The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has formally invited Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to join the ruling party, declaring its readiness to welcome him in the interest of unity and development of the state.
The invitation was conveyed by the State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, in a statement issued in Kano on Tuesday.
Abbas said the call was made on behalf of the immediate past National Chairman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
According to him, the move to invite Governor Yusuf is guided by the need for reconciliation, political stability and collective progress in Kano State.
“The APC is ready to receive Governor Abba Yusuf with open arms so that, together, we can combine our strengths for the progress of the state,” Abbas said.
He explained that the planned defection of the governor had generated reactions within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), under whose platform Yusuf was elected.
Abbas noted that the development had reportedly caused divisions within the NNPP, especially with the party’s national leader, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said to be opposed to the governor’s move to the APC.
The APC chairman added that upon his formal entry into the party, Governor Yusuf and other NNPP stakeholders would be received under the leadership of Ganduje in an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared responsibility.
He stressed that the APC’s invitation was not borne out of political pressure but from a genuine desire to build a united and prosperous Kano State.
The News reports that the governor has yet to publicly confirm plans to defect from the NNPP.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws will commence as scheduled on Jan. 1, 2026, declaring that there would be no reversal or postponement of the reform programme.
Tinubu made this known in a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday, following rising public discourse surrounding the newly enacted tax legislation.
The President said the tax reforms, including those signed into law on June 26, 2025, represent a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to establish a fair, competitive and resilient fiscal framework for the country.
According to him, the laws are not designed to impose additional tax burdens on Nigerians but to introduce a comprehensive structural reset of the nation’s tax system.
“The reforms are meant to drive harmonisation, promote efficiency and protect the dignity of citizens, while strengthening the social contract between the government and the people,” Tinubu said.
He urged all relevant stakeholders to support the implementation process, stressing that the reform agenda had moved decisively into the delivery phase.
The President added that no substantial issues had been identified that would justify any disruption or suspension of the reform process.
“Absolute trust is built over time through making the right decisions, not through premature, reactive measures,” he stated.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and respect for the integrity of laws duly enacted, pledging continued collaboration with the National Assembly to promptly address any implementation challenges.
He assured Nigerians that the government would continue to act in the overriding public interest to ensure the emergence of a tax system that promotes prosperity, fairness and shared responsibility.
The News recalls that following a high-level meeting with the President on Dec. 26, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, confirmed that the final implementation phase of the reforms remained on course.
Oyedele said the phase covers the Nigeria Tax Act and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, both scheduled to take effect from Jan. 1, 2026.
According to him, the decision to proceed with implementation is anchored on the pro-people nature of the laws, which are strategically structured to shift the tax burden away from vulnerable citizens.
He noted that the reforms are expected to provide significant economic relief, with projections indicating that about 98 per cent of Nigerian workers and 97 per cent of small businesses would either be fully exempt from taxes or experience substantial reductions in their tax liabilities.
Oyedele added that the reforms would enhance compliance, improve revenue efficiency and foster sustainable economic growth without undermining social welfare.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
The court also ordered the remand of Malami’s co-defendants, his son, Mr Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and one of his wives, Hajia Bashir Asabe.
The order was made by the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, after listening to arguments from the defence team led by Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN, and the prosecution counsel, Mr Ekele Iheneacho, SAN.
Malami and the other defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC had filed a 16-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025 before the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing the defendants of money laundering and unlawful acquisition of properties valued at over N8.7 billion.
According to the anti-graft agency, the alleged offences were committed between 2015 and 2025, mostly in Abuja, during Malami’s tenure as the nation’s chief law officer.
In the charge sheet signed by a prosecution team led by Chief J.S. Okutepa, SAN, the EFCC alleged that Malami and his son used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of N1.014 billion domiciled in a Sterling Bank account between July 2022 and June 2025.
The commission further alleged that another N600.01 million was concealed in the same account between September 2020 and February 2021.
The EFCC also accused the defendants of retaining N600 million as cash collateral for a N500 million loan granted by Sterling Bank Plc to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, allegedly knowing that the funds represented proceeds of unlawful activity.
