News

By Uzair Adam

A member of the Hunters Association of Nigeria (HAN), Aliyu Yahaya, was brutally killed by bandits in Magamar-Jibia town, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attackers set fire to his home, burning his body inside, and abducted his wife, son, and three neighbors during the raid, which took place on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage in the community, with residents calling on the government to take immediate action to address the increasing insecurity in the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Katsina State, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to apprehend the culprits and rescue the kidnapped victims.

Community leaders, including Alhaji Sani Salisu, have expressed frustration over the lack of security in the region and are urging the authorities to increase security presence to prevent such tragic events in the future.

Residents are also appealing for swift action to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped individuals and to help alleviate the trauma faced by their families and the community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States government has announced a significant humanitarian aid package for Nigeria, providing $27 million to support vulnerable populations affected by food insecurity and climate change. 

This funding is part of a larger $536 million aid package for Sub-Saharan Africa, unveiled by Uzra Zeya, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights. 

The aid will be distributed through the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and brings the total US humanitarian assistance to the region in Fiscal Year 2024 to nearly $3.7 billion. 

The assistance aims to address the critical needs of vulnerable individuals, including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons, with a focus on crises in the Sahel region and support for durable solutions such as voluntary returns and refugee integration. 

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, highlighted the importance of this funding, stating that it demonstrates the US’ commitment to providing life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable people and host communities. 

“This aid will make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need in Nigeria and across the continent,” Ambassador Mills said. “We stand with Nigeria in its efforts to address humanitarian challenges and build resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji were ambushed by terrorists in Bachaka Kurya Forest, Gudu Local Government Area, Sokoto State, resulting in the loss of four military personnel. 

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the incident in a statement released in Abuja, stating, “The ambush took place near the Nigeria-Niger border.

In the ensuing firefight, several terrorists were killed, and troops recovered weapons and ammunition.” The military authorities identified the perpetrators as a terror group from Niger Republic known as Lakurawa. 

“The corpses of the killed terrorist reveal that it was perpetrated by a terror group from Niger Republic known as Lakurawa. Sadly, 4 of our personnel were killed in the encounter,” the statement added. 

The military has vowed to pursue the remaining members of the terror group, who escaped into Niger Republic.

“Troops are however in pursuit to find and destroy the terrorist,” the statement concluded.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The NNPC Limited has released its 2023 Audited Financial Statement (AFS), declaring a net profit of N3.297 trillion at the close of the financial year which ended in December 2023, an increase of over N700 billion (28%) when compared to the 2022 profit of N2.548 trillion.

In a world press conference held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Monday, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Mr.

Umar Ajiya said the release of the AFS is a testament to the Company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Our fiscal performance reflects both strategic foresight and operational resilience. Despite inherent challenges of our operational and economic environment, we have improved the productivity and the financial performance of this great company,” Ajiya stated.

Ajiya added that posting such impressive returns demonstrates NNPC Ltd’s commitment to sustaining profitability and supporting the attainment of national energy security as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and by extension, as expected by the Company’s shareholders.

Explaining that the NNPC Ltd. will announce its Initial Public offer (IPO) once the shareholders and Board make a decision, he also debunked claims on subsidy payment, saying the Company was only taking care of PMS importation shortfall between it and the Federation.

Speaking earlier at the press conference, the Chairman of the NNPC Ltd. Board, Chief Pius Akinyelure said that the excellent performance came as the fruit of the PIA 2021, and the commitment of the Board, Management and staff of the company.

Akinyelure added that the shareholders of the company have since approved a final dividend of N2.1trn in line with PIA 2021 provisions.In her remarks at the briefing, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mrs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a move that contradicts previous government denials, President Bola Tinubu has approved a plan to redirect dividends owed to the federation to cover the cost of petrol subsidies.

This is contained in a report released by BusinessDay. 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited will utilise the 2023 final dividends to offset subsidy expenses, with the president also suspending 2024 interim dividends to bolster the company’s finances.

The NNPC had warned that subsidy payments have severely impacted its ability to contribute taxes and royalties to the federation account. 

Internal forecasts indicate that petrol subsidy expenses from August 2023 to December 2024 will total N6.884 trillion, resulting in a shortfall of N3.987 trillion in taxes and royalties owed to the federation account.

The exact dividend amount affected by this decision remains undisclosed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Muhammad, co-led a 5km walk on Saturday, August 17, 2024, to strengthen collaboration and promote work-life balance between the two agencies. 

