By Salmanu Isah Darazo

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has launched an 18-month intervention aimed at equipping 25,000 women and girls in Bauchi and Kano states with digital and entrepreneurship skills.

The project, tagged “Addressing the Gender Digital Divide and Expanding Business Opportunities for Women and Girls in Northern Nigeria (Agenda-WINNIG),” seeks to improve women’s access to digital opportunities through training in digital literacy, online safety, digital hygiene and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Bauchi on Tuesday, CITAD Programme Manager, Fatima Babakura, said the intervention began in February 2026 and is expected to run until July or August 2027.

She said the project has three major components: basic digital literacy and online safety, computer-based testing (CBT) coaching for secondary school students and digital entrepreneurship for women and girls.

Babakura said 15,000 women and girls would receive training in basic digital literacy, online safety and digital hygiene.

She added that another 5,000 final-year secondary school girls, particularly those preparing for JAMB examinations, would receive CBT training to improve their ability to take computer-based examinations.

According to her, the entrepreneurship component would target an additional 5,000 women and girls, with training focused on using digital platforms to promote their products, reach more customers and expand their businesses online.

She said beneficiaries would be selected from Bauchi and Kano states, with particular attention to women and girls in rural and underserved communities.

Babakura explained that the stakeholder engagement was organised to identify challenges affecting women’s participation in the digital space and gather recommendations that could improve the implementation of the intervention.

She said recommendations from stakeholder engagements at the state and federal levels would also contribute to a policy brief aimed at addressing the gender digital divide and expanding access to digital opportunities for women and girls.

Also speaking, CITAD Programme Officer and Head of the Bauchi Team, Mujahid Ibrahim, said the organisation was working with community-based organisations and other local networks to identify and mobilise beneficiaries, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas.

“We use the network of community-based organisations and partners in the communities to mobilise beneficiaries, after which we go to the communities to conduct the training,” Ibrahim said.

He said the project covers all 20 local government areas of Bauchi State, with community mobilisers supporting the identification and mobilisation of beneficiaries for the various training programmes.

According to Ibrahim, the project has already reached its targeted number of beneficiaries in Bauchi, while training under the different components continues.

He described the stakeholder engagement as productive, saying participants offered recommendations on how to strengthen the implementation of the project.

Ibrahim said stakeholders had been consulted before the commencement of the intervention, while the latest meeting was held at the end of the second quarter to review progress and obtain further input.

“We captured their advice on how to go about the project before we started, and now, at the end of the second quarter, we have called them again and they have responded and are contributing.

“Their contributions are very important because we are receiving their insights on how to improve the implementation of the project,” he said.

The engagement brought together representatives of government institutions, community leaders, information technology organisations, civil society groups, community-based organisations, traditional and religious leaders, lecturers, financial institutions, private-sector organisations and development partners.

Ibrahim said their involvement was important because of their roles in education, capacity building, financing, knowledge acquisition and community development.

He added that the project seeks to strengthen women’s digital inclusion and entrepreneurship by equipping beneficiaries with practical skills and improving their access to opportunities in the digital economy.

The stakeholder engagement is part of CITAD’s wider activities under Agenda-WINNIG, which focuses on digital inclusion, online safety, CBT preparedness and entrepreneurship among women and girls in Bauchi and Kano states.

By Kasim Isa Muhammad

The Presidential Media Team on Tuesday inspected the ongoing construction of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks Phase II in Abuja, a major Nigerian Army accommodation project approved and funded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The inspection was led by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, PhD, CON, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, Mr. Otega Ogra.

The project is designed to provide accommodation for more than 1,000 soldiers and their families, with the completed facilities expected to serve a population of over 6,000 people.

The development includes 30 family quarters, six blocks of senior officers’ accommodation, an Army club, MAMI market, bridges, drainage systems and other supporting infrastructure.

Speaking during the inspection, Chief Sunday Dare said the project was one of the visible outcomes of the Federal Government’s decision to redirect resources towards infrastructure and development following the removal of fuel subsidy.

According to him, projects of this scale were difficult to undertake when substantial public resources were committed to subsidy payments.

Dare said the barracks project reflects the administration’s effort to improve the welfare of military personnel while also investing in infrastructure that supports national security.

He urged Nigerians to pay attention to the projects being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that some of the policies of the administration are beginning to produce visible physical projects.

Mr. Otega Ogra also described the project as part of the government’s broader investment in security infrastructure. He noted that the construction was providing employment and business opportunities for Nigerians involved directly and indirectly in the project.

