Admin

By Aisha Musa Auyo

I know this is coming in late, but better late than never, huh? Ramadan is a sacred month that is supposed to be dedicated to fasting, Quranic recitation, prayers, sadaqah, etc. But part of that ibadah comes with a lot of cooking and eating.

Ramadan is synonymous with a delicious variety of dishes—a paradox, right? That’s why many media stations and content creators dedicate time, energy, and resources to Ramadan dishes and treats.

Women are more often on the receiving end of this cooking duty during Ramadan. This has been the tradition since time immemorial, so we cannot change it, but we can create ways that will help us adapt, manage, and not be overwhelmed by it. We can make it beneficial and more rewarding.

First and foremost, cook with the intention of getting rewarded, not to impress your man, the family, or his friends. That gender may not even say thank you, sannu da aiki, abincin yayi dadi, or even Allah Ya miki albarka. But if your intention is to get rewarded by Allah, you are sure to have that reward. Innamal a’amaalu binniyati.

Know that whoever feeds a fasting person receives an immense reward. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of the fasting person, without any reduction in his reward.” (Tirmidhi) This applies to the one who buys the food as well as the one who cooks the food.

When it comes to tafsir, Ramadan lectures, and the like, technology has made things easier for us. You can listen to live or recorded programs on your phone, wherever you are in the world, while you’re cooking or cleaning. You can listen to Quranic recitation too; you can do lots of dhikr and istighfar while doing most chores. Try not to miss out on this.

If you have the means, give out sadaqah in cash and in kind, especially food and water. That will fetch you an immense reward. In the end, it’s the reward we are aiming for, so the end justifies the means.

If you are fortunate enough to have electricity, you can devote your weekends to making pepper soups, stews, and juices. Then, freeze them, which will make cooking easier for the rest of the week. Also, make use of food processors and other appliances that will simplify your work.

Make use of processed foods as much as you can afford. For example, if you want to make tiger nut drink, buy tiger nut powder from Auyo’s Cuisines. This will make your work faster and easier, and you will have the energy for Tarawih. Other processed foods that are much needed for Ramadan are ground peppers, ground kuli, masa premix, and garin kunu, all of which are available and affordable at Auyo’s Cuisines.

Making a weekly food timetable ahead of time helps a lot. Thinking about what to cook is very draining; knowing what to cook is like finishing half the work.

Seek help; don’t try to do everything yourself. Engage the kids and hire someone to help you, even if it’s just for the month. Going to the market will drain you and waste your time; find someone to help you with that from time to time.

You see that Zirkr our Prophet gave his daughter when she asked for servants, Subhanallah, walhamdulillah, and wallWallahar, don’t joke with it before you sleep, you need it now, more than ever.

Try to hydrate a lot during the non-fasting hours. Don’t be too exhausted to eat; you need health and energy more than anyone.

As much as you can, avoid social media, movies, useless chit-chats, and worldly distractions. You will have ample time for that after Ramadan. This month is sacred and only comes once a year. The Prophet said, “Verily, Gabriel came to me and he said: Whoever reaches the month of Ramadan and he is not forgiven, then he will enter Hellfire and Allah will cast him far away,”.

The Prophet peace be upon him also said, that a loser is the one who witnessed Ramadan and didn’t earn Allah’s pardon. A loser is one who’s despaired of Allah’s mercy. A loser lets time pass by procrastinating good deeds. A loser is the one who loses the reward of his fasting to mere hunger and thirst.

My fellow women, try to be on your best behavior this month. Try not to be a loser. As a woman, know that you will sleep less than anyone else in the house, but it’s okay; that’s your part of the sacrifice. Men go out to work too; some men work under the scorching sun. Some men’s work involves hard labor, harder than what you do at home. Some men, even though they work under AC, have pressures and issues they need to solve, which is also very difficult and draining.

Over to you, my brother. If you can afford it, please get some domestic help for your wife. She needs it, especially this month. If not someone who will help in the kitchen, find someone who will help with the shopping and outdoor activities.

If you want to bring people for iftar, do so in moderation. She is only human with two hands.

