News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has dismissed reports claiming he was sacked by President Bola Tinubu, labelling them as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, Akume described the rumours as baseless and the work of mischief-makers.

“The information is entirely false and lacks any factual basis, as Mr. President has no intention of removing me,” the statement read. Akume emphasized that he retains President Tinubu’s full confidence and remains committed to driving the administration’s Renewed Hope AgendaThe SGF urged the media and the public to verify information before dissemination, warning that fake news erodes trust in institutions. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga also refuted the claims, reinforcing that Akume remains in office.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria has taken a significant step onto the global stage as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been unanimously elected Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council—the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.

The development came during the final session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.

Adeniyi takes over from Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, becoming the first Nigerian to occupy the post since the establishment of the WCO.

His election coincides with the second anniversary of his appointment as Nigeria’s Comptroller-General of Customs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in June 2023.

In his reaction, CGC Adeniyi described his emergence as Chairperson as “both humbling and historic for Nigeria and the African Customs community at large.”

While thanking the Council members for their trust, he noted, “This honour is not mine alone, it reflects the collective progress of the Nigeria Customs Service and the transformative agenda we’ve pursued over the past two years.”

He further pledged to uphold the WCO’s core values and promote innovation, fairness, and stronger collaboration among member countries.

“As Chairperson, I pledge to uphold the core values of the WCO, while promoting innovation, equity, and deeper collaboration among member states in response to the complex realities of global trade.”

CGC Adeniyi reiterated his full commitment to the WCO’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and ongoing modernisation agenda.

“We are entering a critical phase in the evolution of global trade, where customs must balance facilitation with enforcement, transparency with innovation, and sovereignty with cooperation,” he said. “I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution fit for today’s challenges.”

He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, acknowledging the stability and direction he brought to the Council.

Adeniyi said he looked forward to engaging constructively with other customs leaders during his tenure to further strengthen global cooperation.

The WCO Council, made up of representatives from 185 member states, serves as the governing authority of the organisation.

It sets the tone for global customs policy and provides direction for all its working bodies.As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi will lead the WCO Policy Commission and coordinate high-level discussions on major customs-related issues including trade facilitation, revenue generation, cross-border security, and digital transformation.

He will also collaborate closely with the WCO Secretary-General, Mr. Ian Saunders, to implement strategic objectives while promoting capacity building and sustainability, especially in developing countries.

The position also places him at the heart of global diplomatic engagements, representing the WCO at international forums and building partnerships with external stakeholders, including private sector groups and multilateral institutions.

A symbolic highlight followed the Council session, as the South African flag was lowered and replaced with Nigeria’s at the WCO headquarters—a moment met with warm applause by delegates.

The gesture underscored Nigeria’s growing global profile and marked a proud milestone for the country and the African continent.

With CGC Adeniyi now at the helm of global customs leadership, Nigeria is expected to spearhead critical conversations on customs reform, technology integration, anti-smuggling strategies, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a significant move to overhaul Nigeria’s educational infrastructure, the Federal Government has inaugurated a high-level committee to develop comprehensive Public-Private Partnership (PPP) guidelines aimed at attracting private sector investment into the sector.

The initiative, led by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa CON, seeks to address persistent infrastructural and capacity deficits, particularly in secondary and tertiary institutions.

Speaking at the committee’s inauguration, Dr. Alausa emphasized the need for innovation and collaboration in education financing. “Government cannot do it alone… We must leverage private funding to modernize and sustain our educational system,” he said, noting that while current funding efforts—such as the 2025 education budget and TETFund interventions—are commendable, they remain inadequate.

The newly inaugurated committee, chaired by the Honourable Minister of State for Education (represented by the Director of Special Duties), includes key directors from the ministry, and representatives from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Ministry of Housing, and other stakeholders.

Its mandate includes formulating PPP benchmarks, reviewing legal frameworks, clarifying stakeholder roles, establishing performance indicators, designing oversight mechanisms, and recommending penalties for non-compliance. The committee has been given three months to submit its report.

“If we do this right, this document can be a model for other ministries,” Dr. Alausa noted.

Other speakers at the event, including ministry officials and stakeholders, expressed strong support for the initiative and its potential to transform Nigeria’s education landscape.

