News

By Muhammad Abubakar

Kenyan President William Ruto has clarified that his recent remarks suggesting Kenyans speak better English than Nigerians were made during a private conversation that was leaked and taken out of context.

The comments had sparked light-hearted banter on social media between Kenyans and Nigerians, drawing widespread reactions from both countries.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference 2026 in Nairobi, Ruto struck a conciliatory tone, emphasising that Nigerians speak “excellent” English, just as Kenyans do.

The event was attended by a Nigerian delegation, including the Minister of Solid Minerals, Henry Dele Alake.

Ruto’s remarks appeared aimed at easing tensions and reinforcing cordial ties between the two nations following the online exchanges triggered by the earlier statement.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has announced that approximately 10 million Nigerians are set to benefit from its newly unveiled Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, a poverty-reduction initiative targeting all 8,809 wards across the country.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, disclosed this while accepting his appointment as the Grand Patron of the National Councillors’ Forum of Nigeria.

Speaking after the honour, Bagudu said the recognition would inspire him to intensify efforts aimed at revitalising grassroots economies for the benefit of the majority. He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving living standards through extensive local governance reforms embedded in the programme.

The initiative, he explained, will map dominant commercial activities in each ward to identify beneficiaries eligible for government support. This strategy, according to the minister, is expected to give a significant boost to the Tinubu administration’s poverty-reduction objectives.

Bagudu thanked the Forum for their continued support, noting that the councillors’ endorsement of the President’s second term reflects a broad appreciation of ongoing reforms that are steadily improving the nation’s economy.

The Forum, which comprises all 8,809 serving councillors, stated that the appointment recognises Bagudu’s remarkable contributions to national development. “Your dedication to public service and to the development of our country makes you a perfect fit for this prestigious position,” the appointment letter dated April 23, 2026 read.

During a weekend visit, Forum President Hon. AbdulRazak Sama’ila presented the letter to Bagudu, expressing hope that the minister would play a crucial role in promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots level. “We hope to work with him and benefit from his insights and expertise,” Sama’ila added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria and Malaysia have taken fresh steps to reinforce cooperation between their customs authorities, with a focus on improving trade processes and tightening border control systems.

This followed a series of high-level meetings in Malaysia involving the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD).

The engagements took place during an official visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the RMCD headquarters. The visit coincided with his attendance at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) Malaysia 2026 event.

Adeniyi was hosted by his Malaysian counterpart, Director-General Dato’ Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad. Both officials held discussions that centred on strengthening institutional ties, advancing customs modernisation, and improving coordination in border management.

Trade relations between the two countries have continued to expand in recent years. Nigeria’s imports from Malaysia rose from ₦159.9 billion in 2020 to ₦716.0 billion in 2024. Total trade between both nations has reached about ₦1.82 trillion within five years.

During the talks, Adeniyi emphasised the importance of establishing a more structured partnership between the two customs services. He described Malaysia as a major trading partner, noting that Nigeria imports products such as crude palm oil, refined palm olein, aviation fuel, machinery, and other industrial materials.

He also pointed out that customs agencies play a key role in supporting legitimate trade while protecting national economic and security interests.

Despite the long-standing trade relationship, both sides observed that there is no formal legal framework guiding their customs cooperation. They agreed to begin the process of developing a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which will be pursued through diplomatic channels.

As part of the engagement, Malaysian officials presented their border management structure, including the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), which operates as an integrated frontline system.

In response, the Nigerian delegation highlighted ongoing reforms within the NCS, including the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and other initiatives designed to speed up cargo clearance, cut costs, and improve compliance.

Both parties stressed the need for closer collaboration in intelligence sharing, enforcement efforts, and the use of technology to tackle illicit trade and cross-border crimes.

The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to building stronger bilateral and multilateral partnerships as part of its modernisation drive. It expressed optimism that the outcomes of the visit will enhance operational efficiency, promote smoother trade, and strengthen border security in line with Nigeria’s economic goals.

