Month: March 2024

By Aisha Musa Auyo

International Women’s Day holds immense significance as a global observance dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements, promoting gender equality, and raising awareness about the challenges women face. It serves as a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate women’s contributions in various fields, while also highlighting ongoing efforts to address gender disparities. The day fosters a sense of solidarity among women worldwide, encouraging discussions and actions to advance women’s rights and opportunities.

The theme for IWD 2024 is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”. It highlights the importance of women’s and girls’ empowerment and their rights to healthier lives.

I plan to write this article from a religious and social perspective because many have hidden behind the veil of religion to deny women their basic right to education and empowerment.

Without question, education for women and girls is an integral part of Islam.

In the Holy Quran, Allah orders both men and women to increase their knowledge and condemns those who are not learned. The very first revelation to Prophet Mohammed (ﷺ) starts with the word “read” and says:

“Read. Read in the name of thy Lord who created; [He] created the human being from a blood clot.

Read in the name of thy Lord who taught by the pen: [He] taught the human being what he did not know.” (Q96: 1-5)

In addition to the clear stance of the Qur’an on knowledge acquisition by every Muslim woman and man, the Prophet is also reported to have said (hadith):

“The acquisition of knowledge is the duty of every Muslim man and Muslim woman” (Rahman 1980, 397).

From the above verse and hadith, we can conclude that

1. Girls’ Education Is a Divine Command

The obligation for women and men to study is also confirmed by the hadith and the sunnah. Preventing women and girls from receiving an education is preventing them from fulfilling the divine obligation commanded by Allah and intervening with their akhirah, or afterlife.

2. Girl’s Education is a Divine Right

Education of girls is central to their faith because it increases their knowledge, teaches them how to use their intellect, furnishes them with critical reflection skills, and makes them better Muslims and better members of their communities. It allows girls and women to make use of the gifts Allah has given them.

Preventing women and girls from receiving an education is preventing them from fulfilling the divine obligation commanded by Allah and intervening with their akhirah, or afterlife.

Prophet (PBUH) Invested in the Education of Girls

Since the early years of Islam, learned women enjoyed high public standing and authority. The Prophet (ﷺ) made an effort to educate women and girls and encouraged his wives and daughters to learn and be educated. He held classes for women, and women were often present in the public assemblies that came to learn from the Prophet (ﷺ). Women in his household received education not only in Islamic sciences but in other fields such as medicine, poetry and mathematics, among others. He made arrangements for training women in the commandments, fixing one day a week to meet with them.

Aishah and Umm Salamah (ra) are among the greatest narrators of hadith. Much of what Muslims practice today in terms of their religion is transmitted via the education of these two great women. The world’s first institution of higher education, the University of Qarawiyyin in Morocco, was established by a Muslim woman, Fatima al-Fihriyya.

How the society benefits from educating women

“Education is the only way to empower them [girls], improve their status, ensure their participation in the development of their respective societies, and activate their role to be able to take responsibility for future generations.” – Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

Education is more than just the ability to read and write. It is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values in various fields that enable individuals to contribute meaningfully to the social, economic, and political well-being of their families and communities. Without educating its citizens, no society can develop and prosper.

The concept of knowledge in Islam covers a broad spectrum of subjects. The Quran describes the breadth of knowledge as vast and states that learning encompasses both religious and secular subjects. Many verses of the Holy Quran invite the reader to reflect and contemplate the creation of the universe. Therefore, it is incorrect to restrict women to the study of only religious sciences and prohibit them from a broader scope of education.

Some of the benefits of educating women include the following:

Educating girls contributes to stronger economies and alleviates poverty. Economic development and poverty reduction require countries to benefit from the talents, skills, and productivity of all their citizens, both men and women. Reducing the gender gap and educating girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will help reduce the skills gap, increase the employment and productivity of women, and reduce occupational segregation.

Educating girls leads to healthier and happier families because, as mothers, educated women make better and more informed decisions for their children’s well-being, including protecting them from disease.

