News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has announced the division of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna State, into six regions.

Tinubu made the decision to split the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, in order to improve its operations, as stated in the announcement.

According to the APC section in Ondo State, these six campuses will be established in different regions of Nigeria.

New campuses will be set up in Akure (South-West), Osubi (South-South), and Ebonyi (South-East), while others will be established in Ilorin (Central), Yola (North-East), and Zaria (North-West.)

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Daily Reality earlier reported that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) had included 20 Nigerian words in its latest update. Below are their definitions.

1. 419 (noun): Fraud (now usually perpetrated on the internet) involving requests for advance payment in return for a substantial share of a large amount of money, which ultimately is never given. Frequently as a modifier, as in 419 emails, 419 scams, etc.

2. abi (adverb): Used as a sentence adverb: clearly, obviously; of course. Also used interrogatively, at the end of a statement, to prompt agreement, approval, or confirmation: ‘isn’t that so?’, ‘am I not correct?’, etc.

3. adire (adjective, noun): Made of a type of fabric produced mainly in south-western Nigeria, featuring patterns obtained by applying indigo or other dyes using various resist-dyeing techniques; a type of fabric produced mainly in south-western Nigeria, featuring patterns obtained by applying indigo or other dyes using various resist-dyeing techniques. Also: the method of producing this fabric.

4. agbero (noun): Originally: a person (usually a boy or young man) who works as a tout, typically at car parks and bus stops, collecting money from passengers and drivers and ushering passengers onto vehicles. Later also (now chiefly): a person (usually a boy or young man), who obtains money or wins influence by engaging in criminal activity, such as extortion, theft, and drug dealing, often as a member of a gang.

5. area boy (noun): A person (usually a boy or young man), who obtains money or influence by engaging in criminal activity, such as extortion, theft, and drug dealing, often as a member of a street gang. Also: a person (usually a boy or young man) who works as a tout or enforcer.

6. cross-carpet: (verb): Of a politician: to move from one political party to another.

7. cross-carpeting (noun): The action or practice of a politician moving from one political party to another. Also: an instance of this.

8. eba (noun): A kind of dough made with boiled cassava meal, typically shaped into balls, forming a staple food in parts of West Africa.

9. Edo (noun; adjective):  A member of a people inhabiting the ancient Benin Kingdom in present-day southern Nigeria; of or relating to the language of the Edo, a member of the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language family; designating this language.

10. gele (noun): A West African head-tie originally worn by Yoruba women, typically consisting of a stiff piece of fabric printed with designs in bright colours, which can be tied or wrapped around the head to form various shapes.

11. jand (noun; verb): A foreign country; a country other than one’s own; to travel overseas, esp. in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.

12. janded (adjective): Designating a person who has travelled overseas; of, relating to, or characteristic of such a person. Also: characteristic of or coming from a country other than one’s own; foreign.

13. japa (noun; verb): The emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity; to leave Nigeria for another country (esp. one in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity. Also more generally: to escape, to flee. 

14. Kanuri (noun; adjective): A member of a group of African peoples principally inhabiting north-eastern Nigeria, with some populations in Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Sudan; of or relating to the language of the Kanuri.

15. kobo (noun): Also in extended use: a very small amount (of money); usually in negative constructions, as in not a kobo, not worth a kobo, etc.

16. Naija (adjective; noun): Of, belonging to, or relating to Nigeria or Nigerians; a native or inhabitant of Nigeria, or a person of Nigerian descent.

17. suya (noun): In Nigerian cookery: a dish consisting of thinly sliced pieces of spiced meat grilled or roasted on a skewer, usually sold by street vendors and eaten as a snack.

18. yahoo (noun): Fraud perpetrated on the internet, esp. involving requests for advance payment for services or products that are ultimately never provided. Usually reduplicated, as yahoo yahoo.

19. yahoo boy (noun): A person (esp. a man) who commits fraud on the internet.

20. yarn dust (verb): to talk nonsense.

The history, pronunciation, example sentences and other details about each word are available at https://www.oed.com.

By Uzair Adam 

The China Development Bank (CDB) has approved a €245 million ($254.76 million) loan to fund the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria.  

In a statement released on its official website on Tuesday, the bank confirmed that the financial package is intended to ensure the smooth continuation of the railway’s construction. 

The statement read, “China Development Bank has recently granted a loan of €245 million ($254.76 million) to the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria, providing financial support for the smooth progress of the project.”  

The 203-kilometre standard-gauge railway line will connect Kano, a major commercial hub in northern Nigeria, to the federal capital, Abuja. 

