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By Muhammad Umar Shehu

There is this thing that has been baffling me for so long. How on earth can someone knowingly take what does not belong to them and claim to be the rightful owner? Be it a car, a motorcycle, money, or anything valuable, how can a person live with that and still have peace of mind? Just wondering. The rising number of fraudsters, armed robbers, and criminals is sending a red alarm through our society. We need to think about this. 

Where is our sense? How can you feel human after intentionally making someone else suffer by stealing or using power to take what is not yours? Even if you escape in this fleeting world, do you ever think about the hereafter? Honestly, I do not think anyone with a conscience can still feel truly human after that.

In today’s fast-paced society, the pursuit of wealth has become more intense than ever. Young people are under growing pressure to succeed quickly and visibly. Social media has made it worse, constantly showing luxury lifestyles, expensive cars, designer clothes, and dream vacations. Everywhere you look, someone is showing off something new, and this has created a culture where being rich is seen as the only proof of success. With this kind of pressure, it is not surprising that many are tempted to look for shortcuts to riches.

Some youth turn to legal avenues such as starting businesses, learning digital skills, or investing in trades. These are commendable paths that require time, discipline, and consistency. However, others begin to lean toward illegal or dishonest means. Internet fraud, online scams, money rituals, and other shady activities have unfortunately become attractive options for those who want to make it overnight. These choices are dangerous and often come with serious consequences that people do not thoroughly think through until it is too late.

The reality is that there is always a price to pay for fast money, especially when it comes through illegal means. Aside from the risk of arrest, prosecution, and jail time, there is also the emotional burden and shame that follow. Getting caught in criminal activity can destroy your future. It closes doors to real opportunities, stains your reputation, and breaks the trust your family and community have in you. Even if the law does not catch you, people talk. Your name becomes a warning, not an example.

Beyond legal consequences, there is also a personal cost. Living in constant fear of getting caught or exposed takes a toll on your mental health. Many people who appear to be living large are battling anxiety and guilt behind closed doors. They cannot sleep peacefully, they do not feel safe, and deep down, they know that what they are enjoying is temporary. What is the point of having money if you have to keep looking over your shoulder?

It is also important to understand that real wealth takes time to build. There is nothing wrong with starting small. Many successful people started with little, but they stayed consistent. Whether you are learning a skill, starting a side hustle, or working your way through school or a job, what matters is growth. Progress may be slow, but it is real, and over time, it adds up. That kind of wealth gives you confidence and freedom because it was earned the right way.

Young people need to hear this often. There is no shame in taking your time. Not everyone will blow in their twenties, and that is okay. Social media has created false timelines that make people feel like failures if they have not made it early. But life is not a race. Focus on building yourself. Learn, grow, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who push you to do better the right way. Your future should not be built on lies or shortcuts. Let it be built on purpose and with effort.

In the end, it is not just about making money. It is about who you become in the process. Money comes and goes, but your values, your peace of mind, and your name should remain intact. Do not trade your future for temporary pleasure. Stay focused, stay clean, and remember that true success is not just about how much you have but how you earned it.

Muhammad Umar Shehu wrote from Gombe and can be reached via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com

By Muhammad Abubakar

At least 1,111 Nigerians were killed and 276 abducted by gunmen and other non-state actors across the country in June 2025, according to a new report by Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited.

The chilling figures are contained in the company’s monthly security dossier, which tracks violence and criminal activity nationwide. Despite the high numbers, the report notes that June witnessed a “notable de-escalation” in security breaches compared to May, suggesting a slight dip in the frequency or intensity of attacks.

While the report did not provide a full regional breakdown, sources familiar with the data say many of the killings occurred in the North West and North Central zones, where banditry and communal violence remain rampant. Parts of the South East also continue to grapple with targeted killings and kidnappings by separatist-linked armed groups.

The 276 abductions show the persistent threat of kidnapping-for-ransom, which has plagued Nigeria for years, affecting schoolchildren, commuters, and rural dwellers alike.

Security analysts say the figures, though slightly improved from previous months, still reflect a deepening crisis. They have called for more coordinated action by federal and state authorities to strengthen local intelligence, improve response times, and hold perpetrators accountable.

The government has yet to respond to the latest statistics, but critics argue that repeated assurances of improved security have not translated into meaningful safety for the average Nigerian.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The death of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari in a London hospital has once again spotlighted the country’s long-standing crisis in healthcare delivery, especially among its elite. 

