News

By Aminu Muhammad

The personnel of Kano Road Transport Agency (KAROTA) have allegedly stabbed a Point of Sale (POS) operator and brutalised many others, including women in Kano, during the recent Eid-l-Kabir Durbar in Kano.

The victim, identified as Radiyuddin Tahir, who operated a POS service in the Sabon Titin Mandawari area in Gwale of Kano State, was watching durbar before his shop when the incident happened.

Radiyuddin sustains injury in the abdomen and is currently receiving treatment at Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano.

Eyewitnesses said the KAROTA personnel became furious when they alleged that onlookers yelled at them while they were following the entourage of Kano emir.

An eyewitness, a relative of the victim, Salahuddin Nams’aiki, narrated how the incident occurred: “the emir had passed while KAROTA were in the last part of the entourage rallying with their vehicle and weapons. They headed toward onlookers, and we were watching in front of our shop. They just came and started hitting people. That was how they stabbed him and injured other people, including women.” 

Another eyewitness said men of the KAROTA were passing in their vehicle rallying when some people yelled at them and started mocking them, which infuriated them to start beating people indiscriminately around the area, leading to stabbing the victim.

The young man’s parents have accused the KAROTA personnel of stabbing Radiyuddin with a knife in his business environment. 

Malama Balaraba Shehu, the victim’s mother, said the unfortunate incident traumatised her because Radiyuddin has been an essential family supporter, saying, “By Allah, he [the victim] has been supportive to the family and me. My child isn’t a thug. He doesn’t smoke. Why would they beat him like this? I pray God to come to our aid.”

KAROTA Public Relations Officer Nabulusi Abubakar Kofar Na’isa, who confirmed the clash, said they were yet to get the formal report because KAROTA and other security agencies were involved in the incident, which he said was not led by KAROTA.

He stated: “There was a clash, but it was a joint task force operation which included KAROTA, NSCDC, FRSC, Police etc. not KAROTA alone is involved in the operation. And it is not KAROTA that was leading the team. 

“Just like he was injured, KAROTA operatives and others were also wounded. Four KAROTA officers sustained injuries; three of them were hospitalised, but they were discharged earlier today. So we are waiting for the report of the incident before taking any action. We cannot say anything now.”

A legal practitioner in Kano, Barr Abba Hikima, said carrying weapons by KAROTA operatives contravenes Nigerian laws, adding “we often receive complaints from people on how KAROTA operatives hit people or people’s vehicles. There is no law that allows them to wield a weapon of any kind. It contravenes Nigeria’s laws. Commissioner of Police should arrest those carrying weapons because it is against public order.”

Police Public Relations Officer in Kano SP Abdullahi Kiyawa neither answered several calls to his mobile phone nor replied to a message sent to him.

The Police, however, in a statement by the spokesman Abdullahi Kiyawa said the Sallah celebration was peaceful in the State, but 85 thugs were arrested across five emirates of the State.

By Muhammad Sabiu

The Flutterwave Graduate Trainee Programme has officially been launched, according to Flutterwave, a top African payments technology firm.

Through the training of technical and soft skills, exposure to Flutterwave’s solutions and products, and hands-on work experience at a large corporation, this program seeks to develop 200 young Nigerians. 

Additionally, the training will educate students on the culture, values, vision, and mission of Flutterwave, as well as its network of past and present workers.

With the primary goal of boosting the economy by producing skilled employment for young Nigerian graduates, Flutterwave published the application portal earlier in July 2022 to allow fresh graduates from all around Nigeria to apply for desirable roles in the company.

Chief Operating Officer of Flutterwave, Bode Abifarin, was quoted as saying:

“Flutterwave is an African company built to solve African challenges with African solutions. Some of the biggest challenges we have faced at Flutterwave have been solved by enlightened African tech experts with African needs in mind. Therefore, we would not be living up to our company’s ethos if we did not offer a leg-up to the young talent available and inspire and train them to ensure that the next future challenges in Africa’s tech scene are solved by talented young Africans.

“The graduate trainee programme and the job fair represent Flutterwave’s commitment to offering these talented individuals the opportunity to share their innovations and expertise with leading experts and tech entrepreneurs not only in Nigeria but across the continent. We hope that by powering the youth’s dreams, we power the continent’s tech scene as well.’’

Applications are expected to close on July 15, 2022.

Applicants for the upcoming Graduate trainee programme should apply via this link (https://flutterwave.com/gb/careers/graduates)

Applicants applying for the Flutterwave Job Fair are to apply through this link (https://flutterwavejobfair.disha.page/)

By Abdullahi A. Maiwada

Let me start this piece by aligning with the content of the second diagram illustrating that “Just because you are right, does not mean I am wrong. You just haven’t seen life from my side”. 

