Abdallah el-Kurebe
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Investigative & Science Journalist: Editor-in-Chief @ ashenewsdaily.com; Media Fellow, B4FA; Registrar, SDNON; President, PAAJ; Member, MESHA
Articles by Abdallah el-Kurebe
Fuel crisis: Female drivers seek CNG support, inclusion in transport reform
The Female Drivers Association of Nigeria (FEDAN) has called on the government for greater gender inclusion and targeted Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) support to help female drivers navigate the severe economic impact of the ongoing fuel crisis.
Ebola: FG orders immediate reporting of possible exposure
The Federal Government has directed Nigerians who may have been exposed to Ebola to report immediately to public health authorities, warning that even those without symptoms must disclose possible exposure as investigations continue. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof.
Tambuwal hails Sokoto pharmacy’s free medicine delivery service
Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has praised Dadin Kowa Pharmacy in Sokoto for offering free delivery of medicines to customers across the state, describing the initiative as a practical response to the rising cost of living. Tambuwal gave the commendation on Sunday while unveiling the pharmacy, established by Usman Idris, an Islamic scholar, entrepreneur and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Sokoto South Constituency I in the Sokoto State House of Assembly.
CBN targets easier Nigeria-China payments as Cardoso plans Beijing visit
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is seeking more efficient cross-border payment systems with China to facilitate trade, investment and financial transactions between businesses in both countries. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso disclosed the plan after meeting with Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People’s Bank of China, on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand.
WHO reports 8 MERS cases, 1 death in Saudi Arabia
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), including one death, in Saudi Arabia between January 1 and October 5, 2026. In a disease outbreak update published on October 15, WHO said the cases were recorded across six locations: Al Jouf, Arar, Hafr Al-Batin, Riyadh, Tabuk and Taif, with no epidemiological links identified among the patients.
Niger connects NUJ secretariat to 24hr broadband, targets 156 public offices
The Niger State Government has connected the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) State Council Secretariat in Minna to its 24-hour broadband internet network, bringing the number of connected public offices in the state to 156. The facility, installed at the IBB Pen House, is intended to strengthen digital journalism, improve access to information and enhance the speed and efficiency of news production and public communication.
Crop resilience gains importance as weather extremes threaten yields
As weather extremes become more frequent, crop resilience is emerging as a critical factor in agricultural productivity, with growing emphasis on helping plants withstand drought, heat and other environmental stresses. Omnia Nutriology® says the shift is driving greater interest in biostimulants, which support plants’ natural physiological processes and complement conventional crop nutrition and agronomic practices.
NCDC, Solomon Lar Institute to partner on leadership development
The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has pledged to partner with the Solomon and Mary Lar Institute for Leadership to strengthen leadership capacity, promote democracy and human rights, and accelerate development across the North Central region.
NSDC targets 110,000 jobs through sugar development programme
The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) says its sugar development programme is expected to create 110,000 direct and indirect jobs and support more than one million livelihoods across Nigeria’s sugar value chain. The council’s Executive Secretary, Kamar Bakrin, disclosed this at a news conference organised by the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) in Abuja.
Caliphate scholars built vast libraries, but colonial invasions scattered manuscripts, historian reveals
A professor of social history and Vice Chancellor of the Northwest University, Sokoto (NWUS), Mukhtar Umar Bunza, has revealed that scholars of the Sokoto Caliphate travelled to find and copy books, built private collections across the region and maintained libraries that supported a far-reaching intellectual culture.
Caliphate scholars defended women’s education, historian tells UNILORIN lecture
Scholars of the Sokoto Caliphate argued that women should be able to pursue education and attend to necessary religious and worldly matters, a Professor of Social History and Vice Chancellor of the Northwest University, Sokoto (NWUS), Mukhtar Umar Bunza, has said. Bunza, who spoke as the Guest Lecturer, made the call on Friday, October 8, 2026, while delivering the Second Is-haq Oloyede Annual Humanities Lecture at the University of Ilorin.
Sokoto Caliphate’s intellectual legacy offers Nigerian universities homegrown knowledge — Historian
Nigerian universities should make greater use of indigenous scholarship, including writings produced during the Sokoto Caliphate, instead of relying heavily on foreign theories and intellectual traditions, a Professor of Social History and Vice Chancellor of the Northwest University, Sokoto (NWUS), Mukhtar Umar Bunza, has said.