Once completed, the railway will enhance regional connectivity, offering residents a safer and more efficient mode of transportation.  

In addition to improving mobility, the project is expected to drive economic growth by promoting industrial development along its corridor. 

It will also generate significant employment opportunities during its construction and subsequent operations.  

The Kano-Kaduna railway is recognized as a key cooperation project under the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Construction is being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, with financing from the CDB.  

Previously, the project was slated for funding by the China Exim Bank, which later withdrew its financial commitment. The CDB subsequently stepped in as the new financier.  

The bank reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with the Nigerian government to ensure timely disbursement of funds and effective management of subsequent project phases.  

“Going forward, [the CDB] will closely coordinate with Nigerian partners to ensure the smooth disbursement of subsequent loans and effective post-loan management,” the statement added.  

President Bola Tinubu had earlier assured Nigerians that the broader Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway project would be completed satisfactorily. 

The Federal Government has allocated N44.4 billion this year to complete the Abuja-Kaduna Railway project, the Lagos-Ibadan railway, and other rail infrastructure initiatives.  

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, is expected in Abuja on Wednesday for an official visit. 

During his stay, Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, will engage in discussions to further strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed profound grief over the demise of Engr. Ahmad Ishaq Bunkure, the newly appointed Special Adviser on Works, who passed away on Tuesday in Egypt.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, announced the development in a statement released on Wednesday.

Governor Yusuf described the death of Engr. Bunkure as a tragic and irreplaceable loss to the state, his family, and the political community at large.

He offered prayers for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased and fortitude for his family to endure the painful loss.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for us as a government. Engr. Bunkure was a dedicated professional whose expertise and contributions were expected to drive our administration’s vision for development. His loss is deeply felt,” the governor stated.

Engr. Ahmad Ishaq Bunkure’s appointment as Special Adviser on Works had been announced just a day prior, making his sudden death a shock to many.

Condolences have poured in from various quarters, including His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and members of the Kano State Government.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has published its latest updates, featuring a collection of 20 words and phrases from Nigeria, Dr Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a consultant on Nigerian English for the OED, announced.

The Daily Reality can confirm that the dictionary has defined the words and phrases. However, while the majority of them (agbero, eba, japa, suya, etc.) were first published in December 2024, others (edo, kanuri, kobo, and yarn) were only updated with new meanings.

Dr Ugwuanyi, who played a significant role in the update, revealed that, in addition to drafting most of the words, he also provided their pronunciations. “When you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my voice bringing these words to life,” he shared in a celebratory post on LinkedIn.

The newly added words reflect diverse aspects of Nigerian life, from everyday slang to cultural expressions. The list includes:

1. 419

2. abi

3. adire

4. agbero

5. area boy

6. cross-carpet

7. cross-carpeting

8. eba

9. Edo

10. gele

11. jand (noun, verb)

12. janded (adjective)

13. japa (noun, verb)

14. Kanuri

15. kobo

16. Naija

17. suya

18. yahoo

19. yahoo boy

20. yarn dust

Dr Ugwuanyi thanked Danica Salazar, the OED’s World Englishes editor, and the entire editorial team and encouraged Nigerians to share their favourite words from the list and suggest new ones for future updates.

Recall that the dictionary added 29 Nigerian words and phrases in 2020, and CNN reported that those were in addition to the at least 57 others already in the dictionary.

The Daily Reality is still compiling the definitions of the latest additions for easier access.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The newly appointed Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has held a strategic security meeting with senior officers, in his bid to improve security in the state.

The meeting focused on the need to tackle corruption, extortion, and incivility towards the public, which mark a major shift in the state’s security approach.

CP Azare identified key security challenges facing the state, including kidnappings, armed robbery, communal clashes, and homicidal cases. He assured the Governor that his team, in collaboration with the DSS, has commenced profiling the sponsors of communal clashes and will soon submit an interim report.

The CP assured the officers that he will operate an open-door policy, that aims to reduce crime and curb unprofessional conduct.

He directed Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders, and Tactical Commanders to draft actionable crime-reduction plans tailored to their jurisdictions.

During the meeting, CP Azare decorated 142 newly promoted senior police officers with their new ranks.

The decorated officers included ACP Inyang John Abia, DPO Shelter Afrique, and ACP Ahiwa Ribadu, OC Anti-Cultism, who were formerly CSPs.

Others included CSP Felix Ekpoudom, 2IC QIU, CSP Cordiella Nwawe, Provost 26 PMF, Uyo, and CSP Ebong Thompson, OC SWAT.

