By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun a training programme focused on the use of Artificial Intelligence to improve revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation processes.

The exercise took place on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel. It attracted senior Customs officers, technology specialists and members of legislative oversight committees.

The presence of lawmakers alongside Customs officials highlights ongoing cooperation between the Service and the National Assembly. Both sides aim to improve accountability and introduce modern technology into public administration.

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency in financial management through innovation.

“We are united in our resolve to ensure transparency in public accounting. Technology continues to evolve and plays an important role in strengthening our operations. It has also helped us better understand patterns in international trade,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the benefits of Artificial Intelligence for Customs operations. He also noted that the Service operates within a wider global trade system.

“We want to reap the benefits of Artificial Intelligence collectively. I encourage participants to actively engage the facilitators, ask questions and take full advantage of the training,” he added.

In her remarks, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, Kikelomo Adeola, described the initiative as timely and strategic.

“This training reflects our commitment to national development. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the future; it is a technology we must embrace to strengthen our systems,” she said.

She explained that the programme aims to close gaps in revenue management and equip officers with the skills to use AI tools to protect public funds.

Adeola also acknowledged the attendance of lawmakers. She described it as a sign of shared responsibility in promoting transparency and accountability.

“This synergy is important. I encourage participants to ask relevant questions and exchange ideas that will enhance the effectiveness of this initiative,” she added.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, Bamidele Salam, praised the Customs Service for its reform efforts and focus on innovation.

“Customs is a global institution and plays a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s economic image. I commend the Comptroller-General for the progress made so far,” he said.

He described the training as necessary and noted that the use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigerian public institutions is still limited.

“We must continue to build capacity because the effectiveness of any system ultimately depends on the people who operate it,” he added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Senator Ahmed Aliyu, called for stronger collaboration to build durable systems for the future.

“All hands must be on deck. We must build systems that will endure and continue to serve the nation for years to come,” he said.

The programme featured a presentation by technology expert Bamidele Oyedeji. He highlighted how Artificial Intelligence can improve trade processes and operational efficiency within Customs administrations.

The initiative reflects the determination of the Nigeria Customs Service to adopt emerging technologies to strengthen revenue management, improve transparency and enhance overall performance.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) has intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration with key education stakeholders following an advocacy visit to Community Aid Connect.

The Daily Reality reports that the move, according to the group, is part of ongoing engagements aimed at improving access to inclusive and quality education across Kano State.

In a statement issued on Monday, and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim, the organisation said the visit formed part of its broader strategy to partner with development actors.

It noted that such collaborations are essential to addressing challenges affecting education delivery, particularly among vulnerable and underserved populations.

The delegation, led by K-SAFE Co-Chair (CSOs), Auwalu Halilu, was received by the Kano State Team Lead of Community Aid Connect, Surajo Mahe Alkali.

The meeting, held on Monday, provided an opportunity for both organisations to explore areas of mutual interest and strengthen existing relationships.

During the engagement, Halilu commended Community Aid Connect for its role in promoting literacy and numeracy through innovative programmes.

He specifically referenced initiatives such as the DARASI programme and the Community Radio Literacy and Numeracy Programme, describing them as impactful interventions in the education sector.

The K-SAFE Co-Chair noted that the programmes provide flexible learning opportunities for learners with limited access to formal education.

According to him, such initiatives are particularly beneficial to vulnerable groups, helping to bridge gaps in access and improve foundational learning outcomes.

In his remarks, Alkali highlighted the impact of the DARASI Programme in supporting basic education, especially at the foundational level.

He also emphasised the effectiveness of radio-based learning in reaching remote and hard-to-access communities, noting that such approaches have expanded educational access in underserved areas.

Both parties stressed the importance of community participation, stakeholder coordination, and sustained advocacy in addressing learning gaps.

They noted that improving educational outcomes requires a collective effort involving government, development partners, and local communities.

They also identified key areas of collaboration, including joint advocacy campaigns to promote enrolment and retention in schools.

Other areas include partnerships on radio-based awareness initiatives, strengthening monitoring and accountability mechanisms, and capacity building for community-based education structures.

The organisations further agreed on the need to document programme outcomes to support policy dialogue and education sector planning in Kano State.

