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The film with the title above came with a big bang and burst the block( in real terms, Blockbuster). I came to know of the film( I am not as good at motion pictures as books because in books you can see and hear and smell and feel and taste everything) when Atiku Abubakar and Sanwo Olu sent a twit of congratulatory message that one plagiarised one (same words same message) for hitting the 1 billion naira mark and becoming the highest money grossing film in Nigeria. I became interested. And I watched.

Why am I writing this? Honestly, I like celebrating good people and their achievements (a gift God gave me that I don’t ever think I have ever envied anyone. Rather, I celebrate him believing that, so long I keep clapping for them, one day they will also clap for me). 

After celebrating people, I love strong women. I truly do. Though honestly, my love for strong women (becoming them) had made me vulnerable in the eyes of weaker women. MY MOTHER IS A STRONG WOMAN, and on trying to be her(defending and protecting and advising and assisting all and sundry I became – in lowly goons eyes – a weak soul: reason if a woman doesn’t have empathy, I see her like a man–I will never get attracted to you: My little secret.

The above paragraph made me have a great likeness for the film A Tribe Called Judah.

The Storyline:

Jeddidah, played by Funke Akindele herself, is the mother of five boys from her five different men (East, North, South, West and “Mid-West”) that she vowed to protect with her life.

Emeka Judah, her first son, is the son of an Igbo man. He works in a Furniture shop, C&K, as a sales boy in a mall to a very wicked money laundering man.

Adamu Judah is the second son who works as a security guard at the same mall as Emeka.

Pere, the third son, is the black sheep of the house who goes about picking pockets in Lagos.

Shina, the fourth and second to the last born, always has his mother’s back and is a Lagos hooligan.

Ejiro, the last born, is a lover boy with–his life–Testimony (a beautiful young girl who can give him EVERYTHING, including her life, if it matters. Honestly, their love is something that can be seen only in films in the contemporary world.

As life keeps unravelling itself, every member of the family is loved by one another because their mother is solidly behind them. Emeka played his role as the big brother, always defending, fending, protecting and advising them. Adamu, the second from the womb, played his deputy role perfectly. He fell in love with a beautiful Hausa girl, but having no name or knowing the house of his father at Kano in Dala made him lose her. (Ejiro and Testimony’s love in reverse). Pere, the thief who, if not for sheer luck and the goodness you do, always find you wherever you are, would have been burnt alive by typical Lagosians, but for Jeddidah’s always love for goodness. She was there at the right time, and Pere was saved. Shina, the bloody bad English speaker and an area tout in a gang in Lagos, hears him, “I will work on me.” All these fingers are not equal.” despite his bad English guy, he is the man with the strongest will. He defended the family when it mattered most.

Ejiro, last born. The weakling and the somehow rejected cornerstone who, without the last heroic act of his lover, Testimony, would have all been killed.

You see, I have this belief that if you are good, you are good. Funke Akindele, both in the outside world and in the film she produced, is a good woman. The reason she has to be riding Keke Napep is to make sure that she loves her children despite having lost all their fathers one way or the other. So, when the time came for the children to stand by her, they all teamed up to save her by getting the needed money for a kidney transplant. 

The highly accented Igbo-speaking CEO of C&K Furniture, in fact, this guy is the salt of that film, is the wicked man who is Emeka’s boss that can’t lend Emeka money for his mother’s sickness but saying that Emeka should give him his mother’s number to give to his wife to join a strong “player glup in a church his wife is in.” You will laugh your life out and you will see in your very eye the statement “money miss road.” His dressing code, ehn! His I don’t care attitude, eh?! And his love for money is something I doubt I have ever seen.

Collette, the C&K General Manager (later have to “Correct don Collect” according to her boss), who was inherently wicked with a bad past, because hardly does a leopard shed its spots, Collette teams up with another gang to come and rob C&K. 

On that faithful day, the Juddahs agreed to rob that same. C&K and robbery turned into a war of two factions that Emeka paid the supreme price, but having a strong Deputy, Adamu picked up and made sure that EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS was moved for their mother’s kidney transplant. Collette was apprehended and was shown when she was breaking a CCTV unknown to her. Some lights are not for illumination alone. 