Buhari, 82, died on Saturday, July 13, after a prolonged illness reportedly linked to leukaemia. Despite leading Africa’s most populous nation and the continent’s largest economy, he died not on Nigerian soil, but under foreign care.

His passing mirrors a now-familiar pattern among Nigeria’s political class: fleeing abroad for treatment, even for routine ailments, only to eventually die in foreign hospitals. Buhari, who frequently sought medical attention in the United Kingdom during his presidency, had once campaigned on the promise of reducing medical tourism. Instead, he became one of its most prominent symbols.

Public reaction has been swift and critical. Muhammad Shakir Balogun, a resident advisor with the Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (NFELTP), condemned the trend in a widely shared Facebook post. Drawing comparisons with African icons like Nelson Mandela and Jerry Rawlings—both of whom received treatment and died in their home countries—Balogun wrote:

“They were not flown to London, Paris, or Amsterdam. They were attended to in their own countries by their own doctors… What of Nigeria, the giant of Africa? Even those who campaigned on the moral pedestal of not going abroad for treatment turned out to be the worst offenders ever.”

He called on current President Bola Tinubu to “break the despicable and shameless tradition” by ensuring at least one world-class hospital exists within Nigeria—“even if it’s a military hospital.”

Yet, President Tinubu himself has also faced criticism for continuing the same tradition. Since assuming office in May 2023, he has reportedly travelled to Paris multiple times for medical checkups, reinforcing the perception that Nigerian leaders lack confidence in the very healthcare system they oversee.

Critics argue that the reliance on foreign healthcare is not just a failure of policy but a profound betrayal of public trust. Nigeria’s public hospitals suffer from underfunding, dilapidated infrastructure, and a mass exodus of medical professionals, many of whom now work in the very countries to which Nigerian leaders turn in times of illness.

With Buhari’s burial scheduled for today in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, attention is turning not just to the legacy of his leadership, but to the urgent need for healthcare reform at home, so that future presidents may live, heal, and if necessary, die on Nigerian soil.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has announced a comprehensive state funeral programme following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

A period of national mourning has commenced to honour his service to the nation.

In a statement released by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the government detailed the arrangements.

A high-powered committee chaired by Senator Akume has been established to oversee the state burial proceedings.

As a mark of respect, Tuesday, July 15th, has been declared a public holiday, initiating a seven-day period of national mourning.

Throughout this time, all flags across Nigeria and at diplomatic missions abroad will fly at half-mast.

Significant government activities have been adjusted.

The weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, originally planned for Wednesday, has been postponed to Friday.

Furthermore, twenty-five members of the FEC have been directed to travel to Daura, the late president’s hometown, for a special three-day mourning session.

The process of returning the former president’s remains to Nigeria is underway. A delegation led by the Vice President has finalized arrangements for the repatriation.

The body is expected to arrive at Katsina airport by 12 noon today, Tuesday, July 15th, where it will be received with a brief military parade.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside other dignitaries, will formally receive the remains in Katsina before they are transported to Daura for the final rites.

The funeral prayer (Salatul Janazah) and burial will take place in Daura.

Condolence registers have been opened at all Federal Government ministries, agencies, and Nigerian embassies and consulates worldwide.

The government has called on all citizens to honour the memory of the late former president with prayers and respect during this time of national loss.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD

I didn’t feel very emotional when I first heard about the death of Muhammadu Buhari. Until this morning, when I came across one of his speeches from the 2023 campaign. In that speech, he reflected on his life, the approaching end of his tenure, and his return home. He bade farewell and admonished the congress and the Nigerian people with good leadership, honesty, and trustworthiness. Watching that speech now, occasioned by his passing, felt like listening to a wasiyya, a final will, from one of my dying parents. For the first time, I found my eyes welling up over someone’s death. 

The death of the former president shouldn’t come as a surprise. At 82, he had lived a full, ripe, and by many standards, successful life. Yet many of us were caught unprepared by his passing. He was much in the spotlight, with his move from his Daura residence to a renovated home in Kaduna, and visits from opposition figures, leading to the APC’s restlessness and the immediate response from the then APC chairman, “Habu Na Habu”. 

The last time Buhari was in the news, it was due to rumours that he had slipped into a coma and was in critical condition—claims swiftly denied by Garba Shehu. Like many staunch Buharists, I didn’t take those rumours seriously. After all, we had heard many such baseless reports before.

