By Ishaka Mohammed

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has published its latest updates, featuring a collection of 20 words and phrases from Nigeria, Dr Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a consultant on Nigerian English for the OED, announced.

The Daily Reality can confirm that the dictionary has defined the words and phrases. However, while the majority of them (agbero, eba, japa, suya, etc.) were first published in December 2024, others (edo, kanuri, kobo, and yarn) were only updated with new meanings.

Dr Ugwuanyi, who played a significant role in the update, revealed that, in addition to drafting most of the words, he also provided their pronunciations. “When you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my voice bringing these words to life,” he shared in a celebratory post on LinkedIn.

The newly added words reflect diverse aspects of Nigerian life, from everyday slang to cultural expressions. The list includes:

1. 419

2. abi

3. adire

4. agbero

5. area boy

6. cross-carpet

7. cross-carpeting

8. eba

9. Edo

10. gele

11. jand (noun, verb)

12. janded (adjective)

13. japa (noun, verb)

14. Kanuri

15. kobo

16. Naija

17. suya

18. yahoo

19. yahoo boy

20. yarn dust

Dr Ugwuanyi thanked Danica Salazar, the OED’s World Englishes editor, and the entire editorial team and encouraged Nigerians to share their favourite words from the list and suggest new ones for future updates.

Recall that the dictionary added 29 Nigerian words and phrases in 2020, and CNN reported that those were in addition to the at least 57 others already in the dictionary.

The Daily Reality is still compiling the definitions of the latest additions for easier access.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The newly appointed Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has held a strategic security meeting with senior officers, in his bid to improve security in the state.

The meeting focused on the need to tackle corruption, extortion, and incivility towards the public, which mark a major shift in the state’s security approach.

CP Azare identified key security challenges facing the state, including kidnappings, armed robbery, communal clashes, and homicidal cases. He assured the Governor that his team, in collaboration with the DSS, has commenced profiling the sponsors of communal clashes and will soon submit an interim report.

The CP assured the officers that he will operate an open-door policy, that aims to reduce crime and curb unprofessional conduct.

He directed Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders, and Tactical Commanders to draft actionable crime-reduction plans tailored to their jurisdictions.

During the meeting, CP Azare decorated 142 newly promoted senior police officers with their new ranks.

The decorated officers included ACP Inyang John Abia, DPO Shelter Afrique, and ACP Ahiwa Ribadu, OC Anti-Cultism, who were formerly CSPs.

Others included CSP Felix Ekpoudom, 2IC QIU, CSP Cordiella Nwawe, Provost 26 PMF, Uyo, and CSP Ebong Thompson, OC SWAT.

CP Azare congratulated the promoted officers and urged them to discharge their new ranks within the law.

He expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the Police Service Commission for their commitment to police welfare.

The new Police Commissioner also plans to engage the youth in dialogue to promote peaceful coexistence and collaborate with other security agencies to bring an end to security challenges in the state.

To enhance community policing, CP Azare directed the command’s Public Relations Officer to make his phone number and those of other principal officers available to the public for easy access.

The state governor, Governor Eno, expressed satisfaction with the choice of the new Police Commissioner, citing his previous experience as Deputy Commissioner, Operations in the state.

The Governor commended CP Azare’s plan to engage the youth in community policing.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Group, Professor Banji Akintoye, has reiterated that the group will not back down from its pursuit of creating the Yoruba nation.

According to Akintoye, around 60 million Yoruba people, including those residing at home and abroad, support his cause for establishing the Yoruba nation as an independent country.

“We will not retreat. We must leave Nigeria, or our country will face serious problems.

“Don’t you hear our voices in the streets? The Yoruba nation is moving forward. There is no turning back.

“We are referring to the Yoruba people in Nigeria, who number about 55 to 60 million. We want to establish our own country. Nigeria will cease to exist if we establish our own nation. But if others want to continue to remain as Nigeria, that is fine,” he added.

By Uzair Adam

The Borno State Executive Council has approved the renaming of Borno State University (BOSU) to Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, in honour of Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the first Governor of Northern Nigeria.  

The decision was made during the council’s first meeting of 2025, presided over by Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri.  

Addressing journalists, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, stated that the renaming would take effect following legislative amendments and notifications to regulatory bodies.  

“The council has approved that Borno State University be renamed Kashim Ibrahim University. 

“This decision is subject to the legislative processes by the State Assembly to amend the law establishing the university and actions by the Ministry of Education to inform relevant bodies such as the NUC and JAMB,” Prof. Tar explained.  

