National

By Anas Abbas

Seaman Abbas, a Nigerian Navy personnel who spent six years in detention without trial, has finally regained his freedom.

Abbas’s release was confirmed when he appeared alongside his wife on the popular Brekete Family Talk Show, amidst tears and jubilation.

The emotional reunion was witnessed by millions of viewers, as Abbas recounted his harrowing experience in naval custody.

Abbas’s wife, who was visibly shaken, expressed gratitude to human rights organizations and advocates who fought for her husband’s release.

“We are thankful to everyone who stood by us. We are grateful to the Brekete Family for providing a platform to share our story,” she said.

The Brekete Family Talk Show’s host, Ordinary Ahmed Isa, hailed Abbas’s release as a victory for justice and human rights.

“Seaman Abbas’s case is a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of protecting human rights. We will continue to amplify the voices of the marginalized,” Isa said.

Abbas’s release has sparked widespread celebration, with many calling for reforms in Nigeria’s military justice system.

By Haroon Aremu Abiodun

The Nation’s clarion call resounds, and the youth—our graduates—respond. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is central to this national narrative. Some may argue that these graduates bask in the comfort of government stipends for a year, while others counter, “How substantial is this money anyway? It’s merely enough to keep body and soul together.”

For many, this stipend transcends mere sustenance; it symbolises stability. Upon completion of their service year, the promise of a regular income dissipates like a mirage. As I approach the conclusion of my service year, my thoughts drift back to a reflection penned in 1993 by Yushau Shuaib, the esteemed publisher of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential.

His words resonate profoundly: “After the National Youth Service, what next? From here, where next? How long have you fantasised about your next port of call after dedicating your life to academic pursuits? Will you further your studies, seek employment, or perhaps get married?” If marriage is part of your post-service plans, ensure you save for the honeymoon.

As my time in NYSC draws to a close, I can’t help but ponder the uncertain future that awaits me and my fellow corps members. For many, this may mark the last time they receive a government-issued salary. Some leave the country for greener pastures, convinced that this nation offers them no future.

Others, however, have jobs waiting for them, merely contingent on their release from service. Yet, many corps members will never earn as much as they did during their service year; some may find even better opportunities, while others remain lost amidst uncertainty. In today’s society, we question: Are we destined to join the legions of unemployed graduates? Is education no longer the key to societal recognition?

We witness individuals with multiple degrees grappling to find viable employment, seemingly rendering education futile. The rise of the “Yahoo boys,” who embody the new elite without formal education, fosters the narrative that “school is a scam.” Our education system requires rigorous restructuring and oversight, but we also need a comprehensive reorientation of our values and aspirations.

One acquaintance is willing to resort to unethical means to secure a job, even contemplating bribery for a lucrative position, craving societal approval. But what of those lacking the financial means or connections? Who stands by us?

The fear of poverty could well be the beginning of misguided pursuits. Might some be tempted to resort to fraud, political thuggery, or even prostitution—now sanitised as “hookups”? Will others turn to terrorism or kidnapping, driven by necessity, as opportunities evaporate in the job market?

Private organizations face significant hiring constraints stifled by economic instability. In fact, many are laying off staff simply to stay afloat—how, then, can they possibly accommodate fresh graduates? What becomes of those of us unwilling to engage in illicit activities? Are we consigned to a life of struggle?

For some, the service year impedes success; for others, it serves as a crucible for personal growth and dream realisation. Some may even decline job offers, viewing the pay beneath them, while others face a daunting lack of direction.

How can we elevate our nation when out of millions of corps members, only a fraction—perhaps five hundred—find meaningful employment? And of those, many receive insufficient compensation to support a family amidst this unforgiving economy. How can youth deprived of job opportunities or financial means to foster their ventures lift our nation?

Nigeria has devolved into a landscape where viable jobs are an elite commodity. In the 70s and 80s, even an O-level holder could readily secure employment; today, the opposite rings true. Are we not at an impasse? Is my generation not doomed to suffer for the decisions of the past? While I believe in humbly serving my nation, this conviction must be matched with tangible opportunities.

To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: One crucial step toward alleviating terrorism and insecurity is ensuring job security for our youth. An idle mind may indeed become the devil’s workshop. If corps members exit service devoid of decent employment, they may turn to unlawful means for survival, jeopardising our nation’s safety.

