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By Aminah M. Abubakar

Sometimes last year, a Nigerian PhD student at Korean University named Abdulqaadir Yusif Maigoro tweeted about his PhD thesis research work. He talked about his findings on the relationship between gut health and autism spectrum conditions. During a presentation at the International Meeting for the Microbiological Society of Korea, Maigoro discussed how gram-negative bacteria endotoxins could travel from the gut to the brain and cause inflammation in people with an autism spectrum disorder.

The research sparked my interest, so I joined the conversation on his Tweet. I asked; if gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach aches, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and bloating, are commonly seen in individuals with autism and other neuro conditions. It is possible that these issues may be related to the gut-brain connection and the role that the gut plays in regulating the body’s immune response. How close are experts to getting a cure for the gut disease in Autistic individuals?

Abdulqaadir Maigoro (@Abdul_Y_Maigoro) responded that it’s true individuals with Autism condition have gastrointestinal problems, and further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between gut health and neuro conditions by exploring various mechanisms. But it is clear that the gut plays a significant role in overall physical and mental health.

Maigoro’s findings have prompted my interest in getting more information by exploring the connections between gut health and other neurological conditions, such as Autism, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, and Dementia.

Gut health has long been known to be connected to overall physical health, but recent research has also shown a link between the gut and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. The gut is home to the enteric nervous system, sometimes referred to as the “second brain,” which has a network of nerves, neurons, and neurotransmitters that extend throughout the digestive tract. The enteric nervous system communicates with the brain through the nervous system, hormones, and the immune system. This communication is especially important in regulating the body’s immune response, as 70% of the immune system is focused on the gut.

The gut, or “second brain”, is vital to overall human health and well-being. It breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste through chemical and mechanical processes. It also has its own nervous system called the enteric nervous system, which is made up of nerves, neurons, and neurotransmitters and extends throughout the digestive tract – from the oesophagus, through the stomach and intestines, and down to the anus. Because it uses the same types of neurons and neurotransmitters as the central nervous system, some experts refer to the enteric nervous system as the “second brain.”

The enteric nervous system communicates with the brain in the head through the nervous system, hormones, and the immune system, and it plays a key role in certain diseases and mental health.

Researchers are beginning to examine the gut in people with conditions such as depression, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, ALS, multiple sclerosis, pain, anxiety, and other neurological disorders. They are also studying the role of the gut in gastrointestinal conditions like ulcers and constipation and how it affects brain function.

The gut is also home to microorganisms that help regulate the body’s immune response, and around 70% of the immune system is focused on the gut to fight off and eliminate foreign invaders. Research on how the gut, or “second brain,” mediates the body’s immune system is exploring ways to expand the treatment of psychiatric and other neurological conditions, including the gut’s nervous system.

Researchers are now exploring various mechanisms in an attempt to find a potential cure for neuro conditions through the gut. The medical breakthrough will surely transform the world and touch the lives of nearly every person on the planet.

Aminah M. Abubakar sent the article via mbubakar.minah@gmail.com. She can also be contacted via her Twitter handle: @MinahMbubakar11.

By Ukasha Rabiu Magama

In preparation ahead for the 11 March 2023 gubernatorial and state House of Assemblies elections and to show their happiness over the victory of Hon. Shehu Buba Umar, Bauchi South Senator-elect, and Hon. Ismail Haruna Dabo, the Representative-elect, Toro federal constituency, the Magama Political Concern Citizens organized a feast in honour of the emerging candidates.

The feast, which took place at the Magama Gumau Central Primary School, was organised under the leadership of Comrade Ahmad Haruna Bamaiyi to celebrate the emerging candidates on their victory as well as pray for them to deliver on their campaign promises.

Bamaiyi said a cow worth N600,000 to enjoy the moment, and the elected representatives were reminded to deliver on their campaign promises, adding that people from different locations were called to enjoy the moment irrespective of religion, ethnicity and political backgrounds.

Highlighting the significance of the feast, comrade Bamaiyi said the victory is from Allah and the massive support offered by the electorates, and therefore, it is good to gather together to eat, drink and thank God the Almighty for the victory of the candidates.

Bamaiyi also called on the attendants to come out en-mass on 11 march 2023 to complete the remaining task waiting for them by voting massively for Air Vice-Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar as Bauchi state governor and Hon. Tukur Ibrahim as the lawmaker representing Toro/Jama’a at the State Hous of Assembly.

