News

Gov. Yusuf accepts Kano commissioner’s resignation

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has accepted the resignation of Maj. Gen. Muhammad Inuwa Idris (Rtd) as Commissioner for the newly formed Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services.  

In a statement by spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed his gratitude for General Idris’s contributions in laying the groundwork for the ministry’s operations.  

“Major General Muhammad Inuwa Idris (Rtd) has shown unwavering commitment to Kano State, and we wish him a peaceful and fulfilling retirement,” Governor Yusuf stated.  

Idris’s brief tenure is recognized for establishing a solid foundation that will enable his successor to advance the ministry’s crucial work in internal security.

We are bringing corruption to its knees—EFCC

By Uzair Adam

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has stated that corruption poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s development.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to tackling the menace and urged all stakeholders to support the anti-corruption campaign.

Speaking at the launch of the EFCC’s “Integrity Club” in primary and secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday, Olukoyede, represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said the initiative aims to instill values of integrity, honesty, and diligence in young Nigerians.

“The EFCC is determined to bring corruption to its knees in Nigeria, and together we can achieve this goal,” he said.

He explained that the Integrity Clubs serve as platforms for interaction, enlightenment, and empowerment, helping students cultivate ethical values.

He noted that children at this stage are still receptive to guidance and can be molded into responsible leaders through proper mentorship.

“Our children can only become the leaders we desire if we equip, mentor, and guide them with the right values. Integrity Clubs will provide them with the foundation to resist corruption,” he added.

Olukoyede urged schools to actively engage students in discussions on ethical conduct and regularly provide feedback to the EFCC on the club’s activities.

In his remarks, the acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, Hassan Sule, commended the EFCC for the initiative, stating that prevention is the best approach to tackling corruption.

“This initiative will shape children’s character and influence their peers positively. If we can implement it effectively, we will have responsible adults in the future,” he said.

He assured that the board would institutionalize Integrity Clubs in at least 30 schools within the FCT, emphasizing that education remains the most effective tool in the fight against corruption.

Samsung Electronics executive Han Jong-hee dies at 63

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Han Jong-hee, the joint chief executive officer of Samsung Electronics, has died of a heart attack at the age of 63, the company announced.

Han had led Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division since 2021, navigating the tech giant through an increasingly competitive market dominated by Chinese rivals.

His sudden passing leaves Jun Young Hyun, who oversees Samsung’s semiconductor business, in sole charge of the company until a successor is appointed.

Samsung, the world’s largest producer of memory chips, smartphones, and displays, is yet to announce details of Han’s funeral or succession plans.

EFCC arrests 133 suspects in Abuja over alleged ponzi scheme

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested no fewer than 133 individuals in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme operating under the name Q University, also known as Q-Net, in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

According to the anti-graft agency, the institution was running a scheme that recruited young Nigerians, promising them unrealistic financial gains.

The suspects were reportedly enrolled in a program dubbed “Special Training for New Generation Billionaires,” where they were allegedly brainwashed into believing they would become wealthy by recruiting others into the system.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that the suspects were required to obtain an “Independent Representative Application Form” with motivational slogans such as “I’m a Champion,” “I’m Unstoppable,” and “I’m Infinity.”

The operation was conducted in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army. Items recovered from the suspects include mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

The EFCC confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of inquiries.

Oscar winner Yuval Abraham says Israeli settlers attacked co-director Hamdan Ballal

By Maryam Ahmad

Oscar-winning filmmaker Yuval Abraham has revealed that his co-director, Hamdan Ballal, was beaten and attacked by Israeli settlers. Abraham, who co-directed No Other Land with Ballal, shared the news following their recent Academy Award win.

According to Abraham, Ballal was assaulted by a group of Israeli settlers amid escalating violence in the region. The attack has sparked outrage, with calls for accountability and protection for journalists and filmmakers working in conflict zones.

