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By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Coordination Office of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced the practical phase of a 10-day intensive training for 23 community artificial insemination (AI) technicians, with participants now applying their skills on live cattle.

The Daily Reality reports that the practical sessions, taking place at the Artificial Insemination Centre and Farmer Field School in Kadawa, are designed to equip the trainees with the skills required to provide artificial insemination services to livestock farmers across Kano State.

The training is part of L-PRES’s plan to conduct 5,000 artificial insemination exercises across the state’s 44 local government areas and wards.

The participants are being trained in semen collection, evaluation and preservation, heat detection, selection of suitable animals and the proper insemination of female cattle.

Speaking on the practical sessions, Abubakar Muhammad Kabiru, an Animal Husbandry Officer with the Kano L-PRES Project and supervisor of the training, said the trainees had progressed from classroom lessons to hands-on exercises involving live animals.

Kabiru said the training had reached its seventh day on Sunday, with the participants being assessed on their ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the earlier theoretical sessions.

“From yesterday, which was the sixth day of this training, the participants have been going through a series of trainings. That includes collection of semen, semen evaluation and examination for quality, and inseminating the female animal. Now they are into live animal practicals,” he said.

According to him, the trainees had earlier been taught how to examine the reproductive organs of cattle and correctly pass the artificial insemination gun through the vagina and cervix until it reaches the appropriate part of the uterus where the semen is deposited.

He said experts from the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, were leading the practical sessions using the facilities and laboratory at the Kadawa centre.

Kabiru explained that the participants had also been trained to assess semen quality using parameters such as colour, consistency, volume, sperm motility, live-to-dead sperm ratio, sperm morphology and pH.

He added that they had been exposed to techniques for preserving semen in both chilled and frozen forms.

“AI entails three major aspects: collection, evaluation or examination for quality, and artificial insemination of the female cows. They have been taken through these processes and today we are on the live animals,” Kabiru said.

The training supervisor expressed confidence in the participants’ performance, saying their results in the theoretical assessment and practical exercises indicated that they were capable of becoming effective AI technicians.

He disclosed that none of the participants scored below 21 out of 30 in the theoretical assessment, while some scored the maximum 30 marks.

Kabiru added that the resource persons had confirmed that all the trainees were able to successfully pass the AI gun through the reproductive tract during practical exercises, although only some had so far performed the procedure on live cattle.

He said the practical sessions would continue until the training ends on Wednesday.

Also speaking, Isa Muhammad, a trainer from NAPRI, described the participants as committed and enthusiastic, saying they had demonstrated an impressive ability to master the techniques taught during the programme.

Muhammad said the trainees’ ability to quickly learn how to pass the AI gun was evidence of their commitment to the training.

“These students are serious. They are even more than serious. During my service, I could not introduce the AI gun in two minutes, but these trainees can pass the AI gun in five, six, eight or ten seconds,” he said.

He explained that properly trained AI technicians could contribute significantly to improving the genetic quality of livestock and increasing productivity in Nigeria.

According to him, the training also exposes the participants to the use of semen from improved exotic breeds to crossbreed local cattle and enhance their productive capacity.

“This is one of the advantages of livestock production. We want to exchange the local breeds with exotic breeds. Here, we have exotic semen such as Jersey, Brahman and others,” Muhammad said.

He added that the trainees were being taught how to examine sperm cells under a microscope to determine their viability, movement and suitability for artificial insemination.

Muhammad commended L-PRES for providing the equipment and materials required for the training, saying the support would enable the participants to extend AI services to livestock-producing communities across Kano State.

He disclosed that the trainees would be provided with equipment including liquid nitrogen containers, semen straws and hormones used to induce heat in animals, among other materials needed to provide artificial insemination services.

The NAPRI trainer, however, urged the participants to safeguard the equipment and use them for the purpose for which they were provided.

“My message to them is that they should be careful and should not sell the materials and equipment. They should keep them and use them for the work,” he said.

Meanwhile, participants said the practical component of the training had improved their understanding and confidence in artificial insemination.