Two key lessons I’ve taken from Buhari’s leadership: one about Buhari himself, and the second about the general society. For Buhari, integrity and honesty, while essential, are not enough on their own to bring about revolutionary change. I’ve followed transformational leaders like Lee Kuan Yew. Like Buhari, he was tough and sincere. But what set him apart was his well-defined economic philosophy and strategic vision. Buhari, by contrast, appeared to rely heavily on the capacity of his advisers and inner circle. 

For Nigerians, even the much-touted Lee Kuan Yew may still not be enough to deliver the revolutionary change. This is because the mindset and orientation of much of Nigerian society are often at odds with the very change they claim to seek. Many did not fully understand the nature or depth of the “change” being clamoured for in the first place. In contrast, a significant portion of Singaporean society shared in Lee Kuan Yew’s vision—or were at least willing to align themselves with a national revolution. That collective readiness made transformation possible. In Nigeria, however, the societal psyche remains a major barrier to meaningful reform.

History is best understood by future generations. Chairman Mao was once seen as merely a rebel, yet he eventually seized power and reshaped global history. How he was perceived a hundred years ago stands in stark contrast to how he’s viewed today. 

President Muhammadu Buhari came, did his part, and has now taken his bow. Time will reveal the full weight of his legacy. Good night, Baba. May your soul rest in Jannatul Firdaus.

By Uzair Adam

The burial of Nigeria’s immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, will take place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

This was disclosed by Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, during a press briefing on Monday. The Daily Reality reports that Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in London, United Kingdom.

Governor Radda said consultations were made with Buhari’s family and associates in London before concluding the burial arrangements.“We have concluded that the body will arrive in Katsina by noon and the burial will take place in Daura at about 2pm,” he said.

The governor also expressed deep condolences to the late president’s family, describing him as a father figure whose legacy of integrity and service will remain unmatched.

Security has been tightened in Daura and surrounding areas ahead of the funeral, with dignitaries from across Nigeria expected to attend.

By Uzair Adam

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the death of four persons and the injury of seven others following the collapse of a three-storey uncompleted building at Abedi Sabon Gari in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

Dr. Nuraddeen Abdullahi, NEMA Coordinator for the Kano Territorial Office, disclosed the development to the newsmen on Monday.

According to him, the agency received a distress alert on Sunday, July 13, at about 6:49 p.m., reporting the collapse of the structure after a prolonged heavy downpour.

He said the incident occurred at about 6:42 p.m.“On receiving the information, we immediately mobilised a Search and Rescue (SAR) response team to the scene in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders,” Abdullahi said.

He explained that eyewitnesses at the scene indicated several individuals were inside the building at the time of the collapse, with many believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

The agency, he said, confirmed two fatalities and rescued six injured persons by 1:56 a.m. on Monday. By 5:41 a.m., two more deaths and one additional injury were recorded.

All victims were rushed to the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano for treatment.

“Several individuals are suspected to be trapped, and efforts are being intensified to reach them safely,” he said.

He added that the rescue team secured the perimeter to control the crowd and ensure safety while using heavy equipment and Amida lighting for the night operation.

Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing in collaboration with stakeholders and local authorities.

Abdullahi said a detailed post-incident assessment report will be compiled at the conclusion of the operation.

He also noted that there is currently no immediate request for additional external reinforcement, but updates will be provided as necessary.

By Uzair Adam

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a courageous leader and a highly disciplined military officer devoted to the nation’s service.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said it received the news of Buhari’s death in a London hospital with deep sadness.

According to the party, Buhari will be remembered for his various roles in public service — including his time as Governor of Borno, Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Chairman of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund, Military Head of State, and later, as a democratically elected President.

The PDP extended its condolences to his widow, Hajia Aisha Buhari; the entire Buhari family; the Federal Government; the Nigerian Army; the people and government of Katsina State; and the Daura Emirate.

The party also prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide as a sign of mourning and respect for the late former president.

By Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

“Fellow countrymen and women. I, Brigadier Sani Abacha of the Nigerian Army, address you this morning on behalf of the Nigerian armed forces. You are all living witnesses to the grave economic predicament….”

