Month: August 2023

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Former spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, recently shared his thoughts on tattoos, urging caution and careful consideration before getting one. 

In his #RenosNuggets, he emphasises that while tattoos might be popular and appealing in the moment, they can have significant implications for both professional and personal aspects of life. 

According to Omokri, individuals in certain fields, such as corporate jobs, may face challenges with employers due to visible tattoos. 

Research has shown that employers are more likely to reject job applicants with tattoos compared to those without, potentially limiting career opportunities. 

Moreover, Omokri suggests that the public’s perception of individuals with tattoos might be affected, particularly in the political sphere. 

Voters may view candidates with visible tattoos as less serious and, therefore, less deserving of their votes. This perception could hinder political aspirations. 

The former spokesperson also emphasises that tattoos may not age well on the body, potentially leading to regrets later in life. 

Omokri concludes by advising people to carefully consider their decision before getting a tattoo.

By Anas Tukur Balarabe

Even a child knows that life isn’t all beer and skittles. They just can’t figure out why. However, as an adult with developed faculties, you can make sense of whatever challenges life throws you. Our ability to observe, interpret and infer sets us apart from other animals. Each time we encounter a hurdle, we are presented with two choices.

The first is to muster the courage, jump over the hurdle, and gain an additional survival skill if we succeed or crash into it and taste the sweetness of intrepidity and the bitterness of failure. Either way, you have succeeded because you can only win or lose when you dare the odds. The second choice is to run away and save your energy and time.

The danger of this choice is that it renders you ill-equipped to travel through the murky waters of life. It is common knowledge that life and challenges are inextricably connected. Now and then, we face trials to learn some valuable as we progress.  While solutions to certain challenges are apparent, some (challenges) appear inescapable to those who haven’t gone through the rigours of life. Still, people bashed by life can see escape hatches even if there appear to be none.

When a challenge thrusts, individuals who adopt running away from life-lesson opportunities as the only viable survival strategy will have zero entries in their survival manuals– and the result will always be confusion, fear, capitulation, then humiliation. He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day, as opined by Oliver Goldsmith, might come across as a clever survival tactic; however, running away from a problem doesn’t necessarily mean escaping it. The problem you run away from today can mutate or evolve and confront you tomorrow when you are less prepared to face it.

Intrinsically, we prefer smooth sailing in our undertakings, but as a fair teacher, life has taught us that challenges are the rung on the ladder to success. The more you overcome, the further you climb. Babies crawl, walk and eventually begin to run. They fail, succeed, and learn many lessons from one milestone to another. However unpleasant they may seem, challenges are our surefire of accomplishing our goals in life.

Only those who dare the odds win medals and earn promotions in the military and other professions. A soldier will never be given a medal for desertion or mutiny but for bravery and courage. While being courageous, however, your sense of judgement and sense of proportion must be your guardrail. You must understand why an elephant is too big a prey for an anaconda. You must know the reason why orcas, despite their hostility, would never attempt to wreck an ocean liner.

To put it succinctly, this is by no means an encouragement for one to be reckless in their pursuits but a sincere reminder that whatever you set out to achieve, you must pursue it vigorously while keeping in mind that you could be ambushed by [a] challenge(s) on your way to the finish line. Whenever life presents you with a challenge, you either buckle up and exploit it or be exploited by it.

Anas Tukur Balarabe is a PhD candidate at the University of Portsmouth. He can be contacted via atnbalarabe@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered some palliatives in his address to the nation yesterday, 31^st July 2023. Among the palliatives were interest loans of about N75b at 9% interest, N500,000 loan to N1 million at 9% and another N100 billion transportation loan also at 9%. However, an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has requested soft loans for Nigerian Muslims instead of interest loans.

In a statement circulated among journalists on Tuesday, 1^st August 2023, by the group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group explained that it is haram (forbidden) for Muslims to receive or give interest on loans.

Akintola spoke further :

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered some palliatives in his address to the nation yesterday, 31^st July 2023. Among the palliatives were interest loans of about N75b at 9% interest, N500,000 to N1 million loan at 9% and another N100 billion transportation loan also at 9%.