She tried to indict Emeka and Adamu, but Emeka has an alibi of saying he is travelling to Italy through the desert always and when sacked from C&K, his phone number hadn’t been reachable. Adamu was off duty on that day and part of the money was gotten from her gang. And for being “GILIDI”, she took a slug for her wickedness. And that was the end of a bad life, I believed.

The cinematography, the sounds, the colour combo, the settings, the scenes, the plots, the structure and everything that is required of a good film are contained in A Tribe Called Judah. 

Let’s make Funke Akindele the BILLIONAIRE that she deserves. Go watch the film. 

Written by

Engr. Mustapha Ibrahim, MNSE, R.Eng. BDSP.

President, Triple E Foundation.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar attributed the surge in kidnappings and insecurity across the country to pervasive poverty and hunger.  

In a statement shared through his official handle on Tuesday, Atiku expressed concern over the distressing level of violence, particularly in Abuja, the nation’s capital. 

He highlighted the correlation between worsening poverty and the escalation of kidnapping and insecurity.  

Atiku criticised the government’s failure to fulfil its constitutional duty of safeguarding citizens’ lives and property, asserting that such negligence creates an open invitation for criminals to operate freely, leaving citizens vulnerable to abductions. 

Lamenting the unchecked reign of terror by kidnappers, Atiku urged authorities to urgently address the deteriorating security situation to rebuild the trust of the Nigerian people.  

He drew attention to recent tragic incidents, including the abduction and subsequent murder of Nabeeha and 13-year-old Folorunsho Ariyo in the Sagwari Estate Layout in Dutse, Bwari Area Council of the FCT. 

Expressing condolences to the families of the victims, Atiku called for immediate action to curb the rising violence and lawlessness.  

He affirmed the need for the government to fulfill its duty in protecting citizens, praying for comfort to the bereaved families and eternal peace for the departed.

By Uzair Adam Imam The Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, convened an emergency security meeting on Tuesday in response to the rising incidents of kidnapping by bandits in Bwari Area Council and other parts of the territory. 

During the opening session, Wike reassured residents that his administration and security agencies were actively addressing the situation and urged them not to panic.  

He acknowledged the security challenges but emphasized that steps were being taken to resolve them.  

“We are all aware of the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly Bwari and some other areas that we have witnessed security challenges.  

“I am also aware that sometimes too, the Press overblow what is happening but indeed we owe a duty to make sure that FCT is safe,” said Wike. 

He further stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the challenges and find solutions collaboratively, involving all Council Chairmen who share responsibilities for their respective areas. 

Wike warned Council Chairmen against unnecessary stated their responsibility to remain in their councils and address issues within their purview.  

He expressed dissatisfaction with Chairmen leaving their responsibilities for unnecessary travels and noted the need for them to actively engage in resolving challenges within their jurisdictions. 

“We will not be happy where Area Council Chairmen will leave their responsibilities and travel out. We have gotten reports that Council Chairmen travel anytime and then, if anything happens, they will not call anybody’s name except the FCT Minister,” warned Wike. 

He also addressed the recent strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), pointing out that primary schools fall under the jurisdiction of Area Councils.  

While emphasizing that resolving the issue was not the responsibility of the Ministers, Wike invited the Council Chairmen to collaborate in finding solutions to challenges. 

Wike concluded by asserting that every effort was being made to address the security challenges faced by the FCT and urged Council Chairmen to fulfill their responsibilities actively.  

The security situation has escalated in Bwari Area Council since December 23, 2023, with kidnappers carrying out bold attacks and even killing their hostages.

On Monday, reports indicated that kidnappers had dumped the remains of at least four victims around the Jere junction on the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In his support for sports within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, expressed his commitment to encouraging officers engaged in sports activities. 

According to the customs service spokesperson in a statement on Monday, this announcement came on Sunday, January 15, 2024, during the Polo Tournament between Customs Players and the Nigeria Army at the Nigeria Army Polo Resort in Abuja. 

CGC Bashir Adeniyi said, “We will consider officers who have expressed interest in the Polo game here to be the nucleus of our team — and we will give similar encouragement to other Officers to engage in the game.” 

Impressed by the NCS representatives’ performance, he declared, “I am quite impressed with what I have seen, and this will mark the beginning of the resurgence of Polo Games development in Customs.” 