They said such evidence-based approaches would enhance decision-making and contribute to long-term improvements in the education system.

The Daily Reality also gathered that the engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of both organisations to enhancing access, equity, and quality of education.

It also underscored their resolve to promote innovative solutions aimed at improving literacy and numeracy across the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An Arsenal supporter from Uganda has issued a formal notice to the club, indicating his plan to take legal action over its recent defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

In a document titled “Notice of Intent to Sue” dated April 11 and sent to Arsenal’s headquarters at Highbury House in London, Eric Kyama argued that the team’s performance in the match amounted to a “fundamental breach of the implied contract between the club and its global fanbase”.

Kyama, who also shared the letter on social media platform X and copied several international media outlets, listed multiple অভিযোগ against the club, its players and manager Mikel Arteta.

He accused the players of professional negligence. He claimed they showed “a complete lack of industry” and did not display enough urgency or commitment during the game.

Kyama also criticised Arteta’s leadership. He said the manager lacked the tactical quality required at that level. He described the team’s display as “disjointed” and “directionless”.

The supporter further stated that the result caused both emotional and financial strain. He noted that fans dedicate time, money and emotional energy to support the club.

He also alleged that the club misrepresented its values. He pointed to its promotion of excellence and “Victory Through Harmony”. He argued that the performance on the pitch did not reflect those ideals.

Kyama warned that he would proceed with legal action if the club fails to provide an explanation and present steps to improve performance standards. He said he would seek damages over the psychological impact and his loss of confidence in the team.

By Anas Abbas


Journalists were denied access to proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where a ruling on the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was expected.

This, created tension around the court premises, as media personnel were prevented from covering the proceedings despite heightened public interest in the case. Amid the restricted access, Muhammed Bello El-Rufai, the son of the Mallam Nasiru Elrufai, confirmed that the court had granted bail to his father.

Although details of the bail conditions were not immediately disclosed, the confirmation fueled reactions among supporters and observers who had gathered at the venue.

The situation underscored the sensitivity surrounding the ongoing legal proceedings involving the former governor, who has been facing multiple charges in recent weeks.

Yet,there was no official statement from court authorities explaining why journalists were barred from the courtroom.
Further details on the bail terms and subsequent proceedings are expected to emerge as the case continues.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) has expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for approving N4.45 billion for the payment of examination fees for 150,000 students sitting for NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS examinations.

The group described the move as timely and impactful, noting that it would ease the financial burden on thousands of families across the state.

In a statement signed by its Co-Chair, Auwalu Halilu, K-SAFE said the decision reflects the governor’s strong commitment to improving access to education and promoting equity.

The statement added that the intervention demonstrates a people-centred approach aimed at supporting the academic aspirations of young people in Kano State.

“This bold and people-centred decision demonstrates Your Excellency’s unwavering commitment to improving access to education,” the group said.

It noted that by removing the cost of examination fees, the government has safeguarded the future of many students while strengthening public confidence in its education policies.

K-SAFE observed that the intervention comes at a critical time when many households are facing economic hardship.

According to the group, the inability to pay examination fees often leads to school dropouts, delayed academic progression, or loss of educational opportunities for students.

It further stated that the approval would significantly improve student retention and transition rates across secondary and technical schools.

The group added that the investment is expected to enhance learning outcomes and expand access to education for vulnerable learners across the state.

The forum also commended the inclusion of candidates sitting for NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS examinations, describing it as a comprehensive approach to education.

It explained that the decision recognises diverse learning pathways, including conventional, technical and Islamic education systems.

According to the statement, the initiative aligns with broader national and global education goals aimed at ensuring that no child is denied access to education due to financial constraints.

It stressed that such inclusive policies are critical to advancing human capital development and social inclusion.

“On behalf of civil society organisations, education stakeholders, parents and communities, we commend Your Excellency for this visionary leadership,” the statement said.

It added that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to empowering young people and investing in their future.

K-SAFE, however, urged the state government to sustain such interventions through continued investment in the education sector.

It recommended increased support for teaching and learning materials, school infrastructure, teacher development and inclusive education programmes.

The group reiterated its appreciation to the governor, describing the intervention as historic and transformative.

