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By Sabi’u Abdullahi

Shaykh Isah Ali Pantami, an academic and author, has challenged the critics of his book “Skills Rather Than Just Degrees” to a debate at a location of their choice.
 
This challenge comes after some academics took to social media to criticise the book without reading it, according to a Facebook post by Yakubu Sani Wudil, a close associate of Prof. Pantami.
 
In the post, Wudil wrote: “Some indirectly criticise without reading the book and, ironically, also go ahead and make recommendations the same with the advocacy of the book.”
 
He added that Prof. Pantami is ready for an intellectual debate on any campus in Nigeria, saying: “The author will be available for the intellectual debate as early as tomorrow in sha Allah, if the venue is not too far from Abuja.”
 
Wudil invited critics to nominate three representatives for the debate, which will be coordinated by a team of academics including himself, Adeolu Akande, El-Bonga, Dr. Adamu Tilde, and Realoilsheikh.
 
He stated that the venue, date, and time will be chosen by the critics, as he was quoted as saying, “The floor is yours to choose the venue, the best among the critics to be adopted by the consensus of all of them, just specify the date & time.”
 
Prof. Pantami’s book “Skills Rather Than Just Degrees” is currently being translated into other international languages.
 
According to Wudil, “Praises and thanks are due to the Almighty. Among the 5 books authored by @ProfIsaPantami in the last 2 years, #SkillsRatherThanJustDegrees has been the most popular and impactful by far.”
 
The debate challenge has sparked excitement in academic circles, with many eagerly awaiting the intellectual showdown.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A lecturer from the Department of English and Literary Studies at Federal University Lokoja was apprehended today for alleged sexual harassment.

According to a source, the lecturer had been scrutinised by university management for some time.

However, his actions were exposed when the parents of a female student set up a trap after receiving messages from the lecturer to their daughter.

The student, who is in her 300 level, disclosed that the lecturer had failed her three times and threatened to fail her again in the upcoming examination.

After discovering the inappropriate messages, the matter was promptly reported to the university authorities.

Following this, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, handed the lecturer to the Department of State Services for further investigation and possible prosecution.

By Mutalib Jibril

 The Consumers’ Dilemma 

A visit to some popular markets in Sokoto State shows that many consumers still prefer rotten tomatoes.

Zainab, a retired school teacher and grandmother, carefully selects the least spoiled tomatoes she can find. “What choice do we have?” she asks, a note of defiance in her voice. “These are half the price of the fresh ones. With my pension cut, I have to make do.”

Like Zainab, another buyer, a mother of three, picks carefully through a pile of tomatoes, trying to find the least spoiled among them. “Look, we all know it’s not the best,” she admits, her voice tinged with resignation. “But when you have to feed a family and every penny counts, sometimes you compromise where you shouldn’t.”

Many consumers are aware of the health risks, including potential liver damage, associated with consuming deteriorated tomatoes but have no option due to the economic hardship ravaging the country.

The Sellers’ Side

He shares his perspective at the shop of a middle-aged vendor in Sokoto State with a genial smile that belies his struggle. “It’s not like I don’t know the risks,” he says, gesturing to the less-than-perfect tomatoes. “But these come cheaper from the farmers, and if I don’t sell them, I don’t earn anything. People still buy them because they’re cheaper, and every sale helps me keep my own family afloat.”

Questions about accountability and choice arise. Why sell a product known to be harmful? He sighs, “It’s a vicious cycle. Honestly, we need better support from our leaders and better economic policies that can help both the sellers and the buyers choose health over cost.”

Also, Yakub, a wholesaler, provides insight into the logistics issues plaguing the supply chain. “Transportation delays and poor infrastructure mean that a lot of the produce spoils before it even reaches the market,” he explains. The economic downturn has exacerbated these issues, with fuel prices soaring and maintenance costs skyrocketing, making it difficult to deliver fresh produce efficiently.

Yakub admits to facing a moral dilemma. “I hate selling these, but it’s this or let my business die. We need government support to upgrade our transport and storage facilities.”

Voices from the farm

The tomatoes start fine,” Alhaji Buba explains. “But with the cost of proper storage and transport being so high, some spoil before reaching the market.”

Alhaji Buba’s plight highlights a crucial gap in infrastructure that affects both the quality of produce and consumers’ health. He emphasizes government intervention: “We need access to better facilities and services to keep our produce fresh until it reaches the consumer. This would benefit everyone.”

For Yusuf, each day begins with the promise of a new harvest and the weight of responsibility. “We take pride in growing quality tomatoes,” he explains, his hands weathered from years of tending the land. “But without proper infrastructure and market access, our efforts often go unrewarded.”

