Muhammad Sulaiman

By Dr. Saifullahi Shehu Imam

Politics is often debated in abstract terms of strategy and alignment. But sometimes, it is written in the language of the streets, the markets and the stadiums.

The formal reception of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into the All Progressives Congress (APC) was one such moment, but to define it merely as a “defection” is to miss the profound human story at its core.

From the moment the Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima’s delegation touched down at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, it was clear this was not a routine political event; it was a historic convergence of federal intent and grassroots will.

The journey to the Sani Abacha Stadium was, in itself, a powerful political narrative. The first stop was not a politician’s lounge, but the fire-ravaged Singer Market. There, amidst the charred remains of shops and livelihoods, the Vice President Shettima delivered more than just a condolence message, where he also announced a concrete federal commitment of ₦5 billion to support the affected traders. This was not a symbolic politics; it was governance meeting grief with action.

For the traders of Kano, this single act transformed a political realignment into a tangible promise of partnership. It signaled that Kano’s alignment with the centre has already started yielding immediate, practical and tangible support for its people in their moment of need.

From the market, the procession to the stadium became a rolling testament to the depth of this new alliance. The mammoth crowd that lined the streets and filled the venue was not a rented gathering. It was a cross-section of Kano’s very soul. This massive turnout was more than a welcome party; it was a clear and potent signal of electoral mathematics. Public energy of that magnitude rarely gathers around symbolism alone; it gathers around expectation. It was a strong indication that the APC, now fortified with Governor Yusuf’s leadership and grassroots structure, is poised for a landslide in 2027.

The message from the crowd was unambiguous. The coast is clear for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure Kano’s votes, for Governor Abba to secure a second term, and for the party to sweep elections from the National Assembly down to the State Assembly.
In his address, Governor Yusuf framed the move not as a personal ambition, but as a strategic decision to bring Kano into the “mainstream of our national politics” and align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The logic is undeniable. Kano, as the North’s commercial and demographic powerhouse, has often been held back by being at odds with the federal government. This realignment changes that equation overnight. It means Kano will no longer be a political outlier but a primary beneficiary of federal infrastructure, economic investment, and developmental programmes. It means a direct pipeline from the Renewed Hope Train to the heart of Kano. This is what “Kano First with Renewed Hope” truly means. It means a new compact where federal power is not a distant concept but a present partner in progress. The foundation has been laid, not in sand, but in the solidarity of its people. Now, the work of building a greater Kano begins.

Dr. S.S. Imam is a senior researcher and a political analyst from Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. He can be reached via: saifaz2005@gmail.com

By Dr. Saifullahi Shehu Imam

The political landscape of Kano, ever dynamic, influential and consequential has entered a defining moment. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s decision to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), anchored on the powerful declaration “Putting Kano First for the Good of All,” is far more than a political realignment. It is a bold statement of priorities, a calculated act of leadership, and a clear signal that governance, not partisan rigidity, will guide the future of Kano State. Critics will be quick to cry foul, branding it as opportunism. But leadership demands that we look beyond labels and emotions, and instead interrogate outcomes.

Kano, as the economic nerve centre of northern Nigeria, stands at a crossroads. The challenges are real and urgent: revitalizing commerce and industry, tackling youth unemployment, rebuilding critical infrastructure, improving security and expanding access to quality education and healthcare. These challenges cannot be met by isolation or political friction; they require cooperation, access, and influence at the highest levels of national decision making.

Governor Yusuf’s resolve to put Kano first reflects a practical understanding of Nigeria’s federal structure. In such a system, meaningful development thrives where state and federal governments work in harmony. When alignment exists, projects move faster, funding flows more smoothly, and policy coordination becomes effective. By choosing synergy over strain, the governor has removed an avoidable bottleneck to progress. This is not capitulation, it is strategic foresight that ensures that Kano’s voice is amplified in the corridors of power, not muffled by political dissonance.

Equally important is the governor’s emphasis on “the Good of All.” This phrase must not be overlooked. It speaks directly to the everyday realities of Kano’s people: the traders in our markets seeking a stable economy, the teacher grappling with overcrowded classrooms, the healthcare worker striving with limited resources, and the graduate searching for dignified employment. Governance must ultimately be measured by its impact on these lives, not by party posturing.