It added that the policy would play a key role in building a brighter future for children and youth in Kano State.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

At a time when many are engulfed with fear of impending internal rancour that is probably capable of causing disunity and despair among key players, a time of reorganisation of the political landscape at both the national and subnational levels, comes a unifying figure who brings solutions to the upheaval experienced, particularly in the recent electoral outing.

The political atmosphere, particularly in Bauchi State, is known for turbulence and vested interests. As the state faces numerous challenges that demand more urgent structural readjustment, this is pertinent, and it raises the question of who can deliver these set goals. That is why Bala Wunti matters.

Among the political players who roll up their sleeves in aspiration to win elections, one critical issue is the unity of purpose. Unity against the monster of poverty, insecurity, hunger, unemployment, and others that are clogging the wheel of our development.

There are individuals whose presence answers questions that institutions struggle with and whose conduct reassures even the most cynical that character still matters in public life. Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti belongs to that rare category. His story is not merely one of rise, but of formation. It is a journey shaped by early trials, sharpened by discipline, and guided by a clarity of purpose that has endured across decades.

Born into circumstances that offered little advantage, early life required resilience and self-reliance. Throughout his life, it has been punctuated by uncertainty. Yet, instead of breeding bitterness, these experiences shaped restraint, empathy, and a steady internal discipline that would later guide his every choice. Where others might have faltered, he remained composed. Where others might have hardened, he stayed measured.

Profile, professional and industry roles

His pursuit of education must be seen in that light. It was not a smooth path through institutions, but a determined journey through obstacles. From his studies in Chemistry at Ahmadu Bello University to advanced training in management at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and beyond, each step reflected commitment, not convenience. What emerged was not simply an educated man, but a prepared mind, one that understands complexity, respects structure, and values clarity over noise. In a world that often rewards speed, he chose depth. In a system that often tolerates shortcuts, he insisted on process.

When he joined the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in 1994, he entered one of the most demanding environments in the country. He did not arrive at prominence; he earned it. From his early role as the Production Programming Officer to his eventual position as Chief Upstream Investment Officer, his trajectory shows a rare pattern in public service: steady progress built on competence rather than visibility. He learned the system from within, understood its contradictions, and positioned himself not as a spectator but as a contributor to its reform. While others chased recognition, he built relevance. While others pursued titles, he mastered responsibility.

His contributions to the oil and gas sector are best measured through results. He was part of efforts that strengthened investment frameworks, restored operational discipline, and brought structure to systems long plagued by inconsistency. Initiatives such as Operation White did more than fix technical inefficiencies. They proved that accountability was possible, even in the most complex spaces. In a sector where decisions carry national consequences, his approach has always been cautious, forward-thinking, and committed to long-term value over short-term applause. That distinction separates those who merely manage systems from those who shape them.

Yet reducing his life to professional milestones would miss the larger picture. What distinguishes Bala Wunti is not only what he has done within institutions, but what he has done beyond them. The memory of hardship has stayed with him, not as a weight, but as a compass. It informs his giving, shapes his interactions, and explains the consistency of his interventions in others’ lives. His philanthropy is not occasional; it is part of who he is. Students have been supported, communities uplifted, and individuals in distress assisted through actions that are rarely announced but widely felt. The recent support for students across tertiary institutions is not a single act; it is part of a pattern that reflects a deep conviction: opportunity should not be determined by circumstance alone. Many give when it is convenient. He gives because it is necessary.

There is also a discipline in his personal conduct that deserves attention. He does not champion causes he does not believe in. He does not bend for advantage. In a political and professional culture where flexibility is often mistaken for wisdom, this restraint is rare and powerful. It gives his actions credibility and his decisions weight. His faith, central to his life, reinforces this clarity. It is visible not only in words, but also in choices that remain steady under pressure.

When he stepped out of public service on May 30, 2025, he did so quietly. There was no spectacle, no fanfare. The moment felt calm but confident, the kind of confidence that comes from knowing your work speaks for itself. Influence does not depend on the office, and in his case, it had already moved beyond it. What he carries into the next phase is not a title, but a reservoir of experience, credibility, and trust. These qualities are far more valuable than any position could ever be.

The emerging political conversation around Bauchi State must be seen through this lens. The state is no longer at a point where familiar patterns can be recycled without consequence. The challenges are deeper, expectations sharper, and the margin for error thinner. This is not a time for comfort; it is a time for deliberate choice. What is required is not just political skill, but administrative depth, economic understanding, and the ability to translate intention into results.