No Other Land, which won Best Documentary at the 2024 Oscars, highlights the impact of Israel’s occupation through a deeply personal perspective. The film’s success has drawn global attention to the Palestinian struggle, but its creators now face increasing threats.

Ballal’s condition remains unclear, and further details about the attack are yet to be confirmed. Human rights groups have condemned the incident and demanded an independent investigation.

Al Jazeera journalist Hossam Shabat killed in Israeli airstrike in Gaza

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Al Jazeera journalist Hossam Shabat was killed in an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza shortly after reporting on the death of his colleague, Mohammed Mansour.

Shabat’s car was bombed on Sunday, marking yet another fatal attack on media workers in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Shabat had just posted about Mansour’s killing when he himself became a victim of Israeli bombardment. His death adds to the growing toll on journalists in Gaza, where at least 208 media workers have been killed since Israel launched its military offensive on October 7, 2023.

The targeting of journalists has drawn widespread condemnation, with press freedom organizations calling for accountability and urgent protection for reporters covering the war.

Al Jazeera has repeatedly accused Israel of deliberately targeting its journalists, a charge Israel denies.

The ongoing war in Gaza has led to unprecedented casualties among civilians and media professionals, raising concerns over press freedom and the safety of journalists in conflict zones.

Youths loot Seyi Tinubu’s Ramadan aid in Gombe amid controversy

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Angry youths in Gombe State have looted Ramadan palliative supplies reportedly meant for distribution by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The incident occurred as part of a Ramadan feeding program launched by Seyi Tinubu during his visits to northern states for Iftar celebrations with residents and political leaders.

Seyi’s initiative, aimed at assisting the less privileged during the holy month, has sparked a wave of mixed reactions on social media.

While some welcomed the gesture, others criticized it, arguing that the north deserved more sustainable support than temporary palliative aid.Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor, voiced his displeasure on Facebook, urging Seyi to implement long-term empowerment programs.

He suggested that the youths in Bauchi needed job opportunities, business startups, and digital skills training rather than food parcels.

“Teach our youths how to fish rather than feed them for one day,” he said.

In Gombe, the distribution of palliative items, including rice, sugar, oil, salt, and pasta, quickly turned chaotic.

Video footage showed youths unloading and carting away cartons of food from a truck, with some throwing the items to others on the ground.

Two trucks containing 3,500 cartons of food had been allocated to the state, but while one was reportedly distributed, the other was intercepted by the angry youths.

Observers have suggested that the distribution might have been sabotaged by those left out of the initial handout event, which took place at the state’s APC Secretariat.

Seyi’s outreach initiative, while framed as part of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement program, is also seen by some as a strategic political move to strengthen his father’s political foothold in the northern region, where there is still some resistance to his re-election.

No-Show: Nigerian professor expresses frustration over students’ absence in his class

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A postgraduate class at Bayero University faced an unexpected turnout issue during a recent lecture on social media’s role in popular culture. 

Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, from the Faculty of Communication, scheduled his M.Sc. Popular Culture lecture for 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025. However, when he arrived, he was met with an empty classroom.

In a candid post on his Facebook page, Professor Adamu described the situation, expressing disappointment at the absence of his students, many of whom are mature individuals committed to their education. 

“I will wait one more hour, all by myself,” he wrote, revealing the gravity of the situation as he sat alone in the lecture hall.

The incident raises concerns about student engagement and commitment in higher education, particularly among postgraduate students who are expected to take their studies seriously. 

Professor Adamu’s experience reflects a growing trend of attendance issues in classrooms, prompting discussions among his social media followers about students’ attitudes to learning in Nigerian universities.

As the academic community reacts to this situation, it remains to be seen how institutions will address these challenges in the future.

Information and Media Studies students host Iftar to promote unity

By Isma’il Gambo Muhammad (IGMB)

Students from the Information and Media Studies department organized a one-day Iftar gathering at the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University, Kano, to promote unity among themselves, their teachers, and the broader university community.

