JUDICIARY THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND FG’s ANTI-INSECURITY DRIVE

By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)

The Judicial arms of government in Borno state has pledged complete commitment to partner with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) under the Office of the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the fight against the use of illicit arms and ammunition in the Northeast sub-region.

Leaked Video Saga: TONTO DIKE'S ASSOCIATE FIRES KPOKPOGIRI IN OPEN LETTER

By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-Chief)

Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, a close associate of Nigeria's celebrated Nollywood actress, Tonto Dike, has fired angry broadsides at the ex-boyfriend of the thespian, Prince Kpokpogiri, over his alleged mastermind of a leaked audio recording of Tonto allegedly begging him not to leave her after he had accused the actress of cheating on him.

LESSONS FROM "WHAT THEY DON'T TEACH YOU AT HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL"

By Mark McCormack

The book, "What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School" which was published in 1984, offers practical advice on business and success, often focusing on insights and skills that go beyond formal education. Here is a detailed summary of the key concepts from "What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School" by Mark McCormack:

1. The Importance of People Skills: McCormack emphasizes the significance of people skills in business success. Building and maintaining relationships, effective communication, and understanding human behavior are essential aspects of achieving professional goals.

2. Street Smarts vs. Book Smarts: The book discusses the distinction between academic knowledge and practical, street-smart wisdom. McCormack argues that real-world success often requires a combination of both, with an emphasis on the ability to navigate and understand the dynamics of everyday business situations.

3. Negotiation Skills: McCormack provides insights into negotiation strategies and tactics. Understanding how to negotiate effectively, whether in deals, contracts, or interpersonal interactions, is a valuable skill in the business world.

4. Time Management: Time management is a crucial aspect of success, according to McCormack. The book offers practical advice on prioritizing tasks, making efficient use of time, and focusing on high-impact activities.

5. The Power of Perception: McCormack explores the role of perception in business. How others perceive you and your brand can significantly impact your opportunities and success. Managing and shaping perceptions is a key element of strategic career development.

6. Goal Setting and Planning: Setting clear goals and creating a strategic plan are discussed as essential components of achieving success. McCormack provides guidance on defining objectives, creating actionable plans, and staying focused on long-term aspirations.

7. Leadership and Decision-Making: Effective leadership and decision-making are critical in business. McCormack shares insights into making sound decisions, leading teams, and navigating challenges as a leader in the corporate world.

8. Salesmanship and Persuasion: The art of salesmanship and persuasion is explored in the book. McCormack discusses the importance of effective communication in selling ideas, products, or services, and how persuasion skills can contribute to career advancement.

9. Networking and Relationship Building: Building a strong network and cultivating relationships are highlighted as integral to success. McCormack provides practical advice on networking strategies, relationship-building techniques, and leveraging connections for professional growth.

10. Adaptability and Flexibility:

• The business landscape is dynamic, and McCormack emphasizes the importance of adaptability. Being flexible, open to change, and willing to embrace new opportunities are qualities that contribute to long-term success.

11. Ethics and Integrity:

• McCormack stresses the significance of conducting business with ethics and integrity. Maintaining a reputation for honesty and ethical conduct is crucial for long-term success and credibility in the business world.

12. Personal Branding:

• The book touches on the concept of personal branding and how individuals can shape and manage their professional image. Building a strong personal brand contributes to career advancement and opportunities.

13. Learning from Experience:

• McCormack encourages learning from practical experiences. Real-world situations often provide valuable lessons that go beyond what can be taught in a classroom setting.

14. Balancing Work and Life:

• Achieving a balance between work and personal life is discussed as a critical aspect of overall well-being and sustained success.

"What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School" is a pragmatic guide that draws on McCormack's own experiences as the founder of the sports marketing company IMG. The book provides actionable insights and lessons that professionals at any stage of their career can apply to achieve success in the business world. NNL.

LESSONS FROM 'THE POWER OF KINDNESS'

By Piero Ferrucci

1. The Deliberate Choice of Kindness: Ferrucci argues that true kindness requires intentionality. It's not just automatic politeness or hollow gestures, but a conscious decision to act with compassion and understanding. This often involves actively seeking out opportunities to be kind, even when it's inconvenient or requires sacrifice.