Political energy spent on constant confrontation is energy diverted from solving real problems. It is understandable that some citizens may initially struggle with the shift. Change, especially in politics, often provokes uncertainty. But history consistently rewards leaders who take difficult decisions in the interest of the greater good. The ultimate loyalty of any governor is not to party structures, but to the people who entrusted him with their mandate.

If this decision accelerates the delivery of roads, schools, hospitals, security, and jobs, then it stands justified by its results. In essence, Governor Yusuf has not abandoned his principle; he has elevated it. He has chosen the principle of effective governance over comfortable stagnation, cooperation over confrontation, and results over rhetoric. Putting Kano First is a declaration that development will no longer wait for perfect political conditions, it will be pursued through intelligent alignment and purposeful action. The responsibility now shifts to execution.

The governor must translate this political capital into visible, measurable progress. Likewise, the APC must ensure that this homecoming yields tangible federal presence and support in Kano. If both sides rise to the occasion, this moment will be remembered not as a political switch, but as a decisive turning point in Kano’s development trajectory. For the people of Kano, this is not a time for cynicism but for constructive expectation. This move represents a bold gamble on efficiency, inclusion, and progress. And if rightly harnessed, it could usher in a new era where governance truly serves the many, not the few. That ambition alone deserves our support and our keen expectation of the results to come.

Kano First. For the Good of All. Dr. Saifullahi Shehu Imam can be reached via: saifaz2005@gmail.com

Today, 15th January 2026, we celebrate an accomplished public servant and a distinguished leader — Her Excellency, Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

As you mark another year of life and purpose, we reflect not just on the passage of time but on the profound impact of your service. Since assuming office, you have brought a unique blend of compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the “People’s First” mandate to your role.

Dr Bunkure, you have redefined public service in the FCT, demonstrating that leadership is truly about touching lives and building sustainable legacies. Your integrity, accessibility, and work ethic continue to inspire many.

We pray that Almighty Allah continues to grant you sound health, divine wisdom, and renewed strength as you discharge your responsibilities to the nation with distinction.

Happy Birthday, Ma.
May the years ahead be filled with success, fulfilment, and a lasting legacy.

Signed
Dr Saifullahi Shehu Imam

By Ibrahim Mukhtar

The Katsina State Government has formally invited the Quranist preacher, Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, who has recently become well-known, especially on Social Media, to appear before an Ulamas’ committee following complaints that his teachings allegedly breach “the general principles of Islamic law.”

The preacher debunks all prophetic sayings (Hadith) and calls the famous Hadith reporters liars. He later adjusted his stance, saying he agrees with three forms of Hadith and refutes all others. According to Masussuka’s new stand, he agrees with any Hadith on three conditions: 1) If the Hadith didn’t violate anything from the Qur’an; 2) If the Hadith didn’t say anything bad against the Holy Prophet, and or 3) If the Hadith preaches peace. However, some scholars have already labelled his current stance as clever bait to catch gullible, ignorant followers.

Masussuka has preached and discussed controversial issues and dismissed some fundamental issues of the Islamic religion as heresy and disowned all the revered Hadith books of Islam as mere concocted lies.

According to the Katsina State’s Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Faskari, the government has received petitions from some scholars and concerned citizens regarding the nature and manner in which Masussuka’s preachings and sermons do not align with orthodox interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence.

At the same time, Masussuka himself has filed a complaint, claiming that some members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah (also known as Izala) have insulted and threatened him.

Although Masussuka has great backing and massive support from some Darika disciples, his heretic preaching still continues to stir controversy as many scholars, even among the Darika, see his teachings, which are based on debunking all prophetic sayings, as being completely un-Islamic.

In a bid to resolve the tension, the matter was referred to the Katsina Emirate Council, where both parties were invited to engage in dialogue. After the discussions, Emir Abdulmuminu Kabir Usman reportedly admonished that no one must preach in a way that offends fellow Muslims.

Following the Emir’s intervention, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda directed that Masussuka defend himself “before a Committee of Ulamas.” The SSG’s office also announced that standards and guidelines for preaching would be developed; anyone found to contravene them may face “appropriate action.”

