FCT hospitals reopen as doctors end warning strike
By Uzair Adam
The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has called off its warning strike following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued on Friday, the President of the Association, Dr. George Ebong, confirmed that the FCTA, under Wike’s leadership, has addressed their key demands.
The doctors had shut down all FCTA-owned hospitals on Wednesday to protest unpaid salary arrears and other unresolved issues.
However, Dr. Ebong announced that members of the association have started receiving alerts for their six-month salary arrears, prompting the decision to end the strike.
According to the statement, Minister Wike also approved and ordered immediate payment of the accoutrement allowance owed to health workers, reduced the medical residency bonding to two years, and sanctioned the immediate employment of additional doctors and allied health workers to address the acute shortage of manpower.
Furthermore, he approved and facilitated the payment of locum doctors and other health workers who were owed outstanding wages.
The association has directed its members to resume work on Saturday, January 25, 2025, averting an imminent indefinite shutdown of hospitals in the capital.
Dr. Ebong expressed appreciation for the minister’s swift response, which resolved the immediate concerns but urged him to address other outstanding demands to prevent future industrial actions.
“These demands include the payment of hazard allowances, upgrading and rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, and converting post-part 2 doctors to consultant cadre,” Dr. Ebong stated.
He further praised Wike’s commitment to transforming the health sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and extended an invitation for the minister to visit district hospitals in the near future.
The association also reaffirmed its support for Wike’s efforts to enhance healthcare delivery in the FCT.
NPFL threatens Kano Pillars with stadium ban over non-functional flood lighting
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a stern warning to Kano Pillars, threatening to revoke their provisional approval to host matches at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano if the stadium’s floodlights are not operational by their next home game on Matchday 22.
The league body reminded the club of their commitment to fix the floodlights, a promise made when they were granted approval to return to the stadium last November.
In a statement, the NPFL stated, “Should the flood lighting not be functional for the team’s next home fixture on Matchday 22, Kano Pillars would play home games at any approved venue.”
Earlier in the season, the four-time league champions were forced to play their home matches at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
The ‘Sai Masu Gida’ are scheduled to host El-Kanemi Warriors this Sunday.
The Daily Reality understands that failure to comply with the directive may see Kano Pillars exiled from their home ground once again.
Hamas to release 4 Israeli hostages in truce swap agreement
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Hamas is set to release four Israeli women soldiers who have been held hostage since the October 7, 2023 attack, under a truce deal aimed at easing tensions in the Gaza conflict.
The exchange is part of an agreement expected to see a second group of Palestinian prisoners freed as well.
Israel confirmed on Friday that it had received the names of the hostages due to return, but neither side has specified how many Palestinians will be released in exchange.
The four Israeli soldiers who will be freed are Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag.
Albag, who turned 19 while in captivity, and the other women, now 20 years old, were captured during the deadly Hamas assault on Israel in October 2023.
As part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida stated on Telegram that “as part of the prisoners’ exchange deal, the Qassam brigades decided to release tomorrow four women soldiers.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the list of names had been received through mediators.
Palestinian sources indicated that the releases could begin by noon, though no specific timing has been confirmed by either Hamas or Israel.
This release is part of a fragile ceasefire deal brokered by Qatar and the United States, which began on January 19, 2025.
The agreement is meant to pave the way for a permanent resolution to the conflict.
The deal’s first phase, which commenced last Sunday, includes the return of 33 hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
Thus far, Israel has seen the return of three hostages—Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher—in exchange for the release of 90 Palestinians, predominantly women and minors.
The upcoming phases of the agreement are expected to focus on negotiations for a lasting end to the war and the reconstruction of Gaza, while also facilitating the return of the bodies of deceased hostages.
“Avoid congested places”: Kano police alert residents of possible terrorist attacks
By Anwar Usman
The Kano State Police Command has alerted members of the public on suspected terrorists planning to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations within the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on Friday.
“The Kano State Police Command, in liaison with other security agencies, has received intelligence reports of suspected terrorists planning to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations within Kano State.
“In response, we hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operatives to identify and dislodge possible attackers”.
He further stated that, as part of an effort to ensure a peaceful Kano State, necessary security arrangements have been put in place.
“A team of experts from the command’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear units have been deployed to strategic locations and are on high alert.
“The unit can be reached through: 08169884988 or 07067157218 for report of suspicious persons or item(s),” Kiyawa said.
He called on members of the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or contact the state command through the designated mobile phone numbers.
He said the command remains committed to safeguarding lives and properties as well as maintaining law and order in Kano State.
