Admin

By Uzair Adam 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a State Visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday.  

The Daily Reality gathered that this historic visit marks the first time an Indian prime minister has been to Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s trip in 2007, during which a strategic partnership between the two nations was established.  

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this development in a statement on Saturday.  

According to Onanuga, the meeting aims to bolster ties between Nigeria and India. Both leaders will discuss avenues for collaboration across critical sectors. 

“Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding to enhance cooperation,” he stated.  

Prime Minister Modi is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Saturday ahead of the talks scheduled for Sunday.  

This visit underscores the commitment of both nations to deepening their longstanding bilateral relationship.

By Uzair Adam 

A 14-month-old baby, Grace Osamagbe, who was abducted in April by her nanny, has been rescued by the Edo State Police Command. 

The Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, disclosed the development during a briefing in Benin on Saturday. 

According to Ozigi, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit apprehended the nanny, Rejoice Chukwu, 24, and her boyfriend, Destiny Uchechukwu, 28, in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State. 

The pair had abducted the child in Benin, collected a ransom of N160,000, and subsequently sold her for N500,000 to Doris Chiwendu in Owerri, Imo State.

Police investigations further led to the arrest of Chiwendu and another accomplice, Jane Amaigbo, in Ubomiri, Imo State. 

The baby was rescued on November 9, following extensive questioning and tracking by law enforcement.

The police commissioner confirmed that the suspects would soon face charges in court.

By Uzair Adam

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were among the notable figures who attended the wedding Fatiha of the daughter of former Kano State Governor, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano on Saturday.

The grand event also brought together the groom and bride’s fathers, prominent businessman Dahiru Mangal and Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his deputy, Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo.

The wedding Fatiha was held at the Palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, and drew dignitaries from across the country.

The ceremony marked another significant gathering of Nigeria’s political and business elite, reflecting the strong ties among the nation’s leaders.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, PhD, FNSE, National Leader of the NNPP, welcomed Nigeria’s top political dignitaries to Kano for his beloved daughter’s wedding.

The illustrious event, held under the serene ambience of Kano’s cultural heritage, saw the presence of Kano State Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf joined hands with his mentor and received many prominent leaders. Among them were Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, CON, former Governor of Zamfara State; Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi; and His Excellency Adamu Aliero, former Governor of Kebbi State.

Social media commentators praise the politicians’ display of unity. Others add that the occasion transcends political affiliations, bringing together leaders from diverse backgrounds to celebrate a union rooted in love and tradition. The wedding symbolises more than just a family milestone—it has become a testament to the power of unity, respect, and collaboration in Nigeria’s political sphere.

The event was a magnificent display of cultural pride and leadership, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees and further solidifying Sen. Kwankwaso’s role as a unifying figure in the nation.

By Amrah Musa Kamaruddeen

In today’s digital era, a new phenomenon known as “sharenting” has emerged, where parents extensively share photos, videos, and updates about their children on social media platforms. This blend of sharing and parenting has sparked a lively debate, raising questions about privacy, consent, and the long-term impact on children.

For many parents, social media offers a convenient platform to document and celebrate their children’s milestones and daily adventures. It provides a way to connect with family and friends, especially those far away. Sharing these moments can foster community and support, allowing parents to exchange advice and experiences.

However, the practice of sharenting has prompted significant privacy concerns. Once images and information are posted online, they can be difficult to control. Photos can be shared, downloaded, and even misused by strangers. 

The permanence of the internet raises questions about how these digital footprints might affect children as they grow older, especially when they begin to establish their online identities.

Another critical issue is consent. Young children cannot give informed consent to having their lives shared online. As they grow, they may feel uncomfortable with the digital trail left behind by their parents’ posts. This raises ethical questions about children’s rights to privacy and autonomy over their personal information.

The psychological effects of sharenting are still being explored. Some experts suggest that children might feel pressure to perform for the camera or struggle with the idea that their lives are being broadcast without input. On the other hand, positive reinforcement from family and friends can boost a child’s self-esteem, suggesting a nuanced impact.

For parents who wish to navigate sharenting responsibly, several guidelines can be considered:

1. Privacy Settings: Use strict privacy settings on social media accounts to limit who can see your posts.

2. Consent: As children grow older, involve them in discussions about what gets shared and respect their wishes if they prefer not to be featured online.

3. Limit Details: Do not share sensitive information such as full names, birth dates, or locations that could compromise your child’s safety.

4. Think Long-Term: Consider the potential long-term effects of each post and whether it might embarrass or harm your child in the future.

5. Digital Literacy: Educate children about the implications of digital sharing and the importance of privacy from an early age.

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the dynamics of parenting in the digital age. Sharenting, while offering opportunities for connection and celebration, demands careful consideration of privacy, consent, and the well-being of children. By adopting mindful practices, parents can safeguard their children’s present and future in the digital realm.

