and lapses of the agency in a fair manner.

On his part, Musa Muhammad, President of Northern Online Reporters and Publishers, praised the comptroller for his media-friendly approach, acknowledging that the customs service plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic and security landscape. He assured Comptroller Abubakar that the association would work closely with customs officials to propagate their activities, particularly across all 19 northern states.

Muhammad emphasized the influence of online media in shaping public discourse, stressing that majority of Nigerians now turn to digital platforms for news updates. He assured the customs service that their security operations and enforcement efforts would be duly covered, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Among the notable journalists in attendance were Abbas Yushau Yusuf, publisher of The Nigerian Tracker; Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, publisher of Independent Post; and Hadiza Yusuf representing Prime Time.

The engagement marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the media, fostering a partnership rooted in transparency, accountability, and information dissemination to the public.

To mark the 2025 World Book Day declared by UNESCO, Kano-based publishing outfit Fombina Imprints Limited is organizing an event themed “Crisis of Standards, Decline of Reading Culture, and the Challenges of Publishing in the Digital Era.”

The event, scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, 2025, will take place at Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University (KHAIRUN) , Kano, and will begin at 10:00 a.m.

The celebration will include a symposium, two panel discussions, a book exhibition, and a book gifting session.

According to the organizers, the activities aim to encourage reading habits among youths, foster discussions around the role of books in education, and examine current issues in the publishing industry.

Speaking ahead of the event, Buhari Abba, the Public Relations Manager of Fombina Imprints, said the occasion is not just to celebrate books but also to raise awareness.

“This event is a wake-up call to confront the shrinking reading culture among young people, the threats to educational quality, and the survival of publishing in a digital world,” he stated.

The symposium will be chaired by Professor Lukman I. Diso of Bayero University’s Department of Library and Information Sciences. Scholars and experts expected to speak include Professor Asabe Sadiya Mohammed, Provost of Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, and Dr. Mohammed Aminu Aliyu from the Department of Economics at BUK.

Two panel sessions will offer space for further engagement. The first, chaired by Dr. Bilkisu Yusuf Ali of Al-Qalam University, will examine “The Challenges of Publishing in the 21st Century” with panelists such as Ado Ahmed Gidan Dabino, Kabiru Musa Jammaje, and Khalid Imam.

The second panel, chaired by Professor Murtala Muhammad of Northwest University, will address “The Challenges of Reading Culture Among Youths.”
Speakers will include journalist Ismail Auwal, poet and creative director Nasiba Babale, HumAngle reporter Aliyu Dahiru, and Sadiya Lawal Danyaro, a lecturer from the Federal University Dutsin-Ma.

Fombina Imprints will also donate books to selected schools, including Government Girls Secondary School, Shekara, and Usman International School, Gandu, Kano.

“Books are not just tools for learning; they are instruments of transformation. We believe in investing in young minds, and this book donation is part of our little way to support education in our community,” Buhari Abba added.

The 2025 World Book Day celebration by Fombina Imprints aims to bring together authors, publishers, scholars, students, and readers to reflect on the role of books in a rapidly changing world.

.By Our Correspondent.

Hajiya Amina Hanga, the Executive Director of Isa Wali Empowerment Initiatives, has been elected as the new chairperson of the Coalition Against Rape and Violence (CARAV).

CARAV is a collaboration of key stakeholders from governmental and non-governmental organizations united in their fight against rape and violence through various strategic initiatives.

Other persons also elected to various positions include: Aisha Abubakar as vice chairperson, Abbas Ibrahim as Secretary, Mustapha Gambo Muhammad as Assistant Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad as Treasurer, and Dayyabu Abdulqadir Waziri as Financial Secretary.

These individuals will steer the activities of the Coalition for the next two years.

In her speech, the newly elected chairperson of CARAV emphasized the need for members’ cooperation and commitment to eradicating rape and violence.

She highlighted that the harmful practice requires collective efforts to combat the action

“We come together today not merely to remember why we began this journey, but to rekindle the fire that drives us. We are here to revive something that should never have gone quiet—a coalition united against rape, sexual violence, and all forms of abuse.

The convener also added,” We are here to re-energize our efforts, realign our strategies, and recommit to our shared mission of ending violence and creating safe spaces for survivors and communities. Rape and violence continue to cast dark shadows over too many communities, leaving survivors in pain and societies grappling with the consequences. In the face of these challenges, CARAV used to stand as a beacon of hope, resilience, and determination.”

She pointed out that the reactivition meeting marks a pivotal moment. “We are here to reignite our purpose, strengthen our unity, and chart a renewed path forward.

According to her, CARAV has the power to amplify the voices of survivors, to push for systemic change, and to cultivate a culture where dignity, respect, and safety are not privileges, but rights afforded to every individual.

In her remarks, Justice Maryam Ahmad Sabo, a founding member of the Coalition, highlighted the need for the prevention of such occurrences.

The Jurist, stressed the need for sensitization and strong collaboration among stakeholders as the way forward to combat the menace

Speaking as a founding father, Professor Muhammad Tabi’u, SAN, explained that the establishment of CARAV was a direct response to a 2011 rape case involving some law enforcement officers.

The legal luminary stated, “The case attracted a public outcry until the culprits were brought to book by the court of law.” This event, Professor Tabi’u emphasized, highlighted a serious concern about the rampant occurrence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

According to him, from its inception, the Coalition adopted tactical strategies, incorporating both CSOs, Government Agencies, and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Professor Tabi’u charged new leadership to be committed and review constitution of Coalition and refine strategies to address the prevalent of rape occurrance.