“We appreciate the support and cooperation of the good people of Kano State and urge everyone to remain vigilant. Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in ensuring public safety,” the statement revealed.
Tinubu approves Ganduje, Gawuna, 43 others for federal board positions
By Uzair Adam
President Bola Tinubu has appointed new board Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers for 42 federal organizations, alongside a secretary for the Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons Services Board.
The announcement was made on Thursday through a statement released by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirming that the appointments take immediate effect.
According to the statement, Tinubu also named a new Managing Director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a Director-General for the National Board for Technology Incubation.
He directed all appointed board chairpersons to refrain from interfering with management operations, emphasizing that their roles are non-executive.
Below is the full list of the appointees and their respective organizations:
- National Youth Service Corps, Ministry of Youth Development
Hillard Eta, Chairman (Cross River State) - Nigerian Institute of International Affairs
Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman (Lagos State) - Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Ministry of Aviation
Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman (Kano State) - National Sugar Development Council
Surajudeen Ajibola, Chairman (Osun State) - Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company
Sulaiman Argungu, Chairman (Kebbi State) - National Agency for Great Green Wall
Senator Magnus Abe, Chairman (Rivers State) - National Teachers Institute
Festus Fuanter, Chairman (Plateau State) - National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI)
Raji Kolawole, Director-General (Oyo State) - Nigerian Institute of Educational Planning and Administration
Victor Giadom, Chairman (Rivers State) - Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria
Mustapha Salihu, Chairman (Adamawa State) - Industrial Training Fund
Hamma Kumo, Chairman (Gombe State) - Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology
Donatus Nwankpa, Chairman (Abia State) - Sheda Science and Technology Complex
Senator Abubakar Maikafi, Chairman (Bauchi State) - Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria
Nasiru Gawuna, Chairman (Kano State) - National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion
Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Chairman (Lagos) - Nigerian Postal Service
D.J. Kekemeke, Chairman (Ondo) - National Inland Waterways Authority
Musa Adar, Chairman (Sokoto) - National Steel Council
Prof. Abdulkarim Abubakar, Chairman (Nasarawa) - National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency
Garba Muhammad, Chairman (Kaduna) - National Bio-Safety Management Agency
Mu’azu Rijau, Chairman (Niger) - Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute
Durosimi Meseko, Chairman (Kogi) - Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe
Zainab Ibrahim, Chairman (Taraba) - Nigerian Railway Corporation
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director (Lagos) - Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti
Durotolu Bankole, Chairman (Ogun) - Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta
Mr. Dayo Israel, Chairman (Lagos) - Federal Medical Centre, Asaba
Mary Alile Idele, Chairman (Edo) - Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja
Chidi Duru, Chairman (Anambra) - Federal Medical Centre, Owerri
Emma Eneukwu, Chairman (Enugu) - Civil Defence, Immigration and Prisons Services Board
Maj-Gen. Jubril Abdulmalik (retd.), Secretary (Kano) - Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia
Mr. Uguru Ofoke, Chairman (Ebonyi) - Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa
Felix Morka, Chairman (Delta) - Federal Medical Centre, Yola
Bashir Gumel, Chairman (Jigawa) - David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Ubuhu, Ebonyi State
Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, Chairman (Imo) - National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency
Edward Omo-Erewa, Chairman (Edo) - Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
Yusuf Abubakar, Chairman (Kaduna) - Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State
Ali Dalori, Chairman (Borno) - Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Kaduna State
Lawal Liman, Chairman - Federal Medical Centre Katsina
Dr. Abubakar Maiha, Chairman - Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC)
Isa Achida, Chairman (Sokoto) - Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kudu
Dr. Mohammed Hassan, Chairman (Zamfara) - National Building and Road Research Institute
Yahuza Inuwa, Chairman (Nasarawa) - Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority
Abubakar Wurno, Chairman (Sokoto) - Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
Augustine Umahi, Chairman (Ebonyi) - Federal Scholarship Board
Babatunde Fakoyede, Chairman (Ekiti) - Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund
Shola Olofin, Chairman (Ekiti)
Suspended Adamawa REC Hudu Ari seeks indefinite adjournment in court
By Uzair Adam
The suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa State, Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari, has appealed to the Adamawa State High Court to adjourn the case against him indefinitely.
During a hearing on Thursday, Ari, through his counsel, M. Tijanni, submitted an application requesting the court to stay proceedings in the case pending a decision on his appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Yola Division.
The Daily Reality gathered that the application, dated January 21, 2025, urged the court to put the trial on hold.
However, the state’s counsel, Chief L. D. Nzadon, strongly opposed the plea, describing it as a challenge to the rule of law and the administration of criminal justice.
