Author: The North Journals
Abuja, Nigeria – February 22, 2025 Nigeria’s night skies are about to host a breathtaking astronomical event as the country prepares for its first lunar crescent sighting of the year on February 28, according to the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). The agency announced that the crescent will officially appear at 1:45 AM West Africa Time (WAT)—a moment astronomers refer to as the Crescent Zero Hour. However, the thin sliver of moonlight will only become visible to the naked eye between 6:17 PM and 7:35 PM. Maiduguri is expected to be the first city in Nigeria to witness…
In A Journey in Service, former Nigerian military president Ibrahim B. Babangida presents a detailed and personal account of his life, military career, and time in governance. The book, which spans decades of Nigerian history, serves as both a memoir and a political chronicle, providing readers with a rare first-hand perspective on some of the most pivotal moments in the nation’s past. With a foreword by General Yakubu Gowon, this autobiography is both a personal reflection and a historical document, offering invaluable insight into Babangida’s decisions, motivations, and lasting influence. Early Life and Military Beginnings Babangida’s narrative begins with his…
2025 Climate Policies Decoded: What Governments and Businesses Are Planning 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year in global climate action, where pledges must transform into tangible progress. As the Paris Agreement undergoes its first major review and net-zero deadlines loom, the pressure is on for governments and corporations alike. Let’s break down the policies and commitments set to reshape our climate future. The year 2025 isn’t just a checkpoint; it’s a crossroads. The United Nations’ Global Stocktake will inform updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), compelling countries to reassess their emission reduction strategies. Meanwhile, over 70% of Fortune…
By John Innocent Bishop Airlines: Navigating Governance Turbulence. As Nigerians navigate the turbulent waters of economic uncertainty, the recent hike in tariffs by telecommunications network providers has left many wondering if the government is exacerbating the problem rather than providing relief. Coming on the heels of increased electricity tariffs and impending charges by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the timing of these hikes has raised questions about the government’s economic strategy. From an economist’s perspective, the decision to increase tariffs in the midst of an economic downturn is puzzling. With Nigeria’s inflation rate hovering around 21.5% (National Bureau of…
By Sani Danaudi Mohammed As Bauchi State prepares for the transition of Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed in 2027, the need for continuity in governance cannot be overstated. The state has witnessed significant transformation and expansion under his leadership, and it’s essential to sustain this progress beyond 2027. Ensuring a smooth transition is crucial for the state’s future development and growth. Effective governance requires a clear plan for succession and continuity. Unfortunately, many political elites and voters in Bauchi State have prioritized politics of bitterness over development, leading to a lack of clear plans for succession. This has resulted in former…
By Nuruddeen Dahiru Kama I was too young to give a personal accounts of Buhari and IBB’s military regime but from General Babangida’s administration to date, I have never witnessed an organised country with discipline, pride and patriotism like the military government under General Abacha. From 1993 to 1998, Nigerians were more creative and productive because there was no free lunch to hang on. With economic, social and even diplomatic sanctions on Nigeria, our economy was stable, our Naira was strong and had more value, the pump price at fuel up stations was 11 Naira for 5 years while it…
By Mala Abdulazeez The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Yobe State Command, has arrested 17 suspected vandals for their alleged involvement in vandalizing electrical power installations, telecommunications masts, and other infrastructure in the state. AS Dandaura, Commander of the General’s Special Intelligence Squad, confirmed the arrests to journalists in Damaturu, the state capital. The arrests followed a clearance operation that led to the discovery of three warehouses at different locations. Dandaura stated that a manhunt team has been deployed to apprehend the alleged kingpin, Aliyu Ajakuta, also known as the Chairman of the Scrap Dealers Association in the…
Mala Abdulazeez Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA) has announced an increase in the monthly capitation of healthcare facilities across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), aimed at enhancing healthcare services. Dr. Babagana Tijjani, Executive Secretary of the Agency, made the announcement in Damaturu, highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare facilities in providing adequate services due to financial constraints. Dr. Tijjani explained that the increased capitation will provide healthcare facilities with more funds to improve services and address major challenges, including ensuring access to free drugs and treatment for patients. He encouraged individuals in the informal sector to…
By Trésor Daniel MEFIRE “Preserving mangroves is not just an environmental issue—it is a necessity for the economic and social well-being of coastal communities and the planet as a whole” In Cameroon’s lush coastal landscapes, where land embraces the sea, an ecological crisis is quietly unfolding. The nation’s vital, vibrant mangrove ecosystems are vanishing at an alarming rate. According to environmental researcher Trésor Daniel MEFIRE, Cameroon has lost nearly 30% of its mangrove cover in just two decades, reducing the area to under 200,000 hectares. Mangroves are not just trees; they are nature’s bulwark against climate change and coastal devastation.…
Over 200,000 Small Holder farmers and women are targeted, to benefit from a joint initiative by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), MasterCard Foundation, and the African Development Bank (AfDB), project. The initiative was announced by WFP Country Representative Mr. David Stevenson during a groundbreaking ceremony in Mamudo town, Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State, to commission an alternative energy solutions to power irrigation farming systems, aimed at fostering sustainable youth employment in horticulture. Mr. Stevenson said the project seeks to revolutionize food production in the region through innovative agricultural practices that enhance productivity and ensure environmental sustainability.…