Migrant boat wreck off Djibouti kills 139, 84 missing, IOM says
At least 139 migrants, including 15 children, have died after an overcrowded boat capsized off Djibouti while heading to Yemen. Another 84 people remain missing, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which revised an earlier toll after 30 more bodies were recovered. The vessel was carrying 305 people when it overturned near Guhere, north of the port town of Obock, during the night of October 8–9. About 82 people survived, the IOM said.
Global trust in science falls below pre-COVID levels, findings reveal
Global trust in science has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, dropping below 2018 levels according to the Wellcome Global Monitor 2026. Released on Sunday at the World Health Organization (WHO) Summit in Berlin, the report represents the largest global study examining public attitudes toward science, surveying over 140,000 people across 140 countries.
NCDC hails Bashar Nuhu as first northerner elected NES president
The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has congratulated its Executive Director, Finance, Professor Muhammad Bashar Nuhu, on his election as National President of the Nigeria Environmental Society (NES), describing his emergence as a source of pride to the commission and Northern Nigeria.
Sultan, Emir of Ilorin rekindle historic ties at Adabiya centenary
The ancient palace of the Emir of Ilorin became a meeting point of history, brotherhood and Islamic heritage as Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, arrived in Ilorin, Kwara State, and paid a royal visit to the Emir, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
Inyang’s election puts Nigeria at forefront of global oil palm smallholder movement
Nigeria has secured a strategic leadership position in the global oil palm industry following the election of Amb. Alphonsus Inyang, President of the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN), as Chairman of the General Assembly of the World Coalition of Oil Palm Smallholders (WCOPS).
ICRC targets higher output from $1.3bn Zungeru power plant
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has moved to address factors limiting the output of the 700-megawatt Zungeru Hydropower Plant, which currently supplies about 350 megawatts to Nigeria’s National Grid. The commission said it was stepping up regulatory monitoring of the $1.3 billion project to ensure that the facility delivers better value and contributes more effectively to the country’s electricity supply.
NSCIA demands security reforms, hijab rights in Nigeria
The General Assembly of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture and demanded full respect for the rights of Muslim women and girls to wear hijab in schools, workplaces and other public institutions. A communiqué issued at the end of the NSCIA General Assembly in Abuja and signed by the Sultan and President-General of the Council, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and its Secretary-General, Prof.
Maccido withdraws from Sokoto North Senate race as opposition faces fresh shake-up
Senator Ahmed Muhammad Maccido has withdrawn his candidacy for the Sokoto North Senatorial District election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding a new twist to the rapidly shifting political landscape in Sokoto State ahead of the 2027 general elections. Maccido conveyed his decision in a letter made available to ASHENEWS, dated September 30, 2026, and addressed to the PDP State Chairman in Sokoto.
IBBUL’s 41 MBBS students break 33-year record at ABU Zaria
Forty-one medical students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai, Niger State, have made history after passing their professional medical examinations at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, without a single resit. The feat, according to the IBBUL Vice-Chancellor, Prof.
MURIC condemns alleged hijab ban at OAU International School
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the alleged refusal by the authorities of the International School, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, to admit female Muslim students wearing hijab. MURIC alleged that the students were locked out of the school for several days after the authorities insisted that they remove their hijabs before entering the school premises. In a statement issued on Monday by its Executive Director, Prof.
AUSU founder Sumaila visits NWUS, says university investment is ‘service to the people’
The Founder of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila (AUSU), Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, has visited Northwest University, Sokoto (NWUS), stressing that his investment in education is driven by a commitment to serving society rather than making a profit. Sumaila made the remarks on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a private visit to NWUS, where he toured some of the university’s facilities and held discussions with the institution’s management.
NSCIA expands leadership structure, appoints 2 journalists as public relations officers
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has approved an expanded leadership structure, appointing four additional Deputy Secretaries-General to oversee key areas of the Council’s affairs. ASHENEWS reports that the decision was taken at the NSCIA General Assembly held in Abuja on Thursday, October 1, 2026, bringing together Muslim leaders, representatives of Islamic organisations and delegates from across the country.
Africa re-enters global top 150 as THE unveils 2027 university rankings
Africa has returned to the global top 150 of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027, marking a notable shift in the continent’s representation among the world’s leading universities. The latest ranking highlights changes in Africa’s higher education landscape as institutions across the continent seek to strengthen research output, teaching quality, international collaboration and their global academic standing.
CISLAC demands end to impunity, stronger institutions as Nigeria marks 66th Independence
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has called for an end to impunity, stronger democratic institutions, justice, peace and inclusive economic prosperity as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
IPI urges African states to protect environmental journalists, end legal harassment
The International Press Institute (IPI) has urged African governments to strengthen legal and institutional protections for environmental journalists, investigate attacks against them, enact anti-SLAPP laws and guarantee public access to environmental information.
