News

By Uzair Adam Imam

The appointment was disclosed in a statement Friday by the Special Adviser to the President ( Media & Publicity), Chief Ajuri Ngelale.

President Bola Tinubu has given his nod to the appointment of Ali Nuhu, aka the King of Kannywood, and ten other distinguished individuals to spearhead various agencies under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy.

The appointments could be seen as a strategic move to foster growth and innovation in the arts, culture, and creative economy sector.

The recently appointed Chief Executive Officers are set to bring a fresh wave of leadership and expertise to their respective roles:

1. Tola Akerele: Takes the helm as the Director-General of the National Theatre.

2. Dr. Shaibu Husseini: Assumes the role of Director-General at the National Films and Censors Board.

3. Mr. Obi Asika: Appointed Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture.

4. Aisha Adamu Augie: Steps into the position of Director-General at the Centre for Black and African Arts and Culture.

5. Ekpolador-Ebi Koinyan: Appointed Chief Conservator of the National War Museum.

6. Ahmed Sodangi: Assumes the responsibility of Director-General at the National Gallery of Art.

7. Chaliya Shagaya: Takes on the role of Director-General at the National Institute of Archeology and Museums Studies.

8. Hajiya Khaltume Bulama Gana: Appointed Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria.

9. Otunba Biodun Ajiboye: Assumes the position of Director-General at the National Institute for Cultural Orientation.

10. Ali Nuhu: Takes charge as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation.

11. Ramatu Abonbo Mohammed: Assumes the pivotal role of Director-General at the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Last week marked a historic moment in Kaduna as Athletic Football Academy emerged triumphant in the Under-13 Bundesliga Cup, defeating Kuso Boys in a thrilling final match at the Secret Heart Stadium in Kaduna Police Barracks.
 
The intense competition, which kicked off in August 2023, witnessed the participation of 24 youth teams, captivating the attention of football enthusiasts across Kaduna.
 
Athletic Football Academy’s stellar performance in the final secured them a resounding 3-0 victory, clinching their first Under-13 Youth Cup.
 
The final match saw the presence of former Nigerian Premier League players and those who had showcased their talents abroad.
 
Bakin, among the esteemed guests, presented the awards. Yassir Awwal, a standout player from Athletic, claimed the spotlight by not only leading his team to victory but also securing the coveted title of top scorer with an impressive tally of seven goals.
 
Awwal’s remarkable talents earned him the Golden Ball and a pair of prestigious football shoes.
 
While Athletic Football Academy celebrated their grand triumph with the sizable cup, Kuso Boys Football Academy received a small trophy for their commendable efforts in the competition.
 
The Bundesliga’s influence is evidently growing in Kaduna and Northern Nigeria, as the tournament successfully garnered attention from football fans and inspired the youth.
 
Also, former players, industry professionals, and DW Hausa station representative Mohammed Mohammed, who doubles as the Bundesliga ambassador, expressed delight at the competition’s impact.
 
Mohammed, who dedicated five years to organising the tournament, noted the importance of nurturing young talents. He noted that this was not the first Bundesliga Cup in Kaduna but the first exclusively for youngsters aged 13 and under.
 
The aim is to boost children’s confidence and foster interest in the German Bundesliga, a sentiment echoed by Mohammed.
 
Expressing satisfaction with the young players’ performances, Mohammed highlighted the need for continued support from the Bundesliga, DFL, and the German football organization.
 
He believes that such backing will elevate the competition’s standards, enhance the Bundesliga’s reputation in Kaduna, and extend its influence to major cities like Kano and throughout Northern Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nasiru Isa Kwarai, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), disclosed that six out of Borno State’s 27 local government areas (LGAs) are excluded from the ongoing 2023-24 Demographic Health and Survey (NDHS) due to escalating security concerns. 

He stated this in a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Monday. 

Kwarai identified the omitted LGAs as Chibok, Magumeri, Abadam, Mobar, Marte, and Guzamala, citing them as potential flashpoints necessitating heightened security logistics.

“The safety of our staff is paramount, and conveying them to these areas poses significant risks,” Kwarai Sa’id. 

Despite the exclusion, Kwarai assured that the impact on the omitted LGAs would be mitigated as neighboring communities and participating LGAs would indirectly influence them.

He stated, “The results obtained in these neighboring areas will also be applied to the excluded ones,” addressing concerns about potential data gaps. 

Represented by Haruna Ibrahim, the Director of the NPC in Borno, Kwarai underscored the critical role of the NDHS exercise in collecting high-quality data on vital indicators such as fertility rates, maternal and child health, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, and nutrition. 

Anticipating that major stakeholders would leverage this data to make informed decisions, Kwarai highlighted its potential to address the unique needs of citizens, enhance health outcomes, and alleviate disease burdens nationwide. 

