News

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has delayed the resumption of both primary and secondary schools for the 2024/2025 academic session, initially set for September 8th and 9th.

The postponement was confirmed in a statement by the Director of Public Enlightenment at the Ministry of Education, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, on Saturday.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, cited urgent reasons for the decision, emphasizing that it was made to improve the learning environment for students.

Doguwa said, “I wish to inform pupils, students, and parents that the previously announced resumption dates are now postponed.

“This decision will help create a more conducive learning atmosphere for our children.

“A new resumption date will be communicated in due course,” the statement read.

The ministry urged students and parents to bear with any inconvenience caused by the delay, assuring them that it was in the best interest of improving educational conditions in the state.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has disputed claims made by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regarding the pricing of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and its impact on the Dangote Refinery.

MURIC had asserted that recent adjustments to petrol prices would prevent the Dangote Refinery from offering lower prices and that NNPCL had become the exclusive offtaker of all products from the refinery.

In a statement released by NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the company clarified that petroleum product pricing, including that from the Dangote Refinery, is dictated by global market forces.

The recent changes in PMS pricing, it noted, do not affect the refinery’s access to the Nigerian market.

NNPCL noted that the refinery could sell its products at lower prices if the current market rates are perceived as high, and reiterated that domestic refining does not guarantee lower prices when compared to global parity pricing.

Furthermore, NNPCL stated that it would only become a full offtaker from the Dangote Refinery if PMS market prices exceeded local pump prices.

It also made clear that both the Dangote Refinery and other domestic refineries are free to sell directly to any marketers on a willing buyer, willing seller basis.

NNPCL denied any intention of becoming the sole distributor for the refinery’s products and underscored its billion-dollar investment in the business, urging MURIC to verify facts before making public statements that could incite the public.

By Uzair Adam

The Edo State Government has indefinitely postponed the resumption of all schools in the state in response to the recent hike in fuel prices.

This decision was conveyed through a memo from Ojo Akin-Longe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, in Benin on Saturday.

According to the memo, schools, which were set to reopen on Monday, September 9, 2024, will remain closed until further notice.

“The Edo State Government announces the postponement of the resumption of all public and private schools, originally scheduled for September 9, 2024, until further notice,” stated Akin-Longe.

The statement explained that the rising tension stemming from the increase in fuel prices and the financial strain on parents and guardians prompted the government’s decision.

In light of this, the government urged parents and caregivers to closely monitor their children during this period of uncertainty.

By Uzair Adam

The Katsina State Government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at equipping communities with the necessary skills and support to defend themselves against criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, while speaking on the program, noted that the government is ready to train and support communities willing to take proactive measures to secure their areas before the arrival of security personnel.

He stated, “We have come up with an initiative that for any community ready to depend on itself, we will give them the necessary support and training to engage criminals before the security agents arrive.

“The governor recounted a recent visit to Tsamiyar-jino village, where it took him over two hours to reach the settlement from the main road. He pointed out that in such remote locations, the response time of security agents is significantly delayed, leaving the residents vulnerable to attacks.

“If bandits strike in such areas, by the time security forces arrive, the damage would have already been done,” Radda said, stressing the need for immediate community action in the face of insecurity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity and Official Spokesperson, has stepped down temporarily to attend to a pressing family medical matter. 

In a statement released on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he had informed the Chief of Staff of his decision to take an indefinite leave of absence, effective immediately.

This move will see him pause his duties as Presidential Spokesperson, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen. 

Ngelale explained that the decision was made after consulting with his family due to a deteriorating medical situation at home.

He expressed hope to return to his roles when circumstances allow, but requested privacy for his family during this difficult time. 

The presidential aide stated, “I have submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence to address medical matters affecting my immediate family.”

He added, “I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.”

By Uzair Adam

Hope has been reignited in the minds of women entrepreneurs as the Chidoka family, through the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program, awarded N100,000 grants to ten female small business owners in honor of their late mother, Nneka Chidoka.

The Daily Reality reports that the grants were awarded on what would have been her 76th birthday, continuing her legacy of support for women and small businesses.

Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, announced the initiative in a Facebook post on Friday, September 6.

He invited female entrepreneurs with small teams of 2 to 5 staff, operating home-based or small-shop businesses with a daily turnover of less than N100,000, to signify their interest.

“She would have been 76 years old today,” Osita wrote. “Are you a female entrepreneur? Do you have between 2 and 5 staff? Do you operate from your house or a small shop? Is your daily turnover less than 100k? Are you a Mekaria Mentorship Program Attaché? The first five women to respond and meet these criteria will receive a message from the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program today.”

The response was overwhelming, with more than 50 women sharing their stories. Ten were selected based on the program’s criteria, receiving N100,000 each to support their businesses. One recipient, Nkechi Eze, a fashion designer, expressed her gratitude: “This support is a dream come true. It’s not just about the money; it’s about knowing someone believes in me and my business.”

The Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program, created in honor of Nneka Chidoka, who passed away in 2023 after a long battle with cancer, continues to promote her values of resilience, compassion, and community support. Led by her children, the foundation focuses on cancer awareness, screening, and treatment, as well as educational support for young people.