The feast had in attendance some special dignitaries, among which include; Bashir Musa, the Sarkin Sudan of Toro, Haruna Gidado Tilde, APC local government women leader, youths and women associations, among many others.

By Muhammad Jameel Yusha’u, PhD

On Friday, March 3rd, 2023, I attended two events at the Divinity School. The first was a lecture convened by Professor Ousmane Kane, and the second was a joint symposium called the Zaytuna-Harvard Symposium. These two events shared similarities in that they both aimed to highlight the intellectual heritage of sub-Saharan Africa in various fields of knowledge and the importance of traditional means of knowledge acquisition.

The former was a presentation by Ustadh Umar Sheikh Tahir, the son of a prominent Nigerian scholar Sheikh Tahir Bauchi and a current PhD candidate at Columbia University. His presentation was titled “Rediscovering 18th Century Knowledge Tradition: Alkashinawi’s (d.1742) Intellectual Networks in Bilad Al-Sudan and Hijaz.” The latter was a presentation by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, President of Zaytuna College, who spoke on “The Arts of Understanding Prerequisites for Unlocking the Islamic Tradition.” Sheikh Hamza Yusuf studied traditionally with scholars in Mauritania, West Africa.

Ustadh Umar presented the story of Muhammad Alkashinawi, a West African scholar from today’s Katsina province in Northern Nigeria. Alkashinawi developed proficiency in Arabic language, logic, mathematics, and jurisprudence in West Africa. When he moved to Hijaz, his scholarship was acknowledged, and he became a respected scholar from whom society was learning. When he died in Egypt, he was buried in the cemetery of scholars. Alkashinawi’s story highlights the journey of a scholar whose intellectual depth was developed in West Africa and whose scholarship transcended geographical boundaries.

The uniqueness of Alkashinawi’s work was not as prominent as it should have been, and Ustadh Umar’s work is more relevant in that he is translating Alkashinawi’s book into English. Interestingly, some of Alkashinawi’s work is only available at Yale University, and his book was not borrowed from the library at Yale for 120 years until Ustadh Umar asked for it.

Sheikh Hamza Yusuf’s presentation highlighted the importance of traditional means of knowledge acquisition and how it translates into scholarship that transcends geographical boundaries. Both presentations mesmerised the audience, providing evidence that knowledge is a human heritage that belongs to those who work to acquire it. It is neither the monopoly of a region, ethnicity, nor race but a heritage that beautifies a society that values it.

During the symposium, I sat among the students of Zaytuna College. One of the students asked me where I was from, and I responded Nigeria. He then introduced me to one of his schoolmates from Texas, who was a descendant of Sheikh Uthman ibn Fodio. I found it interesting how the family of Uthman Dan Fodio crossed the Atlantic and still keeps the story of their genealogy intact.

Takeaway: Knowledge is a human heritage. It belongs to those who work to acquire it.

Muhammad Jameel Yusha’u, PhD, is a candidate for a Mid-Career Master’s in Public Administration at Harvard University, John F Kennedy School of Government. He can be reached via mjyushau@yahoo.com.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The New Nigerian People’s Party, NNPP, has reveal plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to rig the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Kano State.

Dr Baffa Abdullahi Bichi, an NNPP cheiftain, made the allegations in a press conference on Monday.

According to Mr Bichi, Plans are underway for the repetition of the 2019 massive rigging of the APC by the Ganduje’s led administration.

Mr Bichi said, as defeat and rejection stare the APC in the face, the Ganduje’s led government is fervently plotting to thwart the will of Kano people.

Mr Bichi alleged that the government is hiring thugs and hunters from Cameroon and Bauchi to distrupt the electoral Process. He also said that the government in collaboration with INEC plan to cause unnecessary delay in polling units where the APC can not win. He added that it is part of their strategy to invade collation centers.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Department of State Services (DSS) has launched its official social media accounts to enhance public and stakeholder engagements.

In a statement released on Monday, March 6, 2023, the Service publicised its presence on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and dissociated itself from any handles other than the ones listed therein.

At the time of filing this report, the Twitter handle, @OfficialDSSNG, has over 44,000 followers, notable of whom are the Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami; the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Human Angle Media, and APC Nigeria.