Faiza Umar Abdulkadir, an AI technician from Kumbotso Local Government Area, described the programme as a refresher course that had expanded her previous knowledge and skills.

She said the training had exposed her to improved techniques in heat detection, animal selection, semen handling and insemination.

“We can say this is like a refresher to us because before now we were AI technicians. But with this training, I got more knowledge about how to inseminate at the first stage and how to detect whether a cattle is in heat,” she said.

Abdulkadir said the practical sessions were particularly useful because participants were taken through semen collection and preservation before moving to heat detection and the actual insemination process.

She stressed that accurate heat detection was essential to successful artificial insemination, noting that a cow must first be confirmed to be in the appropriate reproductive stage before the procedure is carried out.

“For an AI technician, you have to be very conscious about how to select the animal. First, you have to detect whether her uterus is okay for AI because this is something we have to introduce to the farmers,” she said.

She added that the participants had also practised rectal palpation and learnt how to identify the cervix and correctly deposit semen.

Another participant, Anas Abubakar Abdullahi, said the training had equipped him with practical knowledge on selecting suitable animals and choosing appropriate breeds depending on whether the production objective was beef or dairy.

He said the trainees had also learnt how to select suitable bulls, collect semen, process it and preserve it for subsequent use.

“We have learned a lot in that aspect. We are very much grateful to the L-PRES project team for their support and effort in ensuring that we gain knowledge in this area of training,” Abdullahi said.

He said the project had informed the participants that they would receive equipment to enable them to provide AI services in communities across Kano State.

According to Abdullahi, the community-based approach would make artificial insemination services more accessible to livestock farmers and pastoralists while contributing to improved dairy and beef production.

He expressed appreciation to L-PRES for the training and support, saying the participants were prepared to apply the knowledge acquired to improve livestock production in their respective communities.

The ongoing training is expected to expand the pool of community-based artificial insemination technicians in Kano State and support the implementation of L-PRES’s broader livestock productivity programme, particularly its target of carrying out 5,000 artificial insemination exercises across the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if the country obstructs Washington’s efforts to reach an agreement with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump issued the warning on Monday during an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst. He was referring to ongoing discussions between Oman and Iran over arrangements for navigation through the strategic waterway.

“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the shit out of them,” Trump told Yingst.

The threat came as Omani and Iranian officials continued discussions on the future of maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday that both countries were working towards a joint declaration.

Trump has maintained that the strategic waterway is under American control, despite the continued reduction in maritime traffic since Tehran effectively closed the strait at the beginning of the Middle East war on February 28.

The US President had also said on Friday that he could declare the Strait of Hormuz part of United States territory. Iran rejected the position and insisted that the strategic waterway it has blockaded “will remain Iranian.”

Before the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran, the Strait of Hormuz was regarded as an international waterway. The route is vital to global trade because large quantities of energy products and other commodities pass through it.

Iran has used its control over the waterway as a bargaining tool amid US-led efforts to weaken its military capabilities and compel Tehran to abandon its disputed nuclear programme.

Iran occupies the northern coastline of the Strait of Hormuz, while Oman is located along its southern side.

Trump also called on Iran to surrender, according to Yingst’s account of the interview.

Iran should “put up the white flag of surrender,” Trump said.

The US President said he was not under pressure to conclude an agreement with Tehran, despite growing opposition to the war in the United States ahead of the November midterm elections.

The elections could see opposition Democrats seek control of Congress from Trump’s Republican Party.

Trump also disclosed that his administration maintains a direct back-channel with officials of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“They’re good poker players, but they’re dying,” he was quoted as saying.

By Dr Kabir Asgar

Nobody disputes that students in a university environment need to participate in sports, recreation, cultural activities, social interaction, and entrepreneurship. In fact, our great Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, itself presents holistic student development as part of its mission.

This relatively new yet popular ABU-SRC Cultural Carnival has now become a regular fixture on the calendar for every Second Semester at ABU Zaria. Looking at its popularity, the attention it’s getting from all stakeholders, and the distraction it creates, I cannot help but ask: could the timing, scale and intensity of this event be one of the factors that compete with students’ academic concentration and, perhaps, contribute in some measure to the challenges we sometimes observe in undergraduate examination performance?

