DIARIES OF TRUTH

  By hauwa Ibrahim  Maiduguri, known for its rich culinary traditions like masa and miyan kuka, offers a taste of home that many cherish. But beyond familiar flavors, a world of diverse dishes awaits, offering not just new tastes but cultural insights. As travel options open up, Maiduguri residents have the opportunity to explore cuisines from around the world — from Moroccan couscous to Indian biryani, or even Ghanaian jollof rice. According to the World Tourism Organization, food tourism is rapidly growing, with 30% of travel spending going towards culinary experiences. Trying new foods creates lasting memories and bridges cultural divides. Traveling and sampling dishes from other cultures can inspire creativity in cooking, spark new conversations, and increase appreciation for diversity. For many, trying international dishes doesn’t require international travel — local restaurants or cultural food festivals offer a taste of the world. Whether it’s exploring Nigerian cities ...

  By hauwa Ibrahim  In the dry, dusty villages of Borno State, the simple act of planting a tree is offering something rare: hope. Years of conflict, desertification, and rising temperatures have left much of northeastern Nigeria barren. Fields once rich with crops now crack under the fierce sun. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), desertification in the Sahel region is advancing by 1-10 km per year, putting communities in Borno at constant risk. For farmers like those in the outskirts of Maiduguri, trees have become more than just shade. They are protection against hunger, poverty, and displacement. Neem and baobab trees provide not only cooling relief but also fruits and medicinal leaves, critical in areas with limited access to healthcare and nutrition. "Without the trees, the soil dies. And when the soil dies, so do we," is a common sentiment shared among farming families, whose survival depends on resilient land. Programs like the Great Green Wa...

  By Hauwa Ibrahim Maiduguri bakes under more than 3,500 hours of sunshine each year. As the sun grows hotter and the skies clearer, residents are finding ways to turn the heat into a resource instead of a hardship. Across the region, solar panels now gleam atop homes and businesses. The abundance of sunlight has made solar energy an increasingly attractive solution for a city where power supply remains a challenge. Solar home systems and mini-grids are lighting up neighborhoods, powering small businesses, and refrigerating medicines and fruits. Many households are steadily moving away from costly kerosene lamps and noisy generators toward cleaner, more sustainable energy options. Heat has also boosted agricultural practices. Higher temperatures and lower humidity are accelerating solar-drying processes, helping farmers preserve seasonal harvests. Crops like tomatoes, chili peppers, turmeric, garlic, baobab leaves, and okra — staples in local diets — are now dried and stored for lo...

  Report by hauwa Ibrahim  Mr. Abdullahi Mustapha, a representative of Hadi Kai Radio, has shed light on the station’s operations during a recent visit. Speaking on the station’s purpose, Mustapha explained that Hadi Kai was established by the Nigerian Army to promote peace and counter extremist propaganda. "The aim of the establishment is to promote peace and disseminate information," he said. "The station’s name reflects the operational focus of the army at different times." He traced the evolution of the station's name: it was initially called Zama Lafiya — meaning "to restore peace" — under former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Buratai. It was later renamed Lafiya Dole by Lieutenant General Atayiru, before finally adopting the name Hadi Kai. According to Mustapha, extremist groups had been using media to incite, recruit, and radicalize the public. In response, Hadi Kai Radio was launched as part of the army’s kinetic efforts to counter mis...

By Laraba Amos Telecommunications group MTN has suffered a cybersecurity breach that led to unauthorized access to personal information belonging to customers in certain markets. MTN, in a statement, however, clarified that the incident did not impact its core network, billing systems, or financial services infrastructure, all of which remain secure and fully operational. The breach happened late Thursday. It explained that the breach involved a third party gaining access to parts of its systems, raising concerns about potential data exposure. Following the discovery of the breach, MTN said it swiftly activated its cybersecurity response protocols. The telecom giant informed law enforcement authorities in South Africa, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks, and has also notified relevant regulatory agencies in affected countries. The company stated it is cooperating closely with these authorities as investigations continue and is in the process of notifying af...

