News

By Hauwa’u Abubakar

Overtime, Nigerians have experienced hike in basically all goods and services required to live and run their day to day activities. This goes without saying has been aggravated by proclamation of subsidy removal on premium motor spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol, some three months ago.

It becomes imperative to understand the factors responsible for high cost of living as it leads to higher expenditure for individuals and households. Some of the factors leading to this unwanted development include inflation or an increase in the general level of prices.

Nigeria has experienced persistent inflation over the years, with prices of goods and services continuously rising. This reduces the purchasing power of individuals, making it more challenging to afford basic necessities. Also, depreciation of the country’s currency.

The naira, has faced fluctuations and depreciation in value against major foreign currencies like the US dollar. This has led to higher import costs, making imported goods more expensive for consumer. Furthermore, dependence on imports for various products, including food, fuel, clothings, building materials and other consumer goods, has the tendency to result in higher prices due to transportation cost, tariffs, and exchange rate fluctuations.

Again, infrastructural challenges is another force to reckon with. Inadequate infrastructure, such as power shortages and poor transportation networks can increase the cost of goods and services. Businesses often have to bear the burden of additional expenses since they are not provided by the authority and they eventually pass these expenses to consumers so as to make profit and keep their trade afloat.

Income quality as a factor. Nigeria has a significant income disparity, with a large portion of the population living in what is termed multidimensional poverty due to the disparity. This poverty limits access to basic resources like education, healthcare, and housing, further exacerbating the cost of living for many individuals. Government policies such as removal or reduction of subsidies, can lead to price hikes for essential commodities also.

To address this worrisome situation, it is firstly important for citizens to understand that the high cost of living in Nigeria is a complex issue influenced by various factors such as those aforementioned. Efforts to address this challenge should involve measure to tackle inflation, improve infrastructure, diversifying the economy, and promoting policies that support income equality and affordability for citizens.

Strategies to employ in improving infrastructure are; investing in infrastructural development, such as transportation power, road network, water supply among other can help reduce cost associated with transportation and other expenses passed down to consumers.

Enhancing agricultural productivity. Promoting and supporting the agricultural sector can reduce food prices and enhance food security. Improving farming techniques, access to quality irrigation systems are all strategies through which dependency can be reduced on imported goods.

Encouraging competition could be a tactics. Promoting competition in key sector such as telecommunications, banking, and energy to prevent monopolies and encourage market efficiency can help lower price for consumers.Control of inflation, implementation of effective monetary policies and fiscal measures to control inflation, increased wages and ensuring that wages and salaries keep pace with inflation can help improve people’s purchasing power and reduce the burden of high costs.

Developing effective social welfare programmes can provide a safety net for vulnerable populations, reducing the impact of high cost of living on those with limited financial resources.

In conclusion these are just comprehensive approach that addresses multiple aspect of the economy and society and if adopted by the government and relevant agencies, Nigerians can be saved from the bondage of high cost of living, the time this now!.

Hauwa’u is a 200-Level Student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State and can be reached via: hauwaat@yahoo.com

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Suspected gunmen launched a daring attack on an Army patrol van in Edo State, resulting in the tragic death of a soldier and the successful theft of cash-laden sacks. 

The incident occurred on Wednesday as the military vehicle was en route to Ikpoba Hill. 

At about 2:10 p.m., the assailants ambushed the patrol unit at a traffic light along Akpakpava Road by First Junction. 

The attackers executed their plan with precision, employing an unmarked Toyota Camry to confront the military vehicle head-on.  

Two of the four occupants of the Camry disembarked and unleashed a hail of gunfire upon the soldiers, causing them to flee their patrol vehicle and the sacks they were transporting.

Witnesses on the scene recounted the soldiers’ hasty retreat and shared that the gunmen brazenly seized the bags from the abandoned van. 

A witness who owns a nearby shop described a poignant moment, revealing that one of the soldiers had been wounded in the chaos while his colleagues were unable to provide assistance. 

The injured soldier’s condition prevented him from standing up, and his companions were left helpless. 

Authorities were alerted to the situation, prompting inquiries from both the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Police Command. 

Captain Yusuf Sokoya, the Public Relations Officer of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army Headquarters in Benin City, initially responded that he would investigate the matter. 

However, he failed to follow up on his commitment at the time of the press’s inquiries. 