Let’s think about the amount of energy, time and resources students put into their weeks-long intensive preparations for the carnival, as well as the money spent on costumes, transportation, rehearsals, entertainment and other logistics. For many students, the excitement surrounding the event inevitably competes for their attention with lectures, laboratory work, assignments, projects, and examination preparation.

I am not arguing that the university should have no cultural or recreational activities. Never. I’m aware that the training of these students and the development of their mental and industrial skills extend beyond the classroom, and that cultural activities can have legitimate educational and social value. My concern is rather about proportion, timing, end results, and priorities.

To the best of my knowledge, no assessment is conducted to investigate the academic impact of this carnival and/or other related extracurricular activities on the participating students; therefore, there is no reliable data to base a judgement on. Yet, there is a need to ask questions such as: Does its timing interfere with students’ academic responsibilities? How much time and money do students invest in the event? Who are the person(s) financing the carnival, and what return(s) do they aspire to? And, most importantly, do the educational and developmental values of the event justify its scale and its place in the academic calendar?

There is also the moral and religious dimension, which I deliberately leave aside for the moment: the nature of some of the displays, immodest dressing, unrestricted interaction between male and female students, the conduct of the rehearsals, the chaotic nature of the event and the kind of entertainment sometimes associated with such events should all be subjected to our religious and moral values.

Even if we temporarily put all those concerns aside, one fundamental question remains: What kind of university do we want ABU Zaria to be, and what should occupy the greatest share of our students’ time, attention and energy? Perhaps this is not a call to abolish the carnival, but rather a call for the university to pause, reflect, and objectively evaluate its academic, financial, social, and moral implications.

May Allah continue to guide us to the right path, amin.

By Yusuf Yakubu Muhammad

Youth unemployment is one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria today. Every year, thousands of young Nigerians graduate from universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and vocational institutions with high hopes of securing decent jobs.

Unfortunately, the number of available jobs is far less than the number of graduates entering the labour market.

This reality has left many young people unemployed, underemployed, or forced into jobs that do not match their qualifications.

According to the World Bank (2024), Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing youth populations in the world, and creating enough productive jobs for this population is essential for reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. The report notes that sustainable employment is critical to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.

Speaking on the importance of youth employment, Dr. Ndiame Diop, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, stated that “creating more productive jobs is essential for reducing poverty and helping Nigeria achieve inclusive economic growth.”

His statement highlights the need for policies that go beyond creating temporary employment and instead build an economy capable of generating lasting opportunities for young people.

I had an opportunity to interview a phone accessories seller in Beirut market Kano.

Musa Abubakar is a graduate of geography education from Kano State University of Science and technology said his journey into entrepreneurship began after spending a long time searching for employment without success.

He said he applied for jobs in different places and hoped to secure a stable job, but despite his efforts, he was unable to find one.

He communicated that he noticed the increasing demand for mobile phones and their accessories, including chargers, earpieces, phone cases, screen protectors, power banks and USB cables.

He said this encouraged him to start selling phone accessories on a small scale.

The seller narrated that one of the important things he learned was the need to understand customers and provide them with quality products.

He added that some customers are more concerned about price, while others prefer durable and original accessories, so he tries to provide different options according to their needs.

He said his business has helped him become financially independent and has given him the opportunity to create a source of income for himself rather than depending entirely on formal employment.

One of the major reasons behind youth unemployment is the gap between education and the labour market.

Many graduates possess academic qualifications but lack the practical, technical, and digital skills required by employers.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), strengthening technical education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programmes can improve young people’s chances of securing meaningful employment.

However, solving unemployment is not only about helping graduates find jobs. It is also about preparing them to create businesses that can employ others.

Entrepreneurship has become one of the most effective ways of addressing unemployment in many developing countries.

Successful Nigerian entrepreneurs have shown that with innovation, determination, and the right support, young people can transform small business ideas into companies that create jobs for many others.

