Opinion

By Fatimat Ibrahim Abedoh,

In 2022, Crystal Asige, a visually impaired woman, was nominated to the 4th Senate in Kenya’s 13th Parliament to represent people with disabilities and special interest groups. Picked by the Orange Democratic Party (ODM), she was sworn in alongside 66 other Senators on September 8, 2022. 

Despite her disability, Asige was seen for her potential and allowed to thrive, becoming a role model for many in similar circumstances. She has been excelling ever since. In contrast, Nigeria has a significant population of about 35 million people with disabilities, yet they are still mistreated, shunned, and disregarded. 

No public space, transit system, or infrastructure in Nigeria is designed with PWDs in mind, reflecting the height of their struggles. It is no secret that life in Nigeria is challenging, but for PWDs, it is twice as difficult.

PWDs in Nigeria face numerous challenges and barriers to full inclusion and participation in society, issues that are not discussed enough. Individuals, private organisations, and public institutions are often unwelcoming, making it difficult for PWDs to thrive in all aspects of life. 

This lack of accessibility constrains their potential and strips them of the platform to live and contribute meaningfully to society—whether in education, politics, employment, or social activities.

Their fundamental human rights are severely violated, as being disabled often equates to being treated as less than human. This is why many PWDs resort to begging for survival. But they need more than a pity party; they deserve respect and inclusion.

Recently, a PWD faced discrimination at an eatery. Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, recounted his humiliating experience at the KFC outlet in the Murtala Muhammed Airport via his X handle (@DebolaDaniel). A wheelchair user, Daniel described the incident as the worst public humiliation he had ever faced. 

He explained that due to the out-of-service lift to the airport lounge, he decided to wait at the KFC outlet with his wife and three brothers. However, this simple choice turned into a “colossal mistake,” as he put it.

His tweets partly read: “Being disabled often rolls over my spirit, leaving behind a trail of shattered dignity and forgotten humanity. Nowhere more so than in Nigeria. To be disabled in Nigeria is to be undesirable, unwelcome, and unaccepted… Today, I faced the worst sort of public humiliation that I have ever experienced. To think that this happened at an international brand, KFC, at an international airport – Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos – is unthinkable.”

Daniel’s case gained public attention, mainly because of his family background, prompting the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to shut down the outlet and demand an apology. But what about the millions of other PWDs who have faced similar or worse situations? Who listens to them, and who takes action on their behalf?

Since Asige entered the Senate in Kenya, she has been able to sponsor three bills that the Kenyan government has enforced, all tailored to the interests and welfare of persons with disabilities. These are the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2023, the Kenyan Sign Language Bill 2023, and the Startup Bill 2022. 

She continues to work in the interest of Kenyan youths and those across Africa. In Nigeria, former President Muhammadu Buhari passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act into law in 2018. Yet, six years later, it has not been fully implemented.

Adequate funding for education, assistive technology, and other essential resources for PWDs is urgently needed. Nigeria practices representative democracy, and PWDs deserve to be heard, seen and listened to. They need representation in the Senate or the House of Representatives to amplify their voices. 

PWDs are capable of much more than their disabilities, and no one can represent them better than one of their own.

Fatimat Ibrahim Abedoh is a fellow at PR Nigeria’s Young Communication Fellowship.

By Habibu Bawa 

Banditry is fast becoming a household name in Nigeria. The  Northwest and parts of north-central Nigeria have been the worst hit since 2012.

Fast forward, bandits have attacked numerous communities across Nigeria, destroying a lot of homes, farms, and markets, killing and kidnapping in schools and highways, which made life unbearable for rural and semi-urban communities. 

According to Ibrahim Dosara, former Commissioner of Information in Zamfara State, between 2011 and 2019, bandits killed at least 2,619 people, kidnapped 1,190, and maimed and displaced hundreds of thousands in Zamfara State alone.

