News

By Uzair Adam

The Awareness for Human Rights and Charity Foundation (AHRCF) has warned that Nigeria’s escalating food insecurity, hunger, and starvation are driving a surge in criminal activity.

At a press briefing in Kano on Saturday, AHRCF National Director Comrade Auwal Usman emphasized the dire consequences of the country’s deteriorating conditions.

He stated that, “The skyrocketing cost of living has left millions struggling to survive, with hunger ravaging households and pushing many into destitution.”

Usman urged Nigeria’s influential stakeholders, including former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, to intervene.

He was qouted as saying, “Their collective experience and influence can help address this crisis.

“The foundation linked the rise in banditry and insecurity to widespread poverty and hunger.

“Desperate individuals, including women, are turning to begging, prostitution, or kidnapping to survive,” Usman said.

He lamented the devastating impact on families and communities, stressing the need for immediate action.

“Stakeholders must come together to alleviate the suffering of impoverished Nigerians and safeguard our nation’s future.”

The AHRCF’s warning comes as Nigeria grapples with soaring food prices, conflict, and climate-related disasters, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition nationwide.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) held a workshop promoting transparency and accountability in governance through technology in public project tracking. 

Held at Bauchi’s NUJ Secretariat Complex, key speakers included the Director of Planning, Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination. 

CITAD launched its Office of the Citizens app, which enables citizens to track government-funded projects, monitor progress, and report discrepancies. 

In a statement it released on Thursdsy, CITAD said, “The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) successfully conducted a one day workshop aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in governance through the application of technology in public project tracking.

“The event, which took place at M.A Abdullahi Conference Hall, NUJ Secretariat Complex, Bauchi on Thursday 17/10/2024, highlighted the critical role of technology in ensuring that government projects are completed on time and within budget.

“The highlight of the program was the presentation of CITAD’s Office of the Citizens, an innovative Android mobile application designed to empower citizens by providing real-time updates on government-funded projects and enabling public oversight.

“The app allows users to track the allocation and expenditure of public funds, monitor project progress, and report any discrepancies.”

On his part, Mujahid Ibrahim, the Chief Officer of CITAD in Bauchi stated that, “Public project tracking is essential for transparency and accountability. With tools like the Office of the Citizens app, we give citizens a voice to engage governments and demand proper resource use.”

The event included hands-on training and discussions on challenges, solutions, and best practices. 

CITAD will promote the app, conduct trainings, collaborate with government bodies, establish feedback mechanisms, and foster partnerships.

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

The Nigerian Army has reacted to the absence of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and dismissed claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present.

It said such claims are mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.

The Amry therefore assured the general public that the absence of the COAS has not created any leadership vacuum within the service.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, he explained that Lagbaja is on official leave, and necessary protocols have been put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS during his absence.

“There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing could be further from the truth. To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.

“Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away.

“This is not peculiar to the NA, as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence.”

The statement further clarified that the COAS’s absence has not stalled promotions for officers.

It added that the results of the Captain-to-Major promotion exam had been released following the approval of the Chief of Policy and Plans.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has led a delegation of Northern Governors to Jigawa State to express sympathy over the devastating petrol tanker explosion that claimed over 150 lives and left many injured. 

During the visit, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced that each Northern Governor is donating N50 million to support the victims, their families, and survivors.  

He noted that the collective contribution is to help alleviate the suffering caused by the incident and assist the Jigawa State Government in managing the aftermath of the tragedy. 

“This tragedy affects us all. We therefore must support the Government and people of Jigawa State through these difficult times to help rebuild lives and overcome this challenge,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated. 

Describing the explosion as one of the most tragic incidents in recent memory, Governor Inuwa Yahaya underscored the shared responsibility of the Northern Governors to stand in solidarity with Jigawa.  

He expressed particular sorrow over the loss of young lives, acknowledging that many of the victims had the potential to contribute meaningfully to leadership and nation-building. 

“The loss is not just for Jigawa but for the entire region and the nation. It is painful to lose promising talents with bright futures,” the governor remarked. 

Governor Inuwa Yahaya urged the people of Jigawa to remain strong, steadfast and united during this challenging period, and place their trust in the Almighty’s will.  

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families to bear the immense loss. In his response, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State expressed profound gratitude to the Northern Governors for their solidarity and generous support. 

“We deeply appreciate the visit and the generous contributions from the Northern Governors led by His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

Your compassion and solidarity during this tragic moment provide us with strength and hope,” Governor Namadi said. 

He further noted that the financial assistance would play a vital role in providing relief to the survivors and families of the victims.  

“This support will significantly aid our efforts in easing the burden on the affected families. We are grateful for your prayers and words of encouragement, and we remain committed to helping our people recover from this painful loss,” he added.

By Uzair Adam

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has addressed reports of a national grid breakdown on Saturday, describing the incident as a “temporary grid disturbance.”

The grid collapse, which occurred early Saturday morning, marks the third disruption this week, leaving many states in a total blackout.

According to data from the Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org), the grid recorded zero Megawatts (MW) as of 8:16 a.m. on Saturday, with all 22 generation companies (GenCos) down.

This latest incident is the eighth grid disturbance recorded in 2024.TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed that power has since been restored, explaining that the disturbance was triggered by an explosion in the bus section of a current transformer at the 330kV Jebba Transmission Substation.

“The protection system responded immediately, opening the busbars to prevent further damage and the outbreak of fire,” Mbah said.

