Lifestyle

By Sa’adatu Aliyu

After many years, I’m regaining confidence and enthusiasm for writing. I’m rediscovering my passion for writing about international politics and exploring social issues. I’m also relearning to recognise the value of my voice, which was silenced by a relationship that eroded my self-esteem and stole my confidence.

During this time, I developed a crippling writing paralysis. I stopped writing four years ago due to the negative feedback from people I respected, who made me feel small and unworthy for holding unconventional views.

Among other things, I questioned the prevalent notion that Self-love/Self-care is a wholesome psychological practice essential for a progressive society. I’ve been sceptical, as this idea profoundly focuses on the self, and I refused to be swayed by ostracism or criticism for holding this view. Instead, I dug deeper, unwilling to be uprooted from my stance, not because it was comfortable, but because I believed, to a large extent, that the concept of self-love/self-care, or whatever name it’s given, is fundamentally flawed.

Over the past six years or so, it’s become common to scroll through social media and come across numerous ads, write-ups in the form of poetry, self-help books, blog posts and tweets promoting the idea that people should prioritise their own needs above others, essentially encouraging selfishness. While this concept isn’t harmful when practised in moderation, the self-love movement is being exploited by many today.

Originally intended to bring balance to our fast-paced world, particularly for individuals who find joy in the act of servitude or serving others and often go the extra mile in caring for them (who, in my opinion, should be the primary target of this concept if at all it must be used), self-love has been hijacked by some individuals who use it as an excuse for their irresponsibility, lack of basic manners, and refusal to take responsibility for their egregious behaviour, all under the guise of ‘protecting their mental health’.

This trend has become so pervasive that it’s flooding every media feed and being injected into our books and movies. The idea that we should prioritise our desires above others is promoted as a societal necessity for progress and individual self-satisfaction. However, I strongly disagree. I believe our existence is inherently linked to others—there is no ‘us’ without ‘them’ and no ‘me’ without ‘you’. 

There’s a saying that goes:

“Nothing in nature exists solely for itself. Rivers don’t drink their own water, trees don’t eat their own fruits, and the sun doesn’t shine just for itself. A flower’s fragrance isn’t just for itself. Living for each other is the rule of nature. And to this, I firmly subscribe. 

When I first encountered this campaign to normalise selfishness to achieve happiness and fulfilment, I found it strange, as it contradicted my values. Initially, I didn’t think much of it, but later, I realised the severity of its implications. While many agree that self-love is the key to growth and a happy, fulfilling life, I believe this idea is not only counterproductive but also leads us down a destructive path. And I’d like to explain why.

Allah says, ‘Nothing satisfies the son of Adam except dust.’ This verse highlights humans’ inherently selfish and sometimes greedy nature, suggesting that without the compulsion of religious commands to care for one another through charitable obligations—which can include both monetary and non-monetary assistance—humans would hoard everything for themselves.

Prophet Muhammed  (SAW) also said: feel the pain of the Ummah. The parable of a believer in their love, compassion, and mercy for one another is like a body – when one limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness. Whoever wants to be in Allah’s shade should help their brother in difficulty or waive a loan. (Sunan Ibn Majah 2414, Sahih Hadith according to Albani)

Similarly, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said, “Allah says the people most beloved to Allah are those beneficial to people. And the most beloved deed to Allah is to make a Muslim happy, remove one of his troubles, forgive his debt, or feed his hunger.”

I know it’s easy to get caught up in the trend and challenging to stand alone in a room where everyone shares the same opinion, especially when I hold a vastly different view. However, after facing social anxiety and fear of being the sole dissenting voice, I’m proud to say that I was brave enough to resist the pressure to conform.

From the outset, I recognised capitalism, even when disguised in a radiant and well-packaged costume, as the destructive force it is to our society. Moreover, I believe that the global campaign for Self-love/ self-care has become a conduit for capitalism to spread its influence into our lives, eroding the foundation of the family unit and community. In a recent post by Joan Westernberg, writer of the article, When Does Self-care Become Narcissism? Says: 

“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

“Put your own oxygen mask on first.”

“Self-care isn’t selfish.”

These platitudes have become the mantras of our age, repeated ad nauseam in Instagram posts, motivational posters, and countless self-help books. They sound wise, compassionate, even revolutionary. After all, who could argue against taking care of yourself?

What started as a well-intentioned movement to promote mental health and work-life balance has morphed into something far more insidious — the narcissistic pursuit of the self, a socially acceptable excuse for selfishness, wrapped in the guise of wellness.”

We’ve become so self-absorbed that rendering help to others is seen as too costly to our mental health, even when it won’t harm us. We’re extremely calculative about who we give our time and energy to an unreasonable extent. Recently, someone tweeted, “I can’t be friends with a sickle cell individual because being with them is so draining.” This is what capitalism entails – monetising everything, making us prioritise only what fetches us money in the short or long run while abandoning opportunities to be human.

Capitalism, masked as self-love/self-care, teaches us that caring for others is okay only if it comes with a paycheck. But when we render the same service for free, it’s seen as draining, misplacing our energy, and dishonest. How can one possibly care for others for free?! There must be a hidden motive. Capitalism has reduced us to mere machines, making us robots and labelling any display of humanness as fake just because it doesn’t come with a price tag:

If we must spend time with a friend, the first question is not whether they’re a good person, wise, or make us happy but what monetary value they add to our lives. If none, the relationship isn’t worth having. Capitalism is making us less compassionate under the guise of stoicism and “self-care/self-love.” We’re told we don’t need people; if people need us, they’re weak or too emotional.