By Anas Abbas

The late Kano billionaire and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, will be laid to rest in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, in accordance with his final wishes.

While many had anticipated that his funeral rites would take place in Kano, his family has revealed that he expressed a desire to be buried alongside his late wife, Rabi Dantata, who passed away in 2023.

His secretary, Mustafa Abdullahi Junaid, confirmed that preparations are already underway for the burial in Madinah.

“He often mentioned that whenever we passed by Saudi Arabia, he would say, ‘I wish to be buried here,'” Junaid stated.

Zakari further noted that the Nigerian presidency is currently involved in the arrangements and is awaiting approval and confirmation from the Saudi authorities.

Alhaji Dantata, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s business landscape, passed away at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, during the early hours of Saturday following a brief illness.

Renowned for his philanthropic efforts and exceptional business insight, his death has elicited an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria and beyond.

Many are reflecting on his significant contributions to commerce, education, and community development.

By Uzair Adam

A large crowd of mourners—including politicians, business leaders, and Islamic scholars—gathered in Kano on Saturday to offer Salatul Ga’ib (funeral prayer in absentia) for the late elder statesman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who died earlier in the day in Dubai.

The Daily Reality gathered Dantata is expected to be buried in Saudi Arabia.

The prayer, held at the Umar Bin Khaddab Mosque in Gyadi-Gyadi, was led by the Chairman of the Kano Council of Ulama, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil.

In his remarks, Sheikh Khalil extolled Dantata’s legacy, describing him as a peacemaker and a generous leader who often used his personal wealth to resolve conflicts and support those in need.

“He was someone who used his wealth and influence to promote peace and assist those in distress,” he said.

He added that, “He once intervened in a crisis in Maiduguri using his personal resources. May Allah forgive him and reward him with Jannatul Firdaus.”

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who was also in attendance, described the passing of Dantata as a national tragedy.

“This is a loss that affects the whole nation. The only thing we can do now is to pray that Allah forgives him, rewards his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. May Allah also give us the strength to bear this huge loss,” he added.

Renowned businessman Alhaji Dalhatu Abubakar, Chairman of Al-Hamsad Group and President of the Coalition of 19 Northern States Chambers of Commerce, said Dantata’s death has created a vacuum in the business community.

He stated that, “Kano, Nigeria, and even the world lost a great leader. He resolved many conflicts between communities and the business sector. He contributed immensely to Islam and humanity. We can only continue to pray for him.”

Also speaking, Sheikh Ibrahim Aminu Daurawa explained the significance of Salatul Ga’ib, noting that it was first performed by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) after the death of King Najashi of Abyssinia.

“It remains a Sunnah for Muslims to perform this prayer when someone dies in a distant place and is buried there,” he said.

Other dignitaries at the event included House of Representatives member Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and former Kano State Secretary to the Government, Baffa Bichi.

Notably, there was no visible representation from the Kano State Government. Neither Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, his deputy, nor the Secretary to the State Government attended the prayer.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano Council of Ulama has announced plans to conduct Salatul Ga’ib (funeral prayer in absentia) for the late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who passed away recently.

In a statement issued by the Council’s Chairman, Malam Ibrahim Khalil, the prayer will take place at 2:00 pm at the Umar Bin Khaddab Mosque in the Gyadi-Gyadi area of Kano.

Khalil urged members of the Muslim community to attend and offer prayers for the deceased.

“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. May Allah forgive him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus,” the statement said.

Salatul Ga’ib is performed for a deceased person whose body is not present at the location of the prayer, often when the individual has died and been buried elsewhere.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

One of Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen and respected elder statesmen, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has died.

His death was confirmed by a family member on Friday, stirring an outpouring of grief across the country.

The family member shared the sad news, stating: “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. It is with heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. The Janazah details will be shared later insha Allah.”

Alhaji Aminu Dantata was widely respected for his immense contribution to commerce, philanthropy, and the development of northern Nigeria.

He was known for his humility, generosity, and commitment to public good.

Details of his funeral (Janazah) will be made public in due course, according to the family.

By Anwar Usman

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has lamented over the low turnout of candidates to reprint their notification slips for the upcoming make-up Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the Board revealed that only a small number of the scheduled candidates had completed the slip-printing process.

