News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

By Uzair Adam

The Presidency has refuted allegations that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political figures in Rivers State was a power grab, asserting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took action to prevent the state from plunging into chaos.

In a statement on Sunday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the intervention was necessary to restore stability, arguing that waiting for a complete breakdown of governance would have been reckless.

The political turmoil in Rivers State, fueled by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and State House of Assembly members loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had paralyzed governance.

Despite Supreme Court rulings affirming constitutional authority, tensions persisted. Intelligence reports, according to the Presidency, indicated that militants in the creeks were prepared to attack critical oil infrastructure, threatening national economic security.

“Had President Tinubu failed to act, Rivers State could have descended into violence, with lawmakers and vital oil facilities at risk. Schools and hospitals would have shut down, investors would have fled, and the economic consequences would have been severe,” the statement read.

By March 18, the Presidency said, the crisis had escalated beyond political negotiations, making intervention unavoidable. Critics have described the suspension of Governor Fubara and others as undemocratic, but the Presidency insists it was a temporary measure to reset governance, not an attempt to seize power.

“This is not a power grab,” the statement noted.

“The intervention is temporary, aimed at stabilizing governance. The six-month suspension is designed to de-escalate tensions and restore order.”

The Presidency also accused some critics of hypocrisy, noting that many who condemned the President’s decision remained silent on Fubara’s alleged refusal to cooperate with the legislature.

“Democracy cannot function in lawlessness—anarchy is its enemy,” Onanuga stated.

Citing Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the President the power to act in times of crisis, the statement referenced past emergency rule measures in Plateau and Borno States as precedents for Tinubu’s decision.

“The President swore an oath to safeguard national stability. Rivers State is a vital economic hub, and any political disruption in its oil sector has nationwide consequences,” it added.

With the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (Rtd.) as the Administrator of Rivers State, efforts are already underway to restore peace and governance. One of his first steps was engaging traditional leaders to find lasting solutions.

The Presidency assured Nigerians that the emergency measures would be lifted once normalcy returns, allowing elected officials to resume their duties.

Defending Tinubu’s decision, the statement quoted philosopher Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

By Anwar Usman

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it has apprehended a 42 year old Indian woman, Ms. Neetu Neetu, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, with 72 parcels of heroin wraped and packaged as chocolates.

This was revealed disclosed via a statement issued by the Director of Media and Advocacy of the agency, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, the shipment with 11kg weight was seized from Neetu’s luggage after a search at the arrival hall of the airport.

Based on credible intelligence, the operation took place during the inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from Bangkok, Thailand, via Vietnam and Doha, on March 14, 2025.

On his part, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) while reacting about the arrest, highlighted a disturbing trend of drug cartels hiring foreign nationals, including white women, to traffic illicit substances through Nigerian borders.

He further stated that, “This growing tactic by drug trafficking organisations has consistently been frustrated by our vigilant officers with the aid of modern technological tools and proactive intelligence”.

Marwa commended the NDLEA officers in MAKIA, Lagos, and Kano Commands for their relentless efforts.

He noted the agency’s dual focus on drug supply and demand reduction.

“Our operatives must not relent in ensuring a balanced and sustained fight against drug abuse and trafficking nationwide,” Marwa urged.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched a groundbreaking digital enrichment project using artificial intelligence (AI) to teach and correct the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.

The initiative, inaugurated on Saturday, is part of broader efforts to enhance the experience of pilgrims and visitors at the Two Holy Mosques. 

It offers an advanced educational platform that allows users to enhance their recitation through AI-driven analysis, listen to model recitations from imams of the mosque, and explore translations of the surah in various languages.

According to the Presidency, this represents the pilot phase of the project, which is expected to expand in the future. The platform employs advanced algorithms to evaluate recitation in real-time, connecting traditional learning methods with modern technology.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation strategy in religious education, the initiative aims to offer a seamless and enriching learning experience for visitors from around the world.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced the automatic employment of 54 indigenes of the state who recently completed their Master’s degrees in India under the state government’s foreign scholarship program.

The governor made the announcement during an Iftar gathering with the returning scholars, emphasizing the government’s commitment to investing in education and strengthening the state’s workforce.

Governor Yusuf urged the graduates to repay the state’s investment by contributing diligently to Kano’s development. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to providing educational opportunities and employing qualified professionals to enhance governance and public service.

By Anwar Usman

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has stated that the suspension of the elected governor, deputy and members of the house of assembly in Rivers State could tarnish the reputation of the country.

The former president made the statement at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday.

“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he said.

Jonathan, while revealing his stance about the political unrest in Rivers State, said although it is not the norm for former presidents to comment on issues in the polity so as not to heat up the polity, he insisted that the image of the country and how much investments a country attracts is heavily dependent on the actions of the executive, legislature and judiciary of the country.

Jonathan’s comment on the state of emergency came after the Peoples Democratic Party governors contended that the President Bola Tinubu’s actions were unconstitutional and threatened Nigeria’s democratic principles.

He criticized the situation where an individual can dictate to the judiciary, noting that it makes it difficult for anyone to have faith in the judiciary.