Nigeria ranks 4th globally in rabbit population – FAO data show
Nigeria has the fourth-largest rabbit and hare population in the world, with an estimated 6.14 million head in 2024, according to FAOSTAT-based figures compiled by agriculture data analysts. China leads by a wide margin with 114.91 million rabbits and hares, followed by North Korea (32.17 million) and Benin (15 million). Nigeria’s herd places it ahead of Egypt (5.05 million), Ukraine (3.87 million) and Russia (3.26 million) in terms of live animal stocks.
Nigeria ranks 10th globally in estimated donkey population [LIST]
Ethiopia has the world’s largest estimated donkey population, while Nigeria ranks 10th globally with 1,344,853 donkeys, according to data attributed to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and compiled by World Population Review. The ranking places Ethiopia first with 10,803,079 donkeys, followed by Sudan with 7,677,752 and Pakistan with 5,938,000. Chad ranks fourth with 5,042,154 donkeys, while Mexico occupies fifth position with 3,293,871.
From Lublin to Athens: How a missed flight, overnight train and 4 Lufthansa legs led to a front-row global PR story
For Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, Athens was not just another foreign assignment. It became a journey of missed flights, overnight trains, airport connections, exhaustion, professional commitment and, ultimately, an unusual opportunity to turn himself into a one-man newsroom at a global public relations gathering.
IAR showcases high-yielding TELA maize varieties to Kano farmers
The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has showcased four improved TELA maize varieties to farmers in Kano State, highlighting their potential to increase productivity and withstand major production challenges. The varieties were presented during a Green Field Day held at Sabuwar Unguwa in Karaye Local Government Area of the state. The Executive Director of IAR, Prof. Ado Yusuf, represented by the Principal Investigator of the TELA Maize Project, Prof.
Dangote’s $660m pipeline project game-changer for regional trade and energy security – Ethiopia, Djibouti presidents
The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, and the President of the Republic of Djibouti, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, have hailed the Dangote Group’s $660 million Damarjog-Dewele Oil Terminal and Pipeline Project as a transformative investment that will strengthen regional integration, improve energy security, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth across the Horn of Africa.
Malaysia’s food security faces fresh risks as imports surge – Research
Malaysia’s improving food security position remains vulnerable to external shocks as the country continues to rely heavily on imported food and agricultural inputs, a new research report has warned. MBSB Research said geopolitical conflicts, climate change, extreme weather, export restrictions and currency volatility could disrupt food supplies and push up prices through higher costs of energy, fertiliser, animal feed, freight and packaging.
Meta unveils petal subsea cable, set to preview camera-free AI glasses at Connect
Meta has announced a new transatlantic subsea cable designed to significantly expand internet and artificial intelligence infrastructure, while preparing to showcase a reported camera-free pair of AI glasses at its annual Connect conference. The cable, named Petal, will link the United States and France across approximately 7,000 kilometres.
Bago inaugurates 20-member committee to probe death of 37 artisanal miners [FULL LIST]
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has inaugurated a 20-member committee to investigate the deaths of 37 artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state. The committee, inaugurated on Saturday, September 19, 2026, is headed by the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, with Barrister Maurice Bello Magaji as secretary.
FG, states, LGCs share ₦2.338trn August revenue as statutory income falls
The Federal Government, 36 states and 774 local government councils have shared ₦2.338 trillion from revenue generated in August 2026. The allocation was made at the September meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) held in Abuja. The distributable amount comprised ₦1.565 trillion in statutory revenue and ₦773.233 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT).
Niger cancels APC rally, declares 3-day mourning for 37 NSCDC custody victims
The Niger State Government has cancelled the All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally scheduled for Saturday in Minna following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago also declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the victims, describing the incident as unfortunate and deeply saddening.
Dangote Refinery IPO: Sanusi cautions Nigerians against reckless investment
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses in Kano State to consider investing in the ongoing Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited. Sanusi made the call on Thursday at the Dangote Refinery “People’s IPO” sensitisation roadshow in Kano, where he described equity ownership as a potential vehicle for long-term wealth creation and wider participation in productive economic activities.
Pope Leo XIV cautions against leaving human decisions to AI algorithms
Pope Leo XIV has warned against the growing tendency to rely on artificial intelligence and algorithms for decisions that require human judgment and conscience. The Pope issued the warning on Wednesday during his weekly general audience at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, where he addressed thousands of worshippers. He acknowledged that technological advances, mass media, social networks and artificial intelligence have created new opportunities by reducing barriers and distances between people.
