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By Uzair Adam 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kano State Council inaugurated its newly elected executives on August 10, 2024. 

Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, Secretary of NUJ Zone A, disclosed this information in a statement on Sunday, which The Daily Reality obtained.

Kaura emphasised that the event showcased unity and commitment, with notable dignitaries from various sectors in attendance. 

This turnout underscored the Union’s crucial role in promoting professional journalism in Nigeria.

The statement read, “The ceremony featured the Vice President of NUJ Zone A, Muhammad Tukur Umar, who represented the National President, Chief (Dr.) Chris Isiguzo. 

“In his keynote address, Tukur Umar emphasised the need for the new leaders to prioritise the welfare and unity of NUJ members. 

“He called for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity during their tenure to ensure effective and impactful leadership.”

Representing the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, was the Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Dantiye. 

Dantiye congratulated the newly inaugurated executives in his remarks and pledged the government’s support. 

“He urged the leaders to seize this opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth and development of journalism in Kano State,” the statement continued.

Comrade Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, Zonal Secretary of NUJ Zone A administered the oath of office. 

The event was attended by a distinguished array of guests, including the Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the National President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Commissioner of Justice, and the National President of NAWOJ. 

“Their presence added to the significance and colour of the occasion,” the statement added.

Kaura concluded, “The inauguration of the NUJ Kano State Council Executives is seen as a pivotal moment for the Union, with expectations high for the new leadership to uphold the values of dedication and integrity while working towards the Union’s growth and the betterment of its members.”

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD

With my viva voce a few days ago, the sojourn that began five years ago has ended. Although the coursework started late, around May 2019, it was successfully navigated through that year.

Postgraduate students often think coursework should be eliminated. They wonder how a PhD student could be sitting in a four-corner wall in the name of lectures, arguing that PhD candidates should dive straight into research. However, after completing the coursework, none of us agreed with that sentiment.

One notable sacrifice that potential postgraduate students should be prepared to make is financial freedom. Study not only limits one income but also eats deep into the fabric of the little one on the hand—it is an attack from a double front. So, it only takes individual ambition to succumb to that.

One common question from those considering enrolment but still undecided is, “How long will it take to finish a postgraduate program?” My quick response to them is to enrol as soon as possible because time will pass regardless. 

In Nigeria, pursuing a PhD is a journey where you likely only know the starting point, facing a path fraught with unforeseeable circumstances; the end sight can’t be rightly assured. While I read posts that some lucky individuals graduate in about three years, others aren’t as fortunate and may take seven years or more. So, I believe graduating in five years is an average.

The first major hurdle of my five-year PhD journey emerged at the beginning of 2020. Immediately after the year clocked, the COVID-19 pandemic struck the globe. The world came to a standstill as countries implemented stringent measures to combat the virus. In Nigeria, after the first confirmed case was announced in late February, we swiftly followed suit; wearing facemasks, using hand sanitisers, and maintaining strict social distancing became the order of the day. 

Despite the initial disruptions, as the pandemic began to wane, my supervisor and I would forge on, adapting precautionary measures. The lockdowns would be a blessing in disguise as they provided valuable time for my supervisory team and me to finalise our research topic and draft a comprehensive literature review manuscript.

Another significant hurdle arose with the ASUU strike. As early as February 2022, the agitation for the government to implement the 2009 agreement mounted. It began as warnings but escalated into an indefinite strike lasting eight months. Like the COVID-19 pandemic, the strike ultimately became a diamond in the rough. It afforded me more interactions with my advisors and crucially facilitated a collaboration with the Centre for Resources Recovery in Sweden, known for its extensive work in my research area. Leveraging the online meeting platforms adopted during the pandemic, such as Zoom, expedited our collaboration.

Another serious hurdle I encountered was frequent power outages. Just as I was about to enter the lab after completing all preparations, ABU experienced a series of power disruptions; their light would be cut due to failure to pay the bills—an issue I had never expected. This cultural shock paled in comparison when I later heard that even Aso Rock faced threats of power cuts. The inconsistency of electricity, compounded by national grid collapses and ABU light cuts made the initial stages of setting the research in motion unforgettable.