While urging media involvement, Kwarai called on press outlets to utilize the five-month period to educate the public on the NDHS exercise. He emphasized the importance of dispelling cultural and religious misunderstandings surrounding the program.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian Army has revealed ongoing efforts to revamp its training methods as part of a proactive strategy to curb the activities of insurgents, bandits, and other armed groups causing unrest in the country.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen T. A. Lagbaja, conveyed this message through the Chief of Training, Army, Major Gen SG Mohammed, during a 5-Day Doctrine and Training Conference held at the Headquarters of the Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army in Minna, Niger State.

Lt. Gen Lagbaja emphasized that the updated training approaches would specifically target contemporary security challenges within a Joint Environment.

He urged all commandants of Army Training Schools to actively engage in discussions at the conference and ensure the full implementation of the new strategies in their respective schools.

The Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. K. O. Aligbe, explained that the conference aimed to set an agenda for all Nigerian Army Schools and Divisional Training Schools.

The goal is to draw inspiration for courses and training activities throughout 2024 to effectively address the prevailing security challenges in the country.

Aligbe highlighted the importance of training, stating, “Without training, you cannot fight.” He emphasized the need for increased training to enhance operational effectiveness, ensuring that adversaries do not continue to threaten law-abiding citizens.

The conference will also focus on applying the Nigerian Army Doctrine 22 to enable effective training and operations, aligning with the goal of liberating the country from insecurity.

The commander acknowledged gaps in previous operations and stated that all training in 2024 would concentrate on addressing these gaps to achieve operational effectiveness.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In a recent development, the police have apprehended three suspected members of a gunrunning syndicate believed to be connected to the December 24 attack on Plateau communities.

The announcement was made by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, during a media briefing in Abuja.

Following an order from the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, strategic measures were put in place to bring the attackers to justice.

The arrested suspects were found with significant weaponry, including an ash-coloured Golf car, an AK-47 rifle, an AK-49 rifle, 1,000 rounds of live ammunition, and five magazines.

Efforts are underway to capture additional individuals involved in the attacks, and the public will be kept informed as events unfold.

In a related incident, police operatives on December 13, 2023, arrested nine suspects over the attack and murder of three Fulanis in the Gaube area of Kuje Area Council in the FCT.

The suspects, identified as six members of the hunters and forest guard in Kuje, confessed to the crime. The victims, three Fulanis in transit from Keffi, Nassarawa State, to Niger/Kwara states, were attacked and killed.

The suspects abandoned the bodies in Kabi forest, taking their Bajaj motorcycle to an unknown location in Takuba village, Kuje.

The recovered corpses were examined and confirmed dead by a medical practitioner before being released to their families for burial.

The deceased Bajaj motorcycle was also recovered, with investigations still ongoing. Additionally, police operatives arrested a suspected armed robbery and kidnap kingpin in Nasarawa State, found in possession of an AK-49 rifle and ammunition.

The suspect admitted to using the rifle and ammunition for criminal activities. During the investigation, the suspect revealed that another accomplice, currently at large, possesses an AK-47 rifle used by the gang to terrorize Nasarawa State.

Intensive efforts, including technical intelligence, are being employed to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover the firearm.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The management of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has created numerous job opportunities for its current students. This is contained in a special bulletin dated Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

According to the director of the Counselling and Human Development Centre, Dr Sa’adatu Makarfi, the initiative named Students Work/Study Scheme aims to provide financial support to needy students and enhance their educational experience.

The scheme welcomes interested and capable students to work in areas such as coaching (for primary and secondary school students), research assistance, computer operation, harvesting, babysitting, laundry and car washing. Students can equally work as masters of ceremonies, and those with other specific skills are also encouraged to apply.

Interested students are to visit any of the Guidance and Human Development Centre offices at both the Samaru and Kongo campuses for registration or more information.

The Daily Reality gathered from some ex-students of ABU that the Centre has been assisting needy students who can work while studying, but this is probably the first time it is publicly calling for registration.

By Salihi Adamu Takai

The case of culpable homicide has become a daily report case in Kano State. The crime is a rampant nuisance that disturbs the whole country today. This is horrible in a state like Kano, which is the most populous state in Nigeria.

The rampancy of the crime is not only confusing but also the human, physical, and emotional proximity of the parties that are involved in the commission of the crime. The case of the rampancy of the commission of the crime is abnormal considering how it has been in records in police stations and contained in many cases of laws.

Most of the reported culpable homicides in Kano show the relationship and social proximity of the parties involved in it. The accused persons of the reported cases had proximity to the dead persons. This started – (as I have noticed it) – from the Hanifa’s case. Hanifa was kidnapped and killed by her teacher. There was a human proximity between the dead person and the accused person.

The Chinese man who killed his girlfriend had human proximity to the dead person engaged in courtship, and he eventually killed her. The recent case of Hafsa is also a case that confuses lots of people in Kano. The accused person had proximity to the dead person, and she killed him. Yesterday, it was reported that a person raped and killed his sister in Kano.

