By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Plateau State witnessed a night of terror as Kwahaslalek village in Mangu Local Government Area fell prey to a savage attack by gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday.

Shockingly, over 30 lives were claimed, with the majority being women and children who had sought refuge in the house of a community leader following earlier unrest. 

Mark Haruna, a local community leader, revealed the details, noting the calculated nature of the assault during a distraction in Mangu town.

He somberly stated, “For the second time, my village Kwahaslalek came under attack… They came at about 12:30 am and killed over 25 people, mostly women and children.” 

Joseph Gwankat, Chairman of the Mwaghavul Development Association, condemned the heartless act, narrating the ordeal of villagers who, in a bid for safety, had gathered in one location only to face brutality.

Gwankat expressed disbelief at the absence of security, saying, “How can people who are in their villages be targets of constant attacks and killings without anything being done to stop the perpetrators?” 

In response to the escalating crisis, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu LGA on Tuesday.

This decision comes in the wake of heightened insecurity, including the Christmas Eve attacks that left over 150 dead in various local government areas. 

The state police command, through spokesman Alabo Alfred, claimed to be unaware of the incident, promising an investigation.

As Plateau State grapples with the aftermath of these brutal attacks, the community remains on edge, haunted by the recurrent violence that continues to plague its villages.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, led a momentous launch of the COWA Secretariat on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Federal Housing Estate, Gwarinpa, Abuja. 

According to a statement released by NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwadah, on Tuesday, the inauguration of the National Secretariat was graced by the esteemed presence of COWA’s founder, Mrs. Prisca Nwadialo, and A’ishatu Sadiya Dikko Inde, the second National President, who played a pivotal role in establishing Association Chapters across the Federation. 

The event brought together Presidents of Officers’ Wives Associations from various security agencies in Nigeria, showcasing the unity and strength within the organisation. 

Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, in her address, expressed gratitude to the participants and recognised the invaluable contributions of the pioneer presidents, Mrs. Prisca Nwadialo and A’ishatu Sadiya Dikko Inde, who laid the foundation in 2009. 

Acknowledging the unwavering support of her husband, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the Customs Management Team, Mrs.

Kikelomo stated how this support has been a driving force behind COWA’s initiatives. These initiatives are carefully designed to enhance the lives of their members, focusing on women-centric programmes. 

Deputy Comptroller-General Festus Okun, representing the Comptroller-General at the event, commended COWA for its commitment to supporting and empowering women.

He regarded the launch of the National Secretariat as a testament to President Kikelomo’s focused leadership, assuring continued support from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared on Tuesday an additional $45 million in aid dedicated to West African nations, intensifying efforts to address the persistent instability in the region.

This financial commitment builds on the ongoing initiative, bringing the total funding under the year-old programme to nearly $300 million. 

During a comprehensive tour of African democracies, Blinken engaged in separate discussions with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara.

The focal points of these conversations revolved around strengthening US-African collaborations across a spectrum of vital sectors such as trade, climate, infrastructure, health, and security. 

The purpose of the visit was to facilitate progress in dealing with coups and extremism in West Africa, with Blinken singling out Ivory Coast as an exemplary model.

While in Abidjan, he lauded the country’s resolute stance against the coup in Niger and its innovative strategy of “building security together.”

This approach involves strategic economic investments to counter extremism in the northern regions bordering Mali and Burkina Faso. 

Standing alongside President Ouattara, Blinken commended Ivory Coast’s community-centric tactics, stating, “I think that can serve as a very powerful model for other countries.” 

Addressing mutual security challenges, Blinken expressed gratitude for Ivory Coast’s leadership in countering extremism and violence.

The US Secretary of State unveiled plans to intensify cooperation on the ground with Ivory Coast, with a focus on expanded military training and increased investments in civil protection. 

Discussing the prevailing security challenges in Africa, including the coup in Niger and the ongoing terrorism in Nigeria, Blinken emphasised the imperative for collaborative efforts.