Many describe these attacks as an escalation of farmer-herder conflicts, ethno-religious crises, or a result of population pressure and climate change, which made former President Muhammadu Buhari propose 10,000 hectares per state for rural grazing areas, although unsuccessful, and President Tinubu’s Ministry for Livestock Development.

While past and current governments have made efforts to address banditry, little has been done to support the victims or tackle the root causes of the issue. For successful disease control, the pathogens, vectors, and symptoms have to be addressed while measures are taken to boost the immune system.

For example, the government often mobilises troops, which is usually announced and broadcasted after media reports of bandit attacks. Meanwhile, victims are left to languish in IDP camps. This situation is akin to guarding stables after the horses have escaped.

After each attack, the once agrarian victims battle scanty food, inadequate water supply, and diseases, while some state governments grant amnesty to bandits, leaving victims with only empty promises to rebuild their lives.

Nigeria has helped several other African countries in peacebuilding and peacekeeping, which proves Nigeria’s ability to curtail whatever crisis may arise internally. Thus, banditry is not beyond its control, but success requires sincerity of purpose and decisive actions.

First, the government should use every available means to block arms and ransoms from bandits, as ransom fuels banditry while firearms drive it. A 2019 research by Beacon Consults found over 6 million firearms in circulation in Nigeria, with only one-tenth in the hands of federal security agents. Communities should be educated on the effects of ransom, and severe punishments should be imposed on those who pay ransom.

Secondly, victims should be allowed to exercise their natural right to self-defence, and any funds earmarked for negotiating with bandits should be redirected toward rebuilding the lives and communities of the victims.

Lastly, the government should identify and eliminate bandit sponsors, sympathisers, negotiators, informants, trainers, and advisers. This will hinder the bandits’ ability to recruit, escape, re-strategize, or ethnicise their atrocities.

To end banditry, bandits must be treated as terrorists. Banditry is the greatest threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty today. The military should be well-equipped and deployed to take decisive action. A repentant bandit is one who has joined his ancestors.

Habibu Bawa is a fellow of the PR Nigeria Young Communication Fellowship.

Dear Sir,

I hope this message finds you well. I write to bring to your attention the constant road traffic accidents at the Malam-Inna junction along Gombe State University’s second gate. 

Sir, in less than two days, I’ve witnessed about two fatal road traffic accidents at that junction. Although no life was lost, the degree of injuries was sustained by the casualties. Some were taken to hospital in a stupor. 

Within my few weeks of staying in Gombe, I observed that Malam-Inna junction isn’t the only place witnessing incessant road traffic accidents but an extensively considerable number of roads in Gombe. This is because of motorists’ high rate of reckless driving in the city of Gombe. 

Motorists are driving at high speed, jeopardising people’s lives and properties daily. However, most road users in Gombe drive aggressively and don’t care about committing traffic offences. These problems are escalating daily, and if care isn’t taken, they will become a calamity to the good people of Gombe state. 

Sir, as a father and commander in charge of the affairs of Gombe State, I believe you have a responsibility to protect your people. Protection of people isn’t limited to exterminating criminality in society but also to eradicating every act that will likely affect the well-being of the people. Road safety legitimately falls into this category.

To sum up, your Excellency needs to create a legislative framework that will govern the behaviour of road users in Gombe State. This should be done by establishing a new agency that will be saddled with the responsibility of enforcing traffic laws among road users in Gombe State. 

The new agency should develop practical traffic laws that align with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSCN) to curtail reckless driving and traffic offences and enhance both motorists’ and pedestrians’ safety in Gombe State.

The creation of this agency will help promote a culture of respect and responsibility between road users. The agency should be charged with punishing traffic law offenders using fines, license seizure, and prosecution. This will improve adherence to traffic laws and, subsequently, the state’s IGR.

When established, the new agency will create jobs among the Gombe youths and play a vital role in managing the flow of vehicles and busy roads in Gombe State.

Traffic rules are necessities that governments must enforce to ensure a secure and orderly atmosphere for their people. 