Shannon and Weaver produced a general model of communication, which is named after them, the Shannon-Weaver Model. It involved breaking down an information system into sub-systems to evaluate the efficiency of various communication channels and codes. They propose that all communication must include six elements:

Source

Encoder

Channel

Message

Decoder

Receiver

This model is often called an “information model” of communication. A limitation is that the model looks at communication as a one-way process. The addition of a feedback element remedies that.

Perceptual distortions mean incorrect understanding or abnormal interpretation of occurrences. It occurs when a person’s responses to stimuli vary from how it is commonly perceived.

In trying to communicate effectively, the sender should send his message through the appropriate channel at the right time to enable the receiver to decode the message correctly. On the other hand, the receiver should be open-minded and objective by decoding the message in the right context using standard parameters. 

Feedback channels are readily available for the receiver to effect a two-way communication by seeking clarification from the sender on grey areas. Also, feedback sometimes gives a communicator an idea about his heterogeneous audience. Basically, it defines their personality based on how they perceive their message and their frantic efforts to influence the perception of other persons. 

According to perception theory based on the diagram below by B. Berelson and G. A. Steiner (1964), first, a person gets exposed to particular media content (selective exposure). In other words, some individuals are exposed to specific media effects/messages while some are not. This screening aspect depends on many factors such as media reach, accessibility, age, cultural acceptability, etc.

Secondly, selective perception is the tendency to interpret communication messages based on one’s attitudes. People of distinct psychological characters perceive the same media content in different ways. This depends on factors such as age, values, family, opinions etc.

Third is selective attention, which is the process of screening a vast amount of information in which one has no interest through mental filters. The last two are selective retention and action.

Finally, I cannot round up perception theory without acknowledging the new concept of ‘Selective Expectation’ captured in the diagram below. This is propounded by Kola Adesina (2017). One of my mentors and a lecturer at the Mass Communication Department CUAB. 

In all communication, the meaning of a message is greatly dependent on the culture in which it is transmitted. The sender encodes a message, and the receiver decodes it. Between the sender, the message and the receiver, the noise gets in the way and complicates the process. Noiseless communication does not exist as there always is some noise entering the communication. Noise can be physical noise, for example, static or psychological. Misunderstanding of a particular message, i.e. distortion of meaning, is also a form of noise.

Thanks to digital media for enabling engagement using comment sections or messenger for those who choose to engage the sender privately. However, channelling the message to a third party by boycotting the sender will add more ‘noise’ to the communication. In such a scenario, the sender is right to perceive a receiver to be mischievous in a deliberate attempt to facilitate a distorted message. Eventually, this will lead to disinformation and a wrong narrative about the intended message. 

Abdullahi A. Maiwada is a superintendent of Customs attached to the Public Relations Unit, Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Abuja.

By Muhammad Aminu

Jigawa State Government has said it would release over 1, 700, 000 bags of fertiliser for sale to farmers in the state to support this year’s rainy season farming.

This was stated by the Deputy Governor of the state, Alh Umar Namadi who assured that Jigawa State Agricultural Supply Company (JASCO) has already been ordered to commence the sale to the farmers across the state.

Alh Namadi who made the announcement when he received the emir of Dutse, Dr Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi at the Government House said that the state government is committed to ensuring that farmers got the fertiliser on time and at affordable price this rainy season.

According to him, the agricultural sector has been active as a result of various programmes and policies introduced by the government which has resulted to poverty reduction, jobs creation and food security in the state.

The JASCO’s Managing Director, Alhaji Rabiu Khalid Maigatari, said a bag of NPK 20.10.10 would be sold at N15,000. He revealed that the company has already received the delivery of over 160 trucks which is equivalent to 4,500 metric tonnes of the commodities and distributed to over 45 stores across 27 LGAs in the State.

Farmers in the State had earlier complained of unavailability of fertiliser due to exorbitant prices in the market but find succour in the Government subsidised fertiliser for their farming activities.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and billionaire, has suggested donating virtually all his wealth to charity.

Gates made this significant promise on Twitter on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. 

“As I look to the future, I plan to give virtually all of my wealth to the foundation. I will move down and eventually off of the list of the world’s richest people.” Gates tweeted. 

In a series of tweets, Gates stated his reasons for the decision. According to him, the world is regressing on several issues, and he needs to lend a helping hand. 