Engineers at the Jebba station were able to isolate the faulty transformer and reconfigure the busbar arrangement, restoring power to the station and other parts of the grid.

By Uzair Adam

Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi has ordered the immediate suspension of Auwalu Danladi Sankara, Commissioner for Special Duties, following serious allegations raised by the Kano State Hisbah Board.

The suspension, announced in a statement signed by Malam Bala Ibrahim, Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State, is intended to allow a thorough investigation into the matter.

Sankara is accused of engaging in an illicit relationship with a married woman, among other offenses.

The Kano Hisbah Board confirmed the arrest of Sankara on Friday after tracking his activities.

According to the board’s Director General, Dr. Abba Sufi, Sankara was caught in an uncompleted building with a married woman, following complaints from her husband’s younger brother.

“We have arrested Auwalu Danladi Sankara, the Jigawa Commissioner, with a married woman in an uncompleted building,” Dr. Sufi told reporters, adding that the arrest was part of a broader investigation into Sankara’s alleged immoral behavior.

The woman’s husband, Nasiru Bulama, had filed a formal complaint with the Kano Police, Department of State Services, and Hisbah Board, accusing the commissioner of having an affair with his wife, Tasleem Baba Nabegu, the mother of his two children.

In addition to the adultery accusations, Sankara is reportedly facing charges for allegedly operating illicit drug centers under names like Picklock and 360.

The Jigawa State Government emphasized that the suspension is a precautionary step to ensure transparency and integrity in the state’s administration, with Governor Namadi committed to upholding accountability in governance.

“The suspension is a precautionary measure intended to facilitate a fair investigation,” said Bala Ibrahim, underscoring the government’s dedication to ethical standards and its responsibility to the people of Jigawa.

By Sumayyah Auwal Usman

The late arrival of materials marred Saturday’s local government election in Kaduna State. Voters were seen stranded at various polling units across the metropolis and its environs.

The Daily Reality correspondent, who visited some polling units at Kawo, Unguwar Kanawa, Badarawa, Hayin Bakin, Kabala, Barnawa, Tudun Wada, and Badikko, among others, noted that the election materials had not been received as of 3:00 p.m.

However, a few voters were still seen at the collection centers awaiting the distribution of election materials. A voter at the Kawo polling unit, known as Dauda, told The Daily Reality that several people who came out to cast their votes left when the materials did not arrive on time.

At the time our correspondent left the metropolis around 3:38 p.m., only a few voters were still awaiting the arrival of election materials.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has felicitated with General Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, on the occasion of his 90th birthday today. 

Mr. Inuwa described the ex-head-of-state as an exceptional patriot and statesman whose life epitomises service, unity, and peace. 

Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the former Head of State as an iconic leader and uncommon patriot whose resolve to preserve the unity of the country during the civil war remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national identity. 

The NSGF Chairman recalled General Gowon’s post-war efforts, encapsulated in the “No Victor, No Vanquished” policy, and the launch of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which he noted cemented his vision of healing and national integration. 

He also noted the former Nigerian leader’s influence in the formation of ECOWAS, which continues to promote regional cooperation and development. 

“As you celebrate this milestone, we reflect on your legacy with gratitude and pride,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya remarked, on behalf of the 19 northern governors.   

“Your exemplary life has inspired generations of leaders, reminding us of the importance of unity, peace, and service to nation and humanity. We pray that the Almighty will continue to bless you with good health, strength, and fulfillment in the years ahead.”

By Uzair Adam

A minor fire broke out at the Federal Ministry of Works headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, shortly after workers resumed on Friday.

The fire, caused by a spark from a faulty circuit breaker on the ground floor, was swiftly controlled before significant damage occurred.

The Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, confirmed that the fire started at 11:30 am in Block A of the building.

The Station Commander of the Federal Fire Service, Mr. Kekai Bekebi, reported that the quick response from his team, including the use of available fire extinguishers, successfully brought the situation under control.

A staff evacuation was also carried out without incident.

Director of Human Resource Management, Mr. Aliyu Abdullahi, commended the staff for their orderly conduct during the fire, adding that no documents were lost, and no injuries or casualties were reported.

Normal activities have since resumed, with maintenance staff working to clean up the affected area and restore operations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the appointment of a new Chairman and Board Members for the Gombe State Housing Corporation to strengthen efforts in tackling housing challenges and providing affordable housing solutions for the people of the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi who conveyed the Governor’s approval, indicated that the newly constituted leadership of the Corporation includes representatives from the three senatorial districts of the state and key ministries. Those appointed are as follows:

Arc. Mohammed Habu Shinga – Executive Chairman

Mohammed Gurama Dukku – Representative, Gombe North (Member)

Saleh Ahmed Danmasani – Representative, Gombe Central (Member)

Abubakar Hussaini Cham – Representative, Gombe South (Member)

Representative from the Ministry of Housing – Member

Representative from the Ministry of Finance – Member

Similarly, the Governor has approved the reorganization of Gombe United Football Club with appointment of new leadership to align with the government’s objective of repositioning the football club for better performance and improving the management of sports in the state.

The SSG announced the new appointees as follows:

Mallam Anas Bamusa – General Manager

Mr. Ishaya Usman – Team Manager

Comrade Abubakar M. Maina (Dameji) – Secretary

Governor Inuwa Yahaya expects the new appointees to bring innovative ideas and leadership, as well as work in synergy with stakeholders to support the government’s agenda in housing and sports sectors respectively.

All the appointments are with immediate effect.