Highlighting the importance of physical fitness, CGC Bashir Adeniyi noted that maintaining officers’ health directly impacts the NCS’s performance in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and smuggling suppression. 

“Our job is a very serious one: generating revenue, facilitating trade, fighting against smuggling — and these are serious callings. It requires us to be physically and mentally fit, as doing so will help maintain a delicate balance between the requirements of our work and the need to stay fit,” he remarked. 

The Chairman of the Nigerian Army Polo Association (NAPA), Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, organized the tournament to celebrate Army Remembrance Day and honor CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. 

Major General Laka urged other security agencies to emulate the NCS by engaging their staff in Polo activities, stating, “The easiest way to do that is to invite the big men to come and appreciate their players like CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.” 

Major-General Laka recalled the game’s introduction to Nigeria in the 60s by Colonial Masters. 

The victorious NCS Players, honored with major trophies, received awards from dignitaries including Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, Director-General and CEO of Voice of Nigeria Jibril Baba Ndace, and Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in-charge Headquarters Olaniyi Alajogun. 

Representatives at the tournament, Chief Superintendent of Customs Jamilu Haruna Funtua and Superintendent of Customs Aminu Labaran Kago, expressed gratitude to CGC Bashir Adeniyi for his morale-boosting presence.

They pledged increased efforts for future matches, aiming to bring more trophies to the Nigeria Customs Service.

By Ismaila Academician

People often frown at the content generated using AI. And I believe there is another set of people who copy and paste content generated by AI without any consideration or editing. Perhaps, the former group relies on the latter to pass their judgment. But I think both groups misuse and misunderstand the idea, they misuse AI and pass their opinions subjectively. Both fail to understand that AI is here not to do the actual work but to help us do it better.

Literally, intelligence refers to the capacity to understand principles, facts or meanings and apply it to practice. On the other hand, artificial implies something not natural to the human world, and not normal to certain principles or conditions. Put the two together you will have a complete clear picture of what AI is.

As a domain, Artificial Intelligence or AI, is a branch of computer science that aims to create machines capable of “thinking” and “acting” intelligently, much like humans. This could encompass various forms of intelligence, such as linguistic, biological and mathematical intelligence.

AI is a byproduct of human intelligence. It’s a human construct with limited and subjective experiences. It’s like a mirror reflecting our cognitive abilities. AI’s intelligence, designed to mimic our thought processes and actions, is a derivative of human intelligence. AI is currently available in various forms. The one we are most familiar with is ChatGPT. There are also thousands of machines in numerous industries doing remarkable jobs.

One of the key differences between AI and humans is predictability. AI is predictable as it operates based on pre-defined patterns subject to human manipulation. In contrast, we humans are unpredictable. We’re capable of creativity and spontaneity. We assume personality traits and express emotions. Human power is inimitable!

For instance, AI can recognise images of a cat but can never “feel or understand” what a cat is in reality because it doesn’t possess a mind of its own. AI can tell you the weather condition of your location, whether it’s cold, hot, sunny, hazy or raining without feeling any. It does not have feelings but can express them.

However, another striking difference between AI and humans is ‘Consciousness’. AI can neither assume nor replicate human consciousness. AI strictly operates based on algorithms designed by humans. The greater the data input the bigger the data output, and vice versa.
There’s a common misconception or fear that AI will replace us and render us jobless. But that’s far from the truth. AI was primarily created to complement our abilities. It’s a tool designed to help us do our jobs more efficiently and effectively, to enhance our skills, and to unearth and explore our hidden talents. AI is NOT here to do the work for us, but rather to teach us how to do the work faster, better and smarter.

Artificial Intelligence is not mere a trend. It’s a constant human companion like dogs and cats that will remain useful and loyal to humans as long as humanity stands. As we steadily navigate through the Digital Age, understanding AI is no longer a choice but a necessity. It’s crucial to know, learn and utilise the power of AI for productivity.

Sometimes, change can be difficult to cope with. But resisting change means missing out the opportunities that come along with it. Instead of viewing AI as a threat, we should embrace it as a tool for improvement, a lifelong companion that’s here to make our lives better.

Embrace AI, embrace the future!