“Several huge global setbacks over the past few years have left many people discouraged and wondering whether the world is destined to get worse,”  

“The pandemic is one of the biggest setbacks in history. The war on Ukraine is a gigantic tragedy for the entire world. The damage from climate change is already worse than most models predicted. The U.S. has taken a huge step backwards for gender equality and women’s health.” The philanthropist posted on his account.  

Mr Gates also appreciated the mentorship and friendship of the principal benefactor of their foundation, Warren Buffett. He stated that half of their resources came from him. 

“Although the foundation bears our names, basically half our resources have come from Warren Buffett. His incredible generosity is a huge reason why the foundation has been able to be so ambitious. I can never adequately express how much I appreciate his friendship and guidance.”

By Muhammad Sabiu

The North East Zonal Secretary of the New Nigeria People Party, Babayo Liman, attempted to suspend Alhaji Sani Shehu Sanin Mallam, the party’s state chairman, in Bauchi.

However, State Working Committee of the party rejected the move. The suspension was announced yesterday and was alleged to result from the chairman’s efusal to accept the query issued to him.

Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Secretariat in Bauchi on Wednesday, Barrister Mohammed Mohammed, the Party’s State Legal Adviser, said that the Zonal Secretary’s action was invalid and in violation of the party’s constitution.

He said “Liman and his cohorts didn’t follow due process”, and had no constitutional right to suspend any executive council member.

“If any member of the State Executive Committee of the party is accused of any wrongdoing, a disciplinary committee must be set up to investigate, give the accused [a] fair hearing by giving him the opportunity to defend himself and submit recommendations before taking any action and they didn’t do anything like that.

“Since nothing was done to authenticate their action, it is null and void we the executives are with our chairman and we will not allow unconstitutional action of any member to cause confusion in the party,” Mohammed said.

He reiterated that Sani Shehu Sanin Mallam remains the Chairman of NNPP in Bauchi State.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Adamu Garba, a former presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said he is back to the ruling party. 

Mr Garba disclosed this in a post he made on Facebook on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. 

Garba argued that the combination of Bola Ahmad Tinubu and Kashim Shettima as the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the ruling party inspired his decision.

“Yes, I am fully back to APC. I could do more harm to my country, Nigeria, if I did not support a combination of a great strategist and a great tactician on a single ticket. It is BAT/Kashim that should take over all polling units in Nigeria come 2023.” Mr Garba wrote on Facebook.

Garba defected from the ruling party in May. He had cited the exorbitant price of the nomination form as his reason for leaving the APC.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

British long-distance runner Sir Mo Farah disclosed that he was not who the world knew him to be.  

Sir Mo Farah revealed that he was a victim of child trafficking and was brought into the UK illegally under the name of another child at the age of 9. He disclosed that his real name is Hussein Abdi Kahin

“The truth is I’m not who you think I am,” Sir Farah said.

“Most people know me as Mo Farah, but it’s not my name, or it’s not the reality.”

According to him, the woman who flew with him to the UK told him he was being taken to live with relatives and to say his name was Mohamed as she had fake travel documents that showed his photo next to the name “Mohamed Farah”.

Sir Farah, the first British track and field athlete to win four Olympic golds, said his children motivated him to tell the truth about his past.

“I’ve been keeping it for so long; it’s been difficult because you don’t want to face it, and often my kids ask questions, ‘Dad, how come this?’ And you’ve always got an answer for everything, but you haven’t got an answer for that,” he said

Farah’s recent revelation is in sharp contrast with previous interviews he granted, in which he claimed otherwise.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Africa Heath Budget Network (AHBN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to redouble efforts in determining to achieve the Family Planning (FP).

Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, the AHBN Coordinator, made the call in a statement Monday to commemorate the World Population Day of 2022.

He added that the government should also make family planning information, commodities and services available and accessible to all.

He stated that these places should be provided especially in hard-to-reach areas, adding that, “this will curb teenage pregnancy significantly.”

As Nigeria has the largest population in Africa, the Federal Government was reportedly launched the 2030 FP commitment in March 2022, in Abuja.

The Daily Reality gathered that the federal government intents were, “by the end of 2030, Nigeria envisions a country where everyone including adolescents, young people, populations affected by crisis and other vulnerable populations are able to make informed choices, have equitable and affordable access to quality family planning and participate as equals in society’s development.”

Magashi further called on the federal government to maximize its bulging youthful population by improving on the quality of and access to education.

He added that, “The issue of recurrent strike action in the education sector such as the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) should be addressed once and for all.

“The youth should also be empowered and given the relevant skills to enable them contribute in resolving national challenges.