The United States aims to provide support to affected nations, bolstering their capacity to effectively counteract security threats. 

This announcement comes at a crucial juncture when security concerns persist in the region, with notable incidents like the Christmas Eve killings in Plateau, Nigeria, and the pervasive kidnapping epidemic.

By Mujahid Ameen Lilo

‘Please go in and see the magic I’d pulled off,’ Maryam Batool, the young Creative Director of Kabara Kreatives, said to me by way of welcome to Artistic Rendezvous, an exhibition she curated.

Her voice was cheerful but her smile was slightly exhausted. ‘Of course . I expected no less.’ I said and got ushered into the galleries. Indeed it was magic. From the very first gallery, my breath was taken away by these wonders of human minds, the best of human creativity hanging on walls, breathing shades of perspectives and aesthetics of the highest standards possible.

When the Italians and English were having their Renaissance as far back as the 14th century, such beauty was the reason they exalted the imaginations of mere mortals to the high heavens. I joined the pool of arts enthusiasts who had gathered at No. 7, Sokoto Road that Saturday with a clement January weather. We swooned and wowed and snapped pictures.

Sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, dye and textiles and other artworks were on display to the delight of students, observers, writers and culture critics. There was a stall too for art related souvenirs. One thing I noticed was that many people there were attending an exhibition on this bigger scale for the first time in Kano state.

Aside from a couple of galleries put of as side attractions at other events like art festivals, this was to be the first exhibition to give people an enriching, fuller artful experience. Most of the visual artists were live at the galleries. This shows that Kabara Kreatives has joined the Arewa Renaissance that we’re lucky to be part of and which my generation seem to be the vanguards of.

It was the season of firsts in Arewa, northern Nigeria which had hitherto been stagnant compared to other parts of the country in the cultural landscape. The first Hausa movie to premier on Netflix. For the first time a literary event on the scale of a festival was hosted in Kano ( HIBAF ’23). The first Kannywood actor to head The Nigerian Film Cooperation. The first edition of Storytelling Festival just held in Bayero University.

When viewed in light of the institutional discouragement and lack of government support in addition to a populace that’s equally nonchalant towards the arts, only then can one appreciate the efforts of the young people who on many fonts are impacting and reshaping the culture.

According to Professor Tanure Ojaide, ‘culture is the ornamentation of humanity, it’s a form of adornment to humanity.’ The culture of a people gives grounding to an artistic creation with its aesthetics. In that sense, considering the rich cultural heritage of northern Nigeria, it shouldn’t be surprising that its artist are making magic, with the promise to compete globally.

There are many arts collectives, initiatives, associations sprouting in the North but most of them are focusing on the non-visual arts like poetry and storytelling. Kabara Kreatives is changing the narrative by coming full force to give a semblance of balance in the ongoing Renaissance, giving prominence to visual arts.

Kabara Community Development Iniative (KCDI) was founded in 2016 with focus on improving the lives of Northern youths and women. Kabara Kreative is a subsidiary, an arts collective.

In her welcome address, Maryam Batool said the collective is an NGO dedicated to unleashing the talents of artist from northern Nigeria and promoting them by giving them platforms where they can create, connect, share and grow. ‘Our mission is to train artists and create opportunities for them to thrive in the national and international art community, ‘ she said.

Since their founding they have organized mini solo and group exhibitions and last year they partnered with Hausa International Book and Arts Festival to host a stories exchange with Narrative 4. She announced that workshops, more exhibitions, festivals, online events and other exciting events are underway.

The most heartwarming news though, was the news that a permanent gallery, The Kabara Gallery, had been set up. Batool is one of many young people raising the bar in their spaces by showing dedication and red-hot passion, be it in the developmental space ( Adamu Usman Garko with OKDI in Gombe & Yahaya with his activism to mention but a few), the literary landscape ( Summaya Jae in her capacity as Creative Director of Open Arts and the young chaps at Hilltop Creative Arts Foundation in Minna and other state chapters).