“We appreciate the concern of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigerians, particularly in these difficult times. The offer of loans to cushion the effect of the withdrawal of oil subsidy shows that the president cares about the citizenry.

“However, Nigerian Muslims cannot and will not take interest loans as the latter is capable of constituting a wedge between Nigerian Muslims and their Creator (Almighty Allah). We prefer the everlasting peace of al-akhirah (the Hereafter) to the material gains of this world.

“Interest is haram, and Allah explicitly forbids it when He said, “Oh you who believe, fear Allah and give up that interest which is still due to you if you are true believers. But if you do not desist, then you are warned of the declaration of war against you by Allah and His Messenger….” (Glorious Qur’an 2:278 – 279).

“The interest loan being offered by President Tinubu cannot benefit Muslims in this country. We, therefore, suggest that the Federal Government (FG) should arrange soft loans for the Muslim population in particular and any other citizens who may desire it.

“One of the problems with Nigeria is that the system bequeathed to us by the colonial master is not Islam-compliant. It, therefore, conflicts very often with the Islamic way of life. This is why FG needs to prepare alternatives for Muslims,who are more than 130 million in the country, in the name of fairness, equity and justice.

“We reiterate that interest loan is haram, and Muslims will not touch it with a long pole. FG should therefore expedite action on introducing Islam-compliant palliatives such that it is made available for Muslims at the same time that interest loans are accessible to others because hunger is spreading fast among the populace as prices sky-rocket daily.

“We advise FG to consult Islamic scholars regularly, particularly on policy issues, in order not to cause misunderstanding between the government and Nigerian Muslims. We also suggest that an expert in Islamic finance should be a member of the National Economic Council (NEC).”

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Immediate past national President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, has confirmed joining the Labour Party. 

Akpata on Monday disclosed that he has been a member of the Labour Party since March 2023.

According to Mr Akpata, he deemed it necessary to put the speculations that he has joined partisan politics to rest and hence the announcement. 

“Quite a number of people have called/messaged me to confirm the news, currently making the rounds, that I have joined a political party. Yes…I joined the @labourparty_ng in March this year, and on Sunday, I attended my first Ward Meeting at Oredo Ward 6, in Benin-City, where I was formally introduced to members of the Ward and presented with my Party membership card. This was a major step for me and not one that I took lightly…but I simply got tired of complaining about Nigeria every day and bemoaning her fate, and I decided to take the plunge and to try to be part of the solution rather than agonising continually over the problem. This, for me, is the start of a very important journey, and it is my prayer that I arrive safely at my destination.” He posted on Facebook.

By Ghali Tade

The Former Governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, is a distinguished politician in Nigeria’s political space. He is an accountant who applies the knowledge and training of his field of study to politics, which earned him respect that could not be bought. Mallam Badaru, Mai Nasara, as he was addressed by our fathers or Baba Mai Calculator as he is called in Jigawa state, is a personality who understands the need to be God-fearing, honest, transparent, accountable, focused, determined, dedicated, and committed.

How he managed to be what he is today may be surprising to those who do not know him, but we see it as a reflection of the Hausa sayings, “Kyan ɗa ya gaji mahaifinsa & barewa ba ta gudu ɗanta ya yi rarrafe“. I loosely mean he inherited most if not all of his qualities from his parent, a renowned Islamic scholar in his time. These backgrounds have made him see himself as a public servant, not a ruler. A governor who led Jigawa state to a new world with a heart full of passion, compassion, and patriotism.

When I learned that Mai Calculator was leaving office as our governor this year, I worried about who would be like or better than him. Luckily enough, Baba Badaru has handed over power to another copy of Badaru with a workaholic Deputy Governor, Engineer Aminu Usman Gumel.

The present governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Umar Namadi, who served as finance commissioner and deputy governor to Baba Badaru’s administration, is an engine that played a vital role in ensuring that their campaign promises were fulfilled and Badaru succeeded in all sectors. Both Mallam Badaru and Mallam Namadi shared certain things in common. Apart from being the sons of renowned Islamic scholars in the state, they are chartered accountants who performed excellently. They are problem solvers and people concerned about the populace and the best way to sustain the reputation of their families.