2. Kindness creates a ripple effect: The book showcases real-life stories where tiny acts of kindness, like a smile or a helping hand, sparked a chain reaction of positive change. This emphasizes the butterfly effect of kindness, highlighting how our individual choices can have unforeseen far-reaching consequences, and reveals the psychology of social influence, how merely witnessing kindness encourages others to follow suit.

3. More Than Just Giving: Ferrucci delves deeper into the various expressions of kindness beyond material generosity. He explores how forgiveness, honesty, gratitude, and service all weave into the tapestry of kindness, each contributing to building stronger, more meaningful connections.

4. The Science of Kindness: The book cites research studies demonstrating the tangible benefits of kindness for both the giver and the receiver. Kindness not only boosts happiness and well-being but also improves physical health and strengthens social bonds, creating a mutually reinforcing cycle of positivity.

5. Setting Healthy Boundaries: Ferrucci advocates for establishing clear boundaries to prevent burnout and manipulation. Kindness doesn't require self-sacrifice. In fact, true kindness must start from within, yourself. He emphasizes that kindness thrives alongside self-respect and self-care, ensuring a sustainable approach to fostering compassion without self-harm.

6. The Healing Power of Forgiveness Towards Ourselves and Others: The book discusses different types of forgiveness and their role in promoting healing. It highlights how forgiving others and ourselves frees us from negativity and allows us to move forward with open hearts, fostering both personal and interpersonal well-being.

7. Connecting with Kindness Through Service: The book highlights how forms of service like volunteering connect us with our community, foster a sense of belonging, and allow us to put kindness into action, creating a tangible impact on others' lives.

8. The Authenticity of Kindness: Ferrucci emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding your values to guide your acts of kindness. He encourages readers to avoid mimicking others' actions without genuine care and intention behind them, ensuring true meaning and connection in their kindness.

9. Starting Simple and Building Momentum: The book suggests specific, achievable acts of kindness suitable for beginners, like holding the door open or offering a sincere compliment. It emphasizes celebrating small victories and tracking progress to stay motivated and gradually build a habit of kindness. NNL.

LESSONS FROM 'THE ROAD TO CHARACTER'

By David Brooks

1. Humility is the Foundation: Recognize your limits and flaws, and appreciate the vastness of the world beyond yourself. True humility leads to openness, learning, and genuine connection.

2. Moral Fitness Matters More than Resume Values: Focus on developing your "eulogy virtues" like love, courage, and faith, rather than just "resume virtues" like intelligence and achievements.

3. Engage in the Struggle for Good: Building character is a lifelong journey, not a destination. Embrace moral challenges, resist self-centeredness, and actively cultivate virtues.

4. Practice "Long Obedience in the Same Direction": Develop sustained commitment to your values, passions, and relationships. Resist the allure of shortcuts and instant gratification.

5. Cultivate Humility through Faith and Rituals: Connect to something larger than yourself through spiritual practices and traditions. Rituals can remind you of your values and provide an anchor for moral development. NNL.

LESSONS FROM THIS BOOK 'KEEP IT SHUT'

(What To Say; How To Say It; And When To Say Nothing At All)

By Karen Ehman

1. Words have power: Recognize the impact your words can have on yourself and others, both positive and negative.

2. Silence is golden: Learn to be comfortable with silence, allowing space for reflection and thoughtful responses.

3. Consider before speaking: Pause before responding, allowing yourself time to process emotions and choose the right words.

4. Guard your tongue: Control your impulsive reactions and avoid speaking out of anger or negativity.

5. Listen actively: Pay close attention to what others are saying, both verbally and nonverbally.

6. Ask clarifying questions: Ensure you understand the other person's perspective before responding.

7. Speak with kindness and respect: Treat others with dignity, even when you disagree.

8. Offer constructive criticism: When necessary, focus on specific actions and offer suggestions for improvement.

9. Avoid gossip and negativity: Don't participate in spreading rumors or engaging in hurtful conversations.

10. Challenge negativity: Gently confront gossip and encourage others to consider the impact of their words.

11. Forgive and move on: Forgive those who have wronged you and let go of negativity to protect your own well-being.

12. Guard your heart: Be mindful of the thoughts and information you allow into your mind and heart.

13. Seek God's guidance: Rely on your faith for wisdom and strength when faced with difficult situations.

14. Practice self-care: Prioritize your physical and emotional well-being to manage stress and make wise decisions.

15. Humility is key: Recognize that you don't always have the answer, and be open to learning and growing.

Remember: These are just some of the key takeaways from "Keep It Shut." Each lesson offers valuable insights and practical strategies for improving your communication skills, fostering healthy relationships, and living a more mindful life. NNL.