“We call on the government to also make family planning information, commodities and services available and accessible to all, especially those in hard-to-reach areas – this will curb teenage pregnancy significantly.

“The Federal and state governments should take the issues of the provision of family planning commodities serious by ensuring its availability free of charge in all government clinics across the country.

“This can be achieved by the payment of counterpart funding and the provision of funds for logistics by all tiers of governments,” the statement added.

By Muhammad Sabiu

A husband in Misau town of Misau Local Government Area in Bauchi State, Ismail Ahmad Misau, has recounted his worst ordeal involving an ill-qualified doctor at Misau General Hospital. The doctor performed an unsuccessful post-partum surgery on Mr Ahmad’s wife without the husband’s or her family’s consent.

The wife, Khadija Muhammad, was admitted to Misau Town Maternity, after which she was referred to Misau General Hospital on July 4.

Speaking to The Daily Reality, Mr Ahmad lamented that he had found himself in a state of misery since then, adding that things are only worsening as his wife has been in a coma for about one week.

“After she was taken to the ward room, I was instructed to get out. Also, the person taking care of her was asked to move to the laboratory. Khadija was left alone in the room. Afterwards, as we sat down, we heard a cleaner shouting, asking where her caregiver was. We entered and found that Khadija had fallen from the bed in a coma. She was then quickly given an eclampsia injection.

The unprofessional doctor injured my baby—husband

“At 10 am, I was called from the hospital. We were asked to get some drugs. We did as instructed. After one hour, drugs were again needed. I was still asked to get drugs for the third time. On my way, I got a call that she had delivered a baby, but not by herself.

A doctor checked her and found that her unborn baby had died, so she could not deliver it. So, the doctor used a metallic object to eject the baby forcefully. Unfortunately, in trying to remove it, the baby got injured in the face, hand and leg. However, it later mysteriously turned out that the baby did not pass on, contrary to the doctor’s claim.”

Khadija’s life is at risk

“Khadija had been bleeding since then. I was told that she needed a blood transfusion. She first consumed two bags, two bags again, and another one afterwards. Still, the bleeding did not stop. The doctor then administered Tranexamic Acid (1 ample). Unfortunately, it wasn’t available in the whole of Misau. Before I returned to the hospital, I was told that the doctor had taken her into the operation room because, according to him, her womb had developed some issues (either cut or damaged). Therefore, the womb had to be stitched or completely removed before the bleeding could stop. Otherwise, she could die at any moment, according to him.

“On arrival at the hospital, I stopped and asked him why he would perform the surgery without scanning. He still answered that further delay could lead to my wife’s death. I still asked what he had discovered after the surgery. He said the womb was fine and that he had sorted the problem he found. After she was relocated to another unit, it took him about 40 minutes to attend to her again despite her acute condition. She had to be put on an oxygen mask.

“Since then, she has not been urinating because, as claimed by the doctor, she has developed a kidney problem,” Mr Ahmad recounted.

A 7-man delegation arrived in Misau

After subsequent development, the victim’s husband told The Daily Reality that on Wednesday, a 7-man team of doctors from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital visited the Misau hospital. Three of them checked Khadija and instructed that she be referred to the Federal Medical Center Azare.

“After taking her to Azare, she was taken to the Intensive Care Unit, after which we narrated all that transpired to the personnel in charge. And they documented it.

“They really showed their outrage due to what happened at the Misau hospital. They lamented that incompetence and recklessness had affected the treatment in Misau,” Mr Ahmad added.

This incident has caused a lot of tension in the Misau metropolis as some angry young men attempted to beat up the embattled, suspended doctor, who is also the Chief Medical Director of the hospital.

“People complain about his unprofessionalism”—insider

According to a worker at Misau General Hospital that spoke to the Daily Reality, the ill-qualified doctor was unprofessional and was not supposed to be at the hospital.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, told our reporter that this was not the first time the man’s unprofessionalism caused problems and difficulties for patients after surgery.

He said, “sometimes people come with lots of complaints after surgery. His unprofessionalism is almost known to everyone.”

He added that the quack doctor had been transferred to another hospital long ago. But, to the dismay of anyone in the hospital, he refused to accept the transfer. You know politics has roamed this system too, and the guy was said to have a political godfather.

What he did was entirely unethical

Asked whether the unprofessional doctor was ethically right when he did surgery on Ahmad’s wife without his consent, the doctor said it was entirely unethical.

He said, “What he did was wrong. One should not perform any surgery without the consent of the patient’s relatives.

All attempts by our reporters to hear from the management proved abortive.