The walk, tagged “Work-Life Balance,” started at the FRSC Headquarters and traversed Herbert Macaulay Way to the Wuse Market traffic light, before returning to the FRSC Headquarters via Maputo Street. 

CGC Adeniyi expressed determination to enhance inter-agency collaboration, particularly in curbing smuggled vehicles on Nigerian roads.

He stated the importance of fostering a spirit of friendship and brotherhood among security agencies. 

Corps Marshal Muhammad believed that organizing social activities and exercises between sister security agencies could be key to building a prosperous nation.

He expressed appreciation for CGC Adeniyi’s attendance and noted that the NCS has been a solid partner to the FRSC on several occasions. 

Both leaders agreed to continue the monthly exercise to improve health and well-being, and to explore ways to work together to achieve their mandates.

By Uzair Adam

A tragic incident has occurred in Karkari village, Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, where a widow and her five children lost their lives after consuming a local Hausa delicacy known as Danwake.

The Kano Police Command confirmed the heartbreaking event, stating that the victims were rushed to Gwarzo General Hospital but were declared dead upon arrival.

According to the Police spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna, investigations have begun to determine the exact cause of the deaths.

The Daily Reality gathered that preliminary reports suggest that the widow, Alhakatu Abdulkarim, may have used expired cassava flour in preparing the meal, leading to the unfortunate outcome.

The deceased children have been identified as Bashir, Firdausi, Hafsat, Usman, and Jamilu.

The community and the authorities are now awaiting a detailed medical report from the hospital to confirm the cause of death and prevent future occurrences.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered an immediate investigation into a contentious medical drug supply contract involving all 44 local government areas.

The governor vowed to take action against those responsible, warning that “anybody found to be behind it will have himself to blame”. 

Governor Yusuf denied any knowledge of the contract, which was recently awarded for the supply of drugs to the local councils, and directed the State Anti-Corruption Commission to leave no stone unturned in their investigation. 

In a statement released to the press, the Governor’s office assured the public that the outcome of the investigation would be made public, and that anyone found to be involved in any wrongdoing would face the full force of the law. 

The governor appealed for patience from the people of Kano State, promising that justice would be served once the investigation was complete. 

Recall that the controversy was triggered by a video made by a popular Northern skit maker, popularly known as Dan Bello, who alleged that the government was enmeshed in the said contract of accumulating N10m from the 44 local government councils in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Ismail Sahabi, a lecturer at the Federal College of Education in Zaria, Kaduna State, has been released after being held captive for 31 days.

Sahabi was abducted by suspected terrorists on July 18th, along with his brother, Sidi Aliyu Sahabi, and several others, at Kasuwar Magani in Chikun Local Government Area.

The abduction resulted in the tragic death of Mohammed Bashir (Govinda), Chairman of the Tudun Wada, Zaria Butchers Association.

According to Malam Musa Sahabi, a brother to two of the victims, the attack was carried out by an informant.

The victims were finally released on Friday and are currently receiving medical attention to assess their health condition.

While a family source confirmed their release, it remains unclear whether a ransom was paid to secure their freedom.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to reduce the size of Nigeria’s official delegation to the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings in New York, United States.

This directive was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday in Abuja during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision.

Addressing participants at the retreat, the Chief of Staff said the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA in September is part of the administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance.

Highlighting the need for the State House and agencies under its supervision to ensure that its functions are guided by statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives, Honourable Gbajabiamila hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations.

”I just discussed with the President this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York.

”During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA.

”From experience, we know that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go about their personal businesses.

”I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be strict. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President,” he said.

The Chief of Staff urged heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly, adding that the President is listening to the concerns of Nigerians and is committed to addressing them diligently.

On the retreat, Honourable Gbajabiamila noted that it will facilitate collaboration and coordination among government agencies, particularly those under the direct supervision of the State House.

”The idea is to ensure coherence as we jointly work together to achieve the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

”Coordination is not just a choice but a necessity for the government to succeed and for us to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people,” he said. He said the retreat would be a continuous exercise, as governance is an evolving process that requires regular adjustments.

The Chief of Staff also urged the State House management and chief executives of agencies under its supervision to lead by example by ensuring compliance with statutes, laws, regulations, and various policies designed to enhance governance.

”We must demonstrate excellence in our compliance with the Public Procurement Act, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act, and various appropriation acts in operation.

”Compliance with the civil service rules and the scheme of service guidelines, especially regarding recruitment, promotion and presidential approvals is also non-negotiable,” Honourable Gbajabiamila said.

The theme of the one-day retreat was ‘Strengthening Institutional Mechanism for Effective Delivery.’