In contrast, the state police public relations officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the distressing occurrence. 

He stated that a soldier lost his life during the attack in Benin City. Nwabuzor further explained that a vigilant citizen promptly reported the incident to the local police station, which serves the affected neighbourhood. 

The attackers managed to escape with bags believed to contain substantial sums of cash stored inside the targeted Army van. 

The incident highlights the audacity of the gunmen and the risks faced by security personnel in the line of duty. 

As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, awaiting further updates from both the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Police Command.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Katsina State Government disclosed that it received the sum of N2 billion out of the N5 billion palliative approved to states by the federal government.

The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Home Affairs, Malam Salisu-Zango, relayed the clarification to journalists in a statement on Wednesday.

Zango’s disclosure was in reaction to the insinuation that the federal government released N5 billion to the state.

He said that: “The attention of the state government has been drawn to news going round in the media that N5 billion has been released to states by the Federal Government for palliative.

“I wish to state that, [the] Katsina State Government received only N2 billion for procurement of grain to be distributed to the citizens of the state”.

Zango further stated that the state government had so far utilised N2 billion to procure 40,000 bags of rice for distribution to vulnerable persons in all the polling units across the state.

He added that the government would also utilise the next tranche of the fund from the federal government to purchase maize for distribution to deserving households.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The police in Nassarawa State have warned residents in the state against widespread rumours alleging the disappearance of genitals.

DSP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, disclosed this in a statement he made available to journalists on Wednesday.

Nansel added that the command has observed with dismay the ugly trend where members of the public tag individuals with causing the mysterious disappearance of genitals in different parts of the state.

He added that, “The medical examination carried out on victims who reported cases of mysterious genital disappearance in Nassarawa-Eggon, Obi, Lafia and Keffi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state gave all the victims a clean bill of health.

“In view of this, the police commay wishes to state unequivocally that the cases of alleged mysterious genital disappearance is baseless, unfounded and without proof.

“Thus, anyone caught engaging in mob action and jungle justice or raising false alarm that leads to grievous assault on any member of the public shall be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” DSP Nansel added.

By Uzair Adam Imam

There was growing tension among the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members when bandits attacked them on their way to the orientation camp in Zamfara State, killing eleven persons among them.

The bandits also kidnapped no fewer than eight corps members to an unknown destination and reportedly demanded a ransom of over 4 million naira.

Our reporters learned that the corps members were travelling in Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State, for the one-year mandatory national service, when their vehicle was intercepted by the bandits.

It was also gathered that their driver, who was among the persons abducted, almost lost his life during the atrocious killing by the bandits.

However, three of the corps members were reported to have escaped during the terrorist attack.

Emmanuel Esudue, a graduate in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from Akwa Ibom State University and Victoria Udoka, a graduate in Mass Communication from the University of Uyo were among the young graduates that were kidnapped by the terrorists.

A source, who noted to be privy to the situation, revealed that the terrorists had contacted the family of one of the victims and demanded a ransom of N4 million.

He said, “Sad to hear that young graduates going for their National Service year in Sokoto have been kidnapped by bandits.

“Both the Federal Government and various State governments should do everything possible to rescue the eight NYSC members.

“Nothing must happen to them oh!!!Some of them included Emmanuel Esudue, a graduate of [sic] Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Akwa Ibom State University and Victoria Udoka, a graduate of [sic] Mass Communication from University of Uyo.

“At the moment, one of the families, it was learnt have been contacted to pay N4m. Please, this is [a] Federal government matter not the family and should be taking [sic] seriously to save these children from been [sic] tormented further by the wicked kidnappers.

“This is another challenge to the federal government to review deployment of NYSC [members] to nearby states where they schooled due to insecurity rather than posting them across the country.

“May the Almighty God rescue them and let those wicked kidnappers be arrested and brought to book. Their crimes must not go unpunished.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

Senator Olamilekan Adeola, the Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriations, raised alarm and demanded justice over the alleged atrocious killing of his senior aide, Adeniyi Oluwatosin Sanni, by the Nigerian Army on Saturday.

Senator Adeola alleged that the soldiers operating at checkpoints around Ikeja axis of Lagos State robbed and killed Mr. Sanni in the early hours of Saturday.