If you want to feed many people, employ ‘Mai kosai da kunu’ for that project. Many people need the job and the extra money that comes with it. Allow your wife to handle the family’s iftar. Allah Ya biya ka da aljanna.

Bro, I know you’re working hard to provide, but a kind word, a prayer, a gift (in cash or in kind) will make your woman feel appreciated and loved. It won’t kill you.

My fellow women, know that all this work you are doing might not be possible if your man were not providing the food and resources. Appreciate him, encourage him, and respect him. You are not the only one working hard.

But if you are the woman of the house and also the one providing for the household, know that only Allah SWT can help and reward you. I cannot explain or tell you how to manage your time, but I know you are incredible, and in sha Allah, you will enjoy the fruits of your labor, here and in the hereafter.

If you are a son or daughter still living with your parents, know that you also have roles to play. These roles can range from helping with meal preparation and cleaning to running errands and greeting your parents when they return home from work. Praying for your parents is also an important act of worship.

If you are earning money, buy fruits, vegetables, or gifts for your parents and siblings.

Guy, before you shamelessly take a Ramadan basket or kayan sallah to your girlfriend, who may not even marry you, do so for your parents first. It will be more rewarding for you.

Girl, before you shamelessly invite that stingy boyfriend of yours for iftar with your parents’ cefane, make sure you are always helping out with the cooking and cleaning; it will be more rewarding for you. Don’t be a lazy girl and then an active one when your guy is coming for iftar.

Dear couples, as much as I know you are tired, don’t ignore za oza room ibada during this month. It is very rewarding, it enhances mood and offers benefits for physical and psychological health including lowering stress, improving sleep, and boosting immune function.

Experts say the hour before suhoor is the best during Ramadan. By then, couples are well-rested, and they will be waking up for suhoor anyway.

Let me stop here. May Allah accept our ibadah. May He give us the health and wealth to perform this ibadah to the best of our abilities. May Allah make us among the servants who will be freed at the end of this month. May He forgive our shortcomings, and may all our prayers and wishes be granted. May we witness many more Ramadans in good health and wealth.

Aisha Musa Auyo is a Doctoral researcher in Educational Psychology, a wife, and a mother of three. She is a homemaker, caterer, and parenting/relationship coach.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Good news emerged on Sunday when the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the successful rescue of 137 kidnapped students from Kuriga.

A coordinated effort involving the military, local authorities, and government agencies led to the students’ liberation, according to a statement by Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defense Media Operations.

The primary and secondary school students, abducted on March 7, were freed early Sunday morning. The rescued group comprised 76 girls and 61 boys.

According to Buba, this operation signifies a broader commitment to combating terrorism. On March 21st, troops also secured the release of 16 hostages, including schoolchildren, in Sokoto State.

He added that the military remains steadfast in its pursuit of all hostages and will ensure those responsible face justice through the Nigerian legal system.

Security forces are also actively searching for the perpetrators behind the recent killing of 18 soldiers in Delta State. Justice, according to the DHQ, will be served.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Bauchi State Police thwarted a potential kidnapping after arresting three suspects for alleged conspiracy, threats, and attempted abduction.

The Daily Reality gathered that the investigation commenced on March 7 when Yahaya Adamu reported a threat to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

An anonymous caller demanded 5 million Naira, threatening violence against him or his family if he refused. 

According to the Bauchi State Police Command, the suspects upped the ante by sending their POS details and mentioning names of Adamu’s family members, further pressuring him to comply.

Acting swiftly, Bauchi Police Commissioner Auwal Musa directed the CID to discreetly investigate.

Using modern technology, they apprehended Haro Adamu (35), Aliyu Saidu (40), and Musa Umaru (35) in Jigawa and Plateau States. 

Police say the suspects confessed during questioning and will face prosecution in court. 

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has refuted claims of issuing any lease agreements to illegal miners found operating on university grounds. 

The university also revealed that they had previously reported these activities to the relevant federal government agencies to stop the illegal operations. 

The presence of illegal miners on campus raised concerns about the safety of students and staff.

Some miners claimed to have licenses to operate, but the university firmly denies granting such permission. 

