News

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, is set to be flown abroad for medical treatment after sustaining injuries during a violent incident in Imo State.

Ajaero was in Owerri on Wednesday, November 1, to mobilise Imo workers for a peaceful protest rally against alleged violations of workers’ rights and privileges by the state government. 

The planned peaceful protest took a chaotic turn when allegations surfaced that thugs had attacked the protesters and labour leaders.

During the scuffle, Ajaero sustained injuries that necessitated specialised medical attention, making it impossible for him to be treated at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri. 

Benson Upah, the NLC Publicity Secretary, confirmed the decision to seek medical treatment abroad due to the nature of Ajaero’s injuries.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of activists and the need for peaceful demonstrations in the country. 

The NLC, along with various human rights organisations, has condemned the violent attack and called for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to transport Ajaero abroad, where he will receive the necessary medical care to recover from his injuries. 

By Muhammad Suleiman Adam

Yobe state Governor Mai Mala Buni said he would personally supervise the implementation of the Sustainable Solutions for Long-Term Displaced persons (SOLID) project to ensure the success of the programme in the state.

He stated this on Wednesday when a team from the World Bank paid him a working visit in Damaturu. 

“I am delighted to welcome yet another initiative by the World Bank to support the state government in implementing more sustainable solutions for long-term displaced persons and to support the host communities in dealing with the challenges they face” Buni said

He further said Yobe is the second most affected state that recorded massive destruction of facilities and infrastructure by the insurgency, therefore, the need for additional facilities to support government efforts to effectively serve the people cannot be overemphasized as some of the displaced persons have chosen to settle permanently in the host communities.

He commended the World Bank and other development partners for supporting the recovery efforts of the state government in resettling displaced persons in their communities with dignity.

He directed MDAs to ensure full participation for ownership and sustainability of the SOLID project “the MDAs should identify areas of intervention and ensure harmonization for greater impact across the state”.

Leader of the delegation, Fuad Malkawea, commended the positive interventions made by the Multi Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) another World Bank programme in the state.

He assured that the partnership would further provide support to the host communities.

“The intervention is to provide support to existing facilities some of which are over stretched” he observed. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Imo State witnessed increased tensions as Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was reportedly arrested by Nigeria Police Force operatives in Owerri on Wednesday.

Ajaero was taken into custody at the NLC state council secretariat, according to Benson Upah, the Head of Information at NLC, and subsequently transported to an undisclosed location. 

This development followed the NLC’s announcement of an impending total strike in Imo State, set to commence on November 1, 2023.

Ajaero had accused Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma of neglecting workers’ welfare and violating their rights.

He highlighted several issues, including prolonged non-payment of salaries, the wrongful categorization of workers and pensioners as ghost beneficiaries, and non-compliance with the national minimum wage. 

During a press briefing held on Sunday, Ajaero criticised the state government’s refusal to honour past agreements and its resistance to engaging in social dialogue and collective bargaining.

He underscored the grave consequences, citing reports of workers losing their lives due to the alleged lack of salary payments. 

The arrest of Ajaero has intensified the labour dispute, raising concerns about the ongoing situation in Imo State.

The NLC and its members continue to demand fair treatment and the fulfilment of workers’ rights.

As the state government faces mounting pressure to address these grievances, the labour unrest in Imo State remains a cause for growing apprehension and scrutiny.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has debunked rumors of a naira redenomination in the near future. 

In a statement, which was signed by the bank’s Director of Corporate Communications, Isa AbdulMumin, on October 31, 2023, the apex bank states that the contents of a text message circulating widely suggesting that the CBN plans to redenominate the naira in January 2024 are “misleading.” 

It further states that the authors of the text message “modified text eked from an old policy move by a previous CBN Governor in 2007 to make it appear recent.”  

The CBN advised the public to ignore the rumors, as they are “speculative and calculated to cause panic in the polity.”

The bank also stated that any reforms to the naira would be subject to “laid down procedures in line with the provisions of the CBN Act, 2007.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Northern Governors’ Forum has expressed its deep sadness over the passing of the revered Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Abdul Rahman Ado Ibrahim.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, the Chairman of the Forum, expressed heartfelt condolences over the demise of this iconic monarch. 

Mr. Yahaya, in a statement, praised Dr. Ado Ibrahim’s legacy of peace, unity, and cultural preservation in Ebiraland.

He extended his sympathies to the people of Kogi State and the entire Ebira community, urging them to uphold the late monarch’s values. 

In this time of mourning, the Northern Governors’ Forum stands in solidarity with the family of Dr. Ado Ibrahim, honouring his contributions to the region’s heritage and praying for his soul’s eternal peace.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The paramount ruler of Ebira people of Kogi State, the Ohinoyi of Ebira, Abdulrahman Ado-Ibrahim, has passed on.

The Daily Reality gathered that the monarch died on Saturday night after a brief illness in Okene at the age of 94.

“His death will be announced officially, during the day”, a source told The Daily Reality.

The deceased king was enthroned on the seat of his forbears in 1997 and his reign was relatively peaceful.

His Majesty was born on February 7, 1929. He attended both Western nursery and Quranic schools, and went on to conclude his primary education in 1940 at the Native Authority (NA) primary school in Okene, Northern Region (now Kogi State). He, began his secondary school education at Ondo Boys High School and later on moved to Oduduwa College, where he graduated in 1949. In 1954, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s degree from Harvard Business School in 1959.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In the nine months leading up to September 30, 2023, Dangote Cement has reported a remarkable 15.2 percent increase in its pan-African sales volumes, reaching 8.5 million metric tons (Mt) compared to the 7.4 million Mt in the same period in 2022.

