By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has reaffirmed the collective concerns of northern governors regarding the rising insecurity in the region, and emphasized strong commitment to partnering key stakeholders to tackle the issue effectively.

The Governor restated this on Monday while receiving a comprehensive report of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) put together by the Experts’ Committee on insecurity in Northern Nigeria as part of the outcomes of the recently conducted roundtable meeting held in Abuja.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted the growing impact of insecurity on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, particularly in the agricultural sector, which has led to hike in food prices affecting not only the Northern states but the entire nation.

He emphasized that the governors are committed to tackling the insecurity that has plagued the region, which has hindered farming activities, exacerbated the inflation of food commodities and general economic challenges faced by the country.

“As Governors, we are deeply concerned about the security situation in Northern Nigeria. This region has the largest portion of the country’s population and is endowed with mineral resources and fertile soil ideal for farming. The region’s agricultural strength plays a significant role in ensuring food security in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the current insecurity is disrupting these activities, contributing to the rising cost of food commodities, which affects all Nigerians, not just those in the North”, the Governor stated.

As part of the NSGF’s response under his leadership, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced plans to convene an expanded meeting which will bring together all relevant stakeholders, including past and present leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and civil society organizations, to discuss and implement strategies aimed at restoring the glory of the region.

“This time around, we want to take a collective approach to the insecurity issue. This report is timely. We will study it and work together towards its implementation. We are currently planning to convene an expanded meeting with all critical stakeholders in the region to further explore how we can come together to propose solutions that will genuinely address these problems completely”, the Governor said.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also commended the leadership of the CNG for its detailed analysis, acknowledging their role in addressing the region’s most pressing issues.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Committee of Experts on security component of the CNG, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, explained that the report presented to Governor Inuwa Yahaya is a culmination of a long and painstaking process looking at the changing faces of insecurity in Northern Nigeria with a view to proffering workable solutions.

Highlighting some content of the report, he acknowledged the imperative of All Society Approach introduced by the group which will establish synergy among stakeholders across the spectrum of Northern Nigeria in tackling insecurity.

He said the group has already submitted the same report to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the office of the National Security Adviser NSA for onward processing.

While acknowledging the peace and tranquility of Gombe State, the leader of the delegation however, explained that no state is totally immune from criminal activities so long as contiguous states are confronted with incidences of crime and criminality.

The Governor was joined in receiving the group by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Head of Service, Alh. Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi as well as Commissioners and Special Advisers.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his 58th birthday.

Vice-President Shettima is an academic, accomplished banking professional, raconteur, and leader.

He was the governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019 and senator representing Borno Central from 2019 to 2023.

President Tinubu joins family, friends, and members of the executive arm of government to celebrate the quintessential administrator, orator, and bibliophile on this special occasion.

The President commends Vice-President Shettima for the enthusiasm, vigour, and affability he brings to governance.

President Tinubu thanks the Vice-President for his support and wishes him robust health and renewed strength in his service to the nation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has raised concerns that bandits are now abducting and killing Nigerians, believing they are serving God.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Gumi reacted to the recent seizure of Mines Resistant Armour personnel (MRAPs) by bandits, led by notorious kingpin Bello Turji. 

Gumi stated that the bandits were initially fighting an “ethnic war that could easily be resolved” but warned against intensifying the kinetic approach, which he believes has led to their radicalization.

“I warned if the kinetic approach is intensified they will turn into ideologically motivated guerrilla warfare. Nobody listened,” he said. 

The cleric noted that the bandits now commit the same crimes, but with a twisted belief that they are serving God. “The picture is gloomy,” Gumi concluded. His warning comes as a video from 2023 resurfaced, showing bandits jubilating after setting the seized MRAPs on fire.

By Uzair Adam

A 19-year-old native doctor named Timothy Dauda has been detained by the Edo State Police for allegedly killing his client, Alex Ezekiel, during a failed “anti-bullet” charm test in Onumu Community, Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the Edo Police Command, SP Moses Yamu, the incident occurred on August 20 when Ezekiel visited Dauda to obtain a charm purported to protect against gunshots and machete cuts.

During the encounter, Dauda allegedly attempted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the charm by shooting Ezekiel. However, the charm failed, and Ezekiel sustained fatal injuries.

A source revealed that Ezekiel was rushed to a hospital in Igarra, where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

The suspect was subsequently arrested by officers from the Igarra Divisional Police Station.

The police have stated that Dauda will face prosecution once the investigation is completed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi  

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its seven-day warning strike, which started on August 26, following a virtual meeting of its national executive council (NEC) on August 30. 

The strike was prompted by the continued detention of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola-Olawale, a member of the association who was abducted on December 27, 2023, in Kaduna. 

In a statement, NARD said it had suspended the strike to allow for continued engagement with stakeholders and monitoring of developments in Dr. Popoola-Olawale’s case.

