Aeesha's Blog

Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • Political Turmoil Deepens as Peru Prepares to Swear in Eighth President in a Decade

    Political uncertainty in Peru deepened on Tuesday as Congress moved to appoint a new head of state, making it the eighth presidential change in a decade, following the impeachment of Interim President José Jerí over graft allegations.

    The development comes after lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to remove Jerí, 39, from office barely four months after he assumed leadership of the South American nation. The motion to impeach the interim president stemmed from accusations of irregular hiring practices within government offices and alleged involvement in dealings with a Chinese businessman.

    Mr. Jerí, who rose to the presidency last October after the removal of former President Dina Boluarte, became part of a recurring cycle of leadership turnover that has characterised Peru’s political landscape in recent years. Four presidents in the past decade have been impeached, two resigned to avoid removal, and only one completed a full term.

    Congress Poised to Elect Successor
    Peru’s unicameral legislature is scheduled to convene on Wednesday to select a new President of Congress, who will automatically assume the presidency in an interim capacity through to the end of the current term on July 28, 2026.

    Several lawmakers have indicated their intention to contest the position, highlighting the intense political jockeying that typically precedes leadership transitions in the country. With general elections set for April 12, political analysts say that continuity and stability remain elusive, even as the formal electoral timetable advances.

    Public Frustration and Institutional Strain

    Ordinary citizens, grappling with daily economic pressures, social insecurity, and pervasive corruption concerns, voiced frustration at the rapid turnover in leadership. “We live in uncertainty,” remarked a young Peruvian professional, reflecting widespread disillusionment with political elites and Congress.

    Political observers also argue that the frequent changes in leadership reveal deeper institutional weaknesses. The constitutional provision allowing removal of presidents for “moral incapacity” has been invoked repeatedly, contributing to a cycle of instability that experts say undermines democratic governance and public confidence.

    Looking Ahead – Elections and Transition

    Despite political turbulence, Peru is pressing ahead with its electoral calendar. Campaigns for the April presidential election are underway, with a crowded field of contenders positioning themselves as alternatives to the revolving door of interim administrations. The winner will take office on July 28, offering a potential reset for a nation weary of political turmoil.

  • FG Begins Online Recruitment of Technical Facilitators for Technical Colleges

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced an online recruitment exercise for Technical Facilitators to be deployed to technical colleges across the country, in a move aimed at boosting skills acquisition and practical learning.

    The development was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, which noted that the recruitment portal has been opened to attract qualified and experienced technical professionals willing to contribute to the training of students in public technical colleges.

    According to the statement, the initiative is part of ongoing reforms in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector designed to equip learners with industry-relevant skills and reduce the growing gap between education and the labour market.

    It explained that the Technical Facilitators will complement existing teaching staff by focusing largely on hands-on instruction, mentorship, and the transfer of practical knowledge in key vocational and technical trades.

    The government identified priority areas for engagement to include electrical and electronics technology, mechanical trades, welding and fabrication, building construction, automotive technology, information and communication technology, and other skill-based disciplines critical to national development.

    “The engagement of Technical Facilitators is intended to enhance the quality of practical training in technical colleges and ensure graduates are better prepared for employment or self-reliance,” the statement said.

    It added that applicants are required to have relevant technical qualifications, professional certifications, and demonstrable industry experience, while possession of teaching or training experience would be an added advantage.

    Interested candidates are to apply online through the official recruitment portal at
    https://recruitment.education.gov.ng

    The statement stressed that the application process is transparent and free, warning applicants to disregard individuals or groups demanding payment in exchange for employment.

    It further noted that successful applicants would be posted to technical colleges nationwide, where they are expected to support government efforts to revitalise technical education and strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce.

    The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to investing in vocational education as a strategic pathway to youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

  • Homemade Facial Blend Recommended for Skin Clarity

    A homemade facial treatment made from common household ingredients has been recommended as a natural remedy for improving facial skin appearance.

    The mixture consists of Nescafé, aloe vera gel, lemon juice and coconut oil, all blended thoroughly before application.

    Users are advised to apply the mixture gently to the face, allow it to sit for several minutes, and then rinse off with warm water.

    According to skincare advocates, the treatment helps cleanse the skin and restore its natural look, leaving the face clearer and more balanced after use.