Amrah Musa Kamaruddeen wrote from the Mass Communication Department, Bayero University, Kano.

By Uzair Adam 

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed a suit filed by Kogi State and 18 other states seeking to invalidate the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

In a unanimous decision delivered on Friday by a seven-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, the apex court ruled that the EFCC Establishment Act of 2002 did not require ratification by state Houses of Assembly. 

The court emphasized that the Act was a federal law enacted by the National Assembly, which holds the constitutional power to legislate on such matters.

The plaintiffs, through their Attorneys General, had argued that the EFCC was created without compliance with Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, which they claimed mandated the approval of state Houses of Assembly. 

They asserted that the EFCC Establishment Act originated from an international convention and should have been subjected to a domestication process involving the states.

Rejecting these claims, the Supreme Court held that the National Assembly acted within its legislative competence in creating the EFCC. 

The court further noted that the EFCC Act, along with other anti-corruption laws, is binding on all states, as it does not conflict with the Constitution.

The Federal Government, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had urged the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as a challenge to the country’s anti-corruption framework. 

Fagbemi argued that the EFCC and related agencies were validly established under Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the state to abolish corrupt practices and financial crimes.

The ruling affirms the legal standing of the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU as critical agencies in Nigeria’s fight against corruption and financial crimes.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

In recent times, Nigeria has faced a concerning increase in audacious attacks on its critical national assets and infrastructure. These assaults, carried out by bandits, insurgents, and vandals, threaten the stability and security of the nation. The targeted facilities are essential for the country’s economic growth and public safety. 

On January 14, 2022, the 132 kV Ahoada-Yenagoa transmission line towers belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were vandalised.

On March 28, 2022, the Abuja-Kaduna train was attacked by insurgents. The incident occurred in the evening when the train from Abuja was en route to Kaduna. This attack tragically resulted in casualties and the abduction of several passengers. Train services on the Abuja-Kaduna route were halted for many weeks.

On September 25, 2022, vandals attacked the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) towers 303 and 304 along the Jos road, disrupting electricity to the entire Northeast for weeks.

On June 20, 2024, the rail fittings installed on the Second Niger Bridge were uprooted and vandalised.

On June 11, 2024, insurgents attacked TCN towers T193 and T194 along the Damaturu-Maiduguri 330 kV Single Circuit Transmission Line, leaving Maiduguri and its environs in darkness for weeks.

In July this year, a report published by Thisday Newspaper estimated that Nigeria lost approximately $3.57 billion in just the first five months of 2024 due to oil theft, which was largely attributed to pipeline vandalism and militant activities.

Experts suggest improvements have been made in security measures to protect oil and related assets, with around N50 billion allocated annually for local security contractors. Furthermore, the Joint Task Force (JTF), known as Operation Delta Safe, comprises all branches of the armed forces and Federal Road Safety Corps members to tackle this challenge. The Nigerian Navy has also initiated Operation Delta Sanity to bolster maritime surveillance.

It appears that bandits, vandals, and insurgents are becoming more daring and sophisticated than the strategies implemented to combat and prevent attacks on critical national assets. What needs to be done? 

The government should consider utilizing technology in addition to its boots-on-the-ground strategy. For example, Nigeria can deploy advanced SCADA systems to monitor critical national assets and infrastructure, such as power grids, water treatment plants, oil and gas pipelines, transportation networks, and communication systems. 

Secondly, while the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is doing good work protecting some oil pipelines, it should be retooled, adequately staffed, and better funded. More personnel should be deployed to protect critical power transmission lines and towers, as the core mandate of Civil Defence is safeguarding critical infrastructure—safeguarding government facilities and installations. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) should enhance its manual and high-tech monitoring systems, including drones and real-time surveillance. 

Additionally, the TCN’s public relations strategy should be improved. Showcasing to the world that insurgents can disrupt the northern Nigerian electricity supply was a significant PR blunder, providing free publicity for the bandits, insurgents, and vandals. 

Any country that fails to adequately protect its national assets and infrastructure will compromise its national security, compromising economic stability, public safety, and resilience to disasters, which may result in social disorder. 

For instance, the frustration in the north, caused by nearly ten days of blackouts in the region, stems from an attack on critical national assets—the 330 kV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2. Nigeria’s international respect and reputation are at stake, as protecting critical national assets and infrastructure is integral to global security frameworks. 

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

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Community Policing is a strategy that focuses on developing relationships with community members. It is a highly personal philosophy of full-service policing in which an officer patrols the same area for some time and develops a partnership with citizens to identify and solve problems.