“As of this morning (Friday), only 12,442 out of the 98,232 scheduled candidates have printed their slips, reflecting a mere 12.6% participation rate,” the statement read.

To this end, JAMB appealed to affected candidates, particularly those who missed their main UTME, to take immediate action in order not to miss the rare opportunity.

“We strongly encourage all candidates, particularly those who missed the main examination, to print their notification slips promptly.

“This is a rare opportunity for them to participate in this year’s examination,” the Board said.

JAMB further reiterated that, “We urge all candidates who missed their previous examinations to reprint their slips to ensure they do not miss this opportunity.”

The board also assured the public that adequate measures had been taken to ensure a smooth and inclusive process.

“The Board is actively monitoring the printing process to determine the number of candidates who will be present for the examination.

“Meanwhile, we have deployed both human and material resources to facilitate this exercise, ensuring that all registered candidates have the opportunity to sit the examination,” the statement concluded.

By Uzair Adam

The Kaduna State chapter of the Union of Retired Police Officers has announced plans for a nationwide demonstration scheduled for July 21, 2025, to protest what it describes as persistent pension-related challenges.

Dubbed the “Mother of All Peaceful Protests,” the demonstration aims to draw attention to the plight of retired police personnel enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme, which the group argues has caused severe financial hardship, psychological distress, and a rise in deaths among retirees.

The union’s Chairman, Mannir M. Zaria, and Vice Chairman, Danlami Maigamo, disclosed this decision after their monthly meeting held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kaduna.

They stressed that their demand is for the Nigeria Police Force to be withdrawn from the Contributory Pension Scheme and for the establishment of an independent Police Pension Board.

They maintain that the current system is unjust and has failed to protect the welfare and dignity of retired officers.

“We have no option but to embark on another peaceful protest tagged ‘Mother of All Peaceful Protests’ on July 21, 2025,” the union stated, vowing to keep their agitation peaceful and lawful across all 36 states.

The group also recalled an earlier protest between February 24 and March 3, 2025, at the National Assembly by the Kaduna and Bauchi chapters, during which petitions were submitted to key legislative and security offices.

However, they expressed frustration over the continued silence from the authorities, especially the lack of progress on the Police Pension Board Bill discussed in a public hearing on November 19, 2024.

They reaffirmed their commitment to non-violence and distanced themselves from any group plotting violent action, insisting their demands are centered on justice, welfare, and reform.

“The silence from the authorities is deafening, but we remain committed to lawful engagement,” the union said.

By Salisu Uba Kofar Wambai

The safety and dignity of Hausa people in Nigeria are increasingly under threat. The recent spate of brutal killings targeting innocent Hausa travellers across various regions of the country is both alarming and unacceptable. 

Disturbingly, the North Central and Southern parts of Nigeria, in particular, are turning into graveyards for members of the Hausa community, despite the hospitality and freedom non-indigenes continue to enjoy in Hausa land—where people from across the country have settled peacefully, enjoying all rights guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution, including freedom of movement and residence.

The recent killing of two Hausa tanker drivers in the South-East came as a shock. They were attacked and butchered while trying to repair their broken-down vehicle. Similarly, the horrific massacre of Hausa hunters in an incident that sent shockwaves across Nigeria and beyond speaks volumes about the rising hostility against the Hausa community.

Equally tragic was the killing of Hausa travellers in Plateau State who were on their way to honour a wedding invitation. Their brutal slaughter reflects the growing dehumanisation of Hausa people, treated like cockroaches in a country they call home. In Benue State, two sons of renowned Islamic scholar, Malam Ibrahim Khalil, were also gruesomely murdered, as though their lives meant nothing.

These atrocities raise serious questions: Are we to fold our arms while our people are slaughtered day after day? Where are our political leaders? Where are the Hausa individuals within the security and intelligence networks? Is silence the best they can offer? Or is the Hausa community being pushed to a point where it might be forced to retaliate?

This alarming trend must not be ignored. The examples highlighted are only a fraction of the broader pattern of persecution being endured by Hausa people across the country. Despite being one of the most accommodating and detribalized ethnic groups in Nigeria, the Hausa are being pushed to the wall—and if this continues, the unity of the Nigerian federation could be at serious risk.

Urgent action is required. These barbaric attacks must stop, and those responsible must be brought to justice. The time to act is now.