That was on the 31st of December 1983. I was a Form Five student at the Government Secondary Technical School,Mashi. But the school was on its first-term vacation. So, I was at home. I was sitting with my father that early morning when someone came in to announce that the Army had overthrown President Shehu Shagari and that “rediyo baya Magana”, meaning the radio was silent. It was after my father sent for his transistor radio that I understood what the man meant. Normal radio programmes were not running. The radio station we listened to those days was mainly Radio Kaduna. Occasionally, we listened to Rima Radio, Sokoto, a Nigerien radio channel and Radio Kano. There was no Katsina State, so no Radio Katsina. No FM. No social media.

The only voice Radio Kaduna was airing was that of Brigadier Sani Abacha with the historical coup speech at regular intervals, filled with military music. Since my father did not go to Makarantar Boko, he asked me to translate, and I did that with the confidence of a final year student ready to take the WAEC examination in five months. Yeah, only WAEC. No NECO. No NABTEB. Nothing else except WAEC. 

But that was not the point. Everyone was anxious to know Shagari’s replacement. It didn’t come immediately. Later in the afternoon, a Yoruba voice (later identified as Tunde Idiagbon) spoke to announce the acceptance of the “voluntary retirement” of service chiefs. While they were still waiting, another General (Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida) spoke; he asked Nigerians to remain calm as they awaited the speech of the new Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. 

The speech did not come until midnight, when many of us were already asleep. The following morning, my father didn’t need me for translation as Radio Kaduna was airing the translated speech of the new Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari. I saw happiness on the faces of the adults. I understood that they were happy because the new Head of State was not another Kaduna Nzegwu or an Aguiyi-Ironsi. 

That was the beginning of the Buhari story. For those of us in secondary schools, nothing changed. Our holiday ended and we went back to our boarding school. In the whole of what is now Katsina state, I knew of only one day secondary school. That was the one in Katsina town, and it was owned by the Government. All the other schools I knew were boarding schools and public schools.

We sat for the WAEC GCE O-level exam and passed with the necessary credits and distinctions. My BUK pre-degree admission came quickly, and it was after I reported and registered that I understood that Buhari had removed the feeding subsidy in tertiary institutions. So, we were on our own.

Buhari was overthrown in August 1985, and that was the beginning of his popularity. Four months after he was overthrown, Nigerian students went on a rampage to protest the IMF loan. It was followed by the unpopular SAP. The more General Babangida introduced new policies, the more popular Major General Buhari became, even though he was in prison. People were tearing Babangida’s pictures and pasting the pictures of Buhari, his prisoner, on their vehicles and business premises.

The interview Buhari gave The News magazine after his release from detention made him even more popular among the elites and demonised Babangida. In the interview, Buhari spoke about the “fifth columnist” in his administration,which was understood to be a veiled reference to Babangida.

Fast forward to 2015, as a democrat, Buhari became the President after three failed attempts. The experiences of Nigerians were bitter, depending on who was involved. To the victims of banditry like us, he was a failure. To university lecturers like me, he destroyed tertiary education. To the Shiites, he was a murderer. To the masses, he is synonymous with hardship.

However, regardless of how you see Buhari, you must admit that he was sincere. He was incorruptible and meant well for Nigeria. Buhari would have been the best president Nigeria had if only he had ensured accountability in his Government.

May Allah have mercy on the soul of Muhammadu Buhari and admit him into the highest level of Firdaus. Amin.

Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, a two-time leader revered as a soldier and statesman, passed away on Sunday at a hospital in the United Kingdom at 82.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed the death in an emotional press release, describing Buhari as “a patriot to the very core” whose “legacy of service and sacrifice endures.”

Buhari governed Nigeria first as a military ruler (1984–1985) and later as a democratically elected president (2015–2023) Tinubu praised his predecessor’s “unwavering dedication” to Nigeria, highlighting Buhari’s “quiet strength” during turbulent times, anti-corruption campaigns, and commitment to national unity.

“He placed the country above personal interest at every turn,” Tinubu stated.

The president extended condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha, his children, the Buhari family, and the people of Katsina State—particularly the Daura Emirate.

In honour of Buhari, Tinubu ordered all national flags flown at half-staff for seven days and summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday.

The federal government will accord Buhari full state honours, reflecting his “towering contributions” to Nigeria.

Tinubu concluded with a prayer: “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.” He expressed hope that Buhari’s life would inspire Nigerians to serve “with courage, conviction, and selflessness.”

Buhari’s death marks the end of an era for a leader whose career spanned four turbulent decades in Nigerian politics.

Tributes are expected nationwide as the country enters a week of mourning.