The 22- year old graduate of Library Science is a curator, writer and filmmaker. She has directed short films, sparked important conversations on gender and social justice. A force to reckon with, she remains committed to doing what she loves best. When Maryam joined KCDI last year, it was as creative director of the collective.

The initiative was obscure no doubt but the vibrant director has brought a new lease of life to it. As such, she embodies all that’s good about the vibrancy and passion of Nigerian youths. She’d been up and about, knocking on doors, meeting people and talking to artists. She’d visited the newly appointed Director, National Troupe of Nigeria, Hajiya Kaltume B. Gana. The director welcomed Batool with opened arms and commended her zeal and work.

In my interview with her after the exhibition, she talked about some of the challenges she was was experiencing as the director of the arts collective. From some stakeholders who were gatekeeping her, to artist themselves who were reluctant or nonchalant to such opportunities offered by Kabara and the media that’s not promoting such ventures.

After her opening address, an art historian was invited and he gave an overview of art in Kano, the history, challenges, prospects and social uses. An open mic session followed where poems and spoken word pieces were performed to the audience who were snacking on samosa.

The crowning moment of the session was a musical performance by the fast-rising musical artist and screenwriter, Idris Yusuf, better know by his stage name, Decypher. The late afternoon breeze carried his voice crooning from the speakers to soothe hearts and souls.

A tour to the gallery led by the artist was next. It was exiting to see the artists talking about their artworks, shedding lights on their creative process and artistic vision. My personal favourite was an artwork by the self taught artist Rayyana. I can’t remember the title but it’s the map of Africa made with charcoal over beautiful patterns. Rayyana informed me that she intended to do another art work of Nigerian map.

Worthy of mention is the Durbar, a painting that uses acrylic on canvas to show horsemen riding out of Gidan Rumfa, the Kano palace. The texture of the textile art was tender and quite brilliant. The landscape paintings were simply mesmerising. Overall, it was an aura of beauty and sophistication. I spoke with a few of the artists. Their enthusiasm and joy for the promises Kabara offered was evident. One artist, Muhammad Sanusi told me this exhibition was unique in many ways and that it’s nothing like what he’d been at previously. ‘Every exhibition I attended I just had to squat, but this is the first to give me enough space to display my work, ‘ the young artist said.

Maryam Mahmoud, another artist whose paintings were exhibited as well said she was grateful for the opportunity Kabara gives to artists. ‘And for art enthusiasts to feast their eyes on the beauty and serenity that art offers, especially here in Kano. I look forward to more of such events from them,’ she added. For Rayyana Beita, it’s the opportunity to connect with her audience and interact with other artists that she commended.

In the final analysis, this was a successful outing and one can not but hope to see what the future holds for this ambitious arts collective. The first writers’ residency in Northern Nigeria is being built by Hilltop Arts Foundation in Minna, and with Kabara Kreatives we have hopes of seeing the first artists’ residency in Kano and indeed the north at large.

Mujahid Ameen Lilo is the assistant editor of ABU Creative Writers’ Club. He’s a fellow of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Program 2019 and Ebedi International Writers Residency 2023.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its dedication to bolstering border security and trade facilitation by engaging officers in comprehensive capacity-building workshops.

The announcement came from the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, during the inauguration of a 5-day workshop on ‘Rules of Origin’ at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada. 

In collaboration with the Alliance for Trade Facilitation, GIZ, and the World Customs Organisation (WCO), the workshop aims to equip 25 officers with in-depth expertise in trade facilitation, enabling their active participation in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

CGC Adeniyi, represented by DCG Abdullahi Musa, noted the importance of collaboration with development partners for capacity building, highlighting the workshop’s role in strengthening the Nigeria Customs Service. 

DCG Musa conveyed, “So far, the Nigeria Customs Service has been designated the competent authority for issuing Certificates of Origin. Over the next five days, 25 officers will undergo intensive training on the Rules of Origin.” 

