News

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said that its fighter jets carried out a series of precision airstrikes on June 5 and 6, 2025, as part of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralising Boko Haram strongholds in Tumbumma Baba and Chiralia, Southern Tumbuns area of Borno State.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, disclosed that the strikes were based on credible intelligence that the terrorists were using the structures for storage and coordination of planned attacks.

He said the airstrikes successfully destroyed the hideouts, preventing the terrorists from launching assaults aimed at disrupting Eid celebrations.

“Battle Damage Assessments confirmed the neutralisation of several terrorists and the destruction of key logistics structures,” Ejodame stated.

He added that this pre-emptive strike demonstrated the Air Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilian lives and bolstering national security.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The academic community is mourning the passing of Professor Abubakar Roko, a respected lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Physical and Computing. He died after a period of illness, despite efforts made to secure advanced medical treatment abroad.

Professor Roko had been battling a critical health condition that required specialist care, prompting a crowdfunding campaign to support his medical trip to Cairo, Egypt. The campaign received overwhelming support from colleagues, students, friends, and well-wishers.

Notably, the Governor of Kano State, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, contributed ₦5,000,000 to the cause, a gesture that was widely appreciated by the family and academic community.

In a message announcing his passing, the department expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported him during his time of need. “We are saddened to announce the demise of Professor Abubakar Roko… May Allah SWT reward you abundantly,” the statement read.

Prayers are being offered across the campus and beyond for the repose of his soul. “May Allah bestow His grace on him,” the department added.

Professor Roko is remembered not only for his academic excellence but also for his humility and dedication to the advancement of computer science education in Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, on Thursday named the road leading to the Dangote Refinery after President Bola Tinubu.

The honour was announced during President Tinubu’s first visit to the refinery, where he also commissioned the Lekki Deep Sea Port concrete road and flagged off Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar superhighway.

Dangote disclosed that his company is investing N900 billion in road construction across Nigeria, despite paying N450 billion in taxes last year.

The newly named Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road connects the refinery to key infrastructure, including the Sagamu-Benin Expressway.

By Uzair Adam

Renowned academic and former Minister of Education and Petroleum, Professor Jubril Aminu, died at the age of 85.

The Daily Reality gathered that Professor Aminu passed away on Thursday in Abuja after a prolonged illness.

A prominent diplomat, medical doctor, and politician, Professor Aminu will be laid to rest in his hometown of Song Local Government Area, Adamawa State, following funeral prayers at 2:00 p.m. today at the Abuja National Mosque.

Professor Aminu’s career spanned decades of public service. He graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1965 as the best student from the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

He earned a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, in 1972.

He served as Minister of Education and later as Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources between 1989 and 1992. Professor Aminu was Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 and represented Adamawa Central as a senator from 2003 to 2011.

He also participated as a delegate in the National Constitutional Conference from 1994 to 1995.

While leading the Petroleum Ministry, he was elected President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation in 1991 and later served as President of the OPEC Conference from 1991 to 1992.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The African Union Commission has expressed concern over the recent travel restrictions imposed by the United States, which affect nationals from several countries, including some within the African continent.

In a statement released this week, the Commission acknowledged the right of sovereign nations to protect their borders and ensure the safety of their citizens. However, it urged the US government to exercise this right in a manner that is “balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa.”

The Commission warned that the new travel restrictions could negatively impact people-to-people connections, educational exchanges, business relations, and the diplomatic ties cultivated over decades between Africa and the US.

“Africa and the United States share mutual interests in promoting peace, prosperity, and global cooperation,” the statement noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and strengthening those bonds.

The Commission also called on the US administration to consider a more consultative and inclusive approach in such policy decisions, advocating for constructive dialogue with the countries affected.

Highlighting the value of transparency and collaboration, the AU Commission reiterated its readiness to support any initiatives to foster mutual understanding, address the underlying concerns, and enhance cooperation between the two sides.

The statement comes amid increasing scrutiny of the broader implications of the US travel policy on international relations and multilateral engagement.

By The Daily Reality

In what can only be described as a disturbing reflection of neglect, The Daily Reality has uncovered the deplorable state of facilities at the Tashan Babiye Primary Health Care Centre’s Accident and Emergency Unit in Bauchi metropolis.

A visit by our reporter revealed a distressing scene: a tattered, unsanitary sickbed where patients are expected to receive emergency medical care.

The bed, visibly torn and heavily stained, sits in a room with equally grimy walls—conditions that pose serious health risks to the very people the facility is meant to treat.

Despite repeated efforts by our correspondent to speak with the hospital’s management for a comment on the deteriorating condition, no official response was received as of the time of filing this report.