FG inaugurates 3.3MW solar mini-grid, 2MWh battery storage at Yakubu Gowon University
The Federal Government has commissioned a 3.3MWp solar hybrid mini-grid with 2MWh battery storage at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja, as part of efforts to improve electricity supply to federal tertiary institutions. The project, commissioned on Wednesday, has a 3MW AC output capacity, a dedicated grid connection and a Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Centre.
AGRA, partners forge renewed alliance to boost farmer prosperity across Africa
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has entered into a series of strategic partnerships with African and international organisations to accelerate agricultural transformation and improve farmers’ livelihoods across the continent. The agreements were formalised in Kigali, Rwanda, as the Africa Food Systems Forum concluded.
UN: $1 spent on climate, clean-air action can yield $15 in benefits
Every US$1 invested in tackling climate change and air pollution together could deliver about US$15 in economic benefits, a new United Nations report has found. The report, released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), makes the case that spending on cleaner air and climate protection should not be seen simply as an environmental cost, but as an investment capable of generating significant economic and health returns.
Osinbajo raises alarm over chemicals used on fruits
Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has raised concerns over the use of potentially harmful chemicals to ripen and preserve fruits and vegetables, recounting how his wife, Dolapo, developed unexplained headaches after regularly drinking freshly squeezed orange juice. Osinbajo disclosed this while speaking at the Open Day of the Gardeners’ Seminar, themed “Leaving the Earth Better Than We Found It,” held in Lagos on August 28. A video of the event was later shared on his YouTube channel.
Nigerian AI researcher Koyejo named to TIME100 AI 2026 list
Nigerian artificial intelligence (AI) researcher and entrepreneur Professor Sanmi Koyejo has been named among the influential figures on the TIME100 AI 2026 list, recognising his contributions to making AI systems more reliable, secure, and trustworthy. Koyejo, co-founder of AI security startup Virtue AI, has built his career around examining the capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence systems, particularly how they perform when deployed in real-world environments.
Lagos unveils 3-year strategic plan to strengthen HIV prevention, treatment
The Lagos State Government has unveiled a three-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening the state’s response to HIV through improved prevention, testing, treatment and long-term care. The 2025–2027 HIV Strategic Plan, unveiled by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), is designed to coordinate HIV programmes, resources and partnerships while addressing existing gaps in the state’s response ahead of 2027.
Dangote: Reforms restoring investor confidence as Nigeria’s economy rebounds
President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, says the Federal Government’s economic reforms are beginning to restore investor confidence and drive Nigeria’s economic recovery. Dangote said the ongoing fiscal, monetary and regulatory reforms had improved macroeconomic stability, boosted industrial productivity and created a more resilient environment for businesses.
UNEP: World likely to cross 1.5°C warming threshold within years
The world is likely to cross the 1.5°C global warming threshold within the next few years, exposing communities and ecosystems to increasingly severe climate risks, according to a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The report, Limiting Overshoot: Navigating Exceedance, however, says the world can still limit the duration and magnitude of warming above 1.5°C and eventually return temperatures below the threshold if countries urgently intensify climate action.
Rwanda’s Kamanzi wins $40,000 Grand Prize at 2026 WAYA Awards
Rwandan entrepreneur Marina Kamanzi has emerged as the Grand Prize winner of the 2026 VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA), taking home $40,000 for her contribution to seed production and agricultural enterprise development. Kamanzi, the Founder and Managing Director of Zambia-based Kagezi Seed Company Limited, was announced the winner at the awards ceremony held in Kigali, Rwanda.
[EXPLAINER] What you need to know about conjunctivitis (Apolo) and how to prevent its spread
As the conjunctivitis, popularly called Apolo, outbreak continues to raise concerns, health authorities and public health experts are urging individuals and communities to take simple but effective precautions to prevent further transmission. While healthcare workers play a critical role in managing infections, experts stress that controlling an outbreak starts with everyday actions at home, in schools, workplaces and other places where people interact.
Nigeria tops Africa’s 10 biggest economies in self-employment, data show
New data comparing Africa’s largest economies and labour-market structure show a sharp contrast between output and work patterns, with Nigeria recording the highest self-employment rate among the continent’s 10 biggest economies. The nominal GDP rankings in the graphic align with the International Monetary Fund’s April 2026 World Economic Outlook, which places South Africa first on the continent, followed by Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Angola, Kenya, DR Congo, Ethiopia and Ghana.
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