    They noted that the method is simple, affordable and relies on readily available natural ingredients, making it accessible for regular skincare routines.

  • FG Launches ₦25m Women Economic Empowerment Programme

    The Federal Government has unveiled a ₦25 million Women Economic Empowerment Programme aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners across the country.

    The programme, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Women Affairs, is designed to enhance women’s access to economic opportunities, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), and promote inclusive growth.

    A statement issued on Monday in Abuja said the initiative targets women-owned businesses and start-ups, with a focus on improving financial inclusion, business sustainability and job creation.

    According to the ministry, beneficiaries will be selected through a transparent digital process using the Happy Woman App Platform, which serves as the official registration and engagement portal for the programme.

    “The Women Economic Empowerment Programme is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to empower women economically, reduce poverty and stimulate grassroots development,” the statement said.

    It added that the initiative would provide eligible women entrepreneurs with financial support, capacity-building opportunities and access to business development resources to help scale their ventures.

    Interested applicants are required to register through the Happy Woman App Platform by visiting https://happywoman.ng/get-started, where they will complete the necessary application process.

    The ministry urged women entrepreneurs and those with viable business ideas to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that empowering women economically remains a critical pillar of national development.

    The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality and ensuring that women play a central role in Nigeria’s economic transformation.

  • Senate Moves to Modernise Elections, Approves E-Transmission of Results

    The Senate has approved the use of electronic transmission of election results in Nigeria, while retaining manual collation as a backup mechanism, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral process.

    The approval followed the consideration and adoption of recommendations by the Committee on Electoral Matters during plenary on Tuesday.

    Under the amended provisions of the Electoral Act, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is empowered to deploy electronic means for transmitting results from polling units, subject to the availability, reliability and security of the required technology.

    Presenting the committee’s report, the Chairman, Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, said the dual system was designed to enhance transparency, credibility and public confidence in elections, while addressing challenges associated with technology failure in some parts of the country.

    According to him, the amendment allows INEC to electronically transmit or transfer election results in accordance with guidelines issued by the commission, while ensuring that manual collation remains valid where electronic transmission is not feasible.

    “This provision strikes a balance between innovation and practicality. While electronic transmission promotes transparency and reduces human interference, the retention of manual backup ensures that elections are not jeopardised by network or technical challenges,” Alli said.

    Contributing to the debate, several senators expressed support for the adoption of electronic transmission, describing it as a critical step toward modernising Nigeria’s electoral system.

    They, however, emphasised the need for INEC to invest in robust infrastructure, cybersecurity safeguards and voter education to ensure the effectiveness of the electronic process.

    Some lawmakers also stressed that the manual backup clause was necessary to accommodate rural and hard-to-reach areas with limited internet connectivity and power supply.

    The Senate further urged INEC to ensure that its guidelines on electronic transmission are clear, transparent and consistently applied across all states of the federation.

    With the approval, the amended Electoral Act is expected to provide a stronger legal framework for the conduct of elections, reduce disputes arising from result manipulation, and align Nigeria’s electoral practices with global best standards.

    The bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being forwarded to the President for assent.

  • U.S. Troops in Nigeria on Training, Intelligence Support Mission – Defence Minister

    The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has confirmed the presence of United States soldiers in Nigeria, explaining that their deployment is strictly for advisory and training purposes in support of Nigeria’s security operations.

    Badaru disclosed this while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, following rising public concern and speculation over the activities of foreign troops within the country.

    According to him, the U.S. military personnel are not engaged in direct combat operations but are assisting Nigerian security agencies through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and technical support aimed at strengthening counter-terrorism efforts.

    “The presence of U.S. soldiers in Nigeria is not new, and it is not for fighting on our behalf,” the minister said. “They are here to provide advisory support, training, and intelligence cooperation to help our armed forces improve their operational effectiveness.”

    He stressed that the collaboration is being carried out under clearly defined agreements that respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and national interest.

    Badaru noted that Nigeria has long-standing defence partnerships with several countries, including the United States, as part of efforts to address evolving security threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency.

    “The security challenges we face today require international cooperation. No country can successfully fight terrorism in isolation,” he added.

    The minister further explained that the U.S. support focuses on enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as improving logistics and operational planning for Nigerian forces.

    He assured Nigerians that all foreign military activities in the country are conducted with the full knowledge and approval of the Federal Government, adding that such partnerships are subject to periodic review.