His story mirrors the struggles of farmers across Nigeria, whose tireless labour sustains the nation even amidst adversity.

Farmers like Yusuf face many challenges, from unpredictable weather patterns to fluctuating market prices. “We need support to improve irrigation systems and market access,” he asserts firmly. “With the right investments, Nigerian agriculture can thrive.”

Experts Opinions

A Clinical Nutritionist at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Susan Holbrooke, said rotten tomatoes are unsafe for consumption and may damage the liver, impair child development, and also cause miscarriage.

She said rotten tomatoes contain aflatoxin and would have been contaminated by fungi diseases.

Experts say tomatoes are the major dietary source of antioxidants that protect against cell damage. They add that they are also high in Lycopene, a plant compound linked to good heart health, cancer prevention, and protection against sunburns.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, the nutritionist said rotten tomatoes contain mycotoxin, which can damage the liver of those who consume them.

According to her, what we consume is expected to serve as nutrients and medicine for the body, not as a disease.

She explained, “Rotten tomatoes are unsafe for consumption. They can cause liver damage. For a pregnant woman with too much mycotoxin in her system, it can cause the child to be stunted. That’s why aflatoxins are poisonous to the liver. Our liver is like a powerhouse that promotes both the good and the bad things.

In a 2016 study published by PMC journal, the researchers said dietary exposure to aflatoxins is considered a major public health concern, especially for subsistence farming communities in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Due to hot and humid climates and poor storage, dietary staple food crops such as groundnuts and maize are often highly contaminated with aflatoxin.

“Aflatoxin exposure can occur at any stage of life and is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, especially when hepatitis B infection is present.

Over the years, there have been warnings that rotten tomatoes can be dangerous to health when consumed.

In 2018, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) warned Nigerians against consuming rotten tomatoes to prevent cancer.

Christiana Essenwa, a Deputy Director at the Agency who issued the warning, said rotten tomatoes contain microorganisms that induce cancer.

In her words: “Some people think that rotten tomatoes, which are cheap, can be consumed after washing and heating, stressing that the toxins could not be washed or killed by heating since they are heat resistant.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

On Thursday night, a group of bandits stormed the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC) in Osara, Okene, Kogi State, kidnapping several students as they prepared for upcoming exams.

An eyewitness reported that the bandits arrived at the university around 9:00 p.m., entering through the bush and infiltrating three lecture halls where students were studying.

They fired shots into the air, causing panic and trapping students inside.

Despite efforts by local security guards and gate personnel to confront the attackers, some students were abducted before the bandits could be repelled.

Fortunately, their intervention limited the bandits’ access to only the first three lecture halls.

The targeted students were getting ready for their first semester exams scheduled to begin on Monday, May 13, adding to the shock and distress of the incident.

One student, who wished to remain anonymous, described hiding in the bush with classmates for over an hour until the area quieted down enough for them to cautiously emerge.

While confirming the incident, CUSTEC Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulraman Asipita, declined to provide further details on the number of students abducted, stating that the university is actively managing the situation.

Efforts to contact Kogi’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bethrand Onuoha, and Retired Cdre Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, were unsuccessful, as their phones went unanswered.

 By Uzair Adam Imam

Sadiq Zubairu, previously employed by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), has admitted to the murder of his colleague, Bello Bukar Adamu, over an unresolved debt of N3 million. 

Adamu, a resident of Kano, went missing after allegedly receiving an urgent call from Zubairu. Two days later, Adamu’s body was discovered in Kumbotso Local Government Area.  

According to Abdullahi Abubakar, Adamu’s brother, Adamu had high hopes of securing a job offer with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and had entrusted Zubairu to facilitate the opportunity.

However, upon receiving the call from Zubairu, Adamu vanished. Police spokesperson Abdullahi Kiyawa confirmed Zubairu’s arrest and the ongoing investigation into the matter.

Zubairu reportedly confessed to conspiring with two others to lure Adamu to his house, where they fatally assaulted him and disposed of his body. 

Zubairu claimed the dispute arose from his inability to repay the N3 million debt he owed Adamu, which was taken under false pretenses of securing a job offer. 

The Daily Reality learned that hundreds gathered for Adamu’s burial, mourning the loss of a trusted colleague.  

Sani Bala, KEDCO’s spokesperson, expressed shock at the incident, stating that it was a personal matter unrelated to the company.