Authorities have called on the public to remain calm, noting that the process will be handled “judiciously.”

The summoning has drawn mixed reactions from several groups, while many others, especially from the Dariqah and other rights and religious-freedom groups, vow to support the preacher. ICADAR (Impactive Centre for Accountability, Democracy, and Rights) warned that targeting Masussuka, whom they describe as “a preacher known for his peaceful teachings,” could undermine Nigerians’ religious expression.

Similarly, Amnesty International has raised concern over what it describes as a coordinated attempt to silence Masussuka. The group cautioned that shutting down his religious activities might violate his constitutional right to freedom of religion.

Another rights organisation, Ettrah: Voice for Freedom and Human Rights, called on both state and federal governments to protect Masussuka, arguing that calls to question his preaching risk “deepening misunderstanding” and threatening national unity.

On the other hand, some social analysts see the current development as worth pursuing, as many scholars were invited to defend their stands, which were deemed contrary to the general teachings of Islam. Some others view it as sectarian tensions, which, if not managed carefully, could inflame existing tensions between different Islamic groups in Katsina and beyond, particularly between Masussuka’s following and the Izala movement.

Sheikh Masussuka’s invitation by the Katsina State Government to defend his teachings marks a critical moment in northern Nigeria’s debate over religious freedom, state intervention, and sectarian balance. With vocal responses from rights groups and religious leaders alike, the outcome of this committee could resonate far beyond Katsina, touching on broader issues of governance, faith, and coexistence in Nigeria.

By Malam Ibrahym El-Caleel

Foreign invaders such as the US, NATO and Russia strike capital cities first, basically to break command and control. This creates a leadership crisis in the country, and this is how armed militia from different parts of the country begin to get stronger. The country’s borders become porous, everything passes through. This effectively means you’d have a full scale war and an insurgency going on. Even after the war when the foreign invader leaves, your insurgency will be there staring into your eyes. Go and take learnings from Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Well, after attacking the nation’s capital, the next thing foreign invaders do is to begin working on their supposed objectives of invading. God forbid they invade Nigeria, but after Abuja, they will be heading to the purported sites of “Christian genocide” to begin the work of “saving Christians”. It is not Kano, or Jigawa or Gombe. It is North-Central, especially states like Plateau and Benue, then perhaps Southern Kaduna. These are the areas constantly flashed in the media, with a claim of Muslims in Nigeria killing Christians, when everyone knows what’s happening there!

Now, the attackers in these locations do not have designated addresses. They are bandits, killer herdsmen, kidnappers and whatnot. They are criminals who live in the bushes and always moving from one area to another. If the US will be able to clinically target them and annihilate them, then this is a very good one. Nigeria will be extremely grateful for this act of charity done from the American taxpayers’ money. Both Nigerian Muslims and Christians will be happy and grateful that the US came and annihilated these bloodthirsty beasts with clinical precision.

However, based on clear antecedents, foreign invaders don’t do this type of job free and with clinical precision. It costs a nation so much to launch an invasion, therefore nobody goes to war “free”. Secondly, interventions like this always come with collateral damage. The undisclosed costs and the collateral damage is what every Nigerian with a functional brain thinks about and shivers. Once you have a functional brain, this uncertainty is what makes you not want US presence on Nigerian soil, whether you are Muslim or Christian.

Now, back to the North-Central. The first collateral damage in Benue and Plateau States is most likely going to have more Christian victims themselves, than Muslim victims. The simple reason is because we all know that Christian population in these states is more than the Muslim population, and this is why both the governor and deputy governor in each of these states are Christian. As a Christian who is cheering Savior Trump, if you are sure that the US will be able to isolate Christian populations from the collateral damage in a densely Christian populated state, then you are good to go with your celebration.

On the flip side, the cost of the war is what I don’t understand. The US is known for fetching available mineral resources after striking nations. I do not know how they plan to tap into Nigeria’s resources because the most liquid resources are located in the South-South (Niger-Delta) region, which is far away from the sites of the so-called “Christian genocide”.

