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By Sulaiman Abdullahi

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has inaugurated a new set of commissioners to lead key ministries in the state. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Ante-Chamber of the Kano Government House.  

Governor Yusuf emphasised his administration’s commitment to fostering development through a capable team, noting that the appointments are strategic to achieving the state’s development goals.  

The newly sworn-in commissioners are:

1. Dr. Ismail Danmaraya – Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development  

2. Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu – Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy

3. Dr. Dahir M. Hashim – Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change

4. Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi – Commissioner for Commerce and Industry  

5. Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Wayya – Commissioner for Information  

6. Abdulkadir Abdulsalam – Commissioner for Rural Development  

7. Comrade Nura Iro Ma’aji – Commissioner for Public Procurement and Project Monitoring  

8. Adamu Aliyu Kibiya – Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs (reassigned)  

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence in the appointees’ ability to deliver on their mandates and urged them to prioritise service delivery and the welfare of Kano residents. 

By Musab Isah Mafara, PhD

As you regularly use social media, it’s important to understand that many individuals post misguided or controversial opinions, images, and videos with specific intentions. They seek attention and engagement, aiming to drive traffic and, subsequently, revenue to their profiles.

Social media monetisation has become an attainable goal for all. In pursuing fame and financial gain, some users compromise their dignity and reputation–assuming these were valued in the first place–by posting provocative content meant to ignite heated debates.

For example, people might post movie reviews/clip without captions, prompting viewers to ask for the movie’s name, thereby increasing comment counts. Others might upload videos criticizing a religious group, knowing it will provoke members of that group to share the video, thus boosting its reach and view count. The opposition might watch to refute these criticisms, further amplifying the content.

And then you have the annoying ones who share harmful content they claim not to agree with, under the guise of correcting misinformation. You also have celebrities and influencers who post videos of themselves doing or saying things specifically designed to get people talking about them.

Unfortunately, even some ‘Shaikhs’–or their handlers–have been drawn into this trend of attention-seeking posts aimed at drawing crowds and potentially monetising in the long run. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with scholars monetising their social media presence–indeed, it could offer financial independence and protection from undue influence by sects, benefactors, or governments–they must tread carefully.

Managing a page, especially if done personally by an Islamic scholar, poses the risk of succumbing to vanity or showmanship. Although only Allah truly knows one’s intentions, people can sometimes infer motives from the content of posts, which might damage a scholar’s credibility among followers or, worse, lead to ‘Riya‘ (showing off for praise). May Allah guide our intentions to be sincere and protect us from ‘Riya‘.

There is nothing wrong with using social media to gain followers and earn from what you share on your profile, but the content should align with what is permissible (halal). Although halal content might not ‘sell’ well online, as Muslims, we cannot justify the means by the ends and post whatever we like just to make it.

Focus on sharing religious teachings, educational materials, skills, recipes, analysis of issues, and any useful knowledge relevant to people’s daily lives. Share what will benefit people in their everyday interactions or what will bring them closer to Allah. Your actions could lead to one of these outcomes:

1. A reward from Allah alone.

2. Financial rewards from platforms like Facebook, TikTok, or others.

3. Both a reward from Allah and financial compensation.

4. Neither a reward nor financial benefit, if the intention is not right and you couldn’t meet the requirements of the platform, but likely no sin incurred.

However, if you promote impermissible (haram) content, you must understand the consequences. You’ll be accountable for the sin not just for yourself but for everyone who encounters that content through you, directly or indirectly, until the end of time. The Prophet (SAW) said:

ومن سنَّ في الإسلام سنَّة سيئة فعليه وزرها ووزر من عمل بها من بعده من غير أن ينقص من أوزارهم شيء

“And whoever introduces a bad practice in Islam that is followed after him, there is upon him the sin of it and the sin of those who act upon it after him, without that diminishing their sins in any way.”

Don’t be a means to a sinful act.

Furthermore, even if you’re not directly sharing harmful content, you can help reduce its spread by not engaging with it. Unfollow pages that offer nothing but this kind of material. When necessary, address issues on your own wall without linking back to the harmful content or commenting on the page where it was posted. Additionally, hide or unfollow accounts that thrive on harmful materials. Often, it only takes a click of the 3 dots against a post and choosing ‘Not Interested.’

