Month: March 2024

By Uzair Adam Imam  

Negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip are scheduled to recommence in Cairo on Sunday, as reported by Egyptian outlet Al-Qahera. 

This development follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent approval for renewed talks. 

An anchor for Al-Qahera News, closely associated with Egypt’s intelligence services, confirmed the resumption of negotiations, citing an Egyptian security source.  

Previous rounds of talks, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have yet to yield a viable agreement. 

Despite hopes to reach a ceasefire before Ramadan, progress has been slow, with the Muslim holy month now more than halfway through. 

Netanyahu’s endorsement of the new negotiations, set to take place in both Doha and Cairo, was announced on Friday.  

While details regarding the involvement of Mossad chief David Barnea remain undisclosed, Netanyahu’s office confirmed discussions with Barnea regarding the talks. 

Simultaneously, protests erupted in Israel’s largest city, with demonstrators blocking a major road in demand for the release of hostages held in Gaza and criticising the government’s handling of the conflict.  

Approximately 130 hostages, out of an initial 250 seized during the October 7 attacks that triggered the conflict, are believed to remain in Gaza.

Central to the ceasefire negotiations is the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.  

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, along with counterparts from Egypt and Jordan, noted the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages during meetings in Cairo. 

Furthermore, France intends to propose a draft resolution at the UN Security Council outlining a “political” settlement for the conflict. 

While recent international efforts, including a Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and a UN court order for humanitarian assistance, aim to alleviate the situation, the conflict persists.  

Hamas’s initial attacks on October 7 resulted in significant casualties in Israel, while Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has claimed thousands of lives, predominantly among civilians, according to official figures.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State recently spoke at a town hall meeting, shedding light on the hurdles impeding his administration’s ability to pay workers’ salaries.

Sani attributed this predicament to the substantial debts inherited from his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.

During the meeting, Sani revealed that his administration inherited a colossal debt burden totaling $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the previous government.

He disclosed that a significant portion of the federal allocation for Kaduna State in March, amounting to N7 billion out of N10 billion, was diverted to service the state’s debt.

Consequently, only N3 billion remained to cover expenses, falling short of the state’s monthly salary bill of N5.2 billion.

Sani emphasized the adverse effects of the exchange rate fluctuations, resulting in the state paying back nearly triple the amount borrowed by the previous administration.

Despite these challenges, he asserted that his administration had refrained from borrowing any funds in the past nine months.

The governor underscored his commitment to steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development despite the inherited debt burden.

He highlighted key priority areas for his government, including safety and security, housing, education, healthcare, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Additionally, he pledged to prioritize inclusive development by investing in human capital, stimulating the economy, and providing affordable housing.

 By Haroon Aremu

Artificial intelligence (AI) is involved in everyday tasks, especially using smartphones or laptops to check message spellings, using voice commands for music, or following GPS directions. While these tools have existed, modern AI is much more advanced. It can not only complete tasks but also learn and improve its abilities by analysing information, making it even more powerful.

With its remarkable ability to think like a human and tackle everything from brainstorming to strategic planning, AI has become an indispensable ally in PR, reshaping how professionals craft their messages.

AI is a versatile powerhouse that can perform tasks such as generating innovative ideas and crafting tailor-made press releases and reports.

AI in PR is an especially exciting area. With tools ranging from traditional chatbots to cutting-edge, comprehensive platforms like Natural Language Generation (NLG) technology, PR pros can now create personalised content at lightning speed, paving the way for big-picture thinking and strategic approaches.

In a report by PRDaily and Accesswire, about 200 PR respondents were captioned. ‘59% seek predictive analytics for PR planning.’

Pundits argued that ChatGPT, the AI wizard that has revolutionised PR, is among the commonly used AI tools. With ChatGPT’s prompt input, tasks like building media lists and brainstorming content ideas have never been easier.

American Marketing AI Institute has also predicted that AI has created up to $2.6 trillion in business value in marketing and sales alone.

While incredibly powerful, AI is not 100% perfect and does not have emotions; it can also be inaccurate.

However, while AI may be a distraction, one thing remains abundantly clear: human connection is irreplaceable. After all, no machine can match the warmth and empathy of a genuine human interaction.

Meanwhile, AI and human interaction make the team’s dream easier. The deployment of both can boost efficiency and creativity and drive strategy. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, PR pros must embrace these changes wisely, leveraging technology as a tool to supercharge their skills and deliver impactful communication strategies by leveraging AI to streamline PR workflows in the digital age.

