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By Hafsat Ja’afar

When are you getting hitched? Are you still single? When are we meeting our in-law or the Mr Right? You’re just choosy, aren’t you? So hurry up and get married! All these questions are uncalled for. Seriously people!

Do you need to go that extreme in asking people unanswerable questions who do not know the unseen?  It’s driven people nuts, and it needs to stop. Believe it or not, delayed marriage is a trendy issue not only within our society but also a universal issue due to the changes in our modern times.

Marriage delays in Northern Nigeria may result from the following;

Nature: Some are destined to stay single up to old age, while some are afflicted with natural diseases, which, no matter how much they want or try to get married, they cannot.

Tradition: Every family has its norms, values,  and principles. Some think their children must reach a certain age or level of education before marrying them off.  The issue of trousseau is a major setback too. These principles sometimes hurt the life of the people involved.

Illiteracy: This is another side of the coin, as some of the established youths consider marriage a burden, so they prefer private/commercial affairs. To them, getting married is like inviting old age while the “I’m Still Young” slogan still rings in their heads.

Expectation: This plays a significant role as the backbone of the marriage delay, as both parties expect luxury and goodies before marriage. The gents are looking for capacitated in-laws, and the ladies are waiting to marry into an influential family. However, this might take years for some to achieve.

Financial Instability: Due to unemployment, underemployment, inflation, cashless policy and other financial crises we all know about, some people run away from marriage.

Societal pressure on why and when you’re getting married has led many into failed and toxic marriages, which they later regret. Due to such pressure, someone I know married a man who gave his terms and conditions on splitting the bills 50-50.

As a classroom teacher, she was to handle school fees, medication, and other things. In the end, the marriage broke down because, according to the husband, she’s not complying and not making ends meet. She’s now a divorcee with two kids.

A friend-turned-sister married a man she doesn’t love, but he loves her dearly. For years their matrimony was nothing to write home about with four kids. She made his life and family a living hell to escape the marriage. She finally succeeded, taking her kids along with her and denying him custody of them.

Someone also told me it’s better to bear the title of Mrs in an abusive marriage than to stay single while time is against us. I was shocked beyond words for her to say this. She desperately needs a husband, someone to call her own.

Another one got married to a tricycle driver out of desperation, though he’s an NCE holder with no job, and she’s a graduate with a job. The interference of friends and relatives in their marital life led to serious malice between the two families. The couple used to spend weeks on no-speaking terms. All the love and sacrifices made for each other vanished, and the blame game became the order of the day. Sessions of reconciliation took place with no positive results. Finally, they went their separate ways and found peace and tranquillity, as they say.

The hustle and bustle of life is an essential element that paves the way for critical and creative thinking, mainly if a person engages him /herself in business, studying, working, and what have you. No matter how small it is, it fades away. Whatever is bothering an individual gives room for greater achievements in life.

As the saying goes, ‘it’s better to wait long than to marry wrong’. To avoid jumping into an erroneous affair, you must pray and choose wisely to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

Hafsat Ja’afar read BA (Ed) English at Bayero University, Kano. She wrote from Kano via jaafarhafsat@gmail.com.

By Sadiq Ilyas

In 2017, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje reportedly disagreed with Sarki Muhammadu Sanusi II’s critical comments about the government’s handling of the state’s finances. Sanusi accused the government of mismanagement and corruption, particularly about the state’s debts.

The disagreement between the two escalated in 2019 when the Kano State government created four other emirates, reducing the powers of the Emir of Kano, who was Sanusi then. 

Sanusi challenged the creation of the emirates in court, arguing that it was politically motivated and designed to weaken his position as emir. However, in March 2020, a Kano State High Court ruled that creating the emirates was legal.

In March 2020, Sanusi was removed from his position as Emir of Kano by the Kano State government, citing insubordination and disrespect to the governor and other officials. Sanusi denied the allegations and challenged his removal in court, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

Since the removal of Sanusi as the 14th Emir of Kano, many people have reacted differently, and that generated sympathy around the Emir, who was seen as a victim, while the Governor is seen as the villain. 

The Kano Governorship election result is believed to be won majorly as protest votes against Ganduje’s policies, including creating new emirates and his perceived allegation of corruption. On the other hand, the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, gave a margin of 128,000 votes to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Although the APC plans to challenge the victory in court, the likelihood of overturning the election is slim.