In a statement he personally signed yesterday, Adeola stated that information available to him on the circumstances indicates that Mr. Sanni was stopped at a checking point around Ojodu- Berger Area of Lagos on his way to his home at Isheri by ‘security agents’ who asked him to provide the documents of the car he was driving, which he did through a call to his wife who sent all the documents to his phone WhatsApp.

He added, ”It was gathered that the wife called a while later and the late Mr. Sanni told him that soldiers are still checking the vehicle’s paper. That was the last she heard from her husband and the body of Mr. Sanni, ridden with bullets, was later discovered at Toyota Bus Stop area of Oshodi, close to a military barrack.

“In an update about the investigation of the murder and armed robbery by the Nigerian Police Force, through a statement issued in Abuja, Senator Adeola stated that he is of the firm believe, based on available facts at the disposal of the Police, that his aide was killed by a syndicate of soldiers operating under the newly deployed Commander of 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment of the Nigeria Army, Brigadier General Nsikan John Edet, through mounting of checkpoints and robbing of lone occupants of cars.”

Senator Adeola called on the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, to direct the fishing out of the killers of his aide for further investigation, prosecution and justice for the deceased as a pattern of killings and armed robbery has been established against soldiers mounting late night checkpoints around Ikeja with similar unreported incidences in recent times.

“Till date, the black Toyota Camry of Mr. Sanni, his phones and other valuables are yet to be recovered,” he added.

By Ukasha Rabiu Magama 

At least not fewer than four people were kidnapped yesterday by unknown gunmen in Zalau, Toro, Bauchi state. 

Our source, who pleaded anonymity, narrated that the invaders arrived in Zalau town by 8:30 pm on Sunday, barricaded the town entry and started shooting air sporadically, heading to the village market square. 

Dispersing the marketers, they abducted Aliyu Dahiru Sulaiman, Abdul Hogal, Dokas, and their brother. Also, Shamsudden Garba was shot, and he is now receiving medical treatment at the Abubakar Tabawa Balewa Teaching Hospital in Bauchi. Similarly, the abductors carted away people’s belongings, including phones, provisions, meets and fried yams.

The illegal operation was suspended by 9:30 pm, and shootings were nonstop due to zero security intervention. 

It could be recalled that the gunmen, on Saturday, August 19, 2023, abducted two people and shot a security man in Gumau; the captives regained freedom yesterday, August 20, 2023.

Similarly, the gunmen shot another person in Fishere on Friday, August 18, 2023; the man who refused to follow the kidnappers to the jungle as they commanded him was shot in the head and died immediately. Also, a similar event occurred in Bargan Fulani and Salarma communities.

Since the beginning of this month, August, Toro and Lame districts have been facing a series of attacks from unknown gunmen leading to the loss of lives and properties of citizens.

Recently, in an interview with BBC Hausa, the member representing Toro federal constituency, Hon. Ismail Haruna Dabo, raised the alarm over the incessant event in the area and asked the federal and state governments to deploy security operatives to the site; hence the need is to protect lives and property of the citizens.

An effort was made to reach Toro police command when filing this report, but it was abortive due to undisclosed issues.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Nigerian Army said Monday that it had rescued Mary Nkeki, a 27-year-old Chibok girl, in the Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno. 

Recall that insurgents of Boko Haram kidnapped Nkeki and more than 200 other students from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok in 2014. 

The Operation Hadin Kai Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, made this statement on Monday in Maiduguri upon the delivery of the girl to the Borno Ministry of Women Affairs. 

He noted that on August 14 in Dikwa, soldiers from the 81 Task Force Battalion freed Nkeki, who had serial number 55 on the list of the kidnapped Chibok girls. 

“While in captivity, she was forcefully married to one Adam, a Boko Haram terrorist fighter. 

“Since her rescue, she has undergone thorough medical examination in our medical facility. 

“Equally, she has been adequately resuscitated and would be handed over to Borno State Government for further administration,” he said. 

Chibuisi reaffirmed the military’s commitment to maintaining security in the region’s north and east while bringing about sustainable peace. 

Nkeki described her experience since being kidnapped in 2014 to reporters as being filled with pain, recounting that she and her husband managed to flee throughout the night and were found by a military patrol squad. She said she had left behind two other Chibok girls. 

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has reduced the school fees of higher institutions in the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Muhammad Shehu Molash, made the development known in a press release on Monday.

According to the CPS, the governor has announced the downward review of the current fees in state-owned tertiary institutions .

