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Dear Honourable Yaro Abba Ari,

I write to you as a deeply concerned indigene of Hadejia Local Government Area, more specifically, a resident of Dubantu Quarters. I do so with a strong sense of responsibility and hope, believing that your esteemed office, under your capable leadership, will give due attention to the pressing issues that have plagued our community for quite some time.

First and foremost, I would like to sincerely commend your administration for the developmental strides made in various parts of the local government area. These achievements reflect your commitment to progress and service delivery. However, I am compelled to draw your immediate attention to some ongoing challenges that continue to affect the people of Dubantu Quarters — challenges that, if not addressed, may further deteriorate the well-being and safety of our community.

The first major issue of concern is the worsening condition of the drainage systems in Dubantu Quarters. Every year, particularly during the rainy season, our community suffers from excessive waterlogging and flooding. Rainwater, due to the absence or blockage of proper drainage, flows freely over the roads and into homes, causing significant disruption and damage. The situation has unfortunately become a recurring crisis that leads to the destruction of properties and, in the worst cases, loss of innocent lives. Residents live in constant anxiety as heavy rains turn roads into rivers, making movement dangerous and threatening the safety of families.

Secondly, I would like to bring to your kind attention the growing security and social concerns in specific parts of Dubantu Quarters — particularly areas that remain in complete darkness at night due to a lack of public lighting infrastructure. These dark zones have become gathering points for immoral and misguided youths, who often engage in illicit activities such as the abuse of toxic substances — including syrul (codeine cough syrup), ganja, and other harmful drugs. These activities not only endanger the lives of the individuals involved but also pose a significant threat to the safety and peace of law-abiding citizens, especially during the night hours.

Despite numerous efforts by responsible members of the community to curb this growing menace, their attempts have been largely ineffective due to the absence of necessary support, tools, and enforcement capabilities. The community is doing its best with the limited resources at its disposal, but the situation clearly calls for strong governmental intervention. 

As a result, and in the spirit of community development, I humbly and earnestly appeal to you to take the following specific actions:

Reconstruction and proper maintenance of Drainage systems in Dubantu Quarters will help ensure that rainwater is channelled correctly, reducing the devastating impact of seasonal flooding and safeguarding the lives and properties of the residents.

Installation of solar-powered Street lights in critical dark areas within Dubantu Quarters. Improved lighting will not only enhance visibility and security but will also deter criminal and immoral behaviour that currently thrives under the cover of darkness.

Collaborative Engagement with Law Enforcement Agencies and Community Leaders to Develop and Implement a Strategic, Community-Driven Solution to the Issue of Drug Abuse. This should include awareness campaigns, youth sensitisation programs, and the creation of positive alternatives that engage our young people in meaningful and productive activities.

Your timely intervention in these matters will go a long way in alleviating the hardship currently faced by the residents of Dubantu Quarters. Moreover, it will serve to reaffirm the trust and confidence that the people of Hadejia Local Government Area have placed in your leadership.

We remain optimistic that you will treat these concerns with the urgency and seriousness they deserve, and that your office will take immediate steps to implement lasting solutions.

Thank you very much for your time, attention, and anticipated positive response.

Yours sincerely,

Garba Sidi

An Indigene of Hadejia Local Government Area

sidihadejia@gmail.com

By Oladoja M.O

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has unarguably embarked on a bold and unapologetic mission to retool Nigeria’s economy. From the abrupt removal of petrol subsidies to the floating of the naira, the unification of multiple FX windows, and most recently, the signing of the landmark Tax Reform and Fiscal Policy Bill, there is no denying that the government has chosen a macro-to-micro economic approach. That is, fix the big picture first, then let the gains gradually filter to the people.

And indeed, the “green lights” are beginning to blink. Global credit rating agencies such as Fitch and Moody’s have upgraded Nigeria’s outlook. Foreign investors are expressing renewed interest. Oil production is improving, FX liquidity is easing, and fiscal buffers are being rebuilt. From a purely macroeconomic standpoint, Nigeria appears to be reclaiming its place as a serious economy with a reform-minded leadership.

But there’s a contradiction that cannot be ignored: on the streets of Agege, Aba, Makurdi, and beyond, the economy is still red; red markets, red household budgets, red transport fares, and red faces of frustration. Prices have tripled in some cases. Wages have barely moved. Many can no longer afford their children’s school fees. Traders are losing capital to inflation. Food is fast becoming a luxury. Amid this hardship, Nigerians are asking the most honest, piercing question of the moment:

“If the economy is growing, why am I still shrinking?” “If the economy is growing, where is the growth in my pocket?”

