Month: August 2024

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajiboye Omodewu, has died. Omodewu, who hailed from Otu in Itesiwaju local government, passed away about a year after undergoing treatment for an undisclosed ailment. 

The late APC chairman, who held dual citizenship of Nigeria and the United States, was a former Commissioner under the administration of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. He had recently completed his law degree and law school. 

APC Publicity Secretary in Oyo State, Olawale Sadare, confirmed the death of the party’s chairman.

Omodewu’s demise has left a void in the state’s political landscape, as the party will now begin the run to get another chairman.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Muhammad, co-led a 5km walk on Saturday, August 17, 2024, to strengthen collaboration and promote work-life balance between the two agencies. 

The walk, tagged “Work-Life Balance,” started at the FRSC Headquarters and traversed Herbert Macaulay Way to the Wuse Market traffic light, before returning to the FRSC Headquarters via Maputo Street. 

CGC Adeniyi expressed determination to enhance inter-agency collaboration, particularly in curbing smuggled vehicles on Nigerian roads.

He stated the importance of fostering a spirit of friendship and brotherhood among security agencies. 

Corps Marshal Muhammad believed that organizing social activities and exercises between sister security agencies could be key to building a prosperous nation.

He expressed appreciation for CGC Adeniyi’s attendance and noted that the NCS has been a solid partner to the FRSC on several occasions. 

Both leaders agreed to continue the monthly exercise to improve health and well-being, and to explore ways to work together to achieve their mandates.

By Uzair Adam

A tragic incident has occurred in Karkari village, Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, where a widow and her five children lost their lives after consuming a local Hausa delicacy known as Danwake.

The Kano Police Command confirmed the heartbreaking event, stating that the victims were rushed to Gwarzo General Hospital but were declared dead upon arrival.

According to the Police spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna, investigations have begun to determine the exact cause of the deaths.

The Daily Reality gathered that preliminary reports suggest that the widow, Alhakatu Abdulkarim, may have used expired cassava flour in preparing the meal, leading to the unfortunate outcome.

The deceased children have been identified as Bashir, Firdausi, Hafsat, Usman, and Jamilu.

The community and the authorities are now awaiting a detailed medical report from the hospital to confirm the cause of death and prevent future occurrences.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

Petrol and electricity are the oxygen of any nation. Once these two crucial resources are restricted, the country struggles to breathe. Many Nigerians were surprised to learn that Nigeria’s petroleum importation from Malta surged significantly to $2.8 billion in 2023, up from zero importation between 2017 and 2022. 

On the other hand, the majority of Nigerians were unhappy with the news that the $19 billion Dangote Refinery is struggling due to a poor supply of crude oil and other hindrances from government agencies that are supposed to support such a national asset.

For most Nigerians, Dangote Refinery represents hope and the expectation of lower petroleum prices. Regardless of people’s opinions about Dangote, he has accomplished what Nigeria has failed to achieve in decades. In fact, in the last ten years, only six countries in the world have managed to build new massive petroleum refineries, including the Dangote Refinery. 

Other countries that have built refineries include China, which has added multiple new refineries like the 400,000 barrels per day (b/d) Yulong Petrochemical Plant and the 300,000 b/d Shenghong Refinery; Kuwait’s Al-Zour refinery with a capacity of 615,000 b/d, which started operations in 2021; Saudi Arabia’s Jazan refinery with a capacity of 400,000 b/d, also operational since 2021; and Oman’s Duqm Refinery, with a capacity of 230,000 b/d, which commenced operations in 2022. Additionally, India has expanded its refining capacity with new units at the Ratnagiri refinery.

Nigeria’s importation of petroleum products was initially intended as a temporary solution to the insufficient supply from its four state-owned refineries. However, due to inefficiency and corruption, this temporary measure has become a permanent solution.

In Nigeria, the prices of refined petroleum products are heavily influenced by import-related factors. There are over ten components contributing to the landing cost of petrol, including freight, port charges, the NMDPRA 1% levy, storage costs, marine insurance, fendering, the NMDPRA COQ and NOA, Q&Q analysis, letter of credit fees, and interest. Additionally, the high exchange rate further inflates the price of imported petrol. To eliminate these extra costs, local refining is the only viable solution. Nigeria’s only option for now is the Dangote refinery.

Many Nigerians, ordinary citizens, and bureaucrats view the $19 billion Dangote refinery as an asset and a blessing. It has the potential to liberate Nigeria from decades of dependence on petrol importation, which is one of the major causes of pressure on the Naira and the scarcity of the dollar. The refinery will position Nigeria on the map of nations exporting crude and refined petroleum products and fertiliser. 

Dangote Fertiliser is one of the largest fertiliser plants in the world, with an annual production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes of urea. Nigeria’s yearly urea fertiliser needs are only 1.5 million metric tonnes. 

Dangote has already demonstrated his capability in the cement industry. With Dangote Cement, Nigeria is a net exporter. Nigeria boasts one of the largest cement industries in Africa, with a combined production capacity of over 58.9 million metric tonnes per year among major producers. It leads the cement industry in West Africa, hosting at least 12 registered companies. Dangote Cement is the largest producer in Nigeria and West Africa, contributing over 35.25 million metric tonnes per year (Mt/yr) to the region’s cement capacity. Due to Dangote’s significant cement production capacity, Nigeria satisfies not only its domestic cement needs but also exports to neighbouring countries, enhancing regional trade and economic integration.