Since its inception, the program has screened over 2,000 women for cancer, provided free surgeries for more than 60 women, and supported over 1,000 individuals with various health interventions, including the distribution of corrective eyeglasses.

Additionally, during her memorial service, the program covered school fees for over 500 students in Obosi.

“Our mother’s life inspired us to be positive, considerate, and empathetic. The Outreach Program is a testament to her boundless strength and compassion,” said Osita Chidoka.

He also emphasized that the program is more than charity, reflecting his mother’s core values of community strength, education, and accessible healthcare.

In a similar act of generosity, the Chidoka family last year provided cash grants to over 100 petty traders in Obosi, Ozubulu, and Ohafia, fulfilling their mother’s wish to support female-owned businesses as a way to alleviate family poverty.

By Uzair Adam

The Sokoto State Government has equipped the newly established Community Guard Corps with 20 Hilux vans and 710 motorcycles.

The vehicles were handed over on Thursday by Col. Abdul Usman (Rtd.), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, during a ceremony at the corps’ state headquarters.

The Daily Reality reports that the move was part of the government’s strategic efforts to address rising security concerns in the state.

Commanders from the 13 local government areas most affected by banditry were present to receive the vehicles.

Col. Usman highlighted that the provision of the vehicles aims to enhance the corps’ reach, particularly in remote areas of their communities.

He also stressed the need for responsible use, reminding the personnel that the vehicles are strictly for official purposes.

“These vehicles and motorcycles are not for personal use. The government has invested significantly in acquiring them, so ensure they are well-maintained and used appropriately,” he advised.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A shocking revelation came from the 44 Army Referral Hospital in Kaduna State, where over 200 soldiers injured in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and bandits are receiving medical attention.

Despite their sacrifices, these brave men and women claim they have been neglected by the Nigerian Army authorities, forced to pay for their own treatment and buy drugs out of pocket. 

One soldier, paralysed from the waist after being shot by Boko Haram terrorists, spoke out about the dire situation.

“We’re begging for help. We need assistance with our treatment, but the army has abandoned us. We’ve had to pay for our own surgeries, and no one has reimbursed us.” 

Another soldier echoed this sentiment, saying, “We’re helpless. We’re buying our own drugs, and the army is not supporting us the way they should. It’s like they’ve forgotten about us.” 

The soldiers also alleged that they have not received the special disability compensation they are entitled to, and that their welfare and treatment have been grossly neglected. 

Despite attempts to reach the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, for comment, there was no response. 

This reflects the plight of Nigeria’s injured soldiers and raises questions about the government’s commitment to supporting those who have risked everything to protect their country.

By Uzair Adam

Sheikh Bashar Danfili, a prominent cleric in Sokoto State, has made a public plea for financial assistance following the kidnapping of six of his relatives by bandits.

The abduction occurred as the victims were en route to an undisclosed village in the state.

The Daily Reality reports that in a video shared on social media, Danfili detailed the harrowing situation.

The victims include a man, his mother, stepmother, two wives, and his sister.

He reported that the bandits have demanded a substantial ransom, which they are unable to meet.

Danfili described the grisly aftermath of the attack, noting that the bandits killed their driver and used his flesh to feed their dogs.

The cleric reiterated the urgency of the situation, as the bandits have set a deadline for the ransom payment and threatened to kill the captives if it is not met.

With limited resources and facing a dire situation, Danfili has reached out to the public for support, hoping to raise the necessary funds to secure his relatives’ release.

By Uzair Adam  

Residents of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State, affected by ongoing security challenges, have reported that terrorists are compelling locals to work on their farms.  

In an interview with Daily Trust, the residents recounted how the bandits are forcing the locals into hard labour on their farms.  

It was gathered that a terrorist leader reportedly seized over 20 bags of soybeans from farms in Allawa and nearby communities this year. 

During an emergency media briefing in Minna, Saidu Salihu, the Secretary of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, called for the re-deployment of military forces to Allawa and surrounding areas.  

This, he said, would allow displaced residents to return to their farms.  Salihu explained that various terrorist groups have controlled these communities since soldiers withdrew from the area three months ago.  

He urged both federal and state governments to support local vigilante groups to protect the affected residents. 

He also requested compensation for those displaced and who have lost homes and livelihoods due to the continued attacks. Salihu also revealed that bandits have initiated negotiations with the local communities to facilitate their return.  

However, both the federal and state governments have not responded to these developments.

Abdullah Suleiman Erena, another resident, noted that insecurity in the area extends beyond banditry, involving groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Ansaru.  

He warned that if the government does not act urgently, these groups could create a more entrenched terrorist presence in the region. 

He described the situation as a growing terrorist ecosystem, noting how these groups force locals to farm and sell their produce on their behalf.  

Erena also highlighted the proximity of Shiroro to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which puts the FCT at increased risk. 

Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki expressed disappointment with the state government’s response, stressing the need for more decisive action.  

Also, Babangida Kudodo of the Lakpma Youth Forum mentioned that previous reports to the state government had led to little or no action, allowing the situation to worsen. 

Both men called for immediate steps to be taken to dislodge the terrorists from Shiroro LGA and protect the affected communities.