A five-year journey demanding a high level of commitment, teamwork, tight schedules, and stringent deadlines, in addition to the inherent conflicting perspectives in group work, inevitably led to clashes—sometimes titanic ones. However, what mattered most was understanding each other’s viewpoints and even finding humour in the aftermath. You have an added advantage for those who are naturally diplomatic, persuasive, and humorous: you will come to handle such pressures far more easily.

One of the major successes of my PhD journey was the significant contribution to knowledge pioneering an innovative method: the development of mesoporous support for heterogeneous fermentation for the first time. This achievement has culminated in forthcoming publications in high-impact (or not-so) journals, the filing of a patent, and facilitated international collaborations.

No matter how daunting the task may seem, it can’t be insurmountable, provided there is consistent effort (even a bit), patience, and perseverance.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD, is a public affairs commentator and science writer. He can be reached via bilal4riid13@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has set up a panel to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against a professor from the Faculty of Arts.

The university announced the formation of the panel through a circular issued by Mr. B. D. Jonathan, the panel’s secretary.

The Daily Reality gathered that the identity of the accused professor has not been disclosed in the circular, which was made available to journalists in Benin.

The university has called on staff and students with relevant information or who are potential victims to come forward.

The circular assures confidentiality and protection for those who provide information.

The decision to form the panel follows social media allegations made by a former student who claimed to have experienced severe harassment from the professor during her undergraduate studies.

By Umar Umar Namadi

The Scoop Storytelling Initiative recently held a two-day workshop for journalists at Ventures Park, Maitama, in Abuja. The workshop focused on the art of inclusive storytelling, particularly for underrepresented and marginalised communities. 

In her opening remarks, Zainab Bala, the founder and Executive Director of the Scoop Storytelling Initiative, shared the personal motivations that fueled her journey to becoming a distinguished storyteller. Her passion for amplifying the voices of marginalised individuals led to the creation of this nonprofit initiative, which seeks to give a platform to those whose stories often go unheard.

The workshop aimed to inspire participants to craft stories that resonate with readers, drive meaningful change, and influence policies. 

The sessions were rigorous and diverse, covering key topics such as solution-oriented storytelling, data representation in journalism, language sensitivity, multimedia storytelling, conflict reporting, cultural competency, and intersectionality in storytelling. 

Zainab Bala herself, along with other experts, led these sessions, which provided participants with a comprehensive toolkit, instilling in them the confidence to engage with and impact their communities through their work.

After the workshop, participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their commitment to elevating the voices of the marginalised through impactful storytelling. 

Through this initiative, the Scoop Storytelling Initiative continues its mission of empowering journalists to tell stories that matter—stories that reflect the complexities of the human experience and inspire actions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Polish government has refuted claims that its nationals, arrested in Kano, Nigeria, displayed the Russian flag during a protest.

The six students and their lecturer were detained on August 6, along with six Spanish nationals, for allegedly participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest. 

Peter Afunanya, spokesperson for the Department of State Services, stated that the Poles were arrested “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags.”

However, the Polish foreign ministry denied this allegation, saying the group “merely took photos” and did not participate in the protest. 

The students, who were on an exchange program at Bayero University, Kano, are being held on unclear charges.

The University of Warsaw has made their release a top priority, with the Rector, Alojzy Nowak, in contact with the detainees. 

Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Jakub Wisniewski has pleaded for their safe return, expressing skepticism about the Russian flag claim.

“I personally find this claim hard to believe. We are urging for their safe return home, where their loved ones are anxiously waiting for them.” 

Former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Professor Bola Akinterinwa, advised the Polish government to be patient and allow the investigation to be completed.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Poland, Omooba Ayoola, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of the students and their lecturer.

By Uzair Adam

The UK government has disputed the claim made by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) that it has approved approximately 430,000 visa applications from Nigerians in the current year.

This clarification was made by the British High Commission in Nigeria through a post on its X page, as reported by The Daily Reality on Saturday.

