Lifestyle

By Abbas Aliyu Libata 

Every individual possesses a unique talent, a natural gift that often takes time to uncover. For some, it is an early realisation, while for others, like myself, it takes a period of self-reflection and careful observation. 

My journey of discovering my unique talent has been a process of exploration filled with curiosity, self-doubt, and clarity. In the world of tailoring and fashion design, I found my calling, a profession that brings me joy andfuels my creativity.

I remember watching people around me, often amazed by how effortlessly they executed imaginative and creative tasks. Their work, whether art, music, or other forms of expression, seemed to flow naturally as if it were second nature to them. I couldn’t help but wonder: What was my talent? Was I overlooking something? This uncertainty drove me to study myself and observe how I interacted with different activities, hoping to pinpoint what made me feel most alive.

The journey was challenging. I explored various activities, searching for one that resonated with me. Gradually, I realised my attraction to tailoring and fashion design through my appreciation of fabrics and patterns and my vision of new designs. It took time to recognise this as my true talent.

The turning point came when I decided to immerse myself in design fully. While tailoring was my primary profession, designing offered something more—a unique joy. I felt an overwhelming sense of fulfilment whenever I created new designs, sketched ideas, or experimented with fabrics. The joy I experienced wasn’t just about the monetary rewards that came with the profession but also about the creative satisfaction that designing brought. I had found my talent.

According to career coach Laura Garnett, talent discovery often involves a combination of self-awareness and persistence. She explains, “Your talent lies at the intersection of what you enjoy doing and what you do well. Often, it takes time and patience to uncover it because you need to experiment with different activities to see what resonates.” My experience perfectly reflects this. The more I designed, the more I realised that this was something I was good at, bringing me immense happiness.

Research from psychologists like Dr Angela Duckworth suggests that perseverance and passion, what she calls “grit”, are vital to uncovering and developing talent. I can relate to this concept because I had to persist in my search for my unique talent, even when I doubted myself.

Looking back, I see how important it was for me to go through self-discovery. Finding my talent in tailoring and fashion design has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has given me a sense of purpose and fulfilment that I might not have found had I not taken the time to explore, reflect, and experiment. Now, every design I create reflects my joy and passion for my profession, a profession that has allowed me to express my unique talent in ways I never imagined.

I came across a friend who disclosed that he believes unique talent exists in people but has yet to discover his. 

Through this journey, I have realised that discovering one’s unique talent requires patience, observation, and a willingness to embrace the things that bring us joy, even if they aren’t immediately apparent. It was fashion design, a craft that connects my passion and creativity to something I can share with the world.

Self-observation and reflection are among the most important steps in uncovering your talent. Take time to observe how you react to different activities. Notice what excites you, where you lose track of time, or what makes you feel fulfilled. Keeping a journal to record these moments can help reveal patterns and reveal your natural abilities.

Experimenting with different fields is another critical part of the process. Your talent might be in an area you haven’t yet explored. Trying out new hobbies, engaging in unfamiliar projects, or learning a new skill can help you discover interests and strengths you didn’t know you had. Don’t limit yourself to what seems comfortable or traditional; sometimes, talent lies in unexpected places.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of seeking feedback from others. Often, those around you can provide insight into your strengths and talents that you might overlook. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for their perspectives on what you do well, where you shine, or what they think makes you unique. Their observations can offer valuable clues in your self-discovery journey.

It’s also important to follow your passion rather than just chasing money. While financial rewards are essential, true talent often lies in what brings you personal satisfaction. You may not immediately see financial gain from pursuing your passion, but the joy it brings is a crucial indicator of where your unique abilities might be found.

Be prepared to exercise patience and persistence in the process of talent discovery. It is not always an immediate realisation and can take time, especially if you are exploring new fields or refining your skills. Even when you feel stuck, continue pursuing different avenues and allow yourself the time to grow and evolve.

Learning from others is also a valuable strategy. Studying experts in areas that interest you, attending workshops, or reading books by individuals who have mastered their craft can offer insights into how to cultivate your talent. Their experiences and advice can serve as a guide for your journey.

Lastly, once you have an idea of your talent, align it with a career path. When your professional life reflects your passion, you are more likely to feel fulfilled and motivated. Combining your talent with a career can lead to personal and professional success, allowing you to channel your unique abilities into something that brings value to yourself and others.

Abbas Aliyu Libata wrote from the Mass Communication Department at Bayero University, Kano, via elabbas434@gmail.com.