Mallam Namadi’s loyalty and zeal to stand firm on justice, fairness, and truthfulness earned him respect and made him the choice of Mallam Badaru and the good people of Jigawa state. The bond between the two state leaders is unbreakable, considering the cement of truth used in building it. I think this is why Mai Calculator’s men are in the new administration serving as commissioners and other roles.

The political twin brothers achieved more than expected of them when they were governor and deputy of Jigawa state. I could vividly recall that in the speech he delivered at a farewell reception in his honour held at Banquet Hall Government House Dutse on Sunday, the 28 May 2023, His Excellency, the Former Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar listed numerous achievements of theirs in different sectors.

Despite inheriting Jigawa State with contractual liabilities of 114 billion naira and all the economic hardships while in power, Mai Calculator left the state with only 711 million naira in debt to pay. Unlike other governors who abandoned the projects of their predecessors, Baba Badaru distinguished himself by completing all inherited projects and focusing on transparency and accountability programmes to ensure the safety of investments.

Recall that ICAN had awarded Jigawa State as the best in Nigeria in Public resources accountability in 2021 and 2022 and the same in Budget transparency. In health, 18 more general hospitals were built to address the needs of the citizens in healthcare services. When he came on board, there were only 12, but he amplified them to 30. Also, three specialist hospitals and one orthopaedic hospital were established. Still on health, the people’s governor provided one comprehensive Health centre in every electoral ward of the state.

The number of hospitals on 24 hrs services increased, addressing the infant mortality rate.

In infrastructure, all the ongoing 700 kilometres of rural roads inherited were completed. Five thousand two hundred seventy-eight hand pumps have been repaired in water resources, 7792 solar water schemes were constructed, and 3500 PHC latrines were built, making Jigawa  State open defecation free. These efforts earned Jigawa number four in safe drinking water in Nigeria and number one in the entire Northern region.

On the other hand, Baba Mai Calculator’s administration witnessed massive federal government projects in the state. Beginning with the power sector, first time in 20 years, the Gagarawa power station project was completed and commissioned under the administration of Former President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari also awarded four substations in Gwaram, Kazaure, Babura, and Birnin Kudu.

It could be recalled that 164,000 families enjoyed #5,000 monthly stipends from the federal government. This is in addition to feeding a million pupils, which created jobs for 9,200 vendors. My state benefited from Trader Monie, GEEP, Npower, Anchor Borrowers, and other human capital development projects.

On FG’s road projects, the Dutse to Kano, Kano – Danbatta – Kazaure – Gwiwa – Daura – Katsina to Niger Republic roads are practical and visible development. Another road that I will never forget is Kwanar Dimawa- Kanya Babba- Ɓaɓura-Baban mutum road.

I vividly remember Former President Muhammadu Buhari was in Jigawa in 2018 to flag off Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme. Joyfully, he returned to the state to commission the same project after completing its rehabilitation and expansion. The project, an irrigational land of 5,700 hectares, currently provides jobs, food, and economic diversification.

Let me openly state that these are just a few blessings Jigawa state got from Baba Mai Calculator and Baba Buhari’s administrations.

What are Badaru’s contributions to APC and the emergence of President Tinubu?

Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar was the first governor to win from an opposition despite the PDP having control of Jigawa and Nigeria in 2015. His emergence as Jigawa’s governor laid a solid foundation for APC, attracting thousands of loyalists of other parties to APC.

As an APC Leader in governors’ primaries and general elections in some states like  Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, and Bayelsa, Baba Badaru performed wonderfully well. This has made APC stronger in these states; many votes were pulled from them in the last three elections.

Under his watch as Northern Nigeria’s coordinator for Tinubu’s campaign organisation, higher votes were got from his zone -North West with over two million and six hundred thousand in presidential elections. The dedication and determination of Mai Calculator and other APC stalwarts gave President Tinubu more votes from the north-west than the south-west.