Abba Abdurrazak, a graduate of computer science from ABU said after graduating the situation was initially frustrating because he had expected to get a job after completing his studies.

However, he added that he later realised that waiting for employment was not the only option available to him.

He narrated that he had an interest in graphic design and printing and noticed that there was a growing demand for printing services in his community.

He said this motivated him to turn his skills and interest into a business.

I did not have enough capital when he started the business, so he began on a small scale with the resources available to him.

According to him, he gradually reinvested the money he made into the business and acquired better equipment as the business grew. He said.
He said one of the major challenges he faced was attracting customers because the business was new and there were already established printing shops.

He added that the high cost of printing machines and materials also made the business challenging at the beginning.

He said his experience had taught him that failure to secure a formal job does not means failure in life.

He added that young people should learn practical skills, start businesses on a small scale and gradually build them rather than depending entirely on government or private-sector employment.


The Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony O. Elumelu, has consistently argued that entrepreneurship is the key to Africa’s economic transformation.

According to him, “Africa’s future lies in the hands of entrepreneurs who create jobs and solve problems within their communities.”

Through the foundation’s entrepreneurship programme, thousands of young Nigerians have received funding, training, and mentorship to establish their own businesses.

Similarly, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s former Vice President, has repeatedly emphasized that innovation and entrepreneurship are essential for reducing unemployment.

He has argued that investing in young entrepreneurs will strengthen the country’s economy because small businesses are major employers of labour.

Despite these opportunities, many young entrepreneurs continue to face significant obstacles. Poor electricity supply, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, high interest rates, multiple taxation, and policy inconsistency discourage many business owners.

The World Bank has repeatedly identified these challenges as major barriers to private sector growth and job creation in Nigeria.
Experts believe that government must create an enabling environment where businesses can thrive.

This includes improving electricity, expanding internet access, investing in transport infrastructure, providing affordable loans for young entrepreneurs, reducing unnecessary regulations, and strengthening support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Young Nigerians themselves must embrace lifelong learning. Today’s economy rewards people who continuously improve their skills in technology, communication, agriculture, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and other emerging industries. Waiting only for government jobs is no longer a sustainable strategy.

Youth unemployment is not a challenge that government alone can solve. It requires collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, development partners, communities, and young people themselves.

By investing in skills development, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating an environment where businesses can grow, Nigeria can transform millions of unemployed youths into innovators, employers, and drivers of economic growth.

As Tony Elumelu rightly observed, “The future of Africa depends on the entrepreneurs we empower today.”

If Nigeria successfully shifts its focus from producing job seekers to producing job creators, the country will not only reduce unemployment but also build a stronger, more prosperous, and more inclusive economy for generations to come.

Yusuf Yakubu Muhammad wrote in from Kano State.

By Maryam Ahmad

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for the killing of between 30 and 40 people in Gaza every night, in remarks made during a podcast interview with former Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski.

Ben-Gvir criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for reducing Israeli military strikes in Gaza and said he supported carrying out targeted assassinations on a nightly basis.

“I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night,” Ben-Gvir said. He went further, saying that the targets should not be limited to people posing an immediate threat, claiming that some Palestinians were “not worthy of life.”

Ben-Gvir, who leads the far-right Jewish Power party, is a member of Netanyahu’s coalition government but does not have direct command over Israel’s military. His comments nevertheless come from one of the most prominent hardline figures in the Israeli government and have drawn renewed attention to his calls for an intensified military campaign in Gaza.

The minister has also advocated the establishment of Israeli settlements throughout Gaza and the mass departure of Palestinians from the territory. His latest remarks have been widely criticised because of their dehumanising language and explicit advocacy of killing people beyond those posing an immediate military threat.

Israel has rejected accusations that its conduct in Gaza amounts to genocide, while statements by senior Israeli officials, including Ben-Gvir, have previously been cited in international legal proceedings concerning allegations of genocidal intent.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has claimed that the military conflict ordered by United States President Donald Trump has demonstrated the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Army Chief, General Amir Hatami, described the major maritime route as a “God-given geopolitical asset” for the Iranian people.

