National

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has reaffirmed the collective concerns of northern governors regarding the rising insecurity in the region, and emphasized strong commitment to partnering key stakeholders to tackle the issue effectively.

The Governor restated this on Monday while receiving a comprehensive report of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) put together by the Experts’ Committee on insecurity in Northern Nigeria as part of the outcomes of the recently conducted roundtable meeting held in Abuja.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted the growing impact of insecurity on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, particularly in the agricultural sector, which has led to hike in food prices affecting not only the Northern states but the entire nation.

He emphasized that the governors are committed to tackling the insecurity that has plagued the region, which has hindered farming activities, exacerbated the inflation of food commodities and general economic challenges faced by the country.

“As Governors, we are deeply concerned about the security situation in Northern Nigeria. This region has the largest portion of the country’s population and is endowed with mineral resources and fertile soil ideal for farming. The region’s agricultural strength plays a significant role in ensuring food security in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the current insecurity is disrupting these activities, contributing to the rising cost of food commodities, which affects all Nigerians, not just those in the North”, the Governor stated.

As part of the NSGF’s response under his leadership, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced plans to convene an expanded meeting which will bring together all relevant stakeholders, including past and present leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and civil society organizations, to discuss and implement strategies aimed at restoring the glory of the region.

“This time around, we want to take a collective approach to the insecurity issue. This report is timely. We will study it and work together towards its implementation. We are currently planning to convene an expanded meeting with all critical stakeholders in the region to further explore how we can come together to propose solutions that will genuinely address these problems completely”, the Governor said.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also commended the leadership of the CNG for its detailed analysis, acknowledging their role in addressing the region’s most pressing issues.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Committee of Experts on security component of the CNG, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, explained that the report presented to Governor Inuwa Yahaya is a culmination of a long and painstaking process looking at the changing faces of insecurity in Northern Nigeria with a view to proffering workable solutions.

Highlighting some content of the report, he acknowledged the imperative of All Society Approach introduced by the group which will establish synergy among stakeholders across the spectrum of Northern Nigeria in tackling insecurity.

He said the group has already submitted the same report to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the office of the National Security Adviser NSA for onward processing.

While acknowledging the peace and tranquility of Gombe State, the leader of the delegation however, explained that no state is totally immune from criminal activities so long as contiguous states are confronted with incidences of crime and criminality.

The Governor was joined in receiving the group by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Head of Service, Alh. Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi as well as Commissioners and Special Advisers.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his 58th birthday.

Vice-President Shettima is an academic, accomplished banking professional, raconteur, and leader.

He was the governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019 and senator representing Borno Central from 2019 to 2023.

President Tinubu joins family, friends, and members of the executive arm of government to celebrate the quintessential administrator, orator, and bibliophile on this special occasion.

The President commends Vice-President Shettima for the enthusiasm, vigour, and affability he brings to governance.

President Tinubu thanks the Vice-President for his support and wishes him robust health and renewed strength in his service to the nation.

By Uzair Adam

At least 10 people have died and 40 others are currently hospitalized following a diphtheria outbreak in Kano State.

The state’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, disclosed this to journalists as reported by The Daily Reality on Sunday.

Dr. Labaran confirmed to journalists that the deaths occurred over the past week, adding that the state government has established diphtheria treatment centers in various local government areas to handle the outbreak.

“We have recorded 10 deaths from the diphtheria outbreak in the last week, and as of this morning, 40 patients are receiving treatment,” Dr. Labaran stated. He urged residents who encounter individuals showing symptoms of diphtheria to visit the newly established treatment centers instead of coming to facilities in the metropolitan area, to help prevent the spread of the disease.

He emphasized that treatment at these centers is free of charge.

Dr. Labaran also refuted figures circulating on social media, stating, “The only official number we have is 10 deaths.” The health authorities in Kano continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to contain the outbreak are underway.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military heads to relocate to Sokoto, which serves as the headquarters for the General Officer Commanding (GOC) overseeing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.

The Daily Reality learned that the move is part of a concentrated effort to eliminate the threats of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in the North West region.

In a statement, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, expressed his deep concern over the ongoing activities of terrorists and bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states and their surrounding areas.

He announced that a significant military operation would soon be launched in Sokoto, targeting banditry across the region.

“The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states and its environs.

“Consequently, the Honourable Minister of State has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto, the Headquarters of the GOC Sokoto,” the statement read.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu received the news of the devastation wreaked by floods on communities and farmlands nationwide with profound grief.

Recent data by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) indicate that lives have been lost — with thousands of hectares of farmlands damaged and thousands of people displaced by floods across the country.

The President sympathizes with all victims of these ravages of nature, especially bereaved families, farmers, displaced communities, and those who have lost property.

President Tinubu re-emphasizes the need for a concerted effort to address existential environmental concerns and build a more climate-resilient and adaptive society.

The President prays for the repose of the deceased’s souls while assuring Nigerians that his administration, through the relevant agencies, will continue to provide the needed support for victims and timely warnings to mitigate the impact of environmental mishaps.

By Uzair Adam

Aviation worker Auwal Ahmed Dankode has returned $10,000 (approximately N16 million) that he found while cleaning an aircraft at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

Dankode, who works for the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), discovered the money on an Egypt Air aircraft that landed around 1:30 pm on Wednesday.

He explained that he was performing a routine cleaning of the plane when he spotted the money in an envelope.

