By Our Reporter

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Gombe State chapter, has applauded the joint efforts of security agencies and the Gombe State Government for ensuring the peaceful conduct of this year’s Maulud rally in Gombe.

The Maulud, which commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), is one of the most significant religious gatherings in northern Nigeria, attracting millions of participants annually. Given the large crowds and potential security challenges, stakeholders had anticipated a difficult task in maintaining order.

In a statement signed by the State Chairman of NYCN, Comrade Alamin Ibrahim Moh’d, the youth body expressed “profound appreciation and commendation” to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Gombe State Government for their professionalism and commitment.

According to the council, the peaceful outcome of the rally was a product of “meticulous planning, coordination, and execution,” which demonstrated the agencies’ dedication to safeguarding lives and property.

“The tireless efforts of the men and women of the DSS, police, and civil defense in maintaining law and order during the rally deserve recognition,” the statement noted. “Their conduct reflects the progress being made in enhancing security protocols and fostering a sense of safety among citizens and visitors alike.”

The NYCN also commended the Gombe State Government for working hand-in-hand with security agencies to guarantee the success of the celebration. The council highlighted the government’s proactive role in facilitating dialogue, providing logistical support, and engaging stakeholders to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

As a youth-led body, the NYCN described the successful Maulud as “a significant achievement” that underscores the value of collaboration and collective responsibility in nation-building.

The group further urged Nigerians to continue embracing peace and unity, stressing that the country’s diversity should be seen as a strength rather than a fault line.

“Such efforts must be encouraged, as they contribute to the larger goal of building a secure and harmonious society,” the council emphasized.

While thanking the security agencies and government once again for their contributions, the NYCN pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote peace and development across Gombe and Nigeria at large.

By Our Correspondent

In an extraordinary display of brilliance and linguistic mastery, 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu from Yobe State has stunned the world by emerging as the best English language performer globally at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, United Kingdom.

Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe, outshone over 20,000 students from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. Her outstanding achievement is now sparking national debate and a growing demand for official recognition by the Nigerian government.

A National Treasure Deserving National Honour

Nafisa’s triumph is a testament to what is possible when talent meets opportunity, discipline, and the right support system. Her success has stirred a wave of pride among Nigerians and reignited conversations around the value of education in shaping the nation’s future.

Many Nigerians are now calling on the federal government to reward Nafisa with $100,000, a three-bedroom flat, and a national honour, preferably the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) — a recognition previously given to athletes following major international victories.

This sentiment mirrors what happened earlier this year when the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, were rewarded with $100,000, a flat each, and national honours following their historic win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Similarly, the D’Tigress, Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, received significant rewards after clinching their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and qualifying for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament.

“What Is Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander”

Educational advocates, civil society leaders, and citizens alike argue that academic excellence should be celebrated on the same level as sports victories. “If our athletes can be honoured for lifting the nation’s name high, then so should a young student who conquered the world using the English language — a global skill,” one education activist said.

They are also urging the federal government to invite Nafisa and her English teacher to the State House, recognising both their efforts, similar to how coaching crews are celebrated in the sporting world.

Education as the Passport to the Future

Nafisa’s victory sends a clear message — that with the right environment, Nigerian students can compete and win on the global stage. Her success is not just personal; it is symbolic of what Nigeria stands to gain if it invests seriously in its educational sector.

“Education is the passport to the future, and tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” one passionate supporter said. “We must reward our best minds just as we do with our best athletes. Nafisa has done what many believed was impossible.”

As calls grow louder, all eyes are now on the Presidency and the Ministry of Education. Will the nation honour a girl who has become a symbol of hope, excellence, and Nigeria’s potential on the world stage?

For now, Nigerians continue to beam with pride and hope that the government will do the needful — because truly, Nafisa deserves it all.

By Our Correspondent

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for appointing Muhammad Hussaini Muhammad (Matawallen Bolarin Yamma) as a Permanent Commissioner in the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission (GOSIEC).

In a statement signed by the Chairman of NANS Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Gombe Axis, Comrade Usman Wakili, the student body described the appointment as one of the most progressive and youth-inclusive decisions made by the Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration in recent times.

> “This is not just an appointment; it is a bold step in empowering capable young minds to play active roles in governance and democratic development,” Wakili said. “We sincerely appreciate His Excellency for demonstrating his belief in youth inclusion and competence by appointing a vibrant young leader like Muhammad Hussaini Muhammad.”

A Symbol of Youth Empowerment

Muhammad Hussaini Muhammad, popularly known as Matawalle is widely regarded as a dynamic and forward-thinking youth leader with a strong track record of community service, integrity, and political engagement. His appointment as a Permanent Commissioner in GOSIEC is being celebrated across student and youth platforms as a landmark achievement in the quest for greater youth participation in governance.

> “Governor Inuwa Yahaya has once again proven that he is committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders,” Wakili added. “This is the kind of leadership we need—one that recognises capacity over connections and builds bridges between the present and the future.”

NANS Pledges Support for GOSIEC

NANS further pledged to support the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission in its mission to conduct credible and inclusive elections across the state, urging other institutions to emulate the state government’s gesture by involving more young Nigerians in decision-making positions.

The student body concluded by calling on the appointee, Muhammad Hussaini, to uphold the values of transparency, diligence, and fairness in his new role, while assuring him of the students’ full backing as he begins this new chapter of service.