Road safety is paramount. As a concerned leader who genuinely cares for his people, I am optimistic that you’ll urgently investigate this matter and take the necessary action. 

Thank you, and God bless.

Sunusi Abubakar Birnin Kudu wrote from Arawa B. Gombe State via muhammadsunusi29@gmail.com.

By Aisha Musa Auyo 

Hormones influence a considerable percentage of our behaviours and physical appearance. If we say our hormones are what make us, we won’t be exaggerating. Yet we hardly discuss it; thus, only a few know about it or believe in it.

Hormones regulate critical bodily functions such as metabolism, blood pressure, growth, reproduction, and mood. Even small changes in hormone levels can significantly impact our health, affecting everything from sleep and energy to appearance and cognitive function.

I’ve summarised the explanation in the most straightforward language possible so that I wouldn’t suffocate you with medical jargon. As promised, this outing is about male hormones…Finally.

Puberty in boys, typically starting between ages 9 and 14, is driven by hormonal changes, mainly testosterone. This triggers physical changes like increased sweating, acne, voice deepening, growth spurts, and the onset of sexual attraction. Emotionally, boys may experience mood swings, irritability, and seek independence.

Because they sweat a lot due to changes in their hormones and physical activities, they are bound to smell. This is one of the best times to ensure that they master personal hygiene, as they’re too old to be bathed by their mothers. Do this, and his wife will thank you later.

Teenage boys should learn about Islamic teachings on wet dreams and ritual baths. They should also learn about weekly shaving, the use of deodorants and perfumes, proper bathing, and washing underwear and sportswear as regularly as possible. 

At this crucial stage, parental support is vital. Don’t ignore and assume that boys don’t need attention and sympathy. They need it as much as their female counterparts. Parents should be patient, encourage open communication, set healthy boundaries, and model empathy. Ensure a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep (at least 8 hours).

This is the phase when boys are likely to succumb to peer pressure and are likely to experiment on good, bad, and ugly, as they are fearless and careless. Parents should pay attention and make efforts to curb the impact of peer pressure, sexual attraction, and risky behaviours by monitoring their (a) friends, (b) how they use social media, (c) discussing the consequences of actions and inactions, and, (d) most importantly, prayers and setting a positive example. 

Parents should also promote emotional intelligence by having heart-to-heart talks with their male children, validating their feelings, and encouraging open expression. This gesture will go a long way in teaching them about expressing their feelings, listening to others, and communication in general.

Puberty is a crucial stage in a boy’s life, shaping both his body and mind. With patience, understanding, and the proper guidance, parents can help their sons navigate this period confidently, setting the foundation for healthy adulthood.

Men’s hormone levels stabilise in early adulthood, peaking in testosterone around age 20 and growth hormone around 25. After age 30, testosterone decreases by 1% annually, and growth hormone declines by 2-5% every five years. Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” and melatonin, which regulates sleep, become important for well-being.

During fatherhood, testosterone may drop, potentially reducing aggression and libido. In midlife, decreases in aldosterone and growth hormones can affect blood pressure and muscle mass. In late life, low testosterone impacts sperm quality and fertility. Ageing men should also monitor glucocorticoid and insulin levels, as imbalances can affect metabolism, memory, and diabetes risk.

Let me share some fundamental secrets with you. While women’s hormonal rollercoasters are quite pronounced, men’s hormone levels are mostly stable. However, the productivity, compassion, and cooperation of a boy-cum-man are boosted when they feel accepted, respected, appreciated, admired, and validated. 

Lack or shortage of the abovementioned elements will make a man’s emotions unpredictable. It will trigger reactions similar to women experiencing hormonal changes and mood swings.

We need to know how to treat the male gender with these measures from childhood. It’s the only way to get them to do what is desired of them. Naturally, that’s how our Creator made them. 

Being treated with respect and admiration will make a man (and a boy) drop his ego and defences without even knowing it. (Just like how love and caring open a woman’s heart and make her drop defences). Au, na tuna, this outing is for za other gender ko? LOL!

