Dear Nigerians,

May God have mercy on you! Your country’s name reminds me of abundance — the ceaseless and abundant flow of the River Niger. The great resource that is ever willing to serve Nigerians and non-Nigerians, like me, and countless others. It does not stop there; myriad resources – human, natural, and other— are scattered all over the “Niger-aria” that force the envy and admiration of many people who were not blessed with Nigerian citizenship.

Yet, here we are shedding tears in recognition of the waste it has suffered in the hands of those who have mismanaged it. The teardrops force their way out even more when we consider how ignorant the Nigerian youth is of the resources around him. Who are the successors to this great wealth called Nigeria?

The aspiration, needs, values and beliefs of the young ones are the key focus of every effective national curriculum. Youths should be more useful to their societies than mere patient seekers of white collar jobs. When values and character escape the curriculum, how will dignity and progress not escape the people? The hope of Nigeria is in its curriculum. If Nigeria is to present to the world those great nation-builders it once won the world’s attention with, it should be reflected in what is happening in the schools presently. The worst kind of slavery a country will ever suffer is to leave its abundant resources in the hands of ignorant successors.

What wrong could the people of Nigeria do to their blessed nation if they restrain themselves from those destructive desires that will ruin their owners and the country? Will Nigeria lose anything if it loses all its corrupt citizens? It is common knowledge to the corrupt and those who are not that nobody gains from harming fellow human beings. Surely, the criminals are running from the evil consequences of their crimes. What do we gain when all we have toiled and killed for is left in the hands of our enemies, and the only thing left with us is our graves? If we turn our backs on all opportunities for reform, what use will an enormous and deformed nation have in our modern world?

Despite the problems and conflicts Nigeria endures as a nation, no sane mind can deny that Nigeria holds great potential if its people cooperate in development and nation-building. When people become good neighbours to one another, they won’t suffer and perish in the midst of abundance.

I dream of a Nigeria that will no longer be Nigeria (in the sense that the word Nigeria is synonymous with crime and corruption) I dream of a Nigeria that will ever be Nigeria (in the sense of its blessings and beauty) When the people beautify their beliefs and character, they will achieve their aims, by God’s permission. Let the brave ones among the good-doers come forward wherever they are. Let the people’s hope reflect in the young ones’ willingness to embrace reform. There is great hope for Nigeria, and nobody should say there is no hope for Nigeria. Let it not be a cause of despondency to those sincere and diligent Nigerians that things are not going well in their beloved nation. Let them rejoice that nations with more problems than Nigeria have risen to great heights in the past. Let this awareness motivate them to start work at once. 

Weak minds say: “There is no hope”. The strong and wise minds reply, “We have been appointed to a new office, and there is a lot of work to do” Nigeria is the office of every Nigerian. Its progress should be the concern of every worker, and whoever has good intentions for Nigeria has already entered his office; instead, he has begun receiving his remuneration. Why should we shed tears when we have all the resources to avert the pain and frustration? Is it not this same Nigeria that has served as the nourishing mother of many great minds in diverse fields and life endeavours?

I have spent what I consider to be the best of my life on earth in Nigeria. During this period, I have seen many things that signify hope for the future of Nigeria. As a student, I have encountered many young, intelligent, and morally upright Nigerians. As a neighbour, I have never encountered a situation that makes me feel like returning home; rather, everyone around me has done their best to make Nigeria a home away from home for me. 

As a member of society, I have seen men with vision and energy to reform Nigeria. As a friend, I have met very kind and sincere Nigerians. As a teacher, I have seen students who have the potential of being nation builders, if provided with aconducive environment. In brief, there is a lot of good locked within the Nigerians we see around. All they need is somebody to awaken them and tell them, “Yes, you can”. Somebody to inspire and motivate. Are you the one?

If you are the one, then be patient about proving your worth. Do not let anger or frustration lead you to violence, lest you destroy the very lives you stood up to defend. Do not cry even when you feel powerless to reform society, and do good things for your people. Keep the good dream, and one day, you shall wipe away the tears of your people with your utility and services to them. Praise Him who made you a Nigerian, reform yourself, and be patient about bringing reform to society. Don’t let up, just go on! 

It may take a long time to see the desired change, but your efforts will never be wasted, even if all the circumstances point to that effect. If you can change a single Nigerian, then we can’t quantify the benefit you would have brought to the world through that change. If you can’t change anybody and find people who are obstinate in crime and corruption, never give up.

Your goodwill, endurance, kindness and sacrifices are inspiring to the very people that have caused you so much pain. Also, your efforts are a strong foundation for those who will tread the path of reform after you. No doubt! You did not lose anything. Instead, you gained a lot and left a lot for others to gain from. So don’t give up! Continue to educate your people on what they stand to lose by not being upright nation builders. The people are not as bad as you think; they are just ignorant of the consequences of their evil actions. So educate them.

