This morning, the Secretary of the Gombe State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’ad Hassan Sardauna Yamaltu, who is also the Sarkin Yakin Zambuk, paid a sympathy visit to the people of Zambuk following the recent windstorm disaster that affected the community.

The Sarkin Yakin Zambuk was accompanied by a strong delegation that included Prof. Safiyanu Ishaku (Masoron Yamaltu), Hon. Habu Ali Soja (Dan Rimin Yamaltu), Hon. Muhammad Jauro, and other associates. During the visit, they expressed their condolences and solidarity with the affected residents.

Speaking during the visit, Sardauna Yamaltu said:
“I was deeply saddened when I received the news of this disaster. I have come to sympathize with the affected people and the entire people of zambuk and to support them.

Therefore, I am donating the sum of ₦1 million to assist those who were affected by this unfortunate incident.”

He also called on relevant authorities to urgently provide relief and support to the victims, considering the current economic challenges and the fact that the rainy season has just begun.

In separate remarks, the Secretary of the Zambuk Development Association Zapa, community leaders, affected residents, whose properties were damaged expressed their gratitude to the Sarkin Yakin Zambuk for his generous support.

They prayed for Allah’s continued protection, good health, and prosperity for him.

In his address, the District Head of Zambuk, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman, commended and praised Alhaji Sa’ad Hassan for the humanitarian gesture. He also advised that a proper verification process should be put in place to identify the genuine victims of the disaster and ensure that assistance reaches those who truly need it.

The District Head further commended the efforts of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Member representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Inuwa Garba (Zannan Yamaltu), the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Luggerewo, the Chairman of the House Committee on Relief and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Gebriel Galadima, the Member representing Yamaltu West State Constituency, Hon. Musa Manaja Zambuk, and Hon. Kabiru Muhammad Kuri for their assessment visit to the affected area yesterday.

He concluded by expressing hope that the government would provide urgent assistance to the victims and help them recover from the disaster as quickly as possible.

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.