The statement also revealed the Twitter handle of the spokesperson for the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya. “Similarly, the PRO’s Twitter handle is @DrAfunanya_PNA. Hitherto, the Service did not own or operate these handles. Its decision to operate them with effect from 6th March, 2023 is to enhance public and stakeholder engagements,” part of the statement reads.

Below are the social media handles.

Twitter: @OfficialDSSNG

Facebook: OfficialDSSNG

Instagram: @OfficialDSSNG

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Kaduna Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has endorsed the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Isah Ashiru, for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

The State CAN Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, disclosed in a statement on Monday.

According to CAN, they arrived at the decision after reviewing the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections. They added that owing to the Labour Party’s performance in the presidential election, a vote for the party is a complete waste.

CAN also said they have reached an agreement with the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate, Isah Ashiru, on positions he will reserve for Christians in exchange for their votes.

CAN further explained that they are not comfortable with the background and the religious disposition of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Uba Sani. They said he favours the Muslims and the marginalisation of Christians will get worse if he becomes governor.

Part of the statement reads, “That it has been observed that aside being a son of a prominent Islamic cleric in Zaria, the APC gubernatorial candidate is more likely to promote Islam than the current governor. Because he is constantly seen around Islamic clerics and making huge donations to the propagation of Islam in Kaduna State. he also facilitated the disbursement of CBN’s non-interest loans. 80% of the beneficiaries in Kaduna were Moslems. Therefore, Christians should bear in mind that our current marginalisation will only become worse if he is voted as governor!”

By Abubakar Usman Almajiri

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, is more of an albatross to Christianity and Christians. The excessive aggression and confrontational behaviour of its ranks have always caused Muslims to rise, be on the alert, and engage in retaliation or reprisals. The latest in the reaction of Muslims to CAN intrigues is their response to the so-called Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. 

In this same country, we have seen Generals Aguiyi-Ironsi and Yakubu Gowon rule with a Christian head and Christian 2iC. Not a single person raised an eyebrow. We have also seen a time when Moshood Abiola, a Muslim, contested with a Muslim 2iC and won. 

Today, Bola Tinubu has contested a Muslim-Muslim ticket just as a matter of winning strategy, not a religious sentiment. People within CAN who felt they should be the VP candidates, Babachir Lawal and co, went hey war. They rallied CAN and Christians against that. And they mislead Christians into the idea of a Christian candidacy that has just failed. 

The failure is not even the problem. The problem is in what translates to in the future. Nigerians will now openly engage in religious politics with all the dangers that spell. The atmosphere is already overcharged by that, and almost nothing can be done. 

Let us not forget that CAN, a religious minority in Nigeria compared to Islam, has always banked on the death of Muslim presidents to clinch power. 

President Umar Musa ‘Yaradua died in power under controversial circumstances. He was believed to have been poisoned. In any case, his choice to succeed General Olusegun Obasanjo was made after scrutinising the medical files of serving PDP governors under Obasanjo. The one who is most terminally ill, ‘Yaradua, was opted for. The objective was for him to die in power so a CANist could take over. 

CANists taking over is not a problem. The problem is always how they run governance in the most despicably lopsided manner. A manner that hurts and kills people of the North and Muslims. We have an example in Goodluck Jonathan’s regime. Also, in the Obasanjo regime.

Obasanjo has done the most heinous maltreatment of Muslims before him. He also attempted to extend his tenure beyond constitutional provisions. He attempted to change the constitution to favour his self-succession bid. When that failed, he searched for the most sickly Nigerian governor to hand over to so that power would return to him via his pawn. That happened. The pawn he had in place betrayed him but remained a CAN puppet. 

Boko Haram grew from an Obasanjo strategy to the monster it became under Jonathan. Via fight against Boko Haram, the beautiful and commerce burbling City of Bags was completely burned to ashes by Gen. Ihejerika under Jonathan. A civil war hero, Gen. Shuwa, was murdered cold-bloodedly in suspicious circumstances.

Jonathan, like Obasanjo, used the opportunity of inheriting the presidency under emergent situations to lure serving a governor in a Muslim-dominant state (i.e. Kaduna) with Vice Presidential positions so that their Christian deputies would become governors. 

That happened in Kaduna State with Vice President Namadi Sambo, who chose to accept the Vice-President position, paving the way for Patrick Yakowa. Yakowa ruled Kaduna state in the most lopsided manner. He rigged his re-election bid, and to protect his rule, the entire Muslim side of Kaduna was kept with soldiers and sandbags every inch. We lived like that for years until Yakowa died in a plane crash. Boni Haruna had the opportunity to run Adamawa state similarly. 

