Lifestyle

By Saifullahi Attahir Wurno

I had the privilege of working in a private firm during a long break from medical school. It’s like a dream, being versatile and getting the opportunity to work as a marketing officer instead of holding a scalpel and stethoscope. It would allow me to enhance my communication skills and human relations, increase my networking, and learn to be more responsible and accountable.  

Indeed, it’s teaching me how to be more assertive and aggressive, unlike my initial shy character. I had to learn to sell my product, pressure people to pay me back, and say no to fraudulent transactions. Indeed, I am learning that there is a larger world outside of the hospital.

I had a firsthand experience of the reason why the ‘major’ Northern Nigerian tribes lag in terms of competitiveness in business, science, athletics, and education compared to our Southern counterparts and even the ‘minority’ tribes from the North. This is a sad reality and a bitter truth. I stand humbly to be corrected if my statement is far from fact.

I began this work not more than three months ago, but their level of humility and respect toward the bosses was something I had never seen. These people always greet their boss with respect. They respect their colleagues at work irrespective of their level. They attend to customers with courtesy and gentility. 

They have this attitude of taking their job seriously no matter how meagre their pay is. I have never heard any of them complaining about their pay despite having heard of numerous complaints from ‘my people’. Although I tried to arrive at the office at least 3 minutes before 8 a.m., thanks to my medical professional training, those people always arrived 15-20 minutes earlier. I observed this from the attendance record in front of the Security man.

This story was about our security man from the South-East. I used to see him working in the hospital where I lived (since I reside in the medical students’ hostel). He used to work with a private security company in Dutse, Jigawa State, working a shift daily between 8 pm and 5 am. I have known about this man for the past year. 

Surprisingly, we met in this company, too, working between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. When I enquired more about him, I discovered he was even managing a small trader kiosk in front of his house with his wife. The most astonishing part was that this same person has a National Diploma (ND) in Public Administration and is currently doing his part-time HND at Jigawa Polytechnic during the weekend studying Criminology.

It’s hard to instil this attitude of resilience in our people, who have families to feed while juggling two lowly-paying jobs that take up most of their daily lives and are also studying for personal development.

There was this teenage girl who was also of the same South-eastern origin. She was just out of secondary school. She was the company cleaner and one of the lowly paid staff. But this Lady took her job with every seriousness, coming out daily earlier before all others arrived, sweeping and cleaning the environment neatly, and even using pleasant deodorants. She would not disappear after all this but remain in the office until 2 pm if something arises.

This young lady preferred to come out every morning and do a lowly paying, menial job of cleaning the toilet and mopping floors to be paid ₦30,000 monthly to help her parents financially and felt proud of her achievement instead of sitting down at her mother’s room all day, wasting time of social media.

The spirit of humility and looking after one another was mind-blowing and pathetic whenever I remember ‘my people’ who constantly brag about good culture and religion. There was a time when this young cleaner was sick, and all the staff arrived one morning ready for work. So, we realised she was ill and, thus, absent. We were in this dilemma of what to do; what I saw next was astonishing: there was a group of about five young and classic ladies, all of whom were graduates of the university and among those highly paid in the office. 

Without delay, these ladies volunteer to bring out all the cleaning equipment and do the job wonderfully. Without telling, this thing happened in front of about three of the same young ladies from ‘my people’ despite being Diploma holders and one with even a secondary school certificate.

During my stay, I observed that these people were not very involved in office politics, gossiping and abusing bosses. They were not in the habit of making silly excuses just to move around. I have never observed anyone attempting to involve himself in any fraudulent act to cheat a customer or act against the established rules of company ethics.

From this alone, I have come to draw the answers to why most of the reputable private investment in this country is dominated by ‘those’ people. I have discovered why they dominate our banks, the FinTech, and most prominent organisations. I have seen the reason why they dominate our science and technology establishments. I have seen why they even dominate our athletes and sports sector.

The answer is relatively straight. It is simply character and nothing else. It is about our character, perception of life, and attitudes. It is all about their attitude of resilience, respect, humility, gratitude, and discipline.  Let’s learn and not use excuses or blame games.

