A Senior Special Reporter to Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the Ministry of History and Culture, Sadiq Gentle, has died from injuries sustained during a violent attack by suspected hoodlums, as reported by DailyTrust.

Gentle passed away on Thursday morning at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, days after the gruesome machete attack at his residence.

Meanwhile, the Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed security agencies to swing into action and fish out the perpetrators.

‎In a condolence message issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor described the late aide as “a dedicated and patriotic social media professional” whose violent death has cast a dark cloud over the state government and the media community.

The governor said, ‎“The news of the death of Malam Sadiq Gentle hit me with deep sadness and anguish.

‎“He was not only a devoted public servant, but also a man of peace and integrity, who served the state with utmost dedication. His gruesome murder is a tragedy and an affront to our collective humanity.”

‎Governor Yusuf condemned the killing in the strongest terms, describing it as “heinous, barbaric, and utterly unacceptable.”

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‎The Governor also extended heartfelt condolences to Gentle’s family, friends, and professional colleagues, assuring them that the Kano State Government stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time.

By Yarima Haruna, Birnin Kebbi

The Branch of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Kebbi state, has felicitated with the governor of Kebbi state, Dr Nasir Idris, on the occasion of his birthday.

Kebbi state Chairman of NANNM, comrade Kelani Abdulwaliyu, in a statement signed by him, described the governor as a friend of nurses and all other health practitioners in the state.” Today, Wednesday, as you turned in a new leaf in your life, we celebrate you, your family and the entire members of your cabinet”.

Your emergence as governor of Kebbi state as a core unionist is without doubt a blessing to the teeming healthcare providers in the state because under your leadership, the health sector witnessed a boost, he added.

Kelani noted that nurses and midwives are poised to ensure proper and continuous healthcare services are provided to millions requiring healthcare in Kebbi state. “Once again, we have joined millions of your lovers, admirers, and well-wishers to wish you a happy birthday “.

He urged nurses to effectively man all the health abodes in Kebbi by attending with rapt attention all in and outpatients in their custody.

On Wednesday, Ghana’s Minister of Defence and Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology were tragically killed in a helicopter crash, as reported by the Ghanaian presidency.

This incident occurred shortly after the armed forces indicated that a helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, had lost contact with radar.

Edward Omane Boamah was appointed as Minister of Defence by President John Mahama earlier this year, following Mahama’s inauguration in January. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was serving in the capacity of Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology at the time of the accident.

Authorities have confirmed that all individuals aboard the helicopter perished in this tragic event.

“The president and government extend our condolences and sympathies to the families of our comrades and the servicemen who died in service to the country,” said Mahama’s chief of staff Julius Debrah.

Boamah was helming Ghana’s defence ministry at a time when jihadist activity across its northern border in Burkina Faso has become increasingly restive.

While Ghana has so far avoided a jihadist spillover from the Sahel — unlike neighbours Togo and Benin — observers have warned of increased arms trafficking and of militants from Burkina Faso crossing the porous border to use Ghana as a rear base.

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A medical doctor by training, Boamah’s career in government included stints as communications minister during Mahama’s previous 2012-2017 tenure. Before that, he was the deputy minister for environment.

The Ghanaian Armed Forces had reported earlier Wednesday that an air force helicopter had fallen off radar after taking off from Accra just after 9:00 am. It had been headed towards the town of Obuasi, northwest of the capital.

The statement had said that three crew and five passengers were aboard, without specifying at the time that the ministers were among them.

Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Ghana’s deputy national security coordinator and former agriculture minister, was among the dead, along with Samuel Sarpong, vice chairman of Mahama’s National Democratic Congress party.

As Ghana has pursued increased diplomacy with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — all ruled by juntas who have broken with the ECOWAS west African regional bloc — Boamah led a delegation to Ouagadougou in May.

He had been set to release a book titled “A Peaceful Man in an African Democracy”, about former president John Atta Mills, who died in 2012.

All flags were to be flown at half-staff, Debrah said, while the presidency said Mahama had cancelled his official activities for the day.

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Dr. Doyin Abiola, a distinguished journalist and former Managing Director of National Concord, has passed away at the age of 82.

She died at 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, following a period of illness, as reported by family sources.

A trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, Dr. Abiola was the first Nigerian woman to serve as editor and subsequently as managing director/editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper. Her tenure at National Concord extended over three decades, during which she significantly influenced media discourse and mentored a generation of journalists.

