News

By Uzair Adam

Authorities in Kano have apprehended 31-year-old Salisu Bala, who has been impersonating a police officer to extort and intimidate residents in the city.

Bala was arrested by members of the Police Special Constabulary at Koki Quarters while wearing a black uniform and a camouflage peak cap.

The Kano State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, revealing that Bala, a resident of Kurna Quarters, had been defrauding members of the public and tarnishing the reputation of the police force.

Reports had been circulating about individuals posing as officers, particularly in areas like Sabon Gari, Fagge, and Koki Quarters.

In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, directed Divisional Police Officers to take action, leading to Bala’s arrest on October 14, 2024.

Investigations revealed that Bala was not affiliated with the police force, despite his use of multiple police uniforms.

He also admitted to being a drug user.

The police have urged the public to come forward with any complaints about Bala or similar incidents of impersonation.

For emergencies or to report suspicious activities, the Kano State Police Command can be contacted through their emergency lines: 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.

By Uzair Adam

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has condemned policemen and soldiers for allegedly stealing and selling arms and ammunition from their units to criminal elements.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during the destruction of arms event organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Ribadu expressed concern over security agents involved in these activities, describing them as “worse human beings.”

He called for urgent measures to address the issue in order to restore peace and stability in the country.

Ribadu further denounced the actions of those facilitating the movement of weapons to terrorists, bandits, and other non-state actors, noting that many of the illicit arms used for crimes in Nigeria originally belonged to the government.

Nigeria continues to grapple with a range of security challenges, with insurgency, banditry, and violence affecting various parts of the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

President Bola Tinubu has joined Nigerians, the people and chiefs of Ile-Ife, and the global Yoruba community in commemorating the 50th birthday of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, the Ojaja II. 

The President notes Ooni’s extraordinary leadership and maturity since ascending the throne at 41. 

President Tinubu acknowledges Oba Ogunwusi’s deep sense of duty, wisdom, and knowledge as he fulfils his responsibilities as both the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, Osun State, and the revered spiritual leader of the Yoruba people. 

The President also recognises Ooni’s critical contributions as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, where he serves as a unifying figure, a steadfast supporter of government policies, and a passionate advocate for religious tolerance, peace, and the unification of our nation.

By Uzair Adam

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is instigating crises within opposition parties to secure its hold on power beyond the 2027 elections.

This accusation was made by Ajuji Ahmed, the NNPP’s National Chairman, during the campaign launch for the party’s Ondo state governorship candidate, Olugbenga Edema, in Akure on Thursday.

Ahmed claimed that the APC has been meddling in the internal affairs of opposition parties, aiming to create divisions and destabilize them.

He further suggested that these actions are in response to plans by opposition leaders to engage in discussions about a possible merger to challenge the ruling party in the upcoming elections.

He expressed confidence in the NNPP’s readiness to form alliances with other parties to present a united front against the APC.

“We are open to forming coalitions to face the 2027 elections,” he stated, emphasizing that the opposition must stay united to challenge the APC both before and after the polls.

Ahmed urged the people of Ondo state to support Edema, describing him as a dedicated party member whose policies would address the economic hardship and crisis caused by the APC government.

Edema, speaking at the event, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair electoral process, warning against any manipulation similar to the alleged fraud in Edo state’s previous election.

“The people of Ondo are highly enlightened and will protect their votes,” Edema said, pledging that the NNPP is prepared to deliver a surprise in the upcoming election.

By Uzair Adam

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has called on the federal government to reconsider its current monetary and fiscal policies, arguing that they are failing to alleviate the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

Speaking during the launch of the Nigeria Development Update in Abuja, the governor emphasized the pressing need for change in the face of widespread hunger and economic hardship.

He urged the government to avoid rigid approaches and adopt more flexible policies to address the situation.

Governor Mohammed expressed concern about the growing frustration among citizens, stating that even those in leadership positions, like himself, face the threat of public backlash due to the tough economic conditions.

“When these reforms were introduced, the sub-nationals supported the President, but now, the inflation caused by these policies is overwhelming. People are suffering, and it’s clear the reforms are not benefiting Nigerians,” he said.