When women are educated, violence is reduced, and children have better psychological well-being and are happier.

Ways to invest and accelerate women progress

Investing in women for societal progress involves addressing various aspects to empower them holistically. Here are key areas for investment:

Education: Ensure access to quality education for girls and women. Support scholarship programs, mentorship initiatives, and STEM education to bridge gender gaps.

Healthcare: Invest in women’s health services, including reproductive health, maternal care, and mental health support. This contributes to healthier communities and improves overall well-being.

Economic Opportunities: Promote equal economic opportunities by supporting women entrepreneurs, providing training, and encouraging workplace diversity. This enhances financial independence and contributes to economic growth.

Legal Rights: Advocate for and invest in legal frameworks that protect women’s rights. This includes combating gender-based violence, ensuring equal pay, and promoting workplace policies that support work-life balance.

Technology and Innovation: Encourage women’s participation in technology and innovation sectors. Investing in programs that provide skills training and mentorship can bridge the gender gap in these rapidly evolving fields.

Community Engagement: Invest in community-based programs that empower women, addressing social and cultural barriers. This can involve awareness campaigns, support groups, and grassroots initiatives.

Media Representation: Support initiatives promoting positive and diverse portrayals of women in media. This contributes to changing societal perceptions and breaking stereotypes.

By investing comprehensively in these areas, societies can foster an environment where women have equal opportunities, contribute significantly to various sectors, and play vital roles in societal progress.

Let us unite in a collective call to action for the continued support of women’s empowerment. Support, sponsor, and encourage the women and girls around you. By standing together, we can accelerate progress toward a future where women’s rights are not only acknowledged but celebrated, ensuring a more equitable and prosperous world for all. The journey toward women’s education and empowerment requires each of us to play a role—let’s commit to this shared mission and create lasting change.

Happy International Women’s Day to all women and the men who have allowed, supported, sponsored, and encouraged women’s education and empowerment.

Someone on Facebook argues that religion hinders countries from developing. I fail to see the connection. Politics is chiefly responsible for a country’s development or lack thereof.

Islam and Christianity, the religions I am most familiar with, do not prevent their adherents from attending school or pursuing any field of study.

My family is, I can confidently say, quite religious. Despite this, we have members who are Ph.D. holders and other graduates. We also have nurses, midwives, and teachers, etc., among us (both members and their spouses).

Qatar, Malaysia, and Indonesia are three good examples. They are “conservative” Muslim countries. However, they are developing on a fast track.

Iran and Bangladesh have some of the highest female literacy rates in the world. Women work in almost all sectors in Saudi Arabia today. The examples are many.

It’s sad our youths are misinformed about religion and modernity. They always look at Westerners’ lifestyles as synonymous with development and civilization. No, they are more than that.

To the vast majority of the Muslim world, Boko is not only halal but essential. Thus, don’t pigeonhole your views. Or rely on some ill-informed writers and sensationalized mainstream media headlines.

May we be guided, amin.

Muhsin Ibrahim is a PhD who teaches at the University of Cologne, Germany and he can be reached via muhsin2008@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has unveiled plans to provide shelters for Customs officers and men. 

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the NCS housing scheme in Kaduna on Thursday, CGC Adeniyi emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating, “This ceremony is not the last episode of what we have planned. There are projects similar to this in Kano, Asaba, Yola, Abuja, Enugu, and Uyo ready for flag-off.” 

Highlighting the service’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of its personnel, CGC Adeniyi recalled a similar project launched in Ibadan in December 2023 aimed at serving officers and men of the NCS.

He stated the importance of providing suitable housing options, especially for retired personnel. 

The CGC indicated that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of providing affordable housing to Nigerians and commended Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his support for the success of the exercise. 

Addressing officers interested in the housing scheme, CGC Adeniyi urged them to remain steadfast, announcing plans for the service to collaborate with Cooperative Mortgage Bank to streamline the payment process. 