While in Malaysia, Adeniyi also met with officials at the Nigerian diplomatic mission and the Defence Office, where he commended their role in promoting Nigeria’s interests and assisting citizens abroad.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has announced plans to commence its 2026 book ranking and selection exercise as part of efforts to improve the quality of learning materials used in schools across the country.

In a statement signed on Monday, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that only relevant, accurate, affordable and accessible textbooks are approved for use by learners nationwide.

The statement explained that the exercise is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad.

According to the statement, the ministry has constituted a standing committee to streamline the book approval process, standardise selection procedures and regulate the textbook market. The move, it noted, is expected to enhance learning outcomes by ensuring that only the best instructional materials are adopted in schools.

The council emphasised that the ranking and selection of books would play a critical role in shaping the quality of education, noting that the additional layer in the assessment process would guarantee that approved books meet required standards.

“The ranking and selection of books will play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of education in Nigeria,” the statement said, adding that the process would ensure that only the most suitable materials are made available to students.

NERDC clarified that while the committee would handle the ranking and selection of textbooks, its responsibilities would not override the council’s statutory mandate of regulating the book industry. It added that the committee would operate under a structured framework designed to ensure transparency, consistency and objectivity.

The statement further disclosed that the committee would receive already assessed and approved books from NERDC before conducting its ranking exercise at a designated venue to avoid external interference.

It added that the process would follow a strict template to ensure fairness and credibility.

After completing the exercise, the committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report, including clear recommendations and justifications for each ranking decision, to the Minister of Education for approval.

NERDC also stated that the final list of ranked books would be formally communicated to state governments, while textbook selection and ranking exercises would be conducted at least every three years or whenever a new curriculum is introduced.

The council noted that a detailed workflow plan has been developed for the 2026 exercise, outlining activities, timelines and responsibilities, with further information on submission procedures to be communicated to stakeholders in due course.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has announced plans to commence its 2026 book ranking and selection exercise as part of efforts to improve the quality of learning materials used in schools across the country.

In a statement signed on Monday, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that only relevant, accurate, affordable and accessible textbooks are approved for use by learners nationwide.

The statement explained that the exercise is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad.

According to the statement, the ministry has constituted a standing committee to streamline the book approval process, standardise selection procedures and regulate the textbook market. The move, it noted, is expected to enhance learning outcomes by ensuring that only the best instructional materials are adopted in schools.

The council emphasised that the ranking and selection of books would play a critical role in shaping the quality of education, noting that the additional layer in the assessment process would guarantee that approved books meet required standards.

“The ranking and selection of books will play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of education in Nigeria,” the statement said, adding that the process would ensure that only the most suitable materials are made available to students.

NERDC clarified that while the committee would handle the ranking and selection of textbooks, its responsibilities would not override the council’s statutory mandate of regulating the book industry. It added that the committee would operate under a structured framework designed to ensure transparency, consistency and objectivity.

The statement further disclosed that the committee would receive already assessed and approved books from NERDC before conducting its ranking exercise at a designated venue to avoid external interference.

It added that the process would follow a strict template to ensure fairness and credibility.

After completing the exercise, the committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report, including clear recommendations and justifications for each ranking decision, to the Minister of Education for approval.

NERDC also stated that the final list of ranked books would be formally communicated to state governments, while textbook selection and ranking exercises would be conducted at least every three years or whenever a new curriculum is introduced.

The council noted that a detailed workflow plan has been developed for the 2026 exercise, outlining activities, timelines and responsibilities, with further information on submission procedures to be communicated to stakeholders in due course.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its revised schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, with presidential aspirants required to pay N100 million for nomination and expression of interest forms.

The timetable, released by the party’s National Secretariat at Buhari House in Abuja, outlines key dates for primaries and other critical activities leading up to the elections.

According to the schedule, the sale of forms will take place from April 25 to May 2, 2026, at the APC National Secretariat. Aspirants have until May 4, 2026, to submit completed forms and accompanying documents.

Screening of aspirants for various positions is slated for May 6–8, 2026, with results published on May 11, 2026. Appeals on screening outcomes will be heard between May 12 and May 13, 2026.