This is not a question born out of ignorance. It is a legitimate cry that speaks to the disconnect between macroeconomic progress and microeconomic relief. Yes, the big numbers are looking better, but the lived realities of the majority are deteriorating. To understand this discrepancy, we must first understand the difference between macroeconomics and microeconomics. 

Macroeconomics concerns itself with the national economy, including factors such as GDP growth, inflation rates, budget deficits, and foreign exchange reserves. These are the indicators investors, multilateral organisations, and economic analysts watch. Microeconomics, on the other hand, deals with everyday realities: how much you earn, what you can buy with that income, whether your small business can survive, and whether prices of food, fuel, and medicine are manageable. In theory, macroeconomic stability should, over time, trickle down and improve microeconomic conditions. But in practice, especially in a country like Nigeria, that process is rarely smooth or automatic.

The truth is that reforms, especially big, structural reforms create what economists call a “lag effect.” That is, the pain comes first; the relief comes much later. Floating the naira made the exchange rate more transparent and investor-friendly, but it also instantly raised the price of imported goods. Removing fuel subsidy fixed a long-standing fiscal leak, but it also sent transport and food prices soaring. And because Nigeria imports a significant share of its consumption, inflation spiked, with devastating effects on the poor. Salaries have not caught up. Social safety nets are thin. Informal workers who make up over 60% of Nigeria’s labour force are primarily left to fend for themselves.

Yet, this is the path the government has chosen. And it is important to say this clearly: choosing a macro-first approach is not inherently wrong. In fact, for a country like Nigeria, plagued by decades of financial mismanagement, it is even necessary. Fixing subsidies, unifying the exchange rate, and rebuilding fiscal credibility are long overdue. Every administration must work with the strategy it believes in, and this government has opted to “stabilise the roof before fixing the foundation.” That, in itself, is a policy choice one with clear upsides.

However, macroeconomic success without a visible microeconomic impact is a hard sell to a hungry population. People don’t live in GDP. They live on garri, transport fares, and electricity bills. While international investors applaud the courage of reforms, local citizens are asking: Where is the evidence that my own life is getting better?

The administration is not blind to this concern. The recently signed Tax Reform and Fiscal Policy Bill is part of a broader effort to expand the tax net and capture the informal sector, both to raise revenue and bring more economic players into visibility. But again, for the everyday Nigerian, these reforms are abstract. What matters is how they translate into food on the table, money in the pocket, and hope in the future.

So, how do we build a bridge between this macro-level retooling and the micro-level reality of the people?

First, we must move beyond tokenistic interventions like cash transfers and instead design innovative relief tools that tie micro-support to long-term productivity. For example, introducing community-based digital vouchers that support food or fuel purchases but are redeemable only when tied to school attendance, digital payments, or participation in a training program would ease the current pressure while also boosting the country’s long-term human capital.

Second, the government must decentralise economic adaptation. Nigeria is too diverse for a one-size-fits-all economic playbook. Establishing “Local Reform Chambers” committees made up of state governments, market leaders, and community associations can help interpret macro policies at a local level and propose area-specific interventions. If subsidy removal causes a shock in Zaria or Owerri, let those communities co-design their response, be it cooperative transport schemes or communal food banks, funded partially by the government and partially by local actors.

Thirdly, data must become a feedback tool, not just a planning tool. The government should publish a monthly Macro-to-Micro Progress Report that clearly shows how reforms are improving incomes, lowering costs, or reaching underserved communities. Let people see the path of change, even if it’s still under construction.

Finally, the government must actively invest in skills, tools, and local infrastructure. Don’t just train youths to code; train them to fix machines, install solar panels, manage cooperatives, and build homes. Make markets more productive with solar lighting, shared storage, and access to water. These are the enablers that convert national growth into grassroots empowerment.

Conclusively, it is fair to acknowledge that the current administration is taking steps that previous governments only danced around. The reforms are not without merit and frankly, not without courage. But reforms are not complete until they reach the people.