In a statement released by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, on Saturday, OAU clarified their position: “While the University has, since becoming aware of the illegal activities of these miners, written a formal complaint to the appropriate government authorities, it is equally important to inform the general public that the claim of these trespassers are totally false.” 

The statement further notes that OAU has not granted permission for any mining activities on its land. 

“The University therefore wishes to use this medium to inform the general public, especially our alumni and other stakeholders, that the University did not give any consent to any individual, group, company or association to obtain any license to carry out mining activities on its land.” 

They reiterate that no agreements have been signed with any individual or group regarding mining activities. 

The university assures its stakeholders and the public that they are taking legal action to stop these “trespassers” who pose a significant environmental hazard and negatively impact the university’s image. 

They also confirm receiving assurances from federal authorities that their complaint is being addressed.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is alerting the public, particularly those with loved ones abroad, to a new scam that targets innocent families.

Fraudsters are impersonating NDLEA officers and contacting unsuspecting citizens with a fabricated story.

As described by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, “Under this new scam scheme, the fraudsters will call unsuspecting citizens to inform them of the arrest of their relatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja Lagos or any other international airport in Nigeria with illicit drugs upon arrival in the country.”

Babafemi continued, explaining the scammers’ tactics, “After throwing the family members into panic, the scammers then make a demand of millions of naira to facilitate the release of such persons from NDLEA custody.”

The NDLEA has successfully thwarted similar attempts in the past. Babafemi highlighted, “At the moment, there is one of such scenario the Agency has just investigated.

“In this case, the picture of a Nigerian man based in the US is being circulated with an audio of a purported NDLEA officer negotiating the payment of N5 million with a female relative for the release of the US-based Nigerian man purportedly arrested at the Lagos airport on Friday 22nd March upon his arrival with a ‘contraband.”

The NDLEA emphasizes that these claims are entirely fabricated. “Just like in previous instances, our investigation has also shown that the current incident is the work of scammers,” affirmed Babafemi.

He reiterated, “No NDLEA officer is involved in the audio conversation and the person whose photo is attached to the audio recording being circulated is not in our custody at MMIA or any of our Commands either as at yesterday or any other day.”

The NDLEA urges the public to exercise caution and avoid falling victim to these scams. “The family members involved in this case are advised not to part with their hard-earned money to scammers,” advised Babafemi.

“Nigerians with loved ones abroad are also urged to keep discussions on travel plans of their relatives to themselves to avoid the hijack of such by criminal elements for devious schemes.”

If you encounter a similar situation, the NDLEA provides contact lines for assistance: “+2347064670026 and +2348033326327.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) expressed outrage over the deaths of two students at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) during a stampede caused by the distribution of palliatives.

NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, called for a “thorough investigation” into the incident.

“The tragic event at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, which resulted in the loss of two lives and numerous injuries, is vehemently condemned,” Emonefe said in a statement.

He offered condolences to the bereaved families and demanded that “those responsible for the mishandling of the distribution of palliatives be held accountable.”

NANS urged authorities to adopt “modern distribution methods” to prioritize safety during aid distribution.

They also called on the university to provide counseling and support services to the affected students.
 

By Ismaila Academician

Have you ever noticed that some pillars don’t stand upright, some dresses don’t fit well, and some bathroom tiles slope in the wrong direction, requiring sweeping after use?

The underlying cause is often a lack of passion among the professionals who create them. While they may appear cheerful and enthusiastic on the front end, their motivation primarily stems from financial gains attached rather than genuine passion from the back end. Passion is the driving force to perfection. It is the pacesetter towards excellence and success.

In the Western world, passion is evident in how professionals, artisans, and experts discharge their duties. They work not just to earn a living but also for a sense of fulfilment. It motivates them to innovate and develop new ideas, leading to the creation of products and services that are nothing short of perfect. Overall, it makes their countries grow and stay afloat no matter the storm. 

Nigeria is blessed with a wealth of talents. We have the potential to innovate and develop new ideas—products and services that can compete favourably with those made abroad. But that talent remains unutilised.

