News
Why We Can’t Return To Regionalism — Yakassai
Elder statesman and Second Republic Presidential Liaison Officer, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, who turns 100 in December 2025, speaks about the secret to his longevity, Nigeria at 65, 2027 elections and other issues of national development.
Q:You will be clocking 100 years on December 5, 2025. How do you feel and what will you say is the secret of your longevity?
A:I am grateful to Almighty God for making it possible for me to live this long without any permanent or serious ailment throughout my life. All the health challenges I’ve had have been temporary. Very few of my mates have been lucky to live as long as I have and in good health. I am really grateful to God who has made this possible not only that, he has also blessed us with children and grandchildren. My children are now 19 they were 23 altogether, four died. My grand-children are 60-something and they are all alive. I really thank God.
Q: Are there any secrets or tips about longevity you wish to share
A:Not at all. It has been purely by God’s grace. My father died at over 100, in fact, about 105 years old or more, I can’t remember. My mother died at the age of over 90. They both enjoyed steady health. They had no serious challenge to their health except for minor headaches and things like that. It is all the work of God Almighty.
Q: Nigeria will be 65 years as an independent nation next week. How has Nigeria fared since independence
A:We have made steady progress. Since the military intervened in our political life as a nation beginning from the First Republic in the 1960s, this is the first time we are having uninterrupted democratic rule for this long period of time. I think it is a great experience for our country which has suffered for decades under military rule, on and off. I pray that this will continue forever so that those given the opportunity to preside over our affairs at all levels will provide the needed leadership to bring progress, development and prosperity to our country. Apart from the unfortunate civil war (1966-1970), we have made steady progress. The fact that we have remained as a single nation is worthy of celebration.
Q:Have we realised the vision of our founding fathers
A:I will again say, so far so good. The first and only attempt at dividing us as a nation failed. And I believe never again will any part of this great country take up arms to try and forcibly divide Nigeria. The rest of the country came together and resisted the secession of our brothers from another part. It serves as a lesson to any would-be secessionist.
Q:Some commentators have called for a return to regionalism. Is this what we need
A:As you are aware, I am almost 100 years old. I was born on December 5, 1925. I know what is possible and what is not. I don’t think regional government is possible again in Nigeria. We tried it in the past and we all know how it ended. The country has moved on since then so we can’t go back. How many people genuinely are canvassing for a return to the past in this area (North)? We must move with the times progressively. It is part of development.
Q:Some have argued that our current democratic system is not working. Do you agree
A:No. Democracy is working for Nigeria. Yes, there are challenges no doubt but which human system is perfect? Let us consider the number of years it has been operating in Nigeria. I don’t agree with people who think otherwise. The democratic system has come to be accepted worldwide because of its participatory nature. The people who are being governed are given the opportunity to elect those who govern them. As such, if there are areas that require fine-tuning we should fine-tune such areas. That is why we have issues like electoral reforms being talked about and implemented from time to time. The Americans who have been practicing democracy for over 200 years are still adjusting.
Q: Can the North ever speak with one voice over politics
A: It is not possible. We are more than half of the entire population of Nigeria. You can’t put this number of people together and think they will think alike. There will be differences, it is in human nature. Children and their parents differ in opinions on issues. I don’t see this as something new. We have been experiencing it for a long time and we will overcome it.
* Full interview in The Vanguard
News
NDLEA warns public against fake auction offers using officials’ names
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters impersonating its officials to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through fake auction offers for forfeited vehicles.
In a statement issued on Friday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the scammers have been using the names of senior NDLEA officials, particularly the Secretary to the Agency, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to circulate fraudulent letters and messages offering cheap forfeited vehicles for sale.
Babafemi described the offers as a deliberate scam aimed at swindling people of their money.
“The public is hereby notified that these offers are a complete scam. The Agency wishes to categorically state that these fraudulent offers are a malicious gimmick designed solely to defraud targeted individuals of their hard-earned money,” he said.
The agency stressed that no NDLEA official is authorised to privately allocate, sell or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals.
According to the statement, all forfeited vehicles and assets are disposed of only through public auction processes conducted by government-approved auctioneers in line with legal and public procurement guidelines.
Babafemi added that legitimate auction exercises are always widely advertised in national newspapers and through the agency’s official communication channels.
He urged members of the public to disregard and report any letters, text messages or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles through Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official.
“The NDLEA remains committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in all its operations. Do not fall victim to these criminal elements. If you are approached with such fraudulent offers, please report immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through our official communication channels,” the statement added.
News
Initiators Promise Big As NIGMA Gets August 2026 Date
The organisers of this year’s Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards ( NIGMA) have announced that the upcoming edition will celebrate the very best of the gospel music industry in an atmosphere of excellence, creativity, and inspiration.
The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the prestigious Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Kingsley Omoefe, Founder and Team Lead of NIGMA and Chief Responsibility Officer of Golden Heritage Limited, said the August event is designed to bring together gospel music ministers, industry stakeholders, fans, and supporters for a memorable celebration of talent, faith, and excellence.
He stated that attendees should expect an unforgettable experience featuring outstanding performances from leading gospel artists, alongside special recognitions for individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the industry.
The organisers also revealed that the event will feature meaningful conversations designed to inspire participants, promote collaboration, and foster the continued growth of gospel music.
The organisers said the August gathering would create memorable moments that would leave guests inspired, enriched, and motivated long after the curtains close.
They further called on corporate organisations, media outfits, and well-meaning individuals to take advantage of the opportunities available to support the event through sponsorships and strategic partnerships.
The organisers encouraged interested organisations and individuals seeking sponsorship, partnership, media accreditation, or participation to contact the event management for further information and registration ahead of the highly anticipated August programme.
International News
Nottingham Forest Sacks 5th Manager In 10 Months, To Wrap Up Oliver Glasner’s Deal
Oliver Glasner is in advanced talks to replace Vitor Pereira as Nottingham Forest head coach, a move which would see the Austrian become the club’s fifth manager in less than a year.
Pereira announced his departure from the club in a statement on Wednesday, saying that it came as a “complete surprise to me and without any warning”.
Glasner is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace — where he won the FA Cup in 2024-25 and then the Community Shield and Conference League the following campaign — and is set to stay in the Premier League.
The 51-year-old confirmed in January that he would leave Palace at the end of the season after two years in charge.
On Thursday, Forest confirmed Pereira’s coaching staff Filipe Almeida, Luis Miguel, Bruno Moura, Marco Knoop and Pedro Lopes had all left the club alongside the head coach.
Pereira, 57, was appointed Forest head coach in February on an 18-month contract which runs until 2027.
The Athletic reported in May Forest had been planning to show their faith in Pereira by handing the head coach a new long-term contract, but those talks were subsequently put on hold.
“Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of Nottingham Forest,” he said in his statement.
“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.
“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.
“Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever. Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness.
“I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment—only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection.”
The Portuguese succeeded Sean Dyche and was Forest’s fourth permanent boss of the season following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.
Nuno had led Forest to Europa League qualification the previous season but he departed in September, less than three months after signing a new deal. Postecoglou was appointed his replacement but was dismissed just 39 days later. Dyche took charge of the team in October before his dismissal in February.
Forest were three points above the relegation zone when Pereira was appointed and he subsequently steered his side to Premier League safety with two games of the campaign remaining.
His appointment marked his second managerial spell in the Premier League after guiding Wolverhampton Wanderers to safety during the 2024-25 campaign.
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