The Nigerian people are not impatient; they are simply in pain. And when they ask, “If the economy is growing, why is my pocket not?” they are not being unreasonable. They are asking for what every citizen deserves: a place in the progress. Now is the time to move beyond balancing spreadsheets and begin balancing lives because growth is only real when it is felt.

And no reform is complete until the people rise with the numbers.

Oladoja M.O writes from Abuja and can be reached at: mayokunmark@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi

UAC of Nigeria Plc has announced a major acquisition deal with The Coca-Cola Company to take ownership of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited), one of Nigeria’s leading food and beverage companies.

In a disclosure submitted to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Wednesday, UAC confirmed that the agreement has been reached but remains subject to regulatory approval.

CHI Limited, the parent company of popular brands such as Chivita and Hollandia, is known for its range of juices, dairy products, nectars, still drinks, and snacks.

Fola Aiyesimoju, Group Managing Director of UAC, described the acquisition as a significant step for the company’s operations in Africa. “As a company with a strong presence in Africa, we are deeply committed to the continent’s growth. We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited), a leading dairy and juice business in the region,” he said.

Aiyesimoju highlighted the potential of the transaction, stating, “This acquisition presents significant potential to build on Chivita|Hollandia’s (CHI Limited’s) legacy of excellence and innovation.

I would like to thank the management and staff of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) and look forward to working with the team to support the next phase of growth.”

Eelco Weber, Managing Director of CHI Limited, expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory, pointing to recent accomplishments and the strength of its workforce.

“I would like to thank our over 5,000 employees for their hard work and dedication in bringing our business forward and earning us recognition as a Gold-rated Great Place to Work,” he stated.

He added, “We see a bright future for Chivita|Hollandia. With the strength of our team, coupled with the dedication of UAC, there will be exciting opportunities for further growth.”

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

Bauchi is one of the few states, perhaps the only one, in northern Nigeria that has consistently upheld a politics rooted in independence. The people of Bauchi are known for their distinct political culture: no candidate, political party, or ideology can be imposed on them. Incumbency holds little sway, and public or political office holders often fail to win elections.

From the days of the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) in the First Republic, to the politics of the Second Republic, and even the cult-like support for Muhammadu Buhari in more recent times, Bauchi has carved out a political identity that is both unique and enduring.

A review of Bauchi’s electoral history, particularly in gubernatorial contests, reveals a striking pattern of political independence that many analysts regard as unmatched in Nigeria. 

For instance:

In 1979, they elected Tatari Ali as Governor under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) against their kinsman within the North East, in the person of Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri of the GNPP.

In 1992, they elected Alhaji Dahiru Mohammed Deba as Governor, alongside Alh Ibrahim Tofa of NRC, against the popular candidature of MKO Abiola 

Somehow in 1999, after a rerun election, PDP managed to win, and Adamu Mu’azu got elected as Governor, but later lost the bid to win senatorial elections after serving for 8 years as Governor. 

In 2007, Mal. Isa Yuguda won as Governor under ANPP against the incumbent PDP when Yar’Adua was president. 

In 2011, the state aligned with the opposition APC to produce Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar as Governor, but lost his re-election bid despite being the sitting governor to the Present Governor Bala Mohammed of the PDP.

This pattern speaks volumes:

Abuja or any ‘interest’ cannot and has never dictated the governor’s emergence in Bauchi state. Imposing candidates rarely work. Incumbency does not guarantee re-election. High-profile public and political office holders have little impact. Governors have lost re-election, senatorial bids, and attempts to anoint successors in several Cases. The swinging nature of Bauchi politics is one of its most intriguing features

Equally remarkable is the background of those elected. Since 1999, Bauchi governors have consistently emerged from modest or unexpected circumstances- ‘Zero level, so to speak. Governors Adamu Mu’azu, Isa Yuguda, Mohammed Abubakar, and the present Bala Mohammed all came from zero disposition, meaning they did not hold a position or office for at least two years during the election period. This trend illustrates the state’s openness to merit and its resistance to political imposition.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, it appears to be the state with the highest number of contestants so far. 

1. Mohammed Auwal Jatau – the current Deputy Governor of Bauchi State

2. Muhammad Ali Pate – the current Minister of Health

3. Dr. Nura Manu Soro – Ex-Finance Commissioner and President Tinubu campaign Coordinator. 

4. Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, current minister of foreign affairs. 