In another count, the commission alleged that between November 2022 and October 2025, the defendants indirectly took control of N1.36 billion paid through the Union Bank account of Meethaq Hotels Ltd, which they allegedly knew to be illicit funds.
The EFCC said the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The anti-graft agency listed several witnesses to testify during the trial, including investigators, bank officials, bureau de change operators and representatives of the companies allegedly involved in the transactions.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to a later date for the hearing of the bail applications and ordered that the defendants remain in custody pending further proceedings.
China on Tuesday fired missiles and deployed dozens of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan on the second day of large-scale live-fire military drills, further escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
The Source reports that the two-day exercises, code-named “Justice Mission 2025,” are aimed at simulating a blockade of Taiwan’s key ports and conducting assaults on maritime and aerial targets.
Taiwan’s authorities have condemned the drills, describing them as “highly provocative and reckless,” warning that they undermine regional peace and stability.
China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province, has consistently insisted that the island is part of its sovereign territory and has not ruled out the use of military force to achieve reunification.
AFP journalists stationed in Pingtan, a Chinese island located at the closest point to Taiwan’s main island, observed a volley of rockets launched into the air at about 9:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday. At least 10 missiles were reportedly fired in quick succession, leaving trails of white smoke and loud explosions that echoed across the area.
In a statement issued shortly after the launches, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) confirmed that it had “conducted long-range live-fire drills in waters north of Taiwan Island and achieved the desired effects.”
The latest show of force follows recent large-scale arms sales to Taiwan by the United States, the island’s principal security partner, as well as comments by Japan’s Prime Minister suggesting that the use of force against Taiwan could provoke a military response from Tokyo.
China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, said on Tuesday that Beijing would “forcefully counter” what he described as extensive U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan, adding that any attempt to obstruct China’s reunification efforts “will inevitably end in failure.”
Similarly, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, described the drills as a “punitive response to Taiwan independence separatist forces” and a necessary measure to safeguard China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In reaction, Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, issued a strong condemnation, accusing Beijing of deliberately destabilising the region through military intimidation.
“This is a blatant provocation against regional security and the international order,” Lai said in a post on Facebook, stressing that Taiwan would not escalate the situation.
Extensive Military Deployment The PLA said it had deployed destroyers, frigates, fighter jets and bombers to carry out drills involving identification and verification, warning and expulsion procedures, simulated strikes, maritime assault operations, as well as anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare.
A statement from the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command said the exercises, conducted in waters north and south of Taiwan, were designed to test sea-air coordination and integrated blockade and control capabilities.
China’s state broadcaster, CCTV, reported that a central focus of the drills was a simulated blockade of major Taiwanese ports, including Keelung in the north and Kaohsiung in the south.
Chinese authorities also released a map showing five designated zones around Taiwan where the drills were taking place, with the exercises scheduled to end at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Impact on Taiwan
Taiwan’s authorities said some of the drill zones were within 12 nautical miles of its coastline, disrupting international shipping and aviation routes.
The island’s Civil Aviation Administration reported the cancellation of dozens of flights to the Kinmen and Matsu islands, affecting about 6,000 passengers, while more than 850 international flights were expected to experience delays.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence said it detected 130 Chinese military aircraft, 14 naval ships, and eight government vessels operating near the island within a 24-hour period ending at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday.
Taiwan’s coast guard confirmed it deployed 14 ships to monitor Chinese naval movements, adopting a “one-on-one shadowing approach” to deter the vessels. Public Reaction
Despite the heightened military activity, many residents in Taiwan appeared unfazed.
A fishmonger in Taipei, Chiang Sheng-ming, said repeated drills over the years had made people accustomed to such developments.
“If you stand your ground, there’s nothing to be afraid of,” he said. Another resident, Tseng
Chang-chih, expressed doubt that the situation would escalate into war, describing the drills as mere posturing.
China last conducted large-scale live-fire exercises around Taiwan in April, actions that were strongly criticised by Taipei.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said he was not concerned about the drills, dismissing speculation that Chinese President Xi Jinping would order an invasion of Taiwan.
Source reports that tensions in the Taiwan Strait remain a major flashpoint in East Asian geopolitics, with implications for global security and international trade.
