By Rabiu Sirajo Toro

How hackers manage to compromise people’s accounts, particularly on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and especially WhatsApp, and often send messages to the contacts of the account owner, requesting money for account details that do not match the owner’s name is baffling.

They frequently claim that network glitches or limits have been exceeded to justify their requests.

This situation has occurred multiple times, yet people seem to overlook it. It’s essential to consider the different account details compared to the owner’s, as well as the context in which the message is written.

Some messages might be the first communication between two individuals, leading the recipient to act without hesitation. Instead of questioning or calling the person for confirmation, they may decide to send money immediately.

We must remain vigilant regarding anything related to money and property, as scammers are becoming more prevalent.

Many people are looking for quick and questionable wealth by any means possible.The first time I received such a message from someone of high status, I promptly contacted the owner of the phone number and discovered that I was the first person to inform her about the incident.

Whenever you receive a message that seems abnormal in your daily chats, especially one that involves a request for money, it is crucial to call that person for confirmation if you can’t ignore it.

For added security, anyone you are involved in business with or who might send you money should always confirm transactions first, preferably through phone calls rather than platforms alone or physical meetings are preferable for any monetary exchange.

We must make an effort to remember these incidents and protect ourselves from scammers.

Rabiu Sirajo wrote in from Toro Local Government Area in Bauchi State.

By Anwar Usman

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has affirmed to the residents of Bichi Local Government Area in Kano State that the Emirate Council will ensure the peaceful conveyance of their District Head, Munir Sanusi Bayero, to assume his duties in Bichi.

Sanusi gave this assurance on Wednesday during a solidarity visit by traditional and religious leaders from Bichi, led by the Chairman of Bichi Local Government, Alhaji Hamza Sule, at the Gidan Rumfa palace in Kano.

The Emir explained that a new date would be scheduled for the transfer of the District Head, who was recently turbaned at the palace after an earlier attempt was disrupted.

“I assure you that another day will be fixed, your District Head will surely be brought to you, and everything will take place peacefully,” he said.

The pledge followed an incident last week when security personnel allegedly denied access to the palace to prevent the District Head’s planned departure for Bichi.

According to palace sources, the heavy security presence disrupted the scheduled ceremony, leaving the reasons for the intervention unclear.

“What happened was only a distraction. We still don’t know why it happened, and those involved have not disclosed the reason why they did it. However, this will not stop anything.

In his remark, Alhaji Hamza Sule reaffirmed the people of Bichi’s loyalty to the Emirate and Muhammad Sanusi II’s leadership.

“Even on the controversial day that was fixed for your visit to Bichi to accompany the new District Head, Munir Sunusi Bayero, we were fully ready to receive you, but we only heard that there was a crisis when we were already celebrating your coming.

“We in Bichi, from our Imams, Village Heads, Wards Heads, and everybody, are behind your royalty, and our solidarity is only for you.

“That is why we decided in our numbers to come today and reiterate our loyalty to you and whatever decision you have taken on your domain, Bichi,” he stated.

By Anas Abbas

The Naira has declined in value within the parallel market, trading at N1,585 per dollar compared to N1,550 per dollar on Monday. In contrast, the official foreign exchange market reported an appreciation of the Naira, with rates improving to N1,525 per dollar, up from N1,538 per dollar earlier this week.

According to the latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) published in the Daily Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the indicative exchange rate for the Naira has strengthened by N13, reflecting a notable shift in the official market.

Figures from FMDQ reveal a significant increase in dollar transactions on the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM). Trading volume surged by 129 per cent to $401.17 million, up from $175.15 million on Monday.

The surge has resulted in a widening gap between the parallel market and the NFEM rate, which has expanded to N60 per dollar from just N12 per dollar at the start of the week.

By Uzair Adam

In a ground-breaking advancement for diabetes diagnostics, Nigeria-born Dr Fahad Usman, an Assistant Professor of Optical Engineering Technology in the United States, has introduced a highly sensitive optical biosensor capable of non-invasive diabetes screening.

Dr Usman’s pioneering work focuses on a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor that detects exhaled breath acetone, a key biomarker for diabetes. This innovative approach offers an alternative to traditional blood glucose tests, which are invasive and often painful.

