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By Aminu Mohammed

The article was inspired by a video on Nelly Agbogu’s Facebook page, also known as Naijabrandchick. In the video Aisha Falke of Northern Hibiscus created, she urged female vendors in the Northern region to take advantage of the NBC Trade Fair, scheduled to be held in Kano on February 4, to showcase their products to potential buyers.

This caught my attention, and I scrolled through Nelly’s Facebook page to learn more about the programme. I was impressed by the quality of content and creativity displayed by different female vendors from the North. They were soliciting for patronage of their products during the forthcoming trade fair. I was pleased to see that many young female entrepreneurs from the North are now engaged in small businesses and have embraced the spirit of self-reliance.

I also observed the activities of many northern female vendors on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, such as Maryam Gatawa and Aisha Abubakar. These vendors sell items ranging from well-packaged local food to products consumed by people every day.

Growth of Female Entrepreneurs

I am impressed by Maryam Gatawa’s sale of many of our local food items, such as beef jerky, powdered garlic and date, garin kunun tsamiya made from powdered millet, and garin dan wake (bean dumplings), all of which are well-packaged. This surge in the number of young women engaged in various businesses gladdens my heart and is an indication that things are changing in the north, unlike before. I am still using the bean dumplings I bought during my visit to Nigeria last year.

Some northern female entrepreneurs, such as Aisha Falke and others, have encouraged Arewa women to start small businesses by organising workshops, seminars, and training in Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano. However, more needs to be done to encourage our women to imbibe the spirit of self-reliance.

I have always encouraged my younger sisters to engage in small businesses. They are all engaged in small businesses and other activities that earn them money. There is nothing like financial independence and the ability to take responsibility for one’s life by involving oneself in a productive venture.

Small-scale and medium businesses are critical for the growth of any economy, as they employ one or more people and create jobs. Encouraging many young people to pursue entrepreneurship for their economic emancipation is vital. Any activity that generates income and enables one to earn a livelihood should not be looked down upon. You cannot escape poverty when you are not willing to do the so-called “dirty jobs”.

Need for Change in Mindset

It is essential to note that the North is currently facing a dire situation due to the mindset of its people. The youth must change their mindset about salaried jobs and embrace entrepreneurship. Over-reliance on government jobs has made things worse for us and led to the region’s retrogression. We cannot move forward as a society when most youths do not want to engage in small businesses or trade to earn a livelihood. Most of our graduates look down upon people doing vocational skills while roaming the streets looking for jobs. They prefer to remain idle rather than engage in a vocational skill.

The progress and development of the North depend on a productive population skilled in various aspects of human endeavour. We cannot make meaningful progress when most youths who graduate from university brandish their certificates without any skills to help them survive. It is vital to acquire both education and skills to survive in the new economy. I have spent money to acquire digital marketing skills despite my academic qualifications.

I still reiterate that the Northern youth should focus on acquiring digital skills, and those not interested should learn vocational skills. Stop dwelling in the past and embrace change. The era of looking for public sector jobs is over. The economic situation in Nigeria, which has been worsened by inflation and stagnant income, warrants the need for young men to engage in small businesses to earn a livelihood.

I have a nephew, Kabiru, who graduated from Bayero University Kano a few years ago. He decided to take the bull by the horns after the service year to learn furniture making rather than roam around looking for a job. Kabiru is now fully engaged in furniture making and has four employees who support him in his shop. I gave him a job to do for me during my visit to Nigeria last year, and he executed it to my satisfaction. Today, Kabiru is doing very well in his vocation, while some of his friends are still searching the streets for jobs.

Of course, not everyone can be an entrepreneur or run a small business, but we cannot continue to cling to the past and expect any progress in our region. Our young men should stop wasting time chasing certificates without commensurate skill. They should stop waiting for their relatives to help them secure government jobs as they are no longer tenable.

Necessity of Skill Development 

There are several free resources available on platforms such as YouTube, Google, Coursera, Udemy, Simplilearn and others, which can be used to learn a variety of skills like digital marketing, data science, web development and more. Those not interested in acquiring such skills must focus on vocational skills like fashion designing, furniture making, baking, plumbing, etc. Those who have the financial resources can also consider small-scale businesses or farming.

We must encourage our women to engage in entrepreneurship and strive to acquire education and critical skills that can help them manage their businesses better. We cannot afford to have many ignorant and unproductive people in our society. It is important to promote girl-child education and discourage the Almajiri system. We cannot have millions of children roaming the streets without proper education that will enable them to live a productive life.