He clarified that Zubairu was no longer an employee at the time of the incident.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The New Incentive All Babies Are Equal has recognised five local governments in Kano State with a cash award of N150,000 each for their steadfast dedication to child vaccination efforts in their respective areas. 

Mubarak Bawa, the Operations Coordinator of the programme, revealed that the selection criteria for the award included metrics such as enrollment figures, retention rates for the Penta vaccine, vaccine supply management, documentation accuracy, and the extent of vaccination-related activities, all based on data from 2023. 

Bawa disclosed this information during the ‘Kano State and LGA Award’ ceremony held at The Afficent Event Center in Nassarawa GRA, Kano.

He stated the program’s overarching goal of efficiently saving lives. 

He further stated that a significant achievement in Kano, where over 520,000 infants were enrolled, and a total disbursement exceeding N1.4 billion, facilitated more than 5 million vaccinations across the state. 

The event, conducted in collaboration with the Kano state government, aimed to recognise the dedicated efforts of individuals and organisations in boosting childhood immunisation rates and saving lives in the state. 

Out of the 44 local governments in Kano, five were awarded N150,000 each based on criteria such as enrollments, penta retention rate, vaccine supply, documentation, and activities using 2023 data.

The awarded local governments were Nassarawa, Tsanyawa, Dawakin Tofa, Takai, and Minjibir, respectively. 

He added that, “Since 2017, we have been actively coordinating with state governments and LGAs to provide cash incentives to increase childhood vaccinations in Northern Nigeria.” 

He also noted the importance of incentivizing efforts, stating, “Data shows that rewarding people for their efforts helps increase engagement and accountability—leading to a more productive and efficient system as we work toward our common goals.” 

In recognition of his outstanding dedication to enrollments, immunisation rates, activities, and stakeholder engagement, Kamilu Ahmad Musa was awarded N30,000 as the best NI-ABAE manager in Kano State. 

Dr. Nasir Mahmoud Muhammad, the Kano Director General of the Primary Healthcare Management Board, commended the New Incentive All Babies are Equal for their support towards the state’s Primary Healthcare program.  

He noted, “The New Incentive Kano State Management Board recognized local government areas that are excelling in the provision of immunization.  

“Based on the criteria and ranking, we selected the best local governments out of the 44, who gathered here and were recognized,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal Government has directed all Point-of-Sales (PoS) operators to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by July 7, 2024, to reduce kidnapping and fraudulent activities.

According to the Registrar-General of CAC, Hussaini Magaji, the registration will help security agencies track and arrest recipients of ransom payments from kidnap victims. 

Magaji stated that the registration process aligns with legal requirements and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directives, and defaulters will face punishment after the deadline.

He stated that the registration is not intended to target specific groups or individuals but aims to safeguard businesses and strengthen the economy. 

The CAC boss explained that the registration will provide data to security agencies to track fraudulent activities and enable them to provide details of persons behind companies involved in fraud.

He added that registration goes beyond taxation to encompass access to loans, legality, and compliance with regulatory requirements. 

PoS agents have reacted to the directive, with some agreeing with the CBN while others believe it will place a burden on operators, especially those in rural communities.

The National President of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria, Sarafa Fasasi, questioned the directive, stating that it may reverse the 74% financial inclusion rate. 

However, the immediate past president of the association, Victor Olojo, backed the move, stating that it is necessary for standardisation and enhanced security. 

The government has launched a 24-hour service centre to facilitate registration and has warned that the deadline will not be extended.

With the rise of fraudulent activities involving PoS terminals, the government is taking measures to ensure the safety and security of businesses and individuals.

By Ishaka Mohammed

In a recently published article in The Daily Reality, one Muhammad Isyaku discussed the harsh reality of being a private school teacher in Nigeria. Despite arguing the inhumane attitudes of many school proprietors towards their employees (teachers), the writer admitted that there are still good school owners.

I have seen and heard about bosses being cruel to their subordinates in many private organisations, including schools. However, much as I wouldn’t want to completely rationalise the ill-treatment of any human being, I have to mention that some cases of maltreatment are simple reactions. Some workers break agreements without expecting any consequences. So, any attempt by a boss to implement a penalty could easily be considered as cruelty.

Nonetheless, I understand that some bosses take advantage of their subordinates by presenting them with seemingly unrealistic terms of contract. It’s unfortunate that desperation or economic realities force many people to sign some ridiculous conditions of service without a thorough examination.

For instance, as a secondary school teacher with over 24 lesson periods in a week and an average class size of 40 students, it would be unrealistic for one to prepare lesson plans and notes, deliver lessons effectively, give students a task after every contact and mark their books before proceeding to the next topic.

