News

By Uzair Adam 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has initiated the accreditation of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in preparation for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). 

JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, announced the commencement of the accreditation exercise in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing its importance in ensuring a smooth examination process.

The statement urged new CBT centres interested in participating in the 2025 UTME to review the requirements provided on JAMB’s official website. 

According to the statement, prospective centres must be able to familiarize themselves with the outlined standards by visiting the JAMB portal and submitting a formal notification of interest to the Registrar through the respective Zonal Director or State Coordinator.

Established centres that were accredited for the 2024 UTME and operated without issues are required to register their interest via the Centre Management System (CMS) Portal. 

For new centres, JAMB’s Zonal and State Offices will assist in creating accounts on the CMS Portal to facilitate their registration. 

“All centres must complete the mandatory Autobot/Autotest on a date to be announced as part of their preparation for the physical accreditation visit by the Board’s team,” the statement noted.

Dr Benjamin highlighted that only centres that successfully pass the Autobot/Autotest and meet JAMB’s stipulated standards would proceed to the next stage of the accreditation process. 

The physical accreditation exercise is set to commence in December 2024, with notifications sent only to qualifying centres.

JAMB reiterated that centres failing to meet the required standards during the Autobot/Autotest will not be considered for inclusion in the 2025 UTME registration and examination.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the successful elimination of several bandits during airstrikes in Babban Kauye village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on November 15.  

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, disclosed that the operation, under the framework of Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted a large assembly of bandits in the area. 

The airstrikes, part of Operation Farautar Mujiya, were aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of notorious bandit factions in Northwestern Nigeria.  

Akinboyewa noted that intelligence reports had revealed the bandits were planning coordinated attacks on military personnel and civilians in the Tsafe axis. 

Acting on this information, NAF executed a series of airstrikes, resulting in significant casualties among the bandits, including key loyalists of infamous leaders Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule.  

“Reports from the ground confirmed the successful elimination of numerous high-ranking members of these groups, delivering a severe blow to their operations,” he said.  

Tsafe Local Government Area has long been a hotspot for bandit activities, with Babban Kauye serving as a strategic safe haven for their operations. 

The recent airstrikes are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle bandit networks and restore peace to the region.  

Air Commodore Akinboyewa reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to eliminate threats posed by bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements across the country.  

The air component of Operation Fansan Yamma continues to intensify efforts to secure the Northwest and ensure the safety of its residents.

By Uzair Adam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Sunday as part of his official tour of Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with other top government officials, welcomed Modi and his delegation to the nation’s seat of power.

The two leaders are expected to hold discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and India.

This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, during which both countries established a strategic partnership.

Modi’s arrival on Saturday signifies a renewed focus on fostering ties between the two nations.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from using its regulatory powers to impose fines, issue sanctions, or intimidate broadcast stations and independent media houses in Nigeria.

Delivering judgment in June 2024, Justice Nicholas Oweibo ruled that the NBC lacks the legal authority to unilaterally impose penalties, including fines, suspensions, or license withdrawals, on media organizations for airing content of public interest.

The judgment followed a lawsuit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

The lawsuit challenged a 2022 decision by the NBC to fine Trust TV, Multichoice Nigeria, NTA-Startimes, and Telcom Satellite Limited N5 million each for documentaries on terrorism, which the commission claimed undermined national security and contravened the Broadcasting Code.

In his ruling, Justice Oweibo affirmed that SERAP and CJID had sufficient legal standing to sue, stating, “This is a public interest case, and the plaintiffs are not meddlesome interlopers.”

The court declared that the imposition of fines by NBC without recourse to a court of law violated constitutional provisions on media freedom, fair hearing, and access to information.

The court also set aside the N5 million fines and granted an order of perpetual injunction preventing NBC or any other authority from unlawfully sanctioning or intimidating independent media outlets.

Justice Oweibo emphasized that only the courts, not regulatory agencies, can impose criminal sanctions like fines.

In response to the judgment, SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, called on the NBC to respect the rule of law and urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the judgment’s implementation.

He added, “This ruling is a victory for media freedom, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in Nigeria.”

The suit also criticized the use of “national security” as justification for suppressing information, arguing that such actions contravene both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties.

The court’s decision reinforces protections for independent media and affirms the judiciary’s role in safeguarding freedom of expression in Nigeria.

By Anas Abbas

Residents of some areas in Kano State are sounding alarm over a severe mosquito infestation linked to rampant refuse accumulation.

The situation has raised public health concerns, particularly regarding the rising cases of malaria, a disease predominantly transmitted by mosquitoes.

Situation on ground

In several neighborhoods, stagnant water and heaps of garbage have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Local residents report an alarming increase in mosquito populations, which they believe is directly contributing to a surge in malaria cases.

Residents’ Concerns

Local residents have voiced their frustrations regarding the government’s failure to address this growing health crisis. They highlight that the absence of mosquito control initiatives, such as spraying insecticides and promoting sanitation, has allowed mosquito populations to flourish.

“We see mosquitoes everywhere, and they are the main cause of malaria in our community,” lamented Khadija Umar. “The government needs to take action before more lives are lost.”

“We are overwhelmed by mosquitoes, and many of us are falling ill with malaria,” Amina Yusuf, a resident of Danrimi area. “We need immediate help from the government.”

The lack of effective waste management and sanitation services in these communities have exacerbated the problem. Many families are struggling to cope with the health implications, with some reporting multiple cases of malaria within their households. “It’s heartbreaking to see our loved ones suffer because of something that can be prevented,” lamented Saad musa.

The call for government action

Residents are calling on the Kano State government to take urgent action.