 Kano uncovers N28m fraud in LG payroll 26th April 2025 Abba Yusuf Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf By  Tukur Muntari The Kano State Government has uncovered irregularities in the payroll system of local government councils, as no fewer than 247 staff members were discovered to have either retired from service or died. The discovery revealed that the names of the affected local government staff have been appearing in the payroll and their salaries are running. These fraudulent salary payments amount to a sum of ₦27,824,395.40 for March 2025 alone. This revelation is contained in a statement by the Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Muhammad, a copy of which was made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday. “In a decisive move towards cleansing the state payroll, the Kano State Government has recorded a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to reform the salary administration system within the state civil service. “Arising from the validation e...

  Report by hauwa Ibrahim  The largest mobile operator in Africa said on a statement released on Thursday that it suffered a cyber security breach that exposed personal data of some customers in certain markets, but its core networks, billing systems, and financial platforms remain secure. It stated that an unidentified third party claimed to have accessed parts of MTN’s systems, the company said in a statement posted on its website. While the scope of the breach is still under investigation, MTN reassured stakeholders that there is no indication that customer accounts or digital wallets were directly compromised. They warned consumers not to share their pins, passwords  and one-time passwords, over the phone,text, or email .  Where available,the company also recommends enabling multi-factor authentication for added security. Among the recommended measures are placing fraud alerts on credit reports, regularly updating apps, using strong and unique passwords and exerc...

  Report by hauwa Ibrahim  Aliko Dangote, the executive and president of dangote group has expressed gratitude over his appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, a body tasked with boosting investment and job creation in emerging economies. “I am both honoured and excited to accept my appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, dedicated to advancing investment and employment in emerging economies,” he said. The World Bank announced Dangote’s appointment on Wednesday as part of a broader expansion of its Private Sector Investment Lab, which now enters a new phase aimed at scaling up solutions to attract private capital and create jobs in the developing world. The World Bank said the expanded membership brings together business leaders with proven track records in generating employment in developing economies, supporting the Bank’s sharpened focus on job creation as a central pillar of global development.  Joining Dangote in the elit...

By Barka David    Students and staff of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) were thrown into a state of panic few weeks ago as rumors of a potential Boko Haram invasion spread like wildfire, sparking fears of an imminent attack.  The rumors, which circulated rapidly on social media and through word of mouth, claimed that the terrorist group had planned to launch a surprise attack on the university. Although it was considered to be a rumour, the incident highlighted the growing concerns about security in educational institutions in the region. According to my personal observation, students were seen fleeing the campus in panic, while others remained in their hostels, fearful of what might happen next.  The incident has raised questions about the preparedness of security agencies to respond to potential threats and the nemm for increased vigilance in educational institutions. While the rumors of a Boko Haram invasion were ultimately unfounded, the incident serves as ...

By BARKA DAVID  German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare ahead of a potential move in the summer. Arokodare has had a brilliant campaign with Genk this season, as he has contributed 19 goals and five assists in the league. In fact, he currently leads the Belgian Jupiler League goalscoring charts. His performances have propelled the Smurfs to become one of the major contenders to win the Jupiler League this season Meanwhile, the 24-year-old who is a big fan of Real Madrid has been attracting interest from some top clubs across Europe. Newcastle, Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund, and Trabzonspor have been linked with a move for Arokodare, but nothing concrete has happened yet. Now, according to Bayern & Germany, Bundesliga kings Bayern Munich appear to be interested in signing Arokodare. The Bavarians need a quality striker to support Harry Kane. Mathys Tel was supposed to play that role, but he does not s...