It would also be ridiculous for one to be expected at work by 7 a.m. and be prohibited from eating until the close of work (usually after 2 p.m.). Some people would sign but violate such seemingly impractical conditions and then demonise their employers for applying penalties.

A colleague of mine once lamented a deduction (for lateness) from his salary and threatened to resign. I found his outrage irrational because, despite the fact that we signed 7.30 a.m. in our conditions of service, our principal gave us a ten-minute grace. In addition, the first three violations in a month are pardoned. So, I wondered what that colleague really wanted.

Aside from the above, there are workers who hide their violations from their employers. Some go as far as telling lies to avoid penalties. I once went to work late and signed in after 7.40 a.m., but I was shocked when I later noticed that an older colleague, who arrived after me, falsified the time and signed in as if both of us had arrived before 7.40 a.m. Where is our integrity? Imagine what this colleague would have said about the organisation if the violation had been reported and penalised!

Things aren’t always what they appear on the surface. Just as many tenants are fond of demonising their landlords, many private school teachers vilify school proprietors by telling incomplete stories.

My views on this topic have made some people mistake me for a school owner. No, I’m not. In fact, I’m still a private school teacher.

I’ll share my thoughts on private school teachers’ salaries in another article soon, God willing.

Ishaka Mohammed can be reached via ishakamohammed39@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

In a troubling incident in Idu community, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, two siblings, Collins Ugorji and Newman Ugorji, met a tragic end allegedly at the hands of the OSPAC vigilante group.  

Wade Ugorji, cousin of the deceased, recounted the events, stating that the brothers were visiting a relative when OSPAC members detained them, erroneously labeling them as kidnappers.

Despite their innocence, the siblings were fatally shot while in custody. “On the 1st of May 2024, my cousin, Mr Collins Ugorji… and his younger brother Mr Newman Ugorji… went to Idu community… They were arrested by the OSPAC officials, who killed both of them claiming that they were kidnappers,” Wade lamented. 

The news of the siblings’ deaths spread rapidly, with images circulating on social media purporting to show slain kidnappers.  

Recognizing his cousins, Wade swiftly reported the matter to the Omoku Police Division, prompting an investigation. Amid escalating tensions, the police, led by the Divisional Police Officer, ventured to Idu community.

However, they faced resistance from OSPAC members, who brazenly challenged the authority of the police. 

“The vigilante member threatened and warned the DPO not to come back to the area again,” Wade recounted. 

Despite attempts to conceal the crime, evidence emerged, including Newman Ugorji’s bloodstained slippers found in the OSPAC office. 

Wade appealed to state authorities and concerned citizens for justice, urging the governor, the Inspector General of Police, and the state Commissioner of Police to intervene. 

Confirming the incident, Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe Koko, stated that one OSPAC member and four other suspects had been apprehended in connection with the murders.  

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal and Investigation Department for further inquiry.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In a decisive operation on the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode-Benin expressway, the Ogun State Police Command has neutralized two suspected kidnappers in a shootout, as announced by Omolola Odutola, the command’s spokesperson.

According to Ms. Odutola, the suspects met their fate during a daring rescue mission executed by police personnel to liberate abducted Indian nationals.

The successful operation, aided by local vigilantes, led to the safe recovery of the hostages.Identified as Tejaram Chauhan, Kaduwal Pradhan, and Medani Kathiwada, the Indian nationals had fallen victim to abduction on Friday.

Alongside their rescue, authorities seized a substantial sum of N7.9 million, along with 1,500 Indian Rupees, believed to be part of the ransom extorted by the kidnappers.

The ordeal began when the Manager of Breeze Company Nigeria Limited, situated on the Ibadan-Lagos expressway, reported an attack to the Divisional Police Officer, Mowe Divisional Headquarters.

The incident involved gunfire directed at vehicles transporting the manager’s principals at Kajola junction along the Sagamu-Siun-Abeokuta expressway.

While the police escort accompanying the first vehicle managed to repel the assailants and safeguard all occupants, three Indian nationals in the second vehicle were abducted.

Prompt response from the anti-kidnapping section, in collaboration with local security units, initiated a thorough search of the area.

A fierce confrontation ensued in the forest along the Benin-Sagamu Papalanto route, resulting in the rescue of the hostages unharmed.

Two of the six kidnappers were incapacitated during the exchange of fire, with authorities recovering two AK-47 rifles, a single-barrel locally made gun, a sword, cell phones, criminal paraphernalia, and 65 rounds of ammunition.

The deceased suspects have been transferred to the public mortuary, while intensive efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.