As January 2024 draws close, our youth should wake up and become more productive. Instead of wasting their time sitting under trees with friends in their neighbourhood during productive hours, they should go and learn a skill or trade that can enable them to contribute to the economy of their community. I wish you the best of luck as you strive to improve your life.

Aminu Mohammed wrote this article from Ingolstadt-Bayern, Germany. He can be reached at gravity23n@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in its effort to strengthen partnerships with compliant stakeholders, has declared its dedication to fostering substantially improved relationships in 2024. 

This is contained in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by the public relations officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwadah. 

According to Maiwadah, the announcement was made by Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, during the International Customs Day Celebration held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos. 

The event, which was said to have been attended by prominent figures including the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and representatives from various government agencies and industry bodies, witnessed the recognition of the NCBN Caretaker Group with a Special Recognition Award. 

Addressing the audience, CGC Adeniyi stated the service’s commitment to the theme of the celebration, ‘Customs, Engaging Traditional and New Partners with a Purpose,’ aligning with the core objectives of consolidation, innovation, and collaboration. 

His words read, “This year, we commit to fostering a substantially improved relationship with all of you, our stakeholders, especially those who respect our rules. We recognize that authentic partnerships are constructed on mutual respect and understanding.” 

Highlighting the significance of collaboration, Adeniyi announced the launch of a Time Release Study in February 2024.

This comprehensive exercise aims to optimize processes and reduce the time for goods to be released at ports and border stations, with a call for active participation from all partners. 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, also affirmed the importance of customs and stakeholders working collaboratively to unlock the potential of collaboration and increase revenue generation. 

He commended the Customs leadership for prioritizing the use of scanners over physical examination, adding that it has a positive impact on revenue, efficiency, and competitiveness at ports.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has concluded that there is none like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu among the governors and political leaders of the South West. This was a sequel to the appointment yesterday of Chief Olayide Adelami as the new deputy governor of Ondo State by Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa. 

The Islamic human rights organisation based its conclusion on the governor’s failure to pick a Muslim as his deputy despite demands to that effect from various Islamic bodies, including MURIC.

This position was made known in a press statement issued by the group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Friday, January 26th, 2024.

The full statement reads:

“Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa yesterday appointed Chief Olayide Adelami, a Christian, as the new deputy governor of Ondo State. 

“This appointment, in our opinion, is a direct rejection of the appeals made by several Islamic organisations, including the Muslim community of Ondo State, which controls about 40% of the total population. It also mirrors the insensitivity of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa to the yearnings and aspirations of Muslims in Ondo State. 

“The appointment further demonstrates the total lack of hypocrisy in the mantra of ‘religious tolerance’ as publicly brandished by Christian leaders and their politicians in the South West. If there is any scintilla of religious tolerance and inclusiveness, it has been coming from the Muslim politicians and the Muslim population in the region. 

“Whereas President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sought to embrace inclusiveness and religious tolerance by giving top appointments to Christians, none of the Christian governors in the South West reciprocated by giving Muslims a similar treatment. 

“Sanwo-Olu of Lagos gave the Christians 43 commissioners, but he gave Muslims a meagre 14. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State gave Christians 16, but he gave Muslims only 4. In Oyo State, Seyi Makinde gave Christians 10 commissioners but gave Muslims 6. 

“The worst is Osun State, where the Christian governor, Ademola Adeleke, keeps deceiving the people that he is a Muslim. He also has a Christian deputy. That is the extent of executive fraud. Despite this Christian-Christian ticket in Osun State, the number of Christian commissioners is 17, while that of Muslims is just 7. 

“Ondo has 15 Christian commissioners against only 2 Muslims while Christian commissioners in Ekiti are 24 while the Muslims have 1 (one) only. 

“Who is like Tinubu among the six Christian governors in Yorubaland? There is none. Who can treat Yoruba Muslims with the same magnanimity which Tinubu extended to Christians at the federal level? None that we know of. 

“History will attest to Tinubu as the Muslim president who extended inclusiveness to hitherto hostile Christians. The annals will register Ayetilewa as the Christian governor of Ondo, who could not stomach the thought of having a Muslim deputy. Chroniclers will not spare the intolerant Christian governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Ekiti, who used their proverbial teeth to share the common patrimony of the South West but whom only Allah knows what they kept for their Christian brethren.