They are demanding the implementation of mosquito control initiatives, including regular insecticide spraying and improved waste management practices.

Additionally, public health campaigns aimed at educating the community about malaria prevention are seen as essential steps toward tackling this growing crisis.

Health expert warns that without immediate intervention, the situation could worsen, leading to further health complications for vulnerable populations.

Usman Sani Sa’id, a health practitioner, is urging the government to prioritize initiatives that educate communities on mosquito eradication and distribute mosquito nets.

“Malaria disproportionately affects developing countries, with poor hygiene being a significant contributor. However, when communities maintain cleanliness by sweeping homes and disposing of sewage, mosquitoes are less likely to thrive,” he emphasizes.

Sa’id, highlighted the necessity of community education, asserting, “It is imperative that we raise awareness about malaria prevention. The government must adopt measures such as spraying insecticides and implementing other preventive strategies to safeguard the health and lives of our residents.” His passionate plea underscores the urgent need for a collaborative effort in combating malaria and enhancing public health.

By Uzair Adam 

A nurse abducted by ISWAP terrorists in 2018 has regained her freedom after enduring six years in captivity.  

The nurse, Alice Loksha, was taken alongside two other female health workers on March 1, 2018, while working at a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) facility in Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.  

Speaking to journalists at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri on Friday, Kenneth Chigbu, Deputy Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed that Loksha escaped from captivity and was found in Geidam, Yobe State, on October 24, 2024.  

Chigbu revealed that the 42-year-old endured forced marriages with two ISWAP commanders and faced severe conditions during her captivity.  

“She was initially held in Tumbuma for two days before being relocated to Kwalleram, where she spent seven months and was forced into marriage with a terrorist leader named Abu Umar. 

“This marriage resulted in the birth of her son, Muhammad. Abu Umar was later killed during a gunfight with troops in 2022,” Chigbu said.  

After Abu Umar’s death, Loksha was forced into another marriage with an ISWAP commander named Abu Simak in 2022. However, he was later banished by his fellow terrorists to the Dogon Chukwu camp. 

Loksha managed to escape from this camp through the Diffa axis and reach Geidam, where she reported to JTF troops on October 29.  

“She has since undergone medical evaluation and received humanitarian support,” Chigbu added. 

Chigbu also confirmed the escape of Fayina Ali, the younger sister of the late Samuel Andrew, a soldier who served under the 212 Battalion. 

Fayina was abducted by ISWAP on October 19, 2022, while travelling to Maiduguri to process her late brother’s death benefits.  

“Fayina was held captive in Kangarwa for nine months before being transferred to Tumbuma for four years. She was later returned to Kangarwa, where she remained for another year before escaping,” he said.  

Both women were received by Zuwaira Gambo, Borno State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development. 

Gambo assured that they would undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being reintegrated with their families.  

“This marks a significant step in their recovery and reintegration process,” Gambo said.

By Uzair Adam 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a State Visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday.  

The Daily Reality gathered that this historic visit marks the first time an Indian prime minister has been to Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s trip in 2007, during which a strategic partnership between the two nations was established.  

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this development in a statement on Saturday.  

According to Onanuga, the meeting aims to bolster ties between Nigeria and India. Both leaders will discuss avenues for collaboration across critical sectors. 

“Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding to enhance cooperation,” he stated.  

Prime Minister Modi is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Saturday ahead of the talks scheduled for Sunday.  

This visit underscores the commitment of both nations to deepening their longstanding bilateral relationship.

By Uzair Adam 

A 14-month-old baby, Grace Osamagbe, who was abducted in April by her nanny, has been rescued by the Edo State Police Command. 

The Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, disclosed the development during a briefing in Benin on Saturday. 

According to Ozigi, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit apprehended the nanny, Rejoice Chukwu, 24, and her boyfriend, Destiny Uchechukwu, 28, in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State. 

The pair had abducted the child in Benin, collected a ransom of N160,000, and subsequently sold her for N500,000 to Doris Chiwendu in Owerri, Imo State.

Police investigations further led to the arrest of Chiwendu and another accomplice, Jane Amaigbo, in Ubomiri, Imo State. 

The baby was rescued on November 9, following extensive questioning and tracking by law enforcement.

The police commissioner confirmed that the suspects would soon face charges in court.

By Uzair Adam

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were among the notable figures who attended the wedding Fatiha of the daughter of former Kano State Governor, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano on Saturday.

The grand event also brought together the groom and bride’s fathers, prominent businessman Dahiru Mangal and Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his deputy, Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo.

The wedding Fatiha was held at the Palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, and drew dignitaries from across the country.

The ceremony marked another significant gathering of Nigeria’s political and business elite, reflecting the strong ties among the nation’s leaders.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, PhD, FNSE, National Leader of the NNPP, welcomed Nigeria’s top political dignitaries to Kano for his beloved daughter’s wedding.

The illustrious event, held under the serene ambience of Kano’s cultural heritage, saw the presence of Kano State Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf joined hands with his mentor and received many prominent leaders. Among them were Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, CON, former Governor of Zamfara State; Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi; and His Excellency Adamu Aliero, former Governor of Kebbi State.

Social media commentators praise the politicians’ display of unity. Others add that the occasion transcends political affiliations, bringing together leaders from diverse backgrounds to celebrate a union rooted in love and tradition. The wedding symbolises more than just a family milestone—it has become a testament to the power of unity, respect, and collaboration in Nigeria’s political sphere.

The event was a magnificent display of cultural pride and leadership, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees and further solidifying Sen. Kwankwaso’s role as a unifying figure in the nation.