George Anih, Portfolio and Assets Manager of Family Homes, reiterated his firm’s commitment to providing affordable housing solutions, pledging to partner with the Nigeria Customs Service to deliver 5000 houses for its officers and men. 

Mr. Musa Abubakar, Managing Director of Cooperative Mortgage Bank, affirmed his dedication to ensuring the timely completion of the housing project, assuring the Comptroller-General of Customs of his bank’s support. 

The NCS housing scheme represents a significant step towards enhancing the welfare and livelihoods of customs personnel, reflecting the service’s dedication to serving its workforce and contributing to national development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

There has been outrage over the abduction of over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School at Kuriga, Kaduna State, by bandits on Thursday. 

The bandits reportedly invaded the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away at least 280 of the pupils and teachers from both schools.

The secondary school had been relocated to the primary school due to insecurity in the council. 

Various organisations and authorities, including the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Amnesty International, the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and the House of Representatives, have condemned the attack, calling on the government to rescue the victims immediately. 

This incident occurred barely 24 hours after insurgents abducted 200 internally displaced women in Borno State.

The women were kidnapped in Ngala, the headquarters of Gambarou Ngala in Borno State, while fetching firewood in the bush. 

Sani Abdullahi, a teacher at Government Secondary School Kuriga, narrated the attack, stating that about 280 pupils and teachers were taken by the hoodlums.

He recounted the chaos that ensued as the bandits surrounded the school premises, forcing them to flee into the bush. 

State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, led senior government officials and heads of security agencies to the scene of the attack, assuring the community that efforts were underway to rescue those abducted.

The governor stated that security operatives had swung into action to search for the kidnapped pupils. 

Efforts to identify those kidnapped are ongoing, with the head teacher of the school and some staff members among those abducted.

According to reports, a pupil identified as Ahmed, who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack, succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at Birnin-Gwari General Hospital.

The community is reeling from the shock of the incident, with residents describing the bandits as wielding dangerous weapons and taking their victims into the forest.

By Isma’il Hashim Abubakar, PhD

In my previous article, which predated and possibly heralded the public announcement of the voluntary and, of course, short-lived resignation of Shaykh Aminu Daurawa from his post as the Commandant-General of the Hisbah Board, I challenged what many people alleged to be a political romance between the Kano State Government and Murja Kunya, a rising TikToker who achieved notoriety through her lecherous utterances, unblushing gyrations, and licentious dances that not only defy moral codes but also corrupt the norms and values of Muslim society in northern Nigeria.

In that write-up, described by some as extremely blunt and overly radical, I chronicled a brief history of Hisbah and marshaled the unequal clout the morality police institution used to wield during previous Hisbah commandants and the immense sacrifices each of them made, which ultimately reinforced Hisbah and made it the most enduring and impactful religious bureaucracy established by the government since the return of Shari’ah at the turn of the century. I juxtaposed the achievements of Hisbah during previous leaderships against the commitment of the current command under Daurawa and concluded that the cleric was changing the course of how things used to be before his ascendancy as the Board’s head.

This view gains legitimacy through some of the Shaykh’s public confessions that, unlike during his predecessors’, he has modified and limited the ground operations of Hisbah such that he commands his guards to avoid storming and chasing elites, powerful figures, and places owned by influential personalities, while restricting their raids and arrests to the poor and weak masses who have no one to intervene and secure their release. This, to me, sounds counterproductive and explains why Murja Kunya nearly defeated Hisbah after she was arrested and jailed while awaiting trial, before her mysterious escape from prison.

To be candid and honest, Daurawa’s arrest of Murja was a courageous and commendable move, although certainly itself an act of defiance of a theory he formulated, which showed that he perhaps underrated Murja, and that was why he thought she belonged to the class of powerless masses, the supposed target of Hisbah’s wrath.