Saifullahi Attahir Wurno wrote via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com

By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

When planning to conceive, couples should often focus on what they eat. Although choosing foods based on mood or preference is common, certain dietary considerations become essential when aiming to have a baby.

Doctors frequently recommend specific foods and advise against others to ensure both the mother’s and baby’s health, reducing the risk of complications or miscarriage.

Fertility refers to the ability of couples to conceive. For those trying to have a child, adjusting the diet is crucial in preparing the body for pregnancy. Research suggests that diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and fish can significantly improve fertility, particularly in women.

Moreover, these foods can contribute to a healthy start in pregnancy, which is why doctors generally recommend maintaining a nutritious diet during this period.

Conceiving a baby can take time. While 30% of couples get pregnant in the first month of trying, some may still be trying after a year. Although no diet can resolve underlying medical issues affecting fertility, certain foods can support the reproductive system better than others.

These foods are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that enhance ovulation or improve sperm quality and quantity. Since infertility issues can equally involve male partners, it’s advisable for both partners to adopt a fertility-friendly diet.

Protein-Rich Foods: Lean meats like chicken, turkey, pork, and beef (trimmed of excess fat) are excellent sources of protein, zinc, and iron—vital nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, cold-water fish such as salmon, canned light tuna, and sardines are rich in DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, which support the development of the baby’s nervous system and reduce the risk of premature birth.

Fish can be included in a fertility diet a few times a week without worrying about mercury levels. However, it is best to avoid fish known for higher mercury content, such as shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel.

Fertility-Boosting Foods: While no specific food guarantees pregnancy, ensuring a healthy diet can support fertility. Below are some foods that are beneficial:

– Fruits and Vegetables: Packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants, these are a staple for a fertility-friendly diet.

– Healthy Fats: Incorporating fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil can improve fertility.

– Complex Carbs: Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread help maintain steady blood sugar levels, which is crucial for reproductive health.

– Eggs: A potent source of protein and choline, eggs are essential for brain development in babies and should be included in a fertility diet.

– Plant Proteins: Beans, nuts, seeds, and tofu are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats. Studies have shown that plant-based proteins can reduce the risk of ovulatory disorders, especially when they make up 5% of your total calorie intake.

– Dairy: Full-fat dairy products like whole milk and yogurt are linked to higher fertility rates, while low-fat dairy options have been associated with an increased risk of ovulatory infertility.

– Walnuts: These nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, which support brain development and reduce the risk of neurologic problems in the baby.

Lifestyle Factors for Fertility 

– Physical Activity: Regular exercise is beneficial for both male and female fertility, especially for those dealing with obesity. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable types of exercise.

– Stress Management: Trying to conceive can be stressful, and stress can affect menstrual cycles and fertility. It may be helpful to talk with a mental health professional if stress or anxiety about conceiving is overwhelming.

Foods to Avoid: A healthy fertility diet isn’t just about what you eat; it’s also about what you avoid. Here are some foods that might negatively impact fertility:

– Added Sugar: Found in sugary beverages, baked goods, and ultra-processed carbs, added sugars can disrupt hormonal balance.

– Red and Processed Meats: These meats, especially those high in saturated fats, can adversely affect fertility.

– Caffeine: Excessive caffeine intake has been linked to fertility issues.

– Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can reduce fertility and should be limited or avoided when trying to conceive.

Incorporating fertility-boosting foods into your diet is a delicious and effective way to support reproductive health and increase your chances of conception. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, and whole grains, couples can create a strong foundation for a healthy pregnancy.

Additionally, staying hydrated, limiting processed foods, and managing stress can contribute to a fertility-friendly lifestyle. While no single food or diet can guarantee pregnancy, making informed dietary choices is a powerful tool in your reproductive journey. Nourish your body, nourish your fertility, and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!

By Hassan Abdulkadir

The Fulani are traditionally a nomadic, pastoralist trading people across the dry hinterlands of their domain. They are the largest nomadic ethnic group in the world, inhabiting several territories over an area larger than the continental United States.

The Fulani follow a code of behaviour known as “PULAAKU,” which encompasses patience, self-control, discipline, prudence, modesty, respect for others (including foes), wisdom, foresight, personal responsibility, hospitality, courage, and hard work.