By Rabi Ummi Umar,

Nature bestows unique characteristics upon creatures of all species. One distinctive feature for humans, particularly women, is menstruation, otherwise known as periods. This menstrual cycle often comes with an enormous amount of pain and discomfort. 

Hence, I get aggravated when people, particularly men, downplay or dismiss the pain associated with periods. It has become all too common nowadays, and I often wonder, “What is their thought process behind such disregard?” This disregard is part of what we have come to know as period stigma—the social, cultural, and emotional shame or embarrassment associated with menstruation.

Women typically experience menstruation for two to seven days a month. Still, they also face a range of challenges, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), sadness, menstrual pain, depression, and post-menstrual depression. For these reasons, we deserve sympathy and support.

Menstrual cramps are painful sensations that affect many individuals before and during their menstrual period. The pain typically targets the lower abdomen and lower back. Women often experience additional symptoms, such as loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, and more. Depending on the individual, menstrual cramps may last for at least three days or even longer.

Reports have shown that approximately 5% to 15% of individuals experience period pain so severe that it impacts their daily activities. According to Cleveland Clinic, the figure could be higher due to underreported or unreported cases.

There are instances where I have witnessed men being insensitive towards the pain women experience during their periods. Sometimes, if the situation warrants it, I share my opinion; otherwise, my best option is to watch helplessly or move on.

Women are paradoxically both fragile and incredibly strong creatures, enduring immense physical and emotional challenges every month. This never-ending cycle, which results in the loss of an appreciable amount of blood, makes it particularly hurtful when someone dismisses or undermines the experiences we go through.

A genuine suggestion is that when it is that time of the month for your partner, sister, mother, or loved one, show your support with a thoughtful gesture. Be present for them, even if you cannot fully comprehend their experience. Make them feel seen and cared for. Do your research, take the necessary steps, and understand what works best for them. It makes a bigger difference than you might think.

Recently, there was a heated discussion on X (formerly Twitter) regarding PCOS—polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal disorder that causes enlarged ovaries—that left me stunned. Although I cannot recall the exact comment, it disregarded the severity of the condition and painted women as unhealthy, much like what happens with periods.

One piece of advice from that social media conversation resonated with me: “Review your partner’s Twitter to gain insight into their thoughts before committing to a relationship.” I cannot stress enough how important this advice is. It underscores the need to have people in our lives who will be there for us, especially in matters such as menstruation and PCOS, which are dictated by nature.

Imagine being with someone who does not understand or invalidates your experiences. I urge women to prioritise getting to know their partners well, particularly their emotional intelligence, before committing to a relationship.

Men should also show support during menstruation. Instead of making insensitive comments, they can educate themselves.

Learn about menstrual health and its effects to be a thoughtful brother, husband, father, or friend. Offer emotional support and empathy, help with household chores and errands if needed, and encourage open conversations to end the stigma associated with periods.

By doing so and being more considerate, men can create a more comfortable and supportive environment for women. The world can be kinder to women—we deserve it!

Rabi Ummi Umar is an intern at PRNigeria and a student at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. She can be reached via rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Zainab Haruna Abba

Social media has become an integral part of teenagers’ lives, but its impact on their well-being and mental health is a topic of concern.

Social media allows teenagers to connect with friends and family, share their thoughts and experiences, and access information and resources. It can also provide a platform for self-expression and creativity. Additionally, social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about important issues and promoting social change.

The impact of social media on teenagers can be significant. It’s not just a case of losing sleep and getting distracted during the day; social media can have far-reaching adverse effects on a teen’s mental health.

As the adolescent brain is still developing, it’s more vulnerable to time online. And since teens can sometimes struggle to self-regulate their screen time, their exposure and the risk of harm increases. As a result, teens’ social media use often correlates with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, envy and loneliness.

However, parents can take steps to encourage responsible use of social media and limit its negative effects. Setting reasonable limits on social media use is crucial. Parents should talk to their teens about avoiding interference with important activities such as sleep, meals, or homework. Establishing a bedtime routine that avoids electronic media use and keeping cellphones and tablets out of bedrooms is also essential.

Monitoring teens’ social media accounts regularly is vital. Parents should let their teens know they will check their accounts and follow through. Explaining what’s not okay to share or do online, such as gossiping, spreading rumours, bullying, or damaging someone’s reputation, is also important.

