AFNews World

You never spoke about Sambo Dasuki, You are Talking about Elrufai…Group blasts Sultan A civil society group, the Arewa Peace and Development Forum (APDF),has criticised the Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar over what it described as selective commentary on national issues, accusing the revered monarch of failing to address matters concerning former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, during his incarceration, while allegedly focusing attention on the case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The Sultan was reportedly quoted as urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to either release El-Rufai or formally charge him in court. However, in a statement issued by its Coordinator, Mal Ibrahim Mohammed Musawa, the group expressed concern over what it termed a “troubling silence” regarding the prolonged legal and political controversies surrounding Sambo Dasuki, a son of the Sokoto traditional institution,whose case has remained a subject of national debate. According to t...

Youth Leaders Demand Zoning of Zangon Kataf/Jaba Reps Seat to Zangon Kataf Youth leaders from the Bajju, Atyap, Ikulu and Kamantan ethnic nationalities have called on the Kaduna State Government and political stakeholders to ensure that the House of Representatives seat for Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency is zoned to Zangon Kataf Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement issued on Thursday, the youth presidents of the groups said the call was necessary to uphold what they described as a long-standing political rotation agreement between Zangon Kataf and Jaba LGAs. The youth leaders warned that any attempt to disregard the existing understanding could threaten the political harmony and democratic stability of the constituency. According to them, the distribution of registered voters within the constituency shows a significant disparity, with Zangon Kataf LGA having 180,998 registered voters compared to Jaba LGA’s 66,948. “With a voting strength...

## **Nollywood Awaits Powerful Debut as *Avante* Heads for March 29 Grand Premiere The Nigerian film industry is gearing up for a major cinematic event as the much-anticipated movie *Avante* prepares for its exclusive grand premiere on Sunday, March 29, 2026. With excitement steadily mounting across Nollywood circles, the production is already being described by industry insiders as one of the most emotionally compelling releases expected this year. Leading the cast is acclaimed actor Chimezie Imoh, widely praised for his unforgettable role in the film The Breath of Life. A recipient of the Trailblazer Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Imoh has built a reputation for portraying deeply layered characters with striking emotional authenticity. In *Avante*, he takes on another demanding role that promises to showcase his remarkable range and intensity. Joining him is Kingsley Okafor, recognized for his performance in the drama series Marriage Stunts, which strea...

Operation 19 Million Votes Commends Appointment of Uba Sani as Deputy DG,  ...Says Move Boosts National Mobilisation and Renewed Hope Agenda   A prominent political advocacy group, Operation 19 Million Votes, has warmly welcomed the recent appointment of Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State, as Deputy Director-General and Renewed Hope Ambassador in the All Progressives Congress (APC) mobilisation structure, saying the development is set to strengthen national confidence, deepen youth engagement and galvanise support for the party’s agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as National Leader of the APC, on February 17, 2026, appointed Governor Sani to serve as Deputy Director-General (Deputy DG) of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors,a strategic outreach, engagement and mobilisation arm of the ruling party, in recognition of his “leadership and organisational abilities.” The appointment took effect immediately.  In a statement releas...

Don’t Pull the Plug: Why Nigerians Are Pleading for the U.S. to Extend Its Police Training Program — and Why It Must Synergize With New Military Arrivals *By Kingsley Okafor When approximately 100 American troops touched down at Bauchi Airfield in northern Nigeria on February 16, 2026, the development made international headlines. Major global news organizations — including the BBC, Associated Press, Deutsche Welle, and Task & Purpose — quickly moved to cover the story. It marked the first large-scale deployment of U.S. military trainers to Nigeria, arriving nearly two months after American strikes targeted Islamic State-linked militants in Sokoto State on Christmas Day 2025. For many Nigerians — particularly Christians and peace-loving communities across the embattled Middle Belt region — the sight of American boots on Nigerian soil felt like the long-awaited answer to years of desperate prayers for meaningful international support against insurgency and banditry. Yet ...

Renewed Hope Initiatives: President Ahmed Tinubu and the Solarization Drive in Nigeria’s Energy Sector Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has positioned energy reform as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic transformation agenda. Among the most consequential initiatives is the accelerated push toward solarization—the large-scale deployment of solar energy systems across public institutions, rural communities, and critical infrastructure. In a country long challenged by unreliable grid electricity, high diesel costs, and energy poverty, the solarization project represents both an economic and social intervention with far-reaching gains. In actualizing these gains, the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saw the need to appoint someone with the right capacity, knowledge and verve to lead the sectors drive towards solarization of the nation, for a more focused sector that will ensure steady energy supply to all Nigerians. The ...