“Muslims are under heavy siege in the South West. They have become endangered species, oppressed, depressed, repressed, underemployed, overworked, underpaid, mere fish for evangelical fishermen, falcons caged for the falconer.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, in an effort to enhance port efficiency and facilitate seamless trade, deepened collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) during a visit to NPA Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko, on Thursday, January 25, 2024. 

This is contained in a statement made available to journalists by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwadah, on Friday. 

According to Maiwadah, the CGC said the ongoing efforts between NCS and NPA shared the goal of achieving port efficiency. 

He was quoted as saying, ”NPA desires to achieve port efficiency, and we believe that in customs, Ports efficiency will help to facilitate trade.” 

Acknowledging the need for increased competitiveness in Nigerian ports, CGC Adeniyi stated, “We want to make our Ports more efficient. When our Ports are more efficient, it will translate into better efforts in revenue generation.” 

Addressing cargo clearance processes, the CGC affirmed the importance of technology in streamlining operations.

“If we deploy a scanner to examine goods, rather than subject them to a hundred percent examination, that’s one way to make them faster and more efficient,” he explained.

He further revealed plans for risk management expansion and the introduction of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) in the first quarter of the year. 

The MD of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, commended the CGC for his responsive approach to trade facilitation issues.

He highlighted the successful partnership in the functioning of the export desk, resulting in a significant increase in cargo exports. 

Discussing the critical need for efficient cargo clearance, MD Bello-Koko stressed the necessity of a 24-hour port operation.

“We need to be able to clear cargo as quickly as possible,” he noted.

“For them to do that, it means you need the shipping lines, terminal operators, security, and everybody to be on their toes and work 24 hours.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, commended the joint efforts with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) resulting in the interception of illicit substances and arms at Tincan Island Port Command. 

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, January 25, 2024, the CGC revealed that NCS officers intercepted contraband with a staggering street value of N4.279 billion.

According to a statement released by the customs public relations officer, Abdullahi Maiwadah, on Friday, the seized items included 56.39kg of cocaine valued at N2,368,380,000, 955kg of Colorado Indica with an estimated worth of N1,911,400,000, as well as 5 pistols, 445 rounds of live ammunition, and various empty pistol magazines. 

Stating the significance of collaboration in combating illicit activities, Maiwadah quoted CGC Adeniyi as saying, “Just as criminals find strength in collaboration, government agencies must equally appreciate the advantages of working collectively to fulfill their statutory responsibilities.” 

He noted the positive outcomes of the ongoing partnership between NCS and NDLEA, indicating the joint commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders and protecting citizens from the threats posed by illegal substances. 

“The collaborative synergy exemplifies the effectiveness of pooling resources and intelligence,” he stressed.

The customs boss also handed over the seized items to Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman of NDLEA, represented by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi. 

Commending the synergy between the two agencies, Brig. Gen. Marwa’s representative described the collaboration as a strong warning to drug cartels, signalling their continuous losses in the criminal trade.

He was quoted as saying, “The seizure is a testament that, just like the Airports, the Sea Ports are also secured.” 

As security agencies persist in securing the nation’s territory, successful interception sends a resounding message to those involved in illegal activities across ports.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kano State Hisbah Board has launched a manhunt for some prominent TikTokers over a vulgar post. The wanted TikTokers include Murja Kunya, Idris Maiwushirya, Shakira, Hassan Make-Up and Kano State Material, popularly known as G-Fresh.

Recently, the TikTokers posted an uncouth video on the TikTok app, which was said to have contravened the Hausa norms and Islamic teaching. But the board said it was responding to some distress calls it received from some concerned citizens in the state over the unethical video.

Declaring the TikTokers wanted, the board read, “We are looking for anyone who sees these people or knows where they could be found.”

Advert turns vulgar, immoral

The video, which went viral, was allegedly meant to advertise the enlargement supplements for women at the Shakira`s shop in Kano. However, the TikTokers resorted to what many critics consider vulgar utterances.

In the video, G-Fresh was seen flattering the body shape of one of the TikTokers, Murja Kunya, who was consequently turning her butt to show her curvy shape.

The Daily Reality’s finding shows that this is not the first time the wanted TikTokers have published such video content that is incongruous with the norms and values of the Hausa people and the religion of Islam.