As an intern in PR and marketing communications, the influence of this field is undeniable. From advanced analytics to content generation, PR pros can deploy this tool to evaluate strategic decisions accurately.

Personalised marketing campaigns can also be deployed to elevate customer engagement, increase conversion rates and customer interactions, and enhance brand loyalty.

Notwithstanding, implementing AI also comes with challenges: data privacy concerns and the need for ongoing algorithm refinement present struggles requiring proactive solutions. Yet, these obstacles can be overcome through collaborative efforts and a willingness to adapt.

Haroon Aremu is a youth corps member with the PRNigeria centre and wrote in via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

The Adamawa state government has procured the world-famous Blue Bird school buses to shuttle pupils and students to and from schools within metropolitan and town areas across all 21 local government areas of the state. 

The Adamawa Model aims to achieve four targets: firstly, to serve as a palliative measure for students and their parents to cushion the effects of the removal of petroleum subsidies and the rising cost of living; secondly, to sustain the state’s achievements in mopping up out-of-school children from the streets; thirdly, to maintain the security enjoyed by the public in the state; and fourthly, to support Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s programme of productive job creation, local industry support, and the Adamawa urban renewal programme, including utilisation of today’s available resources for tomorrow’s future.

Blue Bird buses have proven to be the most preferred and frequently used transportation system for students, pupils, and even teachers in many countries. Studies have shown that the school bus system is the safest, cheapest, and most organised method of transporting students to and from schools.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s developmental programmes and projects are interconnected; they don’t occur in isolation. The school shuttle buses project complements the success of the Fresh Air Metro Bus Scheme, a palliative transportation system for the masses, and aligns with education sector improvement and modernisation.

On January 25, Governor Fintiri officially launched the construction of the model nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools across all 21 local government areas of the state. Additionally, the Governor plans to build comprehensive one-in-all mega secondary schools, two in each of the three senatorial districts of the state.

These projects and schemes are also designed to complement the Adamawa state government urban renewal programme, which includes the construction of infrastructure such as great interchanges, the Aliyu Mustapha flyover, the ongoing Mubi Round flyover, the superhighway, and the township roads in Jimeta-Yola and other local government areas.

Furthermore, Governor Fintiri’s programmes and projects are always designed using ‘the science’ of resource management and distribution. On March 8, 2024, the Governor launched an empowerment programme to support 10,000 women and youth with 50,000 naira each for small business development.

Furthermore, the Blue Bird buses, with a capacity of 50–100 students per bus, will reduce traffic congestion. The benefits of school buses, globally accepted, include keeping students punctual and active, fostering responsibility, providing peace of mind for parents, and being economically beneficial.

Despite dissenting voices, particularly within the opposition, experts in transport and education have highlighted the enormous multiplier effects of school shuttle buses. Besides ensuring pupil safety, parents will experience relief in transportation costs, leading to increased enrollment in schools and job creation for drivers, fuel station operators, and bus managers.

During the ceremony of the Call to Bar of his daughter, Barr Fa’iza, at the Body of Benchers Complex Abuja, Governor Fintiri said his administration will continue to maintain its interconnection of programmes and projects for his government to continue to address the needs of various sectors simultaneously while demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive governance.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

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.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

I maintain that Malam Ibrahim Khalil is a towering figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship. His prominence predates my own existence, and I have no doubt that his legacy will endure for many years to come. I wish him and his family well.

However, Malam’s recent fatwas via Freedom Radio have been controversial. Indeed, he is not new to controversies, but not to this extent or at any time that I can recall.

While rounding up the debate on bleaching, I woke up to yet another one on breast and buttock augmentation—via drugs and surgeries. The first red flag in that short clip is how he mentioned those body parts without euphemism. This is quite embarrassing.

I am not a medical doctor. However, I read and watch a lot of documentaries and news. Thus, I am fairly informed about the dangers of what Malam “advocates.” Please, go to YouTube and search for “Botched plastic surgery.” You will see more videos than you can watch.

I respectfully call on Malam to ponder the broader implications of what he talks about. As I said before, clerics are VIPs. We not only respect them but also revere them. Some people take their words as gospel. So, they should not churn out fatwas “anyhow.”