Mass Quality Education/Awareness, not violence, indifference, or migration, is the answer. If the people are enlightened, they will learn lessons from all the war-torn countries around them. Look around Africa and see where violence has led nations. In the end, somebody like me, born and bred in Sierra Leone, a war-torn country, realised that war, in most cases, means wasting All Resources.

Also, you can’t run away from what you have. You run, run and run, yet one day you will realise the need to return home. Take note and ACT NOW.

Amara Sessay can be reached via femohsesay@googlemail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Prominent author and social media commentator Reno Omokri has strongly defended the Hausa people and their culture after a Facebook user made what many saw as a derogatory comment about the ethnic group.

The controversy began when Omokri shared a celebratory post about his daughter, Oritsetsolayemi.

In response, a Facebook user, Arc Eze Chukwukere Atuegbu, sarcastically wrote: “Na Hausa APC ward chairman go marry this ur daughter. Congratulations sir.”

The comment, perceived by many as an ethnic jibe, drew a direct response from Omokri. In a follow-up post, Omokri expressed disappointment that being Hausa was implied to be an insult.

He described the ethnic slur as ignorant and unjustified.

“I don’t know why you think being Hausa is a derogatory thing. If my daughter marries a Hausa man, I would have no issues as long as it was a love match,” Omokri wrote.

Going further, he praised the cultural and intellectual legacy of the Hausa people, stating they had been writing in Ajami (Arabic script) for over 800 years, long before colonialism.

He contrasted this with what he described as the historical nakedness and lack of formal civilisation among many Southern Nigerian communities before Christian missionaries arrived.

Most notably, Omokri made a bold linguistic claim that has since gone viral:“There is no language in Southern Nigeria whose lexicon is wider than Hausa. None. Absolutely none!”

Language experts have weighed in on the statement, noting that Hausa is not only one of the most spoken languages in Nigeria but also across West Africa.

It is used as a lingua franca across borders, has a deep literary tradition in both Arabic and Latin scripts, and contains thousands of native and borrowed words that have influenced other Nigerian languages.

Omokri’s response has received widespread support and has reignited national discussions about ethnic tolerance, cultural pride, and the historical contributions of northern Nigeria to the broader Nigerian identity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has revealed the reason behind appointing Nyesom Wike as his Chief of Staff during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.

According to Amaechi, he deliberately chose Wike for the position instead of making him Commissioner for Finance so he could keep a close eye on him.

His comments came in response to Wike’s recent jibe at him following Amaechi’s statement, “We’re all hungry,” made during his 60th birthday celebration.

Wike had dismissed the remark, claiming the former governor was not hungry for food, but for political recognition.

Appearing on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Amaechi said he had no interest in exchanging words with Wike.

“God, Peter Odili, the judiciary and the Rivers state people made me governor,” he said.

Challenging Wike’s claim of playing a role in his political rise, Amaechi asked, “Ask him how he made me governor. I’m saying this because I don’t want to join issues with children.”

He stated further: “I wanted him as chief of staff so I could supervise him. I didn’t offer him commissioner for finance. You see, I’m saying this because I don’t want to join issues with children.”

In another veiled swipe, he added, “You know, he made himself chief of staff. He made himself governor. He made himself minister. He made himself local government chairman.”

Amaechi’s remarks are the latest in an ongoing war of words between the two political figures who were once allies in Rivers State but have since become bitter rivals.

By Uzair Adam S

audi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has declared a comprehensive ban on taking photographs, recording videos, and displaying political or sectarian expressions at all key Hajj sites.

According to a statement released by the ministry, pilgrims are forbidden from engaging in such activities within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, and at significant Hajj locations such as Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

Authorities noted that these actions could disrupt the spiritual sanctity of the pilgrimage and potentially sow division among pilgrims gathered from around the world.

The ministry stressed that Hajj is a time for worship, humility, and unity, and any acts that contradict these principles will not be allowed.

Pilgrims are urged to respect these directives and work closely with officials to ensure that Hajj 2025 unfolds in a peaceful, organized, and spiritually fulfilling manner.

“Security personnel will be stationed throughout the pilgrimage to monitor and enforce these regulations,” the statement added.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Abdulrasheed Bawa, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has released a revealing new book that exposes the depth of corruption in Nigeria’s petroleum subsidy regime.

Titled The Shadow of Loot & Losses: Uncovering Nigeria’s Petroleum Subsidy Fraud, the book offers a detailed, insider account of one of the country’s most expensive financial scandals. Drawing from his experience as a lead investigator in the 2012 probe into fuel subsidy fraud, Bawa unveils how trillions of naira were siphoned through fraudulent schemes.

