News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to his residence in Kaduna today, after spending two years in Daura, Katsina State, following the completion of his term in May 2023.

After leaving office, Buhari chose to live a quiet life in Daura, and distanced himself from direct political activities while focusing on personal matters.

His return to Kaduna was marked by a warm reception from his supporters.

He was, it was observed, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and several top government officials, including Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; and his counterpart from Kaduna State, Uba Sani.

Other dignitaries in his entourage included former Inspector General of Police, ex-ministers, and some of his close aides.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has inaugurated its Academic Planning Committee (APC) to enhance research and development within the institution.

The inauguration, which took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, was held at the Council’s headquarters in Sheda, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, reiterated the pros of the committee.

He was quoted as stating that “the committee is a crucial committee of the Council to drive research and development activities.”

He noted that its formation would accelerate research progress and play a key role in advancing the Council’s mandate.

Prof. Shehu reminded members that NERDC serves as the think tank of Nigeria’s education sector and is expected to lead in educational innovations.

He urged also them to reposition both themselves and the Council to effectively fulfill their responsibilities, calling on the committee to develop impactful programmes and research agendas that would benefit both the Council and the country.

Expressing concern over financial constraints, the Executive Secretary stressed the importance of demonstrating expertise to attract more funding from the government and development partners.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Shehu appreciated the committee members for their commitment and urged them to stay motivated.

He advised them to contribute meaningful ideas, stating that he is open to “informed advice and quality suggestions and not gossips.”

Earlier in the meeting, Dr. Chima Egbujuo, Head of the Policy and Programmes Unit and Secretary of the Academic Planning Committee, provided an overview of the committee’s structure and responsibilities.

He explained that the APC comprises the Executive Secretary as the Chairman, alongside all Directors, Assistant Directors, and Chief Research Officers of the Council.

As an advisory body, the committee is expected to guide management on academic activities and initiatives.

By Muhsin Ibrahim 

Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has proposed introducing a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump’s face, citing economic struggles under former President Joe Biden.

In a post on the social media platform X, Wilson wrote, “Bidenflation has destroyed the economy, forcing American families to carry more cash. The most valuable bill for the most valuable president!”

The proposal has sparked debate, with supporters praising Trump’s economic policies and critics dismissing the move as political grandstanding. 

The US Treasury has not commented on whether such a bill is under consideration.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered an urgent investigation into reports of salary deductions, underpayment, and non-payment affecting civil servants. Describing the issue as a violation of workers’ rights, he vowed to hold those responsible accountable.

In a statement on Thursday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed the inauguration of a seven-member committee to audit the state’s payroll from October 2024 to February 2025. 

The committee, chaired by Commissioner for Rural & Community Development, Hon. Abdulkadir Abdussalam, has seven days to submit its findings.

Governor Yusuf assured civil servants of his administration’s commitment to transparency and timely salary payments, warning that anyone found guilty of payroll fraud would face legal action.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, inaugurated the committee on behalf of the governor.

By Uzair Adam

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced that engineering work on Nigeria’s first made-in-Nigeria helicopter is almost complete, with a test flight expected soon.

Kareem Aduagba, Project Manager of NASENI’s Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Development Institute in Kaduna, made this known during a Focus Group Engagement organized by the agency.

The event, attended by academics, private sector manufacturers, and government officials, aimed to promote local manufacturing and innovation.

Aduagba explained that NASENI is working on both locally designed aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) while also leveraging Semi Knock Down (SKD) and Complete Knock Down (CKD) components acquired from developed countries.

“Very soon, we will conduct the first test. Everything is nearing completion, and soon, we will fly Nigeria’s first locally-made helicopter,” he said.

Abdulfatai Ambali, Head of the Manufacturing Services Department at NASENI’s Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute in Kano, emphasized the agency’s renewed focus on commercializing innovations and strengthening collaborations.

He noted that NASENI, under the leadership of Executive Vice Chairman Khalil Suleman Halilu, is increasing awareness of its activities while developing homegrown technologies to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign products.

Saleh Kwaru, the facilitator of the programme, urged Nigerians to support local industries, stressing that national development depends on patronizing indigenous products.

Similarly, Yusuf Suleman, Acting Zonal Coordinator for the North West Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), praised NASENI for addressing quality and production challenges hindering locally-made products.

“Innovation and modern technology are key to improving the acceptance of Nigerian products. This kind of engagement will help tackle production challenges and create more job opportunities,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has declared Friday, February 28, 2025, as the commencement of the search for the new Moon of Ramadan 1446AH.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.