There were hues and cries, but I am unsure what happened there. 

CAN now has this strong penchant for having Muslim rulers die in office. The death of Yar’adua was openly celebrated even though he was a perfect gentleman. President Muhammadu Buhari almost died due to a suspicious ailment. The celebration began even before he died. And they kept expecting him to die. They even propounded the theory of ‘Jubril of Sudan’ to assert that he died and was exchanged. That’s how desperate they are. 

The Muslim-Muslim ticket would not have been in vogue it is without the desperate aggressions CAN employs.

I know many people who despised Kaduna’s Muslim-Muslim experiment and are now very happy with the National Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Abubakar Usman Almajiri wrote from Kaduna State.

By Auwal Umar

One thing that is exciting about democracy is its being internally endowed with an inbuilt system that avails citizens with an automatic power to punish or reward their benefactors or tormentors every four years. Politically, many causative factors bring down elected officials or traditional leaders from their seats or rob away their sceptres.

In a democratic setting, nothing so precarious leads to the downfall, even more, dangerous than powerful political opposition than the collective power of protest votes. Protest votes are votes cast by various aggrieved members among frustrated citizens dissatisfied with the incumbent government and determined to cast their votes to penalise the leaders they perceive as incompetent or self-serving. In the last US election, former president Donald Trump and his fanatics were made to understand the power of protest votes. Here in Nigeria, ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had his taste in 2015.

With less than a week left for the gubernatorial election, the Kano political thunderstorms have gathered. Kano has various groups of people that have grown dissatisfied and overly tired of the APC government under Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his deputy, Malam Nasiru Gawuna. These aggrieved groups include students, Adaidaita-Sahu (tricyclists) riders, Kwari and Kofar Wambai markets traders, civil servants, and many others. These people consider voting for the current APC gubernatorial candidate and his deputy as a celebration and incentivisation of their unwanted act that led to the worst rerun election in the history of Kano polity.

That infamous rerun election has become a memory that still haunts us and deprives the Kano people of peace, especially with the daily sight of thugs taking over localities and the government seemingly unflustered. Therefore, the people seem to bear an implacable feeling of revenge towards the APC with their most potent weapon at the moment— PVC. This might be glad tidings for the NNPP and its boss, Dr Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, who fields the same gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, alias Abba Gida-Gida.

Abba Gida-Gida won the previous election with an unbeatable lead before it was dramatically declared inconclusive, which eventually changed the course of his victory. The kinds of people who still feel shortchanged by the results of the rerun election have come from diverse social statuses among the good people of Kano.

First, the collective electorate versus the indelible scar of “Inconclusive”: Looking at his wide popularity and acceptance across the teeming population of the state, especially among the youth, nothing was surprising in Abba’s victory in the 2019 gubernatorial election. The electorate toiled and moiled hard all day from dawn to dusk to ensure their favourite candidate emerged victorious. But inadvertently, some unscrupulous thugs led by the current deputy governor, the APC gubernatorial candidate of the ruling party, Malam Nasiru Gawuna and his deputy gubernatorial candidate, Murtala Sule Garo, disrupted the whole scene, which led to the worst rerun in our living memories.

The drama leading to the rerun is an ignominious act that still haunts our psyche and traumatises our brains. That utter embarrassment has planted an undying seed of revenge in the hearts of the Kano people for the upcoming election, irrespective of who is fielded as the APC candidate. The rerun had exposed the deeply insatiable lust for power at all costs. What else can explain the action of someone who hired the services of vampiric thugs that were so thirty of the blood of innocent voters just to ensure the will of the majority was ruthlessly robbed with not an atom of compassion?

Today, such social, psychological and physical casualties of the sham called election are still alive, hale and hearty and fully ready for revenge. People living at Gama ward, in particular, and places affected by the consequences of the terrible rerun need no more explanation of the horrors they saw with their own eyes.

Second, the Kano APC government versus scholars: Kwankwaso’s government had sponsored some brilliant Kano indigenes who went abroad to study different courses for the good of the state and the nation to add more value and human resources for the good of the general public. Some of these students who could not finish their studies during Kwankwaso’s reign needed registration and upkeep allowance to continue their studies during the outgoing Ganduje’s reign. But for the sake of bitter politics, these students were wholly ostracised despite being Kano indigenes who were abroad to study and not for tourism. These people are now ready for the 11th March in the eleventh hour to take their revenge.