According to the book, corrupt practices ranged from ghost importing and over-invoicing to manipulating shipping documents and round-tripping—all of which were aimed at exploiting the subsidy payment system. 

Bawa also highlights the roles played by both complicit officials and private sector actors, citing systemic weaknesses and widespread collusion.

“This is not just a chronicle of fraud,” Bawa said. “It is a call to action — a demand for transparency, accountability, and reform in Nigeria’s public finance management, especially in the oil sector.”

Published by CableBooks, an imprint of Cable Media & Publishing Ltd, the book is now available nationwide through RovingHeights Bookstore. It is already being hailed as essential reading for policymakers, journalists, and anyone concerned with governance and accountability in Nigeria.

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

Last year, the Kano-Maiduguri Road suffered severe damage from flooding. The disaster caused immense hardship for ordinary citizens, displaced several communities along the route, and inflicted economic losses in hundreds of millions of naira. It also disrupted access to Maiduguri from key states such as Abuja, Kano, Jigawa, and Yobe, effectively cutting off the northeast from the rest of the country.

It will be recalled that on 15th August 2024, a Federal Government delegation led by the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi and the Governor of Bauchi State visited the affected site. They assessed the extent of the damage and promised urgent intervention, recognising the road’s economic significance not just for the northeast, but for the country as a whole. Unfortunately, to the dismay of the affected communities, no tangible action has been taken since that visit, only temporary fixes that have had little to no impact.

Residents are now growing concerned that if urgent intervention is not undertaken before the rains intensify, the road could suffer even more extensive damage than last year. This poses a serious threat to lives and property, as was previously experienced.

The rehabilitation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road is not merely about filling potholes or patching the surface – it is a vital aspect of regional and national development. The benefits of well-maintained roads are immense: improved safety and reduced accidents, enhanced economic activities, better quality of life, strengthened social integration, and even environmental advantages.

Beyond the infrastructural failure, there are concerns about the federal government’s perceived neglect of certain regions. This is especially disheartening considering that this region gave the current administration some of its highest votes. 

As an optimist and a believer in equitable governance, I hold firmly that all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria deserve equal attention and investment. Every part of this country matters. Mr. President must lead with sincerity of purpose and see all Nigerians as his constituency.

It is worth noting that during his visit, the Minister of Works acknowledged this imbalance, stating: “Let me make it clear that the shortfall in road distribution was not the doing of President Tinubu, nor mine. However, the President is addressing it. That is why the fourth legacy project has been initiated, stretching from Akwanga to Jos to Bauchi State. We are pleased that work is progressing significantly on major portions of the road in Bauchi State.”

The Minister further pledged that the President is determined to provide adequate funding for legacy projects through various intervention mechanisms. We hope that the government will act swiftly and treat this as a matter of national urgency by repairing the damaged sections of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, particularly within the Jama’are and Azare-Potiskum axes.

As an engineer, the Minister of Works should set a precedent prioritising action over rhetoric. When entrusted with responsibility, those in positions of power must demonstrate competence and a genuine commitment to service.

This is a humble but firm appeal to the federal government to urgently address the long-standing issue of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, which has been in disrepair since last year’s devastating floods.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Azare, Bauchi State.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The meeting, which was not previously announced, comes amid ongoing political turbulence in Rivers State.

Neither the presidency nor Fubara’s camp has released an official statement on the meeting, but it is widely seen as part of efforts to resolve the deepening crisis in the state.

The Daily Reality reports that Governor Fubara has faced relentless opposition since assuming office in 2023.

His dispute with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, led to Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers on May 18, 2025.

In his announcement, Tinubu cited the collapse of democratic structures in the state, pointing to the December 2023 demolition of the House of Assembly and the prolonged deadlock that followed.

The Supreme Court also weighed in on February 28, 2025, stating that there was effectively no government in Rivers due to the absence of a functioning legislature.

As political watchers await an official update, Tinubu’s meeting with Fubara has heightened expectations for a breakthrough in the lingering crisis.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday night awarded Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), Nigeria’s second-highest national honour.

The ceremony took place in Lagos in recognition of Gates’ contributions to global health and development through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The CFR is reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Nigeria and humanity at large.

Gates has long supported initiatives in Nigeria, particularly in healthcare, polio eradication, and economic development.

President Tinubu praised Gates for his dedication to improving lives worldwide and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with global leaders in advancing sustainable development.

By Anas Abbas

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated that deposit money banks (DMBs) cease the direct deduction of charges from customers’ accounts.

Instead, these fees will now be deducted from users’ mobile airtime.This change, effective June 3, 2025, was communicated to customers via an email from the United Bank for Africa (UBA) on Tuesday.

The bank outlined that, in compliance with the NCC’s directive, charges for USSD banking services will no longer be taken from bank accounts but will instead be billed directly to mobile airtime.