Hatami said the strategic influence of the waterway would not return to what it was before the conflict. He also described its leverage as one of the conditions that could help bring the war to an end while preventing future conflicts against Iran.

“One of the legacies of the U.S. president is the activation of the Strait of Hormuz’s potential,” he stated. “Without this conflict, it would not have been activated.”

The Iranian military chief also vowed that his country would prevent the United States from gaining access to the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

He said American military bases in the region would no longer be able to function as they did before, as Tehran would not permit the implementation of such plans.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, claimed that his country had emerged victorious both politically and militarily from the conflict, despite the continued presence of the US military.

Ghalibaf said the United States and Israel launched their attacks against Iran with “nine specific, declared objectives,” but failed to accomplish the goals they had set.

“This was a defeat for the U.S. and the Zionist regime,” he said. “In the diplomatic sphere, the agreement is a source of pride and a victory on the diplomatic battlefield.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has instituted a fresh N10 billion suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged restrictions on visits by members of his family while in detention.

The case was filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 13, 2026, through his lawyer, Ubong Akpan.

El-Rufai is asking the court to enforce what he considers his fundamental rights during his detention. He alleged that ICPC officials prevented his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and son, Abba El-Rufai, from gaining access to him.

The former governor also listed the ICPC chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants in the suit.

According to the case, El-Rufai maintains that his constitutional rights remain applicable despite his detention. He alleged that preventing his family from visiting him, especially when they sought to bring food, medication and other essential items, amounted to unlawful treatment.

He further alleged that ICPC officials physically restrained and intimidated his wife and son during an incident on July 7.

El-Rufai asked the court to declare that “the respondents’ continued denial of family access without lawful authority is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.”

He also urged the court to compel the ICPC to provide him with “unhindered and reasonable access to members of his family and counsel throughout the period of his detention as earlier directed by the Federal High Court.”

The former governor claimed that the alleged restrictions had subjected him to “humiliation, emotional trauma, anxiety and psychological distress.”

He accused the commission of acting “arbitrarily, unlawfully and in a manner inconsistent with Sections 34, 37 and 46 of the Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, El-Rufai’s Principal Secretary, Mohammed Shaba, stated that the former governor was being detained at the ICPC office in Abuja.

Shaba said El-Rufai’s wife had been regularly providing him with “food, clothing, medication, and other personal necessities required for his comfort, health, and well-being while in custody.”

He also cited an earlier ruling by Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna, which directed the ICPC to allow access to lawyers and personal doctors whenever necessary.

Shaba argued that the earlier order demonstrated that detainees should not be held incommunicado and that the ICPC remains subject to judicial oversight over the conditions of detention.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that the 2026/27 season could be his final campaign as a professional footballer.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain and Al-Nassr forward made the disclosure in an interview with lifestyle magazine Vogue, published on Sunday.

Ronaldo, who began his senior career with Sporting Lisbon in 2002, said he hopes to bring his football career to an end with a lasting legacy.

“This is probably my last year of football and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” he said.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also spoke about his plans for life after football, saying he already has several activities that could keep him occupied.

“I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.

“And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned — what we’ve earned. Because, after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”

Ronaldo has won domestic league titles in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. He also holds the record as the highest-scoring player in men’s international football.

The Portuguese star has scored 976 goals for club and country, leaving him 24 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal landmark.

He has one year remaining on his contract with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr’s opening league match of their title defence against Al Fateh on Saturday. He watched the game from the stands alongside members of his family.

The development comes only days after his wedding to his long-time partner, Georgina Rodriguez.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Somalia’s national carrier, Somali Airlines, is expected to resume operations next month, more than three decades after its flights were grounded following the outbreak of civil war in 1991.

The planned return of the airline marks a significant step in Somalia’s efforts to rebuild its aviation sector and restore a national carrier that once operated domestic and international routes.

The government has acquired two Airbus A320 aircraft as part of the revival plan. Officials say the relaunch is intended to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign airlines, create employment opportunities and improve air connectivity for Somalis at home and abroad.