Anyway, as wives and mothers, knowing this will go a long way in helping us in our relationships with husbands, male children, and the other gender in general.

Aisha Musa Auyo is a Doctorate researcher in Educational Psychology. A wife, a mother, a homemaker, caterer, parenting, and relationship coach. She can be reached via aishamuauyo@live.co.uk.

By Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB)

It is widely recognised across Kano State that the 44 LGA Day Technical Schools have been abandoned and remain under incomplete construction. These schools were established in 2012 during the second tenure of former Governor Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. 

The initial progress on these schools was swift under Kwankwaso’s administration. However, the subsequent government, led by former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, halted the continuation of the project.

The abandonment of these schools has not only led to their physical decay but also created opportunities for theft and vandalism, with some individuals stealing materials from the school premises. The neglected sites have also become hubs for illicit activities, posing a threat to the safety and well-being of the surrounding communities.

It is crucial to bring this matter to the attention of His Excellency, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, the current Governor of Kano State. Your commitment to advancing education in both urban and rural areas, particularly through the construction of classroom blocks, the reduction of registration fees for higher education institutions, and the provision of postgraduate scholarships, is commendable and has garnered praise from Kano residents and visitors alike.

During your 2019 and 2023 gubernatorial campaigns, you pledged to resume work on the 44 LGA Day Technical Schools. I respectfully appeal to your administration to take swift action to complete these schools. By doing so, you will transform these temporary sites into permanent institutions, ensuring they fulfil their original purpose and preventing further loss of valuable materials.

Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB) wrote from Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano.

By Zainab Haruna Shittu

The economic downturn in Nigeria has reached alarming proportions, leaving no one unscathed. The youth, particularly university students, face unprecedented hardships. Financial constraints, food insecurity, and limited access to resources have become the norm for many Nigerian university students.

Research has shown that economic hardship profoundly impacts students’ academic performance and mental health. A National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) study reveals that poverty and hunger are major factors contributing to students’ poor academic performance. Similarly, a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlights the devastating effects of food insecurity on students’ mental health.

For many students, the struggle is personal. “Academic pressure mounts, but hunger weighs heavier. I’m constantly worried about where my next meal will come from,” confesses a 21-year-old student who wished to remain anonymous.

Another student echoes this sentiment. “I struggle to focus in class because I’m constantly worried about where my next meal will come from. My parents’ hard work doesn’t pay enough to sustain us, leaving me hungry and stressed. The toll on my mental health is overwhelming,” shares a 20-year-old university student.

To mitigate the effects of economic hardship on university students, policymakers and stakeholders must prioritise education and food security. This requires collaborative efforts, including government support for education and food programs, increased scholarships and financial aid, improved access to mental health resources, and community-based initiatives for food security.

Nigeria’s economic woes have far-reaching consequences, affecting various sectors, including education. University students deserve support and resources to thrive. It is imperative that we prioritise their well-being and future.

Zainab Haruna Shittu wrote from Bayero University, Kano, via harunazainabshittu7567@gmail.com. 

Dear Nigerians,  

1. May God have mercy on you! Your country’s name evokes the abundance of the River Niger, symbolising the endless resources and talents you possess. This nation is blessed with natural wealth and human potential that garners admiration and envy worldwide. 

2. Yet, tears fall when we consider the mismanagement, waste, and looting of this vibrant nation. It’s disheartening to see Nigerian youths unaware of the treasures surrounding them. Who will inherit this great wealth? Where are the competent young leaders to take over when the current generation finally acknowledges its fatigue?

3.  An effective national curriculum should focus on the aspirations and values of the youth. Nigerian youths should be more than seekers of white-collar jobs; they should harness the nation’s real wealth. Ignorance of one’s resources is a grave form of slavery. The curriculum must evolve to cultivate dignity and progress, preparing future nation-builders.