The 14th Emir of Kano is believed to have supported the NNPP with many antics. First was his appearance in a white and red outfit, the Kwankwasiyya insignia, just before the election when he visited his mother. People also rumour that he financed the campaign of the NNPP of the Governor-elect Abba Kabir Yusuf. Though the 14th Emir was out of the country during the election period, he was believed to be in Makkah praying for the victory of the Governor-elect.

Since the announcement of the Governorship results in Kano, social media space was filled with slogans such as “Sabon Gwamna, Sabon Sarki”, meaning “new Governor, new Emir”. The atmosphere in the Emir’s palace becomes tense, and the Emir’s outfit choice for the Hawan Daushe Durbar says it all. He wore golden armour, which some analysts say is a sign of confrontation in times of war. But now that the battle with swords is over, the question is who is playing with the lion’s tail. 

Kwankwaso VS Ganduje

In a recent interview with reporters, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the NNPP and presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, has stated that the incoming government of Abba Yusuf, the Governor-elect of Kano State, will review the dethronement of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

“We tried not to intervene in the issue of bringing or removing any Emir. But now, an opportunity has come. Those given this opportunity will sit down and see the issues. Then, they will look at what they are expected to do. Besides the Emir, even the emirate has been divided into five places. All these need to be studied,” Kwankwaso stated.

He also said that, as elders, they would continue to advise the incoming government to do the right thing.

Meanwhile, Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has reiterated that the four new emirates created by his administration are here to stay.

“The four new emirates are a symbol of unity, progress, and the well-being of the people. They were created to honour the people of these regions and recover the reputation of the traditional institutions,” Ganduje said during the Workers’ Day celebrations held at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

He added that the emirates were created to upgrade and promote their tradition, and they have brought development to these places. “I assure you that these emirates are permanent. They have come to stay. Even if we are not in government, these emirates are untouchable. I promise you this by the grace of God, they have come to stay,” he added.

It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in Kano State regarding the dethronement of Sanusi II and the creation of new emirates.

History may repeat itself

During the administration of Governor Abubakar Rimi in the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was an attempt to create five emirates in Kano state by splitting the Kano Emirate into five. 

This move was met with opposition by some members of the royal family and other traditional rulers, who saw it as an attempt to weaken the influence of the Kano Emirate.

However, Governor Rimi went ahead with the plan and created the new emirates of Gaya, Karaye, Bichi, Rano, and Kano. 

The Kano Emirate was reduced in size and given a more ceremonial role, while the new emirates were granted more administrative and political powers.

When Governor Sabo Bakin Zuwo took over in 1983, he reversed the decision and restored the Kano Emirate to its original size and status, with the other emirates abolished. 

His decision was seen as an attempt to restore the traditional balance of power and to address the concerns of those who opposed the creation of the new emirates.

In 2019, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje created four new emirates in Kano State, including Gaya, Karaye, Bichi, and Rano, in addition to the Kano Emirate. The move was met with controversy and legal challenges, with some arguing that it was politically motivated and aimed at reducing the influence of the Kano Emirate. This followed the dethronement of the 14th Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. And from all indications, history may repeat itself, with the NNPP becoming a new government.

Experts opinion 

Following the recent dethronement of Sanusi as Emir of Kano and the creation of new emirates by the Ganduje administration, Nadir Nasidi, a historian at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, has spoken out against the move, stating that it is unnecessary and unpalatable.

In an interview, Nasidi stated, “Kano is the only emirate in the whole country with one unifying emir, but the creation of unnecessary emirs isn’t a palatable one. Many people, including myself, told the Ganduje administration that what he was doing wasn’t a good one.”

While acknowledging that Sanusi’s dethronement was final and he could not be brought back, Nasidi suggested that the other emirates be reduced to local chiefs under the overall Emir of Kano, who would be chosen from among the existing kings.

He said, “Nobody will bring back Sanusi. He’s gone already. But the other emirates must be reduced to local chiefs under the overall emir of Kano. They can choose amongst all the kings one person to be the overall king.”

Nasidi’s suggestion comes amid ongoing debates about the wisdom and legality of creating new emirates in Kano State. The creation of four new emirates in the state was met with widespread criticism, with some people accusing the government of trying to weaken the influence of the Emir of Kano.

Critics argue that the move is politically motivated and aimed at reducing the Emir’s power and influence. On the other hand, supporters of the new emirates say that it will promote development and bring the government closer to the people.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the incoming administration will consider Nasidi’s suggestion or continue with its plans to bring back Sanusi Lamido as the Emir and reverse the creation of the emirates in Kano State.