Meanwhile, the sudden announcement of Daurawa’s voluntary resignation after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s public speech, which Daurawa and thousands of listeners received with dismay and interpreted as an authoritative demoralization of Hisbah, was ironically, based on the development that followed the resignation, a blessing in disguise. This awakened not only stakeholders but also remote audiences to the essentialness of the existence and backing of institutions like Hisbah. Having earlier decried Daurawa’s “soft” approach and selective application of his mandate, his resignation should be welcomed by me and those who have reservations about his policies.

However, like many pro-Hisbah fellows, I ironically found his sudden resignation shocking, albeit trying to live by the dictates of my admonition in my previous essay, thanks to the circumstances through which he almost vacated his seat. I spent the whole day after listening to the short clip of the scholar announcing his resignation, contacting and discussing with friends, and deliberating on who might be the right candidate to succeed Daurawa. Some of the names I heard allegedly being peddled and imposed on the conscience of Governor Abba sincerely scared me a lot.

One of those candidates is even a crony and closest representative of an infamous scholar who almost ignited a war in Kano due to his poisonous and blasphemous preachings before he was finally convicted by the court and is now still languishing in jail. It suddenly dawned on me, as it did to thousands of the audience, that Daurawa’s resignation would hardly lead to the reform of Hisbah we crave and the brave and intrepid posture and outlook that we aspire for the head of Hisbah to wear and maintain. In fact, whoever would have succeeded Daurawa would merely do the bidding of the Governor and avoid unleashing Hisbah’s wrath on people connected with the Governor’s political victory, even if they are as worthless as Murja Kunya.

It was this similar feeling and the fear of the decline of Hisbah’s influence that virtually alerted concerned Muslims to wade into the matter and, at different levels, embarked on calls and campaigns to have an understanding between the Governor and his cleric appointee to recant the resignation and to have a rethink on the position and function of Hisbah amidst growing disappointment at how immorality is holding sway in cyberspace and social media domains within the region. The mission for reconciliation sponsored, led, and facilitated by the Coalition of Ulama in Kano, besides the calls for Governor Abba to make peace with the Hisbah boss that stormed different quarters from various constituencies, has been very fruitful.

Sincere happiness and celebration for the triumph of Hisbah are now the stuff that spectators have to feast on these days, with pre- and post-reconciliation group photographs of the Governor, Daurawa, and the peacekeeping team flooding social media from all angles. Daurawa himself expressed happiness that the worries and reservations he earlier nurtured, which likely but also partly justify his diplomatic approach, will now be a thing of the past since there is a renewed commitment from the government to support, empower, and stand with Hisbah.

Daurawa’s recent efforts to synergize the function of Hisbah, mobilize, and secure more support for Hisbah from various groups and levels of people, as expressed in his public address and illustrated by his recent visits to important arms of government, including the Grand Khadis, are chiefly commendable moves.

The gaps created by Murja’s illegal escape from prison, which will hopefully now be checkmated, and the subsequent resignation of Daurawa all evince the previous lack of a commensurate and strong network that Hisbah ought to have had, which would have made its work easier. With the Sultan of Sokoto, the highest Muslim royal figure in Nigeria; top business moguls; prominent Islamic clerics across different sectarian divides; senior government officials; technocrats; academics and intellectuals; as well as the overwhelming majority of concerned Muslims within northern Nigeria all backing Hisbah and pledging unanimous allegiance to its commandant, the Board now has adequate authority to tackle and contain immorality on a larger scale and without, in the slightest sense, any class discrimination.

There is no better time than now to expand the scope of Hisbah and extend its activities to other Muslim states within the region. Sheikh Daurawa will be a very good asset, particularly as he reviews some of his previous approaches, to spearhead an advocacy movement to institute a unified Northwestern Hisbah command or zonal network, officially and legislatively endorsed by state governments in order to effectively counter the rising challenge of immorality that is spread largely on social media platforms.