Baba Badaru has dedicated his time, energy, and resources to fighting all the propaganda by negative minds on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As someone who comes from the same discipline as the President, Badaru is well-informed about the leadership qualities of Jagaban. These qualities were unknown by some people in the North. Hence enemies tried to paint him black but to no avail.

There was a time when the Former Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, refuted insinuations that the APC Presidential candidate, Ahmad Bola Tinubu, would be a Southern President if he won the election. He assured the presidential candidate’s antecedents indicate he is not a betrayer.

Abubakar, who spoke in Kano during an APC Presidential Candidate meeting with the Muslim Ullamas from Northwestern Nigeria, said all Bola antecedents vindicate him as a non-ethnic and religious bigot”. He even added that everything Bola Tinubu has done in his presidential aspiration, he has done it with the full participation of Badaru, Ganduje, and Nuhu Ribadu, people who are known for their nationalistic outlook.

He stressed that every stakeholder in the Nigerian project chose Bola Tinubu. Talking about his mental health and his fitness, our recent visits to Mecca on Ummara, where Tinubu walked miles without joining a car and his performance of Rituals of Tawaf and Saai shows that he is not only healthy but mentally alert on issues”, Mai Calculator explained.

In summary, Mallam Muhammad Badaru Abubakar is a blessing to Jigawa state, APC, and Nigeria at large. Jigawa is lucky to have an accountant as a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an accountant as a Governor, and an accountant hoping to be a minister representing the state at the Federal Executive Council. 

Badaru is indeed an APC’s Silent Achiever!

Ghali Tade writes from Ɓaɓura, Jigawa state. He can be reached via tadebusinessr@gmail.com.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

In the war-torn region of Gwoza, two remarkable girls, Mabruka Manu, and Maryam Abubakar Musa, emerged as beacons of hope and resilience. Despite the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on their lives and education, they defied the odds and became registered midwives. 

Their inspiring journeys from displacement and despair to fulfilling careers are a testament to their unwavering determination and the power of education.

Mabruka Manu was born and raised in Maiduguri, while Maryam was born in Katsina State but raised in Gwoza, Borno State. As with many thousands, both young ladies had their dreams of education shattered by the insurgency. However, an NGO called Girl Child Concerns, GCC, provided them with a lifeline, offering opportunities to realise their full potential. 

In 2018, GCC undertook a remarkable initiative in Borno State with support from MDS’s Merck for Mother selecting and training over 300 adolescent girls from various communities (primarily affected by the Boko Haram insurgency) to become Village Health Workers (VHW). The goal was to address the pressing maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) needs in these areas, where many health workers had left due to the Boko Haram insurgency, leaving women and children with limited access to healthcare. 

Among the trained VHWs were Maryam and Mubruka, whose dedication and resilience stood out. With support from Borno State Government, GCC further trained over 500 VHW and equipped them with essential skills, including training as Per Mother’s Support Groups for Infant and Young Children’s Feeding, serving as supportive supervisors, and encouraging them to pursue further studies, leading to their qualification for the Foundation Year Program (FYP) initiated by Women for Health. 

With the support of their loved ones and overcoming financial obstacles, Maryam and Mubruka’s journey eventually led them to gain admission to the prestigious College of Nursing and Midwifery in Maiduguri, where they began their inspiring path toward becoming Registered and Licensed Midwives.

In 2020, GCC continued its mission to empower women in rural communities by organising a training program for health workers, including Maryam and Mubruka, and nearly 100 others, to address the challenges rural women face in providing basic health screening, counselling, and managing common ailments.  

This training taught participants good infant and child feeding, promoted immunisation, and provided referral services. Maryam and Mubruka’s active involvement in this initiative showcased their commitment to their communities’ well-being as they diligently acquired the necessary skills to support and educate mothers on proper infant and child nutrition.

The stories of Maryam and Mubruka exemplify the transformative impact of GCC’s initiatives on the lives of young women and their communities in Borno State. Through their training as Village Health Workers and their subsequent journey to become Registered and Licensed Midwives, they have become invaluable assets to their communities, offering crucial healthcare services and expertise where it was previously lacking. 