Already, a US politician and advisor of Donald Trump, named Dr Walid Phares posted earlier today that he is advising Donald Trump to establish an emergency base in Port Harcourt, in order to “deter Boko Haram and other jihadist” (his words). He posted this through his handle @WalidPhares on X (formerly, Twitter), see screenshot below.

I am not interested in the conspiracy theories since there must be a background story to the choice of Port Harcourt as a military base. Port Harcourt is considered to be the commercial center of the Nigerian oil industry. It has vast reserves of oil and natural gas, and produces more than 50% of the Nigerian crude oil and gas. It is the chosen location for establishing the US base, and from there will Trump be launching attacks on Boko Haram and other jihadists that are killing Christians.

Trump shouldn’t have much business to do with the South West, except for access to the sea. For South East, may be with Gov Soludo’s recent remarks that Christians are killing Christians in Anambra, Trump might want to go and help out there too. Otherwise, the South East should be okay too. But I looked across the core Muslim North, and I am afraid it might not really be attractive to Trump. There’s really nothing there to take back to Washington, except swathes of farmlands which Bello Turji and his brothers in terror haven’t allowed innocent Muslim farmers access to cultivate.

Additionally, I don’t see any serious Nigerian economy structure that would interest Trump. If he’s coming to the core Muslim North, then it’d be the usual false flag operation as the US did in Iraq. It’d be a cover up to the war crimes it’d commit and the oil benefits it’d get through its Port Harcourt military base. For the gold mines in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna and co, the villagers in those locations have already flew away since the bandits intensified their attacks on those villages. When Trump’s army arrives there, it’d be an engagement with the bandits, and that’s really a good one. The bandits should have a taste of their medicine.

Whenever I see a Nigerian cheering Trump’s arrival, I have to wonder if they’ve really thought it through. Muslims and Christians live side by side across our major cities; both faiths are present virtually everywhere. If a foreign intervention comes, nobody is guaranteed safety. The collateral damage will be real, and I fail to see what’s worth celebrating. And please rest assured, the political elite in Abuja would know in advance and would pack up and leave the country with their families. They would abandon you and the rest of us here with Trump. Maybe after 20 years of foreign involvement, as happened in Iraq and Afghanistan, some of us will finally get a little bit of sense.

By Malam Ibrahym El-Caleel

A widely circulated video showed an altercation between a staff of the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) and a father to one of the students of the school.

It is a 33-second-long video that doesn’t allow for proper evaluation of the incident except for the audacious comment the student made at the tail-end of the video, in support of her father, saying, “Ba fa kyauta mu ke zuwa karatu makarantar ba. Kuɗi muke biya”. Meaning, “we aren’t studying in this school free. We pay money”.

The school has rightly issued a press release to say it has set up a committee to investigate what happened, and it demands to have the full video of what happened to ease its investigation since a 33-second video will barely help you take an informed position on this. Best wishes to them in their investigation, but let’s talk about the broader picture.

The girl’s raw comment about the money they pay to the school is a bitter lesson in business. The girl sees herself as a customer of MAAUN, not a student, and this is largely the philosophy of most private institutions of learning and their patronisers. It is an entrepreneurship first, then any other thing, like being a school or a university. And therefore, what we see in businesses would happen there since profit is the overall aim. Please, I am not tearing down private institutions. I am discussing business here.

“The customer is always right”

In the early 1900s, Harry Gordon Selfridge, the founder of Selfridges department store in London, popularized the saying that, “the customer is always right”. To be fair to Selfridge, he popularised this business philosophy to protect the buyer. Prior to this philosophy, what existed was the philosophy of “Caveat emptor”, which protects the seller and which means: “Let the buyer beware.”

“Caveat emptor” is simply saying that the buyer is fully responsible for checking product quality, condition, and suitability before purchase. Therefore, once the buyer pays for the product, they cannot hold the seller accountable even if they discovered the product to be defective. Even if you return the defective product to the seller, he’d simply say “Caveat emptor!”, meaning “you should have checked before paying!”.

This is where Selfridge popularised “the customer is always right” philosophy. The aim is to prioritise customer satisfaction even when the customer may be at fault. It is a philosophy aimed at keeping the customer happy or satisfied so as to have a sustainable business into the future. This builds trust and loyalty in business, and this is why it is widely practiced by businesses today.