It wouldn’t be fair to judge an entire faith, religion, or tribe by the actions of a few aberrant individuals. It is more just to evaluate them based on the scriptures and teachings of the faith or the traditions and conventions of the tribe. 

History has shown that some of the greatest massacres committed on this planet were by individuals like Adolf Hitler, a European Jewish Christian. However, his actions were never equated with his religion or tribe. 

Similarly, Benito Mussolini and Menachem Begin, who were responsible for numerous atrocities, were not judged by their faith or tribe. Yet, when a single Fulani or Muslim individual commits an act of terrorism, the entire religion (Islam) or tribe (Fulani) is unjustly blamed.

Moreover, the most infuriating aspect of this situation is that many of these individuals are brainwashed and used by heartless people who are not Fulani. For example, videos circulating online vividly demonstrate this is true. In one instance, an arrested Fulani man explains how much the masterminds paid him after abducting someone. 

The amount given to the Fulani men is not even a quarter of the ransom collected, yet they are still blamed. It’s important to note that some of them are forced into this due to intimidation and life threats by the gangsters. These masterminds exploit the Fulani and Bedouins because they know the bush well. 

For God’s sake, as educated, wise, and prudent individuals, how can anyone believe that the people they consider inept could successfully carry out such complex operations without being caught? They can’t even perfectly operate phones. This is unfair. Such acts require logic, strategies, and prudence. However, due to biased perspectives, Nigerians are generalising the entire tribe instead of targeting the deceived and manipulated individuals among them.

Candidly, the truth must be trumpeted. When our southern brothers say “Hausa-Fulani,” they’re not referring to the tribe but to a Muslim or Northerner, whom they consider terrorists, bandits, and so on. Meanwhile, in some parts of the southern region of this country, there are places where humans are slaughtered like animals. Generalising the Fulani as bandits and terrorists is truly unfair and unjust.

All the calamities this country, especially the North, has been facing—such as insecurity, insurgency, banditry, terrorism, and critical hardship—are not due to the Fulani people but are the result of politics, business, and the selfishness of our unpatriotic and tyrannical politicians.

I urge the youth to be patriotic, equip themselves with adequate and pure knowledge, and engage in politics. The rich also have a crucial role to play by sponsoring these energetic youths in politics for the betterment of our country and for the coming generations to flourish.

May Nigeria prosper and thrive, amin.

Hassan Abdulkadir wrote via hassanabdulqadeerabubakar@gmail.com.

By Mujahid Nasir Hussain

Gashua, a local government area in Yobe state, Nigeria, is facing a distressing public health crisis. An alarming increase in the number of individuals succumbing to kidney diseases is being reported, yet the underlying cause remains unidentified. 

The kidneys are essential organs located in the retroperitoneal part of the body. These bean-shaped organs perform several crucial functions, including blood filtration, blood pressure regulation, electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, blood calcium regulation, and many more. However, when they become impaired, those vital functions are compromised, leading to severe and devastating deterioration and complications.

The rising number of deaths linked to kidney diseases in Gashua is a cause for serious concern. It is impossible to implement effective interventions without identifying the underlying cause, whether environmental, genetic, or related to lifestyle factors. 

The Yobe state government must prioritise an investigation into the root causes of these kidney diseases to find an end to the problem. Public health agencies, researchers, and medical experts should be mobilised to conduct thorough epidemiological studies and screenings to identify potential risk factors. 

In addition, there is also a need to take proactive measures through:

• Raising Awareness:  Educating the community about kidney health, risk factors, and early symptoms of kidney disease to encourage timely medical consultation.
• Enhancing Healthcare Facilities: Improving access to quality healthcare services, including dialysis centres and nephrology specialists, to manage and treat kidney diseases effectively.
• Providing Clean Water: Ensuring the availability of clean drinking water is essential, as contaminated water is a known risk factor for kidney damage. 
• Encouraging Lifestyle Changes: Promoting healthy dietary practices and regular medical check-ups to prevent kidney-related diseases.

Mujahid Nasir Hussain studies at Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria and writes via mujahidhnasir@gmail.com.