Encouraging face-to-face contact with friends is particularly important for teens who are vulnerable to social anxiety disorder. Parents should talk openly about social media and its potential impact, sharing their experiences and habits and asking teens how they use it and how it makes them feel.

Reminding teens that social media is full of unrealistic images can help mitigate negative effects. Parents can also help protect their teens by setting guidelines and teaching responsible use.

An estimated 4.9 billion people worldwide are expected to use social media in 2023. For teens who grow up with technology, those digital platforms are woven into the fabric of their lives.

“Social media is here to stay,” said Mary Alvord, PhD, a clinical psychologist in Maryland and adjunct professor at George Washington University and a member of the APA panel. That doesn’t mean we have to accept its dangers, however. “Just as we decide when kids are old enough to drive, and we teach them to be good drivers, we can establish guidelines and teach children to use social media safely,” Alvord said.

By Faruk Ak Waziri

I have always enjoyed learning new words, a hobby I developed while reading short stories and classic novels in junior secondary school. To better understand unfamiliar words, I began enriching my vocabulary, leading to a close friendship with the Oxford Dictionary.

Years of checking the dictionary have, apart from broadening the scope of my vocabulary, expedited my conversance with the basis behind the idea of a single word having several usages—a part of English language learning that wasn’t taught to me on a deep scope at school probably because it is deemed ‘advanced’ and therefore only sparsely incorporated into the Nigerian English curriculum for secondary school level. 

But my romantic attachment to the Oxford dictionary at that stage proved vital by equipping me with the knowledge I could have ended up missing, like the majority of my colleagues, because I had discovered therein that explanations regarding why a single word may have different meanings are attributed mainly to how people who lived within a particular period used it in context. This means a word may no longer have the meaning it used to entail a century ago. I found this idea of words evolving to adopt new meanings based on the context to which people living in a certain period apply them. 

My curiosity to learn more about this fascinating word metamorphosis led me to an English term called Etymology. Etymology is the history and study that trace the origin and development of a linguistic form, such as a word, to its earliest recorded usage in the language where it first appeared. Stumbling upon this term felt like putting the final jig in a puzzle. 

I finally learned that a word or term only translates to the meaning people consistently ascribe to it. And if, over time,such a term starts to be forced into use to convey a sense different from its original definition, the prevalent acceptance of this newfound usage gradually integrates into another connotation of the term, often suppressing the predominant standard meaning. 

When this happens, the new meaning of a word is said to have been absorbed into mainstream usage. Sometimes, this shift in meaning results from deliberate distortion by a select group of people. For example, the Hausa word “Aboki”, which traditionally means “friend” in English, has been twisted to carry a derogatory implication in southern parts of this country. 

This change often results from a willingness to accept one’s uninformed intuition about a word rather than its actual meaning. However, in most cases, distortion and bastardisation stem from a lack of understanding of the original meaning. This last point, which is the main purpose of this post, highlights the ongoing misrepresentation of the terms “alpha” and “alpha man” within the Arewa Facebook community as a case study. 

But before that, let’s briefly stroll through the history of what was once the world’s predominant usage. 

Originating from animal social dynamics, ‘Alpha’ is a word associated with the leader in a group of wolves known collectively as a pack. In a pack, the alpha is the fiercest, strongest, and most dominant male wolf. Embodying attributes such as bravery and those described by the aforementioned adjectives makes the alpha the standout leader of the pack. Metaphorically, “alpha” describes a male human possessing characteristics similar to the leader of a pack of wolves. He is referred to as an alpha male when a person excels above his peers, is assertive, and is hardly sentimental.

The term “alpha man” was continuously used to reference positive qualities in a man, such as leadership, charisma, ambition, confidence, decisiveness, and composure, up until the late 20th century, when it started to witness a semantic shift. The once positive connotations of the term began to be twisted to mirror the traits of toxic masculinity. This distortion continued through media portrayals, books, and online platforms, changing the concept into the laughing stock of what it once meant. Over two years, this distorted usage of the term graced the northern Nigeria online media space, especially the Arewa Facebook community, where it has since become a common address among male users who pridefully identify with the tag. 

The average Arewa Facebook alpha man propagates and would even argue that “alphanci”,; the ideal behaviour of an alpha man is a function of how stiff and emotionally closed off he tends to be mainly in his relationship with a loving partner—a wife or girlfriend. An alpha man shouldn’t chase a girl he likes and must never be explicit about his affections. However, as they believe, that must never be the case with the partner—she has to make it obvious her obsession with him, how much she loves and cares for him, because as enshrined in the alpanchi handbook, “man is always the prize”, and so the lady must contend with the burden of making the relationship work by constantly striving to maker her alpha man happy, lest she ends up losing him—her ‘very precious prize’. 