Therefore, this rampant nuisance in the report of the cases of culpable homicide in Kano is not a mere thing of crime inconsistent with the Penal Code; it’s beyond human perspectives and avoidable. What a relationship that puts people into a dilemma! Son kills his mother, and mother kills her son!!

It’s a collective responsibility of the Kano State community to engage in the proper investigation of the causes of these crimes. Islamic scholars shall always deliver sermons to admonish people on such offences, and the life of the Prophet (SAW) shall be part of the sermon so Muslims can always remain in touch with it.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Following the allegations of corruption in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Nigerians on the micro blogging platform, X, are calling for the removal of its minister, Dr Betta Edu.

In a document which has now gone viral and purportedly signed by the minister, she wrote to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and directed the disbursement of N585.189 million into one Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu’s private account.

The minister had made clarifications on the allegations, she explained in a statement released on Friday that the controversial payment followed due process.

However, many Nigerians are not convinced by her explanations and are demanding that President Tinubu should relieved her of her job.

According to Farooq Kperogi, the allegation presents an opportunity for the Tinubu government to do the right thing and not tolerate corruption like the previous administration.

“This is a momentous moment for Tinubu. If he does not fire Edu forthwith and bring her to justice, he has already lost the moral high ground to try Buhari’s corrupt honchos.”

A human right lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, said she ought to have resigned immediately.

“Has Betta Edu been interrogated by the EFCC yet? When is she tendering her resignation letter?” He wrote.

“If Betta Edu still has a job by tomorrow morning, then we will know that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not ready to lead this country. You cannot be swift in suspending Halima Shehu while Edu Betta, who has suspicious academic records and serious allegations against her, still has a job. Suspend her now and allow @officialEFCC to invite her for interrogation” an X user, simply identified as Sarki, posted.

Thousands of Nigerians and civil rights organizations are calling for thorough investigation and her removal.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In the span of 48 hours, Mrs. Deborah Olaki, also known as Mummy Zee, has become a social media sensation and a millionaire, thanks to the overwhelming support of Nigerians on the platform X.

This transformation was sparked by a post in which she shared her daily routine of waking up at 4.30 am to prepare her husband’s lunch.

Olaki, a graduate of Geophysics based in Lagos State, had initially requested a small bedside fridge from Santa Claus in a tweet on December 29, 2023.

Despite garnering attention with 230 likes, 70 retweets, and 16 comments, her wish remained unfulfilled.

Expressing concern for his wife’s well-being, Olaki’s husband, Mr. Abiola Adebisi, a classroom science teacher, noted on Twitter that she deserved a better life.

Subsequently, Mrs. Olaki shared her account number, and within a short time, she received over N2 million from generous Nigerians.

Astounded by the support, she shared a screenshot of her account balance, exclaiming, “She’fe pami ni? (Do you want to kill me?)”.

Besides the monetary gifts, an angel recommended her for a remote Virtual Assistant role with a monthly pay of N50,000.

As of the latest update, Mrs. Olaki has received over N5 million in her account, and her husband has also benefited from cash donations.

Her initial tweet generated over 21 million impressions, with a surge in followers from around 2,300 to over 78,000.

In addition to the financial support from well-wishers, Mrs. Olaki has received various donations, including a generator set worth N250,000 from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Other contributions include two laptops and a one-year Internet subscription from the National Information Development Agency (NITDA), an Infinix 40, an iPhone, a Smart TV, a cabinet, a mattress, a freezer, a blender, a microwave oven, one year’s health insurance, one year’s worth of insecticide, N200,000 worth of deliveries from Kiakia Delivery App, and furniture from @OTUNBA_TIZ.Mrs.

Deborah Olaki’s heartwarming story has captured the attention of individuals and organizations alike, reflecting the power of social media in positively impacting lives.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Ogun Police Command has apprehended a 43-year-old pastor, Clinton John, for the alleged defilement of a 16-year-old girl whose identity is being withheld. 

The arrest was made following a report filed by the family at Giwa Agbado, who suspected their daughter’s involvement in sexual intercourse due to recurring infections and unsettling behavior. 

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, revealed in a statement that the family reported the case to the Agbado Divisional Police Station. 

The victim eventually confessed that Pastor Clinton John of Mega Healing Ministry had been engaging in unlawful carnal knowledge of her since November 2022. 

Disturbingly, she claimed that the pastor had threatened her life if she ever disclosed the illicit affair. 

Upon interrogation, the suspect, Clinton John, admitted to the crime, acknowledging multiple instances of unlawful carnal knowledge of the young girl. 

The police have issued medical forms to the survivor for necessary treatment and examination. 

SP Omolola Odutola further informed the public that Pastor Clinton John would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a discreet investigation into the matter.