Recall that the NIDCOM, in a statement, mentioned a meeting between UK official Dr. Montgomery and NIDCOM Chairperson/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

According to NIDCOM, Montgomery stated that “approximately 430,000 Nigerian visa applications have been successfully processed in 2024.”

However, the UK government corrected this, noting that from April 2023 to March 2024, it issued 255,000 visas to Nigerians, a significant discrepancy from NIDCOM’s reported figures.

The Daily Reality also learned that the discussions also touched on the violent protests occurring in the UK.

The British representative reassured the Nigerian diaspora in the UK of their safety, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to being a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.

Montgomery emphasized, “The UK is home to people from diverse countries and races, and it will continue to welcome qualified individuals to live, study, and work. We will not accept discrimination or attacks against any community.”

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa highlighted that no Nigerians have been reported as casualties of the recent unrest.

She also mentioned that NIDCOM maintains ongoing communication with the Nigerian High Commission in London and various diaspora groups, with none reporting any casualties.

The Nigerian government has issued a travel alert in response to recent violent demonstrations by far-right and other groups in the UK, advising Nigerian citizens to be cautious.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa commended the UK government’s swift actions, including arrests, and urged Nigerians to remain safe and adhere to the travel advisories provided by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Data from the UK Home Office shows a 38% drop in study visas issued to Nigerians from March 2023 to March 2024, attributed to a policy change in January 2024 limiting dependents for international students, except those in research-oriented postgraduate programs.

The total number of visas issued to Nigerians decreased from 50,000 to 45,000, reflecting a broader 6% decline in main applicant visas. The highest issuance rate was in June 2023, followed by a slight decrease.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has received the Chief of Air Staff ( CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Gombe on Saturday.   

The visit was part of Air Marshal Abubakar’s one-day official engagement in Gombe in furtherance of the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to enhancing security and strengthening the formidable collaboration with the Gombe state government. 

Receiving the CAS, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its role in maintaining peace and security in Gombe State and the Northeast region, particularly on the sustained fight against insurgency, banditry and other criminal acts that threaten the peace and stability of Nigeria.  

The governor attributed the state’s relative peace and stability to the synergistic efforts of the military and other security agencies, assuring of his administration’s continued support to the NAF and other sister organisations.  

“Your visit today reaffirms the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to the safety and security of our people. We are grateful for the continued support and partnership, which have been crucial in safeguarding Gombe State and by-large, the entire Northeast sub-region against security threats such as insurgency, banditry and other criminal acts”, Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated. 

He reiterared his government’s commitment to providing necessary logistics and infrastructure to aid the operations of the Air Force in Gombe State.  

“I assure you that we will continue to support the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies operating in Gombe State. At the NAF base, we will assist in building additional structures to accommodate your personnel and the facilities you deploy”, the Governor added.  

Responding to the requests made by the Chief of Air Staff on the need to create a buffer zone of at least 1 kilometre at all sides of the NAF Combat Reconnaissance Base, and connecting the base to the Gombe regional water expansion system, the Governor instructed the Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS) and the Ministry of Water Resources to fast track the process of providing the requests made by the CAS. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has cautioned against deliberate attempts to hinder the progress of the Dangote refinery, adding that it’s significant in meeting Nigeria’s energy and foreign exchange needs. 

In a statement on his official X handle, Atiku drew an analogy, saying, “Each parent eagerly awaiting the arrival of a child will dutifully undertake the necessary measures to ensure that the nurturing and development of this precious blessing remain a primary focus.” 

He applied this principle to investments, stating, “With this understanding, I am cautious in considering any deliberate attempts to impede the progress of the Dangote Refinery.

“I call upon all Nigerians to take resolute actions to provide reassurance that both internal and external forces are not collaborating to prevent us from reaping the benefits promised by this eagerly anticipated transformative endeavour.” 

Atiku’s warning comes amidst a dispute between the Dangote refinery management and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission over crude oil allocation.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

Before the hunger protest under the banner of #EndBadGovernance ensued, organisers made their intentions public. Initially, they were considered “faceless groups” plotting under the cover of night. Ironically, once they revealed themselves, they were labelled “unpopular” groups, previously invisible in Nigeria’s politics.