What makes this situation even more shocking is the location of the hospital—situated just a few kilometres from the Bauchi State Government House.

The proximity of such a facility to the seat of power raises urgent questions about the government’s commitment to basic health care delivery in the state.

Tashan Babiye PHC, which has been in operation since 1978, is supposed to offer round-the-clock services, including emergency care.

Yet, the condition of its facilities tells a troubling story of neglect and abandonment.

The image attached to this report, captured by our reporter, shows the exact state of the bed currently in use at the emergency unit.

It is a stark symbol of the decay within a health system that countless Bauchi residents depend on.

Public health experts warn that such conditions not only endanger patients but also demoralize medical staff who work under impossible circumstances.

A patient The Daily Reality spoke with calls on the Bauchi State Ministry of Health and the relevant authorities to immediately address the rot at the Tashan Babiye Primary Health Care Centre—starting with the very bed meant to save lives.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for their collaborative efforts in curbing illicit drugs and other prohibited items.

During a meeting at his Abuja office on June 3, 2025, Ribadu recognised the three agencies for their roles in a recent operation that led to the destruction of 206 containers and one trailer-load of illegal pharmaceuticals and narcotics.

He also confirmed the completion of an extensive investigation involving 50 additional containers, describing the exercise as a benchmark for effective cooperation in national security.

Praising the dedication of all parties involved, Ribadu said, “This is an acknowledgment of the good work you’ve been doing. Nigeria is changing. It won’t be business as usual anymore. We’ll go after the criminals who bring these poisons into our country.”

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, noted that the Service had previously declared a state of emergency on the smuggling of illicit pharmaceuticals.

He explained that close coordination among the agencies, with support from the NSA’s office, made it possible to swiftly detect and eliminate dangerous products.

“We are stronger together,” Adeniyi stated. “And we will remain vigilant to ensure these substances never make it into the wrong hands.”

Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said the operation was in line with Nigeria’s National Action Plan against drug abuse and the importation of unregistered pharmaceuticals.

She revealed that over 1,300 security personnel had been mobilised under the NSA’s orders to support Customs, NAFDAC, and NDLEA operations nationwide.

“These unregistered and unwholesome products are a danger to our women and children,” she cautioned.

“Our continued collaboration with Customs and NDLEA is saving lives.”Representing the NDLEA Chairman, Shadrac Haruna also pointed to the impact of an inter-agency committee set up by the CGC.

He noted that the committee had significantly helped in intercepting drugs and dismantling illegal storage facilities.

As part of the event, plaques and letters of commendation were presented to the heads of the three agencies.

The NSA was also handed a Certificate of Destruction for the confiscated items—a symbolic gesture reinforcing Nigeria’s resolve to fight the drug menace.

By Anas Abbas, Anwar Usman and Uzair Adam

There is growing outrage among the students of Northwest University, Kano, following a significant increase in school fees for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The Daily Reality gathered that the increase is nearly 100 percent, causing many students to question whether they will be able to continue their studies given the worsening economic situation in the country.

In an exclusive interview with our reporters, the students, many of whom pay their own fees, have made passionate pleas to the school authorities to reconsider the hike.

They warn that if the situation remains unchanged, higher education will be accessible only to the children of the elites in the country.

The Daily Reality recalls that the previous reduction in fees by 50 percent, initiated by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, had made the university one of the most accessible institutions in the state.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s inflation rate as of January 2025 is 24.48 percent. Though it has dropped from the December 2024 figure of 34.80 percent, Nigerians continue to struggle with the high cost of everyday necessities.

The fee hike is untimely

Most of the students who spoke to The Daily Reality expressed deep concern, describing the increase as ill-timed, especially in light of the economic hardship in Nigeria.

They lamented that they were not prepared for the hike and had no plans to cope with it, leading to troubling thoughts about their future and the possibility of continuing their studies.

One student, Ibrahim Muhammad (not his real name), shared his worries with The Daily Reality, stating, “The registration fee is beyond imagination.”

He added that the school authorities did not inform them in advance, and they were shocked to see the Remita platform reflecting the sudden increase—an amount they find unbearable.

Muhammad, who came to Kano from a neighbouring state, highlighted the importance of the earlier fee reduction, saying, “I chose this university because of the 50% reduction. We urge Governor Abba to consider our plight and take action.”

The burden is too heavy

Another student, Isma’il Shu’aibu (also not his real name), voiced his frustration: “Last session, I paid 18,000 naira, but now I’m being asked to pay 57,000 naira.”

Shu’aibu further added that, “This is far too much, and many students will struggle to afford it.”