A close look at the Facebook Reels section reveals that while Western and Eastern individuals are busy advertising their talents and sharing innovative ideas, Nigerians are often preoccupied with sharing content such as elegant weddings, club sessions, presidential convoys, and comedies. While these are not inherently bad, they do not reflect the depth of our creativity and innovation.

Social media is a powerful tool that can help us showcase our skills to a large and diverse audience. We can attract potential customers, business partners, investors, or employers. It also can help us build reputation, credibility, and influence. We need to craft a better narrative for Nigeria. We need to showcase our creativity and innovation. We need to display our knowledge and skills to inspire and motivate others.

In conclusion, the journey from passion to perfection is a transformative one. It requires passion. As Nigerians, we have what it takes to embark on this journey. We have what it takes to bridge the gap between local and foreign products. We have what it takes to craft a better narrative for Nigeria. All we need to do is to harness our potential and channel it towards the pursuit of perfection. But passion can’t do the work alone. We need to supplement our passion with action – creativity and innovation.

Remember, ideas develop the world, and people are willing to bring these ideas to life. Let’s be those people. Let’s make Nigeria a better place.

Ismaila Abdulmumini wrote from Kano, Nigeria, via ismailaacademician@gmail.com.

By Ishaka Mohammed

Apart from a business trip to Enugu within 24 hours, I’ve spent all my life in northern Nigeria, but it was in 2014 that I learnt that “Arewa” means “North”. In fact, I had once referred to the word as the name of a bloodsucking occult society, thanks to rumour-mongers.

As children, my peers and I heard about “Ogbenu” (occultists who sucked children’s blood). Although the “bloodsuckers” were believed to be far away from our land, we were constantly warned to avoid them.

We received one of such warnings around 2003 or 2004, when a new brand of notebook was generating massive sales in our village.

The cover of the book had an inscription, “The great people of the great land…the people of Arewa land,” and featured pictures of some men wearing Hausa traditional attire on horses. It was rumoured that the men were Ogbenu, so writing in the book would drain one’s blood, while exhausting all pages would cause death.

Consequently, as some children and I avoided the book, various others destroyed the copies they already had. The brand disappeared from our community.

For the sake of context, I’m from Inye, a village in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, and I was a pupil at Engineer Bob Alfa Primary School (EBAPS), Ojuwo-Inye, at the time of the incident.

If a single rumour could be that effective by mere word of mouth, imagine how damaging it could be in this age of digital revolution. 

You have the right to review products or services but be fair to brands and companies. Business owners struggle for the survival of their establishments, so it’s wicked to ruin their efforts. A single sentence could make or break an establishment. Business owners are also human beings, so they deserve fairness. 

Nonetheless, whoever wants to be obstinate should either be ready to provide sufficient evidence or ask one Chioma Egodi Jnr. A single Facebook post and some comments about Nagiko Tomato Mix forced Erisco Foods Limited to deal with her. Deleting the post didn’t help matters, as the company involved the law and insisted that she prove her claims about the product.

Some people have argued that the company overreacted, but I think otherwise: she deserved what she got.

Ishaka Mohammed can be reached via ishakamohammed39@gmail.com.

By Ibrahim Adamu Ingawa

In the vast expanse of Nigeria’s Katsina State, beneath the scorching sun and amidst the sporadic rains, a silent predator lurks, imperiling the health and well-being of its inhabitants. Climate change, though often overlooked, poses a formidable threat to public health in Katsina State, catalyzing the emergence and spread of infectious diseases at an alarming rate.

In recent years, the fingerprints of climate change have become increasingly evident, leaving behind a trail of devastation in its wake. From the bustling streets of Dutsin-Ma to the tranquil valleys of Bakori, the impacts of rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are unmistakable, reshaping the landscape of disease transmission in profound ways.

Take, for instance, the surge in malaria cases that swept through Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area in 2019. Heavy rainfall and flooding provided the perfect breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes, resulting in over 500 confirmed cases within a month. Similarly, the parched earth of Kankia Town bore witness to a cholera outbreak in 2017, fueled by drought conditions and inadequate sanitation infrastructure, claiming the lives of several hundred individuals.