The event took place one day after the last exam of the second semester, aimed at fostering cordial and lasting academic relationships within IMS as one family while celebrating the month of Ramadan, seen as a time of kindness and all forms of goodness and mercy.

The occasion has graciously received the honor of inviting five competent and indigenous lecturers from the department, including the Head of the Department (HOD), Prof. Nura Ibrahim; Level Three Coordinator, Dr. Muhammad Ɗanja;Faculty Examination Officer, Dr. Aliyu Isa Agaye; Level Four Coordinator (IMS), Dr. Saminu Umar; and above all, Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad from the University of Abuja.

Many representatives from various university departments attended, including the Faculty of Computing, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, and some SUG officials from the BUK chapter.

Students voluntarily offered various contributions, including comfort foods, delicious dishes, meats, fruits, and a wide selection of drinks, ensuring that each attendee was sufficiently served.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Muhammad Ɗanja warmly welcomed everyone to the grand occasion. 

In his comments, Prof. Nura Ibrahim stated that IMS is more than just a studentship; it is a family. He mentioned, “As long as all the IMS levels come together to observe the IFTAR next year, I will certainly invite the Vice Chancellor (VC) to the occasion.”

However, in their keynote speeches, all the invited lecturers expressed their heartfelt happiness and gratitude to all the attendees, and they mentioned their ongoing commitment to supporting such a significant gesture in the future.

The lecturers encouraged and inspired the students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in real-life situations. They concluded by drawing the attention of potential Level Four (SIWES) students to maximize their efforts, broaden their horizons, and seize opportunities for skill acquisition at their respective organizations where they are posted for service. They prayed for the ongoing progress of the Department and its students.

Ultimately, in his closing remarks, Coordinator Muazu Salihu expressed a heartfelt thank you to all the lecturers and fellow students for honoring the invitation and wished everyone a safe journey back to their respective destinations.

Local chicken farmers express worries about low sales ahead of Sallah festival

By Anas Abbas

As the joyful Sallah festival approaches, local chicken, broiler chicken, and a unique breed known as “merger” producers are expressing concerns over a significant drop in patronage, which raises worries about the future of their businesses.

Traditionally, this festive season witnesses a surge in demand for chicken as families prepare to celebrate with delicious meals. However, this year, many farmers are facing an unprecedented challenge, including the high cost of chicken feed, losses of the chickens due to hot weather conditions, and low patronage.

In an interview with The Daily Reality, Mallam Shuaibu Ismail, a seasoned chicken seller and rearer, expressed his disappointment. “In previous years, we would have sold out most of our stock by now,” he said. “This time, however, the orders have been minimal, and it’s worrying. We rely on this season to sustain our families and businesses throughout the year.”

“Due to economic hardship, people are not supporting the local chicken businesses, and the chickens have been affected by an unexpected disease,” he added.

Jamila Sulaiman, a broiler rearer, expressed, “Sallah is usually a time of joy for us. We prepare for months in advance, but this year, many customers seem hesitant to buy. We hope that as the festival gets closer, people will start to purchase more, as the chickens are dying because of the sunny weather. Yesterday morning, I found three dead,” she stated.

“If people don’t buy, we will be at great risk as the price of broiler feed approaches 26000, compared to last year N8000,” she added.

The reasons for the low patronage are varied. Some producers attribute it to the rising cost of living and inflation, which have made it difficult for families to budget for festive meals. Others believe that changing consumer preferences and increased competition from larger poultry suppliers may also be contributing factors.

Despite these challenges, local rearers remain hopeful that demand will increase as Sallah approaches. “We are optimistic that people will remember the significance of Sallah meat for their families,” said Isuhu Wada.

“Purchasing the chicken benefits us and also boosts our economy, as we will spend the money on something else.”

As the festival approaches, local chicken farmers are urging consumers to support their businesses and keep the spirit of Sallah alive through communal meals and community support.