“In our training, we’re instructed to report any items found on aircraft to our supervisor,” Dankode told journalists.

“Since my supervisor wasn’t available at that time, I immediately reported the discovery to the airline company’s manager to help find the rightful owner.

“Shortly after, a man rushed to the aircraft, searching for his lost money. The manager asked him a series of questions to verify his claim, including the specific seat number where the envelope was found. Once his answers matched, the money was handed back to him.

Dankode expressed his joy at being able to return the lost money, saying, “I am very happy that God used me to make someone else happy.

“Returning what does not belong to me is nothing because that is the training we got from home. The owner, who spoke Arabic and did not understand Hausa, was so relieved and thankful that he hugged me many times.

“A native of Kode in Bunkure local government area, Kano State, Dankode is well-known for his honesty and strong sense of integrity.

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling pension fraud by utilizing all relevant laws without obstruction.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale conveyed that Oshodi Johnson, Uyo Zonal Director and Assistant Commander of the EFCC, made this pledge during a visit by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Akwa Ibom Chapter, to the Uyo Command.

Johnson stressed the importance of safeguarding the rights of senior citizens who have served the nation, asserting that the EFCC is dedicated to identifying and prosecuting those involved in pension fraud.

“We are committed to assisting you and responding swiftly to any reports of pension scams or fraud,” Johnson assured.

The State Secretary of the Union, Obong Cosmos Essien, expressed gratitude to the EFCC for its ongoing efforts in the fight against pension-related fraud, encouraging them to maintain their resolve.

“We appreciate your efforts and encourage you to continue fighting while we pray for you,” Essien remarked.

The Union’s Chairman, Obong Ekpeyong Ekpo, urged the staff at the Uyo Command to persist in their efforts to combat economic and financial crimes, emphasizing that their hard work will be recognized and rewarded.

By Uzair Adam

The Correctional Officers Pencom Retirees Association of Nigeria (COPRAN) has criticized the Contributory Pension Commission (PenCom) scheme, arguing that it has exacerbated the difficulties faced by retirees.

In a petition addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Labour, and the Human Rights Commission, among others, COPRAN expressed concerns about the inadequate distribution of funds to pensioners after retirement.

Mr. Anthony Ayiwulu, President of the Plateau Command of COPRAN, stated that while the PenCom policy was intended to benefit retirees, it has unfortunately caused significant harm to public servants who have dedicated many years of service to the nation.

He emphasized the urgent need for the policy to be revised or overhauled to better serve retirees’ needs.

Ayiwulu highlighted the plight of retirees who, after 35 years of diligent service, find themselves struggling to receive their gratuities and meet basic living expenses.

He noted that the Nigerian Army successfully requested exemption from the PenCom scheme due to the severe hardships it imposed on retired servicemen.

In light of the current economic challenges, Ayiwulu called for a more equitable approach to handling retiree benefits, including timely payment of pensions and provision of support to help them cope with inflation and other financial burdens.

He also mentioned that despite being asked to provide their information through various Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), many retirees have yet to receive a response or any form of assistance to alleviate their financial hardships.

By Uzair Adam

Bandits have reportedly abducted over 150 individuals and stolen more than 1,000 cattle from villages in Gobir Emirate, Sokoto State.

The Emir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, also the District Head of Gatawa, was kidnapped on July 29 along with his son and six others on the Sokoto-Sabon Birni Road.

A distressing video showed the Emir pleading for ransom payment before his death, a situation that led to local protests and a curfew in Sabon Birni.

Our reporters gathered that the bandits’ recent activities have reignited concerns about their operations in the region.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Professor Bello Bada from Usmanu Danfodio University expressed frustration over the bandits’ apparent familiarity with local networks, questioning the effectiveness of local security measures.

He emphasized the need for a comprehensive solution to prevent further attacks.

Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, reported that between Tsamaye and Sabon Birni, 192 people have been abducted, with over 20,000 hectares of land lost due to banditry.

He criticized the lack of security in affected areas and revealed ongoing efforts to increase military presence in the region.

The Sokoto State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmad Rufa’i, stated that no formal report had been received but would investigate the matter further.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has provided reasons for the recent increase in international passport fees, citing the need to enhance the quality of the passports, ensure faster processing, and improve accessibility.

During a sensitization event in Yola, Adamawa State, on Monday, NIS Comptroller Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed explained that starting from September 1, applicants within Nigeria will be required to pay ₦50,000 for a 32-page passport booklet with a five-year validity period.

This marks an increase from the previous fee of ₦35,000. The fee for a 64-page passport booklet, valid for ten years, will rise to ₦100,000, up from ₦70,000.Mr.

Mohammed clarified that the fee hike will not affect applicants living abroad. He emphasized that the new passports feature enhanced durability and quality, meeting international standards.

The inclusion of fingerprints in the new design makes it more secure and difficult to counterfeit compared to the previous version.He urged prospective applicants to apply online or visit NIS offices directly, cautioning against the use of intermediaries to avoid scams.

He also called on religious leaders to educate their followers on the changes and noted that those who apply before the September 1 deadline would still be charged the old rates.

The NIS is extending its awareness campaign to local government areas, beginning with Mubi, and has also taken the sensitization efforts to motor parks and major streets in the state capital.

Representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Council in Adamawa, Mr. Joel Manzo and Alhaji Aliyu Iya, respectively, expressed their gratitude to the NIS for the enlightenment and pledged to relay the information to their communities.