Let the Dangote refinery be! It will transform the Nigerian oil and gas industry into a net exporter of refined petroleum products.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has closed its Brazilian office due to a dispute with Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes over censorship.

According to X, Judge de Moraes threatened to arrest its legal representative in Brazil unless the company complied with his directives to censor certain content. 

Despite the office closure, X confirmed that its platform remains accessible to users in Brazil.

The dispute began when Judge de Moraes ordered X to block accounts accused of spreading misinformation, primarily supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro. 

X owner Elon Musk criticised the judge, leading to daily fines of $19,774 and potential legal consequences for X’s Brazilian representatives.

Musk is now under investigation for alleged obstruction of justice and other charges. 

X stated, “As a result, to protect the safety of our staff, we have made the decision to close our operation in Brazil, effective immediately.

The responsibility lies solely with Alexandre de Moraes. His actions are incompatible with democratic government.” 

Musk posted on X, “There was no question that Moraes needs to leave. If we had agreed to (Mr. Moraes) @alexandre’s (illegal) secret censorship and private information handover demands, there was no way we could explain our actions without being ashamed.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered an immediate investigation into a contentious medical drug supply contract involving all 44 local government areas.

The governor vowed to take action against those responsible, warning that “anybody found to be behind it will have himself to blame”. 

Governor Yusuf denied any knowledge of the contract, which was recently awarded for the supply of drugs to the local councils, and directed the State Anti-Corruption Commission to leave no stone unturned in their investigation. 

In a statement released to the press, the Governor’s office assured the public that the outcome of the investigation would be made public, and that anyone found to be involved in any wrongdoing would face the full force of the law. 

The governor appealed for patience from the people of Kano State, promising that justice would be served once the investigation was complete. 

Recall that the controversy was triggered by a video made by a popular Northern skit maker, popularly known as Dan Bello, who alleged that the government was enmeshed in the said contract of accumulating N10m from the 44 local government councils in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Ismail Sahabi, a lecturer at the Federal College of Education in Zaria, Kaduna State, has been released after being held captive for 31 days.

Sahabi was abducted by suspected terrorists on July 18th, along with his brother, Sidi Aliyu Sahabi, and several others, at Kasuwar Magani in Chikun Local Government Area.

The abduction resulted in the tragic death of Mohammed Bashir (Govinda), Chairman of the Tudun Wada, Zaria Butchers Association.

According to Malam Musa Sahabi, a brother to two of the victims, the attack was carried out by an informant.

The victims were finally released on Friday and are currently receiving medical attention to assess their health condition.

While a family source confirmed their release, it remains unclear whether a ransom was paid to secure their freedom.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to reduce the size of Nigeria’s official delegation to the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings in New York, United States.

This directive was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday in Abuja during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision.

Addressing participants at the retreat, the Chief of Staff said the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA in September is part of the administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance.

Highlighting the need for the State House and agencies under its supervision to ensure that its functions are guided by statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives, Honourable Gbajabiamila hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations.

”I just discussed with the President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York.

”During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA.

”From experience, we know that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go about their personal businesses.

”I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be strict. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President,” he said.

The Chief of Staff urged heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly, adding that the President is listening to the concerns of Nigerians and is committed to addressing them diligently.

On the retreat, Honourable Gbajabiamila noted that it will facilitate collaboration and coordination among government agencies, particularly those under the direct supervision of the State House.

”The idea is to ensure coherence as we jointly work together to achieve the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

”Coordination is not just a choice but a necessity for the government to succeed and for us to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people,” he said. He said the retreat would be a continuous exercise, as governance is an evolving process that requires regular adjustments.

The Chief of Staff also urged the State House management and chief executives of agencies under its supervision to lead by example by ensuring compliance with statutes, laws, regulations, and various policies designed to enhance governance.

”We must demonstrate excellence in our compliance with the Public Procurement Act, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act, and various appropriation acts in operation.

”Compliance with the civil service rules and the scheme of service guidelines, especially regarding recruitment, promotion and presidential approvals is also non-negotiable,” Honourable Gbajabiamila said.

The theme of the one-day retreat was ‘Strengthening Institutional Mechanism for Effective Delivery.’

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR, on his 83rd birthday today, August 17. 

General Babangida, popularly called IBB, was Nigeria’s military President from 1985 to 1993.

President Tinubu salutes IBB on this special occasion, noting his endeavours towards the nation’s development, especially in infrastructure and other areas, notably the completion of the Third Mainland Bridge, which at the time was the longest bridge in Africa.

The President acknowledges General Babangida’s role in shaping modern Nigeria and commends him for his services to the nation.

President Tinubu wishes the former head of state many more years in good health.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) has called on the public, especially job seekers, to disregard rumours of employment slots for sale.

The company states that there is no iota of truth in the insinuations that it has employment slots on offer to anyone who wishes to buy, describing such antics as fraudsters who want to take advantage of unsuspecting applicants.

It cautions that as a responsible corporate entity, recruitment into the company is a straightforward process and does not involve the sale of slots or inducement of any kind.

It warns that anyone who pays money to anyone for any job in the company does so at his or her own risk.