Dear ladies, do not disfigure—or even kill—yourselves for a man. You will never satisfy him 100%. Perfection is God’s attribute.

No matter how sexy (you think) you are, two things will happen. First, nothing stays the same. Second, another woman is definitely sexier. Even if she is not, men are naturally inclined to admire and even desire other women besides their partners. So, it’s not your “perfect” body that holds him tight. It’s the love; it’s the faith; it’s the commitment to the union.

May we be guided, ameen.

Muhsin Ibrahim writes from Cologne, Germany.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, has announced the seizure of contraband goods with a staggering duty-paid value exceeding N769 million.

This significant haul was disclosed by the Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller Chedi Wada, during a press briefing held on March 28, 2023, at Kangiwa House, Kaduna State. 

Comptroller Wada revealed that a total of 98 seizures involving 21 different items were executed during the operational period.

The contraband items confiscated encompassed a diverse range, including foreign parboiled rice, spaghetti, secondhand clothing, premium motor spirit, refined vegetable oil, used vehicles, and various other goods. 

Among the notable seizures were 372 bags of rice concealed within flour sacks, intercepted by vigilant unit operatives, and subsequently deposited at the Kwara Area Command.

Stressing the pivotal role of intelligence networks, Comptroller Wada underscored the unit’s commitment to unearthing smuggling operations, despite adversarial tactics employed by die-hard smugglers. 

In a stern warning directed at smugglers, Wada asserted, “Those who persist in illegal trade activities cannot deter us from fulfilling our duty. They must either transition to legitimate commerce or face the full force of the law.”

Additionally, he cautioned against the alteration of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), highlighting the legal consequences and penalties outlined under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. 

Drawing attention to the gravity of VIN tampering, Wada urged citizens to meticulously inspect vehicle VINs to thwart smuggling attempts and uphold regulatory compliance.

He noted the government’s initiative to facilitate the regularisation of improperly imported vehicles within a 90-day window, further alleviating financial burdens on citizens through the suspension of penalties. 

The resolute stance of the Nigeria Customs Service, exemplified by the diligent efforts of FOU Zone ‘B’, underscores a concerted commitment to combating illicit trade and safeguarding national interests.

As the unit remains steadfast in its enforcement endeavors, stakeholders are urged to collaborate in upholding regulatory standards and fostering a culture of lawful commerce.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Adults in Germany will have more freedom regarding cannabis possession and cultivation starting April 1st as the country implements a partial legalization program.

However, the new law comes with limitations and has drawn mixed reactions.

The legislation allows adults over 18 to carry up to 25 grams of dried cannabis for personal use. 

Home cultivation of up to three cannabis plants per person is also permitted, with a maximum storage allowance of 50 grams of dried cannabis at home.

Public consumption is restricted, with smoking banned within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, and sports facilities and in pedestrian zones between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Starting in July, Germany plans to introduce a system of regulated cannabis clubs. 

These non-profit organizations will have a maximum of 500 members and can sell a limited amount (50 grams per month) of dried cannabis to each member.

Adults under 21 will face additional restrictions on both monthly amounts and THC content.

Notably, meeting and consuming cannabis within the clubs is not allowed, and membership is restricted to one club at a time.

The government hopes this reform will tackle the black market and associated health risks. 

However, the law has been criticized by medical groups and regional authorities, who worry about public health consequences and implementation challenges.

A second law is planned to test shop or pharmacy sales in specific regions, but the European Union initially opposed this proposal. 

Opposition parties have already voiced disapproval and threatened to overturn the law if they win the 2025 elections.

Germany’s cannabis reform is a work in progress, sparking debate while offering a more regulated approach to the drug. 

By Uzair Adam Imam

Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, presented cheques worth N44 million to families of officers who died serving the state.

The funds, distributed under the force’s Group Life Assurance Scheme, aim to support 38 families who lost loved ones in the line of duty between 2022 and 2023.

In addition, the Commissioner commended 17 police personnel who served in the NYSC orientation camp security team.

They received NYSC commendation letters for their dedication, discipline, and ability to manage sensitive challenges during the 2024 Batch A, Stream One orientation exercise. 

By Aishat M. Abisola

Over the years, Nigeria has dealt with a profound crisis plaguing its healthcare system, exacerbated by the alarming rate of brain drain among its highly skilled medical professionals. Nigeria’s health sector is precarious as doctors, nurses, and other essential healthcare personnel depart for greener pastures abroad.