5. ⁠Senator Shehu Buba, a serving senator from the APC 

6. ⁠Alhaji Bala Wunti, former MD of NAPIMS

7. ⁠RTD Air Marshal Sadiq, former APC gubernatorial candidate 

8. ⁠Senator Halliru Jika, former senator 

9. ⁠Dr. MUSA Babayo, former chairman of TETFUND 

10. ⁠Senator Dahuwa Kaila, a serving senator, among numerous others. 

With such a lineup and Bauchi’s long history of voter independence, the 2027 elections promise to be as competitive and unpredictable as ever.

Bauchi’s politics remain firmly anchored in progressive and populist traditions. Candidates without a clear vision or strong grassroots connection are regularly rejected at the polls, and 2027 is likely to uphold that tradition.

Only time will tell.

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

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has appointed Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, the Managing Director of Kaduna State Media Corporation, as the new Commissioner of Information.

This follows the removal of Professor Muhammad Sani Bello from the position.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa, acknowledged Bello’s service as the pioneer Commissioner of Education and later Information Commissioner under Governor Sani’s administration.

The Governor wished Bello success in his future endeavors while welcoming Maiyaki to his new role.

No reason was given for the change.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating malaria as it officially flagged off the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) Campaign and Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) distribution in Madobi Local Government Area.

The event, held at Burji Primary Health Centre on Monday, was attended by key government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who represented the Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Governor Yusuf, in his address delivered by the Deputy Governor, said the administration remains dedicated to protecting the health and wellbeing of Kano residents, stressing that malaria elimination is a top priority in its health agenda.

This development was disclosed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar, on Tuesday.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots level.

He noted that several primary health care centres have been renovated under the current administration, with free medical services now available to residents.

Dr. Labaran further stated that the Ministry of Health is committed to closely monitoring healthcare facilities to ensure effective service delivery. He assured that more health centres would benefit from similar interventions in the coming months.

The campaign is aimed at protecting thousands of children and vulnerable groups from malaria, especially during the peak transmission season.

This includes administering preventive medications and distributing insecticide-treated nets across the state.

The programme is part of broader reforms in the health sector, targeting improved outcomes through preventive care and increased access to essential services.

By Anas Abbas

In recent weeks, Nigerian students across various universities have expressed growing frustration over the delayed disbursement of their upkeep allowances, a situation that has exacerbated the financial challenges many face amidst a struggling economy.

The Daily reality gathered that the upkeep allowance which is intended to support students with living expenses, has become a critical lifeline for those relying on it to cover basic needs such as food and transportation.

The Situation on Campus

Reports from Bayero university, Kano indicates that students are increasingly vocal about their plight.

On social media platforms,the students are commenting that the nelfund should disburse their stipend on a regular release.

“The NELFUND upkeep issue has become increasingly concerning, raising doubts about the program’s sustainability due to poor scheduling and inconsistency. Many students rely heavily on these allowances for their food and transportation, and the delays have caused significant hardship,” expressed Yusuf Aminu, a final-year student.

Adamu Muhammad expressed to the Daily Reality that NELFUND should disburse stipends to students on a monthly basis, rather than at arbitrary intervals.

Since it is intended as a monthly allowance, payments should not be made at the discretion of the program.

The current method of distributing student upkeep funds falls short of acceptable standards. “How can upkeep be paid two months or more after it’s due? This is an issue that officials must address urgently.Many students rely entirely on NELFUND, using the stipend to cover essential needs,” he said.

Economic Context

The concerns raised by students come against the backdrop of Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges. Inflation rates have soared, leading to increased prices for food and other essentials within the compusMany students report having to skip meals or rely on loans from friends to make ends meet while waiting for their allwances.

Nelfund Response

The Daily Reality reached out to the NELFUND office via email and phone but has yet to receive a response.Looking AheadAs students continue to voice their concerns, there are calls for greater accountability and transparency. Student Union government is urging students to be patient.

In a short interview, the Student Union Government (SUG) of Bayero University Kano (BUK) assured the Daily Reality that students should remain patient as the union is actively working to ensure the timely disbursement of their stipends.

“Last week, several universities received their monthly allowances, and we anticipate that Bayero University will receive their upkeep this week,” the SUG representative stated.

“If the allowances are not released by the end of the week, we will send a delegation from the SUG to the NELFUND office in Abuja to address the issue directly,” he added.

As the situation develops, it is clear that addressing these concerns will be crucial not only for the well-being of Nigerian students but also for the future of education in the country.