The council also approved a comprehensive programme for street naming and house numbering across Maiduguri and other urban areas as part of ongoing urban renewal efforts. 

The initiative will involve collaboration with traditional rulers and federal agencies like the Nigerian Postal Service.  

“Relevant MDAs will work with stakeholders to develop a naming and numbering template. This will ensure that updated names and numbers are reflected on platforms like Google Maps and public records to enhance urban planning and governance,” Prof. Tar added.  

During the meeting, Governor Zulum expressed appreciation for the council members’ commitment and outlined plans for intensified recovery efforts and impactful projects in 2025.  

“In 2024, my administration achieved significant progress, and I am committed to accomplishing even more this year. Our focus will remain on post-conflict recovery, urban renewal, and improving citizens’ welfare,” Zulum said.  

The meeting also featured a valedictory session honouring the outgoing Head of Service, Barrister Malam Fannami, who is set to retire later this month. The council commended his dedication and contributions to the state’s development.

By Ishaka Mohamed

As revealed in a statement released on Monday, January 6, 2025, the officers were dismissed for various offences bordering on fraudulent activities and misconduct.

According to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, the dismissals were necessary for the Commission to enforce integrity. “Every modicum of allegation against any staff of the Commission would always be investigated.

The core values of the Commission would always be held in optimal regard at all times,” part of the statement reads.

The Commission further warned the public of the activities of impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its Executive Chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects being investigated by the EFCC. 

Two members of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, for allegedly contacting a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Mohammed Bello-Kaka, and demanding $1 million from him for “Olukoyede to give him soft landing” on a non-existing investigation. 

The Commission reiterated that such characters are still on the loose, seeking victims.

By Anwar Usman

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has reshuffled his cabinet and sacked five commissioners.

According to a press release issued to journalists on Tuesday by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mukhtar Gidado, the reshuffling is to strengthen governance and ensure optimal service delivery to the people of the State.

The release revealed that “In that respect, five commissioners were sacked. This move highlights the administration’s commitment to injecting new ideas and energy into governance, in line with the governor’s vision of reinvigorating the machinery of government and addressing emerging challenges effectively.

“The commissioners affected by this reshuffle are Commissioner of Education, Jamila Dahiru, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abdulhameed Bununu, Commissioner of Information and Communication, Usman Danturaki, Commissioner of Agriculture, Madugu Yalams and Commissioner of Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Yakubu Ibrahim.

“Governor Bala extends his gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their dedication, service, and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Bauchi State.

“Their efforts have been instrumental in advancing key initiatives and policies of this administration.”

The governor has also forwarded the names of five individuals for security clearance and subsequent confirmation as commissioners by the state House of Assembly.

By Sulaiman Abdullahi

To expand educational access for young Nigerians, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin has launched a domestic scholarship program funding 300 Master’s degree students at leading Nigerian universities.

This initiative comes just a week after the Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF) facilitated the departure of 70 students for postgraduate studies in India. The beneficiaries, drawn from the three senatorial districts of Kano State, left via Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on December 29, 2024.

Through the BIJF, applications have now been opened for the “Postgraduate Domestic Scholarships for the 2025/2026 Academic Session,” targeting outstanding graduates from Kano State.

Speaking on the program, Maikudi Lawan, PhD, Secretary of the BIJF Postgraduate Scholarship Committee, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to fostering academic growth and human capital development in fields critical to Nigeria’s future.

“This initiative offers a unique platform for academic excellence, research, and innovation in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Security, Data Science, Mineral Exploration, Climate Change Management, and many others,” Dr. Lawan said.

Six prestigious universities have been selected for the program: Bayero University Kano, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, and the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Barau, described the scholarship as part of the senator’s broader vision for human capital development in Kano State and beyond.

“Senator Barau is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders through education. This program underscores his unwavering commitment to academic excellence and national development,” Mudashir said.

The announcement has been met with widespread commendation, with many viewing the initiative as a game-changer for graduates in Kano State seeking advanced education opportunities.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the foundation’s portal for more information and to submit their applications promptly.

By Sulaiman Abdullahi

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has inaugurated a new set of commissioners to lead key ministries in the state. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Ante-Chamber of the Kano Government House.  

Governor Yusuf emphasised his administration’s commitment to fostering development through a capable team, noting that the appointments are strategic to achieving the state’s development goals.  

