By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu is currently hosting a closed-door meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and leaders from Ogoniland’s four Local Government Areas at the Council Chamber of the State House.

Observers noted the arrival of the delegation led by Fubara, which includes notable figures such as Senators Lee Maeba, Magnus Abe, Olaka Nwogu, Barry Mpigi, Victor Giadom, Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, Ledum Mitee, and Prof. B. Fakae.

Around 2:45 pm, the official vehicle of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was seen arriving at the venue.

Key federal officials at the meeting include National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Information and National Orientation Idris Mohammed, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas, and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari.

Although the meeting’s agenda has not been officially disclosed, it is widely speculated to focus on the Ogoni clean-up project and discussions about resuming oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State.

The Federal Government has raised concerns over the prolonged suspension of oil activities in the region, emphasizing its impact on the nation’s economy.

The Niger Delta Development Commission’s Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, previously expressed concern over the conflicts that halted oil exploration in Ogoniland, which have led to significant losses in national revenue amidst growing energy challenges.

Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organizations has demanded $1 trillion for the Niger Delta’s environmental clean-up and compensation for livelihood losses before crude oil production resumes.

In a joint statement, groups including Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation criticized the government’s plan to restart oil production, describing it as neglecting environmental justice.

The coalition also referenced a 2011 UNEP report that documented widespread environmental damage in Ogoniland caused by oil exploration, citing severe pollution of land, water, and air.Further updates on the meeting are expected.

By Uzair Adam  

The Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of University Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres have expressed concerns about a looming staff crisis. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are leaving Nigeria in large numbers due to poor salaries and working conditions.  

During the 2025 budget defence session before the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, the CMDs noted that despite significant federal government investments in health infrastructure, the mass exodus of healthcare workers weakens the country’s healthcare delivery system.  

The Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Professor Wasiu Adeyemo, described the trend as alarming, warning that if immediate steps are not taken, the nation’s hospitals could soon be empty.  

“Resignations occur almost daily,” Adeyemo stated. “In one or two years, our hospitals may become empty. The main reason people leave is economic. Consultants are earning less than $1,000 monthly. 

“Without addressing remuneration, all government investments in infrastructure will be wasted,” he added.

He reported that LUTH’s 2024 budget included N19.2 billion, with N13.57 billion allocated for personnel and just N33.2 million for overhead costs. 

While personnel performance reached 91 per cent by December, only 45 per cent of the capital project budget had been utilized.  

For 2025, LUTH proposes a budget of N32.7 billion, with N20.3 billion allocated for personnel. 

Adeyemo emphasized the need for improved funding to prevent further resignations and ensure the hospital’s functionality.  

Similarly, the Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Jesse Abiodun, decried delays in releasing budgeted funds. 

He revealed that UCH had a capital appropriation of N5.59 billion in 2024, but only 38 per cent of the funds were released.  

“We still have 72 per cent of the funds outstanding,” Abiodun said. “We could only utilize the 38 per cent because we had prepared a cash plan in advance.”  

UCH has proposed a capital budget of N4.39 billion and an overhead budget of N690 million for 2025, which Abiodun said is insufficient, especially given rising utility costs such as electricity.  

The House Committee on Health Institutions Chairman, Hon. Patrick Umoh, urged the CMDs to provide comprehensive presentations detailing their budgetary needs and challenges. 

He noted that the committee would continue reviewing submissions to address the critical issues facing Nigeria’s tertiary health institutions.  

The CMDs reiterated the urgent need for government intervention, stressing that improving remuneration and timely funding release is crucial to averting a healthcare crisis.

By Ibrahyim A. El-Caleel

Muslim men who have an interest in interfaith marriages (marriage to non-Muslim wives) seem to be looking at the matter only at the surface. They do not look deeply into the injunctions around the whole marriage. 

Yes, Islam permits a Muslim man to marry a non-Muslim wife, but the reverse case is prohibited. Some of the few things you must think deeply about and seek explanations from scholars over are:

1.It is not permissible for the Muslim husband to force his non-Muslim wife to accept Islam. This is not permissible in Islam. 

2. To what degree can you ensure that your children from the wife remain upon the fitrah – remain as Muslims? A large number of children from this form of marriage end up as non-Muslims. Some of them leave the fold of Islam after their Muslim fathers die. Some of the fathers don’t even care. They actually make it a “democracy” sort of thing. “You boys and girls can just choose what you think you are okay with- my religion or your mother’s”. 

3. How do you reconcile specific differences between the injunctions in your religion and hers? An example here is that a Muslim wife must take her janabah bath after menstruating. Equally, there is no intercourse during that period. Are you aware of what is the provision for a non-Muslim wife? From where do you start, especially since there is even a niyyah (intention) component in the janabah bath? Have you thought about this before?