But the toll of climate change extends beyond the realm of vector-borne diseases, reaching deep into the fabric of public health in Katsina State. The specter of Lassa fever loomed large over Bakori Local Government Area in 2016, as changing climatic conditions facilitated the spread of this deadly virus, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Meanwhile, in Funtua, rising temperatures and increased mosquito activity paved the way for a dengue fever outbreak in 2015, further exacerbating the burden of disease in the region.

Yet, perhaps the most poignant manifestation of climate change’s impact on public health lies in the floods that ravaged Jibia in 2018. As torrential rains inundated the town, turning streets into rivers and homes into islands, a silent menace took root. Stagnant floodwaters became breeding grounds for disease vectors, leading to a surge in malaria cases and exacerbating the plight of already vulnerable communities.

In addition to the visible impacts on infectious disease outbreaks, climate change is also facilitating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Katsina State, thereby exacerbating public health challenges. The rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns create favorable conditions for the proliferation of resistant bacteria, as well as the emergence of new strains which are resistant to the drugs that are meant to kill them. Increased use of antimicrobial agents in response to climate-related infectious disease outbreaks further contributes to the selection pressure driving AMR. This alarming synergy between climate change and AMR underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address both phenomena and safeguard the health of Katsina State’s population.

Despite the magnitude of these challenges, hope remains on the horizon. Armed with knowledge and skills I acquired in addressing the most pressing issues of public health over the past few years, I am committed to leveraging my expertise to develop innovative interventions aimed at tackling the consequences of climate change on infectious disease outbreaks in Katsina State. From outbreak preparedness and prevention to the implementation of robust control mechanisms, I am zealous in my determination to contribute in safeguarding the health and well-being of my fellow citizens at the Home of Hospitality. But my journey has not been without its obstacles.

Since my return from the United Kingdom after my internship at the world-leading genomics research institute (the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge), there has been interference from certain elements, which has impeded my ability to implement meaningful change. Yet, in the face of adversity, my resolve remains unshaken, fueled by a burning desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by the ravages of climate change in my dear State.

The impacts of climate change on infectious disease outbreaks represent just one facet of the multifaceted challenges confronting the public health milieu of my beloved State. I remain resolute in my commitment to driving forward the positive transformation of Katsina State’s public health sector. Anticipating the opportunity to deploy my skills and expertise, I stand ready and poised to seize it at any moment.

As I look towards the future, I am filled with optimism, knowing that together, we can overcome the challenges posed by climate change on ever-increasing infectious disease outbreak and forge a path towards a healthier, more resilient Katsina State. I believe that through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering determination, we can turn the tide against this invisible threat and pave the way for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.

Ibrahim Adamu (Ingawa) writes from Katsina State. He’s a
Project Grantee at The Foundation to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance (Sweden). He can be reached via ibrahimassalafee@gmail.com/ +2348134386907

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Nigeria has rolled out the results of its pioneering Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates, 2024—First Series. 

This signifies a notable departure from conventional paper-based assessments towards a digitally-driven format.

As per a statement from the council, the groundbreaking CB-WASSCE utilised a blended approach, projecting questions onto computers while candidates submitted real-time answers for multiple-choice questions and provided responses in booklets for essays and practical components.

The examination spanned from January 31 to February 17, 2024. An analysis of the results revealed that out of the 8,139 candidates who participated, 3,424 individuals, constituting 42.07%, attained credit or above in a minimum of five subjects, irrespective of English language and mathematics inclusion. 

The statement read, “2,519 candidates representing 30.95 per cent obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. 

“The coordination of examiners and marking of candidates’ scripts were carried out at three marking venues in Lagos, Enugu and Kaduna from March 1 to 16, 2024. A total of 459 Examiners participated in the Coordination and Marking Exercise. 

“The entry figure of 8,362 candidates showed a 4.30 per cent decrease in candidature when compared with the 2023 entry figure of 8,738. 8,139 candidates sat the examination at 140 CBT centres spread across the country. 

“Amongst the candidates that sat the examination, 21 candidates, with varying degrees of Special Needs, were registered for the examination. Out of this number, nine were visually challenged, two had impaired hearing and two were Albinos. 

“All these candidates with special needs were adequately catered for in the administration of the examination.”