4. Imagine if Nigerians refrained from destructive desires, top to bottom. These desires only ruin their possessors and the entire nation, destabilising not just Nigeria but the region. What would be lost if corruption ceased? Crimes harm the country and ultimately lead to personal ruin.

5. Despite challenges, Nigeria still holds immense potential if its people unite in nation-building. Respect and kindness across ethnic lines won’t harm anyone. Being good neighbours to one another will ensure that no one suffers amid abundance.

6. It’s not easy to forget historical hurts, but healing is necessary to dream big. I dream of a Nigeria that sheds its negative image and becomes a beacon of resilience, talent, and beauty. We can achieve this dream with patience, optimism, and the will to be good.

7. Let the brave ones from every region come forward. Whether in rags or adorned in gold, it’s the mind that matters. Your willingness to embrace reform reflects the people’s hope. Learn about your nation, not just from social media but from its history and potential.

8. There is hope for Nigeria. Nations with more severe problems have risen. Remember, you hold the most powerful office: the Office of the Citizen. Decorate it with action, not despair. If Nigeria isn’t working, it’s because we aren’t working.

9. Weak minds say, “There is no hope.” Strong minds respond, “We have work to do.” Nigeria is the office of every Nigerian. If progress is absent, it’s because we aren’t active. Be inspired and make progress in Nigeria, which is your first concern.

10. Nigeria has served as a beacon of hope for other nations and has the potential to do so again. I have witnessed the kindness, wisdom, and vision of many Nigerians. Goodness is locked within the nation—are you the one to awaken it?

11. If you are, be patient. Don’t let anger or frustration lead to violence. Dedicate yourself to the dream of reform, and one day, you will wipe away the tears of your people.

12. Praise God for making you a Nigerian. Reform begins with you. Even if you only change one person, the impact will be immeasurable. Don’t give up if you find people obsessed with crime and corruption.

13. Your good deeds, endurance, and sacrifices inspire those around you. Continue to educate, alleviate pain, and instil hope. The people are not as bad as they seem; many are ignorant or traumatised.

14. Mass education, not violence or migration, is the answer. Enlightenment will help people learn from the tragedies of war-torn regions.

15.No matter how far you run, home will always call you back. The time to act is now!

Amara Sesay wrote via amarasesay.amir@gmail.com.

By Ismail Hashim Abubakar, PhD

I have had sleepless nights these days reflecting and worrying over the ordeal my fellow Nigerians are passing through that ranges from inflation, hunger, and fuel price hikes to insecurity, not to talk of the usual and condonable suffering of lack of social amenities as essential as electricity, water supply, education and healthcare provision, employment, roads and so on.

Poor Nigerians are now literally dying of starvation, and the government seems to be myopically unprepared to decisively fight famishment by countering the inflation of food items, much less than investigating and gathering the statistics of those who lost their lives due to lack of food. 

The hardship results from years of bad leadership and corruption that bedevil Nigeria. My worries worsen when I look at the right, left, and centre of Nigerian politics. I cannot envisage any tangible attempts to reduce or checkmate these unbearable life burdens and simplify things for my fellow compatriots.  It is so disheartening to see that matters which did not constitute part of our problems a few years ago are now huge issues that citizens have to grapple with for them to make ends meet, with millions of Nigerians now wishing to miraculously return to where they were less than two decades ago.

Nigerians are desperately looking for ways to articulate and reassert their essential human need for survival to hearing the deaf ears of their leaders, who are always mischievously claiming to be good listeners but who are viewed by their subjects as oppressors and draconian rulers. This explains why all the efforts of the government, which manifested in clerical interventions, propaganda and security threats, all to thwart the mass hunger protest organised and held by Nigerians in August, ended in fiasco, albeit, of course, it was later extinguished undemocratically with excessive use of force to disenfranchise Nigerians. 

The government would have mildly aborted the August hunger protest if it sincerely attacked hunger by arresting the increasing rise of prices of commodities and by restoring the fuel subsidy, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced on the day he was sworn in even before stepping into his office. Nigerians are still shocked by how the government found solace in procuring a multimillion-dollar jet and yacht for the President as his subjects still languish in economic misery.