Ismaila Academician can be reached via; 07034413534 or his email: ismailaacademician@gmail.com

By Bello Hussein Adoto 

At last, the Al-Kadriyar family has raised the 60-million-naira ransom to free their loved ones. Asiya Adamu, a relative of the family and the de facto champion of the fundraising campaign, wrote on X, “The donation has been received. We’ve now officially put a stop to any crowdfunding concerning #Najeebahandhersisters.” 

The Al-Kadriyar family had a rude welcome into 2024 when armed men stormed their Bwari home on the night of January 2 to kidnap the father, Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, his children, and a niece. A relative who went with the police to rescue the family was shot dead.

The father was released two days later to source for 60 million naira before January 12, or else his children would be killed. January 12 arrived, and what seemed to be a frighteningly regular occurrence snowballed into a national sensation when the kidnappers killed Al-Kadriyar Nabeeha, one of the girls in captivity. The killing incensed the nation and brought greater attention to the fundraising campaign for the ransom. 

Hours later, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, announced on X, via his verified handle, that he “spoke with a friend and a brother who offered to pay the remaining 50 million Naira of the 60m immediately.” 

The minister’s announcement is a relief to the troubled family. But for the crowdfunding campaign and the eventual contribution of the minister’s friend, the family would have needed at least 151 years to raise the 60-million-naira ransom if they were on the national minimum wage. However, the family’s crowdfunding success is a loss for everyone but the bandits. 

Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative business for bandits, terrorists, and other strains of daredevils in Nigeria. A report by Voice of America shows that kidnappers demand between 1,000 to 5,000 dollars, depending on their evaluation of the victims.

SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based risk analysis firm, reported that Nigerians paid about 18.3 million dollars or 13.7 billion naira in ransom between June 2011 and March 2020. Some victims paid as low as 4,000 naira. The largest was 190 million. 

The latest data from SBM Intelligence, released in August 2023, showed that the kidnappers are still cashing out from the business. They kidnapped more than 3,600 people in Nigeria between July 2022 and June 2023, and demanded about five billion naira in ransom. The outcome was a 302 million naira ransom. 

Most of these payments came out of pocket. Some families of the victims had to sell their properties. A young man in Ilorin sold his car to pay ransom after his two daughters were kidnapped in 2022. Isyaka Labaran, a veterinary drugs seller in Kwali, Abuja, had to sell his three-bedroom apartment to fund his release after he was kidnapped in September 2023. 

But these pockets are running dry, and many families don’t have more to sell. The 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that more than 133 million Nigerians, 63% of the population, are multidimensionally poor, with low income and lack access to basic amenities. These are some of the people bandits compel to pay millions in ransom. Where will they get the money from? 

That Nigerians are turning to crowdfunding for ransom shows the helplessness of the situation. Late last year, parents of the 11 remaining Yauri schoolgirls started a crowdfunding campaign for the 100 million naira bandits demanded to release the students. The students had been in captivity for 19 months. The campaign started after government interventions and negotiations failed to secure their release. 

This helplessness has further encouraged a collection of savages to kidnap and maim at will, funded by the millions of ransoms hapless victims pay, and the casual complicity of the government for not providing enough deterrence.

We can debate the morality of contributing to a ransom and arming bandits to wreak even more havoc, shatter more dreams, and take more lives, or calling their bluff at the risk of losing more lives to their cold, indifferent hands, but to what end? 

Al-Kadriyar family had little option than to pay the ransom. One of their daughters had been killed; more lives were at stake. The risk of flouting the federal government’s criminalisation of ransom payment and the chilling prospect of funding terrorism was not going to be enough to deter them, especially when the government has not been able to deter kidnappers. 

Meanwhile, bandits are raking in billions. In 2023, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) reported that two self-appointed negotiators facilitated two billion naira transactions for bandits between November 2021 and August 2022. Most of these monies were paid by the families of the kidnapped victims. 

The monies, according to the NFIU, are often used to “purchase the terrorists’ weapons and motorcycles, logistics, and further their terrorist campaign/recruitment of new members.”

Armed with hundreds of millions of naira from ransom, the bandits have graduated from attacking villagers and herders to hijacking cars on the highways, abducting children from schools, and attacking homes, trains, civilians, and security operatives. What they will do with the tens of millions they will get now from crowdfunded ransom is anybody’s guess.