By Ishaka Mohammed

An Abuja-based strategic communication and multimedia firm, Dinovate Solutions, has announced one month’s free training in cinematography and related fields.

The company announced the programme on Monday, January 6, 2025. Under its academy (Dinovate Creative Academy), the company listed five free courses, including cinematography, photography, generative content creation, AI-powered video editing, and cartoon creation and animation.

The physical training, scheduled to start on January 27, will feature only individuals with access to laptops.

Among other benefits, trainees will have the chance to participate in industry-level short film projects, and top performers could gain internship opportunities and potential job offers.

While the application deadline is January 10, acceptance will be based on first come, first served.

Interested persons are required to visit https://bit.ly/DCACohort1application to apply.

Dinovate Solutions drives developmental projects through creative storytelling and multimedia content, partnering with local and international organisations, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

By Muhammad Habibat Sani

Residents of Abaji, a prominent town in Abuja, lament the prolonged closure of the only bank in the area. The closure, prompted by a series of recent robbery incidents, has left the community reeling.  

This development has brought significant hardship to the residents, particularly business owners and individuals who depend on the bank for daily transactions and upkeep.  

For several months now, the bank has remained shut following a robbery incident that resulted in the tragic loss of lives.  

The wave of robberies in the town has not only claimed lives but also disrupted economic and commercial activities, leaving the community in a dire situation.  

Many residents of Abaji, particularly business owners, have resorted to travelling to neighbouring towns such as Gwagwalada and Lokoja to carry out banking transactions.  

It would be recalled that earlier this year, daredevil robbers stormed the bank in Abaji, killing some members of the community and injuring others, including security personnel.  

Since the tragic incident, the bank has remained desolate, and management has made no visible effort to improve the situation. The affected bank has refused to resume commercial operations, citing the damage to its structure that still needs to be repaired.  

The town’s youth are also not spared from hardship. Many endure the rigorous process of traveling to Gwagwalada, about 63 minutes away, just to carry out banking transactions. Those who rely on ATMs are equally affected, as they must travel to withdraw cash or perform any form of banking activity. 

Several residents shared their frustrations with our correspondent. Ummilkhair Muhammad Sani, born and raised in Abaji, complained about her expired ATM card. She said, “Transport from Abaji to nearby towns is expensive, so I’ve left the card without renewing it.”  

Another resident, Umar Ashafa, expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation. He said, “We are at the mercy of POS (point of sale) operators. To withdraw ₦1,000, you now have to pay 100 naira and calculate the charges, and it’s a hardship. Sometimes, you have to check several shops just to find cash.”  

Ekene Arachie, the manager of Nipco Petroleum, Abaji, has raised concerns about the unavailability of banks in Abaji, describing it as a serious security threat. He stated, “The effect of the absence is very devastating. Major businesses find it difficult to handle cash. The absence of such commercial banks has done more harm than good. It has created a lacuna between businesses and banks and has given room for security challenges.”  

Similarly, Mallam Adamu, a point-of-sale (POS) operator, has lamented the difficulty of accessing cash. He said, “We have to beg big shop owners to give us cash. Normally, we get that cash from banks, but now it affects our business. Sometimes, I cannot get cash and have to close down my shop.”  

A police officer who pleaded anonymity while reacting to the bank closure explained that the police had received numerous complaints from families residing in Abaji, business owners, travellers, and petty traders.  

He said, “They are seriously affected by the bank closure as they do not have any means to transact their business with ease, especially the movement of cash and settling of debts.”  

Addressing measures being taken to prevent future occurrences, the police officer noted, “The police are putting all necessary mechanisms in place to curtail such incidents from repeating. We have embarked on building synergy within the communities in Abaji to enable them to trust and report issues on time to the police. During the last robbery operations, it was visibly noticed that no timely information was provided to the police. But be rest assured, we are seriously checking the traces of such ugly incidents.”  