The University of Glasgow, United Kingdom, has announced the commencement of applications for its 2026 African Excellence Scholarship Award, aimed at supporting outstanding students from Africa seeking to pursue postgraduate education at the institution.
The African Excellence Scholarship is designed to empower high-achieving African students to become future global leaders and positive change-makers in their respective communities.
The award offers a full tuition fee waiver to successful candidates admitted into a one-year postgraduate taught Master’s programme at the University of Glasgow for the 2026/2027 academic session.
According to details released by the university, up to 15 scholarships will be awarded to eligible African students across all academic disciplines. The scholarship is strictly for Master’s level study and covers tuition fees only.
The University of Glasgow stated that applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic ability and a clear vision of how the Master’s programme will support their career and development goals. Scholarship Summary
• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Study Destination: United Kingdom
• Category: Postgraduate / Master’s Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: African countries
• Scholarship Value: Full tuition fee waiver
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the University of Glasgow African Excellence Award, applicants must:
• Demonstrate academic excellence equivalent to a UK First Class Honours degree;
• Have international fee status; Be domiciled in Africa;
• Present a clear career and/or development plan supported by postgraduate study;
• Be a student, alumnus, or staff member of one of the University of Glasgow’s partner institutions in Africa;
• Provide evidence of meeting UKVI maintenance and living cost requirements by June 30, 2026, if offered the scholarship after interview.
Although an offer of admission is not required at the initial application stage, applicants must secure an offer for a one-year postgraduate taught Master’s programme commencing in September 2026 to be considered for interview.
Scholarship Benefits The scholarship provides a full tuition fee waiver, significantly reducing the financial burden on successful candidates.
Application Process Interested and qualified applicants are advised to:
Visit the official scholarship application portal;
Click on the “Apply” button; https://www.scholarshipregion.com/university-of-glasgow-african-excellence-scholarship/
Complete and submit the scholarship application form before the deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to consider programme-specific application timelines when applying for admission.
The University of Glasgow urged prospective candidates to submit their applications on or before March 31, 2026, as late applications will not be considered.
The African Excellence Scholarship remains part of the university’s broader commitment to promoting diversity, academic excellence, and global development through education.
For more scholarship opportunities and updates, applicants are advised to follow Scholarship Region on its official social media platforms.
An explosion has occurred at the Bagudo General Hospital in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, triggering panic among residents of the area, the Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, prompted an immediate security response, with law enforcement agencies moving swiftly to secure the hospital premises and surrounding areas to avert further threats.
Confirming the development in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Bashir Usman, said the command had taken full control of the situation.
“The Kebbi State Police Command wishes to assure members of the public that we have full control of the security situation following the explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo,” Usman said.
According to him, a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian military and local vigilante groups was immediately deployed to the scene.
He added that operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit were also mobilised to assess the scene and determine the cause of the explosion.
Usman said preliminary findings indicated that there were no casualties from the incident.
“We are grateful to confirm that there were no casualties. Although a building within the hospital’s staff quarters was damaged, the occupants had already evacuated safely before the explosion,” he said.
The police spokesperson noted that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the source and nature of the explosion, assuring that the command would keep the public informed as more details emerge.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of the North-West region.
Source recalls that a few days ago, several travellers were reportedly killed following a suspected bomb explosion along the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau road in Maru Local Government Area of neighbouring Zamfara State.
The Federal Government had earlier assured Nigerians of adequate security measures during and after the yuletide season. However, recent security incidents in the region have continued to raise concerns among residents.
The Kebbi State Police Command urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, while reporting any suspicious movement or object to the nearest security agency.
United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that the U.S. destroyed a docking facility allegedly used by Venezuelan drug traffickers, in what is believed to be the first land-based strike in Washington’s intensified campaign against narcotics trafficking from Latin America.
Trump disclosed this on Monday while speaking with reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the U.S. president, the targeted dock was a key facility where boats suspected of transporting illegal drugs were loaded.
“There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs,” Trump said.
He added that the operation also involved hitting several boats and disabling what he described as the “implementation area” used for the trafficking activities.
“So we hit all the boats, and now we hit the area. That area is no longer around,” he stated.