In this digital age, AI has transformed many operational processes, executing tasks with unprecedented speed and efficacy. Yet, rather than perceiving AI as a threat to job security for corps members, we should embrace the potential for collaboration, where human creativity meets AI’s efficiency. Mastering this synergy could unlock exceptional possibilities in the workforce.

Mr. President, we recognize the intricacies of governance, but we implore you to prioritise job creation for corps members and youth. We are eager to contribute to national development with commitment and integrity, aspiring to build our nation through unity and loyalty.

To our security agencies: Strengthening your efforts requires greater employment prospects for youth, particularly graduates. Doing so would alleviate the rates of insecurity plaguing our nation. Please take our concerns to the President and collaborate with experts in the field.

We advocate for a specific percentage of corps members to be employed by the government upon the conclusion of each NYSC batch yearly. This initiative would instil hope in the youth, steering them away from crimes and social vices.

We extend our gratitude to the NYSC for the training and life lessons garnered throughout this journey. The NYSC must collaborate with the government to catalyse job creation amid an industrial revolution. Such a partnership would solidify the NYSC’s reputation as a cornerstone for job creation and national growth.

To our legislators, senators, and esteemed members of the National Assembly: We urge you to convene and enact laws that foster job creation through the NYSC scheme, benefitting graduate corps members.

State governments must also step up, providing increased employment opportunities for departing corps members. This collective effort can rekindle hope among the youth and everyday citizens, paving the way for national progress. Nigeria is our home; Nigeria is who we serve.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a candidate for national development and a Mass Communication graduate serving with PRNigeria in Abuja.

By Anas Abbas

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun the state-level collation of results for the Edo State governorship election following the conclusion of voting yesterday.

According to INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna, the commission has uploaded Polling Unit results onto the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal and has received collated results from 192 wards. Collation has also been concluded in most Local Government Areas.

However, Haruna expressed concern over a reported threat to the INEC office in Okpoba Okha Local Government Area, which resulted in a stampede and injured one official. Additionally, some political actors and supporters demonstrated overnight at the State Head Office, attempting to disrupt the collation process.

Haruna emphasised that the collation will proceed according to the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations. He warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the process will not be tolerated and that the commission will invoke its powers to review results declared under duress.

The commission urged accredited party agents, observers, and media personnel to be granted unimpeded access to all collation centres and called on security agencies to maintain their vigilance and professionalism.

By Aisar Fagge

The Kano State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is forging a strategic partnership with the AMG Foundation, a move aimed at addressing the rising humanitarian challenges in Kano State.

This collaboration was formalized during a follow-up meeting held in Abuja between the Honourable Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, and the senior management team of the AMG Foundation, led by its chairman, Dr. Aminu Garba Magashi.

According to a statement released by the Ministry’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Halima Sani Gadanya, on Tuesday, the AMG Foundation has committed to supporting the Ministry’s early initiatives.

This support includes organizing a one-day stakeholders’ forum on the proposed Kano State Humanitarian Agenda, facilitating a two-day working visit to Abuja to build partnerships with federal agencies and the United Nations, and developing both a 2025 Annual Operational Plan and a Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Ministry.

The Daily Reality learned that one of the most significant outcomes of the meeting is the establishment of the Kano State Humanitarian Investment Trust Fund and the formation of the Kano State Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee on Humanitarian Response.

These efforts are designed to streamline humanitarian services and enhance the Ministry’s capacity to provide timely assistance to vulnerable populations across the state.

In her remarks, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani expressed her gratitude to AMG Foundation for its unwavering support, stating, “The partnership with AMG Foundation is crucial in addressing the current humanitarian challenges in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State.

“We are committed to providing effective humanitarian services to the most vulnerable populations.”

Dr. Magashi, on his part, stressed the need for inter-ministerial collaboration and the establishment of a Humanitarian Relief Fund to facilitate emergency response efforts.

“Timely interventions can significantly mitigate the effects of disasters and conflicts. We must work together to ensure effective response mechanisms,” he said.

In a related development, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani paid a familiarization visit to Mr. Abel O. Eniten, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Mr. Eniten commended the Kano State government, led by Governor Abba K Yusuf, for its humanitarian efforts, assuring full support from the Federal Ministry to further strengthen the state’s initiatives.