Despite their perceived unpopularity, the call for a nationwide demonstration did not take long to gain momentum. The nation’s youth were enraged by their constant battles with hunger and their struggles to make ends meet. 

Sensing the state of the nation and the high possibility of the demonstration turning into a full-blown riot, the authorities summoned political, traditional, and religious leaders to rally their followers, giving the administration time for its tree of uncommon economic policies to bear fruit.

This move was counterproductive. Political and traditional leaders had lost their influence, and religious clerics had lost their authority. Posters flooded the streets of Nigeria, demanding better living conditions. The protest did not disappoint those who predicted opportunistic hoodlums would hijack it.

Protesters seeking to “End Bad Governance” looted and carted away various materials from both private and government-owned establishments. Tragically, some lives were lost. God rest their souls. It is worth mentioning that the exercise was peaceful in some locations with no hiccups.

To quell the protest, Mr President addressed Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast. Some accepted it as a speech of “compassion, unity, leadership, and direction.” Others dismissed it as “empty and annoying” because it did not address the pressing issues.

Interestingly, the first day of the ten-day hunger protest (August 1) coincided with World Breastfeeding Week (WBW). The first week of August (1-7) is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and many Ministries of Health, including Nigeria’s and civil society organisations such as WBW. 

This initiative encourages breastfeeding and aims to improve the health of babies around the world. This year’s event, themed “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” is a campaign that celebrates breastfeeding mothers in all their diversity throughout their breastfeeding journeys. 

It showcases how families, societies, communities, and health workers can support every breastfeeding woman. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, this important occasion to celebrate and support our mothers, sisters, and friends in raising healthy babies has been overshadowed by the ongoing protest. 

At the same time, UNICEF has scored Nigeria low in this regard, lamenting that a whopping 76 per cent of babies between 0-6 months are denied exclusive breastfeeding. Although the exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria rose to 52 per cent in 2017, it dropped to 38.9 per cent in 2021 due to a decline in the sustenance of the “Hospital Exclusive Breastfeeding Initiative” introduced to fast-track the rate. 

The Federal Government says it is working with development partners to achieve a 50% rate by 2030. The government’s support for breastfeeding initiatives reminds us that breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition. It is safe, clean, and contains immunity-boosting antibodies that shield babies from illnesses. 

Breastfeeding is crucial to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Despite the economic situation, let us all take a moment to appreciate and support all nursing mothers. 

By upholding the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All” of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week, we recognise that nursing mothers are not only giving babies the best possible start in life but also playing a vital role in building a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Remember, breastfeeding is made easier when mothers have our support.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached at dahirulawal90@gmail.com.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy has invited schools, parents and guardians to register their wards for the Build-A-Thon Holiday Camp, three weeks’ training for secondary school students aged 10 to 18.

The Ministry said via its verified X handle that the training will be held in 14 states simultaneously from August 19 to 30, 2024 to immerse the schoolchildren in the global digital economy.

“Build-A-Thon is an initiative of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy with the goal of introducing students between ages 10 and 18 years to embedded systems and other emerging technologies, equipping them with future-proof skills that will make them key players in the global digital economy,” part of the post reads.

However, as opposed to the number of states (14) mentioned in the post, The Daily Reality noticed 15 states on the form. At the time of filing this report, The Ministry or its X handler has yet to respond to the enquiry about the difference between the figures.

The states on the form are as follows:

Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Cross River.

Earlier in January, the first phase of the programme was held in three cities (Owerri, Abeokuta and Maiduguri), targeting 1,500 senior secondary school students from 150 schools, who were introduced to Raspberry Pi, embedded systems, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The Cable reported that the participants built prototypes of smart homes, speedboats, automated parking lot, heartbeat monitor, digital timer alarm systems, electric car, smart doors, etc.

For the August phase, interested schools, parents or guardians can register their kids in the aforementioned states via this link: https://shorturl.at/nMgNn.