He further appealed to the public for cooperation, adding, “I will also request that you, as a good citizen of Nigeria, which I believe you are, help us with information that can lead to any secret meetings or plans by the men of the underworld (robbers) before they can execute their plans, so we can arrest them on time.”  

Commenting on the police response during the robbery, he described the incident as unfortunate. Still, he commended the gallant efforts of his officers, stating, “Even without proper information to the police, we tried our best and should be clapped for. The role of the police during the robbery incident or any other robbery is to counter the robbers, and we do that by engaging the robbers in a shootout (gun battle). That is what happened during the First Bank robbery in Abaji. Regrettably, we lost one of our officers and a civilian.”  

He emphasised that despite these losses, the robbers were unable to cart away any money from the bank due to the professionalism displayed by the police. “It is important to note that because of our professional display of gallantry, the robbers were unable to remove any money from the bank.” 

By Uzair Adam

The Director General of the Kano State Research and Documentation Directorate, Gimbiya Nana Asma’u Jibrin, has lauded Governor Yusuf’s exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to the state’s development.

In a statement she issued and signed on Sunday, Gimbiya Nana commended the governor on the occasion of his 62nd birthday, describing him as a visionary leader whose efforts have transformed Kano State across various sectors.

She stated his administration’s strides in education, healthcare, infrastructure, women and youth empowerment, noting that his passion for improving the lives of the people remains unparalleled.

“The governor has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering commitment to the progress of Kano State.

“His initiatives in promoting quality education, revamping healthcare delivery, and expanding infrastructure have brought remarkable changes to the lives of many citizens,” she said.

Gimbiya Nana further praised the Governor’s dedication to fostering unity and inclusivity, emphasizing that his approach to governance has earned him admiration both within and outside the state.

She urged citizens to continue supporting his vision for a better Kano.

“On this special occasion of his 62nd birthday, we celebrate a leader whose legacy of service and dedication will undoubtedly inspire future generations,” she added.

The statement concluded with a call for continued prayers and support for the governor as he steers the state towards greater heights.

By Uzair Adam

The leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has hailed the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, as a symbol of loyalty and compassionate leadership.

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, expressed his admiration in a statement celebrating Governor Yusuf’s 62nd birthday.

“The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has proven himself as an effective leader, from his early days as my aide to his role as commissioner and now as the Chief Executive Officer of our state,” Kwankwaso remarked.

He commended Yusuf for his remarkable achievements within 19 months in office, highlighting transformative initiatives across various sectors in Kano.

“I am particularly impressed by his empathy for the people, his attentiveness to their needs, and his commitment to decisions that enhance the lives of Kanawa,” he said.

Kwankwaso further described the governor as a figure who has positively impacted Kano through his decades of service.

“In his 62 years, Governor Abba has set a standard as an icon of loyalty and compassionate leadership.

“May Allah grant him more grace, strength, and wisdom to continue serving his people. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency,” he said.

By Anas Abbas

BUA Refinery and petrochemicals has dismissed a report claiming that its 200,000 barrels/day refinery is 90% complete, describing it as misleading and inaccurate.

In a statement, The Daily Reality, gathered that, the company urged the public to disregard these misleading claims, emphasizing that they did not originate from BUA company.

The company confirmed that construction is progressing steadily and remains on track to meet its delivery timelines in collaboration with partners.

The Akwa Ibom refinery project is seen as a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s refining capacity and energy security.

In addition to the refinery, BUA is also advancing other energy initiatives, including a mini-LNG plant and new hybrid power plants across the country, aimed at increasing its existing captive power generation capacity of over 1,000 megawatts.

BUA also, encouraged the public to verify information through its official channels to avoid being misled by false reports. The company reiterated its commitment to transparency and excellence, noting that it has successfully completed over 12 major industrial projects worth more than $3.5 billion in the last decade.

As the Akwa Ibom project progresses, BUA expressed appreciation for the publics’ interest and support, affirming its dedication to building a robust industrial and manufacturing base for a self-reliant Nigeria.