Disrespect for Hisbah, law

A person close to the Hisbah, Malam Aisar Salihu Musa, said the wanted individuals are so disrespectful to Hisbah, Shari’a and other related laws in the state. He added that this was not the first time Hisbah summon these people and tell them what they were doing was wrong.

He stated, “Hisbah invited and preached to them. They were also advised on how to use their pages as Muslims and Hausa people. “Their attention was also called to the implications of what they were doing, which may, in turn, haunt their children later in life, let alone frustrate their relatives. However, Aisar lamented that the TikTokers’ immorality was even worse after the Hisbah interventions in 2023.

“Some of them, though not on the current video, were also called and cautioned by the board. Some were even jailed. Sadly enough, all of them have now gone back to their former behaviour and do even worse than what they were doing before.” He added, “I believe there are many ways these people can entertain and educate people without necessarily being immoral”.

Peoples` condemnations

Showing her disappointment, Khadija Deejah described the development as shameful, saying, “I feel shy whenever I come across their content. I am pleading with Hisbah also to arrest Sayyada Sadia.

Usman Auwal Hassan said, “They deserved (to be arrested) since.”

Sadia Uba Musa opined that they should face the wrath of the law for their actions over time. She stated, “They need to be strongly warned and punished for their actions over time.”

Suggesting how to find them, Hassan Ubali said, “There needs to be a check into our hotels, even if not all. I believe two or more of them could be found. Also frowning at the development, Nura Ahmad Usman said, “Murja needs to be severely punished to serve as an example for the rest because she thinks that she is above the law.”

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The military high command has announced its intention to request a meeting with Rev Timothy Daluk, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. 

This decision comes in response to recent comments made by Daluk, accusing the Nigerian military of orchestrating violence against Christians and endorsing property destruction in Mangu. 

Despite Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s declaration of a curfew, reports continue to surface about the ongoing killings of innocent people and the burning of houses, mosques, and churches in Mangu. 

In a viral video, Rev Timothy Daluk explicitly pointed fingers at the military, alleging their involvement in displacing Christians and facilitating militia attacks on their homes. 

He stated, “I am here to report the situation happening in Mangu Local Government for the whole world to understand. What is happening in Mangu at this particular point in time, the military are the ones sending our people away for the militia to burn their houses.” 

Responding to Daluk’s accusations, Major-General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, addressed journalists at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. Buba assured that the military was in the process of reaching out to Rev Timothy Daluk to substantiate his claims. 

He noted the military’s commitment to fulfilling its duties professionally and adhering to the best international standards, pledging a thorough investigation into the allegations.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Kano State Fire Service successfully intervened on Thursday to save a 37-year-old man, Saifullah Rabiu, who was on the verge of hanging himself from a tree. 

The rescue came following a distressing suicide note left by Rabiu, attributing his extreme action to a staggering debt of N2 million incurred during the process of obtaining a foreign visa. 

The Kano State Fire Service spokesperson, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident in a statement to the media. 

The emergency unfolded when the fire service’s Central Control Room received a call around 10:07 a.m. from the Ministry of Works and Housing in Kano State.

The location reported was State Road, near Nasarawa Emir’s house. 

Swiftly responding to the call, the fire department mobilised its standby personnel, reaching the scene by 10:10 a.m. 

There, they discovered Saifullah Rabiu in a critical condition, poised to carry out his tragic decision. 

In his suicide note, Rabiu detailed the overwhelming debt he owed, revealing that he had already repaid a significant portion of the borrowed amount, approximately N500,000. 

The note narrated the distressing impact of the creditor’s actions, which had driven him to contemplate suicide. 

Following the successful rescue, Saifullah Rabiu was handed over to Divisional Crime Officer Zaharaddini of the Farm Centre Police Division for further investigation. 

The incident sheds light on the profound consequences of financial struggles and the urgent need for mental health support in addressing such crises.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A ruling was passed in Kano as Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki sentenced five vigilante group members to death by hanging.

The verdict stemmed from their involvement in the tragic extra-judicial killing of 17-year-old Ahmed Musa on January 22, 2022, at Sabon Titi, Panshekara, Kumbotso Local Government Area. 

The convicted individuals, associated with Sani Abacha Youth Centre, were identified as Emmanuel Korau, Elisha Ayuba, Irimiya Timothy, Auwalu Jafar, and Mustapha Haladu.

Counsel Lamido Dinki led the prosecution, unveiling a harrowing tale of a vicious attack on Musa as he crossed Sabon Titi, Panshekara Road. 