Bala Wunti presents a compelling case, not because he seeks attention, but because his life commands consideration. He understands systems at a level that allows him to engage governance beyond slogans. He has managed scale and complexity in ways that meet the demands of statecraft. He carries a social awareness rooted in lived experience rather than abstract empathy. Most importantly, he stands outside the entrenched rivalries that have defined political competition in the state. That distance is not detachment; it is clarity. It allows him to be seen not as a continuation of old conflicts, but as a bridge beyond them.

The argument for his consideration is therefore not emotional, even though his story moves the heart. It is rational, grounded, and difficult to dismiss. It rests on capacity, consistency, and a record that proves he can think, act, and deliver. In a context where trust is scarce, his credibility becomes stabilising. In a climate where division is costly, his neutrality is strategic. At a time that demands both firmness and thoughtfulness, his temperament aligns perfectly with the responsibility ahead.

This is not to suggest perfection. Leadership is not shown by ambition; it is revealed by preparation. In his case, the evidence is alive. From a childhood shaped by absence to a career defined by impact, his path is intentional, tested, refined, and sustained.

Bauchi faces a choice deeper than personalities. It is a choice between repetition and recalibration, between what is familiar and what is necessary. If the state is to move toward a future defined by stability, competence, and inclusive progress, it must recognise preparation when it sees it.

In Bala Wunti, experience, character, and capacity converge in a rare combination. He does not need to declare his worth. It is evident in the systems he has strengthened, the lives he has impacted, and the consistency he has maintained. The question, therefore, is not whether he has something to offer. The question is whether Bauchi is ready to choose what it truly needs.

If so, the answer is already in front of it.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com. 

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s military has suffered another devastating loss after a senior army officer was killed in a coordinated attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

Colonel I.A. Mohammed, Commander of the 242 Battalion, died when his convoy was ambushed by fighters in the Moguno area, near the town of Boron. According to military sources, the troops were reinforcing a military camp under attack when their formation was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), followed by heavy gunfire from insurgents hidden along the route.

Several other soldiers also lost their lives in the attack. Casualty figures have not been officially released, but a military source confirmed that the death toll includes the commanding officer and other ranks.

Colonel Mohammed’s death marks the fifth loss of a top-ranking military officer in Nigeria in 2026 alone — all within the first four months of the year. The repeated targeting of senior commanders has raised urgent questions about operational security and the resilience of the military’s command structure in the northeast counterinsurgency campaign.

As of press time, the Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement, but an internal security briefing described the incident as a “well-planned ambush with high-grade explosives.”

The insurgency in Borno, which has persisted for over a decade, continues to exact a heavy toll on both combatants and civilians, despite repeated government claims that Boko Haram has been largely defeated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has removed a controversial social media post that portrayed him in a Christ-like image after facing strong criticism from supporters, including members of his religious base.

The post, which appeared late Sunday on his Truth Social platform, featured an AI-generated image of the 79-year-old president depicted as a messianic figure. In the image, Trump was seen laying a hand on a patient in a hospital bed in a gesture of divine healing, flanked by a nurse, a soldier, and a praying woman.

The scene also included prominent American symbols such as the national flag, the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial, and several bald eagles.

The post came shortly after Trump launched a sharp online attack against Pope Leo XIV, whom he described as a “weak” leader serving the “Radical Left.”

Reactions from his followers were swift and critical. Many described the image as inappropriate and offensive to Christian beliefs. Some supporters expressed disappointment over what they viewed as a misuse of religious symbolism.

A supporter, Leroy Brookens, said, “I am a solid Trump supporter and fan, but Trump is not Christ and this art is blasphemous.”

Another follower, identified as Kiwi Ellis, wrote, “God values humility and this is the opposite of that. The blasphemy is real.”

Several users also referenced biblical teachings in their criticism. Some went as far as accusing the president of presenting himself as a false religious figure.

One user, Jhelton50, asked, “The book of Revelations speaks of this, are you literally depicting yourself as a savior or messiah? The Book of Revelation tells us the Antichrist will claim he is.”