The Kano State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is set to work closely with the Federal Ministry to enhance its mandate and vision, ensuring effective and sustainable humanitarian interventions for the people of Kano.

By Ibrahim El-Caleel

This press release shows that Dangote Refinery is also enjoying the whole petroleum industry ruse and elongating it. NNPC said they bought your petrol at N898. Instead of this press statement to deny it, you simply tell the public the actual price you sold it to them.

For example, “We didn’t sell petrol at N898 to NNPC. We sold it to them at N619”. Is this too difficult to do or unethical?

When you do this, then let the NNPC come and deny it; then you take the next step by publicly sharing a sample of the invoice where they bought it at N619 from Dangote Refinery. This is what transparency means.

But how do you expect people to believe this? Why should people trust Dangote Refinery and not NNPC? Both DR and NNPC are only making statements; they go explain taya, no evidence. Where is the invoice?

The petroleum industry in Nigeria lacks transparency. Nobody wants to let Nigerians understand what is going on so that they can start asking the right questions. They are leaving everyone in the dark so that immediately you say anything, they will mock you that you don’t understand anything; you are a layman who doesn’t understand anything about the oil business! Yet, you are the same layman buying the petrol which fuels the industry.

What Dangote Refinery is doing at the moment is just a glorified, or let me say corporate “DM for price”. It’s the same “DM for price” that BUA Cement did one time saying it has reduced the price of cement without giving any details on how much was the initial price before they “reduced” it.

Hello DR, NNPC,

Price is not a trade secret, geniuses! If you are hiding the price of your product, then there is something shady you are doing. How can you be doing a “DM for price” strategy for a global commodity like petrol? It takes me just a click to know the price of a barrel of crude oil in the global market, same thing for an ounce of gold. What is so special about the price of the Nigerian refined petrol that you need to keep it a secret?

Anyway, lemme mind my business. You know over the last few weeks I decided to give up on my self-assigned goal of understanding the petroleum industry. I only drive into a filling station and buy petrol according to what I can afford at the time. How the petrol got there ain’t really any of my business any longer. I don’t care. When we all become tired of the nonsense going on in Nigeria one day, I am sure we will come and agree on the way forward. I am very sure this nonsense cannot continue to happen forever. It will end one day.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar

Department of State Services (DSS) operatives have arrested Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow protest.

According to SaharaReporters, Sowore was arrested on Sunday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos upon his arrival in Nigeria.

Sowore’s arrest may be connected to the 10-day #EndBadGovernance protest held across the country in August.

The Take-It-Back Movement and several other civil society organisations spearheaded the protest.

Sowore is also the convener of the movement.

Another protest is being planned by organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest — scheduled for October 1.

In a post via his X page, Sowore said he was detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and his passport was seized.

“I had just arrived in Nigeria from the USA to the MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me,” he wrote.

“This is not unexpected because I have always known that It is part of the broader clampdown by the fascist Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt.

“In case this becomes another prolonged and protracted detention, I urge our citizens to ensure they ALL stop tyranny by all means acceptable and necessary by engaging in the planned series of direct actions slated for October 1st and beyond.”

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has deployed over 100 trucks to the Dangote Refinery in preparation for petrol loading, scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 15, 2024. 

According to a post by NNPC on its official X handle, the trucks were dispatched to the refinery’s fuel loading gantry in Ibeju-Lekki on Saturday, with more expected to arrive. 

“As of Saturday afternoon, more than 100 trucks had been mobilised, and by the end of the day, up to 300 trucks are expected to be stationed at the gantry,” the company said.

The deployment marks a significant step toward ensuring timely petrol distribution from the Dangote Refinery, which is expected to enhance fuel availability nationwide.

By Uzair Adam

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has announced that the federal government is implementing measures to ensure the return of residents displaced by insecurity and floods in Niger State.

Speaking during a visit to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area, Shettima expressed the administration’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of affected individuals.

He stated that his visit was a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assess the conditions of the displaced residents and assure them of government support.

The Vice President also launched the distribution of relief materials at the camp, highlighting that each state had received N3 billion to address the impacts of floods and security challenges.