LESSONS FROM THIS NOVEL 'NEVER SAW YOU COMING'

By Erin Hahn

This book, "Never Saw You Coming", delves into the complexities of family, faith, and first love. Here are 10 lessons you might glean from this captivating novel:

LESSONS IN THIS BOOK 'YOU CAN NEGOTIATE ANYTHING: HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT'

By Herb Cohen

"You Can Negotiate Anything" by Herb Cohen is a classic guide to negotiation. Here are nine key lessons from the book:

Marriage Scandal: I DIVORCED MY HUSBAND BECAUSE HE HAS POOR FERTILITY...Mrs Felicia Aboki

By David Wuya, (Nasarawa State Correspondent)

Mrs. Felicia Aboki, a woman who allegedly divorced her 18-years old marriage has finally revealed why she divorce her husband to marry Prof. Allanana Otaki, the immediate past Commissioner for Agriculture and water resources in the government of Abdullahi Sule, governor of Nasarawa State.

Marriage: WRONG CHOICE, A "KILLER" PITFALL

By Michael West

The season is here again. Adult singles are usually in a frenzied mood for life partners or companions, as it were, during the yuletide. Festive periods seem to spike anxiety as pressure on them by family members, parents, in particular, does increase. It is legitimate to be married, happy, and be fulfilled but this ultimate life attainment appears difficult for many to achieve. God wants everyone to be fulfilled and it is His desire to grant the aspiration of every being in that regard. There’s no specific moment for the singles to scout for life partners. Every day is a good day. Settling into a blissful marital life is the dream of every adult. My concern here is not just to see the singles get married but that they are rightly paired. Marrying wrong partners is like a life sentence into emotional prison, spiritual wilderness, and mental agony which are too dire to bear.

MEET A 30 YEAR-OLD SHOE SHINER WHO TRAVELLED TO MORE THAN 10 STATES IN NIGERIA

By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)

In this interview, NIGERIAN NEWSLEADER Newspaper Correspondent speaks with Malam Bashir Ibrahim, a shoe shiner, on his lifetime, and how he was able to travel to a number of states in Nigeria to do his business.

MIXED BLESSINGS OF 'EXPORTING TROUBLED MARRIAGES'

By Michael West

The incidents of failed marriages abroad are raising so much concern back home in Africa especially in Ghana and Nigeria. Most of the affected marriages were taken abroad in quests for better opportunities but which could not survive due to Western culture of equality and gender rights laws. In this write-up, Mrs. Alice Olusola, a writer and family affairs counsellor, highlighted the risks involved in exporting troubled marriages. Please read on:

MY FAMILY CURSED ME FOR MARRYING A CRIPPLE, Says 24-year Old Woman

For even contemplating to marry a cripple known as Mr. Monday Itu, a 24-year-old woman and mother of two, Rose-John, has narrated how her family members humiliated and embarrassed her over her decision and vehemence to marry her physically challenged husband.

A video showing the couple dancing in the church during the dedication of their second child was trending on the internet recently. The mother of two explained that she met her husband, Monday Itu when she was 19 and they eventually got along in a serious relationship.

Rose told the BBC Pidgin that when she took him to her family house, they vehemently opposed her choice of a man for marriage, citing his disability as their major reason.

She told BBC that: “My boyfriend and I have been together for five years. We started dating when I was 19-year-old. I was in senior secondary school two (SS2) when I met him,” she said.

“The first time he talked to me, I turned down his advances. The next day, he sent his friends to Ughelli, Delta state, where I was living at the time to plead with me on his behalf. It was at that point that I agreed to date him. After that, he came to meet me and we got along in a serious relationship.

“When I took my boyfriend to my family house, they felt bad. They even slapped and cursed me before chasing both of us away from the compound.

“They were questioning why I chose to marry such person when there is no one in the family with a similar condition. So, they insisted that I cannot marry the man but I told them that he is the one that I want to spend the rest of my life with.

“I don’t see my husband as someone with a disability or without a complete body. I have not had any regret being in a relationship with him because he is caring, supportive, and knows how to make me happy with sweet words. I don’t really consider the fact that he has no money to give me.”