A Growing Crisis

The students noted that the increase would only worsen an already challenging situation, urging the school authorities to reconsider their decision.

Shu’aibu added that even the previous fee of 18,000 naira was a struggle for many students, pushing some to consider dropping out.

“Many students are appealing through the media for help to pay their registration fees,” he lamented.

“As I speak to you, I am paying for my own education. I don’t have 57,000 naira, and I don’t know where to find it,” Shu’aibu concluded.

Many students who feared to speak with journalists expressed dissatisfaction about the hike. They shared a common concern about how the new fees might force them to abandon their studies.

They expressed, “We have no idea how we will manage to pay this new fee. It’s simply too much for us, especially with how hard it is to survive these days.”

Increase a blessing in disguise – Authority

Despite bitter complaints from students, the school authorities argue that the increase is, in fact, a blessing in disguise for them.

Speaking to The Daily Reality, the university registrar, Malam Isyaku Adamu, confirmed the hike and explained that it would help students participate in the National Education Loan Fund (Nelfund), noting that many of their students had not been taking advantage of the programme.

He stated, “The Nelfund is the national cake. If Musa and Isa refuse to eat, Jon and Jack will eat. So this is to also encourage our students to participate and benefit from the Federal Government’s programme.”

He added that the increase was also meant to help the university meet certain critical needs. Adamu emphasized that Northwest University is still among the most affordable institutions in Nigeria, based on the university’s own research.

“If you look at what the students pay in a year, even after maintaining laboratories, the library, health services, electricity, water, and environmental sanitation, the money is still very cheap,” he said.

He concluded that the fees are not even sufficient to cover all expenses, reiterating that even primary and secondary school pupils pay more than what Northwest University students pay per year.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Prominent author and social media commentator Reno Omokri has strongly defended the Hausa people and their culture after a Facebook user made what many saw as a derogatory comment about the ethnic group.

The controversy began when Omokri shared a celebratory post about his daughter, Oritsetsolayemi.

In response, a Facebook user, Arc Eze Chukwukere Atuegbu, sarcastically wrote: “Na Hausa APC ward chairman go marry this ur daughter. Congratulations sir.”

The comment, perceived by many as an ethnic jibe, drew a direct response from Omokri. In a follow-up post, Omokri expressed disappointment that being Hausa was implied to be an insult.

He described the ethnic slur as ignorant and unjustified.

“I don’t know why you think being Hausa is a derogatory thing. If my daughter marries a Hausa man, I would have no issues as long as it was a love match,” Omokri wrote.

Going further, he praised the cultural and intellectual legacy of the Hausa people, stating they had been writing in Ajami (Arabic script) for over 800 years, long before colonialism.

He contrasted this with what he described as the historical nakedness and lack of formal civilisation among many Southern Nigerian communities before Christian missionaries arrived.

Most notably, Omokri made a bold linguistic claim that has since gone viral:“There is no language in Southern Nigeria whose lexicon is wider than Hausa. None. Absolutely none!”

Language experts have weighed in on the statement, noting that Hausa is not only one of the most spoken languages in Nigeria but also across West Africa.

It is used as a lingua franca across borders, has a deep literary tradition in both Arabic and Latin scripts, and contains thousands of native and borrowed words that have influenced other Nigerian languages.

Omokri’s response has received widespread support and has reignited national discussions about ethnic tolerance, cultural pride, and the historical contributions of northern Nigeria to the broader Nigerian identity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has revealed the reason behind appointing Nyesom Wike as his Chief of Staff during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.

According to Amaechi, he deliberately chose Wike for the position instead of making him Commissioner for Finance so he could keep a close eye on him.

His comments came in response to Wike’s recent jibe at him following Amaechi’s statement, “We’re all hungry,” made during his 60th birthday celebration.

Wike had dismissed the remark, claiming the former governor was not hungry for food, but for political recognition.

Appearing on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Amaechi said he had no interest in exchanging words with Wike.

“God, Peter Odili, the judiciary and the Rivers state people made me governor,” he said.

Challenging Wike’s claim of playing a role in his political rise, Amaechi asked, “Ask him how he made me governor. I’m saying this because I don’t want to join issues with children.”

He stated further: “I wanted him as chief of staff so I could supervise him. I didn’t offer him commissioner for finance. You see, I’m saying this because I don’t want to join issues with children.”

In another veiled swipe, he added, “You know, he made himself chief of staff. He made himself governor. He made himself minister. He made himself local government chairman.”

Amaechi’s remarks are the latest in an ongoing war of words between the two political figures who were once allies in Rivers State but have since become bitter rivals.