He called for immediate action to boost economic relief, warning that current funding levels are inadequate to combat the hunger crisis.

“The purchasing power of the people has drastically diminished. My brother Cardoso, these policies are not working. They need to be reviewed.”

Governor Mohammed also addressed rising electricity tariffs, noting that many Nigerians are unable to afford power costs, further worsening their situation.

He concluded that a review of the current policies is essential to preventing further public unrest.

By Uzair Adam

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to reverse the recent increase in the prices of petrol and cooking gas.

This demand was made during a plenary session on Wednesday after the lawmakers adopted a motion co-sponsored by Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader; Aliyu Madaki, the Deputy Minority Leader; and 109 other members.

The motion came in response to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited’s decision to raise petrol prices across its retail outlets on October 9, 2024.

Aliyu Madaki, while presenting the motion, highlighted the financial strain that the surge in fuel prices has caused for ordinary Nigerians, noting that the prices of both petrol and cooking gas have “skyrocketed” in recent months.

Madaki explained that the removal of fuel subsidies, combined with global oil price volatility and the weakening naira, has worsened the situation, further burdening Nigerian households.

He pointed out that the rising fuel prices are significantly affecting the cost of transportation, food, essential goods, and healthcare, driving many families into deeper financial hardship.

He added that businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are struggling to cope with operational costs due to the increase in fuel prices, threatening economic stability and job security across the country.

Madaki expressed concerns that the federal government’s efforts to repair domestic refineries and boost local refining capacity have not yielded meaningful results.

During the debate, other lawmakers such as George Ozodinobi and Olumide Osoba echoed the concerns.

Ozodinobi noted that the petrol price hike has undermined the impact of the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage, while Osoba suggested referring the matter to a joint ad hoc committee of both the House and Senate.In the end, the motion was adopted by a voice vote led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

The House urged the federal government to implement measures such as temporary price relief, tax reductions, or subsidies for cooking gas to alleviate the burden on low-income households.

It also called on the NNPCL and relevant agencies to expedite the repair of refineries and boost local refining capacity to reduce reliance on imported fuel.

Additionally, the lawmakers urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to introduce monetary policies that would mitigate the inflationary impact of fuel price hikes on essential goods.

By Uzair Adam

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has announced that the federal government is taking decisive actions to mitigate the impact of climate change and food insecurity, which have been major concerns in the country for some time.

He stated that the government is committed to investing in agricultural research and development, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and empowering smallholder farmers through subsidies, training, and improved market access.

Senator Kyari disclosed this on Monday during the Crop Science Society of Nigeria (CSSN) National Conference at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

He reiterated that these efforts would help address the lingering issues affecting the agricultural sector.

Represented by Engineer Abubakar Garba, Senator Kyari added that the government has established an effective early warning system to predict and prepare for climate-related disasters, among other initiatives.

He was quoted as saying, “Climate change is real, and we must work with it to develop resilience in agricultural production.

“The theme of this event is timely, given the pressing challenges facing agricultural development globally,” Senator Kyari added.

He further lamented that “climate change has wreaked havoc on crop production worldwide, exacerbating food insecurity, especially in Africa and other developing regions. The compounding challenges of climate change and the global economic downturn have triggered soaring prices, severely impacting agricultural development and the most vulnerable citizens in society.”

Also speaking at the event, the CSSN President, Professor M.I. Uguru, called on the federal government to ramp up investments in crop and livestock production to address Nigeria’s escalating food insecurity.

He stated, “Food prices are skyrocketing, and many communities are grappling with severe shortages,” Professor Uguru said, stressing the urgent need for a domestic agricultural response.

Bayero University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, praised CSSN for organizing the conference, describing it as an essential platform for sharing research and advancements in crop science.

The conference was attended by agricultural experts, academics, and government officials, including Hajiya Salamatu Garba, Executive Director of the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN).

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

No fewer than 11 inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kaduna, Kaduna State, graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria in various disciplines.

The inmates, who received their certificates at the convocation ceremony organized by the institution on October 16, 2024, were pronounced graduates after completing their various programs for the 2022/2023 academic session.