4. You must allow her to practice her religion if she is genuinely committed to it. If, for example, she must hang a symbol of her religion, let’s say , in her living room, would you be okay with it? Okay, let’s assume you have no problem with that. Have you asked what the Islamic injunction on praying is for any of your five compulsory prayers in a room with such a symbol inside it? 

Both Muslim men and non-Muslim women must seek clarification on some of these things before getting married. They should not just look at the permissibility at the surface. What are the other injunctions within such a marriage? Islam is full of injunctions as a religion based on knowledge of the Qur’an and Hadith. 

There are many injunctions even in a marriage between a Muslim man and a Muslim woman. Therefore, intending couples in interfaith marriages must better know what they are getting into. It is not always about getting a flight ticket and a visa to Rome. You must think ahead—what happens after you land in Rome?

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Umar Maikudi, also known as Cashman, was elected as the National President of the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) at an event held in Nasarawa State on 18 January 2025.

As the newly elected National President, Maikudi expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for collaborating with filmmakers and film scholars to explore potential partnerships that could benefit the film industry. 

In a message sent to media houses across Nigeria, the president stated, “Let’s work together to drive growth and development in the sector.”

Maikudi concluded by encouraging others to “feel free to reach out to me to discuss potential collaborations and partnerships.”

Hailing from Kaduna, Maikudi has been a film scholar and actor for many years. He has appeared in several films, including the Netflix series War: Wrath and Revenge, part of the famed Sons of the Caliphate drama.

By Salisu Uba Kofarwambai

“Daba” comes from the Hausa term for a gathering place where people would sit and converse during their leisure time. Over time, the term took on a different connotation, referring to a spot where idle individuals would congregate, discuss, and plan their criminal activities, often fueled by drug addiction.

Historically, Hausa society had warriors known as Yan Tauri. These brave adventurers possessed magical powers and charms that made them nearly invincible in battle. They were also skilled hunters, often engaging in fierce competition over their prey. However, the Maitatsine crisis in the late 1970s to early 1980s marked a turning point for Yan Tauri. The crisis erupted when the followers of the heretic preacher Maitatsine clashed with the Nigerian government. 

Maitatsine, a Quranic teacher from Cameroon, had attracted a large following in Kano before beginning to preach against orthodox Islamic teachings. He started labelling people as infidels for merely watching TV or drinking tea with milk. When his son was killed at the street fight in Sabon Gari, Maitatsune started attacking people and killed many Kano residents.

The federal government refused to intervene, mainly due to party rivalry and Governor Abubakar Rimi’s criticism of the ruling party, NPN, and President Shehu Shagari. Thus, the Kano state government was left to handle the crisis on its own. The state government enlisted Yan Tauri’s help to combat the Maitatsine followers. Yan Tauri fought bravely, killing many followers, but this exposure to violence and bloodshed had a profound impact on them.

Following the Maitatsine crisis, Yan Tauri began to metamorphose into Yan Daba, a group notorious for their thuggery and violence. Politicians exploited Yan Daba for their gain, employing them as enforcers and thugs. During Governor Rimi’s tenure, the divide within the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in Kano State further exacerbated the situation. The party split into two factions: the Santsi group, led by Governor Rimi, and the Tabo group, led by Malam Aminu Kano. Both factions employed Yan Daba thugs, leading to a deadly fight between the two groups.

Notorious Yan Daba members during this period included Gogarma, Mal Hadi, Gambo Cooperation, Sarki Change, Sabo Wakilin Tauri Mai Adashin Sara, Uba Dala Bala Turu, and many others. These thugs were known for their brutality and willingness to do whatever it took to achieve their objectives.

The reign of terror by Yan Daba continued until Major General Muhammadu Buhari came to power in 1983. Buhari’s administration cracked down on Yan Daba, arresting, killing, or forcing many of its members to flee Kano.

Then, in 1989, during General Ibrahim Babangida’s effort to transition Nigeria back to civilian governance, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) were established. These parties significantly influenced Nigeria’s move towards democracy. However, they also, perhaps unintentionally, aided the revival of Yan Daba in Kano as politicians continued to manipulate them for personal gains.

Yan Daba’s activities plagued Kano, with members engaging in robbery, assault, and other forms of violence. The emergence of notorious gangsters marked their reign of terror.

With the return of democratic rule in 1999, Yan Daba continued to pose a significant problem in Kano. Politicians continue to exploit them for their own gain, and their activities remain a major challenge for law enforcement agencies. Over time, Yan Daba has evolved, with many members now engaging in phone robbery and other forms of cybercrime.

Today, Yan Daba remains a challenge, with members engaging in various forms of criminal activity. Their history should be a cautionary tale about the dangers of exploiting violence and thuggery for political gain.