By Barka David  The removal of fuel subsidy has plunged Maiduguri residents into a myriad of challenges, significantly affecting their daily activities and mobility. The hike in fuel prices has disrupted transportation systems, leaving both passengers and operators struggling to adapt. Mustapha Ibrahim, a tricycle operator, described the situation as a double-edged sword. Saying before he spent ₦700 daily on fuel. Now, it costs him ₦5,000 to run my tricycle for a day.  He added that many tricycle operators have relocated their businesses to other states, worsening the scarcity of transportation options within the city. Similarly, Mr. Amos Balami, a resident, expressed his frustration over the current state of affairs. He revealed that he had to abandon his car due to the high cost of fuel and now relies on tricycles for transportation adding that Tricycles are cheaper, but the shortage means I often get home late after work. It’s very frustrating. The ongoing transportation cr...

Barka David The removal of fuel subsidy has plunged Maiduguri residents into a myriad of challenges, significantly affecting their daily activities and mobility. The hike in fuel prices has disrupted transportation systems, leaving both passengers and operators struggling to adapt. Mustapha Ibrahim, a tricycle operator, described the situation as a double-edged sword. Saying before he spent ₦700 daily on fuel. Now, it costs him ₦5,000 to run my tricycle for a day.  He added that many tricycle operators have relocated their businesses to other states, worsening the scarcity of transportation options within the city. Similarly, Mr. Amos Balami, a resident, expressed his frustration over the current state of affairs. He revealed that he had to abandon his car due to the high cost of fuel and now relies on tricycles for transportation adding that Tricycles are cheaper, but the shortage means I often get home late after work. It’s very frustrating. The ongoing transportation crisis unde...

  Report by hauwa Ibrahim  According to PUNCH, The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has expressed deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences following the death of Pope Francis, calling the late pontiff a “global symbol of peace, unity, and unwavering faith.” In a statement released on Tuesday, Bishop Oke extended the sympathies of the entire Pentecostal community in Nigeria to the Catholic Church worldwide, describing the Pope’s passing as not only a loss to the Catholic faithful but also to the entire Christian body and humanity at large. Bishop Oke also highlighted the Pope’s efforts to foster interfaith dialogue and global peace, particularly noting his outreach to Pentecostal leaders. These initiatives helped ease longstanding theological tensions between Catholic and Pentecostal movements, promoting unity and understanding. Further acknowledging the Pope’s humility, Bishop Oke shared how the late pontiff chose to live simply and shu...

Report by hauwa Ibrahim.  According to channels, A somber Easter celebration turned tragic on Monday when a trailer transporting goods rammed into a group of worshippers during a procession along the Gombe–Yola Federal Highway in the Billiri Local Government Area of the state. The state police confirmed that the accident claimed five lives (two males and three females) and left several others injured. Reacting to the incident, the state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident. The tragedy ignited unrest in the area as irate youths took to the streets. Eyewitnesses reported that the trailer involved in the crash was set ablaze by an angry crowd, who also demanded the release of the driver from police custody. Governor Yahaya, in a statement issued Monday, expressed deep sympathy to the families of the victims and the Christian community in Billiri, pledging that the state government would ensure justice is served. He described the incident as...

April 22, 2025. By Nana Dawi Mshelia             In a quiet scene, Pope Francis lies in state at the chapel of Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City—the residence he chose during his papacy. The peaceful atmosphere mirrors the humility and simplicity that marked his time as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Following his personal wishes, Pope Francis rests not on the traditional bier used by past popes, but in a simple wooden casket. Departing from the long-standing practice of a triple-layered coffin made of cypress, lead, and oak, his choice reflects a more modest approach. The casket, plain in appearance and lined with zinc to meet burial standards, serves as a final testament to the values he lived by: humility, solidarity with the poor, and a rejection of extravagance. This understated farewell encapsulates the compassionate and humble spirit that defined Pope Francis's leadership. May his soul rest in the bossom of the Lord.