They comprised 11 males who had undertaken courses in the Post Graduate Diploma in Education and undergraduate degrees. The Daily Reality gathered that seven inmates graduated with Second Class Upper Division, while two graduated with Second Class Lower Division, and two inmates completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Education.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, who was represented by Dr. Baba, praised the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the management of the facility for giving the inmates such an opportunity. He said such feats should be emulated by other inmates who have yet to undertake any program with the institution.

The Controller of Kaduna State Command, Nuru Mohammed Isah, advised other inmates to seize the opportunity and maximize their time by emulating their graduating colleagues.

Mr Isah also emphasized the role of the NCoS in reforming inmates. He implored the newly graduated inmates to continue embodying the good values they learned during their time in the correctional facility.

The officer in charge, DC Abdullahi Dangani, promised to continue giving support to all inmates to achieve their aspirations in life.

By Uzair Adam

Adam Malam Umar Faruk, the former Deputy Director at the School of General Studies (SGS) and the first Head of Department (HOD) of the Mass Communication Department at Kano State Polytechnic, has died.

The Daily Reality reports that Malam Umar Faruk passed away today, Wednesday, after a brief illness.

According to his colleague, H. Kawu, Faruk’s sudden demise was deeply saddening, noting that his WhatsApp status remains active.

Kawu shared, “Even yesterday, he called me. Unfortunately, I wasn’t near my phone. Then, all of a sudden today, I heard of his death.”

According to his relatives, the Janaza (funeral prayer) will take place at 4:00 p.m. at his residence located in Saban Titi, Mandawari, near Abu Hanifa Academy.

The late Umar Faruk, who was the pioneer HOD of the programme in 2011, played a significant role in shaping the Mass Communication Department during its early years.

His contributions, many believe, to the polytechnic will be remembered by colleagues and students alik

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and its partners, under the Open Government Partnership (OGP), urged the Ministry of Information to commit to domesticating the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in the state. 

Mujahid Ibrahim, CITAD’s co-secretary, led the advocacy visit alongside Lawal Bako, representing state actors. 

In his speech, Mujahid reiterated the importance of transparency in governance and the affairs of running public service. 

Below is the full text of his speech: 

Speech to the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Bauchi State Honorable Commissioner

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

All Protocols Observed, 

It is a great privilege to stand before you today on behalf of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Steering Committee, to commend the Ministry of Information and the entire Bauchi State Government for the strides made in advancing transparency and good governance. 

I especially want to recognize His Excellency, the Governor, for his bold decision in signing Bauchi State into the Open Government Partnership in November 2022. 

This commitment to openness and accountability is commendable and stands as a beacon for other states to follow. As you are aware, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was signed into law at the national level in 2011, providing the legal framework for citizens to access vital information that promotes accountability and good governance. 

While this law exists nationally, the benefits it offers can only be fully realized when it is domesticated at the state level. This is why we are here today: to seek the Ministry’s invaluable support in pushing for the domestication of the FOI Law here in Bauchi State. 

Honorable Commissioner, Bauchi State’s signing into the OGP is a testament to the state’s resolve to remain at the forefront of open governance. 

However, for this resolve to translate into practical, everyday benefits for the citizens of Bauchi, the FOI Law must be domesticated. It is through such domestication that citizens will be empowered to access information freely, ensuring that public institutions remain transparent and accountable to the people they serve. 

Your Ministry, being the voice of the government, plays a crucial role in ensuring that this process is initiated and sustained. 

We believe that with your leadership and support, Bauchi State can once again take the lead in promoting openness, fostering an inclusive governance system, and enhancing citizen participation. 

We therefore solicit your commitment and that of the Ministry toward making the FOI Law a reality in Bauchi State. 

Together, we can create an environment where information flows freely, fostering trust between the government and its citizens. We are confident that with the Ministry’s dedication, this important law will be domesticated, marking yet another milestone in Bauchi State’s governance journey. 

Thank you for your time and attention, and we look forward to working closely with you on this endeavor. God bless Bauchi State.God bless Nigeria. 

Thank you.