Community Policing came to Nigeria in 2004. The main aim of launching the pilot scheme was to bring the police closer to members of the public and, by extension, get prompt information that the earlier concept of this initiative resulted in the formation of vigilante groups in communities and cities across the country, ostensibly to combat rising crime waves in the face of the police’s inability to deal effectively with armed robbery and other violent crimes.

Examples of such operations include Civilian JTF in Borno State, Amotekun in Lagos State, Zemda Initiated by Zazzau Emirate, and police constabulary in some of the majority parts of the Nigerian police headquarters and divisions across the nation.

The question here is, in whose interest is Community Policing? People have different views on the question above, and their answers vary based on their perceptions. Some see it as in the government’s interest, some in the community’s interest, and some in the interest of both parties (government/community).

Firstly, the side of the community will have a more favourable view of their local police department in the sense that they will be able to check the activities of the police department with the help of the newly emerging community police. It is believed that the Nigerian police force often releases or cooperates with criminals. 

Secondly, on the government side, it will help collect more accurate information from residents regarding criminal activity in the community. Many public safety agencies use technology to engage their residents better and boost their community Policing initiatives. 

Implementing community policing will change the policing structure and management. The partnership that develops over time can help the police discover the underlying causes of crime within the neighbourhood. By involving the community, the police have more resources to assist in crime prevention. Officers who familiarise themselves with community members are more likely to obtain valuable information about criminals and their activities.

Some of the benefits of community Policing in Nigeria include: 

First and foremost, community Policing provides an expanded Outlook on crime control and prevention. Working together, the community and the police would proffer solutions to incessant crimes and insecurity. 

Similarly, community Policing improves the quality of life of everyone in a community and helps police work more efficiently and effectively in curbing the outbreak of crime in a community.

Since the implementation of community Policing in 2004, has this policy had any implications (positive or negative)? Given the nation’s current situation, we can say that the policy has achieved nothing because the level of crime is constantly increasing and penetrating all the nooks and crannies of the nation.

Community policing can only be developed in Nigeria if the government and politicians stop using it to achieve their goals. Members must undergo physical and excellent selection before joining vigilante groups, and the community must support the people who sacrifice themselves for it.

By Anwar Usman 

The All Progressives Congress Zamfara State chapter on Thursday applauded President Bola Tinubu for ignoring calls for the dismissal of his Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, making it clear that the allegation he sponsored some of the bandits terrorising the state was unfounded. 

The party also called on the current governor, Dauda Lawal, to consider deploying both the kinetic and non-kinetic approaches used by his predecessor to combat the worsening insecurity in the state. 

The appeal came two days after hundreds of women and youths from the state partake in a protest at the Department of State Services headquarters in Abuja over the worsening insecurity in Zamfara. 

The protesters also suspect the immediate past governor of the state for the activities of the bandits, which they said were a result of his alleged collaboration with them during his administration. 

The angry protesters, who arrived in about 12 long buses, were restricted from accessing the premises of the security agency. 

While addressing journalists in Abuja, the Zamfara APC Youth Coordinator, Ubaidullah Kaura, expressed concern that Lawal, who won the election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, had failed to build on the progress made by his predecessor, particularly in the area of security. 

Kaura further reiterated that allegiance to different political parties should not be an excuse for not seeking continuity in governance.

He said, “We want to use this opportunity to extend our gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for trusting Matawalle and allowing him to continue serving as the Minister of State for Defence in his cabinet. 

“Those protesters going from the EFCC to DSS alleging that Matawalle is involved with bandits and demanding his sacking are sponsored groups. We thank God the presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, has denied this. Even the NSA to the President, Nuhu Ribadu, has also cleared the air after his investigation. 

“During the Matawalle administration, security challenges were tackled effectively with a balanced approach that combined both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. We urged Governor Lawal to revisit the handover notes left by the minister and do all that is necessary to tackle insecurity in the state.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved its 2024 revenue target after collecting N5.07 trillion with over a month left in the fiscal year. 

This is contained in a statement released by the service today via its spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada. 

According to the statement, this milestone reflects the service’s ongoing dedication to trade facilitation and economic growth.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hailed this exceptional achievement as a testament to the strategic engagements and collaborative efforts that have been the cornerstone of the service’s approach this year. 

The NCS’s success story in 2024 demonstrates a clear alignment with the Federal Government’s economic growth agenda, which proved that strategic reforms, technological advancements, and stakeholder collaboration are pivotal in driving Nigeria’s economic progress.

The Service’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment has garnered significant recognition, with a remarkable leap of 33 places in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings. 

Adeniyi stated that the NCS’s achievements are a result of sustained reforms, which are aligned with global best practices.

These reforms have improved the efficiency of customs processes, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and optimised revenue CVcollection methods.

The NCS has also made big strides in trade facilitation, with Nigeria’s first shipment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which made the country’s practical commitment to continental trade integration.