According to the UBA’s statement, each USSD session will incur a fee of ₦6.98 for every 120 seconds, a charge that will be processed by the user’s mobile network operator.

Customers will receive a consent prompt at the beginning of each session, and airtime will only be deducted after they confirm their willingness to proceed, provided the bank is available to complete the transaction.

For those who prefer not to use USSD banking under this new billing structure, UBA has indicated that customers can opt out of this service.

Additionally, they can continue to utilize other digital banking options and internet banking platforms for their transactions.

This latest directive appears to be a strategic effort by the NCC to address the long-standing conflict surrounding USSD payments between commercial banks and mobile network operators (MNOs).

In December 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and NCC had instructed MNOs and DMBs to settle an outstanding USSD debt estimated at ₦250 billion.

The situation escalated in January when telecommunications companies threatened to withdraw USSD services due to unpaid debts owed by banks.

In response, the NCC warned it would suspend USSD services and publish a list of banks that were still in arrears.

On January 15, the regulator ordered telcos to disconnect USSD codes assigned to nine banks by January 27 due to these outstanding debts.

On February 28, MTN Nigeria reported receiving ₦32 billion of the ₦72 billion owed by banks as part of the resolution of this USSD debt issue.

This recent directive marks a pivotal shift in how USSD banking services will operate in Nigeria, potentially benefiting both consumers and service providers in the long run.

By Anwar Usman

Government Secondary School Kwakwaci, Kano, has a rich history of academic excellence spanning decades. Over the years, the school has produced thousands of graduates who have gone on to achieve greater things.

The Daily Reality reliably gathered that despite these notable achievements, the school is now facing significant challenges.

Many fear that Kwakwaci will be among the schools in Kano State that may cease to exist due to severe environmental and managerial problems that have plagued the institution.

These unresolved issues threaten to ultimately force the school to close its doors.

Part of the problems bedevilling the school include dilapidated classrooms, abandoned laboratories, and other infrastructural decay, further exacerbated by rampant theft of school facilities by hooligans living in the vicinity.

Neglect despite huge education allocations

The Daily Reality also gathered that this menace persists despite the state’s declaration of an emergency in the education sector and the allocation of massive funds to improve education in the state.

This persistent neglect raises uncomfortable questions about the priorities of the Kano State Government, which allocated a staggering ₦95 billion to the education sector in its 2024 budget and an additional ₦168,350,802,346.19 (representing 31.00% of the budget) in 2025, making education one of the most heavily funded sectors in the state.

Current state of the school

The once-proud institution has no gate to protect its infrastructure, giving people of all kinds unrestricted access to the premises.

A staffer of the school, who spoke under the condition of anonymity during an interview with our reporter, lamented how the school has been grappling with issues that threaten its very existence.

“At night or after school hours, people enter the school and steal whatever they want due to the absence of security personnel at the gate,” he said.

He added that, “That’s what makes it easy for people to engage in criminal activities like smoking, drug abuse, and other illegal acts.”

He further noted, “The school is located very close to a market, and people have taken advantage of that proximity to carry out illegal activities.”

Other schools suffering a similar fate

Kwakwaci is not the only school in this dire situation. Several other schools are either on the verge of collapse or desperately need renovation to continue operating.

Schools like Mai Kwatashi, GSS Tudun Bojuwa and many others in the rural communities have suffered from over a decade of neglect.

In the case of GSS Tudun Bojuwa, the school has no gate, students sit on the floor, and the classrooms lack doors and windows, among other distressing conditions.

It is evident that while the state government’s declaration of an emergency in education is a vital step, these persistent problems continue to undermine teaching and learning.

Response from the principal

When contacted, the principal of Government Secondary School Kwakwaci said he was not fully aware of the situation.

“The only thing I know is that the school has no junior secondary students because they are under the supervision of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and they don’t send junior secondary students here anymore,” he said.

He attributed the lack of students to the high cost of living. “Most of the students come from areas like Kurna, Rijiyar Lemo, and Bachirawa.

“Many parents cannot afford the transport fare for their children, and that’s why the school has no junior classes.”

He added, “We only have SS2 and SS3 classes, and we have already appealed to stakeholders to reconsider the situation and send fresh students for junior secondary education.”

Government response

TDR also contacted the Kano State Ministry of Education through its Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdullahi, who referred us to the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSMB) for a comprehensive report on the condition of the school.

However, the Executive Secretary’s phone could not be reached.

Efforts to contact the PRO of the KSSMB also proved futile as there was no response to the calls and messages we sent to him at the time of compiling this report.

Many people believe that it is high time the government took decisive action to address the plight of these schools, especially Kwakwaci.

They also believe that that would help not only in revitalising education but also in curbing illegal activities by individuals who exploit the school’s deteriorating facilities.