The fiasco of the rampant kidnapping, the crowdfunding campaigns it inspired, and the brazen savagery of the bandits are a sad indictment of our government and a call for them to do more to secure fellow Nigerians and win citizen confidence. No amount of criminalisation or moral judgements will disincentivise families from paying ransoms or crowdfunding for it. 

For the victims and their families, the pain of captivity is raw, the threat of a repeat experience is haunting, and the horrors of the old are ever-present. They may never find closure. 

The rest of us are now wary of being the next victims of better-funded bandits with more weapons, members, and greater reach. The government is struggling to contain the crisis. 

And the bandits, basking in the success of their most recent propaganda and incoming million, lick their lips: there is more to come.

Bello Hussein writes from the University of Ilorin via bellohussein210@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigeria Customs Service orchestrated a strategic meeting on Monday, January 15, 2024. 

This is contained in a joint statement signed by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwadah, and Ismail OmipidanMedia Aide to Honorable Minister, Marine, and Blue Economy on Monday.

According to the statement, key figures present included Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Hon. Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali; Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR; and a virtual attendee, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria. 

The focal point of this consequential gathering was to devise and implement initiatives fostering cooperation, trade facilitation, and operational efficiency within Nigerian seaports. 

The statement partly reads, “The primary thrust of this collaborative venture was to deliberate and actualize initiatives that would not only open up ports but also foster seamless cooperation and trade and facilitation. A key focal point of discussion was the strategic integration of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) to bolster operational efficiency in Nigerian Seaports.

“Acknowledging the pivotal role of NIIT in actively decongesting ports, the meeting entrusted the Comptroller General of Customs with the mandate to champion and prioritize cargo scanning over traditional physical examination methods.

“Immediate action was endorsed to rectify and optimize all existing scanners at prominent ports such as Apapa, Tincan Island, Onne, and PTML. Simultaneously, the existing mobile scanners will be strategically deployed to facilitate expeditious cargo inspections.”

The statement added that in a cohesive effort, the meeting mandated the Comptroller General of Customs to prioritise cargo scanning over traditional physical examinations, recognising the pivotal role of NIIT in decongesting ports.

Plans were unveiled for efficient container evacuation from Port Harcourt to Aba, with future extensions envisioned for Onne Port. 

Considering rail track construction, the NRC agreed to bypass the fixed scanner at Apapa, ensuring unhindered scanning processes during crucial infrastructure development.

The meeting also advocated exploring public-private partnerships for scanning technology installation and maintenance to sustain efficiency and foster innovation in cargo inspection processes.

By Mansur Hassan, PhD.

The executive governor of Kano state, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf, made a triumphant return to Kano in grand style after the Supreme Court affirmed his position as the duly elected governor.

The air in Kano was filled with excitement as millions of residents gathered yesterday to welcome their leader to the commercial city centre.

His Excellency embarked on the journey from Kaduna at 9 am, and despite the approximately 13-hour journey, he arrived at Filin Mahaha Kofar Na’isa in Kano state by 10 pm. The extensive duration was attributed to the massive crowds that lined the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved governor.

The overwhelming love demonstrated by the people of Kano towards Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf serves as a powerful testament to the justice upheld by the Supreme Court. This judicial affirmation not only solidifies democracy but also underscores the importance of respecting the choices made by the masses.

Notably, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu hailed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as a hero, acknowledging his steadfastness and reaction during the previous judgements of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal. The governor’s resilience in the face of challenges has earned him widespread admiration.

As Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf begins his tenure, we express our heartfelt wishes for a successful term and the continued implementation of pro-masses policies that uplift the welfare of the people of Kano state.

In extending our wishes, we also hope for good health and wisdom for Senator Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the grand commander of the Kwankwasiyya movement. May his guidance contribute to the betterment of the state and the nation as a whole.

Dr. Mansur Hassan is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano

By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

I find it difficult to believe that the majority of those reading this piece right now do not know what bullying is all about. Bullying, as a matter of fact, is a common phenomenon among us now. Being bullied is both heartbreaking and miserable for those targeted.

But many adults, unless they too have been bullied, have a hard time understanding just how much kids can suffer from being bullied. They fail to realize that the consequences of bullying are significant and can have a lasting impact on one’s mental and physical health.