Lead origin expert for the WCO, Mette Azzam, highlighted the collaboration’s significance and stressed the increasing global importance of understanding Rules of Origin, especially with the rise of Free Trade Agreements.

Azzam stated the potential consequences of incorrectly determining the value of goods, including inaccurate duty payments. 

Assistant Comptroller-General ACG Ibrahim Alfa urged participants to pay close attention to the workshop’s teachings, stating its vital role in enhancing the Service’s efficiency in revenue generation.

Alfa reiterated the focus on correctly determining the preferential value of goods to avoid erroneous duty payments, underlining the workshop’s relevance to the evolving landscape of international trade agreements. 

The 5-day workshop, a collaborative effort with international partners, is set to empower 25 officers from the Nigeria Customs Service through intensive training, discussions, and assessments on the Rules of Origin.

The overarching goal is to enhance officers’ expertise and contribute to the successful implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, on Wednesday, January 24, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja. 

The charges involve alleged money laundering amounting to N4,008,573,350. 

The move comes following EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede’s commitment to revisiting abandoned high-profile cases, particularly those involving former governors and ministers. 

An inside source disclosed that Obiano is accused of transferring significant sums from security votes into different accounts, converting the money into dollars, and receiving it back in cash at various times.

EFCC’s lead counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, will lead the prosecution. Obiano faces nine counts, including allegations of indirectly transferring funds for purposes unrelated to Anambra State’s security affairs. 

The charges cite specific instances where funds were allegedly transferred to entities with no business relationship with the state government. 

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the upcoming arraignment, stating, “Yes, we’re arraigning Obiano tomorrow.” 

Obiano’s arrest in March 2022, immediately after leaving office, stemmed from corruption allegations related to the misappropriation of public funds, including the N5 billion Sure-P and N37 billion security vote. 

The EFCC claimed that part of the funds was diverted to finance political activities in the state.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Three men, including a tailor, Tunde Adelakun (32), a herbalist, Saheed Oloyede (54), and Oluwasegun Akinlolu (23), have been accused of causing ‘indignity to a corpse’ by allegedly exhuming it and cutting off some flesh. 

The trio appeared before an Iyaganku Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face charges related to their actions.

The defendants, residents of Omi-Adio and Bakatari along the Ibadan/Abeokuta Expressway, were charged with conspiracy and causing indignity to a corpse.

 Adelakun and Akinlolu were allegedly arrested with human flesh on their way to Omi-Adio, heading to the herbalist’s house at Bakatari after exhuming a dead body on January 10.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, and Magistrate Mrs M. M. Olagbenro granted them bail at N200,000 each with one surety. The case has been adjourned until February 29 for a hearing.

According to the prosecution counsel, Inspector Olalekan Adegbite, the defendants conspired to commit the offences and improperly tampered with the corpse. 

The alleged actions violate sections 242 (1)(b) and 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000. 

The defendants could face up to two years of imprisonment if found guilty.

By Sani Bello Hamza

Nigeria is a country naturally blessed with abundant resources, fine and reliable crude oil, thriving agriculture, resilient youth, and a hardworking population. Yet, its citizens are trapped in third-person-induced hardship and suffering. The citizens of the country are unable to cater for their needs and their immediate families.

The tragedy of Nigeria can be succinctly summed up in the cliche “Nigeria, so rich and so poor.” The country is prosperous, and yet its citizens are impoverished.

Someone may ask how that is possible. We know Poverty and abundance cannot be placed on the same table.

It is possible because the leaders are not driven by passion to lead but greed to accumulate wealth from public confers. Politics is now a get-rich-quick scheme and not an avenue to serve. The gap between the upper and lower classes is irreparable, and the middle class suddenly disappears.

Those in the upper class are living extravagantly because the country’s leaders have turned the country’s treasury into their account; they withdraw at will without recourse to explanation or auditing.

It is now a norm that politicians live outside their monthly or annual allocations. They rake public funds for personal and family usage.

This is happening in a country where over 20 million children are out of school, and 84 million are living in multidimensional poverty–out of its 200 million population.