Somali Airlines ceased operations in 1991 following the collapse of the government of President Siad Barre and the subsequent civil conflict. Its absence for more than three decades left the country dependent on privately owned and foreign carriers for commercial air travel.

The revival has been welcomed by many Somalis, although the government has previously announced several anticipated launch dates that were not met. The latest plan is therefore being watched closely as preparations continue for the return of the national flag carrier.

If successful, the relaunch would restore an important symbol of Somalia’s statehood and reconnect the country with a chapter of its aviation history that ended 35 years ago.

By Ali Tijjani Hassan

There is a difference between a public health system that performs well on paper and one that performs well in people’s lives, and Yobe State is currently teaching us these differences in real time. For over ten days, reports of viral conjunctivitis (Apollo), as it is popularly called, have been spreading across parts of the state. Yet the silence from official quarters has been almost as consistent as the outbreak itself. No public advisory. No visible coordination. No reassurance that anyone in authority is even watching. And silence, in public health, is never neutral. It either means nothing is happening, or it means something is happening and no one has thought to tell the people living through it. Neither of these answers is acceptable. Considering the communicable nature of this outbreak, it is essentially as contagious as yawning. The system should work, and the response should be in place.

I say this, not out of pessimism, because pessimism is cheap and the outbreak deserves better than cheap reactions. Yobe is not a state without human resource capacity. We have a significant number of epidemiologists and precision medicine experts. We have disease surveillance officers, laboratory scientists, environmental health officers, and public health professionals—a full formation of expertise that many states would envy. So, the question is not whether we have the people. The question is whether the system built around those people is actually working, or has quietly become one optimised for reporting rather than responding. Because here is an uncomfortable truth: a health system can hit every donor indicator, produce every glossy report, receive every award, and still fail the basic test of protecting the community it exists to serve. KPIs are not the same as outcomes. A dashboard is not the same as a warned public. You can be commended internationally and still be invisible locally, and that gap between what is reported upward and what is felt on the ground is where public trust quietly erodes.

What sharpens this concern is that we are not operating in isolation. This outbreak is not affecting only Yobe State; it’s spread across northeastern states. Take Adamawa State as an example: it’s currently responding to a similar outbreak of viral conjunctivitis. They already declared a pandemic and activated warning and response systems since the 7th of August, 2026. Coincidentally, Bauchi State is experiencing a cholera outbreak; the state government has been activating its cholera response system since the 1st of August, 2026. These are not distant or hypothetical benchmarks; they are neighbours, operating under comparable constraints, demonstrating that a coordinated response is possible when the will and the system align. So if they can move, what exactly is holding us back?

Is it a failure of surveillance itself, or a failure to verify what surveillance already picked up? Is it risk assessment sitting somewhere in a queue? Is it plain bureaucratic inertia, the kind where information exists but no one owns the decision to act on it? Or is it something more troubling: a culture where we wait for numbers to become undeniable before we treat them as urgent?

I raise these questions not to indict anyone by name, but because public health, by its very design, is supposed to be anticipatory. Its entire justification is that it acts before catastrophe forces it to. A surveillance system that produces reports without triggering timely action has collected data successfully but has failed in its actual purpose. And there is something quietly troubling about a community that learns of a potential outbreak through word of mouth before it hears a single word from the institutions constitutionally responsible for its well-being. That is not just a communication gap. It is a trust gap, and trust, once eroded in public health, is far harder to rebuild than any epidemic curve.

The remedy is not complicated. If there is no outbreak, say so clearly and to everyone, not just to donors. If there is one, say so. If an investigation is currently in progress, please communicate that clearly. If interventions have begun, say so. None of this requires perfect information. It requires the basic respect of keeping people informed while the work is being done. Because silence is not surveillance, and a response no one can see is barely a response at all. The people of Yobe do not need another award ceremony. They need a system that notices early, speaks plainly, and moves before the numbers force its hand. In the end, the truest measure of a public health system was never going to be what it reports about itself. It is what the people living inside it actually experience.

Ali Tijjani Hassan is a public health professional who writes from his personal quarantine after being infected with the Apollo.