By Uzair Adam

Journalists have been urged to treat emergency reporting as a life-saving public service, given the powerful role of the media in shaping public understanding and behaviour during health crises.

The call was made at a two-day Emergency Risk Communication workshop for journalists organised by the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) with support from the FCDO–Lafiya Programme, aimed at strengthening ethical and responsible health reporting during public health emergencies.

Delivering a session on Emergency Reporting and Ethical Guidelines for Public Safety during Health Crises, media expert and editor with The Daily Reality Newspaper, Malam Aisar Salihu Musa, said information often spreads faster than disease during outbreaks, stressing that the way journalists report emergencies can either reduce harm or fuel fear and panic.

“Where trust is strong, public health succeeds. Where trust is weak, fear becomes the real outbreak,” he said, noting that trust remains the most valuable currency during health emergencies.

He explained that journalists serve as information gatekeepers, with a responsibility to verify reports that could affect public health outcomes and to collaborate closely with health authorities in sharing credible information.

According to him, emergency reporting presents ethical challenges, including balancing urgency with accuracy, avoiding sensational headlines, and protecting the dignity and privacy of patients and their families.

Musa urged journalists to communicate risk clearly and proportionately, translate medical terms into simple language, and always include practical steps the public can take to protect themselves.

“Words can either save lives or cause harm,” he said, adding that responsible, transparent and empathetic journalism strengthens public trust and supports effective public health response.

He concluded by calling on journalists to see themselves as partners in public health, committed to countering misinformation, promoting preventive behaviours and reporting emergencies in ways that protect lives and strengthen society.

By Uzair Adam

The Director General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Prof. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, has urged journalists to prioritise responsible and ethical reporting during public health emergencies to prevent the spread of misinformation and public panic.

Prof. Abbas made the call during a two-day Emergency Risk Communication workshop organised to strengthen media engagement and information management during disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.

He stated that the workshop followed the identification of critical gaps in Risk Communication and Community Engagement during recent Joint External Evaluation and multi-hazard preparedness assessments conducted in the state.

“This workshop was designed to address the gaps identified during the Joint External Evaluation and multi-hazard preparedness assessment,” Prof. Abbas said, adding that the media remains a key partner in managing public health emergencies.

The Daily Reality reports that the workshop, with support from the FCDO–Lafiya Programme, revolved around improving media engagement during outbreaks, ethical emergency reporting, managing misinformation, strengthening collaboration between journalists and health authorities, and developing a media-focused Emergency Risk Communication plan for Kano State.

The DG further stated that journalists have a responsibility to prevent the spread of false information, correct myths and harmful practices, and promote evidence-based decision-making that strengthens public trust in official health guidance.

He added that responsible media engagement should also encourage preventive behaviours such as hand hygiene, vaccination, safe food practices and environmental sanitation, while reinforcing official public health advisories.

The workshop was attended by journalists from print, broadcast and online media organisations, alongside public health officials and communication experts.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has urged journalists to handle information carefully during public health emergencies, warning that panic can sometimes be more harmful than the disease itself.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, stated this in Kaduna during a two-day Emergency Risk Communication workshop organised by the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), with support from the FCDO–Lafiya Programme.

“Sometimes causing panic in a community can be more destructive than the disease itself,” Dr. Yusuf said, stressing that emergencies are often measured in hours or days, and careless communication could cost lives.

He noted the time-sensitive nature of outbreaks, explaining that early and accurate reporting can save lives, while rushed or misleading information can worsen the situation.

Drawing a comparison to medical practice, Dr. Yusuf said suspected disease cases must be carefully investigated, isolated, and confirmed before public disclosure, just as health workers consider worst-case scenarios during diagnosis.

He further highlighted the importance of verification before reporting, cautioning that while journalists often have access to early signals, not all information should be immediately released to the public.

The commissioner also emphasised the ethical dimension of reporting, warning against publishing identifiable details of patients without consent, which could have legal consequences and undermine public trust in health authorities.

Dr. Yusuf stressed that responsible media engagement is crucial in promoting preventive health behaviours such as vaccination, hand hygiene, safe food practices, and environmental sanitation, which are essential to reducing the spread of diseases in communities.

He added that building public trust through careful, evidence-based reporting ensures that citizens follow official health guidance during outbreaks, strengthening the overall effectiveness of emergency response efforts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has confirmed the receipt of a petition filed by the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.

In a media release issued on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, by the Commission’s spokesperson, John Okor Odey, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the petition was formally submitted through Dangote’s legal representative.

The Commission stated, “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to confirm that it received a formal petition today Tuesday 16th December, 2025 from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer. The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.”

The ICPC assured the public that the allegations contained in the petition would be subjected to due process.

According to the statement, “The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated.”

The confirmation follows recent public attention generated by allegations made by Dangote against the leadership of the NMDPRA, which have sparked debates and reactions across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has filed a petition against the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Ahmed Farouk, before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The petition, dated December 16 and submitted through Dangote’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, urged the ICPC to arrest, investigate and prosecute the NMDPRA chief over allegations of corruption and living far above his lawful income as a public officer.

The document, which was received by the office of the ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, SAN, alleged that Farouk spent more than seven million dollars on the education of his four children in Switzerland. The petition claimed that the fees were allegedly paid upfront for a six-month period without any legitimate source of income to justify such spending.

“That Engr Farouk Ahmed has grossly abused his office contrary to the extant provisions of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and, in doing enmeshed himself in monumental corruption and unlawful spending of Public funds running into millions of dollars.