Additionally, their involvement in the “Mother Support Group for Infant and Child Nutrition has furthered the cause of empowering rural women and enhancing the health and well-being of their children. 

GCC’s dedication to uplifting and supporting women in the healthcare sector continues to bring positive change to Borno State, fostering a brighter future for its women, children, and communities.

Maryam Abubakar Musa, who faced numerous challenges in her journey, including the horrors of the Boko Haram insurgency, displayed incredible determination and commitment to education. 

Despite setbacks and low exam scores, Maryam pursued her passion for healthcare, eventually graduating with a diploma in Chemistry Education. Her perseverance paid off, and she successfully graduated, landing a job in her chosen field.

These fantastic stories of Mabruka and Maryam are shining examples of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of education against all odds. Their unwavering spirit and commitment to their community exemplify the best of humanity. 

They highlight the importance of providing educational opportunities and support systems to individuals from marginalised areas affected by conflict, proving that resilience and dedication can overcome any obstacle to a brighter future.

The journey of Mabruka and Maryam is a source of inspiration for their community and countless others facing similar challenges. Their triumphs showcase the transformative power of education and the impact of collective efforts from NGOs like GCC and Women For Health. 

These stories remind us that even in the darkest times, hope can prevail, and with the proper support, individuals can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Recognition for their remarkable achievements arrived when Mabruka and Maryam were offered jobs at the Ultra Modern Police Hospital in Yobe State. 

Their inspiring narratives, shared through a Girls for Girls phone-in radio program initiated by Girl Child Concern in Collaboration with Education Cannot Wait and UNICEF, caught the attention of a good Samaritan. Their employment solidifies their career paths and serves as a testament to the power of their resilience and the impact of their stories on others.

Mabruka Manu and Maryam Abubakar Musa’s journeys from displacement and adversity to becoming registered midwives are tales of unwavering determination, resilience, and the transformative power of education. Their stories underscore the importance of providing support and opportunities to individuals in conflict-affected regions.

Mabruka and Maryam’s achievements inspire hope, demonstrating that with perseverance and the right support, anyone can overcome obstacles and forge a path toward a brighter future.

Lawan Bukar Maigana is the Communication Officer for Girl Child Concerns, GCC, Borno State, and can be reached via email: lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com.

By Dansaleh Aliyu Yahya

Fighting and terrifying others’ peace for no logic might be the nastiest thing one could ever see. I presumed those who do it should be characterised as ridiculous, merciless and barbaric from all angles—their fights are always loathsome. Our parents and we are doleful!

Diso of Gwale local government has now become the meeting juncture of the indigenous hoodlums of Kofar Na’isa and Hausawar Cikingari. They disturbed our stability for the last three-plus days—making us quiescent.

We were skittish yesterday, too, for their infamous masquerades. They arrived when we were with the children at our “Night Islamiyya (Makarantar Dare)”. The students included many girls and women who were there only to study the Qur’an and other Islamic knowledge specialisations. They coerced us to return with their pandemonium and holding weapon fights—it was not the first day.

Furthermore, they (the thugs) sabotaged many road-parked cars yesternight. I saw more than ten cars that had their mirrors shattered this morning. They took many people belonging after distracting the people’s shop entrances. They even stole three 25-litre petrol bottles from a fuel seller I know—75 litres of petrol. I was told that they used it to intimidate people in their homes when they refused to allow them into the houses to steal. They even removed doors. So annoying!

In addition, the policemen constantly blaze tear gas on our faces to bring peace and stability. However, it ends up troubling it—leaving us with sobbing kids, runny noses and eyes. They don’t even arrive to stop it when it’s occurring.

Nevertheless, they come after the criminals go away. Sorry for saying that; they might have their rules for doing things that I might not know (the police). But, for my life, I could not understand those rules. Maybe you do. But, I think they must be coming earlier—from my boyish imagination.

To cap it all, I would like to request the government, the police forces and any other form of peace personnel to help us eradicate those sagacious criminals from harming us, our parents and our siblings. We want a stable, peaceful living environment for ourselves and everyone. I hope my message will go to its intended destination.