Born in 1943, Dr. Abiola received a degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan in 1969. She began her journalism career at the Daily Sketch, where she authored a widely read column titled “Tiro,” focusing on issues of public relevance, particularly gender equity.

In 1970, she relocated to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Journalism. Upon her return to Nigeria, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and advanced to the position of Group Features Editor. In 1979, she earned a Ph.D. in Communications and Political Science from New York University.

Following her return to Nigeria, Dr. Abiola served on the editorial board of the Daily Times alongside esteemed journalists including Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan. In 1980, she became the inaugural editor of the newly established National Concord, ultimately ascending to the role of Managing Director in 1986.

In 1981, she married Chief MKO Abiola and remained a stalwart presence during his political challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.

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Dr. Abiola also made substantial contributions to the media industry through various roles. She chaired the nomination panel for the Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) and served on the advisory council of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at Ogun State University.

Her contributions to journalism were recognized with numerous awards, including the Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME) Lifetime Achievement Award, making her the second woman to receive this honor, after Mrs. Omobola Onajide. She was also a recipient of the esteemed Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986.

Dr. Doyin Abiola leaves behind a remarkable legacy characterized by courage, professionalism, and excellence in journalism.

The upcoming iPhone 17 series is anticipated to be one of Apple’s most elegant releases to date. However, acquiring this device does not necessarily require a significant financial investment, particularly for those willing to consider international purchasing options.

For iPhone enthusiasts planning an upgrade to the iPhone 17 series, this may be an opportune moment to transform the purchase into an enriching travel experience. With careful planning, it is possible to enjoy a vacation while purchasing the new iPhone at a comparable cost to buying it domestically.

According to Travelbiz, there are seven countries that stand out as favorable options for purchasing the iPhone 17 at competitive prices upon its release. These countries not only offer financial advantages such as tax benefits but also provide a convenient and rewarding purchasing experience, enhancing the value of the investment.

1. United States
The U.S. remains the global hotspot for affordable iPhones, due to its competitive base pricing, and also because of Apple’s wide availability of unlocked models and exceptional service standards. Some states, like Oregon and Delaware, don’t charge sales tax, making the deal even sweeter. Add competitive base pricing and a wide selection of factory-unlocked models, and it’s clear why this is the most popular destination for tech travelers.

2. Japan
Japan is another great option for purchasing the iphone 17series internationally. This is due to the Clean, Efficient, and Tourist-Friendly nature of the country. Japan blends its tech-savvy culture with ultra-efficient retail systems. Tourists benefit from VAT refunds, and Apple Stores in Japan are known for being well-stocked and tourist-accommodating. Just be sure to request a “SIM-free” model (that’s the Japanese term for unlocked devices). To avoid compatibility issues back home.

3. South Korea
Often overlooked, South Korea is a tech paradise with immersive shopping experiences and efficient service. The country offers reasonably priced iPhones, swift immigration processes, and reliable global warranty coverage.
Pro tip: Make sure to double-check network band compatibility before buying.

4. Hong Kong
Thanks to its tax-free status, Hong Kong has long been a favorite for electronics shopping. The lack of sales tax means what you see is what you pay, no hidden extras. It’s also home to official Apple outlets, reducing the risk of grey-market units. It’s good to not that buying from official Apple outlets is the best line of action in order to curb buying knockoffs.

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5. Canada
Though not the cheapest on the list, Canada balances decent pricing with excellent tourism benefits. Visitors are often eligible for tax rebates, and the travel experience makes the trip itself rewarding, due to it’s mega cities and scenery.
Pro tip: Ask for tax exemption forms if you’re shopping as a tourist.

6. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer luxury shopping and Apple’s latest tech, all of which comes without a sales tax burden. Add in regular discount festivals that go on in the country, easy visa access, and budget-friendly flights. The UAE is known as an iPhone buyer’s paradise. The best time to shop in the UAE is during the Dubai Shopping Festival, for added discounts.

7. Singapore
Singapore is clean, efficient, and incredibly easy to navigate. Singapore is a tech hub and ideal for tech lovers looking to shop smart. English is widely spoken, Apple stores are centrally located, and tourists may qualify for tax refunds depending on how and where they shop.

Additional reports from Vanguard