Nigerians are puzzled by the unresponsiveness of their leaders to public concerns. Organisations like the NLC and ASUU have lost their influence, and religious scholars and public speeches no longer hold the same sway over public opinion and elections. Nowadays, prominent clerics defend politicians, posing as their spokespersons. This shift marks a radical change in the relationship between the political class and religious elites. It’s important to remember that Nigerian politicians often have a give-and-take mentality when dealing with religious leaders. Some scholars compromise their truth by accepting gifts from politicians. While some scholars have joined the government and performed well, many have completely changed after doing so.

All these have combined to intensify the pessimism of the Nigerian masses, who are tired and so desperate, looking for solutions to their country, which is on the brink of precipice. The emergence of a movement mobilised by Nigerian youth, meant for all patriotic citizens in an actual sense, is a significant sign that things have reached the peak of their flashpoints.

From the speeches of the founders of the youth movement, one can infer that it is a mass struggle born out of tiredness with the current leadership system and which aims at displacing the despotism of the ruling and political class by way of justifiably hijacking the loyalty of citizens to partisan politics and redirecting them towards supporting selfless, sincere, committed, development-oriented, transparent, accountable and law-abiding governance which the nascent movement aspires to help produce. 

The movement seeks to prosecute a mild political revolution that will end regimes of impunity, lawlessness, corruption, bribery, lack of integrity, massive looting, thievery, embezzlement, sabotage, cruelty and all forms of vices that characterise the attitudes of the minority of people who run the affairs of Nigeria. The ambitious movement hopes to halt the situation in which a few people, just by being at the helm of affairs, monopolise the country’s wealth to service their selfish ends, greedily devouring public resources, treating the national assets as their estate, too hell-bent to exploit and feast on the local treasures while simultaneously refusing to improve public infrastructure and avoiding local healthcare, leaving the education system in dilapidated conditions. They race for medical care in foreign hospitals and send their children to study abroad. 

It is alleged that Nigerian leaders have already mortgaged millions of barrels of crude oil that the country is expected to produce within the next 30 years to foreign business institutions. Even if this allegation has not yet been proven, the kind of treatment the newly established Dangote Refinery receives from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) speaks volumes to the weight of such an allegation.

The youth movement is a herculean task that some may dismiss as practically impossible and utopian. For someone familiar with Nigeria and how it operates, the tip of the iceberg of which is only known by ordinary citizens, one may not accuse pessimistic sentiments towards reform of nurturing despair in this direction. At the same time, however, for someone who hears about or reads how some countries passed through similar tribulations and after some extraordinary efforts of some patriotic men they scaled through and overcame challenges, one cannot help but accept that the salvation struggle can as well succeed. There has to be a serious, sustainable and resilient plan, genuine will and invincible determination for all those who believe in the struggle to make strong dedications and major sacrifices.

Ismail is a Research Fellow at Advancing Education and Research Center (Rabat) and is reachable via ismailiiit18@gmail.com.

By Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf

I first met Dr. Denga during my NCE level 100 at the Federal College of Education, Kano in 2002. She was assigned to teach us EDU113 officially titled Principles and Methods of Teaching but famously called “Curriculum” by all students, perhaps because that was the first item in course content. As is usually the norm in most tertiary institutions, the course was assigned two hours on the official timetable. However, Dr. Denga had had her unique timing for the course.

During our first contact, she informed us that her lectures would be held daily (Monday to Friday) from 7 am to 8 am. That was how we spent our entire first year because Dr. Denga also taught us two more courses in the second semester. She would go on to teach us two more courses in levels 200 and 300.

At first, I found it extremely uncomfortable having to wake up and leave home as early as 6:30 a.m. However, I would soon get used to the routine. I would wake up, pray my Subh, and take my bath. The famous sound of the BBC Hausa morning program (London take kira, BBC ke magana) coming from my father’s radio was my daily signal that it was time to leave for school.