By Muazu Malami Mabera

In the realm of development communication, we have learned that successful project implementation hinges on a thorough understanding of a community’s norms and values. Engaging stakeholders is paramount to ensure that objectives align with the genuine needs of the people, rather than assumptions made by outsiders.

Many, including the Sokoto State Government have mistakenly narrowed the challenges facing Mabera to the mere lack of roads and gutters. While the dilapidated road infrastructure is indeed a pressing issue, it is far from the only one. Our community grapples with multiple, interrelated challenges that require urgent attention.

One of the most critical issues is access to potable drinking water. Residents often find themselves purchasing water from barrow pushers, paying between ₦150 and ₦200 per jerrycan. For medium-class families, this can amount to over ₦2,000 daily, as they may consume an entire barrow of water. Despite the recent commissioning of a new water project in the Tamaje/Dambuwa area, Mabera has yet to benefit from these developments.

Another significant concern is the imbalance in political representation at the state level. Mabera constitutes nearly 50% of the population in Sokoto South Local Government, yet we have never produced a single commissioner. This disparity is not due to a lack of qualified individuals; rather, it stems from systemic issues related to power-sharing and equity at the state level. Other areas have managed to produce two or three commissioners simultaneously, highlighting the inequity faced by our community.

Moreover, Mabera has long been overdue for an elevation in its traditional leadership structure. For decades, we have been governed by a ward head, despite the fact that Mabera has now been divided into nearly seven distinct areas:Mabera Fulani,Mabera Gidan Dahala, Mabera Iddi,Mabera Gidan Jariri,Mabera Tsohon Gida,Mabera Kantin Sani and Mabera Jelani.

Currently, all these areas fall under the jurisdiction of a single head known as Magajin Mabera. We urge the relevant authorities to consider this matter seriously and take necessary actions to establish a district head for fair and effective traditional governance.

Ultimately, it is essential to recognize that while infrastructure improvements such as roads and gutters are important, they do not address the full spectrum of issues facing Mabera. A holistic approach that considers our community’s diverse needs is crucial for sustainable development.

Muazu Malami Mabera
Email: muazumabera@gmail.com

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A new report by the Big Tent coalition, a political reform group, reveals that rural poverty in Nigeria has deteriorated to levels worse than at independence in 1960, with 75% of rural Nigerians trapped in chronic poverty.

The study, led by political economist Prof. Pat Utomi, highlights severe hunger, insecurity, and failing infrastructure, accusing the political class of prioritizing “power and propaganda over purpose.”

“Walk the streets of Ibadan or Maiduguri, and you’ll see the new destitution,” the 14-page report stated. It noted that 30 million Nigerians face acute food insecurity, with rural resilience destroyed by neglect and violence.

The report condemned government spending on projects like new presidential jets and the Lagos-Calabar highway while millions suffer.

It warned of collapsing trust in leadership, citing a grassroots survey showing citizens are “angry and hungry.”

Agriculture, once Nigeria’s economic backbone, now suffers a N1.04 trillion trade deficit, with farmers crippled by insecurity and poor policies.

The coalition urged urgent reforms, including university-led farming programs and regional industrialization.

With Nigeria’s debt rising and corruption unchecked, the Big Tent called for digitized elections and balanced budget laws.

“We are mortgaging the future,” the report warned.

“The state of our nation is terrifying,” Utomi said. “Citizens must reclaim the public square—this is the urgency of now.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Armed bandits have killed at least 130 security personnel, including police officers, soldiers, and members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps, in a series of violent attacks.

Nasir Muazu, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the casualties in a statement on Monday.

He said over 100 officers of the state-backed Community Watch Corps and more than 30 policemen had been killed, alongside several soldiers.

Muazu condemned social media mockery of the fallen officers, stating that their sacrifices demonstrated the government’s commitment to tackling banditry.

He assured that the state was providing support to victims’ families and rescued persons.

The commissioner urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports, emphasizing that security operations in remote forest areas require time and coordination.

He noted that the Katsina Community Watch Corps was established to assist in such challenging terrains.

While acknowledging improvements in security since Governor Dikko Radda took office in 2023, Muazu admitted that bandit attacks persist in some areas, including Faskari, Kankara, and Matazu.

He called for public support and prayers to sustain the fight against insecurity.