National

By Uzair Adam

The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Professor Salisu Shehu, has commended The Daily Reality team for their outstanding support toward the university.

Prof. Shehu noted that the online newspaper has offered remarkable support to the institution since its establishment in 2022, with numerous reports about the university featured prominently on its platform.

The Vice-Chancellor spoke during a seminar titled “The Pervasiveness of Sports Betting (Online Gambling) Among Undergraduate Students in Nigerian Universities.”

The event, organized in honour of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria Day, featured The Daily Reality’s editor, Malam Aisar Fagge, as the lead speaker.

“Malam Aisar Fagge is a renowned figure on social media, and most of you see his posts on Facebook. He’s a teacher-journalist. He teaches journalism and practices it. They are the publishers of The Daily Reality [online newspaper]. The media has carried and shared a lot of information about Al-Istiqama University and has publicized us widely. May Allah bless them,” said Prof. Shehu.

In response, Malam Aisar Fagge expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his dedication to advancing the university.

He said, “I am thrilled by the positive changes I’ve seen in this university. The progress is impressive. The university got the leadership it deserves.”

By Anas Abbas

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) revealed that between 2023 and 2024, Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) claimed the lives of 361 individuals across 24 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Abuja. 

During an update on the ongoing Lassa fever and meningitis outbreaks, Dr Jide Idris, the Director General of NCDC, highlighted that these fatalities were recorded in 174 Local Government Areas (LGAs) nationwide. Additionally, the country has seen 4,915 suspected cases and 380 confirmed cases of CSM during the same period.

Cerebrospinal Meningitis is characterised by acute inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 

This inflammation can result from various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, as well as from injuries or certain medications.

Dr. Idris emphasised that CSM is an epidemic-prone disease with year-round cases reported in Nigeria. He noted that environmental factors, particularly during the dry season marked by dust storms, cold nights, and increased respiratory infections, heighten the risk of infection, especially in overcrowded and poorly ventilated settings.

The “Meningitis Belt,” which encompasses all 19 northern states, the FCT, and parts of southern states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun, bears the highest burden of CSM in Nigeria.

In response to this public health challenge, over 2.28 million Men5CV-ACWYX meningitis vaccines have been administered in Bauchi, Gombe, and Jigawa across 134 wards in 13 LGAs.

The vaccination campaign primarily targets individuals aged 1 to 29, representing approximately 70% of the population.

Dr. Idris concluded that despite recent advancements in surveillance, diagnostic capabilities, and vaccination efforts, CSM remains a critical public health concern in Nigeria. Due to its recurrent outbreaks in high-burden states, the disease continues to pose challenges for individuals, health systems, economies, and communities.

By Anas Abbas

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of actively undermining Nigeria’s public education system.

This allegation comes amidst the union’s frustration over the ongoing delays in renegotiating its 2009 agreement with the federal government, despite several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action (MoAs), ASUU President.

 Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke expressed disappointment that the agreement has yet to be finalized.

During the ASUU Heroes Day 2024-2025 ceremony held in Abuja, Prof. Osodeke raised concerns about various issues, including the mandatory Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and the suspension of salaries for ASUU members for three and a half months.

In a positive development, ASUU announced that it had awarded selected members PhD grants worth N500,000 each after thoroughly evaluating proposals. 

Prof. Osodeke praised the members for their unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s public university system and extended his support to ASUU members facing challenges at Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

The Heroes Day event recognizes past and present members for their dedication to enhancing public education. Prof. Osodeke paid tribute to the late Prof. Festus Iyayi, a former ASUU president, and others who have made significant contributions to the union’s objectives.

By Anwar Usman

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, affirmed that Nigerians are going through a serious difficulties, but assured that the situation will soon change for the better.

While Tinubu insisted that his administration was on the right track, he also noted that solutions to these problems cannot be an instant one.

On his part, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the current administration as tough men working to get Nigerians through the prevailing difficulties.

Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu, and the Lagos governor spoke at the 70th birthday of the Overseer of Citadel Global Community, Pastor Tunde Bakare in Lagos.

Akume said: “The president is aware of the hard times, but at the end of it all, there is always light. And solutions to diverse issues can never be as instant as coffee, but we are on the right track.”

The president also described Pastor Bakare as a spiritual leader and advocate for truth who had left an indelible mark, not just on those who follow his teachings, but on the nation as a whole.

“I am aware of your relentless passion for better Nigeria, a country where equal justice and good government prevails. This celebration is a testimony to a life of strength and courage, of powerful messages and fearless advocacy, deep volumes of your dedication to lifting humanity.

On another development, Sanwo-Olu said those in public office needs the public’s prayers, saying “It’s a hard times, but you see, we are also tough men, and we know that at the end of the tunnel, there will be a bright phase.”

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed an indefinite strike across states that have not implemented the 2024 Minimum Wage Act, effective December 1, 2024.

The Daily Reality gathered that the directive came after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, last Friday.

In a communique issued on Sunday, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero highlighted the union’s dissatisfaction with the delay or refusal by certain states to adopt the new minimum wage, viewing it as a violation of workers’ rights.

The strike order will apply to all state councils where the minimum wage remains unimplemented as of November 30, 2024.

The NEC communique expressed concerns over escalating inflation, economic hardships, and rising costs of living, all of which have severely impacted Nigerian workers.

It called for a comprehensive wage review and immediate intervention to ease citizens’ suffering. Additionally, the NLC emphasized the need for reforms in Nigeria’s energy and fuel sectors, including enhanced transparency in fuel pricing and reactivating domestic refineries to stabilize costs.

The communique criticized some state leaders, stating, “This betrayal by certain governors and officials disregards both legality and morality, denying workers their rightful earnings amidst worsening economic hardship.”