Sadiq Ilyas wrote via silyas1989@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Auwal Yahaya

A great government is not solely determined by the promises made during political campaigns but by the quality of the individuals appointed to key positions. Therefore, when a governor-elect, such as Mallam Umar Namadi, is entrusted with the responsibility of leading a state like Jigawa, it becomes crucial to prioritise quality political appointments. These appointments play a pivotal role in delivering campaign promises, establishing an exceptional government, and gaining the trust and support of the people.

Selecting candidates based on merit and competence is essential for building a strong government. By appointing individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience, a governor-elect can ensure that the government is led by capable individuals who can effectively address the challenges and complexities of governance. In addition, merit-based appointments promote efficiency, innovation, and delivering high-quality services to the citizens.

A government that reflects the diversity of its people is more likely to understand and address their varied needs and aspirations. A governor-elect can create a balanced and inclusive government by prioritising diversity in political appointments. This means appointing individuals from different ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, as well as women and minority groups. Such representation fosters a sense of belonging and ensures that policies are formulated comprehensively about the diverse population.

Achieving regional balance in political appointments ensures equitable development and representation across all state regions. By appointing individuals from various areas, a governor-elect can ensure that the government’s focus and resources are not concentrated in one area but rather distributed fairly. This promotes balanced growth, reduces regional disparities, and fosters a sense of unity among the citizens.

Political inclusivity is vital for a government to effectively represent its constituents’ diverse interests and perspectives. A governor-elect, Therefore, could consider appointing individuals from different political affiliations, not just members of their party. This fosters a sense of collaboration, encourages healthy debates, and enables the government to make informed decisions that benefit the entire state rather than a specific group.

Transparency and accountability should be the cornerstones of political appointments. A governor-elect must ensure that the selection process is transparent, with clear criteria and mechanisms for evaluating candidates. By doing so, they can instil public trust and confidence in the government. Additionally, appointees should be held accountable for their actions, with mechanisms in place to monitor their performance and address any misconduct or negligence.

Consulting experts and seeking their advice is crucial when making political appointments. A governor-elect should consider individuals with the expertise and knowledge required for specific positions. By involving experts in the decision-making process, the government can benefit from their insights, innovative ideas, and strategic thinking. This leads to more informed and effective governance.

Nepotism and cronyism have no place in quality political appointments. A governor-elect must prioritise fairness and integrity, ensuring arrangements are based on merit rather than personal relationships or favouritism. By avoiding nepotism and cronyism, the government can inspire public confidence, enhance transparency, and attract competent individuals with the state’s best interests.

Regular performance evaluation of appointees is essential for maintaining accountability and ensuring optimal governance. A governor-elect should establish clear performance metrics and mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness of individuals in their appointed positions. This allows for identifying areas of improvement, providing necessary support or training, and making changes when required. Performance evaluation fosters a culture of continuous improvement and reinforces the government’s commitment to delivering results.

Involving the public in decision-making and seeking feedback is crucial for a government to be responsive and accountable. Therefore, a governor-elect should actively engage with the citizens, listen to their concerns, and incorporate their perspectives into political appointments. Public engagement and feedback not only enhance the legitimacy of the government but also provide valuable insights that can inform policy-making and ensure the delivery of services that truly meet the needs of the people.

Governor-Elect Mallam Umar Namadi has crafted an impressive blueprint for the development of Jigawa state. His vision and commitment to the betterment of the state deserve appreciation. Moreover, the blueprint demonstrates his understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead. With such a well-thought-out plan, it is evident that he has the potential to lead Jigawa to new heights.

To transform the blueprint into reality and deliver on the campaign promises, Governor-Elect Mallam Umar Namadi should prioritise quality political appointments. By carefully considering the criteria of merit, competence, diversity, regional balance, political inclusivity, transparency, accountability, consultation, and expertise, he can assemble a team of capable individuals who share his vision and are committed to serving the people of Jigawa diligently.

The people of Jigawa state have placed their trust in Governor-Elect Mallam Umar Namadi and have high hopes for the incoming government. Therefore, it is essential to keep the spirit alive and maintain optimism for the positive changes that lie ahead. As citizens, we are responsible for supporting the new government and actively participating in the development process.

Let us pray for the success of Governor-Elect Mallam Umar Namadi and his team. Through prayer, we can seek guidance, strength, and wisdom for the government to effectively navigate the challenges and fulfil its responsibilities. We can contribute to building a prosperous and exceptional Jigawa state with our prayers and support.