The party’s primary elections are scheduled as follows:

a· House of Representatives: May 15, 2026

b· Senate: May 18, 2026

c· State House of Assembly: May 20, 2026

d· Governorship: May 21, 2026

e· Presidential: May 23, 2026

Election appeals will follow immediately after each primary, with the last appeal for the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026.

The APC also released the cost of forms for various positions, with a 50% discount for female aspirants, youth, and physically challenged persons. However, this discount applies only to the nomination fees, not the expression of interest.

1· House of Assembly: N6 million (Expression of Interest: N1m, Nomination: N5m)

2· House of Representatives: N10 million (Expression of Interest: N1m, Nomination: N9m)

3· Senate: N20 million (Expression of Interest: N3m, Nomination: N17m)

4· Governorship: N50 million (Expression of Interest: N10m, Nomination: N40m)

5· Presidential: N100 million (Expression of Interest: N30m, Nomination: N70m)

All payments are to be made directly into designated accounts with Union Bank, UBA, or Zenith Bank.

The timetable was signed by the National Organizing Secretary, His Excellency, Sulaiman Muhammad Argunu, OFR. The party has directed all inquiries to its Directorate of Organisation.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector, even as it continues to grapple with persistent funding challenges affecting key programmes and initiatives.

This position was expressed during the Council’s sixth inaugural Governing Board meeting held at its headquarters in Sheda, Abuja, from April 22 to 23, 2026, where members deliberated on its activities, achievements, and future direction.

According to a statement issued by the Council on Monday, the meeting brought together Board members, management staff, and other stakeholders to review NERDC’s operations and chart a path forward.

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Professor Salisu Shehu, was quoted in the statement as expressing optimism that the Board’s collective efforts would “usher in meaningful change, growth and sustainable development” for the Council and its staff.

The statement noted that a documentary titled NERDC at a Glance was presented during the meeting, providing an in-depth overview of the Council’s operations, including the activities of its six academic centres, service departments, and field offices.

According to the statement, Professor Shehu also highlighted the Council’s achievements, particularly its collaborations with agencies within Nigeria, across Africa, and globally.

However, he drew attention to the challenge of inadequate funding, which has slowed the implementation of several key projects and initiatives.

Despite this, the Executive Secretary as reaffirming his commitment to driving reforms and repositioning the Council on the global stage.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Board, Jamilu Wada Aliyu, assured the management team of the Board’s support.

The statement quoted him as saying the Board remains committed to “strengthening NERDC as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s education sector,” while commending the Executive Secretary for his efforts.

Furthermore, the statement noted that the Executive Secretary and members of the management team led the Chairman and other Board members on a tour of the Council’s facilities, including the Administrative Block, Library and Informatics Centre, Conference Centre, Academic Centres, Warehouse, and the National Model School.

It added that the tour provided firsthand insight into the Council’s current state and highlighted areas requiring urgent attention.

The statement also listed members of the Governing Board as including Gideon Sunday Omachonu, Aliyu Muhammad Madaki, Mahmoud Muhammad Lawan, Obianuju Anigbogu of the Federal Ministry of Education, Amos Josiah Dangut, Nura Sani Usman, and Abdulmumili Umar Kwami.

Other members are Raula Said Ahmad, Peter Maktu, Omoduwa Francis Folorunso, Dean Robert Okorie, Abdulkadir Yunusa, Denja Abdullahi, and the Executive Secretary, who serves as Secretary to the Board.

By Uzair Adam

Tension gripped the popular Kano phone market, Farm Centre, after a large group of hoodlums stormed the area, attacking traders and carting away valuables.

The attackers, reportedly numbering about 200 and armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, were alleged to be accompanying a Kano Central senatorial aspirant, Abdussalam Abubakar, popularly known as AA Zaura, to an event held near the market.

The Chairman of the market, Alhaji Jamilu Bala Gama, confirmed the incident, explaining that it occurred around 1:25 p.m. when the group invaded the area.

