IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Niger’s military government has officially adopted Hausa as the national language, moving away from its colonial ties to French.

The decision, announced in a new charter on March 31, also maintains English and French as working languages. Hausa is already the most widely spoken language in the country, with over 26 million people, compared to just 13% of the population speaking French.

The charter also recognizes nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, and Kanuri.

This language shift follows a broader move by the junta, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, to sever ties with France since the July 2023 coup. Similar actions have been seen in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso. 

Michael Alagba, a 13-year-old double amputee, is set to participate in a 2km walk on April 12 as part of The IREDE Foundation’s Out on a Limb campaign, aimed at challenging stereotypes around disability.

Born with a congenital condition, Michael has defied the odds, learning to write, sing, and live independently. “I dream of becoming a teacher,” he says, pushing back against societal expectations.

Now in its ninth year, the campaign advocates for visibility, inclusion, and access for children living with limb loss. The IREDE Foundation also plans to provide prosthetic limbs to 200 children in 2025. 

The European Union has approved retaliatory tariffs of 10% to 25% on U.S. imports, set to begin next week. These include levies on items such as jeans and motorcycles, though U.S.-made whiskey is excluded. 

Further tariffs targeting beef, poultry, and citrus fruits will be imposed in mid-May and December. The move follows U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, affecting EU exports worth €26 billion. The EU has expressed a preference for negotiations but is preparing additional measures in response to U.S. car tariffs. 

The mother of Ahmed Musa, a 16-year-old student from Government Technical College, Kaduna, who was brutally murdered, has vowed to seek justice for her son. Musa's body was found on February 16, 2025, within the school grounds, bound with his hands and legs.

At a recent Magistrates' Court session in Kabala Doki, Kaduna, the grieving mother, accompanied by family and supporters, expressed her anger over the government's inaction, accusing the Kaduna State government of neglect. She stated, “I will not rest until justice is served. It feels like the government and the police are trying to frustrate us.”

She threatened to organize mass protests with women’s groups and urged human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, to intervene.

The case was adjourned to May 27, 2025, as key witnesses, including the police and suspects, failed to attend the hearing. 

The Presidency, through Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, has released an updated list of President Bola Tinubu’s appointments to date amid growing concerns over alleged regional imbalance.

Interestingly, the South West is shown to have 29 appointees, contrary to Dare’s earlier statement of 24.

A notable omission from the list is Femi Gbajabiamila, who was among Tinubu’s earliest appointees—named Chief of Staff on June 2, 2023.

The appointments also reflect a disparity in regional representation, with the South East appearing to receive fewer appointments, while the South West—Tinubu’s home region—dominates in key and strategic roles.

Below is the comprehensive list of Tinubu’s appointees by region:

(Here you can continue listing the appointments under their respective regional headings, as already provided.)

Let me know if you’d like a shorter summary or if you want to highlight specific patterns in the appointments. 

The progressives governors' Forum led by its Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma have paid a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence.

The visit was carried out under the auspices of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF).

Addressing journalists, Governor Uzodinma said the delegation came in solidarity as members of the APC family to extend warm Sallah greetings to the former President, and to congratulate him on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. 

He added that the visit also served as an opportunity to wish the former Nigerian leader well as he settles into his newly renovated Kaduna home.

“This visit is symbolic and deeply rooted in respect, loyalty, and continued appreciation for the statesmanship, leadership and legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari,” Uzodinma noted. 

“As a party, we remain united and committed to the ideals of good governance which he championed during his tenure.”

Apart from Governors Inuwa Yahaya and Hope Uzodinma, Governors of Kaduna, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Edo, Kogi, Ondo, Ekiti, and Benue States were also in attendance. Also present were the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State and the Minister of Budget and National Planning among other dignitaries.