Pan-African volumes represent the sales volume from Dangote Cement plants located outside Nigeria.

These figures were revealed in the company’s unaudited results on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) portal. The surge in volumes was primarily driven by exceptional sales performances in key locations.

The Dangote Cement Plant in Senegal saw a substantial 66.9 percent increase in sales, while the Dangote Cement Plant in Congo reported a 60.5 percent surge in volumes.

Dangote Cement Zambia experienced an 18 percent increase, with Ghana and South Africa following closely at 15.5 percent and 18.5 percent growth, respectively. Ethiopia and Tanzania also contributed to the positive trend with 6.5 percent sales volume increases.

Furthermore, Dangote Cement noted a 20.5 percent increase in profit before tax, rising from N335.9 billion to N404.89 billion, while the profit after tax increased by 30.2 percent, from N213.10 billion to N277.55 billion.

Arvind Pathak, the Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement, commented on the results, stating, “This positive nine-month result reflects our strong value proposition, enhanced operational efficiency, and our commitment to cost containment in the face of rising inflation. Group revenue reached ₦1,514.6 billion, with EBITDA reaching an all-time high of ₦662.8 billion, marking a
28.5 percent increase.”

He also highlighted the impressive growth of the company’s pan-African operations, which contributed 41.9 percent to Group volumes, with a record revenue growth of 103.9 percent and EBITDA growth of 255.4 percent.

Pathak emphasized that the growth was a result of sustained demand across the regions in which Dangote Cement operates.

Looking ahead, Pathak expressed optimism about the company’s future, particularly with
the final stages of a new grinding plant in Cote d’Ivoire nearing completion.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering quality cement products to
its customers and expressed confidence in a strong finish to the year.

Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with a capacity of 52.0 million metric tons across the continent. Through strategic investments, the company has not only eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement but has also transformed the nation into an exporter, serving neighboring countries as well.

Dangote Cement’s extensive operations include plants in Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Ethiopia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, in addition to its prominent presence in Nigeria.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

Elder statesman and Nigeria’s former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Adamu Fika, has passed away at the age of 90. 

Sources within the family confirmed the demise of the nonagenarian to newsmen on Tuesday. 

The deceased died in London, where he has been treating undisclosed health issues. 

His funeral prayers have been scheduled to take place at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna on Wednesday by 4:00 p.m. 

He was born in Fika, Yobe State, in 1933. He was educated at Kaduna Government College, the Nigerian College of Arts, Science, and Technology, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 

He lived a life dedicated to the service of God and his country, which is evident in the position he held in his lifetime. 

The deceased was at the time pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The deceased was also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).

He was a permanent secretary at various federal ministries, among other things.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Amed bandits stormed a mosque during early morning prayers on Tuesday, taking the lives of the mosque’s imam and a worshipper identified as Kabir. 

The attack took place at Sabon Layi, Kakangi ward, in the Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. 

Two other worshippers, Bilya Mairabo and Ashiru Mairabo, sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari. 

The tragedy was said to have unfolded at approximately 5 a.m. Zubair AbduRrauf, the Danmasanin of Birnin-Gwari, expressed the community’s anguish, highlighting the escalating violence perpetrated by bandits in the region. 

AbduRrauf emphasized that the Birnin-Gwari communities faced daily threats, especially farmers, and the situation had become dire along the Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna highway, making it perilous for travelers and commuters. 

“We are in a precarious situation in Birnin-Gwari,” AbduRrauf stated. “The bandits’ attack is on a daily basis. Security personnel are really trying their best to see that the attacks are being curtailed, but we need a change of strategy from them.” 

Despite the gravity of the situation, there has been no official confirmation or statement from the state government or the state police command at the time of this report. 

The residents, gripped by fear and mourning, are calling for urgent and effective security measures to curb the rising menace of banditry that has plagued their community. 

When reached for comment, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, promised to provide further information, indicating the gravity and urgency of the situation that has befallen the Birnin-Gwari community.

By Rukayya Abubakar Othman

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum yesterday commissioned the famous Maiduguri Monday market and relieved two years’ rent for about 8,000 traders:

Borno state governor commissioned Maiduguri Monday Market on Monday, which was rebuilt after a fire inferno that gutted the market in February this year. 

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum announced that over 8000 traders who hitherto rented shops and paid rent would no longer pay for the next two years because of the losses incurred by them as a result of the mishap.

This, of course, is the untiring commitment of the state governor to the cause of serving humanity.

Upon the February incident, the governor hurriedly set up a committee to reconstruct the market, which has been completely rehabilitated and remodelled, with over 8,000 traders to benefit from the reconstruction. 

The market is well structured, which involves a comprehensive design and more vacancies for other traders to thrive in their business activities.

 The governor in February donated about N2b to the committee constituted to immediately swing into action and release N1b to the disaster victims. 

During the commission, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum announced about 2,825 traders who could not allocate their previous shop after the fire disaster. 

“As a result of remodelling, over 2,000 traders who either operated at a temporary site or built shops illegally on waterways could not own shops in the market. Moreover, the government will support over 185 of them with N1m “. Zulum said. 

He also promised that the people doing business there would get shops at a newly constructed Monday Market in Maiduguri.