The economic impact was also reflected in the experience of workers at the site.

One of the labourers, Usman, said his work on the project had enabled him to establish a family. He explained that before securing the job, he had not been able to get married. He is now married and has a child.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks Phase II is part of wider infrastructure and welfare developments within the Nigerian Army.

Similar projects are nearing completion in Ekiti State, while expansion work is ongoing at the Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, as well as other military infrastructure projects, including the Osogbo project in Osun State.

The projects are being implemented alongside other measures aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Army, including improvements in personnel welfare, recruitment, training, equipment and operational capacity.

Four additional military divisions have been created, while the government has announced plans for additional recruitment. Military salaries have also been increased, alongside the procurement of combat-enabling equipment, including drones.

The military has also continued operations against terrorist groups, with the Federal Government reporting that more than 10,000 terrorists have been neutralised, over 8,000 apprehended and approximately 7,700 hostages rescued. Support has also been provided for more than 12,000 children of fallen military personnel.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, is responsible for the military implementation and supervision of projects and initiatives within the Nigerian Army.

The progress of the Abuja barracks project is therefore one part of the broader effort to improve the Army’s infrastructure and welfare system.

For the soldiers and their families who will eventually occupy the facilities, the project represents more than a construction programme. The residential quarters and supporting infrastructure are expected to provide a more structured living environment for personnel serving in the nation’s capital.

The project also illustrates how government investment in infrastructure can generate economic activity during construction, while creating long-term public assets after completion.

The Presidential Media Team’s inspection provided an opportunity to assess the progress of the project and its wider relevance to military welfare and national security.

As construction continues, the focus will ultimately be on completing the facilities to the required standard and putting them into use for the soldiers and families they were designed to serve.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, says more than 380 suspects have been arrested, while over 230 convictions have been secured within the first two months of the state government’s intensified campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Yusuf disclosed this on Thursday while delivering an address at the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration held at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, Kano.

According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor said the state government established the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in July 2026.

He said the administration also issued an Executive Order aimed at strengthening the fight against illicit substances, thuggery and other related criminal activities across the state.

Yusuf added that the task force had dismantled several drug joints and criminal hideouts in different parts of Kano since its establishment.

The governor described the fight against drug abuse and criminality as a collective responsibility requiring the involvement of government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, communities, parents and citizens.

He urged young people to shun drugs, violence and criminal activities, encouraging them instead to pursue education, agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship, vocational training and creative industries.

Yusuf said his administration would continue to support security agencies, strengthen community-based intelligence gathering and address social challenges contributing to crime and insecurity.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a safer environment where young people can pursue lawful businesses and contribute meaningfully to the development of Kano State.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has outlined what he described as key economic achievements recorded since the beginning of his administration, saying Nigeria has reached a new phase of economic recovery and growth.

Speaking during his Independence Day broadcast on Thursday, the President said recent indicators showed signs of improvement in the nation’s economy, citing growth of over four per cent in 2026 driven by both oil and non-oil sectors.

Tinubu also highlighted reductions in oil theft, a decline in inflation from previous highs, improved foreign reserves and stability in the foreign exchange market.

According to him, Nigeria generated more than six billion dollars in non-oil export earnings in 2025, which he described as the highest figure ever recorded by the country.

“These are not idle claims,” the President said, adding that international organisations, development partners, journalists and civil society groups had acknowledged Nigeria’s improving economic resilience.

Tinubu declared that the period of emergency economic reforms had ended, noting that the government had laid a solid foundation for future growth.

“The emergency treatment is over. The foundation has been repaired,” he said.

He explained that the administration’s next priority would be ensuring that economic growth translates into better living conditions for Nigerians through affordable food, reliable electricity, improved transportation, easier access to credit and more employment opportunities.

The President said government policies would focus on lowering production and transport costs, expanding agricultural activities through mechanisation and improving critical infrastructure such as roads, rail lines, ports and storage facilities.

He also pledged support for industrial development through increased gas supply to industries, revival of factories, expansion of digital infrastructure and improved financing for businesses.

Tinubu acknowledged the economic challenges facing many Nigerians, including rising costs of food, education, healthcare and transportation, but assured citizens that social intervention programmes would continue alongside long-term development efforts.

“Our objective is not to manage poverty more efficiently. We will defeat it,” he said.