Mrs. Denga had a particular principle for conducting the CA that made her students never dare to miss her classes. Out of the 40 marks allotted for CA, she would earmark 15 marks for class attendance and 25 marks for classroom tests.

She used to take three different attendances randomly, each worth 5 marks. Whenever she wanted to take attendance, she would come to the class and shut the door immediately.

She would distribute papers for students to write their names and registration numbers. She would then collect all the papers and open the door. She would then distribute separate papers for the latecomers, who were only eligible for 3 out of 5 marks. That would last until 7:30 when she would collect those papers and put another one for those who came after 7:30. Those students would only get 1/5 marks before she took away the paper at 7:45, so that anyone who came afterward would only listen to the lecture.

I will never forget a funny encounter with Dr. Denga. It had become a habit for nearly all of us to gather in the lecture theatre, chatting, until we saw her approaching car, and then we would climb the staircase into the theater. Little did we know that she did not like that.

One fateful day, Dr. Denga decided to teach us a valuable lesson. Instead of following the normal route from her apartment in the staff quarters to the theater, she changed her route and parked her car at a distance where we wouldn’t notice her. She surreptitiously began to climb the staircase from the other side of the theater while we were all busy chatting. She was halfway through when some of our classmates noticed her. Come and see people running, pushing, and shoving one another on the staircase. Dr. Denga, too, would funnily engage in the act until she entered the theater, closed the door behind her, and said, “Attendance.” That was how I got 3 instead of 5 marks that day. And guess what? I ended up with 68 in the course, which was 2 marks short of an A.

Dr. Denga taught us the value of reading and diligence in academia. Most of us considered her too autocratic back then. However, before we finished our National Certificate in Education (NCE), we came to know her better. She was a woman of principles. Once you understood what she stood for and adhered to it strictly, you would find her fun to be with. We would often go to her office and spend hours chatting and discussing life and studies.

There was a time she told us that she first came to the North from her native Edo State when she was posted to do NYSC in Sokoto. After the orientation camp, she was posted to Kwatarkwashi, where she taught at a secondary school. What she found remarkable about the average northerner was that they may appear uneducated in terms of schooling and certification, but they are far more enlightened about world politics and international news than most so-called educated southerners. The average northerner is always glued to their radio, listening to local and international news.

Dr. Denga left FCE Kano merely a year after our graduation. That was the last I heard of her. In case you wonder, those were years when only a few students, mostly ladies, had phones. In the class of about 150 students, there were not up to 10 who had cellphones. Whether dead or alive, I wish Dr. Denga eternal peace and happiness.

Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf teaches English at the Department of English and Literary Studies at Bayero University, Kano. He can be reached at aliyuyy@gmail.com.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR 

In a dramatic move, Bello Turji, the notorious kidnapper and the most wanted bandit who has claimed responsibility for most prominent terrorist attacks in Northwest Nigeria, released a video clip where his deadly gang surrounded him and passed a vote of confidence in the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.

The terrorists described General Musa as their ‘leader’ “Shugaban mu mai albarka”, and suggested that he should grant Musa Asada (an Islamic scholar) a military or paramilitary appointment. Turji’s expression of loyalty to the military boss suggested an unofficial relationship between him and military insiders.

That aside, for now, Turji’s trending video clip is evidence of system failure, intelligence weakness, and political will to nail the enemies of the state. The military might be challenged, and a terrorist rubbished the ‘technological know-how’ of the giant.

His outlandish accusations sparked widespread debate and concern, with some on social media misinterpreting Turji’s words and using them to question the integrity of the Nigerian military, especially General Christopher Musa’s role in combating insecurity.