Others reacted more strongly. A user named Philosophical posted, “Disgusting. Sad… we elected the Antichrist,” while another account, For God and Country, wrote, “FALSE GOD. BLASPHEMY!! ANTI CHRIST.”

The controversy also drew comments from prominent conservative figures. Right-wing influencer Riley Gaines questioned the motive behind the post.

“Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he’d post this. Is he looking for a response? A little humility would serve him well; God shall not be mocked,” Gaines wrote.

MAGA podcaster Michael Knowles also urged caution, stating, “It behooves the President both spiritually and politically to delete the picture, no matter the intent.”

Beyond religious concerns, the backlash included expressions of regret from some former supporters and calls for political action.

A user, Joe_88, said, “I’m officially 100% done with you at this point; mocking our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is beyond ridiculous. I cannot believe I voted for you three times!”

Another commenter, whatfreshhelltoday, added, “I deeply regret voting for you! Your ego won’t let you see it, or are you truly a sociopath? 25th Amendment!!!”

By Monday morning, the post had been taken down from Trump’s account without any formal statement.

Although the image has been removed, the episode has raised fresh concerns about Trump’s relationship with sections of his religious supporters.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) on Monday disowned viral social media reports alleging that it had directed Muslims to embark on prayers for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the claims as false and provocative.

In a strongly worded press statement, the Council said the reports, traced to anonymous and unofficial online platforms, were “misleading and unsubstantiated,” warning that they could incite tension and draw the organisation into partisan politics.

“At no time did the Council issue any such directive or threat regarding the conduct of elections,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its non-partisan stance, the SCSN said it remains committed to justice, equity, and peaceful coexistence and will not be used for political manipulation.

However, the Council restated its earlier position that the INEC Chairman should either resign or be removed from office, citing concerns over what it described as prejudicial dispositions against Islam and Muslims. It maintained that its stance was rooted in the need for neutrality and integrity in public office.

The Council urged the public and the media to disregard unofficial statements and rely only on its authorised communication channels.

The statement was signed by the Secretary General, Malam Nafi’u Baba-Ahmad, and issued on April 13, 2026.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disclosed that it has yet to obtain a venue in Abuja less than 24 hours before its planned national convention, raising concerns over alleged obstacles facing the party.

A senior member of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, made this known on Monday through a post on his X account. He outlined what he described as repeated setbacks, including refusals from both government-controlled and privately owned facilities.

Ologbondiyan explained that the party formally requested the use of Eagles Square and submitted an application to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He noted that although the letter was acknowledged, approval has not been granted.

“As the bromide has shown, a letter was presented to the Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister for a permit to use the Eagles Square. The letter was acknowledged but no response,” he stated.

He also said efforts to secure the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium were unsuccessful despite several engagements with officials of the Federal Ministry of Sports.

“The ADC team paid several visits to the Ministry of Sports officials at the MKO Stadium. At the end, ADC was refused the use of the Velodrome,” the statement added.

The party further alleged that private event centres in Abuja have declined its requests due to fear of possible harassment or reprisals.

“To make matters worse, privately owned event centres in Abuja are turning down the ADC’s requests for fears of harassment in various forms from the government,” he said.

Despite these challenges, the ADC maintained that its national convention will go ahead as scheduled in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in line with its earlier notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“All ADC members, teeming party supporters and indeed all Nigerians are assured that, as contained in the NOTICE issued to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), the ADC National Convention will hold in Abuja as scheduled on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026,” Ologbondiyan declared.

The development follows earlier claims by the party that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is attempting to suppress opposition activities. The ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, had earlier alleged that access to Eagles Square was ignored, while the Velodrome was denied on the grounds of a scheduled sporting event.

The venue challenge comes at a time when the party is dealing with internal leadership disputes involving factions linked to David Mark and Nafiu Bala. This followed the resignation of former chairman Ralph Nwosu in 2025.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has not recognised either faction, pending a court decision, which has added to the party’s difficulties in organising the convention.

Prominent opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola have also raised concerns. They recently staged a protest at the INEC headquarters, where they accused the federal government of undermining opposition parties.

However, the Presidency has rejected the allegations. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare stated that all political parties are entitled to equal rights under the law.

With time running out and no confirmed venue, the ADC’s resolve to proceed with its convention points to possible tensions between the party and relevant authorities.