A closer look reveals a critical factor fueling brain drain, harming our health sector. The consequences of this phenomenon are dire. It has led to a shortage of healthcare professionals, compromising the overall quality of healthcare services in Nigeria.

One key reason for the brain drain in the Nigerian health sector is chronic underfunding, which results in dilapidated infrastructure and insufficient resources. Healthcare facilities in the country also suffer from a lack of modern equipment, outdated technology, and inadequate supplies.

Motivated by their desire to provide high-quality care, healthcare professionals flee to countries with well-maintained and adequately resourced healthcare infrastructure.

Brain drain can also be linked to the frustration healthcare professionals experience due to a lack of basic tools and resources necessary for their work. Insufficient funding for maintaining and upgrading healthcare facilities creates an environment that fails to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Funding issues in the Nigerian health sector have led to inadequate remuneration and poor working conditions for healthcare professionals. Doctors and nurses are often given meagre salaries, delayed payments, and a lack of essential benefits despite their importance in society.

The financial strain, coupled with challenging working conditions, can serve as a powerful motivator for them to seek opportunities abroad, where they can be better compensated and work in more conducive environments.

Several organisations in Nigeria have lamented funding issues and poor remuneration of our healthcare personnel. The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have organised strikes and issued ultimatums to the federal government to improve the nation’s health sector.

Last year, NARD asked the federal government to declare a state of emergency for the health sector. The NMA also spoke out against the federal government’s decision to implement a no-work, no-pay plan in response to an indefinite strike by NARD.

The lack of funding allocated to training and development programs within the Nigerian health sector also contributes to the brain drain crisis. Healthcare professionals want to seek continuous learning opportunities and career advancement. However, insufficient funds for training limit their growth within the country.

The scarcity of adequate professional development investments harms local talent retention. It encourages healthcare professionals to pursue opportunities abroad, where they can further their education and skill sets.

A united effort is needed to address funding challenges and combat brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector. Boosting investments in healthcare can create an environment that will retain and lure back skilled professionals. The federal and state governments can implement some of these strategies to mitigate the impact of brain drain:

Remuneration Improvements: Increase healthcare professionals’ salaries and benefits to make them more competitive on an international scale. Ensure timely salary payments address concerns about delayed payments, a common issue among healthcare workers.

Enhanced Working Conditions: Allocate sufficient funds to improve healthcare facilities, ensuring modern and well-maintained conditions, comfortable accommodations, and safe working environments—investment in technology and equipment to ensure that healthcare professionals have access to state-of-the-art tools and resources.

Investment in Training and Development: Funds should be allocated for continuous professional development programs to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals.
Establish partnerships with educational institutions to provide healthcare workers with ongoing training and learning opportunities.

Research and Innovation Grants: Create funding for local medical research and innovations to attract professionals interested in making healthcare advancements. Provide research grants to healthcare professionals, encouraging them to stay in Nigeria while pursuing groundbreaking research.

Infrastructure Development: Allocate funds for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of healthcare infrastructures (hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities). Equip healthcare facilities with modern technology and the resources to provide quality patient care.

Telemedicine and E-Health Initiatives: Allocate funds for telemedicine and e-health initiatives to enhance the accessibility and appeal of healthcare services to professionals. Invest in technology infrastructure to support telehealth services, reducing the need for healthcare workers to relocate physically.

Community Engagement and Support: Fund community programs to raise awareness about the importance of healthcare professionals in local communities. Establish support networks and incentives for healthcare professionals, including housing assistance, transportation, and other benefits.

Long-Term Strategic Planning: Implement and develop long-term plans for the healthcare sector, ensuring sustained and increased funding over time. Regularly assess funding needs and adjust budget allocations to address emerging challenges and opportunities.

Last line

Undeniably, the brain drain crisis in Nigeria’s health sector is strongly linked to constant funding challenges over the years. Concrete efforts and strategic investments in the healthcare system are essential to reverse this trend.

Adequate funding can improve infrastructure, enhance working conditions, and provide opportunities for professional growth, ultimately stemming the tide of skilled professionals leaving the country.

By addressing the root causes of brain drain through increased funding, Nigeria can build a more resilient and sustainable healthcare sector that meets the needs of its population.

Aishat M. Abisola is an NYSC member serving with PRNigeria Centre Abuja.