The association has vowed to reconvene in three weeks to reassess the situation. 

NARD expressed gratitude for the increased awareness and government intervention generated by media coverage of Dr. Popoola-Olawale’s abduction.

Her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola, was released on March 7, 2024, but Dr. Popoola-Olawale remains in captivity. 

Work is expected to resume at all healthcare centers nationwide on September 2, 2024, at 8:00 am.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The executive Governor of Bauchi state, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed (Kaura) has approved the appointment of Alhaji Haruna Yunusa Danyaya, the eldest son of the late Emir as the 17th Emir of Ningi with 1st class status.

This decision is in exercise of the powers conferred on him by cap.24 Item 3 (1) of the laws of Bauchi state of Nigeria ( Appointment of Emirs/ Chiefs and Deposition 1991) and the recommendations of the kingmakers.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the secretary to the Bauchi state government, Barrister Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim.

Bauchi state government expresses its confidence in the new Emir’s ability to continue the legacy of his late father in fostering unity, peace and development in the Ningi Emirate and Bauchi state as a whole.

Bauchi state government under the leadership of Governor Bala Muhammed remains committed to supporting the traditional institution in the state as they play a crucial role in maintaining peace and progress in our communities.

Governor Bala Muhammed prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Emir’s soul, also extend his warm felicitations and prayers for good health, long life and successful reign of the new Emir.

The new Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Haruna Yunusa Danyaya was born in Ningi in 1956 and he was the immediate past Chiroman Ningi. He is happly married with children.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested several individuals, including an Education Secretary, a School Headmaster, and three others, for allegedly dismantling and illegally selling school furniture and metals from a primary school in the Kumbotso local government area.

The arrests were made on Saturday after the suspects were reportedly caught in the act on the premises of Gaidar Makada Special Primary School.

According to the Senior Special Reporter to the Kano State Governor on Anti-Corruption, Malam Sani Umar Sani, local residents noticed unusual activity at the school early in the morning.

Upon investigation, they discovered that furniture was being dismantled and the metals were being removed and prepared for sale.

One resident, who lives nearby, reported seeing a man with several young boys heading toward the school’s classrooms.

After being questioned by the school security guard, they were allowed inside. Shortly thereafter, loud noises were heard, prompting further inspection, which revealed the dismantling operation.

Malam AbdulGafar Sanusi Garba, Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), and Malam Alkassim Muhammad, Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), were informed of the incident.

Both stated they were unaware of the activity and claimed they had been dismissed from their roles by the headmaster, Malam Yusuf, before completing their tenure, without notification to the local government education secretary.

The suspects, including a buyer of the dismantled metals, were detained following the incident.

It was reported that the furniture, valued at over two million naira, was sold for just N250,000.

The anti-graft agency has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with those arrested currently in custody.

A source within the commission suggested that this case might not be isolated, indicating a pattern of illegal dismantling and sale of school properties across the state.

In response, the agency is developing software to inventory school items and monitor any unauthorized alterations.

By Mutalib Jibril

Have you ever felt a sudden twinge in your back, experienced a sharp pain in your chest, or noticed unusual fatigue? Did you rush to your favorite search engine to discover what might be wrong? You could be a patient of Dr. Google. Even with the best intentions, your search can quickly become a tangled mess of confusion.

Technology has made nearly everything easier and more convenient, giving us access to a wealth of information at our fingertips. This convenience extends to the health sector as well. 

A research review suggested that 90% of people in the United States have searched the internet for health information. It also revealed that 1 in 3 adults have gone online to try to diagnose a medical condition.

Googling your symptoms makes you believe you have a serious or even deadly health condition. When this happens, it’s known as cyberchondria. This term is used for an individual who develops extreme, unwarranted anxiety by using the internet to search for medical information.

For instance, you are experiencing a persistent cough. Almost instinctively, you grab your phone and search “persistent cough is a symptom of ….” In an instant, you are bombarded with a range of potential causes, such as allergies, asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, whooping cough, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Now, you are not only coughing but also feeling overwhelmed and anxious. 

Turning to Google to diagnose what is wrong with you can lead to fear and anxiety because Google will not provide specific information about your health.

Online resources can be beneficial but are often confusing, alarming, and filled with inaccurate information. Google has no knowledge of your medical history, current medications, or other personal details crucial for an accurate diagnosis. One of the biggest risks of self-online diagnosis is that it may deter you from seeking the professional help you need.

When your car breaks down, you don’t just Google the problem to find out why it happened. Searching online may provide numerous reasons, but it won’t pinpoint the exact issue. Instead, you consult a mechanic with the expertise to identify and fix the issue. 

Similarly, seeing a medical doctor is more effective when you are experiencing health problems rather than relying on search engines.

When your smartphone starts acting up, you wouldn’t just rely on online searches to troubleshoot the issue. Instead, youwill visit a tech specialist who can fix the problem. Why, then, are you Googling your health problems? These two examples illustrate why seeking expertise is always the best approach.