Muhammad Auwal Yahaya, known as Amujaheed, is an indigene of Jigawa state and the visionary behind jgONLINE, an innovative online platform. A technophile, Jigawapreneur, and an advocate of good governance who strives for inclusivity, commitment and excellence.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A bitter dispute between two neighbours in Kano resulted in a bloodbath when one of the men, Amir Sa’idu, allegedly descended on the other with several stabs.

Sa’idu was said to have stabbed his neighbour, Muktar Abubakar, with a pair of scissors on his forehead.

The Daily Reality gathered that the incident, which happened in Unguwa Uku, Kano, led to Abubakar developing a partial stroke.

Our reporters also learned that a Kano State Sharia Court sitting in Unguwa Uku had remanded Amir for his actions.

The prosecutor, Aliyul Abideen, told the court that the victim developed several illnesses after the incident.

He added that the illness later led to a partial stroke and that he was now receiving treatment in a hospital.

However, the suspect pleaded guilty to the charge.

But the judge, Nura Yusuf Ahmad, ordered the suspect remanded in prison until June 12.

He added that the case would remain pending until the victim’s situation has been reviewed.

–News Desk

The Governing Council of Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has appointed Professor Aliyu Abdullahi Turaki as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University.

The appointment was sequel to the recommendation of the Senate and subsequent approval of the Governing Council at its 26th meeting held from 10th to 11th May 2023.

The appointment is for a term of two years at the first instance and takes effect from Thursday, 11th May, 2023.

Prof. Aliyu A. Turaki attended Sabon Garin Rikoto Primary School from 1978 to 1983, where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate. He then proceeded to Government Science College, Birnin Kebbi, where he obtained his Secondary School Certificate in 1990. He obtained B.Sc. and M.Sc. Biochemistry from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, in 1996 and 2006, respectively.

Prof. A.A. Turaki obtained his PhD in Molecular Biology at the University of Greenwich, United Kingdom in 2014. Between 2007 and 2008, he also obtained Postgraduate Certificate in Food Safety and Certificate in Applied Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) from University of Greenwhich and Royal Institute of Public Health, UK.

The new Deputy Vice-Chancellor comes with over 2 decades of professional experience. He started his teaching career as a Lecturer at the College of Agriculture, Zuru, in 1998. He joined the services of Federal University Birnin Kebbi on 26th May, 2015 as Lecturer I at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, where he rose through ranks to become Professor in 2022.

Prof. Turaki served in various capacities in the University setting. He had been the Director of Academic Planning from 2021 to date; Deputy Dean, Postgraduate School from 2021 to date and Senate Representative on Council from 2021 to date. He also served as Deputy Director, Academic Planning from 2015 to 2021 as well as Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from 2018 to 2023.

Prof. Turaki published papers in both local and international journals. He is a member of several professional organizations. He was born on the 5th of October, 1970, in Zuru, Kebbi State. He is married with children.

In another development, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, has approved the reappointments of the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kasimu Shehu, as Director, Research and Innovation; Prof. Isa Garba Abor of the Department of Mathematics as Director, Consultancy and Entrepreneurship as well as Prof. Kabiru Jega Umar of the Department of Chemistry as Director, School of Basic Studies.

The appointments take effect from April 27, 2023.

Similarly, the Vice Chancellor approved the appointments of Prof. M.D.A. Bunza (Biological Sciences), as Director, General Studies; Dr. Sirajo M. Bakura (Computer Science) as Deputy Director Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES); Dr. Abubakar Musa Shinkafi (Computer Science) as Deputy Director, Entrepreneurship; Dr. Ahmad Saidu (Nursing Sciences) as Deputy Director, School of Basic Studies and Mal. Yazid Salihu (ICT Directorate) as Deputy Director, Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Their appointments take effect from 27th April 2023.

The new appointees are charged to bring to bear their wealth of experience in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.

By Sulaiman Abba Aliyu

A person that went through formal schooling system and attained what he has attained because of that system will never downgrade the system. The system has done so well for him to downgrade it, he has reached his/its zenith, something many of the young bloods can only dream of and yet some among them find fault in a book published by him with a title they feel offended by, most without even going through the book. What happened to the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? Don’t tell me you’ve judged it by its title!

I am not trying to justify what the author said for I believe he wasn’t trying to do so either. It’s just a friendly reminder from a person who has seen what you have not seen, worked where you haven’t worked, traveled places you didn’t even dream of. He’s not trying to downplay your “hard earned” degree, my dear graduate.