Today, especially within the Arewa Facebook community, the term “Alpha man” is no longer a tag for the confident, ambitious man—it is now a shorthand for someone overly aggressive, controlling, and egotistical. Instead of focusing on qualities like leadership, empathy, and care, the word is now a function of how domineering a man is to his spouse or girlfriend, a measure of how he treats her with dismissive nonchalance. 

In TV shows like The Originals and The Vampire Diaries, we’ve seen how Klaus Mikaelson, a hybrid possessing both the fiery vampire side and the ruthless werewolf gene, makes sacrifices for love. Despite being an alpha, Klaus listens to Camille and follows her guidance. For Caroline, he shows mercy on multiple occasions—something he rarely does.

In Twilight, Jacob Black did everything he could to win Isabella’s heart, embracing his role as an alpha. But now, the so-called “Arewa Facebook alpha man” does everything to the contrary. He treats his partner with disdain, wrapping toxic masculinity in the guise of being an alpha. The concept that was once premised on strength, leadership, and care now twists to an exaggerated caricature of masculinity, where aggression and control are celebrated. 

What is called “alphanci” has become more like masked misogyny. Alphopi or Alphawa, while hiding under the guise of a serious, no-nonsense persona, their actions towards women and even their stance within their circles only reveal a subtler form of suppressed misogyny. 

To the average Arewa Facebook alpha, you’re either an alpha or a simp—that’s the extent of their black-and-white thinking. They push for “alphanci” in a cult-like manner, and disagreeing with them means risking ridicule and condemnation from their ingroup. This behaviour has further mainstreamed the distortion of what was once a positive term. Now, when you hear “alpha,” it’s hard not to associate it with their toxic behaviour, even though most of them don’t even grasp the word’s true meaning. This is the effect of a concept that’s been relentlessly bastardised. Of Arewa Facebook community alpha men and the culture of mainstreamed bastardisation. 

And can be reached via farukakwaziri019@gmail.com or as Faruk Ak Waziri on Facebook.

By Thomas Akoji Amodu 

A crypto airdrop is typically performed by blockchain-based startups to help bootstrap a virtual currency project. Its primary aim is to create awareness about the cryptocurrency project and encourage more people to participate when it becomes available. 

Airdrops are generally communicated through the company’s official channels and cryptocurrency communities. Coins or tokens are sent only to specific wallets based on the blockchain network or coins held in existing wallets. Airdrop coins are generated by continuously tapping the phone screen.

Today, the trending event in Nigeria is crypto airdrops, which have attracted millions of Nigerian youths. This became popular following the successful listing of Notcoin in 2023, which paid miners significantly. Since then, Crypto has been introducing several airdrop projects such as MemeFi, X-Empire, Tapswap, Hamster, Tomarket, cats, Dogs and many more to engage miners. Many Nigerian youths spend more than half a day on these mining platforms daily. When it eventually lists on exchanges, they get nothing compared to the time, energy and subscriptions invested in the airdrop.

This engagement with crypto airdrops by Nigerian youths has caused great concern, as many solely rely on it as a full-time job, while some regard it as an escape route from poverty. Youths are becoming lazier than ever before because of these projects. Students tap their phone screens during lecture time, thereby dividing their attention. Even graduates have embraced airdrop mining over creative thinking and productive undertakings. 

This trend has further questioned the state of the country’s economic and political atmosphere because where there is a stable economy, good living conditions and basic provisions for healthy living, the citizens will shun any form of distraction and focus on more beneficial activities. It is pathetic that most Nigerian youths who resort to airdrop mining are graduates who could not secure a job because of bad governance and corruption in the country. 

On September 26th, 2024, one of the most anticipated airdrops, “Hamster,” was listed, and many Nigerian youths were disappointed by the poor payment. Before the listing of Hamster, some people had priced what to buy, such as vehicles, lands, gadgets, and so on. Unfortunately, Hamster paid below expectations, and many became depressed. The time, energy, and sleepless nights spent just to complete tasks were in vain. 

Despite the poor rewards of these crypto airdrops, Nigerian youths do not seem discouraged from engaging in the projects. This clearly indicates the government’s failure to fulfil social, economic, and political responsibilities. The government should establish more industries, provide loans for small business owners, encourage agriculture, and invest in tech education to refocus youths’ attention on a better future.