Medical doctors undergo years of training that fully equip them with the precision to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions that Google simply cannot match.

Mutalib Jibril wrote via mutalibdantanisabi300@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman

The nationwide protest organized by Nigerians purposely to highlight the sufferings and hard times that Nigerians are going through was later turned into thuggery, which resulted in vandalizing government properties and stealing people’s belongings.

Everyone who attends the gathering knows precisely what happened and who is responsible for the vandalization during the peaceful protest. It’s unfortunate that some people who didn’t even partake in the protest but only witnessed some part of the event on social media concluded that the protesters were the ones responsible for the vandalization of government properties and went ahead to fault this same youth who is agitating for good governance and food security.

I joined the peaceful demonstration as a citizen to exercise my democratic and civic rights. The demonstration began peacefully, with youth raising placards containing various inscriptions telling the government what was necessary. I also witnessed many instances where the same youth advocated for a peaceful demonstration by warning those trying to cause havoc or unnecessary problems.

It was not until after the address by the governor of Kano state that some angry youth were said to have joined the demonstration and vandalized the NCC office that’s yet to be commissioned. How is it possible for people who want the government to listen to their yearnings and aspirations to end up in this barbaric act? 

A lot of misinformation on social media claimed that this youth initially organized the demonstration to loot. But this opinion is strictly for those who think citizens should not tell the government the difficulties they’re going through through protest. These people are very well aware of the situation in the north and Nigeria.

In reality, these thugs were hired to disrupt the demonstration process. Is there any place that one can find rocks of the same size on a state road? How do the rocks get there? How could there be a political gathering while the protest is ongoing? This tells you that these uneducated thugs were hired to fault and disrupt the demonstration process due to some political reasons I wouldn’t like to mention here.

Look, this demonstration tells you how angry and hungry people are, especially the youth around 20-25 years of age. Although this is a planned demonstration, a time is coming when no one can stop these youth from expressing their anger. Youths were coming out in thousands to express their concern about what has been happening for a year now.

If you think the protest is the main cause of what happened, does that mean people should not participate? Everyone knows the danger of following the Kaduna-Abuja road due to kidnapping and banditry, but does that stop people from following the road? Don’t they want their lives? What about the people of Katsina who are now friends of bandit? 

The vandalization shouldn’t be the yardstick for generalizing these youth who are out to secure their future. If the protest is a means to express dissatisfaction over the government’s inability to meet certain demands, then people must partake,even if that can change their lives. 

Even in the US, the mother of democracy, during the protests, people carried out such acts (not stealing). Assume I’m lying, but fact-check what I said.

The question left unanswered is, where do you think Nigerian youth can find hope, and through what process? This is a democratic era. People must exercise their democratic rights before their leaders can listen to them.

Imagine a country where the president is publicizing that he has no CABAL or a SPONSOR! That is to say, the moment he assumed office, Nigerians were sold to him by the delegates of his political party, and no one could influence his decisions, positively or negatively.

I sympathize with the victims who lost their properties and some lives in the process of the protest, but this shouldn’t be the end. You must lose something to get something, and hopefully, the end of the struggle will yield a positive result.

It’s a time for Nigerian youth to abstain from drugs and vandalism. Do not let anyone use you to cause havoc and dump you in a dustbin. Think for yourselves, attend school, and build your future because success is yours.

The people behind this thuggery sent their children abroad, schooling in the world’s first-class universities, whereas the sons of the common person are dealing with drugs, joblessness, and uncertainties of life.

The government should use what happened in Kano as a case study. It’s always said that “a hungry man is an angry man.” The government should try to listen to Nigerians’ yearnings and provide immediate solutions to their sufferings. If not, no one can dare stop these youth the next time they’ll be on the street in the name of protest.

God bless Nigeria. May Nigerian succeed, amin.

Anwar Usman Hassan wrote from Kano via usmananwarhassan@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

At least 10 people have died and 40 others are currently hospitalized following a diphtheria outbreak in Kano State.

The state’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, disclosed this to journalists as reported by The Daily Reality on Sunday.

Dr. Labaran confirmed to journalists that the deaths occurred over the past week, adding that the state government has established diphtheria treatment centers in various local government areas to handle the outbreak.

“We have recorded 10 deaths from the diphtheria outbreak in the last week, and as of this morning, 40 patients are receiving treatment,” Dr. Labaran stated. He urged residents who encounter individuals showing symptoms of diphtheria to visit the newly established treatment centers instead of coming to facilities in the metropolitan area, to help prevent the spread of the disease.

He emphasized that treatment at these centers is free of charge.

Dr. Labaran also refuted figures circulating on social media, stating, “The only official number we have is 10 deaths.” The health authorities in Kano continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to contain the outbreak are underway.