To ensure compliance, the NLC has set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will launch campaigns to mobilize workers and citizens against what the union termed an assault on workers’ dignity.

By Uzair Adam 

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported another act of vandalism, this time targeting its 330kV Lokoja–Gwagwalada transmission line. 

This attack comes as Nigerians await the restoration of power following the recent sabotage of the 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna lines.

In a statement issued on Sunday by TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the company revealed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, November 9, 2024. 

Vandals destroyed transmission towers T306, T307, and T308, disrupting power transmission along the affected route.

Efforts by TCN engineers to restore the line earlier on Saturday were unsuccessful when the line tripped. 

A subsequent inspection by TCN’s patrol team confirmed the vandalism, which included the theft of two spans of aluminium conductors. 

Although the double-circuit transmission line remains operational through line two, the company is working to replace the stolen components.

This incident is part of a worrying pattern of increasing vandalism targeting Nigeria’s power infrastructure, particularly in the Gwagwalada area. 

Previous attacks include the Gwagwalada–Kukuwaba–Apo transmission line on December 10, 2023, and the Gwagwalada–Katampe line on February 26, 2024. 

Such ongoing disruptions are severely hindering the stability and expansion of the national power grid.

TCN has once again called for cooperation from local communities and security agencies to address the rising threat of vandalism. 

The company stressed that these criminal activities undermine efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s transmission system and serve as a disservice to all citizens.

By Uzair Adam

The Yobe State Police Command has dismissed a report published by an online media outlet alleging that two of its officers were involved in a recent robbery in Potiskum.

According to a statement from DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the police spokesperson, the Command also denied accusations of obstructing court proceedings or protecting the accused officers.

The report, titled “Police disrupt court proceeding, take out colleagues accused of robbery in Yobe,” was described by Abdulkarim as “misleading and malicious.”

He clarified that no police personnel invaded a magistrate’s court to secure the release of any accused.

“There is no record of any robbery incident involving police personnel in Potiskum or elsewhere in the state,” Abdulkarim emphasized.

Setting the record straight, Abdulkarim stated that on February 23, a collision occurred between a truck and a motorcycle in Potiskum.

ASC Abubakar Umar from the Nigerian Correctional Service sought bail for the driver, which was granted, but the police retained the vehicle due to an ongoing investigation and the victim’s treatment. When Umar intervened, he was detained for obstruction.

The Area Commander subsequently ordered police personnel to return to their station, as the case involved a Fundamental Human Rights issue beyond the magistrate’s jurisdiction.

The Yobe Police Command has demanded that the media outlet retract the report and issue an apology or face legal action.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Yobe Chapter has called on the Commissioner of Police to investigate the case and ensure adherence to court orders.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed strong support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its decision to initiate a nationwide strike.

The strike threat follows allegations that military personnel were deployed to remove workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, a move that has drawn widespread criticism.

In a statement issued on Friday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the alleged military intervention, affirming the congress’s solidarity with NUPENG.

Ajaero warned of escalated actions from NLC if breaches of agreements and the use of security forces in industrial disputes persist.

This stance arises from a protracted dispute between NUPENG and the oil rig’s management, where agreements on employment terms reportedly remain unfulfilled.

Earlier in the week, NUPENG alerted the Federal Government, cautioning against military involvement and urging respect for previously established agreements.

On Thursday, however, a special naval unit allegedly arrived at the Oritsetimeyin rig to forcibly evict workers, prompting NUPENG’s strike warning.

Ajaero decried this development as an affront to worker rights, urging military and government officials to address the issue immediately.

“This unacceptable use of state security forces to intimidate workers undermines democratic values and workplace freedoms,” Ajaero’s statement read.

“The militarization of workplaces only harms our economy and violates the principles of industrial relations.”

NUPENG maintains that the eviction followed workers’ calls for adherence to agreements, including severance benefits discussed during prior meetings mediated by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The NLC’s statement specifically called out companies Dutchford E&P and Selective Marine Services for failing to honor these commitments.

The NLC is urging the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, and other key government figures to intervene and prevent further confrontations, emphasizing that industrial issues should not involve the military.

By Uzair Adam

Three prominent oil marketing firms in Nigeria have filed a motion at the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE from establishing a monopoly within the country’s energy sector.

The companies—AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited—argued that giving Dangote control over the oil industry could be detrimental to Nigeria’s economy.

Efforts to reach the Group Head of Communications at Dangote Group, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.

The oil marketers filed their response after Dangote’s firm challenged the validity of licenses that the marketers had obtained to import refined petroleum products.

Dangote Refinery had initially brought a suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), and several oil marketing companies, arguing that it was unnecessary to issue import licenses for refined products, given Dangote’s local production capacity.

The plaintiff claims that NMDPRA violated Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by allowing other companies to import refined products like Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Jet-A1 fuel.

Dangote’s suit seeks N100 billion in damages from NMDPRA, asserting that the authority’s actions undermine local production capacity.

Additionally, Dangote requested an injunction to prevent further issuance or renewal of import licenses to these companies.

In their defense, the oil marketers countered that Dangote’s refinery does not produce enough petroleum products to meet Nigeria’s daily demand.

They argued that a monopoly would stifle competition, leading to rising product prices and an increased burden on consumers.

The companies also noted the risks involved if Dangote’s production chain encounters disruptions, potentially plunging Nigeria into an energy crisis.

The defendants highlighted that their import licenses were lawfully issued in compliance with the PIA, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and other relevant legislation.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, overseeing the case, has adjourned proceedings to January 20, 2025, for potential out-of-court resolution.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, has ordered rescheduling of the Federal Executive Council meeting till another date to be announced.

Initially scheduled for today, the council meeting was postponed in honour of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night.

General Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, till his death on November 5, 2024.

President Tinubu also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for seven days in honour of the departed general.

Earlier today, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.