Trump, however, declined to disclose whether the operation was carried out by the U.S. military or the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), nor did he specify the exact location of the strike, saying only that it occurred “along the shore.”
Meanwhile, sources familiar with the operation told U.S. media outlets, including CNN and The New York Times, that the CIA carried out a drone strike on a port facility in Venezuela.
The reports suggested that the strike was aimed at the Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua, although no individuals were present at the time of the attack and no casualties were recorded.
As of the time of filing this report, the Venezuelan government had not issued any official reaction to the incident.
Earlier, the U.S. Department of Defense referred all inquiries on the matter to the White House, while the White House declined to respond to requests for comment from international media.
When asked if he had recently spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump said the two leaders had spoken “pretty recently,” but added that the discussions produced no significant outcome.
Trump’s confirmation followed remarks he made during a radio interview broadcast on Friday, where he hinted for the first time at a possible land strike against drug trafficking facilities in the region.
“They have a big plant or a big facility where the ships come from,” Trump said during the interview. “Two nights ago, we knocked that out.”
The U.S. president has repeatedly warned in recent weeks that ground strikes against drug cartels in the region would begin “soon,” making this incident the first apparent example.
In a related development, the U.S. military announced on social media that it carried out another strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Eastern Pacific, killing two persons and bringing the reported death toll in the ongoing maritime campaign to at least 107.
The military did not disclose the precise location of the latest strike.
The Trump administration has continued to pile pressure on the Maduro-led government, accusing the Venezuelan leader of involvement in drug trafficking and enforcing measures such as an oil tanker blockade.
International law experts and human rights groups have raised concerns over the legality of the U.S. strikes, describing them as potential extrajudicial killings, an allegation the U.S. government has consistently denied.
Applications have opened for the Qingdao University Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2026, a fully funded scholarship programme for international students seeking to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees in China for the 2026–2027 academic session.
The scholarship, offered under the Chinese Government Scholarship (Type B) – High-Level Postgraduate Programme, is administered by Qingdao University and is open to applicants from all nationalities. It provides a comprehensive funding package that allows successful candidates to study in China at no cost.
According to information released by the university, the programme covers all academic fields and majors available at Qingdao University, giving international students broad opportunities for advanced studies and research in one of China’s fast-growing academic environments.
Qingdao University, founded in 1985, is a leading provincial research institution in China. The university is consistently ranked among the world’s top institutions, placing 487th globally by CWUR, 371st by U.S. News, and within the 351–400 band in the QS World University Rankings (2025) subject rankings.
Scholarship Details
The Qingdao University CSC Scholarship 2026 is available for:
• Degree Level: Master’s and PhD Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
• Host Institution: Qingdao University
• Award Country: China
• Eligible Nationalities: All
• Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
Financial Benefits The fully funded scholarship provides:
• Full tuition fee waiver for the approved study period
• Free on-campus accommodation, usually in shared apartments
• Monthly living allowance of CNY 3,000 for Master’s students and CNY 3,500 for PhD students
• Comprehensive medical insurance in line with China’s Ministry of Education requirements
The scholarship duration aligns strictly with the normal length of the admitted programme as stated in the admission notice.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
• Be non-Chinese citizens in good physical and mental health
• Master’s applicants must be under 35 years of age and hold a bachelor’s degree
• PhD applicants must be under 40 years of age and possess a master’s degree
• Meet Qingdao University’s academic and language requirements
• Hold only one scholarship at a time, as multiple scholarship holders will be disqualified
The university noted that strong academic records and early contact with potential supervisors significantly enhance selection chances, particularly for PhD applicants.
Required Documents Applicants are expected to submit:
• Completed online application form Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Valid international passport and passport-size photograph Research proposal
• Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) Two academic recommendation letters
• Non-criminal record certificate
Application Timeline
• February 1, 2026: Deadline for completing Qingdao University’s online application
• March 10, 2026: Deadline for submitting the CSC (Type B) application via the Chinese Government Scholarship portal after obtaining a pre-admission letter
• September 2026: Commencement of the academic session
Candidates who fail to meet either deadline will have their applications automatically withdrawn.
Application Procedure
Prospective applicants are required to: Apply through Qingdao University’s international student online system and contact the relevant department or supervisor to obtain a pre-admission letter.