The newly sworn-in commissioners are:

1. Dr. Ismail Danmaraya – Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development  

2. Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu – Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy

3. Dr. Dahir M. Hashim – Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change

4. Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi – Commissioner for Commerce and Industry  

5. Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Wayya – Commissioner for Information  

6. Abdulkadir Abdulsalam – Commissioner for Rural Development  

7. Comrade Nura Iro Ma’aji – Commissioner for Public Procurement and Project Monitoring  

8. Adamu Aliyu Kibiya – Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs (reassigned)  

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence in the appointees’ ability to deliver on their mandates and urged them to prioritise service delivery and the welfare of Kano residents. 

By Musab Isah Mafara, PhD

As you regularly use social media, it’s important to understand that many individuals post misguided or controversial opinions, images, and videos with specific intentions. They seek attention and engagement, aiming to drive traffic and, subsequently, revenue to their profiles.

Social media monetisation has become an attainable goal for all. In pursuing fame and financial gain, some users compromise their dignity and reputation–assuming these were valued in the first place–by posting provocative content meant to ignite heated debates.

For example, people might post movie reviews/clip without captions, prompting viewers to ask for the movie’s name, thereby increasing comment counts. Others might upload videos criticizing a religious group, knowing it will provoke members of that group to share the video, thus boosting its reach and view count. The opposition might watch to refute these criticisms, further amplifying the content.

And then you have the annoying ones who share harmful content they claim not to agree with, under the guise of correcting misinformation. You also have celebrities and influencers who post videos of themselves doing or saying things specifically designed to get people talking about them.

Unfortunately, even some ‘Shaikhs’–or their handlers–have been drawn into this trend of attention-seeking posts aimed at drawing crowds and potentially monetising in the long run. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with scholars monetising their social media presence–indeed, it could offer financial independence and protection from undue influence by sects, benefactors, or governments–they must tread carefully.

Managing a page, especially if done personally by an Islamic scholar, poses the risk of succumbing to vanity or showmanship. Although only Allah truly knows one’s intentions, people can sometimes infer motives from the content of posts, which might damage a scholar’s credibility among followers or, worse, lead to ‘Riya‘ (showing off for praise). May Allah guide our intentions to be sincere and protect us from ‘Riya‘.

There is nothing wrong with using social media to gain followers and earn from what you share on your profile, but the content should align with what is permissible (halal). Although halal content might not ‘sell’ well online, as Muslims, we cannot justify the means by the ends and post whatever we like just to make it.

Focus on sharing religious teachings, educational materials, skills, recipes, analysis of issues, and any useful knowledge relevant to people’s daily lives. Share what will benefit people in their everyday interactions or what will bring them closer to Allah. Your actions could lead to one of these outcomes:

1. A reward from Allah alone.

2. Financial rewards from platforms like Facebook, TikTok, or others.

3. Both a reward from Allah and financial compensation.

4. Neither a reward nor financial benefit, if the intention is not right and you couldn’t meet the requirements of the platform, but likely no sin incurred.

However, if you promote impermissible (haram) content, you must understand the consequences. You’ll be accountable for the sin not just for yourself but for everyone who encounters that content through you, directly or indirectly, until the end of time. The Prophet (SAW) said:

ومن سنَّ في الإسلام سنَّة سيئة فعليه وزرها ووزر من عمل بها من بعده من غير أن ينقص من أوزارهم شيء

“And whoever introduces a bad practice in Islam that is followed after him, there is upon him the sin of it and the sin of those who act upon it after him, without that diminishing their sins in any way.”

Don’t be a means to a sinful act.

Furthermore, even if you’re not directly sharing harmful content, you can help reduce its spread by not engaging with it. Unfollow pages that offer nothing but this kind of material. When necessary, address issues on your own wall without linking back to the harmful content or commenting on the page where it was posted. Additionally, hide or unfollow accounts that thrive on harmful materials. Often, it only takes a click of the 3 dots against a post and choosing ‘Not Interested.’

By Ishaka Mohammed

An Abuja-based strategic communication and multimedia firm, Dinovate Solutions, has announced one month’s free training in cinematography and related fields.

The company announced the programme on Monday, January 6, 2025. Under its academy (Dinovate Creative Academy), the company listed five free courses, including cinematography, photography, generative content creation, AI-powered video editing, and cartoon creation and animation.

The physical training, scheduled to start on January 27, will feature only individuals with access to laptops.

Among other benefits, trainees will have the chance to participate in industry-level short film projects, and top performers could gain internship opportunities and potential job offers.

While the application deadline is January 10, acceptance will be based on first come, first served.

Interested persons are required to visit https://bit.ly/DCACohort1application to apply.

Dinovate Solutions drives developmental projects through creative storytelling and multimedia content, partnering with local and international organisations, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).