Shettima emphasized that states like Niger, Borno, Sokoto, Bayelsa, and Jigawa, which have been significantly affected by these crises, would receive additional support from the federal government.

He called on citizens and organizations to assist the government in providing relief to those affected by disasters across the country.

The Vice President was joined by other key officials, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, disclosed that 14 out of the 25 local government areas in the state had experienced flooding this year, resulting in loss of lives and property.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In aggressive, offensive operations against terrorism and insurgency, Nigerian Army troops have obliterated yet another terrorist stronghold, successfully rescuing kidnapped students and seizing a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Troops also eliminated some insurgents, while some others were captured alive.

On 12 September 2024, acting on reliable intelligence, troops stationed in Kaduna State launched a highly coordinated operation aimed at rescuing abducted persons from violent extremist camps. Engaging in an intense firefight at Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government Area, the troops overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandoning their captives. 

A thorough sweep of the area led to the rescue of 13 victims, comprising six males and seven females, as well as the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.63mm ammunition, four magazines, a locally fabricated rifle and the sum of ₦192,220.00. 

Five solar panels, five mobile phones, dry rations, and clothing items were also recovered. The rescued victims have been evacuated to 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital for medical attention.

In another decisive operation, troops in Kachia Local Government Area have intercepted two notorious terrorist logistics suppliers, Mallam Usman Waikili and Salisu Idris, at Kagarko village. The troops confiscated the sum of ₦1,306,700.00, three SIM cards, two mobile phones, three national identity cards, 8 ATM cards, 2 Moniepoint POS machines, an MTN MiFi and other items from the suspects.

In a separate operation in Suleja, Niger State, troops stormed a terrorist hideout, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. The troops’ overwhelming firepower led to the neutralization of 3 terrorists, while three others, identified as Mallam Halalu, Mallam Suleiman, and Mr. Musa, were captured alive. The suspects led the troops to a hidden armoury, where 3 AK-47 rifles, 121 rounds of 7.62mm.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ‘s new report on the country’s trade balance.

According to the report, Nigeria recorded another trade surplus in the second quarter of 2024, hitting N6.95 trillion.

The current surplus is 6.60% higher than the N6.52 trillion surplus recorded in the first quarter.

Just days after the country recorded almost 100 percent oversubscription of its first $500 million domestic bond and half-year revenue of N9.1 trillion, the latest report underscores the increasing positive shifts in the economy over the last year.

President Tinubu expresses confidence in the reforms his administration is pursuing and believes they will create a more robust economy that will usher in a new era of prosperity for Nigerians.

The NBS report reflects the country’s strong export performance in the second quarter.

Although total merchandise trade in Q2 2024 stood at N31.89 trillion, a 3.76% decline compared to the preceding quarter (Q1 2024), it marked a 150.39% rise from the corresponding period in 2023.

The NBS reported that the Q2 surplus was essentially driven by exports to Europe, the United States and Asia.

Total exports stood at N19.42 trillion, accounting for 60.89% of the country’s total trade. This represents a 1.31% increase from N19.17 trillion in the first quarter and a 201.76% surge from N6.44 trillion recorded in Q2 2023.

The dominance of crude oil exports remains a key factor in this performance, contributing N14.56 trillion, or 74.98% of total exports.

Non-crude oil exports, valued at N4.86 trillion, comprised 25.02% of the total export value, with non-oil products contributing N1.94 trillion.

The strong export performance, particularly in crude oil, ensured Nigeria maintained a favourable trade balance.

In Q2 2024, European and American countries dominated Nigeria’s top export destinations. Spain emerged as the largest export partner, receiving goods valued at N2.01 trillion, accounting for 10.34% of Nigeria’s total exports.

The United States followed closely with N1.86 trillion (9.56%), while France imported N1.82 trillion of Nigerian goods, representing 9.37% of total exports.Nigeria’s other major export partners include India (N1.65 trillion or 8.50%) and the Netherlands (N1.38 trillion).

Generally, the economic indicators, which were very low when President Tinubu assumed office last year, are turning positive.

The government will continue to consolidate on the gains of the reforms as more fiscal and tax policy reforms already embarked upon by the administration come to fruition.

President Tinubu is determined to confront the inhibitions that have stunted the growth and development necessary to unlock the country’s full potential.