The approachability, broadmindedness, and openheartedness that informed Governor Abba Kabir’s swift acceptance and accommodation of criticism and correction have restored some hope to the public of having a governor who would combine the leadership qualities of decisiveness, intrepidity, hard work, foresight, wisdom, and clemency at one time—the principal behavioral dispositions, part of which define Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his longtime political counterpart, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau. These are expected to come into play in Abba’s expected commitment toward and prioritization of Hisbah activities, particularly by reforming the administrative aspects of the Board, by first appointing a formidable governing council peopled with members who will be devoted to their job ahead of considering it a political favor through which to get material gratification. The best pool to draw on will be the same peacekeeping team that ensured the reconciliation between the Governor and Hisbah commandant.

Previous senior Hisbah officers as well will be of great importance as part of the governing council. An upward review of the monthly allowance from ten thousand Naira for Hisbah guards, such that it triples their current take-home pay, will be a visible indication that the Governor is now in full support of Hisbah. The Governor will be wiser if he takes singular caution by distancing himself from the pseudo-cleric he appointed as a religious adviser. The opportunist appointee, who is rubbishing Hisbah’s mission by advising his boss to reward Murja Kunya and integrate her into his cabinet, seems to be on a mission to drag the Governor into an unnecessary but suicidal fight with the religious constituency. With elements like this in the corridors of power, the sudden triumph of Hisbah will remain incomplete unless Murja Kunya faces the severe wrath of the law.

Isma’il writes from Rabat, the Kingdom of Morocco and can be reached via ismailiiit18@gmail.com.

By Salihi Adamu Takai

Kano State Coalition of Ulama comprises the great Islamic clerics of Kano from different sects to promote sanity and peace. The coalition is headed by Sheikh Abdulwahab Abdullah (Imam Ahlussunnah). The clerics, who grouped themselves in the religious effort of making the work of Almighty Allah effective in the state, are very important scholars of impeccable characters.

Kano State happens to be the ancient city in the northern part of Nigeria that is very popular for its religiosity. It is one of the first states in Africa to receive the light of Islam. Many scholars have revealed that Islam was received in the state through Wangarawa and Arab merchants.

The spread of the Islamic religion in the state has made it a very religious city—and the religious aspect has become very sensitive in the state. After some years of the spread of the Islamic religion in the city, there has been the existence of Sufism and other sects of beliefs.

The Islamic reformers played very vital roles in sanitizing the aspects of the religion. They focused vehemently on the teachings. They gave more emphasis to the seeking of knowledge of Islam. This aided the reformation in the religious activities of the State.

The spread of Sunnah came and knocked on every door. The objective of the Kano State Coalition of Ulama is to reform religious teachings to accommodate morality. Despite people having embraced religious knowledge and Western education, there is also a need to reform teaching activities and their adoption.

Sometimes, people have the knowledge, but they need to be guided on how to apply it to their teaching and learning. So, the reformation needs a coalition for its success. It is for the Muslims.

The Coalition of the Ulamas has been intervening in matters of religion. They are very keen on promoting sanity in religious activities. They call for peace—and peace signifies the best way of depicting Islam.

To also achieve the aim of their activities, they refer to themselves as the Coalition of Ulama of Kano. This means they comprise different Ulamas from different sects; from Izala, Qadiriyya, and Tijjaniyya.

The Coalition could also be the source of understanding one’s teachings amongst the Ulamas. The Tijjaniyya Clerics in the Coalition could understand some aspects from those Sunni Scholars.

Moreover, the Coalition led by Sheikh Abdulwahab Abdullah reconciled Sheikh Aminu Daurawa with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following their misunderstanding about the conduct of the Hisbah corps. Today, Daurawa has resumed his position as the Hisbah Commandant. This is one of the thousands of achievements of the Coalition. They intervene in every matter that affects the public.

May Almighty Allah continue to support the Coalition in achieving their goals, and may He reward them, amin.

Salihi Adamu Takai wrote via salihiadamu8888@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has intercepted a truckload of beans with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N61.4 million, intended for illegal exportation, amidst widespread food shortages across the nation. 

Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Timi Bomodi, disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday, 5 March 2024, marking the Command’s first press briefing for the year. 