Customers and some business leaders decided to abuse this nice philosophy. Customers saw it as an edge to abuse employees of the business they are patronising. Business leaders decided to make customers the “kings” and “queens” who are always right, placing them far below the employees who help them drive the business. This is why it is easy for the girl to make reference to how they are the thin line between that staff and joblessness. It is the reason why you, the reader, equally shouted at the bank staff you met at the customer service desk the other day. The bank as an institution with corporate headquarters somewhere in Lagos didn’t serve you well, but you are here in faraway Numan threatening, harassing and abusing an innocent 24-year-old girl you met at the bank’s help desk.

Customer is always right!

I was hungry in Barnawa some months back when I decided to walk into Market Square to get some food. A man, who should most likely be in his 50s, walked in after me. The attendant was serving the people who came ahead of him as per first come, first serve. Suddenly, this man took offence and began passing harsh comments on this lady. It was a whole lot of psychological abuse, making even s3xist comments. He wasn’t yelling at me, but I felt the pain. That young lady didn’t respond in kind, but coldly prepared his meal and handed it over. The customer is always right.

Only business leaders can reorient the customer on this. While you need customers to maintain your cash flow, you equally need your employees. And this is what the consumer goods giant, P&G, seems to be better at.

The P&G CEO between 1948-1959, Redwood Deupree, remarkably said: “If you leave us our money, our buildings and our brands, but take away our people, the Company will fail. But if you take away our money, our buildings and our brands, but leave us all our people, we can rebuild the whole thing in a decade.” This is a 187-year old company, teaching you the value of people in a business. Your people are your most important assets.

But unfortunately, most businesses today have thirst for short-term gains and barely have any interest in building a corporate culture that will sustain it into the future. When a company is overly thinking about finance, then it ‘worships’ everything that relates to the bottom line. It is ready to throw its most resourceful employees under the bus just to gain today’s profit. No plan for the business of the future.

By Khadija Muhammad

In a momentous ceremony steeped in academic tradition and spiritual reverence, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), has conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree on one of Nigeria’s most influential Islamic scholars and peace advocates, Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa.

The prestigious honour was bestowed on Saturday during the university’s 40th Combined Convocation Ceremony, held at its main campus in Sokoto. The event, attended by dignitaries from across the academic, traditional, and religious spheres, recognised Sheikh Daurawa’s monumental contributions to Islamic education, moral rejuvenation, and national cohesion.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Lawal Suleiman Bilbis, in his address, stated that the decision to honour Sheikh Daurawa was a unanimous one by the Senate and Council of the institution. He described the renowned cleric as a “beacon of knowledge and a pillar of moral rectitude,” whose work has profoundly impacted the lives of millions across Nigeria and beyond.

“Today, we are not just honouring a man; we are honouring a lifetime of dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of society,” Professor Bilbis said. “Sheikh Daurawa’s efforts through the Hisbah and his countless sermons promote peace, discipline, and ethical living, which align perfectly with the core values this university stands for.”

Sheikh Aminu Daurawa is widely celebrated for his leadership of the Kano State Hisbah Board, where he championed initiatives aimed at promoting social welfare and moral ethics. As the founder of the popular Daurah Islamic Institute and through his extensive preaching tours and online lectures, he has educated a generation of Muslims, advocating for a message of moderation, tolerance, and community service.

Dressed in the university’s signature academic gown, a visibly humbled Sheikh Daurawa expressed his profound gratitude to the university community for the recognition. He dedicated the honour to all his teachers, students, and supporters who have been part of his decades-long journey in dawah (Islamic propagation).

“This doctorate is a challenge to do more,” Sheikh Daurawa stated in his acceptance speech. “It is a call to further dedicate myself to the service of knowledge and humanity. I accept this not as a culmination, but as a catalyst to intensify our collective efforts towards building a more peaceful, virtuous, and educated society, in line with the teachings of Islam.”

The Daily Reality gathered that the ceremony was hailed by a wide range of attendees, all of whom were happy, smiling, jubilant, and chanting “Allahu akbar” (Allah is the greatest), especially when the Sheikh stood while the University orator read his citation.