Submit a separate application on the CSC portal, selecting Programme Type B and using Agency Number 11065.
Applicants were advised to ensure that all documents uploaded on both platforms are identical, as final decisions are subject to CSC evaluation.
The Qingdao University CSC Scholarship 2026 offers international students a valuable opportunity to earn a globally recognised degree while benefiting from China’s expanding academic and research landscape.
Maintaining healthy, glowing skin requires consistency, healthy habits and proper care. Dermatologists say glowing skin is not achieved overnight but through daily practices that protect and nourish the skin from within and without.
*Below are five essential tips to help achieve and maintain radiant skin. Protect your skin from the sun One of the most important steps in skin care is protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
1•Prolonged sun exposure can cause wrinkles, sunburn, dark spots and increase the risk of skin cancer. Experts advise the regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
2•Avoid smoking Medical experts warn that smoking significantly damages the skin. It reduces blood flow to the skin, depriving it of oxygen and essential nutrients. Smoking also accelerates ageing, making the skin appear dull, dry and wrinkled. Quitting smoking not only improves overall health but also restores skin elasticity and brightness over time. Treat your skin gently
3•Daily skin care routines should be gentle and suitable for one’s skin type. Excessive washing, harsh soaps and vigorous scrubbing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Dermatologists recommend using mild cleansers, lukewarm water and moisturizing regularly to maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
4•Eat a healthy and balanced diet Nutrition plays a vital role in skin health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats provides essential vitamins and antioxidants that help repair skin damage and promote a natural glow. Adequate water intake is also crucial, as hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and freshness.
5•Manage stress effectively Chronic stress can trigger skin problems such as acne, eczema and premature ageing. Health professionals advise managing stress through exercise, adequate sleep, relaxation techniques and healthy social interactions. Reducing stress levels helps maintain hormonal balance, which in turn supports clearer and healthier skin.
In conclusion, experts note that glowing skin is a reflection of overall well-being. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits and a consistent skin care routine, individuals can achieve and maintain naturally radiant skin.
The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, has announced the availability of its Glenmore Scholarships (Online) for eligible postgraduate students for the 2026/2027 academic session, offering fully funded opportunities to candidates from developing countries.
The Glenmore Scholarships are designed for applicants admitted into selected online master’s degree programmes, particularly in Human Medical–related postgraduate fields, and are aimed at strengthening global medical capacity through advanced education.
According to information released by the institution, the scholarship covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of the programme, making it one of the most comprehensive online postgraduate funding opportunities currently available.
The university explained that the award is targeted at students who demonstrate strong academic merit and a commitment to applying their acquired medical knowledge in countries that stand to benefit most from improved healthcare expertise.
Scholarship Overview
The scholarship is hosted in the United Kingdom, under the category of Postgraduate and Master’s Scholarships, and is open to applicants from developing countries. Beneficiaries are not required to present IELTS as part of the application process.
The application deadline has been fixed for May 28, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the University of Edinburgh Glenmore Online Scholarship, applicants must:
Be citizens of a developing country; Have secured admission into an eligible Human Medical postgraduate programme at the
University of Edinburgh for the 2026 academic session;
Demonstrate commitment to returning to work in countries that will benefit significantly from their advanced medical education;
Have limited or no prior opportunity to study at the master’s level, with priority given to first-time postgraduate students.
Scholarship Benefits The Glenmore Scholarship provides:
•Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the programme;
•One-year funding for onsite master’s programmes;
•Two to three years funding for online master’s programmes,
•Depending on the course structure.
Application Procedure Interested and qualified candidates are required to:
Visit the official University of Edinburgh scholarship application webpage;
Apply for admission into an eligible master’s degree programme;
Upon securing admission, complete the scholarship application through the university’s EUCLID online application portal.
Applicants are advised to ensure all required information is accurately submitted before the deadline, as late applications will not be considered.
The University of Edinburgh noted that the Glenmore Scholarship forms part of its broader commitment to global education, research excellence, and capacity building in healthcare systems across developing nations.
Further details and updates on the scholarship are available through the University of Edinburgh’s official platforms and recognized scholarship information channels.
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