Let us get to the reality of things in this country and almost everywhere around the world. A degree is a paper issued to someone affirming that he/she has gone through the process of a university education and nothing more. If you are a university student or graduate or infact a student anywhere, you know that there are a lot of ways through which people earn their degrees, some earn it in a legitimate way and others otherwise. In universities, we have seen ladies complaining of how some lecturers harass them (demand for sex) so they will be awarded marks.

Again, how many of your colleagues cheat during exams and unluckily for them they weren’t caught up to their final years or even up to their graduation? How many more others do you know that theirs is just to memorize what is given to them even without understanding anything and passing the exams that way? I bet they are much more than those that are good at what they are studying. Do you then expect yourself as an employer to stick with first set of people just because they have a degree? For the sake of your company, your answer must be NO!

On the part of employers, how many people with good results have they employed and they delivered? Or do you mean because you have a degree and your employer knows how hard it is to earn a degree he/she won’t fire you if you cannot deliver? How many of those with lesser qualifications delivered in their work places because they have the required skills? Many! Or should they all be fired because they do not have a degree? Put yourself in the employer’s shoe and do what will save your company or enterprise.

I’ve seen and heard of so many people without degrees who excel in their endeavors. Some brought value to what they do beyond measures. Their biggest asset were the skills they possessed. And I’ve seen so many with certificates who destroy businesses because they lack the needed skills. These skills include; leadership skills, communication skills among others.

As a graduate, would you rather give your car to a mechanic with the skill of fixing the car or give a graduate with a first class degree with no skill to fix your car?

Your degrees are important nobody dares to downgrade them! But skills, if unemployed, increase your employability and if already employed, accelerate and simplify your job for you.

Do your degrees, if you can’t afford a degree find a skill and engrave it! You’ll appreciate yourself for making that decision.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A joyous celebration of a wedding ceremony in Kano turned into a very traumatic incident as some of the guests died and eight others ended up in hospitals after drinking tea prepared with local leaf, Zakami and unidentified pills.

The incident occurred on the weekend in Sheka, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.

Alhaji Usman Musa Zakari, the ward head of the area, confirmed the development to journalists on Wednesday.

Zakari said the figures circulating about the number of victims were baseless and unconfirmed, giving the name of the deceased as Mubarak Bala, also known as Diga and Ibrahim Khalil.

According to him, “It is true that the incident happened. It happened when the persons drank a tea prepared with a local leaf called Zakami and a combination of other drugs. Two persons died, and eight others were hospitalised.

“Although there are different versions of the stories being peddled, I delegated persons who went on a fact-finding, and we gathered that only two persons lost their lives. Someone told me four had lost their lives and I asked him to take me to the houses but he later told me that the figure was hearsay.

“Eight other persons were hospitalised after drinking from the tea, but they have all been discharged and going about with their day-to-day activities.”

However, the spokesperson of Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, said no formal report was made to the police division of the area.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The last time I saw Abdulaziz was on the evening of Tuesday, May 2, 2023. He was on the way to the sick bay supported by Waziri and Albani. Nasir, the NAMLAS president, was also in their company. A bike was eventually called upon to convey them there. Sadly, that was the last time I saw him in flesh and soul. In his infinite wisdom, the Creator has decreed that “every soul shall taste death.” And the time came for Abdulaziz on the evening of Thursday, May 4, 2023.

As Muslims, we believe and submit to the will of Allah. However, a week after Abdulaziz’s demise, I still live in self-denial. Everything seems too sudden, and I still wish it is a terrible nightmare. It’s somewhat unfathomable that he did not complete the examinations he so much prepared for and started with us. Like many final-year law students, Abdulaziz’s mind was already in the Nigerian Law School, and preparation was underway. His demise was the least expected way to say goodbye.   

I have known Abdulaziz since we assumed academic activities in January 2017 at the Faculty of Law. However, we became closer in our fourth year when we shared room 90 of Ali Akilu hostel. He would spend much of his time listening to scholars of comparative religion. Videos of Zakir Naik and the late Sheikh Ahmad Deedat dominated his phone gallery. He had an unquenchable thirst for the study of comparative religion, and he was ever ready to share this knowledge.

A week before his death, he had addressed us after morning prayers in Al-Muntada Mosque and emphasised the need to study comparative religion. He undertook to take the course to willing participants in the second semester.