  By Laraba Amos    Today in Billiri Local Government, Gombe State, what was meant to be a joyful Easter celebration turned into a tragedy.         The accident occurred on Easter Monday as Christians were returning from a mountain climb held to symbolise the meeting with Jesus Christ in Galilee when a trailer truck transporting grains from Adamawa State to Gombe lost control due to brake failure.   The vehicle rammed into a crowd of Christian faithful celebrating Easter in Billiri town, also injuring some Muslim residents who were bystanders no fewer than four people died and eight others were receiving treatment.  In the heat of pain and outrage, the youth responded by burning the truck and attacking the driver.    Security presence has since been reinforced to prevent any further breakdown of law and order. The Command condemns the act of lawlessness and urges residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. In...

By Laraba Amos   Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church.    Pope Francis was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, in the Domus Sanctae Marthae residence within Vatican City.  The cause of his death is currently unknown, but his recent respiratory infection and pneumonia may have been contributing factors.    He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!

Waste Pile in UNIMAID Commercial Area is a Health Risk By Mamun Onoruoyiza  Diaries of Truth April 19, 2025   A big pile of dirty waste is lying in the middle of the commercial area inside the University of Maiduguri, and it's becoming a serious health problem. The trash includes plastic bags, food wrappers, papers, and other dirty items, all scattered on the ground under an old shed. This place is where many students and staff buy things every day. Now, it's looking very dirty and smells bad. Some of the shop owners said they have talked to the people in charge, but nobody has cleaned it. “We see this dirt every day. It’s not good for business or for our health,” one trader said. The waste is attracting flies and can cause sickness like cholera, typhoid, and malaria. Many people eat food in that area, and this dirty environment makes it very risky. The University of Maiduguri needs to act fast. They should clean the place, put waste bins around, and teach people how to keep t...

  Agric Extension Students Visit Unimaid Radio 97.7 for Excursion By Mamun Onoruoyiza  Diaries of Truth April 16, 2025   Students from the Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Maiduguri, visited Unimaid Radio 97.7 FM on an excursion. During the visit, the students were taken to the newsroom , where they saw how news is gathered and prepared before it goes on air. They also visited the studio room , where radio programmes are recorded and broadcasted. The visit helped the students understand how radio stations work and the role of media in communication.

By Mamun Onoruoyiza  Diaries of Truth April 15, 2025   De Bruyne is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season. In a post-match interview, he said he wouldn’t rule out joining another Premier League team after his City exit. Fans are emotional as the midfield maestro, who has served the club since 2015, prepares to leave. Talks are ongoing about who might replace him, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz being a top target. De Bruyne’s future remains uncertain, but his impact at City is as strong as ever.

     Snake Killed Near Aisha Buhari Walkway in University of Maiduguri — Students Urged to Stay Alert   By Mamun Onoruoyiza  Diaries of Truth April 15, 2025   On April 15, 2025,  A snake was killed very close to the Aisha Buhari Walkway in the University of Maiduguri. The snake was found crawling near the roadside bushes, a place where many students walk daily. This is a strong reminder for all students to be very careful during this hot (dry) season. As the temperature rises, snakes and other dangerous animals come out from their hiding places in search of cool spots. These reptiles can bite and cause serious harm, or even death, if not quickly treated. I urge all students to watch where they walk, especially near grasses, bushes, or dark corners. Always wear covered shoes and avoid walking through bushy paths. Also, report any sighting of snakes or strange animals to the school security or medical team immediately. Our safety is very important. Let u...

  By Mamun Onoruoyiza  Diaries of Truth April 13th, 2025    Panic has gripped Ajaokuta after a shocking discovery. According to reports, a local resident, Abdulmumuni from Adogo, allegedly disguised himself as a woman named Bilikisu and spent five days with a potential husband's family. The individual, also known as Abdulazeez Ojo Aliyu Princeperspectives, reportedly met the supposed mother-in-law and even got introduced as the potential bride. The motive behind this unusual act remains unclear, sparking widespread curiosity and debate. #DAIRIES OF TRUTH