    Badaru also commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for recent gains recorded in operations against terrorist groups across different parts of the country, attributing the progress to improved coordination and sustained capacity building.

    He urged the public to disregard misinformation and unverified reports surrounding foreign military presence in Nigeria, emphasizing that transparency remains a key priority of the Ministry of Defence.

    The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and security nationwide, assuring that all measures being taken are geared toward safeguarding lives, property, and national sovereignty.

  • Burial Turns Tragic as Bandits Kill Two, Burn LG Chairman’s Vehicle in Kaduna

    Suspected bandits on Monday killed two persons and set several vehicles ablaze, including the official vehicle of the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, during a burial ceremony in Ugom community, Kaduna State.

    The incident occurred at Dogon-Noma area of the community while residents and sympathisers were attending the burial of the late father of a local political figure.

    Eyewitnesses told Source that the assailants, who arrived on motorcycles, stormed the venue and began shooting sporadically, causing panic and forcing mourners to flee for safety.

    Two residents, identified as Bitrus David, 25, and Goma Idi, 40, were reportedly killed during the attack.

    Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Ugom Progressive Union, Mr Onnusim Alhaji Ishaya, said the gunmen also set at least four vehicles on fire, including the official vehicle belonging to the council chairman.

    “The attackers came suddenly and started shooting. Two of our youths were killed, and vehicles were burnt at the burial ground, including that of the local government chairman,” Ishaya said.

    He added that the scale of destruction had thrown the community into mourning and fear, noting that some residents were still unaccounted for as at the time of filing this report.

    Residents described the attack as unprovoked, lamenting the recurring insecurity in the area despite repeated appeals to security agencies for increased protection.

    Efforts by the Source to obtain official comments from the Nigeria Police Force in the state were unsuccessful, as calls to the command’s spokesperson were not answered as at press time.

    The latest incident adds to the growing list of violent attacks linked to banditry in parts of Kaduna State, particularly in rural communities where armed groups have continued to target residents, public officials and social gatherings.

    Community leaders have renewed calls on the Federal and Kaduna State Governments to deploy more security personnel to vulnerable areas to prevent further loss of lives and property.

  • BUA’s MoU with Abu Dhabi Ports Signals Strong Investor Confidence in Nigeria — Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has commended a major industrial partnership between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, describing it as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to deepen foreign direct investment, expand local manufacturing capacity and strengthen export infrastructure.

    The President gave the commendation following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BUA Group and UAE-based firms, Abu Dhabi Ports and Mair Group, aimed at accelerating industrial development and logistics efficiency in Nigeria.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the agreement underscored the growing confidence of international investors in Nigeria’s reform agenda and long-term economic prospects.

    According to him, the partnership is expected to support the development of modern industrial zones, enhance port-linked manufacturing, and improve supply chain infrastructure critical to Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.

    “This agreement reflects our administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment that attracts credible investors and delivers sustainable economic growth,” the President said. “It aligns with our vision of positioning Nigeria as a leading industrial and export hub in Africa.”

    President Tinubu noted that strategic collaborations of this nature would help unlock value across key sectors, including cement production, agribusiness, petrochemicals and logistics, while also creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians.

    He assured investors of the Federal Government’s readiness to provide policy stability, infrastructure support and regulatory clarity to ensure the successful implementation of such large-scale projects.

    The MoU, signed by representatives of the three companies, is expected to focus on port and logistics infrastructure, integrated industrial facilities and trade facilitation, leveraging the technical expertise of Abu Dhabi Ports and Mair Group alongside BUA Group’s extensive manufacturing footprint in Nigeria.

    Industry analysts say the agreement could significantly boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports by improving access to efficient ports and industrial platforms linked to global markets.

    President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties with the UAE, adding that the partnership represents a shared vision of inclusive growth, industrial innovation and mutually beneficial cooperation.

    He expressed optimism that the agreement would translate into tangible projects that support Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda and enhance its competitiveness in regional and global trade.

  • United States Treasury Blacklists Nigerians in Fresh Terrorism, Cybercrime Crackdown

    In a major development in global counter-terrorism efforts, the United States government has imposed sanctions on eight Nigerian nationals accused of having links to the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, the armed group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and cybercrime-related offences. The action includes freezing their assets and blocking financial transactions involving US persons.