Many consider Sheikh Daurawa as a significant bridge between the academic and religious communities. Prominent Sultanate Council members, led by the revered Sultan and fellow scholars, praised UDUS for acknowledging the critical role of traditional Islamic scholarship in national development.

The conferment solidifies Sheikh Daurawa’s legacy as a key figure who harmonises deep traditional scholarship with contemporary societal challenges, earning him a place of honour within the hallowed halls of one of Nigeria’s premier institutions of learning.

By Abdulgaffar Tukur

The ongoing internal wrangling within our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is deeply disheartening—especially at a time when Nigeria desperately needs a united and visionary opposition. As a committed member and believer in our shared democratic values, I speak not out of sentiment, but out of a sense of duty: this is not a time for blames, ego, division or personal ambition.

Nigeria is bleeding. Under the reckless and dictatorial leadership of the APC-led government, headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the nation is suffering from severe economic hardship, rampant insecurity, deepening poverty, and increasing political intimidation. Our democracy is under siege—and the people are losing hope.

The PDP must rise above these petty divisions. We must remember who we are and what we once offered this nation—16 years of stability, progress and pride. That legacy is worth defending. It is worth reviving. But to do so, we must become a united and formidable force, focused not on personal ambition, but on national salvation.

It is time we start thinking strategically, patriotically, and selflessly.

Why can’t our leaders rally behind a powerful, unifying ticket—such as His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed? This is a ticket that could inspire confidence, promote healing and unite Nigerians across board. It is realistic, respectable and widely acceptable.

And to our elder statesman, His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar—sir, your legacy and lifelong contributions to this party are undeniable. But now is the moment to write your name in gold by becoming the father of a new movement. Step in not as a contender, but as a peacemaker and unifier who helps to rescue Nigeria when it matters most. That act alone could define your legacy more than any presidency ever could.

Let us make no mistake in 2027: this is not just about winning an election—it’s about saving the country. It’s about restoring dignity, good governance and democratic values. It’s about telling the Nigerian people that PDP is still their party—and that we are ready to fight for them once again.

Let us rethink. Let us regroup. And together, let us reclaim the soul of our beloved Nigeria.

Abdulgaffar Tukur is a PDP member; he writes from Kebbi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via:
abdulgaffarkalgo@gmail.com

By Maimuna Aliyu Katuka

Easter is a season of joy, reflection, and renewal. While it is often associated with festive meals, it is also an opportunity to embrace healthier habits without taking away from the fun and spirit of the celebration.

As the world becomes increasingly health-conscious, we can find creative ways to enjoy Easter while taking care of our physical and mental well-being.

By making thoughtful choices, we can turn this season into a meaningful and health-positive experience for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Easter, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the Christians, is one of the most significant holidays in Christianity. For many, it symbolizes the triumph of life over death—a powerful reminder of hope, rebirth, and new beginnings.

Even non-Christians often take advantage of the holiday to travel or spend time with loved ones, making it a perfect occasion to reflect on personal wellness and communal values.

Whether you are planning a large family gathering or a quiet weekend retreat, here are some practical tips to help you celebrate Easter in a healthy and fulfilling way:

Healthy Eating and Drinking Habits

1. Balance indulgence with healthy choices:
Enjoy traditional Easter treats in moderation. Complement your meals with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to maintain a balanced diet.

2. Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you are consuming rich or salty foods.

3. Choose healthier alternatives:
Opt for baked or grilled meats instead of fried ones. Dark chocolate or fruit-based desserts can also be tasty and nutritious options.

Staying Physically Active

1. Take a walk or hike:
Incorporate light physical activities like walking, hiking, or biking into your day to stay energized and connected with nature.

2. Plan outdoor games:
Organize family games or community sports that encourage movement and bonding while having fun.

Supporting Mental Well-being

1. Practice mindfulness:
Take time to relax, meditate, or simply enjoy the presence of family and friends. Mindfulness can help ease stress and promote gratitude.

2. Set boundaries:
Prioritize self-care by setting healthy limits on social and work commitments. Maintain a balance that supports your mental peace.