Thomas Akoji Amodu writes from the Mass Communication Department at Bayero University, Kano, via amoduthomas@gmail.com.

By: Habibu Maaruf Abdu 

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, coinciding with World Polio Day, UNICEF launched the ‘No More Zero Dose’ immunisation song across Nigeria and other West and Central African countries. 

The Kano state launch took place at Tahir Guest Palace, attended by government officials, Kannywood members, social media influencers, and journalists from Jigawa and Katsina states.

According to Mr. Rahama R.M. Farah, chief of UNICEF’s Kano field office, the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of immunisation, especially for children under five. 

“We have gathered this morning to raise awareness on the importance of Immunization, which remains the most cost-effective intervention to confront vaccine-preventable diseases, especially in children under 5 years of age…”

“Thank you for joining us this morning to launch the Immunization Song aptly entitled, No More Zero Dose!” He added 

The No More Zero Dose song highlights the urgent need to boost immunisation coverage in West and Central Africa, a region with the lowest vaccination rates in the world. This reality has led to multiple outbreaks of preventable diseases such as diphtheria, measles, polio, yellow fever, and cerebrospinal meningitis in the region.

The song features Spyro, Ali Nuhu, other top music stars, and UNICEF Champions from Mali, Chad, Cameroon, and Guinea. 

A media dialogue on immunisation followed the song’s launch. UNICEF Communication specialist Samuel Kaalu then mobilised caregivers for the upcoming immunisation campaign in November, encouraging them to amplify the message.

By Zainab Abubakar Abba

I was only nine years old when my world was shattered into a million pieces. My mom, my guiding light, my haven, left me too soon. The pain was unbearable, the grief overwhelming. I thought I would never survive without her warm embrace and loving smile. Not knowing life had other plans.

Ten years later, fate dealt me another cruel blow. My dad, my rock, my hero, passed away, leaving me alone and adrift in a sea of uncertainty. The loss was like a tsunami, sweeping away everything I thought I knew about love, family, and security. The pain of losing one parent was devastating, but losing both was like being stripped of my very foundation.

Growing up without both parents is a journey of unimaginable pain, struggle, and resilience. I have faced countless challenges, from navigating the complexities of adolescence to finding my place in a world that seemed determined to hold me back. The grief that followed was like a tidal wave, crashing over me with unrelenting force. I felt lost, alone, and scared. Simple tasks became monumental challenges, and everyday moments felt like a survival struggle. 

But as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, I slowly began to find my footing. I realised that my parents may have left me physically, but their love, wisdom, and legacy remained. I held onto the memories we shared, the laughter we enjoyed, and the lessons they taught me.

Amidst the darkness, I have discovered a spark that refuses to be extinguished—a spark of hope, determination, and courage. Ihave learned to cherish my parents’ memories and hold onto their love and legacy like a beacon at night. And I haven’t been alone in this journey. 

My siblings have been my lifeline, my support system, and my everything. Having supportive siblings has made all the difference in my journey. They have been my parents in every sense of the word, providing love, care, and encouragement when I needed it most.

Losing both parents at a young age has been the most challenging experience of my life, but it has also been a transformative journey. I have learned to cherish every moment, to never take love or life for granted, and to find strength amid vulnerability.

If you are walking a similar path, know you are not alone. Your pain is valid, your grief is real, and your resilience is remarkable. Hold onto the memories, lean on others, and find ways to honour your loved ones. 

And if you are fortunate enough to have supportive siblings, cherish them, appreciate them, and lean on them when the future seems uncertain. You are stronger than you think and will rise wiser and more compassionate than ever.

Zainab Abubakar Abba wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano.

By Uzair Adam

Adam Malam Umar Faruk, the former Deputy Director at the School of General Studies (SGS) and the first Head of Department (HOD) of the Mass Communication Department at Kano State Polytechnic, has died.

The Daily Reality reports that Malam Umar Faruk passed away today, Wednesday, after a brief illness.

According to his colleague, H. Kawu, Faruk’s sudden demise was deeply saddening, noting that his WhatsApp status remains active.

Kawu shared, “Even yesterday, he called me. Unfortunately, I wasn’t near my phone. Then, all of a sudden today, I heard of his death.”