Dr Usman’s research, published in top journals like Results in Physics and Polymers Journal, presents a novel ternary composite material made from polyaniline, chitosan, and reduced graphene oxide. With enhanced electrical conductivity and thermal stability, this material underpins the SPR biosensor, allowing it to detect acetone concentrations as low as 0.88 parts per billion. 

This collaboration with researchers from Malaysia, France, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. addresses the global diabetes crisis. With over 537 million affected worldwide and projections of 783 million by 2045, this innovation promises a significant impact. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 37 million people in the U.S. are affected by diabetes. 

Due to its non-invasive nature, the optical sensor ensures greater accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability and enhances patient compliance. 

Dr Usman’s work represents a significant leap forward in healthcare innovation. It positions the U.S. at the forefront of global scientific advancements.

This technology offers potential beyond healthcare, with broader industrial applications in optical sensing and materials science.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Police Command has apprehended three persons for being in possession of counterfeit currencies amounting to N129,542,826,000.

The Spokesperson of the command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, revealed this while addressing journalists at a press briefing on Tuesday.

The spokesperson gave the breakdown of the fake currencies as $3,366,000, CFA51,970,000 and N1,443,000.

He added that the two individuals apprehended with the money and the person from who they were stolen had been arrested and are in the police custody, helping with investigation on the actual producers of the counterfeit money.

In the same vein, the command has recovered six live ammunition, three tricycles, eight motorcycles and three parcels of 175 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

The PPRO further revealed that the command recovered 250 pieces of diazapam tablets, 278 sheep and seven cattle.

“These approaches have resulted not only in the apprehension of criminals but also stop potential offenders from engaging in criminal activities.

“Serious cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, thuggery and drug dealings have been surmounted,” he explained.

By Anwar Usman

The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday, said the congress is still struggling to get some state governors to pay the “paltry” sum of N70,000 as minimum wage despite the economic constraints in the country.

Ajaero who complained about the rising cost of food and other amenities in the country said the harsh realities in the country cannot be sugar-coated.

The NLC leaders said this during the 2024 delegates conference of the youth council of the NLC which was held in Abuja.

He said, “ The harsh realities of our country cannot be sugar-coated. We live in a nation where the rich grow fatter on the sweat of the poor, where our youths struggle to find meaningful work, and where the value of labour is often trampled underfoot.“

“A bag of 50kg rice is now sold at N105,000, transport from Abuja to Portharcourt is above N50,000, decent housing has become a mirage while basic healthcare is out of reach as basic social services become elusive even as we have to struggle to get some governors to pay us a paltry N70,000 national minimum wage; the product of a law passed by the state?

“Anyway, this is not a time for lamentation; it is a time for determination. No one will build our nation for us.”

The NLC president emphasized that the future of the trade union movement and the nation lies on the resilience, courage, and vision of youths.

Ajaero also charged youths to remain focused, committed, and united in their pursuit of a better tomorrow.

He assured them that the NLC stands firmly behind them, ready to support, guide, and fight alongside them.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF).

His appointment is effective immediately following the pre-retirement leave of the incumbent AGF, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.

In announcing Madein’s successor, President Tinubu ensures a seamless transition in the administration of Nigeria’s treasury and consolidates the implementation of the present administration’s treasury policy reforms.

As a career civil servant and the most senior director in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Mr Ogunjimi brings over 30 years of extensive experience in financial management across the public and private sectors.

He has held significant positions, including Director of Funds at the OAGF and Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A chartered accountant, certified fraud examiner, chartered stockbroker, and chartered security and investment specialist, Mr Ogunjimi’s academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accountancy and a Master’s in Finance and Accounting.

In a remark on the appointment, President Tinubu expresses his confidence in Mr. Ogunjimi, saying, “The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation is pivotal to our nation’s treasury management operations.

“Mr Ogunjimi’s wealth of experience and notable competence will ensure the continued effectiveness of this vital institution as we advance our economic reform agenda.”

President Tinubu commends the outgoing Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Madein, for her dedication and selfless service to the nation.

After reaching the civil service’s statutory retirement age, Dr Madein is retiring effective March 7, 2025.

By Anwar Usman

The operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship-Delta Gunboat Team have seized and arrested a barge and two trucks loaded with suspected stolen crude oil at the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority Jetty in Warri, Delta State.

Commodore Abba Muhsin, Commander of NNS-Delta, handed over the intercepted barge named ‘Barge Oghenekome’ and the two trucks to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Warri on Tuesday.