Additional Smart Tips

1. Plan meals ahead:
Prepare healthy dishes and snacks in advance to reduce the temptation of unhealthy choices.

2. Be mindful of portion sizes:
Enjoy your favorite dishes without overindulging by keeping portions in check.

3. Educate the next generation:
Teach children the importance of healthy living. Turn Easter traditions into learning moments about good nutrition and staying active.

Last Line:
As we prepare to celebrate Easter, let us take this opportunity to embrace a lifestyle that reflects the true spirit of the season—renewal, joy, and wellness.

By making simple, conscious changes, we can foster healthier habits that last beyond the holiday.

So, gather your loved ones, get creative with your traditions, and make this Easter not just memorable—but meaningfully healthy.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

Men are the foundation and cornerstone of every nation and each household. As ordained by Almighty God, man was created and endowed with strength and leadership qualities. According to divine design, man is destined to be the head of the household, with woman as his partner and helpmate, working together in harmony and mutual respect.

Just like women, men are human beings with emotions and vulnerabilities, despite being socialized to project strength and resilience. Society’s expectations often dictate their behavior, leaving them little choice but to conform to traditional masculine norms.

It is quite a relief to see men being recognized and appreciated, which is precisely why International Men’s Day is observed annually on November 19. This global celebration acknowledges men’s invaluable contributions to society while addressing their distinct challenges. The 2024 theme, Men’s Health Champions, aptly emphasizes enhancing men’s overall well-being and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Growing up, I would often watch my dad sit outside after dinner and Isha prayer— the last prayer of the day for Muslims — alone in contemplation. Whenever we asked him why, he would smile and say he was just receiving some “fresh air,” and we would respectfully leave him be.

At the time, I thought he truly was just savoring the evening breeze. But growing older brought the realization that it was his way of recollecting his thoughts and recharging after a long, hectic day of working tirelessly to provide for us. It was his way of coping with unrelenting stress and finding solace, yet we could never quite grasp the depth of his emotions.

Traditionally, men are expected to provide for their loved ones, including their partners, children, and themselves. With numerous responsibilities bestowed upon them by societal norms, they have largely embraced this role and its accompanying challenges without complaint.

Society has consistently placed high expectations on men, often disregarding their mental and emotional well-being. This has resulted in immense pressure on them, with little consideration for their inner struggles.

If they fail to pay children’s school fees on time, their homes become disastrous and uninhabitable due to constant nagging. If they miss rent payments, they are deemed irresponsible. And if they cannot provide for their wives’ glittering desires, they are labeled bad husbands. So, how can we reasonably expect them to maintain their sanity?

Even in relationships, if a man does not call on time, he is deemed out of love. If he does not send money, he is not “the one.” And if he fails to meet friends’ and family’s standards, the advice is to “find someone else.”

Since men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health symptoms, it is not surprising that suicide rates for men are four times higher than for women. This statistic underscores the fact that depression may be the most common mental illness in men.

While these expectations can be valid, they are often unfair. If the tables were turned, society and women would struggle to handle half of what is expected of men. However, this piece is not about shifting responsibilities; it is about shedding light on and raising awareness about men’s mental health.

Men are humans too, with feelings and emotions. The issues we often dismiss as normal can run deeper than they appear, potentially affecting their mental health and leading to depression. We rarely recognize this because men seldom fully express themselves, and we rarely create a safe space for them to open up.

Much like women, men are also victims of sexual assault, harassment, abuse, and other forms of exploitation. Yet how many of these cases come to light? When they do, how do we respond? How often do we show appreciation for the men in our lives—our fathers, sons, brothers, friends, and partners?

Men’s mental and overall health is crucial and must not be overlooked. We should strive to create a society where everyone, regardless of gender, feels comfortable and safe, fostering a better environment for all.

Let us imbibe the habit of celebrating men who break barriers and make a difference in the world—those who provide for their loved ones, bring joy, and positively impact our lives. To every man out there, you are loved, seen, strong, and most importantly, enough.

Let us celebrate the men who struggle in silence. To men out there, we see your struggles, and we are committed to making the world a better place for you and all of us.

Rabi Ummi Umar is a student of Al-Hikmah University and can be reached via: rabiumar058@gmail.com