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), bullying has a lifelong impact on the social and emotional development of children, which puts them at risk for everything, from severe mental health issues to stunted professional growth later in life.
Bullying is the use of force, coercion, hurtful teasing or threat to abuse to aggressively dominate or intimidate an individual. The behaviour is often repeated and habitual.

In Nigeria, this mostly occurs in boarding schools among seniors who take advantage of their timid and weak juniors, thereby forcing them to do their bidding, such as washing clothes and assignments, cleaning their rooms, collecting their food, and punishing and beating them as they wish.

According to NICHD, children who are involved in bullying experiences (on either side of the situation) are at an increased risk of developing issues in both mental and physical health aspects. Bullying can have physical, social and emotional effects, too.

The physical effects of bullying include:
– Stress response
– Headaches
– Muscle pain
– Digestive upset
– Weight changes, etc.

Those who are bullied are at increased risk for mental health problems such as:
– Depression and anxiety
– Low self-esteem and personal drive
– Trouble focusing and falling grades
– Behavioral problems
– Social and relationship issues
– Substance abuse later in life
– Dropping out of school
– Self-harming behaviours, etc.

Bullying can also affect other children who witness the acts, even if they aren’t directly involved. While it may seem obvious that those who are bullied have a higher risk of developing developmental issues, what’s less obvious is that bullying also affects the on-lookers.

Bullying brings negative effects to everyone who witnesses the act by way of creating what feels like an unsafe environment. It can make children feel as though they are helpless, planting a deep seed of insecurity and disdain for their classroom (and classmates) as a whole.

It also makes kids feel as though they can’t be protected by those they trust (teachers, aides, parents, etc.), which can lead to withdrawal and a failure to thrive. Research shows that bullying and harassment can cause adult symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In fact, one study examining mental health in college students found experiencing bullying to be the strongest predictor of developing PTSD symptoms.

Oftentimes, it is withdrawal that is the first and most obvious sign that bullying is taking place, apart from actually seeing the incident in person.

Over time, if the bullying continues, those who witness it will likely begin to show other signs such as attention issues, fear of participating in normal activities, acting out or other behavioural problems such as vandalism or destroying toys or objects. Because kids rarely tell an adult when they experience bullying, it’s important that parents, teachers, and other caregivers are aware of the warning signs.

For instance, kids may hint that they are being bullied by saying there is drama at school, that kids are messing with them, or that they have no friends. These are all signs that they are experiencing bullying. If your kids confess to being a target, tell them you are proud of them for having the courage to talk about it.

This reinforces that you value having an open dialogue about issues they’re facing. It’s also important that you believe what your kids tell you and that you make a commitment to work with them to find solutions. While it can be difficult, try to keep your emotions in check. Instead, remain calm and work with your child to make a plan.

When kids feel as if they have options, they are less likely to be overwhelmed with negative feelings. In addition, efforts to advocate on behalf of victims will not be effective unless people truly comprehend how painful and traumatic bullying can be.

Kids who are regularly targeted by bullies often suffer both emotionally and socially. Not only do they find it hard to make friends, but they also struggle to maintain healthy friendships. Part of this struggle is directly related to low self-esteem.

A lack of self-esteem is a direct result of the mean and hurtful things that other kids say about them. When kids are continuously called “fat” or “losers,” they begin to believe these things are true. Many times, kids feel like they need to accept occasional bullying in order to belong. As a result, they will succumb to peer pressure and accept bullying as a way to maintain their social standing.

Kids who are victimized often yearn for acceptance from the very people who are bullying them. In order to remain part of the group, they may tolerate fake friendships and mean behaviour, especially if the person bullying them has a higher social standing than they do.

In fact, research shows that 50% of students between the ages of 12 and 18 who have been bullied report that the bully had more social influence. In addition, 31% indicated that they had more money. Bullying victims also tend to experience a wide range of emotions. They may feel angry, bitter, vulnerable, helpless, frustrated, lonely, and isolated from their peers.

Consequently, they may skip classes and resort to drugs and alcohol to numb their pain. If bullying is ongoing, they may develop depression and even contemplate suicide. Aside from the bumps and bruises that occur during physical bullying, there are additional physical costs. For instance, bullied kids often experience anxiety. This stress on their bodies also will result in a variety of health issues, including being sick more often and suffering from ulcers and other conditions caused by persistent anxiety.