He argued that the law does not permit such applications in criminal matters and called on the court to dismiss Ari’s request.
Following arguments from both parties, Justice Benjamin Manji Lawan adjourned the case to January 30, 2025, for a ruling on the application.
Ari’s legal troubles stem from his controversial actions during the 2023 governorship election in Adamawa State. While serving as INEC REC, he declared a winner before the collation process was concluded, bypassing the Returning Officer’s authority.
The incident sparked widespread criticism and led to his suspension by the Federal Government under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He now faces charges for the alleged electoral offence.
Corruption Allegation: An open letter to BUK VC
Dear Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas,
Although I doubt you could access this letter, I consider it necessary after two failed attempts to obtain relevant information from the office of the registrar of Bayero University, Kano (BUK).
After following this issue for over six months, expecting the school to do the needful, I am disappointed that this great institution continues to give the public room to question its integrity, especially when such involves deceiving a newly established institution by inflating figures and withholding surplus money belonging to students.
It has been alleged that the management of BUK inflated the figures of students’ school fees in the data shared with the National Education Loan Fund (NELFund). As a result, students applying for loans to pay their registration fees met higher amounts already pre-entered on their dashboards and submitted their applications since there was no option of altering the figures. Consequently, NELFund sent the pre-entered amounts to BUK to cover the students’ registration fees and expects each applicant to repay the same after graduation.
I know a student who needed N95,500 to pay his registration fees, but when he wanted to borrow from NELFund, he met N110,000 on his application dashboard. He submitted it like that, and his application was approved in June 2024. However, owing to pressure from BUK, he sought money and paid his registration fees, believing in the school to do the needful once it received money from NELFund.
Fast-forward to January 2025. The school refunded him N95,500 (the exact amount he paid as registration fees) without explaining the N14,500 surplus it received from NELFund.
Another student who needed N101,500 was forced to borrow N105,000 from NELFund, with BUK keeping the extra N3,500.
In addition to contacting these two students, I have read dozens of posts and comments by BUK students on social media (concerning this issue) between August 2024 and now, with no single student mentioning having information about their missing money. However, some students are afraid of victimisation, hence warning their mates to be careful with their expressions regarding the issue.
Sir, each of these poor students is expected to repay the exact amount BUK received on their behalf. As a consequence, it is absolutely wrong for the school management to keep the money.
I must mention that the BUK’s singular act of providing wrong data to NELFund could jeopardise the chances of a lot of other potential beneficiaries because the Fund could distrust other institutions henceforth.
I considered this letter necessary after taking some steps, notable of which are as follows:
On June 30, 2024, NELFund responded to my questions via X (formerly Twitter) as follows:
“All institutional fees on the portal were provided by the institution who (sic) themselves are autonomous under the law and not by NELFUND. Should you have any questions regarding your institution fees, kindly contact the competent authorities of your institution.
“According to the Establishment Act, NELFUND reserves the right to determine the interest payable on every loan. In this case, NELFUND have (sic) determined that the interest rate is zero.”
Also, on January 16, 2025, I emailed the registrar of BUK to seek clarification regarding the missing funds belonging to students. Fortunately, I received the following response about an hour later.
“Good morning Ishaka,
Thank you for your email. I will review the issue you’ve raised and respond accordingly.
Kind regards
Haruna Aliyu
Registrar”
Nonetheless, after waiting for six days without receiving any feedback, I sent a reminder. However, at the time of writing this letter, I have still not received any relevant information.
An institution like BUK is supposed to be the epitome of accountability and transparency, so I humbly request that you consider doing the following as soon as possible.
Consider sending the surplus money to the rightful owners—the affected students.
After that, explain the reasons for the wrong figures and the delay in disbursing the surplus to them.
Lastly, explain to NELFund why the school sent the wrong figures to represent the value of students’ school fees.
It is worth stressing that all of the above actions are necessary damage control strategies, so each should be carried out and openly communicated. In addition to helping BUK improve its public image, these strategies could help the authorities of the institution to avoid probable consequences of their unethical and illegal actions.
Yours sincerely,
Ishaka Mohammed
Student leaders reject Tinubu’s rice palliatives, demand focus on educational reform
By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
Student union leaders from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria strongly disapprove of President Bola Tinubu’s distribution of rice palliatives to student leaders across Nigerian tertiary institutions. They call for more substantive reforms in the education sector.
In separate statements, the Student Union Government (SUG) Presidents of both universities criticised the gesture, highlighting that the rice distribution fails to address the deeper challenges Nigerian students face, particularly tuition costs and poor university infrastructure.