The Daily Reality reports that the council urged Muslims across the country to observe the sky for the new Crescent on Friday and report any sighting to their nearest District or Village Head.

The reports will then be forwarded to the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for an official announcement.

The statement also provided contact numbers for reporting confirmed sightings to the Sultanate Council:

– 08037157100

– 08066303077

– 08035965322

– 08099945903

– Murtala Isah (Pharm) – 07067146900

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Importers of petroleum products are expressing concerns over the continuous lowering of petrol prices by the Dangote Refinery, which they claim could force them to sell at a loss.

As consumers flock to outlets offering the lowest prices, dealers fear they may be forced out of the market.

On Wednesday, the Dangote refinery announced a N65 reduction in the ex-depot (gantry) price of petrol after lowering it from N890 to N825 per litre.

The price cut, effective from February 27, marks the second price drop of the year and the third adjustment in just two months.

Importers have voiced their concerns that the latest price cuts are making it less appealing to import petroleum products.

The cost of landing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) reached about N927 per litre last week, higher than Dangote’s ex-depot price, leaving importers with little to no profit margin.

A dealer mentioned, “Some of us who have imported PMS are feeling the heat of Dangote’s decision to slash prices. Though it’s good to reduce petrol prices, it’s taking a toll on our business.”

Another dealer believes that Dangote’s price cuts aim to deter fuel imports, stating, “This latest reduction will discourage fuel imports. Some of us will have to source our products locally.”

Chinedu Ukadike, the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, acknowledged the potential financial losses for importers.

He commended Dangote’s efforts, noting that the refinery’s price cuts could push importers out of business.

Ukadike also emphasized the need for improved distribution infrastructure to further reduce prices and enhance supply across Nigeria.

Despite the challenges, Ukadike reaffirmed the support of independent marketers for Dangote’s refinery, praising the development of the 650,000 single-train refinery in Nigeria and the removal of fuel subsidies.

He stated that his association will continue to purchase products from Dangote as long as prices remain competitive.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders gathered at the party’s headquarters in Abuja for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

Armed security officers, including soldiers, in collaboration with other security agencies, barricaded all roads leading to the venue on Blantyre Street. Vehicle and pedestrian movement around the area was restricted, and journalists were denied access to the venue. 

However, APC spokesperson Felix Morka released a list of accredited journalists for the event on Wednesday morning.

Among those who arrived early for the meeting were members of the National Working Committee (NWC), state party leaders, former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari, Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu.

Governors from Edo, Benue, Ondo, Ekiti, Kaduna, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Yobe, Niger, Lagos, Kogi, Ogun, Imo, Deputy Governor of Ebonyi, and former governors of Kogi, Kebbi, Niger, Zamfara, and Plateau also attended.

Notable absentees at the NEC meeting included former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi.

Party leader, President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas arrived at the meeting around 12 PM. The party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, presided over the meeting.

This was the first NEC meeting since Tinubu assumed office as president in May 2023, following a party high-level meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Some party stalwarts, including El-Rufai and former Deputy National Chairman of the APC Salihu Lukman, have expressed concerns about the ruling party’s lack of internal democracy.

By Anwar Usman

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said on Wednesday that when he assumed office, he found an N8.9 billion debt from the previous leadership.

The former Kano State governor made this known in Abuja, where he was speaking at the ongoing National Executive Committee meeting of the APC.

He stated that the expenses were incurred during pre-election legal battles, election cases, and appeals for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections.

He explained, “The current NWC inherited debts and legal liabilities amounting to N8,987,874,663, arising from various legal engagements.”

The former Governor explained that Professor Abdul Kareem Kana (SAN), the National Legal Adviser, has been working to alleviate the debt burden.

He pleaded, “We still passionately appeal to the National Executive Committee to intervene accordingly”.

In attendance were President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, state governors, NWC members, and other party chieftains.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has assured residents that adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order in the state.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had deployed personnel and assets to strategic locations within Kano Metropolis.

The Daily Reality gathered that the deployment follows credible intelligence reports indicating a planned violent protest by some individuals. Kiyawa said the proactive measures led to the arrest of 17 suspected thugs, adding that an investigation was ongoing to ensure those behind the planned violence were brought to justice.

The Command warned individuals and groups against engaging in unlawful gatherings, processions, or violence, stressing that security agencies would respond swiftly and decisively to any attempts to disrupt public peace.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The Command also expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support of Kano residents in maintaining peace and order.

Although the motive behind the protest was not unclear, our reporters learned that several reports revealed that protesters arrived at Gadar Nassarawa earlier in the day.