While growing up as kids, we heard, and we are still listening, of the Abacha loot. And, recently, the Diezani saga and the Emefiele Brouhaha. The former CBN Governor is under investigation for whisking away with 89 trillion Naira stamp duty charges deducted from the accounts of Nigerians.

In 2022, when Hon. Gudaji Kazaure, a former member of the House of Representatives, was on air exposing the menaces and how the former CBN governor, his deputies, and other political appointees milked the Nation’s Treasury and walkway with a whooping sum of 89 Trillion Naira; we made a joke of him and thought it was a tale of the moonlight or a fictive movie.

The former lawmaker claimed that former president Buhari appointed him and others to investigate and recover Stamp Duty and other bank charges deducted from Nigerians’ accounts.

He said his committee uncovered 89 trillion Naira that was unaccounted for and unremitting to the federation account,courtesy of Emefiele and his deciphers.

The report generated mixed reactions among Nigerians; some of us believed the allegations were true, and others felt the lawmakers were trying to blackmail and tarnish the image of the CBN Governor. A renowned journalist argued it was impossible as Nigeria does not have such a huge amount in its Treasury. Others went ahead to question Hon. Kazaure’s mental health. Interesting!

After almost a year of Hon. Kazaure’s Brouhaha, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated a special presidential committee headed by special investigator Jim Obazee to probe the activities of CBN and other affiliated institutions.

The committee submitted a report to the president in which the chief investigator recommended prosecuting Emefiele and 13 others for gross financial misconduct and mismanagement.

According to the report, the committee found 593 bank accounts located in the UK, USA, and China that the former governor used to illegally keep Nigeria’s wealth. The committee also discovered 543.4 million pounds kept in UK Banks.

The most shocking revelation of the investigation is not the uncovered 593 bank accounts but the purported Naira redesign, which subjected innocent Nigerians to untold hardship and led to the winding up of many businesses. The committee found out the activity was neither the CBN board recommended nor the president approved it. Contrary to section 19 (1) of the CBN Act. Emefiele acted on the advice given to him by Tunde Sabiu, former President Bubari’s chief protocol officer. The redesign was purely intended to frustrate the political ambition of some politicians and prevent them from attaining their desired offices.

There was also a payment of 6.23 million dollars from the CBN vault to unknown foreign election observers whose identity is still unknown, apart from the 1.3 billion Naira paid as legal fees on the Naira redesign and related cases.

This is just a part of the investigation, as the committee has not obtained the Stamp duty-related documents. I’m sure there will be more shocking revelations in the coming days/months.

Nigeria has suffered dramatically from recalcitrant public servants, and the country is too fragile to bear another burden. A thorough investigation should be carried out with expertise and dexterity. The president should make sure those involved in this inhumane act face the wrath of the law and are prosecuted accordingly.

Hon. Gudaji Kazaure has been vindicated, and it’s time to prosecute Emefiele!

Sani Bello Hamza is a Law student at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. He writes from Zaria and can be reached through his email: sanibellohamza@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Sixteen ex-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in Plateau State, ousted by the Court of Appeal in November 2023, plan to defy the court ruling and return to legislative duties.

Despite having their election nullified over party structure issues, they argue that the recent Supreme Court judgement, validating Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s election, supports their claim as authentic members. 

Led by Ishaku Maren, the former majority leader, they stress their commitment to democracy and assert their constituents’ unwavering support.

The lawmakers are set to resume today, raising concerns from the APC and warning against potential legislative and security implications in Plateau State.

This is coming as observers await developments and reactions to this audacious move by the former lawmakers.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kannywood movies are widely loved by Hausa-speaking communities across Nigeria and beyond. They are known for depicting Hausa culture and life.

The plots of Kannywood movies often feature drama, romance, and comedy, which many viewers find an escape from the harsh reality of everyday life. 

The songs and dances featured in the movies have become a signature of Kannywood cinema and are popular with audiences.