Third, the Kano APC-led government versus the Kano state Students at Higher Institutions: Kano state students studying at various institutions of learning across the country have already come to terms with the deafening silence of the Kano state government that no longer gives them their meagre annual scholarship which amounts to nothing but a token of concern and appreciation of their struggle to study and liberate themselves from the darkness of ignorance. From the onset, it began with a wicked issuance of useless award letters; then, it metamorphosed to sample payment before gradually morphing into total non-payment of the scholarship. Therefore, these students are neither blind nor deaf. However, their anger is reserved and will be vented on election day.

Fourth, during Kwankwaso’s and Shekarau’s eras, Kano indigenes who successfully studied bachelor’s of Law were sponsored to attend Law School. That gesture helped many Law graduates from poor economic backgrounds realise their dreams of being called to the bar. But for this humanitarian service rendered by these two governors, many of them I know of would not have been officially addressed as barristers or learned colleagues.

The exorbitant fee for Law School has already risen, leaving many Law graduates roaming the streets with their hope dashed. But based on what I see from the lawyer-cum-activist, Abba Hikima, popularly known as ‘Champion of the Downtrodden”, he pledges to lend his voice to the cause to take those people whose hopes were dashed by this APC-led government. Of course, it is not incumbent upon the government to do that, but it’s something very laudable that might help bridge the wide gap between the haves and the have-nots in the state.

In addition, this act places Kano students in an advantageous position ahead of many students who might not benefit from the same gesture in their states. For the war to save the potential barristers and the stranded Law graduates left in limbo due to their financial status, they will express their anger through their PVCs.

Auwal Umar wrote from Kano. He can be contacted via auwaluumar9@gmail.com.

By Nusaiba Ibrahim Na’abba

While the lack of financial literacy has dominated a greater part of our societies, the challenges of those who are financially literate are also never-ending. By the day, life in this part of the world is continuously being sabotaged by existential financial threats. Recently, government policies have exacerbated these crises further than easing them.

The earlier piece I wrote last year wouldn’t have required a sequel so soon, but the worsening financial situation has compelled me to do so. After the article I wrote about how an average Nigerian man fares to survive worsening financial crises, I experienced a ‘financial attack’ that swallowed my hard-earned money. It was indeed a terrible experience. Like many others who lost their savings due to alleged bank-related thefts, my bank had no cogent explanations to calm me down.

Instead, one of their staff tried to insinuate how one of my family members used my debit card without my knowledge to withdraw such a huge amount, literally proving the height of their incompetence and unkindness. The only statement I heard from another staff whom I presume to be superior was only an exclamation; “Ahhh! This is serious!” And that was it. I had to console myself when I went to enquire because another lady furiously came in to complain about how the bank couldn’t account for her ₦3 million.

Now I know better the fierce heightening kickbacks and the existing polarising debates about the naira redesign and cash mop-up as the country battles to transition into a cashless nation. Nigerian citizens are never at the forefront of making these policies. Until today, there hasn’t been a clear explanation or statement on how the government is implementing this policy amid a rising population of over a whooping two hundred million people, enlisting the country as the most populous black nation in the world.

This single policy fuelling the cashless transition has incredibly negatively disrupted businesses struggling to stay afloat, crashed many on medium-scale levels and destroyed the potential of start-ups. As a result, many shop owners have closed down businesses until the economy becomes more favourable. For instance, several POS points have closed shops, and the few others willing to keep up with the new development are only faring really hard.

On commuting, stories from tricycle owners are piercing as they struggle to support their families through the business. The chain of labour attached to the tricycle business is critical. With the breakdown of larger businesses, many people who have lost their jobs resorted to the tricycle business for some solace. It’s depressing to find out how about 4 to 5 shifts are being done with only one tricycle daily. The least shifts you could find cannot be less than 3 in a day, just to find a source of livelihood for families. Now this source of livelihood has been traumatised.

On health, patients and health workers are continuously pointing fingers at each other courtesy of delayed bank transfers. In addition, some deaths that occurred in Kano hospitals have been linked to the untrustworthy nature of the transfers. On the side of market transactions, the transfers have intensified customer trust issues – even destroying an age-long relationship of trust between shop owners and loyal customers.