“That Engr Farouk Ahmed spent without evidence of lawful means of income humongous amount of money of over 7million dollars of Public funds, for the education of his four children in different schools in Switzerland for a period of six years upfront,” the petition read.

Dangote listed the names of the four children, the Swiss schools they attend and the amounts allegedly paid on their behalf, stating that the details would enable the ICPC to verify the claims.

He further accused Farouk of using the NMDPRA as a tool to divert and embezzle public funds for personal benefit and private interests. Dangote said such actions had triggered public outrage and led to recent protests by different groups.

According to the businessman, Farouk has spent his entire adult working life in public service and could not, based on his legitimate earnings, have amassed funds close to the alleged seven million dollars used to sponsor his children’s education abroad.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), has died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

“Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad is dead. He passed away this morning at a Saudi Arabian Hospital,” a source said.

His death was later confirmed in a condolence message released by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, dated December 16, 2025.

The statement, titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” described the former CJN’s death as a significant loss to Nigeria.

“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,” the statement read.

“The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria. His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large.”

According to NAMLAS, Justice Muhammad earned respect during his time on the Bench and was known as “a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.”

The association stated that throughout his judicial career, the former CJN “exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A serious allegation has been made against Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

He is accused of spending over $5 million on the foreign secondary and tertiary education of his four children in Switzerland.

According to the allegation, the estimated cost for each child’s secondary education—covering annual tuition, air tickets, and upkeep—is $200,000. Over six years, this amounts to $1,200,000 per child.

For all four children, the total secondary education expense is estimated at $4,800,000.

Furthermore, an additional $210,000 was reportedly spent in 2025 for the MBA education of one of his children, Faisal. This brings the approximate total for tuition and upkeep across all children to around $5,000,000.

The statement, signed by Alliko Dangote, emphasizes that “facts don’t lie” and raises critical questions about the source of these funds.

It contrasts the enormous expenditure with the plight of many parents in Engr. Ahmed’s home state of Sokoto, who are said to struggle to afford school fees as low as ₦10,000 for their own children and wards.

The core demand of the allegation is transparency: “Nigerians deserve to know the source(s) of these sums of money paid by a public officer.”

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A political controversy erupted on Tuesday after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen pulling down a woman doctor’s hijab during a public event, triggering sharp reactions from opposition parties and civil society groups.

The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, occurred at an official function where the chief minister was interacting with health workers. In the footage, Kumar appears to reach out and adjust the doctor’s headscarf, an action many have described as inappropriate and disrespectful.

Opposition leaders condemned the act, questioning the chief minister’s judgment and mental state, and demanding a public apology. “This is not only an insult to a professional woman but also an affront to personal dignity and religious freedom,” a senior opposition spokesperson said.

The ruling Janata Dal (United) has sought to downplay the incident, with party members suggesting there was no malicious intent. However, the controversy has continued to spark debate nationwide about consent, gender sensitivity, and respect for religious symbols in public life.

As of press time, the chief minister had not issued a formal statement addressing the incident.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s resolve to prioritise the welfare, professionalism, and operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army.

The President made this known at the opening of the 2025 Chief of Army Annual Conference held in Lagos on Monday. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu assured the Armed Forces of sustained support to enable them carry out their constitutional responsibilities. The assurance was contained in a statement released by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.

While paying tribute to both serving and retired military officers, the President acknowledged their enduring contributions to the institution.

“Their sacrifices, leadership, and institutional memory shape the Army. I commend the courage and patriotism of those placing national duty above personal comfort—their defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity is etched in our history,” he said.

The President noted that the annual conference provides an opportunity for strategic assessment in the face of changing security threats. He added that the presence of former Service Chiefs and elder statesmen reflected the rich heritage of the Armed Forces.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, described the conference as essential for assessing military operations and the Army’s preparedness in line with national objectives.

He stressed the importance of joint operations, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and a whole-of-society approach, urging that discussions at the conference translate into tangible results on the battlefield.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for demonstrating strong political will in areas of troop welfare, equipment provision, training, and institutional reforms. He also commended the National Assembly for its continued support.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said security remains the bedrock of development. He praised the Nigerian Army for its contributions to national stability and pledged the support of the state government.

The event drew senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former military leaders, heads of security agencies, diplomats, and other dignitaries.

According to the organisers, the conference will deliberate on key operational, administrative, and strategic matters. The programme will also feature the unveiling of a biography of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting at Gwarimpa, Abuja, has ordered that former Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until December 18.

Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan gave the order on Monday, directing that Ngige be kept in prison pending the determination of his bail application.

The court took arguments from both parties on the bail request before issuing the remand order. Justice Hassan fixed December 18 as the date to deliver a ruling on the application.

Counsel to the former minister, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, urged the court to grant bail, citing health concerns. He assured the court that Ngige would not evade trial or interfere with witnesses if released.

In response, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, opposed the request. The anti-graft agency was represented by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, who described Ngige as a flight risk.

Tahir informed the court that the EFCC had earlier granted Ngige administrative bail and allowed him to travel abroad for medical treatment. He said the former minister failed to report back to the Commission after the trip.

He also stated that the international passport released to Ngige to facilitate the travel had not been returned. According to him, it was only after Ngige was re-arrested that he claimed the passport was lost.

The senior lawyer argued that the claim of a missing passport was an afterthought and urged the court not to accept it.

Ngige was last Friday arraigned on an eight-count charge related to alleged corrupt practices.