Adamu Sani Bello, a retired journalist and former civil servant from Bauchi State, is grappling with the distressing predicament of his son’s stranded status in Iran.
Despite graduating two years ago with a 75% scholarship, Bello’s son remains unable to return to Nigeria because of an unpaid university debt totaling $8,000.
Bello’s efforts to settle the remaining 25% of the debt have been thwarted by Nigeria’s economic woes, which have been exacerbated by rampant inflation.
Since his retirement, Bello has struggled to meet familial responsibilities amid challenging financial circumstances.
Desperate plea
In a heartfelt three-minute video seen by The Daily Reality, Bello implores philanthropic individuals and nongovernmental organizations to come to his son’s rescue.
He reveals that his son, a trailblazer in dental surgery and the first Black student at his Iranian university, is unable to afford the $1,000 flight back to Nigeria.
The situation is dire as the expiration of his son’s residency visa looms.
Bello fears that his son may overstay his visa, compounding his already dire situation.
Adding to the complexity, Iranian regulations prohibit students from seeking employment until they complete their studies.
No way out
With his passport also having expired in August, the young graduate finds himself trapped in a nightmarish limbo, devoid of job prospects and lacking the means to return home.
Bello’s desperate plea shows the urgent need for intervention to prevent his son from facing the harrowing prospect of incarceration in a foreign country.
The Bauchi State Police thwarted a potential kidnapping after arresting three suspects for alleged conspiracy, threats, and attempted abduction.
The Daily Reality gathered that the investigation commenced on March 7 when Yahaya Adamu reported a threat to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
An anonymous caller demanded 5 million Naira, threatening violence against him or his family if he refused.
According to the Bauchi State Police Command, the suspects upped the ante by sending their POS details and mentioning names of Adamu’s family members, further pressuring him to comply.
Acting swiftly, Bauchi Police Commissioner Auwal Musa directed the CID to discreetly investigate.
Using modern technology, they apprehended Haro Adamu (35), Aliyu Saidu (40), and Musa Umaru (35) in Jigawa and Plateau States.
Police say the suspects confessed during questioning and will face prosecution in court.
Sunshine International School (SIS), a distinguished five-star secondary institution in Bauchi, has garnered significant accolades and recognition in the Nigerian Mathematical and Sciences Olympiads for the year 2023.
The school, under the leadership of its principal, Mrs. Zarah Buba Atare, has demonstrated excellence and prowess in the academic arena.
A photo of all the participants shortly after the presentation of awards
In an announcement on Monday by the school management, it was revealed that several SIS students showcased exceptional talent and skills during the first round of the Olympiad mathematics and science competition, which saw the school remarkably triumph.
The National Mathematical Centre has bestowed upon the school a plethora of awards and certificates in recognition of its outstanding performance.
In an official statement addressed to the parents on Monday, Principal Mrs. Zarah Buba Atare, through the vice principal, Mr. Benjamin J. Okoh, expressed jubilation and pride in the achievements of the students.
Rebecca Mabe Yusuf, an SSS2 student, when receiving her medal and certificate
She commended their dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
Furthermore, Mrs. Atare extended gratitude to the diligent teachers, whose tireless efforts contributed significantly to the success of the students.
The statement also acknowledged the invaluable support and understanding of the parents, as well as the collaborative effort that propelled the students to victory.
Aliyu, an exceptional science guru, as he was receiving his award
Moreover, Sunshine International School received prestigious awards for its exceptional performance in various disciplines.
Eden Benjamin Gin, a science guru, when receiving his award
The accolades include recognition for Best in Biology, Best in Physics, Best in Chemistry, and Best in Mathematics, underscoring the school’s holistic approach to academic excellence across multiple fields.
In an interview granted to the Daily Reality by Mr. Abiodun Ishola, one of the members of the school management who is also the Director of Studies, he said, “This is actually the result of hard work and constant practice, which were facilitated by our diligent teachers.
“It’s equally important to note that the school is a major player in this success. It has provided a conducive environment for learning in order for the kids to have all that is needed for effective learning to take place.”
Two participants in the Olympiad competition spoke with our correspondent; they said their enthusiasm and passion for mathematics and science were palpable.
Speaking shortly after the presentation of awards and certificates, Nana Aisha Muhammad Haruna, an SSS3 student who also participated in the competition, said, “Honestly, Sunshine was the main reason that actually made me come to this stage of my life. Without them, I wouldn’t have even known about the competition. They trained us and made sure that we made it.”