The President added that Nigeria had moved into what he described as a new era of prosperity and called on citizens to remain hopeful and work collectively towards national progress.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has outlined what he described as key economic achievements recorded since the beginning of his administration, saying Nigeria has reached a new phase of economic recovery and growth.

Speaking during his Independence Day broadcast on Thursday, the President said recent indicators showed signs of improvement in the nation’s economy, citing growth of over four per cent in 2026 driven by both oil and non-oil sectors.

Tinubu also highlighted reductions in oil theft, a decline in inflation from previous highs, improved foreign reserves and stability in the foreign exchange market.

According to him, Nigeria generated more than six billion dollars in non-oil export earnings in 2025, which he described as the highest figure ever recorded by the country.

“These are not idle claims,” the President said, adding that international organisations, development partners, journalists and civil society groups had acknowledged Nigeria’s improving economic resilience.

Tinubu declared that the period of emergency economic reforms had ended, noting that the government had laid a solid foundation for future growth.

“The emergency treatment is over. The foundation has been repaired,” he said.

He explained that the administration’s next priority would be ensuring that economic growth translates into better living conditions for Nigerians through affordable food, reliable electricity, improved transportation, easier access to credit and more employment opportunities.

The President said government policies would focus on lowering production and transport costs, expanding agricultural activities through mechanisation and improving critical infrastructure such as roads, rail lines, ports and storage facilities.

He also pledged support for industrial development through increased gas supply to industries, revival of factories, expansion of digital infrastructure and improved financing for businesses.

Tinubu acknowledged the economic challenges facing many Nigerians, including rising costs of food, education, healthcare and transportation, but assured citizens that social intervention programmes would continue alongside long-term development efforts.

“Our objective is not to manage poverty more efficiently. We will defeat it,” he said.

The President added that Nigeria had moved into what he described as a new era of prosperity and called on citizens to remain hopeful and work collectively towards national progress.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address Nigerians at 7am on Thursday, October 1, as part of activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Onanuga advised television and radio stations, as well as other electronic media organisations, to link up with the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.

The address will be Tinubu’s fourth Independence Day broadcast since he assumed office as President on May 29, 2023.

The annual presidential broadcast has become a major part of Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations, which commemorate the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

During the nationwide address, Tinubu is expected to speak on the state of the nation and outline key policies and programmes of his administration.

The 2026 Independence Day celebration is expected to be low-key, with the government placing emphasis on reflection rather than elaborate festivities.

The Federal Government has also announced the theme of this year’s anniversary as “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Three vigilantes from Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State have reportedly been killed by suspected bandits while returning from Agwara in neighbouring Niger State.

The incident was reported on Wednesday by North-West crisis reporter Bakatsine in a post on his X account.

The victims were identified as Abubakar Mai Nera, the vigilante commander in Saminaka, Tanko Sarki and Amadu Saminaka. They were said to be from Saminaka and Bakinturu communities.

According to local sources cited by Bakatsine, the vigilantes came under attack around Kasabo, Binuwa and Mago, locations along the River Kwara near the Niger-Kebbi border.

The attackers reportedly set the victims ablaze after the assault.

The incident was said to have occurred on Friday, but the bodies of the three vigilantes had not been recovered as of Wednesday.

Local authorities and residents were reportedly conducting search operations to locate the victims and establish further details about the incident.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least three people have died while several others sustained injuries after a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna.

The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday night after a large crowd gathered at the Government House. The injured victims were taken to the General Hospital in Minna for treatment.

Reports indicated that the gathering was initially linked to efforts by government officials to engage youths who were planning a protest over the recent deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the state.

Two of the victims were identified as Dije and her daughter, Hurairat, who were internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area.

Hurairat’s husband, Abubakar, was reportedly killed by bandits in 2023 along the Allawa–Pandogari Road. Following repeated attacks that forced residents to abandon the community, Hurairat relocated to Minna as an IDP.

Sources said Dije, who was living with her husband in Gurmana, had travelled to visit her daughter when they heard reports that money would be distributed at the Government House. They subsequently joined the crowd.

Mallam Musa Allawa, an IDP, told journalists that the mother and daughter were scheduled to be buried on Wednesday morning.

Earlier, some government appointees had posted on social media that youths gathered at the Government House to express solidarity with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

However, a government source said the crowd later increased after reports spread that the governor would distribute N10,000 to people who gathered at the venue.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the state government would issue an official statement on the incident.

The spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, also said he would verify the incident and provide further details.

