News

Kano contributes N100 million to Borno flood victims

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has extended a N100 million donation to assist victims of the recent floods in Borno State.

The cheque was presented by Kano State’s Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Eradication, Hajiya Amina Sani, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The presentation took place at the Borno Government House in Maiduguri and was received by Governor Babagana Zulum.

Expressing solidarity with the people of Borno, Governor Yusuf described the flood disaster as “catastrophic” and called for collective support to mitigate the impact on those affected.

He also prayed for the souls of the deceased and wished a swift recovery for the injured.Governor Yusuf emphasized the strong, historic ties between Kano and Borno states, reaffirming Kano’s support during this challenging time.

In response, Governor Zulum expressed deep appreciation for Kano State’s generosity and pledged that the funds would be utilized effectively to aid the victims.

He commended the show of unity between Nigerian states in times of crisis.

The donation reflects a shared commitment to assist communities facing humanitarian emergencies.

NPF ensures security for Eid-el-Maulud celebrations

By Anas Abbas

The Nigeria Police Force has assured citizens of enhanced security measures during the 2024 Eid-el-Maulud celebrations, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed Command Commissioners and Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General to deploy personnel and resources to high-risk areas, including major highways, places of worship, and public gathering points.

The police force has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the public and preventing crime during and after the festive period. IGP Egbetokun extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful, praying for a joyous and harmonious celebration.

The police are working in collaboration with other security agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure a secure and incident-free celebration across the country.

The Eid-el-Maulud celebration is a significant event in the Islamic calendar, and the police’s security measures aim to provide a safe environment for all Nigerians to observe the holiday.

Governor Inuwa preaches peace, unity in Eid-el-Maulud message to Muslim Ummah 

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini  

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has called on the Muslim Ummah to draw inspiration and lessons from the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Maulud today.  

The Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, encouraged Muslims to imbibe the Prophet’s qualities of tolerance, humility, modesty, and honesty in their daily lives. 

He stated the importance of reflecting on the teachings of the Prophet and integrating his legacy of unity, integrity, peaceful coexistence, and love for one’s neighbor into the fabric of society.  

He stated, “As we commemorate this great and epochal day, I enjoin us to continue to demonstrate in our lives what the noble messenger of Allah bequeathed to humanity in ethos, manners, and relationships for the good of the society.” 

He highlighted the need for Nigerians to uphold these teachings as a foundation for national unity and development, saying “the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are indispensable in the quest for meaningful development and the good management of Nigeria’s diversity.” 

The NSGF Chairman urged that the celebration of the Prophet’s birth should serve as a moment for spiritual rejuvenation and as a reminder for Nigerians to come together in prayer for unity, stability, and progress, particularly during these challenging times.  

He noted that collective faith in God and sustained prayers for peace across the nation would help achieve the aspirations of Nigeria’s founding fathers. 

The Governor also called on citizens to continue being law-abiding and to protect the peace and tranquility that Gombe State currently enjoys, urging them to shun any actions that could threaten the state’s harmonious environment.

DSS arrests Sowore at Lagos airport

By Abdullahi Mukhtar

Department of State Services (DSS) operatives have arrested Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow protest.

According to SaharaReporters, Sowore was arrested on Sunday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos upon his arrival in Nigeria.

Sowore’s arrest may be connected to the 10-day #EndBadGovernance protest held across the country in August.

The Take-It-Back Movement and several other civil society organisations spearheaded the protest.

Sowore is also the convener of the movement.

Another protest is being planned by organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest — scheduled for October 1.

In a post via his X page, Sowore said he was detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and his passport was seized.

“I had just arrived in Nigeria from the USA to the MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me,” he wrote.

“This is not unexpected because I have always known that It is part of the broader clampdown by the fascist Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt.

“In case this becomes another prolonged and protracted detention, I urge our citizens to ensure they ALL stop tyranny by all means acceptable and necessary by engaging in the planned series of direct actions slated for October 1st and beyond.”

NNPC mobilises trucks to Dangote Refinery for petrol distribution

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has deployed over 100 trucks to the Dangote Refinery in preparation for petrol loading, scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 15, 2024. 

According to a post by NNPC on its official X handle, the trucks were dispatched to the refinery’s fuel loading gantry in Ibeju-Lekki on Saturday, with more expected to arrive. 

“As of Saturday afternoon, more than 100 trucks had been mobilised, and by the end of the day, up to 300 trucks are expected to be stationed at the gantry,” the company said.

The deployment marks a significant step toward ensuring timely petrol distribution from the Dangote Refinery, which is expected to enhance fuel availability nationwide.