CP Azare congratulated the promoted officers and urged them to discharge their new ranks within the law.

He expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the Police Service Commission for their commitment to police welfare.

The new Police Commissioner also plans to engage the youth in dialogue to promote peaceful coexistence and collaborate with other security agencies to bring an end to security challenges in the state.

To enhance community policing, CP Azare directed the command’s Public Relations Officer to make his phone number and those of other principal officers available to the public for easy access.

The state governor, Governor Eno, expressed satisfaction with the choice of the new Police Commissioner, citing his previous experience as Deputy Commissioner, Operations in the state.

The Governor commended CP Azare’s plan to engage the youth in community policing.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Group, Professor Banji Akintoye, has reiterated that the group will not back down from its pursuit of creating the Yoruba nation.

According to Akintoye, around 60 million Yoruba people, including those residing at home and abroad, support his cause for establishing the Yoruba nation as an independent country.

“We will not retreat. We must leave Nigeria, or our country will face serious problems.

“Don’t you hear our voices in the streets? The Yoruba nation is moving forward. There is no turning back.

“We are referring to the Yoruba people in Nigeria, who number about 55 to 60 million. We want to establish our own country. Nigeria will cease to exist if we establish our own nation. But if others want to continue to remain as Nigeria, that is fine,” he added.

By Uzair Adam

The Borno State Executive Council has approved the renaming of Borno State University (BOSU) to Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, in honour of Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the first Governor of Northern Nigeria.  

The decision was made during the council’s first meeting of 2025, presided over by Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri.  

Addressing journalists, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, stated that the renaming would take effect following legislative amendments and notifications to regulatory bodies.  

“The council has approved that Borno State University be renamed Kashim Ibrahim University. 

“This decision is subject to the legislative processes by the State Assembly to amend the law establishing the university and actions by the Ministry of Education to inform relevant bodies such as the NUC and JAMB,” Prof. Tar explained.  

The council also approved a comprehensive programme for street naming and house numbering across Maiduguri and other urban areas as part of ongoing urban renewal efforts. 

The initiative will involve collaboration with traditional rulers and federal agencies like the Nigerian Postal Service.  

“Relevant MDAs will work with stakeholders to develop a naming and numbering template. This will ensure that updated names and numbers are reflected on platforms like Google Maps and public records to enhance urban planning and governance,” Prof. Tar added.  

During the meeting, Governor Zulum expressed appreciation for the council members’ commitment and outlined plans for intensified recovery efforts and impactful projects in 2025.  

“In 2024, my administration achieved significant progress, and I am committed to accomplishing even more this year. Our focus will remain on post-conflict recovery, urban renewal, and improving citizens’ welfare,” Zulum said.  

The meeting also featured a valedictory session honouring the outgoing Head of Service, Barrister Malam Fannami, who is set to retire later this month. The council commended his dedication and contributions to the state’s development.

By Ishaka Mohamed

As revealed in a statement released on Monday, January 6, 2025, the officers were dismissed for various offences bordering on fraudulent activities and misconduct.

According to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, the dismissals were necessary for the Commission to enforce integrity. “Every modicum of allegation against any staff of the Commission would always be investigated.

The core values of the Commission would always be held in optimal regard at all times,” part of the statement reads.

The Commission further warned the public of the activities of impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its Executive Chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects being investigated by the EFCC. 

Two members of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, for allegedly contacting a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Mohammed Bello-Kaka, and demanding $1 million from him for “Olukoyede to give him soft landing” on a non-existing investigation. 

The Commission reiterated that such characters are still on the loose, seeking victims.

By Anwar Usman

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has reshuffled his cabinet and sacked five commissioners.

According to a press release issued to journalists on Tuesday by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mukhtar Gidado, the reshuffling is to strengthen governance and ensure optimal service delivery to the people of the State.

The release revealed that “In that respect, five commissioners were sacked. This move highlights the administration’s commitment to injecting new ideas and energy into governance, in line with the governor’s vision of reinvigorating the machinery of government and addressing emerging challenges effectively.

“The commissioners affected by this reshuffle are Commissioner of Education, Jamila Dahiru, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abdulhameed Bununu, Commissioner of Information and Communication, Usman Danturaki, Commissioner of Agriculture, Madugu Yalams and Commissioner of Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Yakubu Ibrahim.

“Governor Bala extends his gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their dedication, service, and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Bauchi State.

“Their efforts have been instrumental in advancing key initiatives and policies of this administration.”

The governor has also forwarded the names of five individuals for security clearance and subsequent confirmation as commissioners by the state House of Assembly.