However, the songs and dances have ceased to be featured in the present Kannywood movies due to the new dimensions that the movies have taken.

In an interview with The Daily Reality, some Kannywood producers explained their reasons for taking the new direction.

Songs are incompatible with present movies – Lawan Ahmad

Lawan Ahmad, the producer of and a leading actor in the popular Hausa TV series Izzar So, said the songs have been removed to accommodate the kinds of films produced nowadays.

Ahmad said the songs still possess their enormously powerful impact in conveying messages but added that the nature of the movies nowadays does not accommodate songs. 

He said, “The songs were removed to suit the kinds of most produced movies in the Kannywood industry today. However, they are still useful in those movies.

“The songs were not removed because they are insignificant – their immense impact is still relevant.”

Hausa movies re-create folktales, history 

Another director and actor in the industry, Ali Rabi`u Ali, popularly known as Daddy, said Hausa films in those days were primarily traditional and required songs and dances. 

He stated, “Most of the Hausa films in those days were a replica of tales (tatsuniyoyi) and history that needed to be accompanied with songs and dances of dandali (a stage).” 

“These songs contribute(d) to the advertising and selling of the films. That is why the songs used to be released even before the production of the movies.

“This was to let people know about the film, just like the way Indian movies did,” Daddy explained.

He added that film series now do not require songs and dances because people are after the theme of the film, not songs.

“Besides, song and dance scenes are very costly and time-consuming, forcing us to cease using them in our films,” he stated.

Removal of songs: An opportunity for singers

Asked whether this was a threat to the Hausa singers, Ahmad said this was a wonderfully exciting opportunity for singers to be known for their intellectual production.

He stated, “This has helped the Hausa musicians to be known by the people for their talented works, as they make and act videos of their songs – and there is a lot of creativity in their businesses nowadays as singers resort to dramatic songs, with sole independent themes. 

“Now, instead of saying Ali Nuhu or Adam A. Zango should be featured in the video of their songs, the singers have seized the opportunity to sell their faces while taking a new dimension,” he added.

He added that the dramatic songs have now taken a new dimension, a development which attracts many people in Hausa communities.

Songs, dances mere imitations of Bollywood – don 

A Department of Mass Communication lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, Malama Ummi Hassan, opined that songs and dances in Hausa movies are simulacrums of Bollywood movies. 

The lecturer, who has taught film over the years, stated that “Songs and dances in Kannywood movies are mere facsimiles of Bollywood movies. And now that Bollywood has stopped using them in their movies, particularly series, Kannywood also stops.

“Bollywood now uses only some musical interludes as background sounds in their series movies to establish settings or set moods, to mention a few. Sometimes, they use the songs of the already-produced films, say Kalhonaho.” 

She added that a movie can achieve a desired theme without songs and dances.

She stated, “You must not show an actor or actress dancing before your film sells.” 

Some songs out of context

The university lecturer argued that the songs and dances in most Kannywood movies are sometimes out of context but were used to meet the tradition of Kannywood movies.

She said, “It is like the Kannywood has made it a tradition to put songs in their movies. The songs, however, are sometimes out of context.”

Ummi, who sees films and songs as two different things, advocates that the duo remain independent, with each conveying different meanings.

She added that although songs and dances have ceased to be used, the Hausa movies have witnessed a steep increment in their viewership. 

“I personally see this as a new development. Films and music are two different things. Songs can be used in the background to set the mood,” she added.

Our business at risk – singer

A singer, Hafeez Umar Maikano, who spoke to the Daily Reality, said their business is at risk following the removal of songs in the Kannywood movies.

According to Maikano, although songs have preceded films, singers now rely on filmmakers to survive.

He added, “I see this as challenging for the Hausa singers. The removal of songs from movies has discouraged not only professional but also upcoming singers.

“Before, filmmakers contracted singers to sing for a particular movie, giving them all the required information, including the theme of the movie.

“However, there is no denying that the removal has become a stepping stone to many of the singers,” Maikano added.