By Fatima Musa Yakubu

Family is often called the best gift of life, a place of love and care. Living with family should feel like a blessing, even when some members are so strict.

Parents, even when they are tough, love their children and want the best for their future. As the 12th child in a family of eighteen, I was surrounded by my brothers and sisters. We laughed, played, argued and shared meals together. It was very cheerful and happy moments which I didn’t fully value and appreciate—until I when lost it.

Everything changed when my aunt’s husband died. In Islam, a widow must stay inside her home for 4 months and 10 days, only leaving for exceptionally important excuses. Since my aunt had no children, my grandmother decided I should stay with her to keep her company. I was excited at first, imagining that I would be treated with kindness and have meals all to myself. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

One Saturday morning, after prayers, I wasn’t feeling well and decided to rest. Suddenly, a sharp slap landed on my face. My aunt, angry for reasons I didn’t know or understand, dragged me out of the bed and beat me badly. Then, she told me my new daily tasks: fetching water from a faraway well, washing dishes, clothes and her car, and sweeping the compound—all before 10am. I was only ten years old then.

According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), more than 15 million children in Nigeria are forced into child labor. Many of these children, like me, are treated unfairly in their own homes by relatives. Instead of going to school, we do heavy chores and endure painful experiences. I was taken out of school for years and suffered in silence.

I wanted to tell my parents about my aunt’s behavior, but I was too afraid. She threatened me, and I feared what she would do if I spoke up. When I made her angry, she beat me with a copper wire, hit my head against the wall or dragged me across the floor. Sadly, this kind of abuses happen to many children living with relatives.

A UNICEF report says that nearly 60% of children in Nigeria who live with extended family face some kind of abuse, often hidden as “discipline.”

Life with my aunt wasn’t just about hard work—it was lonely. I felt isolated and scared all the time. Meanwhile, I watched other children in my neighborhood, also living with relatives, being treated like with kindness of a family. One girl, who I thought was living with her parents, was actually staying with her guardians. They treated her like a queen, sending her to the best school and giving her everything she needed. It was painful to see such a difference.

My suffering ended when I turned fifteen. My aunt, who had treated me like a servant, passed away after falling sick with typhoid. Even7though she hurt me, I felt sad when she died. Over time, I learned to forgive her. As Maya Angelou once said, “We often forgive those who have wronged us, not for their sake, but for our own peace.” This has been true for me.

Today, I am grateful to be alive and well. I am happily married, with two children, and I have returned to school to continue my studies. Looking back, I realize that after every hardship, relief eventually comes. My story is just one example of many.

In Nigeria, more than 7 million children live with extended family due to poverty, loss of parents, or other reasons. Many of them suffer, just like I did. Unfortunately, their stories often remain unheard. According to Human Rights Watch, abuse of children living with relatives is a big problem that needs more attention.

I am sharing my story to let others know that this issue is real and must be addressed. Children who live with relatives deserve the same love and care that their own parents would give them. The Nigerian government and organizations fighting for children’s rights must do more to protect these vulnerable children. Laws against child abuse need to be enforced, so no child has to suffer in silence like me.

To my readers, remember this: after every storm, there is calm. If you are going through a tough time, hold on, relief will come. And for those who can help, we must speak up for children who cannot defend themselves. Every child deserves a life without fear.

Fatima Musa Yakubu writes from the Department of Mass communication,
Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

Recently, I found myself in the heart of Abuja—a bustling city surrounded by the everyday hustle and bustle of urban life. The streets were alive with activities—commercial drivers calling out for passengers, pedestrians hurrying to their destinations, and the overall pace of the city reflecting the urgency of modern life.

Though an intern, I was there with some female staff writers of Economic Confidential, a tabloid published by Image Merchants Promotion (IMPR) Limited. This, however, was not for leisure or sightseeing but for an official assignment—to shoot an episode of ‘Economy on the Streets’ for the Economic Confidential’s YouTube channel. Yet, what caught my attention was something that went beyond the task at hand, revealing a deeper issue about women’s involvement in public discourse.

As a budding communicator, this ‘field trip’ was more than just an opportunity to write news stories, features, or opinion pieces. It was a chance to extend my skills beyond the written word, to engage directly with the public through a street interview—what we call a vox pop—to gauge Nigerians’ thoughts on the contentious issue of the reintroduction of fuel subsidies.