The height of the financial insecurity has messed with the citizens’ psychological safety and other primary needs. People are left contemplating whether the policy is for positive development or not. People’s yearnings to meet their daily needs have only soared since the implementation of the new policy began. And the recently concluded elections that stopped some daily activities heavily contributed to the current cash struggle.

Nigerian public officeholders are notable for implementing new policies, particularly towards terminating their constitutionally allotted time in office, to either weaken election processes or transfer the bulk of work to new governments. This is hence, not unexpected. Maybe, the only surprising thing about the whole scenario is how fragmented even the ruling party was on the same issue. I’ve been unable to grasp the larger picture of the policy from the President’s perspective. Perhaps, this is not the right time for a financial rebranding in the country.

Even if the current government intends to rectify issues around election malpractices, particularly vote-buying, it degenerated into something worse. The steps weren’t expected in these desperate moments and didn’t halt rigging and other discrepancies during the general elections. Besides, spaghetti and sachet detergents became alternatives. The agitations raised against implementing the policy outweigh the commendations given to the president. It has only exposed the vulnerable citizenry to more financial battles.

At this point, I wonder whether the President has fulfilled his promise of lifting many Nigerians out of poverty. Maybe, he must’ve even forgotten some of the promises he made, which is why in a recent interview before the elections, he claimed he’d done all he could for the nation. Yes, the president initiated poverty alleviation programs, one of his administration’s priorities. Still, these unforeseen policies must’ve shattered the successes of the other programs in a way.

Like all past administrations, President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government would be weighed appropriately in all aspects when he departs later in the year. Also, because of the lack of a clear-cut pattern of party manifestos, the country isn’t sure how the President-elect from the same political party may wish to tackle the financial challenges in the country. Whether or not he’s adopting the cashless system when he assumes duty is still unknown.

Minds presently should be geared towards financial literacy and intelligence. Understanding the critical roles of these in our lives as Nigerians will undoubtedly support us in curbing our financial difficulties. Meticulous calculations and short-term and long-term plans must be implemented daily. Economic hardships have badly hit a massive population in Nigeria after being forced to fight excruciating spikes in the prices of goods and services. These aren’t good times to be hopeful of delusional government promises.

The consequence of the financial breakdown in Nigeria is enormous, and we may not be able to quantify the level of degeneration it has caused in the coming years.

Nusaiba Ibrahim Na’abba is a master’s student from the Department of Mass Communication, BUK. She is a freelance writer and researcher. She can be reached via nusaibaibrahim66@gmail.com.

By Abdurrazak Muktar

On March 3rd, the world celebrated International Writers’ Day. This special day honors the indelible mark writers have made on society, inspiring, educating, and entertaining us all through their words.

While many people may immediately think of famous novelists or poets when they think of writers, the truth is that writing is a skill that can be applied in a wide variety of contexts.

As for myself, I may not be identified as a professional writer yet, but I have personally authored over 200 articles. This in itself is quite a noteworthy accomplishment, and it demonstrates that writing is not simply a domain of a selected few, but rather, it is a skill that anyone can develop if they have something meaningful to share or communicate. Whether you’re writing for your own blog or for a company, the ability to effectively express yourself through the written words can open countless doors and lead to amazing opportunities.

In our current digital era, the demand for writers has grown exponentially. From copywriting to content creation, social media management to email marketing, etc. Today, businesses require writers to help them engage their audience effectively. As e-commerce continues to gain more prominence, companies need high-quality product descriptions and persuasive sales copy to attract customers. As such, freelance writers are increasingly on demand, making this an ideal time for anyone looking to earn an income through writing.

Writing, however, is not just limited to the professional realm. It can be an incredibly therapeutic exercise that allows you to express your thoughts and emotions in a healthy way. Journaling, in particular, is a popular practice that many people use to reflect on their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. By writing down your goals and aspirations, you can also clarify your vision and take tangible steps towards realizing your dreams.

In summary, the Writers’ Day was a day to celebrate the profound impact that writers have made on our lives. Whether you’re a professional wordsmith or someone who enjoys writing as a hobby, you can contribute to society by sharing your knowledge, insights, and experiences through the written words. Therefore, take a moment to recognize the power of writing and don’t be afraid to put a pen on a paper and see what kind of magic you can create.

Happy International Writers’ Day.

Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi can be reached via; prof4true1@gmail.com