By Uzair Adam

The Village Head of Aujarawar Alkali in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Ahmad Yakubu Ahmad, has reportedly been killed by his abductors.

The Daily Reality recalls that Ahmad was abducted on September 17, 2026, after armed men reportedly invaded the community at night and took him away.

His remains were later discovered in a shallow grave in Danladin Gezawa, according to residents familiar with the incident.

Funeral prayers for the deceased were conducted at about 3pm on Wednesday before his burial.

Musa Garba, a resident of Gezawa, confirmed the incident in an interview with journalists.

Garba alleged that the kidnappers subjected the village head to severe torture, including cutting off one of his legs and tying his hands behind his back.

He said the assailants subsequently buried Ahmad’s remains in a shallow grave, where they were discovered several days later by villagers.

“I attended the funeral prayers today (Wednesday) at around 3pm. The assailants tortured the village head to death by cutting off one of his legs and tying his hands behind him. He was brutalised until he died,” Garba said.

He added that villagers later discovered the shallow grave and raised the alarm.

“The remains were identified by the deceased’s wife. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was later buried as the remains were already decomposing,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

By Uzair Adam 

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately launch an independent investigation into an alleged $2.1 million land transaction involving Jordan Wike, son of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

HURIWA said the allegations, which are currently before an FCT High Court, should not be treated solely as a private civil dispute, particularly because the claimants allege that $2 million of the disputed amount was meant for the FCT Minister.

The civil society organisation questioned why neither the EFCC nor the ICPC had publicly indicated that it was investigating the allegations.

HURIWA said Nigerians deserve to know whether the anti-corruption agencies are aware of the claims and, if so, why they have not commenced investigations to establish the facts surrounding the alleged transaction.

An FCT High Court sitting in Maitama on Tuesday ordered Jordan Wike to produce his American international passport after he told the court during cross-examination that he was outside Nigeria on September 26, 2025.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the order during the resumed hearing of suit No. CV/008/2026 filed by Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd.

According to HURIWA, the claimants allege that Jordan promised to facilitate the acquisition of 60 hectares of land in Katampe and Guzape, Abuja.

The claimants further alleged that Jordan demanded $2.1 million as facilitation fees, comprising $2 million allegedly intended for his father and $100,000 allegedly for himself.

They also alleged that the money was delivered on September 26, 2025, in the presence of Adamu Sani, Aliyu Sarki and Sai Wani, while Jordan was allegedly present.

HURIWA said the claimants further alleged that the proposed land acquisition did not materialise and that the money was not refunded.

Jordan, however, has denied the allegations in his statement on oath before the court.

During cross-examination by counsel to the claimants, Hamza Dantani, Jordan also denied knowledge of the allegations and documents presented to him.

When asked where he was on September 26, 2025, Jordan told the court that he was outside Nigeria.

He said he travelled with his American international passport and indicated that he could produce the document if required.

Following the response, Dantani applied for an order compelling him to produce the passport.

Justice Oriji granted the application and directed Jordan to bring the passport to court.

HURIWA said the court’s order further highlighted the need for the relevant anti-corruption agencies to independently examine the allegations rather than wait for the conclusion of the civil proceedings.

The organisation stressed that it was not declaring anyone guilty, noting that the allegations remain subject to determination by the court.

However, it maintained that credible allegations involving substantial sums of money, public officials or possible abuse of public office warranted investigation by the appropriate authorities.

HURIWA therefore asked the EFCC and ICPC to clarify whether they were investigating the matter.

The organisation said that if the agencies were not investigating, they should explain why they had not deemed the allegations worthy of investigation.

It argued that Nigeria could not strengthen public confidence in its anti-corruption system if allegations involving politically exposed persons were ignored or left entirely to private litigants to pursue through civil proceedings.

HURIWA called on the EFCC and ICPC to establish the source, movement and alleged beneficiaries of the $2.1 million; determine the purpose of the alleged payment; ascertain whether any public official was involved; and establish whether the allegations disclose any criminal offence.

The organisation also urged the agencies to conduct any investigation professionally, independently and without fear or favour.

It warned that what it described as selective application of anti-corruption laws could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

HURIWA maintained that nobody should be treated as a sacred cow, while no individual should be declared guilty before the conclusion of a fair investigation and due process.

Jordan was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ogwu Onoja, while some documents were tendered through him.

The court adjourned the case until Wednesday, September 30, 2026, for continuation of hearing.