By Khadijat Ogido 

Maintaining good health is essential for students every day. Well-being is a holistic journey that integrates physical, mental, and emotional health. Mental health is a cornerstone of well-being, though many students overlook it.

Mental health problems can affect a student’s energy level, concentration, dependability, cognitive ability, and optimism, which hinder their performance. Students consider symptoms like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychotics, and mood swings as everyday experiences which often lead to mental illness.

According to mental health research conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in four students has a diagnosable mental illness. “A lot of pressure from parents, stress from exams, the pressure of getting good grades in university. These aspects destroy the inner peace of students”.

In a world where stress and fast-paced demands are commonplace, prioritising self-care and balanced living can significantly impact health and happiness. However, the case is often different for most students. 

The stress of pursuing academic excellence sometimes leads to neglect of health. To pass their exams, most students stay up late, reading for more than 16 hours a day, and some do not properly care for their diet, which has resulted in mental, physical, and psychological problems.

Mental health is vital at every stage of life, from childhood to adolescence and adulthood. There are several causes of mental health illness in students, such as depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, etc. Most students on campus experience some of these problems but always downplay them as usual.

Amina Abubakar, a 300L architectural student at Bayero University Kano (BUK), narrated her experience of how school activities have challenged and affected her mentally. She said, “Being a student is difficult because I must attend lectures, do tests, assignments, and presentations. Most of the time, I have a serious headache if I return from school. The headache lasts for more than two days, and I won’t be able to eat or sleep.”

Similarly, Maryam Jibrin, a student in the economics department, lamented about the price of being a student. She said, “Being a student, trying to get good grades, maintaining social relationships and trying to cope with the current hardship is on another level because it’s affecting most students in many ways. At times, students feel depressed and stressed out. Some students will even lock themself inside and don’t want to talk to anybody, and when u ask them what is wrong with them, they will say they are fine”.

Consequently, mental health issues among students have a significant effect on their academic performance. Social relationships, behavioural issues, physical health, lack of concentration, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), and other problems might affect students physically, mentally, and psychologically. 

Matt Haig, an English author and journalist, said, “Mental health problems don’t define who you are; they are something we experience. You walk in the rain and feel the rain, but you are not the rain.” Therefore, students who experience any symptoms of mental issues should not panic. They should always seek advice and help or talk to someone, not keep things to themselves.

In conclusion, since students must overcome academic stress to pass, the university authority should help create an environment that will enable students to study by building a counselling hall for students to go to when they feel depressed. Also, family and friends should not leave their loved ones alone without checking up on them, which might make them feel alienated. 

Students should engage in activities that bring them joy and relaxation, eat on time, take a break, give themselves time to rest, exercise, and be healthy. Health is wealth. Don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it. Your mental health matters, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Khadijat Ogido wrote via ogidokhadijat82@gmail.com.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

As 2025 begins, Nigeria is grappling with an unprecedented economic crisis. Inflation is at an all-time high, the cost of living continues to skyrocket, and millions of Nigerians struggle to make ends meet. Against this backdrop, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his maiden media chat, aired on December 23, 2024, reaffirmed his commitment to the controversial reforms that have significantly reshaped the nation’s economic landscape. For many Nigerians, his steadfastness in the face of public outcry has been both perplexing and polarising.

During the televised chat, Tinubu made it clear that he has no regrets about the swift removal of the fuel subsidy, a decision he implemented on May 29, 2023, immediately after assuming office. “I made the swift decision to preserve Nigeria’s future and that of generations yet unborn,” he stated. The move, he argued, was necessary to redirect funds toward critical infrastructure and social investments. However, while the rationale may have been rooted in long-term sustainability, its immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians has been devastating.

The President also defended his administration’s tax reform bills, currently before the National Assembly, insisting they were essential to Nigeria’s economic recovery. Despite significant pushback, particularly from Northern leaders who feared the reforms could deepen regional disparities, Tinubu maintained that these policies were non-negotiable. “The tax reforms have come to stay,” he declared, further solidifying his reputation as a leader unwilling to waver, even in the face of widespread criticism.