Tinubu commends military for successful operations in North-west

By Uzair Adam President Bola Tinubu has praised the military for their successful operations against security threats in the North-West, reaffirming the nation’s confidence in the security forces’ ability to maintain peace.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President’s commendation followed the recent neutralization of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu by troops of Operation Hadarin Daji.

Sububu had long terrorized communities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other regions in the North-West.

In addition, security forces eliminated another high-profile terrorist, Sani Wala Burki, in a joint operation in Katsina, while dismantling a terrorist enclave in Kaduna, where 13 kidnapped students were rescued.

President Tinubu credited the military high command, intelligence agencies, and troops for their coordination, courage, and perseverance, leading to these significant breakthroughs.

He urged them to remain committed until all threats, both immediate and potential, are eradicated.“The President reassures security agencies of his continued support in achieving the goal of safeguarding the nation,” Onanuga stated.

CDS Musa gifts N1m to troops for eliminating bandits’ leader in Zamfara

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has announced a cash reward of N1 million for the troops involved in a recent operation in Zamfara State that resulted in the elimination of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu Buzu. 

The operation, carried out by troops from the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD), was a significant success, with the troops displaying bravery and precision in neutralizing Buzu and several of his fighters.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of weapons and motorcycles. General Musa praised the troops for their dedication and excellence, stating that the reward was a way to honor their service.

The operation is seen as a major blow to the bandit group’s operational capabilities and underscores the Nigerian military’s efforts to combat terrorism in the region. 

This success comes on the heels of a recent attack by the same group, which blocked the Gusau-Funtua highway in Zamfara State and abducted several travelers. The police are still working to determine the exact number of those kidnapped.

OPEC celebrates 64 years of success, hails Nigeria’s key role

By Uzair Adam

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has extended its deepest gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria as it celebrates its 64th anniversary.

Speaking on the occasion, the OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais acknowledged the significant role Nigeria has played in the organization since its membership began in 1971.

He commended Nigeria for its unwavering support in maintaining a stable and balanced global oil market.

Reflecting on the historic meeting in Baghdad 64 years ago, Al Ghais emphasized the foundational agreement signed by the five original members: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.

He stated that, “This event marked the inception of OPEC and a new era of international energy collaboration.”

Al Ghais recognized the leadership of Nigerian officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, and National Representative Mele Kyari.

He also highlighted the contributions of all OPEC member countries, past and present, including heads of state, ministers, governors, and the dedicated staff at the Secretariat.

As September 14, designated as OPEC Day, is observed, Al Ghais called for reflection on OPEC’s journey and anticipation of its future prospects.

He expressed confidence that the organization’s most significant achievements are yet to come and encouraged continued participation in shaping its future.

The message concluded with a heartfelt wish for a happy OPEC Day to all members and partners.

Bandit leader Sububu killed in Zamfara military ambush

By Uzair Adam

Details have emerged on the death of Halilu Sububu, a notorious bandit leader who had been terrorizing Zamfara State and neighboring areas.

Sububu, also known as Buzu, was killed in an ambush set by Operation Hadarin Daji troops on Thursday.

Sources indicate that the ambush occurred at Kwaren-Kirya village on the Mayanchi-Anka road in Zamfara.

The Daily Reality gathered that Sububu and his fighters were engaged by the troops while attempting to cross a stream.

Only three of their motorbikes managed to escape the scene.

Local residents in Mayanchi and surrounding villages are celebrating the operation and expressing gratitude to the military, calling for continued efforts to address banditry in the region.

Originally from Niger Republic, Sububu had established control over illegal gold mining sites in the Anka Local Government Area and was a significant figure in the region’s criminal activities.

Several media reports have indicated that he had been wanted by the Defence Headquarters since May.

The military has reported recovering weapons and motorbikes from the bandits, marking a notable success in the ongoing anti-banditry campaign in Nigeria’s northwest.

FG takes steps for return of Niger IDPs – Shettima

By Uzair Adam

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has announced that the federal government is implementing measures to ensure the return of residents displaced by insecurity and floods in Niger State.

Speaking during a visit to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area, Shettima expressed the administration’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of affected individuals.

He stated that his visit was a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assess the conditions of the displaced residents and assure them of government support.

The Vice President also launched the distribution of relief materials at the camp, highlighting that each state had received N3 billion to address the impacts of floods and security challenges.

Shettima emphasized that states like Niger, Borno, Sokoto, Bayelsa, and Jigawa, which have been significantly affected by these crises, would receive additional support from the federal government.

He called on citizens and organizations to assist the government in providing relief to those affected by disasters across the country.

The Vice President was joined by other key officials, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, disclosed that 14 out of the 25 local government areas in the state had experienced flooding this year, resulting in loss of lives and property.