The arrests, which took place on Thursday, November 7, 2024, followed credible intelligence, according to Commodore Muhsin, represented by the Executive Officer, NNS-Delta, Commander Ayi Ekpo Archibong.

The EFCC team, led by Superintendent Abdullahi Nuhu from the EFCC Benin Zone Directorate, received the exhibits on behalf of the anti-graft agency.

The commodore described the operation as part of a series of actions under Operation Delta Sanity of the Nigerian Navy and Operation Delta Safe of the Defence Headquarters.

He explained, “These arrests highlighted our commitment to eliminating illegal oil theft and related criminal activities from our operational areas.

“NNS-Delta remains resolute in its coast guard functions to support nation-building, and we are grateful for the collaboration from all government agencies and the good people of Delta State whose contributions have been instrumental to our efforts.”

He issued a serious warning to those involved in crude oil-related illegalities, urging them to cease such activities and embrace a new pat

By Anwar Usman

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, an intervention agency set up by the Federal Government, projected on Tuesday, that the beneficiaries of student loans may hit an estimated 2.1 million.

This was disclosed by the managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, at the inauguration and induction of members of the SERVICOM unit and committee in Abuja.

His projection comes one week after data obtained from NELFUND showed that it has disbursed over N104bn to 613,734 students from Nigerian tertiary institutions since the program kicks off.

The disbursed funds comprises institutional fees paid directly to the institutions of applicants and upkeep loans paid directly to the account number provided by the applicants.

While addressing journalists in Abuja, Sawyerr explained that with the admission of about 400,000 new entrants this year, the Fund may be expecting its total number of registrants to reach 2.1 million students.

He further explained that, “For the people we are responsible for in tertiary institutions that are government-owned such as polytechnics, universities and colleges of education and the bulk of students who will be coming in for the next session, we have estimated our commitment today to these people is somewhere in the range of 2.1m.”

However, when asked if the Fund would also address the plight of the over 20 million out-of-school children in the country, Sawyerr dismissed the notion.According to him, the loan scheme is strictly for students in tertiary institutions in line with the building principles and law.

He added, “When you look at the Act that set up NELFund, it is very specific that it is for tertiary education. So, while we recognise that there may be 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, the law only instruct us to address those who are studying or about to start the course of tertiary institutions owned by the Federal Government and sub nationals.”

On the other hand, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of SERVICOM, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, called for teamwork and cooperation among the inductees to make the student loan process a seamless one for the beneficiaries.

SERVICOM is a Federal Government initiative to promote effective and efficient delivery in ministries, departments and agencies to ensure customer satisfaction and manage performance.

By Jamilu Uba Adamu,Kano

The 2024 Nigeria National League’s kickoff has sent waves of excitement throughout the country, and Kano State is no exception. The football match between Barau Football Club and Plateau State’s Mighty Jets at the newly refurbished Danbatta Stadium marked a significant milestone in Kano’s football history. This development is a shining example of Senator Barau Jibrin’s commitment to sports development in the Kano North Senatorial district.

As a sports enthusiast, I find it heartwarming to witness the remarkable impact of Senator Barau Jibrin’s dedication to sports development in Kano State. The senator representing Kano North has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the welfare and development of his constituents, with a particular focus on sports.

The refurbishment of the Danbatta Stadium is a shining testament to Senator Jibrin’s visionary leadership. This world-class facility promotes sports and contributes significantly to the community’s economic growth and social cohesion. The stadium has the potential to unite not only people across Kano North but the entire Kano State, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

Senator Jibrin’s recognition of the importance of sports development in rural areas is equally commendable. He understands that structured sporting events can profoundly impact these communities, providing a platform for young talents to emerge and promoting job creation, socialization, unification, and economic emancipation. This is a critical aspect of his leadership, as it acknowledges the often-overlooked potential of rural areas to contribute to the state’s sports development.

As Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin’s commitment to sports development is a shining example for other politicians to follow. His efforts have marked a significant milestone in Kano’s football history, 

In conclusion, Senator Barau Jibrin’s unwavering commitment to sports development in Kano State is a beacon of hope for the future of sports in Kano. His visionary leadership and dedication to the welfare of his constituents make him an exemplary politician. 

Adamu, a Kano-based freelance sports writer, can be reached via jameelubaadamu@yahoo.com.