Karai-Karai leader urges Bauchi government to engage youths for better productivity

By: Yahaya Wakili

The leader of the Karai-Karai cultural heritage, Bala Bara Ma Jalam, Malam Usman Marqui Ma Jalam (known as Marqui), has called on the Bauchi state government to pay more attention to youths to engage them with something to do in the state.

He reiterated that, because youths are the backbone of everything in the society, anything to be done has to involve youths first; therefore, in reality, youths have been left behind, so the government should have done something to revive the teeming youths in the state.

Marqui made the call while briefing the newsmen at his residence shortly after this year’s Bala Bara Ma Jalam celebration in Jalam, Dambam local government area of Bauchi state.

According to Marqui, neglecting the youths without something to do is pushing them to get involved in crime, such as terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities in the society; therefore, we are appealing to the Bauchi state government to create something for the youths so that they can be self-reliant.

“As they know and everybody knows, this Karai-Karai tribe culture call Bala Bara Ma Jalam used to take place in every first week of the new year, and we are celebrating it today, Tuesday, 6th January, 2026, at Jalam town in the Dambam local government of Bauchi state,” Marqui said.

He maintained that, as history comes, any tribe has its own culture, because the tribe that doesn’t have its own culture is not a complete tribe, and by the grace of Almighty God, we will face the next year’s Bala Bara Ma Jalam celebration, inshallah.

Karai-Karai leader urges Bauchi government to engage youths for better productivity

Cuba Accuses U.S. of Military Aggression Against Venezuela, Pledges Unwavering Support

By: Michael Mike

Cuba has issued a fierce condemnation of what it claims was a military attack by the United States on Venezuela, describing the alleged action as a serious breach of international law and a threat to regional peace.

In an official statement released in Havana on Saturday, the Cuban Revolutionary Government said it stood in full solidarity with Venezuela and its leadership, backing calls by Caracas for proof of life of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Cuba also demanded their immediate release, alleging they were being held by U.S. authorities.

Havana characterised the reported operation as a “cowardly and criminal act,” accusing Washington of escalating a long-running campaign of pressure and hostility against Venezuela.

According to the statement, U.S. actions in the Caribbean intensified from September 2025, including increased naval activity justified by what Cuba called unfounded allegations.

The Cuban government said the alleged aggression was driven by imperial ambitions, claiming it was aimed at asserting dominance over Latin America and gaining access to Venezuela’s vast natural resources. It warned that the move was intended not only to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty but also to intimidate other governments in the region.

Cuba placed responsibility for any deaths or damage resulting from the situation on the U.S. administration, naming President Donald Trump and senior officials as accountable for the consequences of what it described as reckless actions.

Recalling the 2014 Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, signed in Havana by regional governments, Cuba said the current developments represented a direct challenge to that collective commitment.

The statement urged the international community to reject what it called an unlawful act against a United Nations member state, warning that allowing such an action to go unanswered would set a dangerous precedent. Cuba stressed that Venezuela had not attacked the United States or posed a military threat.

Reaffirming its close alliance with Caracas, Cuba said it remained prepared to support Venezuela in defending its independence and sovereignty, calling on governments, parliaments and social movements worldwide to condemn the alleged aggression.

Cuba Accuses U.S. of Military Aggression Against Venezuela, Pledges Unwavering Support

Ex-Lawmaker Says Tinubu Deserves For Erecting Solid Foundation for Sustainable Economic Recovery

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Tinubu has been described as deserving of reelection for putting in place a solid foundation for sustainable economic recovery.

Speaking during a family thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Obuohia Obi-Ibere, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, a member of the Governing Board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo stated that the present administration of President Bola Tinubu has laid a solid foundation for sustainable economic recovery and should be considered for reelection come 2027.

He however noted that the president’s policies, though challenging, are already producing positive outcomes.

According to the former federal lawmaker, key economic indicators show gradual improvement, citing official data which he said indicate a moderation in inflation, declining food prices and progress in stabilising the foreign exchange market through the unification of rates.

He also pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy as a major reform that has helped eliminate the persistent fuel queues that usually accompany festive periods, noting that motorists now access petrol more easily, with filling stations competing for customers.

Onuigbo expressed confidence that Nigerians would reward what he described as courageous leadership at the polls in 2027, insisting that continuity is necessary to fully realise the benefits of the ongoing reforms.

The former two-term member of the House of Representatives, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, said the thanksgiving was organised to appreciate God for His guidance and protection over his family despite years of political and personal challenges.

He announced plans to rebuild the church in his community as a mark of gratitude, describing the gesture as part of his commitment to giving back.

In his sermon, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Aba, urged Christians to live lives of gratitude and humility, encouraging them to acknowledge God’s role in their successes.

The thanksgiving service was attended by several political leaders, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Senator Austin Akobundu of Abia Central, among others.

Ex-Lawmaker Says Tinubu Deserves For Erecting Solid Foundation for Sustainable Economic Recovery