It was also a chance to experience the realities of journalism beyond the confines of a newsroom. To my surprise, I noticed that most of the respondents were men. Conversely, women seemed reluctant to lend their voices or share their opinions on the matter.

At first, I rationalised that perhaps the women were in a hurry, given that it was a weekday. I thought they might not have a few minutes to discuss Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges as more important tasks were awaiting them.

However, as the seconds, minutes, and hours ticked by and the number of women who declined to participate grew, it became clear that they did not want to discuss our nation’s challenges.

This realisation took me back to last year when I was on my Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) with News Digest, an online media platform. I was invited as a guest on WE FM (106.3), a radio station in Abuja, to discuss “Women Participation in Politics.”

During that discussion, I argued passionately that there were insufficient opportunities for women to engage in politics, and I stood firmly by my belief. Yet, a year later, my experience during the street interviews has led me to question this stance. The opportunities, it seems, are indeed out there.

On the streets, even though these women were not holding political office themselves, they had the chance to contribute to public discourse. Yet, they chose not to. This realisation troubles me because it raises questions about women’s participation in public life—whether in political offices or the organised private sector.

We frequently hear discussions about gender equality, inclusivity, roles, and the presence of women in positions of power. However, when we look deeper, we might find that men are not the primary reason women like myself remain on the periphery of public discourse or power.

As women, we may contribute to our marginalisation by refusing to seize opportunities, even when they are right before us. This brings me to a few questions we should all consider: Are women not given opportunities because men seek to dominate?

Are women holding themselves back because society expects them to remain confined to domestic roles? Are we, as women, making efforts to break free from these constraints? Or are we simply holding ourselves back?

While I leave these questions for you to ponder, I want to call on women to recognise that opportunities exist to showcase our capabilities, our capacity to deliver, and much more. We should strive to reach our goals based on what we have to offer.

But we must start somewhere, even if it’s as simple as participating in a street interview. Your voice is vital to society’s prosperity. No matter how insignificant you may think your contribution is, your participation in various aspects of society, community, and the nation at large matters more than you realise. Your voice truly matters.

Rabi Ummi Umar is a student of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. She can be reached at rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Muntari Umar

The word personal describes someone’s own possession alone—something that belongs to someone and has power over it. Development refers to sequential and evolving changes over some time. It is a gradual and eventual transformation in the state of a particular thing.

Personal development is a series of positive changes ascribed to an individual over time. It is an accomplishment that someone gets over some time due to discipline, patience, dedication, and training. Personal development is beneficial to its owner, including sometimes to the people living around him.It causes happiness and satisfaction.

Therefore, personal development is very important. Every sensible individual should have a target personal development that he will focus on realising. Becoming busy on various aspects of the topic will make one serious and bring public respect, awe, support from the likes, comfort, and other good feelings.

Personal development is a must for people, particularly youths in their twenties and thirties.

Some of its examples include both soft and hard skills. Soft skills such as the ability to communicate very well verbally and in writing, the ability to solve complex problems resulting in wonderful outcomes (creative and proactive), the ability to control one’s emotions, the ability to learn new things quickly (smartness), ability to detect changes around one’s environment and respond accordingly, and ability to operate computers. All these are things that are learned over a while.

Hard skills include carpentry, tailoring, phone and computer repair, fridge fixing, shoe making, welding, painting and wiring houses, building, and vehicle repair, among others. These, too, are learned with time. The two classes of skills generate money for their respective experts.

The paragraphs above show the extreme importance of the day’s business because they are sources of income. Every individual needs money to survive. We all need food, shelter, clothes, medication during sickness, and education from qualitative sources.

Fortunately, money is required to possess all these things, and wonderfully, money comes from a particular ability developed over time. Because as long as you are good at something when the issue of that thing arises, you must be needed and finally be paid.

Money will also boost your immune system and give you much freedom of speech, power, and influence.

These opportunities are almost everywhere. They are easily identified. You need to feed yourself with the passion of your interesting personal development. Befriend its experts. Show them your interest. Respect and be obedient to them.You will gradually, but with patience, dedication, resilience, discipline, and practice, learn and start making money, thereby transforming your life.