Salisu Uba Kofarwambai wrote from Kano via salisunews@gmail.com.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR 

In a world where leadership is often equated with political roles and public offices, Khalid Barau Ningi stands out as a shining example of selflessness and community dedication. Known widely as “Dujiman Ari,” he showcases the qualities of a true servant-leader, inspiring hope and positively impacting through his personal initiatives that go far beyond his official role as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Empowerment to the Bauchi State Government.

Dujiman Ari is a public official from the Ningi Local Government Area (LGA). He is not just a public official; he is a man deeply connected to his roots. His warmth, humility, and respect for individuals—both young and old—have earned him admiration and loyalty. His ability to engage with his contemporaries, especially the youth, proves his understanding of the challenges they face and his determination to be a part of the solution.

His concern for his people goes beyond political affiliations and titles. Through his foundation, the Khalid Community Initiative, he has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is about service, empathy, and action. Among Khalid’s notable contributions is his focus on healthcare. Understanding the importance of maternal health, his foundation recently provided healthcare services and delivery kits to pregnant women across Ningi LGA. These kits, delivered to over 100 beneficiaries and containing essential supplies for safe childbirth, have eased the burdens of many families, ensuring that women have access to better care during one of life’s most critical moments.

Furthermore, during a recent cholera outbreak, the Khalid Community Initiative extended its support by donating over 100 cartons of intravenous fluids to needy patients. In another remarkable healthcare intervention, the initiative funded cataract surgeries for 450 individuals, provided medications worth hundreds of thousands of naira and distributed free eyeglasses to over 100 patients. These efforts reveal Khalid’s commitment to addressing urgent health challenges and improving the quality of life for the underprivileged.

Water is life, and Dujiman knows this all too well. In communities where access to clean water is a daily struggle, the Khalid Community Initiative has taken up the mantle of change. By repairing up to 30 dilapidated boreholes in 10 communities, Khalid has restored the dignity and health of countless families. Women and children no longer have to travel long distances in search of water, a basic necessity many take for granted.

His passion for education is evident in his foundation’s activities. Donations to schools, ranging from learning materials to offering scholarships, have created better learning environments for children. He also recognises the potential of the youth, supporting youth groups with resources and opportunities to thrive. This includes securing JAMB admissions for over 20 students and covering registration fees for more than 30 others across various communities. Such efforts reflect his belief that an educated and empowered youth population is the backbone of any thriving society.

What sets Khalid’s initiatives apart is their all-encompassing approach. Through his foundation, he has supported over 100 small-scale beverage vendors with conditional cash grants of ₦10,000 each to grow their businesses. Similarly, he provided ₦5,000 to 100 women to support domestic needs and small household enterprises. Khalid has also prioritised skill development, offering self-reliance training and tools to empower youths across the Ningi Local Government Area. His work continues to expand, with increased funding and strategic planning to reach even more beneficiaries and address diverse community needs.

Dujiman Ari’s exceptional initiatives are driven more by personal passion than official responsibilities. As the SSA on Empowerment, one might expect his work to focus solely on government-aligned projects. However, Khalid’s gestures go far beyond what is required. His generosity and vision for a better society are rooted in his values, not political obligations. 

Although in his capacity as SSA, he facilitated the distribution of over 1,200 motorcycles to youth in the state under the Kaura Economic and Empowerment Program (KEEP), along with over 70 Sharon buses distributed across 20 LGAs, he has shown an unmatched commitment. His efforts also included providing ₦50,000 to beneficiaries to enhance SMEs, start-up kits for 1,000 beneficiaries, and ₦20,000 cash support for beverage vendors, showcasing his dedication to empowering individuals and small businesses.

Khalid’s work through the Khalid Community Initiative is not just about providing immediate relief; it is about creating sustainable change. His efforts have touched lives in ways that words cannot fully capture. He has become a source of inspiration and a role model for aspiring leaders, proving that true power lies in the ability to uplift others.

As a recipient of the Presidential National Award of Merit on Productivity in 2022 and a chartered management consultant, Khalid Barau Ningi’s story is evidence of the transformative power of one individual’s dedication to their community. It is a reminder that leadership is not defined by titles but by the impact one makes. For those who wish to make a difference, Dujiman’s life and work offer a simple yet profound lesson: serve with your heart, and the world will remember your name.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Sokoto state authorities are under increasing pressure to ensure the safety of Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff and her lawyer, Abba Hikima, who have both been subjected to disturbing threats during the ongoing trial.

The duo is facing charges brought by the Sokoto state government, accusing Hamdiyya of “insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” for criticizing Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

According to Amnesty International Nigeria, the threats to their safety include harassing phone calls and physical confrontations with individuals claiming to be ‘intelligence agents.’

These actions have raised concerns over the abuse of power and an apparent attempt to silence critics and intimidate those defending them.In the wake of the threats, Barrister Hikima was forced to request armed police protection during a recent court hearing, which the court granted.