According to Comptroller Bomodi, “In light of our present economic realities and the reported massive food shortages nationwide, and in line with the directive to prevent illegal grain export, the Command seized a truckload of beans, totaling 400 bags with a DPV of N61,450,000.00, stockpiled in a warehouse at one of the exit corridors at the border.” 

He further stated that the intercepted items have been securely stored in the Government warehouse and will be auctioned to the public. 

Highlighting the Command’s anti-smuggling efforts from January to February 2024, Comptroller Bomodi reported a series of successful interventions, including the seizure of 2,193 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 81,930 liters of PMS, 9 vehicles, 1,425 general merchandise, 265 parcels of cannabis sativa, and other narcotics, 149 packages of codeine, and 2 locally manufactured guns, with a combined DPV of N365,888,696.00. 

Thirteen suspects were apprehended during these operations, with various dispositions such as administrative bail, transfer to the NDLEA, and custody by the Nigeria Police. 

In terms of revenue generation, CAC revealed the Command’s yearly target of N7.875 billion, representing a significant increase from the previous year.

Despite challenges, the Command collected a substantial amount in January and February, reaching 88% of the expected revenue. 

Regarding exports, the Command processed 184 declarations for 43 items weighing 65,185.96 MT, with a Free on Board (FOB) value of N13.057 billion. Additionally, revenue was collected for the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) and export surcharges. 

Comptroller Bomodi reassured the public of the NCS’s commitment to its responsibilities, particularly amidst the current challenging times.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Civil society organisations have unleashed strong criticism against Governor Nasiru Idris of Kebbi State following his decision to bestow brand new SUVs upon members of the state House of Assembly, executive members, and heads of parastatals. 

The move, initially perceived as a gesture of appreciation, has ignited widespread condemnation due to its ill-timed nature amidst prevalent economic hardship and hunger among residents. 

Comrade Ibrahim Ngaski, Secretary of the Coalition of Civil Society in the state, articulated the collective sentiment, noting that while the governor’s intent might have been noble, the gratuitous distribution of the vehicles, funded by taxpayers’ money, is contentious.

He advocated for either monetizing the vehicles or deducting their cost from the recipients’ transport allowances to ensure prudent use of public funds. 

Ngaski also underscored the populace’s discontent with the timing, stating that the distribution of luxury vehicles to government officials fails to address the pressing needs of ordinary citizens struggling to make ends meet. 

Gurusa Abubakar, Secretary of the Civil Liberties Organisation, echoed this disappointment, stating that the gesture fell short of people’s expectations, stating their desire for essential services like stable electricity rather than lavish gifts to already affluent individuals. 

In the midst of this outcry, Abubakar Aliyu, a vulcanizer in Birnin Kebbi, expressed his disillusionment, highlighting the disparity between the officials’ windfall and the citizens’ dire circumstances. 

Governor Idris defended his actions, asserting that the vehicles were essential tools to facilitate officials’ duties, citing previous allocations to security agencies and commissioners.

However, he faced further scrutiny as critics questioned the necessity of such extravagance amidst the state’s challenges. 

In response to mounting criticism, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, clarified that the vehicles were not gifts but rather loans extended to officials to enhance their operational efficiency.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A mother of three has committed suicide due to incessant economic hardship after abandoning her children at a police station in Enugu State.

It was gathered that the woman went to Ogui Road police station with the children, handed them to officers, stripped herself naked and run under the moving vehicle which crushed her to death.

The ages of the three children are reportedly six, four, and two. Her husband allegedly ran away from home months ago due to increased hardship, abandoning his wife and children.

When asked about their father, the eldest of the children simply said he was lost. She could not provide any other information about their family, town, or residential address.

The wife of Enugu State Governor, Nkechinyere Mbah, who rushed to the police station upon learning about the incident, was told that the woman might have been suffering from depression.

Mbah was touched by the development. She said she would take care of the children and educate them from nursery school to university.