The husband also said: “If my wife isn’t with me, life would have been miserable for me. When she agreed to date me, I didn’t have money and it’s not like I have much to give her even now, but she is still with me. I can’t fathom what really makes her love me that much. It’s something I cannot comprehend but I believe it’s God’s way of doing things,” he said.

“My current situation wasn’t inborn. I was four years old when it happened. My mother told me that while I was playing, I started crying all of a sudden but nobody knew what happened to me. So, I was rushed to the hospital where the doctor confirmed that I won’t be able to work again because my two legs had seized.

“I call her my wife because she has given birth to children for me. Anytime I have money, I would pay her bride price. My wife is someone that knows how to advise me. The way she respects me makes me love her the more.” NNL.

MY HUBBY IS LAZY, I WANT TO QUIT

By Micheal West

The reality is staring at us in the face about complicated marital issues bedeviling many homes these days. In the ages gone by, divorce was nearly a taboo. It was like a stigma which was considered a dent on the family name and as an aberration against the conjugal institution.

NAMA APPEALS FOR FINANCIAL AUTONOMY, SEEKS NAAS SUPPORT TO END 50% DEDUCTION

By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in September, 2025 appealed to the National Assembly to help end the 50% revenue deduction, saying attainment of financial autonomy for the agency is necessary.

NCC COMMITTED TO REGIONAL DIGITAL INTEGRATION....Maida

By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-chief)

In line with its commitment to collaboration and regional integration, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening partnerships among telecommunications regulators within the West African sub-region.

NCC, NDPC SIGN MoU TO ADVANCE DATA PROTECTION IN NIGERIA'S TELECOM SECTOR

By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-chief)

In response to the rapidly growing pace of digitization, the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the enforcement of data privacy and protection in the telecommunications industry.

NCDMB PLEDGES ENDURING SUPPORT FOR APPO, AFRICA ENERGY BANK

By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-chief)

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its strong support to the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) and its newly established financial institution – the Africa Energy Bank (AEB).

NIGER STATE ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS URGE GOV BAGO TO END YEARS OF EXPLOITATION BY AEDC

By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state has been called upon to end years of exploitations despite poor power supply by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) by exploring alternative sources of power to end epileptic supply slowing down businesses and retarding the growth and development of the state.

The call on the Governor to end years of monopoly by the AEDC is coming days after the company pleaded with customers for the understanding over poor electricity supply being experienced in parts of the state.

The AEDC Chief Business Officer (CBO), Niger state, Engineer Samuel Odekina has told journalists during an interactive session that the company has not been able to meet expected supply due to uncleared debts and the activities of vandals.

Odekina said efforts by the AEDC and the Niger Electricity Distribution Limited (NEDL) to ensure regular electricity supply to customers especially now that the weather is getting hotter and the fear of outbreak of heat borne diseases due to heat wave is yet to yielded desired results .

But as the AEDC struggled without success to absolve the company from blames over epileptic power supply, Mr. Zachariah Aliyu, who has his business with 80 percent dependence on electricity at Fadipe area wants Governor Bago to partner another power distribution company for quality and efficient services delivery.

Aliyu accused the AEDC of always coming up with one excuse and apology for inefficiencies, insisting that Nigerlites are not getting value for monies paid for electricity to run their businesses, especially for people like him.

With the Ramadan and lenten fasting around the corner, Aliyu expressed fears that the situation may further deteriorate and therefore encouraged Governor Bago to break the monopoly by allowing for competition so that the AEDC and any other company serving same purpose will be forced to sit up.

Aliyu whom decry damages to his business due to epileptic power supply said, "I want Governor Bago to consider engaging another power distribution company because this AEDC is no longer living up to expectations in serving electricity needs of the populace".

Aliyu who accused the AEDC of deliberately not willing to supply meter to customers because they wanted crazy billings or estimate bills to continue expressed fears of diseases like meningitis if nothing is done urgently to resolve electricity problems in the state soonest. NNL.

NIGER STATE GOVT DONATES N2 MILLION TO TORNADOES FC FOR DEFEATING RIVERS UNITED TEAM

By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)

Niger state government has donated N2 million to the state's darling team, Niger Tornadoes Football club of Minna for sealing their last encounter with Rivers United Football Club (RUFC) with one unreplied goal.