As part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of Play (IDOP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Thursday organized a commemorative event at Kuka Bulukiya Primary School in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State.

The event, held under the theme, “Protect Play, Protect Childhood,” brought together pupils, teachers, community leaders and other stakeholders to highlight the importance of play in the growth, learning and overall well-being of children.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF’s Education Specialist, Mustapha Shehu emphasized that play is a fundamental right of every child and an essential component of healthy physical, emotional and cognitive development.

He called on governments, schools, parents and communities to create safe and inclusive spaces where children can learn and thrive through play.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Education, Alhaji Sagir Danbare, in his remarks welcomed participants and underscored the importance of play in every learning environment, noting its positive impact on children’s physical, emotional and cognitive development.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Dala Local Government Area, Alhaji Surajo Ibrahim Imam commended organizers of the programme and expressed satisfaction with the state of education in the area.

He noted that the local government had recorded little or no complaints regarding education, adding that most observations and feedback received were geared towards improving and developing the sector.

The celebration featured various recreational and educational activities aimed at promoting children’s rights and raising awareness about the need to safeguard childhood experiences through play and social interaction.

The International Day of Play is observed annually to emphasize the critical role of play in nurturing creativity, resilience and lifelong learning among children. The 2026 theme, “Protect Play, Protect Childhood,” reinforces the need to preserve opportunities for play as a means of ensuring the healthy development and well-being of children worldwide.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have unveiled a new £15 million Growth Programme aimed at unlocking private investment and accelerating economic transformation between them.

The British High Commission made this known in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

It said the two countries unveiled the initiative during the just concluded two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK’s Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman.

According to the statement, Chapman’s visit, spanning Abuja and Kaduna, underscores the breadth and depth of the UK–Nigeria strategic partnership and marked a significant step toward both countries’ shared priorities.

It said that alongside the growth programme, the UK also announced deeper collaboration on Nigeria’s digital economy through an initiative called the SPRIRET, which is delivered under the UK’s Digital Access Programme.

“SPRIRET will support digital governance reforms across five Nigerian states, reducing regulatory barriers and enabling greater investment and innovation in broadband, digital services and emerging technology,” it said.

Chapman said her visit had reinforced everything she believed about the UK–Nigeria partnership.

According to her, it is “deep, real, and moving in the right direction.”

“From launching our new Growth Programme with Minister Oyedele, to meeting frontline health workers in Kaduna, every conversation this week has shown me a country full of ambition and a partnership that is genuinely delivering for both sides,” she said.

Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said the UK-Nigeria relationship extended beyond traditional ties and was now focused on development, growth, and shared prosperity.

“The UK–Nigeria Growth Programme helps bring this partnership to life.

“It will support capital market development, technology investment, small businesses, and technical assistance.

“We look forward to seeing how these opportunities deliver lasting benefits and drive progress for both countries,” Oyedele said.

The mission also noted that Chapman met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, with discussions covering progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).

In Kaduna, Chapman met with Gov. Uba Sani to take stock of over 20 years of UK–Kaduna partnership and explore how cooperation can deepen shared priorities.

The Katsina State Government has confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of bandits, describing the development as a tragic loss to his family, Katsina State and the nation at large.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, the government said it received the news of the retired military officer’s death with deep sorrow and a heavy heart.

According to the statement, General Abubakar died while in captivity despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his freedom.

“The Katsina State Government, with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, wishes to inform the general public of the tragic passing of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar. It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits captivity,” the statement read.

The government disclosed that the retired General died of natural causes resulting from complications associated with diabetes and hypertension.

Officials noted that extensive efforts had been made by relevant authorities and security agencies to secure his safe release, but those efforts unfortunately did not yield the desired outcome before his death.

Describing the incident as a major national loss, the government said the late General’s death goes beyond his immediate family and community, given his years of service and contributions to the country’s security and development.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and Nigerians, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting parts of the country.

In the statement, the governor characterized the development as a “dark moment” and stressed the need for a united and intensified effort to tackle criminal elements responsible for insecurity in affected communities.

Governor Radda reaffirmed the commitment of the Katsina State Government to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies in the fight against banditry and other forms of violent crime.

He assured residents that the government remains resolute in its determination to restore peace, protect lives and property, and ensure that those responsible for criminal acts are brought to justice.

The governor also extended his sympathies to the family of the late retired General, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for his loved ones to bear the loss.

The death of Major General Rabe Abubakar has once again drawn attention to the persistent security challenges facing parts of northern Nigeria, where cases of kidnapping and banditry continue to pose significant threats to communities despite ongoing security operations.

The Katsina State Government reiterated its commitment to sustaining efforts aimed at eliminating banditry and ensuring the safety and security of all residents across the state.