Failure to have any personal ability will cause people to look down on an individual, disrespect him, and consider himlazy and useless to his life and his society. People will withdraw from a person who lacks any ability and shows no interest in any matter of development.

With this, I call on all of my fellow youths who lack any skills to embrace learning any available skill they can access. I urge you to become alert and sensitive to the chances of transforming lives. Remember, seeing is with the eyes, while vision is with the mind. Good things will locate you if you think positively.

“Whoever fails to learn learns to fail.” — Anonymous.

Muntari Umar wrote via muntariu94@gmail.com.

By Garba Sidi

Various research studies have confirmed that there are 10,721 bird species in the world (Wikipedia, 2022; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 2022; IOC World Bird List, 2022). Although some species have become extinct due to various factors, new species continue to emerge.

As an avid reader, bird enthusiast, and forest lover, I am amazed by the beautiful colours of different bird species as they fly around their territory and eat nectar, insects, and small mammals in the forest. Observing them in their habitats allows us to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Among the 10,721 bird species, the Cuckoo comprises 140 species, all living in different habitats in various regions. The fascinating behaviour of Cuckoos, which captures the attention of bird enthusiasts and researchers, is their unique reproductive process. 

Unlike other birds, which lay and hatch their eggs in their nests, Cuckoos lay their eggs in other birds’ nests after careful observation and selection. They sometimes remove other birds’ eggs from the nest and replace them with their own. The host bird will then hatch the egg and feed the chick until it grows.

This remarkable strategy teaches us about the importance of community members. If not for other birds, the Cuckoo species would not survive. This highlights that people in our society have advantages we may not know will help us someday. For instance, just as Cuckoos rely on host birds for survival, we may find unexpected support from others in our community during challenging times.

Secondly, Cuckoos use the break time of other birds during hatching as an opportunity to exchange their eggs. They watch and observe bird movement, nest structure, and surroundings for many hours. Although their efforts may sometimes go in vain when host birds recognise and remove their eggs, Cuckoos continue their strategic process due to their belief in opportunism. This teaches us to seize opportunities and persevere, just like Cuckoos continue to evolve their species.

Furthermore, Cuckoos’ adaptability is remarkable. They have been observed laying eggs in the nests of over 100 different host species, from tiny warblers to large gulls. This adaptability is crucial to their survival, enabling them to thrive in diverse environments.

Thirdly, Cuckoos have adapted to various environments, from extreme heat to cold, by forcing themselves to adjust. Their ability to live in diverse habitats, such as grasslands, wetlands, forests, and urban areas, teaches us to cope with different situations through patience. For example, just as Cuckoos can thrive in scorching deserts and freezing tundras, we can learn to overcome challenges through resilience and determination.

Moreover, the Cuckoo’s unique reproductive strategy highlights the importance of cooperation and mutualism in nature. Different species can thrive and survive in a challenging world by working together and relying on each other. This is evident in how Cuckoos rely on host birds for survival and how they have developed unique strategies to ensure the survival of their species.

The Cuckoo’s adaptability and resilience offer valuable lessons for our own lives. As we face the challenges of climate change, economic uncertainty, and social upheaval, we can learn from the Cuckoo’s ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments.

Furthermore, Cuckoo’s unique behaviour and strategies offer insights into the importance of creativity and innovation. We can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals by thinking outside the box and developing new solutions to challenges.

The Cuckoo’s remarkable ability to adapt to different environments and hosts is a testament to their resilience and ability to evolve. This ability to grow is crucial in today’s fast-changing world, where adaptability is critical to survival.

We can also learn valuable lessons about cooperation, mutualism, creativity, and innovation. By embracing the spirit of collaboration and mutualism, we can build more resilient and supportive communities.

As we face the challenges of our lives and our world, we can draw inspiration from the remarkable lives of Cuckoos. By embracing their spirit of adaptability, resilience, and creativity, we can build a more sustainable, compassionate, and vibrant world.

In conclusion, the life of Cuckoo offers valuable lessons about the importance of community, adaptability, and opportunism. Their unique reproductive strategies, adaptability to diverse environments, and persistence in the face of challenges provide insights we can apply to our lives.