Like many of us, Abdulaziz was a man with dreams for a great future. When we lived together, he narrated the ordeals that led him to study law after he completed NCE and became a certified teacher. That’s a pretty long story, but the bottom line is that he had a reason to work hard, and he worked very hard. He knew where he was going and what it took to get there, and he was set for the journey to greatness at dawn. Sadly but with gratitude to the will of the Almighty, his light was blown out in his prime.

Allah endears his loved ones to people. Abdulaziz was loved by many. This was evident in the crowd that graced his funeral. His teachers, colleagues, friends, students and even non-Muslims were all at Haruna Danja Mosque to bid him farewell. The love the people had for him did not end with him; it extended to his immediate family.

A few days after his death, classmates and friends raised more than half a million for his wife and the two children he left behind. I think he is loved by Allah, who perfected his character and made him the darling of everyone whose path he had crossed. He always met all of us with a cheerful countenance, and he was never known for engaging in frivolities. As much as this is my opinion, I am not subjective. My opinion about him would not have been different if he were alive. 

Abdulaziz will be missed for many reasons and by many people. He left a positive mark on the lives of many. The local chapter of the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria (MSSN) of the Faculty of Law will miss him dearly. He had been a committed official since his admission to the faculty and was committed till his transition.

Abdulaziz’s teachers and classmates will miss him greatly. He was an exceptional student who spoke and asked questions in class when necessary. I remember vividly how he was asked to translate Suratul Kafirun by Professor Danladi in our last Jurisprudence and Legal Theory class. Unfortunately, that was just two weeks from his unanticipated exit. 

He also left a vacuum to be filled at the Kongo Campus Islamiyya, where he taught Tawhid, amongst other courses. His learned brothers at the Student Bench and Counsel, who had appeared before him while he was Khadi of the student judiciary, will miss his judicial wisdom and excellent understanding of Islamic Law.

Besides his family, whose pain at this difficult time is unimaginable, Abdulaziz will be in our pleasant memories for a long time. As the reality of his death sets in, I feel his absence. May Allah forgive him, forgive us, console us and take care of his family, ameen

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Mark Zuckerberg, the Chief Executive Officer of Meta, has announced that Whatsapp will unveil the first WhatsApp smartwatch later this year.

Zuckerberg disclosed this in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

The smartwatch will enable Whatsapp users to make phone calls and reply to messages.

“Announced at Google I/O that we’re shipping the first WhatsApp smartwatch app on Wear OS later this year. You’ll be able to start new conversations, reply to messages, and take calls on your wrist,” he posted

By Usaini Abubakar

While travelling in some parts of the Plateau state, please be cautious and vigilant. It’s unfortunate that some blood-sucking people don’t know their enemy and enjoy attacking innocent travellers passing their towns, not knowing we are all victims of the same system. 

I don’t honestly know their aims. Do they want to turn every federal road that crosses their towns or within the state into gallows, a wasteland, battlefields, graveyards of multiple unknown bodies, or maybe something else of their making?

I nearly lost my life yesterday! Not only that, but I nearly lost my breath, lost the life beating inside me, but my strength and courage and determination and experience, like echoes of vigil nights, disappeared within seconds. Not only that, but I think casualties are not the death of those who started the war or those prowling grievance.

Not only that, but I believe casualties are those who keep quiet, who have the opportunity to talk but keep quiet, and those who smile every day when their next-door neighbours are in tears. But how can we together hold and retrieve ourselves back from this brainwashing?

So, I began to wonder what’s more important than human life. What’s more critical than togetherness, than friendships and relationships and progress? What’s more significant than peace, development, progress, success, love, respect, responsibility, and understanding? What’s peace if we can’t go anywhere inside our towns?

What friendship if we can’t befriend someone from another tribe, village, or country? What’s love if we can’t love and respect what others revere? What’s the progress if we can’t put one block over another? What’s progress if we can’t come together? What’s the responsibility if we can’t be accountable for our mistakes?

What’s faith? What’s a belief if we can’t respect other people’s choices and generational values? What’s up if there are no others? How can you, without reason, kill someone for someone’s sin or mistake? Why punish an innocent traveller for a sin they didn’t commit or knew nothing about?

Imagine we spent half our day alongside the road linking Mararraban Jama’a to Abuja, waiting for death, revenge, hatred, or the taste of human blood to leave people’s minds. We stayed as the only means of safety in our possession. We waited for God’s intervention, waiting and waiting, and I pray for no one to wait for this type of wait… waiting without knowing where death would come from.

Usaini Abubakar wrote from Jos, Plateau State. He can be reached via usainiabubakaradam5091@gmail.com.