He added that the violence was not limited to Farm Centre, as nearby markets, including City Centre and New Dubai, were also affected.

The Daily Reality gathered that the movement of politicians with armed thugs has become a growing concern in Kano, often resulting in violence and disruption of business activities.

“They were many, about 200 or even more. They attacked innocent people and traders, injuring them and stealing their property,” Gama said.

He noted that as of the time of filing this report, the hoodlums remained within the vicinity of the ongoing event, forcing traders to flee and shut down their shops.

According to him, such incidents have become frequent, with hoodlums often accompanying political gatherings and targeting traders.

“We plan to take legal action against politicians generating tension in our markets by moving around with hoodlums,” he added.

Gama also disclosed that police officers from a nearby station responded but came under attack, with some sustaining injuries.

A trader, Abdullahi Dabinai, corroborated the account, describing the incident as part of a recurring pattern that has long affected the market community.

He said police eventually dispersed the hoodlums using teargas, adding that such violence tends to occur whenever political events are held nearby.

He further explained that although the latest attack was concentrated around roadside shops, many traders fear it could spread deeper into the market in future incidents.

He recalled previous occasions when political gatherings created panic, forcing traders to lock themselves inside their shops.

As of the time of this report, there was no official statement from the police. Efforts to reach the Kano State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, were unsuccessful, as calls to his line were not answered.

Attempts to obtain a reaction from AA Zaura also failed, as the event allegedly linked to the incident was still ongoing.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Federal Polytechnic Bauchi has announced the death of one of its staff members, Malam Ahmadu Maidorawa, following a motorbike accident along the ATBU Gubi campus road in Bauchi.

According to the institution, Maidorawa died on Monday afternoon as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. His sudden passing has been described as a profound loss to the Polytechnic community, where he served in several key academic and administrative roles.

Maidorawa was a former Head of the Department of Computer Science and the immediate past Dean of the School of Science and Technology. Until his death, he was the Deputy Director of the ICT Geospatial Centre of the Polytechnic.

Family members have announced that his janaza (funeral prayer) will take place later today at his family residence in Unguwar Bauchi, Bauchi.

Colleagues, students, and well-wishers have expressed grief over his death, praying for Allah’s forgiveness and eternal rest for the deceased, and for strength and comfort for those he left behind.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected bandits have kidnapped several pupils and a school proprietor’s wife after attacking a school that also operates as an orphanage in Kogi State.

The incident took place late Sunday night at Dahallukitab Group of School in Zariagi, a community near Kabba Junction along the Lokoja–Okene road in Adavi Local Government Area. According to reports, the attackers entered the premises and opened fire before taking their victims to an unknown location.

Residents said the attack started at about 10:30 p.m. and caused panic across the area.

“It was shocking. We started hearing gunshots from that area late in the night,” a resident of a nearby village, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

“This morning, we heard that the gunmen attacked the orphanage and school, abducting pupils, the proprietor’s wife, and some staff.”

Authorities confirmed that 23 pupils and the proprietor’s wife were taken during the raid. The Kogi State Government, however, said security operatives have rescued 15 of the victims.

In a statement released on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described the attack as regrettable and preventable.

“The incident occurred late on April 26, 2026, when unknown gunmen invaded the premises and abducted 23 pupils alongside the wife of the proprietor,” the statement said.

Fanwo explained that security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force with support from other units, responded quickly to the situation. He noted that their efforts led to the rescue of some victims, while operations continue to secure the release of those still held.

He praised the security personnel for their swift response and coordination, which he said reduced the extent of the damage.

The state government also raised concern about the growing number of unregistered schools and orphanages located in remote areas. It warned that such facilities are exposed to security risks.

“Operating orphanages and schools in remote areas without proper registration and notification to authorities poses serious risks, especially in the current security climate,” the statement added.

“Such practices not only undermine safety standards but also expose innocent children to avoidable dangers.”

The government urged operators of similar institutions to comply with regulations and work closely with authorities to improve security.

As of the time this report was filed, the Kogi State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the attack. Attempts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not answered.