Descending from a tricycle armed with a wooden club, the defendants brutally assaulted Musa.

Attempting to evade the attack, Musa suffered a fatal stab wound to his neck from the first defendant’s sharp knife.

Subsequently, the assailants forcibly dragged him into their waiting tricycle, leaving Musa fatally injured. 

Despite prompt efforts, Ahmed Musa succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano. 

Prosecutor Lamido Dinki built a compelling case with the testimony of five witnesses, establishing the culpability of the defendants.

The defence, under Ahmad Muhammad, presented the convicted individuals and an additional person, all of whom vehemently denied the charges. 

The defendants asserted they approached Musa for arrest based on a complaint lodged against him.

However, Justice Aboki, presiding over the case, expressed satisfaction with the prosecution’s evidence and praised the diligent work of Lamido Abba Soron Dinki.

“The prosecution has presented its case beyond reasonable doubt. I, hereby, sentence the five defendants to death by hanging,” declared Justice Aboki. 

This ruling sends a powerful message against extra-judicial violence, noting the court’s commitment to upholding justice and preserving the sanctity of human life.

By Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf

As the dust settled following thrilling first-round matches at the ongoing AFCON in Ivory Coast, here are the main talking points:

African football has dispelled the stereotype

Most football enthusiasts often malign African football as a turgid, dull, low-quality affair with little excitement, panache and flair. However, the ongoing edition of AFCON is anything but boring. There were plenty of genuinely entertaining and high-scoring games. So far, 89 goals have been scored in the 36 group-stage games. Some of the standout encounters include Equatorial Guinea’s 4-2 defeat of Guinea Bissau, Egypt’s trio of 2-2 draws against Mozambique, Ghana and Cape Verde; Angola’s and Cameroon’s pair of 3-2 wins over Mauritania and Gambia, respectively, as well as Ghana’s and Algeria 2-2 draws against Mozambique and Burkina Faso, respectively. Most of the games played have been filled with drama and excitement. Long may this continue.

Nigeria has not joined the party yet

For a country boasting arguably the best array of attacking players in the continent, it is shocking that the Super Eagles have managed to score a paltry three goals in 270 minutes of football. How the goals were scored makes it all the more disappointing: a fortuitous Victor Osimhen header, a Troost-Ekong penalty and an own goal. When you can call upon the likes of Osimhen, Onuachu, Chukweze, Lookman, Simon and Iheanacho, you expect to score a bucketful of goals regardless of the strength of the opposition. So far, this has yet to materialise for the Super Eagles. On the flip side, history has shown that international tournaments are often won by teams which start slowly and grow as the tournament progresses. Will the Super Eagles’ fortunes change in front of goal change in the knockout rounds? I hope so. 

Underdogs are writing their own stories

The group stage has thrown a lot of surprises to spectators. The biggest casualties are three former champions in Ghana, Algeria and Tunisia, who have already taken the first flights home with their tails firmly between their legs. While most of the continental giants have flattered to deceive, the relative minnows have managed to put their names on the continent’s footballing map. Cape Verde topped the pool, which contains illustrious names such as Egypt and Ghana. Equatorial Guinea finished ahead of the more fancied Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Mauritania defeated and finished ahead of former champions Algeria. And Namibia qualified to the next round at the expense of Tunisia. Undoubtedly, the tournament’s biggest and most impressive performance came from Equatorial Guinea, who recorded a resounding 4-0 mauling of the host, Ivory Coast. The sight of the disbelieving face of Didier Drogba and the distraught Ivorians will remain iconic for generations. 

Senegal are the team to beat

I think this doesn’t even need to be explained to anyone who follows the events of the last two weeks at the AFCON. The Teranga Lions are the only team to have qualified from their group with maximum points. They won all their games with a minimum of fuss. Their talisman, Sadio Mane, may be approaching the twilight of his career. Still, with the spine of Mendy in goal, Koulibaly and Diatta in defence and Gana-Gueye and Matar Sarr in midfield, the defending champions have all it takes to retain their trophy. Come the end of the tournament, Senegal will be there or thereabout.

West Africa rules the roost 

Half of the 16 nations still standing at the AFCON are from West Africa (Nigeria, Guinea, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso). With the biggest threats in Egypt, Cameroon and Morocco looking quite vulnerable and easily beatable, the stage is set for West African countries to dominate the latter stages of the tournament. 

Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf wrote from Kano. He can be reached via aliyuyy@gmail.com.