By studying the behaviour of Cuckoos, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and our place within it. Their unique characteristics and behaviours inspire us to be more adaptable, resourceful, and compassionate.

The lessons from Cuckoos’ lives become even more relevant as we face the challenges of climate change, habitat destruction, and species extinction. By embracing their spirit of adaptability and resilience, we can work towards a more sustainable future for all.

In the end, the life of Cuckoo teaches us valuable lessons about the importance of community, adaptability, and opportunism. Their unique behaviour and strategies offer insights we can apply to our lives, from the importance of creativity and innovation to the value of resilience and determination.

Garba Sidi wrote via sidihadejia@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

At least ten people, primarily women, children, and the elderly, have died due to a diarrhoea outbreak in Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State. 

The death toll is feared to rise as several hospitalised victims remain in critical condition.

The Adamawa State Commissioner for Health, Mr Felix Tangwami, confirmed the incident to reporters in Yola and provided updates on the situation that began earlier in the week. 

He noted that around 300 individuals have been admitted to Yola Specialist Hospital, with some patients still in critical condition.

“Those with severe cases have been isolated at the hospital’s Infectious Disease Center to receive specialised care,” Tangwami said, adding that efforts are underway to manage the outbreak.

Tangwami emphasised that the government is doing everything possible to control the spread and is following due process in addressing the crisis. 

He mentioned that sample results from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are expected within 24 hours to confirm whether the outbreak is linked to cholera, as some suspect.

The Commissioner urged the public to refrain from speculation and assured that necessary measures are being taken to protect public health.

 By Kasim Isa Muhammad

As I walked into the Potiskum Specialist Hospital in the Potiskum local government area of Yobe State on September 14th, 2024, I was filled with a sense of hope and urgency.

My niece, suffering from sickle cell disease, was in dire need of medical attention. Her condition was worsening by the day, and I knew that timely intervention was crucial. 

But what I witnessed that day was a distressing scene. The waiting area was packed with people, all waiting to see a doctor.

The air was thick with anxiety and frustration, and I could sense the desperation in the eyes of those around me.

The wait was agonisingly long. We spent three consecutive hours waiting for a doctor to arrive, watching as the minutes ticked by at a glacial pace. 

My niece was profusely crying due to the excruciating pain she was enduring, and I felt helpless as I tried to comfort her.

When the doctor finally arrived, the sense of relief was palpable. But as I looked around, I realised that the workload was simply too much for him to handle alone.

The hospital was understaffed, and it showed. Potiskum, as the most populous local government area of Yobe State, deserves better. Its hospital should be equipped to handle the needs of its people, but the lack of enough hospital personnel is a major hindrance. 

As I left the hospital that day, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of frustration and helplessness. But I knew I had to speak out, for the sake of my niece and the countless others who deserve better.

The lack of sufficient health personnel at the hospital has far-reaching consequences. It not only affects the patients but also the doctors and nurses who are overworked and undervalued. 

Governor Mai Mala Buni, we urge you to take immediate action and employ the numerous jobless health workers in our state to cater to the growing population of Potiskum.

It is unacceptable that our hospitals continue to struggle with inadequate staffing despite the abundance of qualified and eager healthcare professionals seeking employment. 

The current staffing crisis is not only detrimental to the well-being of patients but also puts an unbearable burden on the existing healthcare workers.

They are overworked, undervalued, and at risk of burnout, which ultimately affects the quality of care they can provide. By hiring more health workers, Governor Buni, you will not only be addressing the critical staffing shortage but also injecting life into the local economy. 

These new employees will contribute to the state’s economic growth, support their families, and stimulate community development.

Furthermore, employing local health workers will ensure cultural sensitivity and a deeper understanding of the community’s specific needs. They will be better equipped to address the unique health challenges facing Potiskum’s population. 

We implore you, Governor Buni, to seize this opportunity to transform the healthcare landscape of Potiskum. Provide the necessary resources, and watch as our healthcare system flourishes, benefiting generations to come. 

Kasim Isa Muhammad wrote from Potiskum, Yobe State and can be reached via Kasimimuhd1999@gmail.com.