    The sanctions were announced this week in a 3,000-page update to the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, which details individuals and entities whose assets are blocked under US sanctions programmes.

    Details of the Sanctions

    According to the Treasury report, all property and interests of the sanctioned individuals within US jurisdiction are frozen, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in business or financial transactions with them.

    Among those listed are:

    • Salih Yusuf Adamu (also known as Salihu Yusuf), identified as having links with Boko Haram and previously convicted abroad of attempting to fund the group.

    • Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, designated under sanctions and linked to extremist activities.

    • Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi (Ba Idrisa), flagged for terrorism ties.

    • Abu Musab Al-Barnawi (Habib Yusuf), described as a Boko Haram leader.

    • Khaled (Khalid) Al-Barnawi, linked with Boko Haram under multiple aliases.

    • Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, reported to reside in the United Arab Emirates and associated with Boko Haram.

    • Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki (Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki), identified with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

    • Nnamdi Orson Benson, listed under cybercrime-related sanctions.

    The action also includes individuals designated for cybercrime offences, highlighting US authorities’ efforts to curb digital threats alongside terrorism.

    Background and Implications

    The OFAC sanctions stem from wider counter-terrorism and national-security policies of the United States, particularly under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to them.

    Boko Haram was officially designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in 2013, a move that has formed the basis for asset freezes, travel restrictions, and international cooperation against the group’s financing networks.

    This latest round of sanctions comes as the US Congress has also been considering additional measures, including visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and organisations accused of human rights abuses in Nigeria.

    Reactions and Next Steps

    No immediate comments were available from the Nigerian government at the time of publication. Observers say the sanctions reflect growing international concern over terrorism financing, cybercrime, and the role of transnational criminal networks linked to insecurity in parts of West Africa.

    The listings are also expected to affect financial dealings, travel, and international cooperation for the individuals named, as the US seeks to disrupt channels used by extremist and cyber-enabled criminal groups.

  • Federal Government Reaffirms State Partnership in Education, Aligns Efforts to Tackle Out-of-School Crisis

    The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with state governments and education stakeholders, underscoring the importance of a coordinated response to persistent challenges in Nigeria’s basic education system.

    In a statement released on Sunday by the Ministry of Education, the Minister Tunji Alausa emphasised that federal-state cooperation is critical to expanding access to quality education for every Nigerian child, especially as the country continues to grapple with high numbers of out-of-school children.

    Alausa described the recent peer-learning webinar convened by the Committee of States’ Commissioners of Education as “timely and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” noting that collective efforts by the federal ministry and states are essential for effective policy implementation.

    He highlighted that addressing the educational deficit requires shared accountability, harmonised implementation, data-driven planning and continuous exchange of knowledge, pointing to evolving approaches such as digital education resources and improved state-level interventions.

    “The complementary role of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education cannot be overlooked,” the minister said, affirming federal readiness to support evidence-based programmes targeting vulnerable groups.

    New Focus on Federal-State Synergy

    Federal-state collaboration has become a central theme in Nigeria’s education agenda as the government pushes reforms to close wide gaps in educational outcomes. Recent policy shifts underscore budget increases, skills-based learning, and digital tools as foundational pillars of this renewed approach.

    For instance, the 2025 national education budget was raised significantly to ₦3.52 trillion, signalling enhanced resource mobilisation to support state and federal interventions, including teacher development and infrastructure improvements.

    At the same time, federal initiatives — such as the EduRevamp professional development platform and cash awards for outstanding teachers — are being designed to reinforce moral incentives and capacity building across states.

    Challenges Reinforce the Need for Partnership

    Despite these efforts, systemic hurdles remain. A recent court ruling affirmed that the Federal and State Governments are legally obligated to provide free basic education, placing further emphasis on collaborative resource allocation and implementation strategies.

    Issues such as security threats in some northern regions and infrastructure gaps in schools have compounded the education crisis, reinforcing calls for integrated federal-state responses.

    Analysts say success will depend largely on clear accountability frameworks, efficient use of data, and sustained commitment by both levels of government to harmonise policies, avoid duplication of effort, and ensure inclusivity for disadvantaged communities.

    In concluding the statement, Minister Alausa warned that “the goal of inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all Nigerian children” can only be realised through joint strategic action and shared leadership — a message he says must resonate with policymakers, educators and communities nationwide.

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