Also speaking was another participant, Frank Moses-Mba, who also expressed his delight.
He added that they “made it through hard work, studies and by the special grace of God.”
He urged younger and upcoming students to be resilient and study hard in order to follow the path of success.
The decorated students expressed gratitude for the support and guidance provided by the school and teachers, which enabled them to excel in the competition.
The school management assured parents and stakeholders of its continued dedication to nurturing and empowering students to reach their full potential.
Mrs. Atare conveyed heartfelt wishes for even greater success in the forthcoming rounds of the competition, affirming the school’s commitment to excellence in education.
Your Excellency, during your tenure as the Governor of Bauchi State from 2007 to 2015, you initiated and oversaw the implementation of various initiatives in the education sector. The long-term effects of these initiatives on the state’s citizens are still being evaluated.
One cannot overstate the significance of the Bauchi State University, Gadau. Established during your administration, the university has transformed into a thriving institution, empowering thousands with higher education. These graduates are not merely individuals equipped with knowledge, they are the architects of a brighter future for the state.
Furthermore, your decision to hand over the Bauchi State Specialist Hospital to the Federal Government paved the way for the establishment of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH). This seemingly simple act had profound consequences. ATBU, previously lacking the facilities for medical courses, now flourishes with a thriving medical program. Last week, a milestone was achieved – the graduation of the university’s first set of doctors.
These achievements, Your Excellency, stand as a beacon of your forward-thinking approach. You recognized the critical role education plays in empowering individuals and propelling the state’s development. Your decisions, made with foresight and a commitment to the betterment of Bauchi state, continue to resonate till today.
While your time in office has since lapsed, the legacy you leave behind continues to flourish. You have earned the gratitude of the people you served, and your story serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders who understand the transformative power of education.
The Kano State Police Command apprehended nine suspects accused of engaging in inter-state trafficking, abduction, and the illicit buying and selling of minors.
The arrests were announced by the State Police Commissioner, Usaini Gumel, during a press conference held at the Bompai command’s headquarters on Thursday.
Gumel revealed that the suspects were captured following a series of intelligence-led operations, successfully dismantling long-standing inter-state trafficking syndicates operating in Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Lagos, Delta, Anambra, and Imo states.
The commissioner highlighted the commendable efforts of the police’s dedicated team in identifying and neutralising these criminal networks that had evaded authorities for over a decade.
A total of seven victims, predominantly minors, were rescued from the clutches of these criminal activities, shedding light on the dark underworld of child trafficking.
Gumel disclosed that rescued children, aged between three and eight, were reportedly sold at prices ranging from N300,000 to N600,000, depending on their ages.
During investigations, it was revealed that a victim named Mohammed Ilya, originally abducted from Bauchi but renamed Chidiebere, was recently sold in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The police commissioner noted the gravity of the situation and pledged to collaborate with the state government to ensure the safe return and reunification of all abducted children with their families.
He reassured the public that the Kano State Police Command, under his leadership, had implemented reinforced security measures to eradicate this menace once and for all.
In a joint operation, the Bauchi State Police Command and local hunters from Ahmed Ali Kwara have neutralized six suspected bandits terrorizing communities in Ningi LGA.
The operation was carried out in response to complaints from local residents about increased bandit activity in the area.
The police and local hunters are continuing to work together to keep the community safe and bring peace to the region.
The Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa Muhammad, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Ningi.
He said the operation was also a response to the brutal killing of eight people, including the traditional ruler of Kada and Gamji village in the LGA in July.
CP Muhammad explained that following the brutal killing of the eight people, the command raised a team of detectives in conjunction with the quasi-security outfits of Ahmed Ali Kwara.
He reported that a joint team of police officers and local hunters engaged suspected bandits in a gunfight on December 26 at 4:03 AM, resulting in the deaths of six of the suspected bandits.
CP Muhammad noted that two AK47 rifles, 55 live ammunition, four empty magazines, the sum of N4.5 million, one Golf 3 vehicle, seven new SIM cards, and six keypad phones were recovered from the bandits.
The commissioner further revealed that stolen items recovered from them included 11 Android phones, four keypad phones, 24 pieces of mobile batteries and 190 pieces of recharge cards.
He added that, “preliminary investigation revealed that the bandits, within two weeks, invaded four villages around Ningi, including Bukutumbe, Iyayi, Kayadda and Gamji, where they shot four people and killed one member of the vigilante at Bukutumbe.