However, both Hikima and Hamdiyya have been followed and confronted while staying in Sokoto for the trial, intensifying the already hostile atmosphere.

In November 2024, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff was abducted by armed assailants while she was retrieving her mobile phone from a charging point.

She was brutally beaten and thrown out of a moving tricycle, suffering severe injuries.Amnesty International Director Isa Sanusi condemned the actions, stressing that such intimidation tactics aimed at suppressing freedom of expression should have no place in a democratic society.

Sanusi also called on Nigerian authorities to focus on tackling the rampant insecurity in Sokoto, particularly in the eastern part of the state, where gunmen have been terrorizing local communities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, has faulted the governors’ endorsement of a 30% derivation formula in the proposed Tax Reform Bills, citing that it is excessive and unfair to other regions.

The Tax Reform Bills, which include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, have sparked heated debates across the country since their introduction in the National Assembly.

The bills aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, streamline revenue collection, and introduce a revised revenue-sharing formula have passed the second reading in the Senate.

After a period of vehement opposition, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, last week standing up from a meeting with the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, threw its support behind the bills, proposing a Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula of 50% equality, 30% derivation, and 20% population.

This position was outlined in a communiqué signed by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq who is the chairman of the forum.

However, Ndume who has been very critical of the bills, expressed dissatisfaction with the governors’ stance during a phone interview with our correspondent on Sunday in Abuja.

He questioned the justification for allocating 30% of derivation to oil-producing regions.

He was quoted as saying, “Even in regions bearing the brunt of oil exploration, taking 30% is too much.

“Why would they take that amount when others are also in need of development funds?”

The senator also criticized the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for charging 4% as collection fees, describing it as an exorbitant administrative cost.

“The FIRS is only performing administrative functions, so why should they be charging 4%? Collection fees should not exceed 1%,” he argued.

Ndume voiced concerns over the economic burden on Nigerians and called for a reduction in VAT rates.

He said, “At a time when people are struggling to make ends meet, tax rates should be decreased to 5% or even 3%, just as Ghana and the United States have done to support their citizens. Expanding the tax base and ensuring corporations like banks and telecom companies pay their fair share is the way forward.”

While acknowledging that tax reform is long overdue, Ndume insisted it must prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“We need to reform the tax system, but it should not disadvantage the masses, especially now when they are barely surviving.”

The senator urged the National Assembly to carefully review the proposed legislation to address these concerns and ensure the reforms are fair, equitable, and beneficial to all Nigerians.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kano State Censorship Board has banned Usman Sojaboy, a Kannywood singer, and two actresses, Shamsiyya Muhammad and Hasina Suzan, from participating in all Kannywood activities in Kano.

This decision was made after a video surfaced portraying immorality that contradicts Kano’s religion, culture, norms, and values.

The board received numerous complaints from the public and Kano members of the ulama.

In a statement signed by Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, Information Officer of the Kano State Censorship Board explained that Sojaboy had been warned multiple times about his immoral and vulgar content.

Abba El-Mustapha, Executive Secretary of the Kano State Censorship Board, has directed the preview unit to ensure that Sojaboy and the two actresses do not participate in any Kannywood productions.

He added that all open theaters and entertainment centers should take note.

Kano State Censorship Board is empowered by law to regulate all forms of expression, ensuring they align with the state’s religion, culture, norms, and values.

This decision is part of the board’s ongoing efforts to maintain moral standards in the Kannywood film industry.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Seyni Amadou, the chief editor of Canal 4 TV, has been arrested, according to the CAP-Medias-Niger union, which represents media workers in the country.

Last Friday, the Ministry of Communication in Niger announced the suspension of his TV station for one month.

The Daily Reality understands that the prominent journalist in the Republic of Niger was arrested on Saturday, just a day after the suspension of his independent TV station, following a report criticizing the government of the country’s military regime.

Last Friday, the Ministry of Communication in Niger announced the one-month suspension of his TV station.

The country’s national TV station, Tele Sahel, stated that the action against Canal 3 TV was taken “for violating operational standards.”

Canal 3 TV informed the French news agency AFP in a statement that the suspension was related to broadcasts that criticized ministers in the government of Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, a civilian appointed by the military regime.

The report listed Zeine as the leading minister, while many of his ministers were described as weak in the government.

In a statement released on Friday, CAP condemned the arrest and detention of Amadou, calling for the respect of journalists’ rights.

It added, “Never in the history of the executive body has such a media shutdown been disregarded, including in special circumstances.”

CAP urged the Minister of Communication, Sidi Raliou Mohamed, to review his decision.

Bazoum was a close ally of Western nations in the fight against jihadism in the Sahel region.

Since the coup, Niger’s military authorities have distanced themselves from France, which previously colonized them, and have sought closer ties with other military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Russia.

The military government has also shut down several international media outlets, including Radio France International (RFI), France 24, and the BBC.