Bullied kids also may complain of stomachaches and headaches. The bullying they experience may aggravate other pre-existing conditions like eczema. Skin conditions, stomach issues, and heart conditions that are aggravated by stress all worsen when a child is being bullied.

Kids who are bullied often suffer academically, too. Bullied kids struggle to focus on their schoolwork. In fact, slipping grades is one of the first signs that a child is being bullied. Kids also may be so preoccupied by bullying that they forget about assignments or have difficulty paying attention in class.

Additionally, bullied kids may skip school or classes in order to avoid being bullied. This practice results in falling grades. When grades begin to drop, this adds to the stress levels the bullied child is already experiencing. A study conducted by the University of Virginia showed that kids who attend a school with a severe climate of bullying often have lower scores on standardized tests.

When a child is bullied, it is not uncommon for the parents and siblings to also be affected. Parents often experience a wide range of consequences, including feeling powerless to fix the situation. They also may feel alone and isolated. And they may even become obsessed with the situation, often at the expense of their own health and well-being. It also is not uncommon for parents to feel a sense of failure when their child is bullied.

Not only do they feel like they failed to protect the child from bullying, but they also may question their parenting abilities. They may even worry that they somehow missed the signs of bullying or that they did not do enough to bully-proof their child along the way. The truth is that no one can predict who bullies will target.

Parents can do everything right and still find out that their child is being bullied. As a result, they should never feel responsible for the choices a bully makes. Instead, they should place the blame where it belongs and focus on helping their child heal from bullying.

Research shows that bullying has a lot of effects which last well into adulthood. In fact, one study found that the consequences of being bullied by peers may have a greater impact on mental health in adulthood than originally thought. Remember, the experiences that people have while they are children help mould them into the adults that they later become. So it is not surprising that the effects of bullying linger well into adulthood.

However, having a counsellor help your child with the recovery process may speed things along. If you were bullied as a child and are still experiencing the side effects, the first step toward recovery from childhood bullying is acknowledging what happened to you. Do not dismiss what happened to you or minimize the severity.

Be truthful with yourself about the pain you experienced. You also need to make healing a priority. Take time to take care of yourself and consider talking with a counsellor about your experience. A counsellor can help you make sense of your feelings and move past the negative experience of bullying. He also can help you reframe your thinking and reclaim control over your life.

While it may be painful to think about the bullying you experienced as a kid, if it is still impacting your everyday life and the way you view yourself, then it is best to face the issue head-on. Once you have come to terms with what you experienced and changed the way you view yourself and others, you will be on your way to recovery.

Conclusively, bullying prevention has been put in the spotlight in recent years and has gained momentum in educational facilities across most countries or worldly. Many schools and childcare providers now implement some variation of an anti-bullying policy, which has had a major impact on developing minds everywhere.

Most anti-bullying policies include tips such as keeping a watchful eye, utilizing activities that encourage kids to speak up about their experiences and keeping an open line of communication with youngsters to ensure they are comfortable with sharing any unwanted behaviours by others. It is time bullying in whatever form is stopped in Nigeria. One hopes that the government, school management and society at large will do something to tackle the vicious malaise.

Maimuna Katuka Aliyu is an executive intern with PRNigeria in Abuja, Nigeria.

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has advised Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to open a dance school. The group said such an institution would be the governor’s legacy in the state.

The advice was given in a statement issued on Monday, 15th January 2024, by the group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

He said:

“The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has become popular with his dancing skills. He shows off his skill at every given opportunity, at public functions and official sittings. It is one thing that he takes great joy in doing.

“We admit that even his opponents admire his skill while his supporters are thrilled by his dancing. One can never have a dull moment with Governor Adeleke around. He does it with passion and takes great pride in it. Such skill should not be allowed to waste away.

“It is for this reason we would like to suggest to the governor to bequeath his skill to the youth of Osun State by opening a dance school. In the alternative, the governor can inject powerful doses of government investment into the arts department of the Osun State University with a special bias for dancing.

“Such investment may catapult the state’s tourism and entertainment to the highest pedestal among other states of the federation. It will also increase its internally generated revenue (IGR). This is one way Osun can make the best of the present situation. Adeleke has a potential legacy already.”