As a staunch advocate of good governance, I have long been calling on the government to take more decisive action against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping. For the past five to six years, I have consistently raised awareness about the threats posed by these criminal elements to the safety and prosperity of Nigeria, particularly in the North. Unfortunately, much of this advocacy seems to have fallen on deaf ears as banditry continues to ravage communities. Nonetheless, I feel compelled to discuss the issue, especially to analyse the confusion and misinformation that Turji’s statements have caused.

Let it be clear that Turji’s claims are false, and the military has the responsibility of taming him. No evidence supportsthe insinuation that General Christopher Musa is associated with Turji or any criminal network. General Musa has been instrumental in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, including taking decisive action against high-profile criminals like Turji.

Since being appointed CDS, General Christopher Musa has demonstrated endless commitment to restoring peace and order in Nigeria. He has led several strategic military operations aimed at dismantling the networks of bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers that have terrorised communities across the country, especially in the Northwest. One of the most significant achievements under his leadership was the recent elimination of Halilu Sububu, a key figure in the banditry networks terrorising Zamfara and surrounding areas. Sububu’s death dealt a major blow to these criminal gangs, sending shockwaves through their ranks.

It is no coincidence that Turji, now cornered by relentless military pressure, has resorted to making baseless accusations against the institution that has been dismantling his operations. His statement is nothing more than a desperate attempt to divert attention from the military’s successes in combating his criminal activities. Turji, like other criminals of his kind, understands the power of propaganda and is trying to manipulate public perception by targeting prominent figures like General Musa.

Furthermore, Turji’s threats against notable voices such as Bulama Bukarti, Musa Asada, and Bello Yabo, three fearless advocates who have stood against his reign of terror, reflect his growing desperation. These individuals, alongside many others, have been instrumental in raising awareness about the accurate scale of banditry and advocating for more decisive government action to protect communities. Turji’s frustrations with these figures only further reveal the pressure he is under from public opinion and military action.

Despite these military gains, it is essential to recognise that Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the North, require more than just military action. The complexity of the insecurity crisis demands a comprehensive approach that includes social, economic, and political dimensions. The government must continue to invest in addressing the root causes of banditry, which include poverty, lack of education, and underdevelopment in many rural areas.

For the people of the Northwest, the situation has become unbearable. Many can no longer farm their lands, as bandits have taken control of vast territories, instilling fear in local communities. Despite having fertile land, farmers cannot plant crops because of the constant threat of violence. The government must prioritise providing immediate relief to these communities, ensuring they are protected and given the necessary resources to rebuild their lives.

In addition, efforts must be made to strengthen local intelligence networks, improve border security, and ensure that arms do not flow freely into the hands of bandits. Collaboration with neighbouring countries, particularly Niger and Chad, is crucial to stop the transnational flow of weapons and fighters. The government should also foster stronger partnerships with local vigilante groups, civil society organisations, and community leaders who have an intimate understanding of the terrain and the dynamics of banditry.

Nigerians must approach security issues with a balanced and informed perspective. We must avoid being swayed by the propaganda of criminals like Bello Turji, whose only objective is to sow discord and confusion. Rather than focusing on baseless accusations, we should channel our energy into supporting efforts to restore peace and security in affected regions.

General Christopher Musa and the entire military deserve our support as they continue to risk their lives to protect our nation. Their task is enormous, and while there may be challenges along the way, there is no doubt that significant progress is being made. The military’s recent successes, such as the killing of Halilu Sububu, prove that with the right strategy, it is possible to turn the tide against insecurity.

Bello Turji’s recent comments are nothing more than the desperate outbursts of a criminal whose days are numbered. His attempts to drag General Christopher Musa and other figures into his web of lies should be seen as a distraction. Under General Musa’s leadership, the Nigerian military has made notable strides in combating banditry and terrorism, and we must continue to support their efforts.

At the same time, we must recognise the urgency of the situation in the Northwest and other affected regions. A holistic approach that addresses both the security and developmental needs of these communities is essential for lasting peace. Only through a combination of military action, community engagement, and sustained government investment can we finally put an end to the scourge of banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping in Nigeria.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.