The spokesperson cited welfarism and the interest of the populace as the reason for the governor’s decision.

The administration of the former Governor of the State, Mal. Nasir El-rufai, had hiked school feels of state-owned institutions.

The new administration of Governor Uba Sani has decreased the school feels by 30%.

Below is the new school fees of higher institutions in the state:

a) Kaduna State University – Current Fee: N150,000 – Reduction (%): 30% – New Fee: N105,000

b) Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic – Current Fee: N100,000 – Reduction (%): 50% – New Fee: N50,000

c) College of Education, Gidan Waya – Current Fee: N75,000 – Reduction (%): 50% – New Fee: N37,500

d) Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences & Technology, Makarfi •HND Courses – Current Fee: N100,000 – Reduction (%): 30% -New Fee: N70.000 •ND Courses – Current Fee: N75,000 – Reduction (%): 30% – New Fee: N52,000

e) Kaduna State College of Nursing – Current Fee: N100,000 – Reduction (%): 30% – New Fee: N70,000

By Uzair Adam Imam

Rufai Sani Hanga, the Kano Central senator, pledged to provide scholarships for students to study abroad.

The senator said the scholarship for the 200 students of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), which he paid recently, was just one of the many opportunities awaiting not only students but all women and youth in his constituency.

He added that he would try hard to ensure more investment in education and empowerment for women and youth for the betterment of society.

Hanga disclosed this Wednesday at an event that converged the 200 sponsored students of BUK in his office in Tokarawa, Hadejia Road, Kano, to receive their awarding letters.

It can be recalled that Senator Hanga had paid the registration fees of 200 BUK students as a response to the painful outcry by the students as a result of a hike in the registration fee.

I responded to the painful outcry of students – Hanga

Senator Hanga said his sponsorship of the 200 BUK students was a response to the uproar generated by the increment in registration fees by the university management.

He said he came to the rescue of the students due to a call by Malam Aisar Fagge, Malam Salihu Sule Khalid, Malam Abubakar Tijjani Ibrahim and Alhaji Musa Nuhu Yankaba.

“This (scholarship) is in response to the outcry generated by the registration fee increment in Bayero University, Kano, which threatens the progress of many students in the university.

He added, “Malam Aisar, Abubakar, Salihu and Alhaji Musa were the ones who called me and advised that I should come to the aid of these students. I really commend them and the other members of my scholarship committee.

“While I consider this a quick intervention, I want to stress that more programs that target the upliftment and empowerment of our people are on the pipeline, in sha Allah,” he added.

Hanga commended the scholarship committee, adding, “I wish to advise the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.”

We tasked ourselves for this rescue mission considering the unfavourable economic situation in Nigeria

Malam Aisar who is also a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Kano State Polytechnic said they were into this rescue mission because of the unfavourable economic situation in the country and understood many students could not afford to pay for their school fees.

He said, “I have been in the teaching profession and know very well how students struggle to pay 20 or 30 thousand naira as their registration fee.

“Some students mostly go to radio stations to beg people. So, given that now there was an increment in registration fees, I feared many would have no other option than to drop their studies.”

It gladdened me when my mother thanked me for selfless service to humanity – Aisar

The communication scholar also added that it excited him and nearly reduced him to tears when his mother called to thank him for his selfless service to humanity.

“Although I was very excited looking at the happy faces of these promising students, there was nothing more exciting than the moment when my mother called to thank me.

“My mother, Hajiya, was in a tricycle when she heard the other two passengers talking about the matter, thanking Senator Hanga for rescuing their children.”

Students narrate tribulations, thank Hanga

“I reckoned without a hike in the registration fee. When I heard about it, my mind was awfully heavy as I knew I couldn’t afford it,” recalled a 400-level student of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), with a beaming smile on his face.

The student said a new hope had been rekindled in him by the scholarship he got from Senator Rufai Sani Hanga.

Another student, Abdurrahman Kabir Yunus, said the news of the hike in registration fees paralysed him.

He said, “But Senator Hanga wiped up my tears. And what he did was a lesson to me as I really feel indebted.”

Sham’una Rabi’u from Warawa Local Government said it was underestimating to describe how happy he was.

Rabi’u said, “I am very happy to be one of the beneficiaries of this scholarship. I couldn’t thank Senator Hanga enough.”