Damilola Isaac, the SUG President at OAU, emphasised that he had not received any rice palliatives and made it clear that he would not accept them, even if offered. Isaac stressed that his administration focuses on advocating for systemic change in the education sector rather than accepting temporary handouts that do not address the root causes of student hardship. He called on the government to prioritise measures that would reduce tuition burdens, improve university infrastructure, and generally enhance the quality of education across the country.
“While the government may have good intentions, it is crucial that efforts are directed toward addressing the real issues in education,” Isaac said. “We are committed to fighting for the interests of students and ensuring accountability in the education sector.”
Similarly, Ibrahim Nazeer, the President of the Students’ Representative Council at ABU, voiced his rejection of the rice palliatives. Nazeer, through his media advisor Abdulrazak Shuaibu, said he would not accept the rice unless it were ensured that all students at ABU received their fair share. He urged the government to focus on creating an environment where students can afford necessities like food without relying on sporadic palliative distributions.
Instead of periodic rice handouts, Nazeer suggested that the government focus on long-term solutions that ensure students have access to basic necessities year-round.
While some student leaders, including Fahad Abdullahi, the SUG President of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), confirmed receiving the palliatives, several other institutions, including Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), reported being unaware of the distribution.
The rice palliative, which allocated two 25kg bags of rice to each SUG President, has been criticized for being limited to student leaders rather than the entire student body. Many students expressed concerns over the perceived unfairness of the selective distribution, noting that all students, not just those in leadership positions, are affected by the country’s economic challenges.
Anas Abdulrahman, a student from UDUS, questioned why only student leaders received the palliative. He stressed that all students should benefit from government initiatives, as they are all citizens of Nigeria. “We all voted for this government, and we should all be considered for such palliatives,” he remarked.
The rice distribution is part of the government’s repeated efforts to alleviate the economic hardship exacerbated by the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira, leading to high inflation and food price increases. Despite these measures, inflation has reached 34.8%, with food inflation soaring to 38.94%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Many students and citizens are questioning the effectiveness of distributing rice as a response to the economic crisis, with some suggesting that more meaningful policy changes are needed to address the underlying economic issues facing Nigerians.
As Nigeria grapples with economic instability, student leaders are calling for a shift in focus toward lasting educational reforms, improved infrastructure, and sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by students.
Truecaller launches real-time caller ID for iPhone users
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Truecaller, the caller identification and spam-blocking application, has unveiled a new real-time caller ID feature specifically for iPhone users.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the company explained that this feature leverages Apple’s ‘Live Caller ID Lookup’ framework, which was introduced with iOS 18, to securely deliver real-time caller identification services.
The update, according to Truecaller, is a response to persistent user demands for the iOS version of the app to match the functionality of its Android counterpart, while maintaining a strong commitment to user privacy.
Rishit Jhunjhunwala, the CEO of Truecaller, emphasized the significance of the update, stating, “We are excited to bring the full power of Truecaller to iPhone. We see tremendous potential and growth in our iPhone user base, and parity with Truecaller’s Android experience has been top of their wishlist. This update does that and more while preserving privacy for all calling activity.”
Apple also highlighted the innovation in its release notes, stating, “New APIs allow developers like Truecaller to fetch information from their servers and provide live caller ID for incoming calls, in a privacy-preserving way.”
The feature, which became available on January 22, is currently exclusive to premium subscribers. Users can activate it by navigating to settings, selecting the phone option, and enabling call blocking and identification.
Free users, however, can still access specific features such as ad-supported number searches and verified business caller IDs.Truecaller added that the update includes a redesigned interface, with caller names prominently displayed above phone numbers.
The company also disclosed plans to incorporate caller images in future updates to further enhance user experience.
This development marks Truecaller’s first major release since its co-founders, Alan Mamedi and Nami Zarringhalam, stepped down from daily operations in November 2024.
3 suspected Lassa fever deaths reported in Benue State
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Benue State Government has disclosed that three individuals have died in the past week due to suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 12 suspected cases currently under investigation.
Dr. Yanmar Ortese, the state’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, made this known on Wednesday.
According to Dr. Ortese, all the incidents were recorded in Okpokwu Local Government Area within a one-week period.
He stated, “No confirmed cases yet,” explaining that 12 samples had been collected from individuals who had close contact with the deceased.
He further added that the results of the tests would determine the nature of the cases.
The Commissioner assured the public that the ministry’s emergency operations unit promptly took action by isolating those affected as a precautionary measure.
The situation remains under close monitoring while awaiting test results to confirm whether the deaths and suspected cases are indeed due to Lassa fever.