“They proceeded to Kiyawa Local Government Area in Jigawa State where they kidnapped two wives of the Chairman Kiyawa LGA, Jigawa State,” He added.
The joint team is continuing its efforts to secure the community and apprehend any remaining suspects.
Great leaders not only have vision, they also share it with others and inspire many others to create their own. Leadership is simply about understanding present problems as they affect the future and taking concrete steps to solve the problems in such a way that the future will be better and brighter. And in the annals of Nigeria, many visionary leaders, who Nigerians are still enjoying from the fruits of their visionary leadership, have come and gone. Talk about Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nnamdi Azikwe, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, J. S. Tarka, Sir Kashim Ibrahim and a host of their contemporaries, they are remembered for their struggle for Nigeria’s independence as well as laying the country’s foundation in its journey to nationhood.
After them, many others have followed their foot steps. In the cause of time, Nigeria has had leaders whose footprints on the sands of time are indelible. The late Gen. Murtala Ramat Mohammed and the late Umaru Musa Yaradua are, respectively, remembered for both their anti-corruption posture and drive for national unity. In the same vein, Mallam Isa Yuguda, an economic czar, Nigeria’s former minister of transport and aviation respectively, and erstwhile Bauchi state governor, is celebrated for making immense contributions in the development of Nigeria’s banking sector, transforming the nation’s transport and aviation sectors as well as raising Bauchi state to a higher threshold of development.
Last Saturday, 16th December, 2023, in its maiden combined convocation ceremony, the Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau, Bauchi state, awarded Mallam Isa Yuguda an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Management. At the ceremony, 7,543 graduates from six academic sessions were presented for the award of graduate and postgraduate degrees. At this juncture, it’s instructive to note that the point of interest is not that Isa Yuguda received an award or that the university has thus far graduated more than seven thousand students. Rather, what is most fascinating is the fact that Mallam Isa Yuguda established the University back in 2010 when he held sway as Bauchi state governor. Thus, through his visionary leadership, the erstwhile governor established what has become a prestigious center of excellence in learning.
At the time the University was established, there was the problem of many Bauchi state indigenous students not being able to gain admission into federal universities largely because of quota system and distance, especially for female students. But education is so important that at whatever cost, it must be gained. And given that one of the primary responsibilities of government is to ensure the security, safety and well-being of the citizenry through upholding law and order as well as providing healthcare services, education etcetera, the Isa Yuguda administration thought of building the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, a new Specialist Hospital and the Sa’adu Zungur University.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees at the convocation ceremony, Mallam Isa Yuguda noted that the University is a beacon of hope that will not only prepare the youth for future challenges but will also cause rapid socioeconomic development in Bauchi state. This is how visionary leaders shape the future of a nation. Mallam Isa Yuguda’s visionary approach in leadership is an example to present and future leaders and his Honourary Doctorate award by the Sa’adu Zungur University is a testament to his remarkable impact on education in not only Bauchi state in particular but also the entire nation in general.
The Appeal Court in Abuja has confirmed Governor Bala Mohammed’s win in the March 18 Bauchi State governorship election.
The unanimous decision dismissed the appeal filed by APC candidate Sadique Abubakar, who failed to provide substantial evidence to nullify the election.
The appellant’s claim of improperly filled forms and booklets lacked specificity on polling units and failed to demonstrate the impact on election results.
The court questioned the credibility of witnesses, emphasizing their inability to establish a clear understanding of the contested forms.
Bauchi State was rocked by a disturbing incident as a suspect, Yohanna Abubakar, 35, lost his life during an interrogation by members of a quasi-security outfit.
The suspect was allegedly subjected to excessive beatings in an attempt to force a confession regarding the accusations against him.
Bauchi State Police confirmed the incident, revealing that the quasi-security members, posing as professional hunters, apprehended Abubakar along with two others from Waya village.
The interrogation turned fatal, raising concerns about the methods employed during such questioning.
Authorities are conducting investigations into this tragic incident, highlighting the need for proper training and oversight within security organisations to prevent such occurrences.
The Bauchi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has upheld Governor Bala Mohammed’s victory in the hotly contested March 18th election.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice P.T. Kwahar, dismissed the petition by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, citing no substantial grounds for nullification.
Justice Kwahar emphasised the importance of upholding the rule of law and democratic processes.
Governor Bala Mohammed expressed gratitude to the people and called for unity, while APC representatives acknowledged the rule of law and hinted at exploring other legal options.
This verdict solidifies Governor Bala Mohammed’s mandate and keeps Bauchi State under his leadership.