She announced that sponsorship for the children would be undertaken by her Custos Care Foundation.

Mbah also directed the immediate relocation of the children from the station to a home where the state government could take care of them.

She urged people who suffer from depression to seek counseling and avoid rash decisions.

She also urged the Commissioner, Ministry of Children, Gender and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, to intensify sensitisation and counselling, especially for the depressed.

By Sulaiman Maijama’a

Academics and students in the mass communication field and media practitioners are conversant with this exclusive formula in news writing. But this time, the formula is not here to stand for: What happened? When did it happen? Where did it happen? To whom it happened or who are the people involved? Why it happened? And how it happened? It is here on a reading mission to guide people in cultivating the reading culture and attaining consistency. Thanks to the provision of a defence under Copyright Law that allows plagiarism to be done for teaching, But apologies to Mass Comm scholars for this smuggling!

What does the formula stand for here regarding reading? Let me be zero technical, starting with “why”?

1. WHY READING? This is the first and most important question one needs to ask themselves. What is the reason you read? Nothing is done for nothing, and reading is no exception. If you read without a purpose, you lack motivation and focus. Thus, achieving consistency becomes a mirage.  Different people may read for other reasons;  ask 99 avid readers why they read, and you will likely get 99 different answers. Have you ever wondered why students read harder to the level of spending the whole night when they have exams to take? What keeps them awake and motivated is their purpose: passing the exams. Identify your purpose and nurture your ambition. They are your propellers.

2. WHAT TO READ?  Ideally, people are encouraged to read whatever they can put their hands on — books, newspapers, journals, name them — but those who find reading boring are generally advised to start with good novels. This is because human beings, by nature, are interested in stories. Perhaps that is why our scriptures have numerous stories: the Almighty who created us knows how curious we are. We read stories with ease. Novels, therefore, will put you the foundation upon which consistent reading habits can be built.

On the other hand, what to read sometimes is informed by your interest. Just because somebody reads philosophy-related Literature does not mean everybody must read the same. Some people are more comfortable with numbers than words; some are interested in science, and some want to read anything about entertainment. Once you feel that you read with too much difficulty, it means you either have poor comprehension due to a vocabulary deficiency or lack interest in what you read. Discover your area of interest and read what gives you pleasure.

Also, what to read can be determined by your purpose. For instance, if you read to learn business skills, you already have rich literature. If you intend to learn the art of Public Speaking, you read related literature. You have reading materials on even entertainment. Know your purpose and read what will lead you to achieving them.

3. WHO TO READ? Different authors interest different readers.  Don’t be deceived into inflicting any author on yourself to earn prestige. Read authors whose works you enjoy reading or whose works serve your purpose. Whether or not they are literary giants, they should be your heroes. 

4. WHEN TO READ?  Identifying when your brain functions the best is as important as the reading itself. Is it early morning, in the afternoon, evening or in the night when people are asleep? For me, early morning reading is a blessing. I read and understand stuff easily, and my brain is photographic; I see in my eyes whatever I read during that time. Yours may be different. Discover your best time and use it to the fullest, too.

5. WHERE TO SIT AND READ? We have individual differences regarding this. While some people read more comfortably in an enclosed place like a library or room, others prefer reading in an open place like a garden. While some individuals read-only in a silent place, others comprehend stuff even in a noisy place. When I was in BUK, my reading venue was Kitchen Conversion. How rowdy and noisy the hall was/is surprised many people how I managed to understand what I read. But that had never interfered with my comprehension. That is how different we are. Know yourself.

6. HOW TO READ? Don’t be pressured by people who read 100 books or more in a year. It is possible. They might be quick readers. If you are a slow reader, take your time and maintain your method, even if it means reading a single book in a year, and it doesn’t mean you are not smart. Some people don’t read a book in a year, but you will be surprised if they tell you the volume of literature they read. Read smartly according to your best method.

Best wishes!

Maijama’a is a graduate of Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano. He can be reached via sulaimanmaija@gmail.com.