According to his relatives, the Janaza (funeral prayer) will take place at 4:00 p.m. at his residence located in Saban Titi, Mandawari, near Abu Hanifa Academy.

The late Umar Faruk, who was the pioneer HOD of the programme in 2011, played a significant role in shaping the Mass Communication Department during its early years.

His contributions, many believe, to the polytechnic will be remembered by colleagues and students alik

By Aminat Adebesin Adebisi 

Nigeria, known for its vibrant culture and resilient people, is grappling with a pressing concern: mental health issues. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse affect millions, particularly the youth. Despite alarming statistics, the topic remains shrouded in stigma and silence.

Personal Experience

I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of mental health stigma. A close friend struggled with depression for months, hiding her pain behind a mask of smiles. For her, seeking help felt like a sign of weakness, and she wasn’t ready to open up. As I watched the twinkle in her eye fade, I wondered how I could have helped her escape the darkness.

Alarming Statistics

According to a 2019 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with 1 in 5 Nigerians suffering from mental health disorders. The National Mental Health Survey (2018) reveals that 22% of Nigerians experience depression, while 30% struggle with anxiety.

Barriers to Seeking Help

Limited awareness, stigma, and entrenched cultural beliefs hinder individuals from seeking help. In Nigeria, voicing mental health concerns can lead to gossip, judgment, or even rejection. This silence forces many to suffer in isolation.

Breaking the Silence

To combat the rising rates of depression, we must take the following steps:

• Establish Support Groups: Create social support networks with trusted, informed individuals to encourage open conversations.
• Raise Awareness: Leverage organisations like the Nigerian Mental Health Association, the Federal Ministry of Health, and media outlets to promote understanding of mental health issues.
• Integrate Education: Incorporate mental health education into school curricula to empower students and reduce stigma from a young age.
• Engage Community Leaders: Collaborate with community leaders and influencers to promote discussions around mental health.
• Improve Accessibility: Develop affordable and accessible mental health services to ensure that help is within reach for everyone.

Together, we can create a Nigeria where mental health discussions are embraced with empathy rather than met with stigma. By breaking the silence, we can offer support and hope to those affected, fostering a healthier, more understanding society.

Aminat Adebesin wrote via adebesinaminat2018@gmail.com.

By Umar Fatima Shehu

The weather and environment have hindered people’s health due to rapid rainfall, dam overflow, bushy environment, and unclean water.

According to the Reliefweb report, some states in the northern part of Nigeria have been experiencing continuous rainfall, which has caused drainage blockages, floods, crop loss, and soil erosion in states such as Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Jigawa.

KANO

Obstruction of drainages, a bushy environment, and unclean water are affecting the people’s health in Kano, as there are few drainage provisions. 

At Bayero University Kano, this closure has affected the flow of waste products from the hostel latrines. The male hostels (Aliko Dangote, El-El-Kamis) and some of the female hostels are affected by this issue, which is not harmful to the health of the students residing and passing along the building.

Due to unknown circumstances, the management of the university has not been providing sufficient water to the hostels, leading to students fetching water from unclean sources such as rainwater from the rooftop of the hostel building, broken pipes surrounded by stagnant water, etc.

The closure of drainages and bushy environment has led to too much stagnant water around the university. This water helps to generate more mosquitoes and reptiles. The high rate of students visiting the school clinically is evidence of a lack of environmental hygiene. Several students have been diagnosed with malaria, fever, typhoid, cough, etc.

BORNO

The ancient city of Borno, Maiduguri, was flooded due to the overflow of the Alau Dam in Konduga. This led to home loss, missing relatives, and destruction of amenities, including health facilities.

According to a report by the Nigeria Health Watch, over 400,000 people are displaced. The state is at a high risk of infectious disease outbreaks because of camp crowdness, lack of clean drinking water, unhygienic conditions, shortage of health facilities, etc.

According to Chachu Tadicha, deputy director of program operations/humanitarian at Save the Children,” the flood has posed a serious risk to food security because crops in the field have been severely damaged. With this, there will be an increasing rate of malnutrition.”

The flood has contaminated the environment with specks of dirt from the disposals and drainages, which has caused stagnant water to serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare stated, “Chlorine tablets, anti-malaria treatment, bednet, etc., are being sent from other states to Maiduguri to address the potential increase in malaria cases.”

WAKE UP CALL

Dams and riverbank overflow caused most flood incidents. The Federal and State governments should work to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents again in the country by ensuring the appropriate use of signed bills for their purpose.