For the average Nigerian, these reforms have translated into unbearable economic hardship. Inflation rose to an alarming 33.95% in November 2024, up from 22.41% in May 2023. The cost of basic commodities such as food, fuel, and transportation has nearly doubled, pushing millions below the poverty line. The removal of the fuel subsidy, intended to save the government trillions of naira annually, has led to an exponential increase in the cost of petrol, which now hovers around ₦1000 per litre.

The ripple effects are evident everywhere. Transport fares have tripled, food prices are beyond the reach of many families, and small businesses are folding under the weight of operating costs. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, unemployment rose from 33.3% in Q1 2023 to 40% in Q3 2024, leaving millions without a source of income. For many Nigerians, survival has become a daily struggle, with no immediate relief in sight.

While President Tinubu’s reforms undoubtedly aim to stabilise the economy and ensure fiscal responsibility, their execution has lacked a critical human element. Policy changes of this magnitude require technical precision, empathy, and strategic cushioning to mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations. Governments worldwide that have implemented subsidy removals or tax reforms have typically done so gradually, accompanied by robust social safety nets.

In Nigeria, the absence of significant palliatives has amplified the suffering of the masses. The promised conditional cash transfers and mass transit buses remain primarily theoretical, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of these reforms unaided. The government urgently needs to adopt a more holistic approach that balances fiscal discipline with the immediate needs of its people.

As a writer, it has been my habit to pen a year-in-review piece every December, reflecting on the highs and lows of the past year. This year, however, I chose to wait until President Tinubu’s address to the nation, hoping for a message of hope or at least a roadmap to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. Unfortunately, his reaffirmation of policies exacerbating the economic crisis offers little comfort.

The government must urgently prioritise measures to ease Nigerians’ economic burden. Initiatives such as targeted subsidies for essential goods, tax relief for low-income earners, and the accelerated implementation of promised palliatives could provide immediate relief. Additionally, robust dialogue with stakeholders, particularly those from regions expressing concerns, is critical to fostering a sense of inclusion and national unity.

President Tinubu’s vision for a self-reliant Nigeria is commendable, but the path to achieving it cannot come at the expense of the people’s well-being. Economic reforms must be designed to stabilise numbers and improve lives. As the nation stands at a crossroads, the government has an opportunity to recalibrate its approach, demonstrating that it is not only fiscally responsible but also deeply empathetic to the struggles of its citizens.

Nigerians’ resilience is unmatched, but resilience alone cannot drive a nation forward. It is time for governance that is as humane as it is ambitious—leadership that listens, learns, and adapts. As 2025 approaches, the hope is that the lessons of the past year will inspire a more inclusive and compassionate governance style, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the pursuit of progress.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com. 

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has strongly condemned the allegations made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding an alleged assassination attempt on Senator Lawal Adamu Usman.

The APC dismissed the accusations as baseless and defamatory, calling them false and absurd.In a statement, the APC expressed concern over the growing trend of the PDP issuing unfounded statements that undermine the seriousness of public discourse in the state.

The party also criticized the PDP for not exercising due diligence in handling such critical matters, which it said reflected poorly on the party’s standards.

The Kaduna State Police Command had previously issued a statement revealing that Senator Usman had neither filed a formal complaint nor cooperated with the investigation into the alleged assassination attempt.

Despite the police making repeated efforts to contact him, Senator Usman remained unresponsive.

The APC expressed bewilderment at how the PDP arrived at its conclusions implicating the APC, considering the lack of evidence and cooperation in the case.

The APC called on Senator Usman and the PDP to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

The party warned that failure to do so would suggest that the assassination attempt allegations were fabricated to malign the APC, disrupt peace in the state, and undermine progress.

The APC further speculated that the PDP, through certain individuals with vested interests, was attempting to derail the peace initiatives under the leadership of Senator Uba Sani.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing peace efforts and the growth and stability of Kaduna State.

In its final remarks, the APC urged the PDP to refrain from spreading unverified accusations and focus on playing a more constructive role as the opposition.

The APC also reiterated its determination to continue delivering on its promises to the people of Kaduna State, particularly in the upcoming year, which the party has declared as the “Year of Fulfillment.”