Mark you, I’m not condemning psychology as entirely flawed, but I contest the aspect of modern psychology that promotes selfishness as the solution to saving the world. How can increasing selfishness create a better world? Despite my differing beliefs leading to isolation by friends who easily embraced this concept, I’ve always asked for a convincing answer. If I received one, I’d be willing to conform, but I’m reluctant because this idea contradicts my values and the fundamental principle of human creation – sacrifice, not selfishness.

I’ve struggled to reconcile this concept of selfishness with my religion, Islam. Consider the sacrifice of Prophet Jesus (AS), who faced persecution while trying to spread God’s word. Similarly, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was insulted, spat at, and stoned for spreading Islam worldwide.

A notable account is that of Caliph Ali and his wife Fatima, who had only a date to break their fast after enduring long hours of fasting. However, when a beggar cried outside their gate, they gave up their last piece of date fruit despite their hunger. As a result, they received praise and honour from God Almighty. If this isn’t selflessness, I don’t know what is.

Dr A’id al-Qarni’s book You Can Be the Happiest Woman in the World tells the story of a woman who searched for her lost son for years. While waiting for his return, she prayed constantly. However, years passed, and her son never came back.

But one fateful day, the woman had just cut a piece of bread from a loaf when a beggar cried out. Disturbed, she quickly removed the piece from her mouth, reattached it to the loaf, and then handed it over to the beggar. Consequently, God returned her son home to her.

Another account tells of a man travelling to visit his Muslim brother in another city. Along the way, he met an angel who asked about his quest. The man explained that he was visiting his brother, and the angel asked if he owed his brother money or if his brother needed help. The man replied that he was simply visiting his brother out of love. The angel was amazed and told the man that he would be granted heaven for his selfless act.

These anecdotes illustrate selflessness. In contrast, I’ve never heard of anyone in history being praised or immortalised for being selfish, prioritising themselves at the expense of others. Selfishness has been labelled a bad trait in both my religion and historical records of human achievements. 

So, just because selfishness is part of modern psychological teachings doesn’t make it entirely wholesome. Consider how often scientific discoveries, initially hailed as breakthroughs, are later withdrawn from the market due to unforeseen risks to human life. This highlights the importance of reevaluating our values and questioning the promotion of selfishness as a virtue.

As previously stated, this is not to condemn psychology as a whole but rather to encourage self-reflection on the ideas presented to us. We should conclude instead of unquestioningly accepting everything we’re told simply because it’s labelled as “wholesome” or endorsed by a group of people or high-profile individuals like celebrities we admire.

The concept of self-love being marketed to us like Santa Claus may not be what it seems. Perhaps it’s an agenda driven by a group of people seeking to gain trillions of dollars by promoting this ideology, which aims to create a world of divided, isolated individuals on a quest for ultimate happiness. Once they’ve succeeded in cutting people off from non-monetary or transactional relationships with family and friends, they can easily sell their products to those who have bought into this ideology.

In conclusion, let’s note that the idea of Self-love, however glamorous, revolutionary, or empowering it may seem, is like Santa Claus on Christmas night – a tempting treat that can ultimately harm us. Just as too much sugar can harm our bodies, excessive Self-love can damage our relationships and society. Capitalism may appear glossy, offering wealth and material possessions.

Still, it comes at the cost of meaningful relationships, leading to severe loneliness in our societies, as seen in the West and South Korea. As author Leila Aboulela aptly says, “Loneliness is Europe’s malaria.” Thus, individualism has never brought genuine progress to society, only hurt, mass psychosis, and depression. We need a balanced approach that prioritises self-love/self-care and caring for others rather than neglecting others to satisfy our desires, which can lead to greed and narcissism.

So, as an African who rejects the alien idea of Western capitalism and favours communal living, I’ll leave you with this wisdom from Mandela: Ubuntu means that one caters to one’s own needs while striving to meet the needs of others. It’s about balance, not neglect or excess. And I hope that before we wake up to capitalism’s impact, it has not already done irreparable damage to our world.

Sa’adatu Aliyu is a writer from Zaria. She is pursuing an M.A. in Literature at Ahmadu Bello University, where she also works as a lecturer at the Distance Learning Centre. Her writing interests include prose fiction and international politics. She can be reached at Saadatualiyu36@gmail.com.

By Maimunna Katuka Aliyu

Understanding blood types and genotypes is crucial for emergencies, such as blood transfusions during accidents. However, knowing one’s genotype, particularly before marriage, is equally important to avoid having children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

Blood genotypes determine an individual’s blood type, inherited from our parents and remain constant throughout our lives. The four main blood types are A, B, AB, and O, classified based on the presence of antigens in red blood cells. The Rh factor can also be present (Rh-positive) or absent (Rh-negative), further defining blood types.

Blood genotypes play significant roles in the following:
– Blood Transfusions: Ensuring compatibility between donor and recipient blood.
– Pregnancy: Preventing complications like haemolytic disease of the newborn.
– Organ Transplants: Matching donor and recipient blood types for successful transplants.
– Disease Susceptibility: Influencing susceptibility to diseases like sickle cell anaemia.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder affecting haemoglobin production, leading to abnormal red blood cells. These cells become crescent-shaped and rigid, causing a range of health problems. The genotype responsible for SCD is known as HbSS or HbSβthal, resulting from a mutation in the HBB gene.

Individuals with sickle cell disease have two copies of the mutated gene (HbSS), while those with one normal gene and one mutated gene (HbAS) have the sickle cell trait but generally remain healthy. Understanding an individual’s genotype is crucial in determining their risk of developing SCD or passing it to their offspring.

The symptoms of sickle cell disease can vary in severity and include:
– Anemia
– Fatigue
– Shortness of breath
– Pale skin
– Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
– Painful episodes (crises)
– Swelling of hands and feet
– Increased risk of infections

While there is no cure for sickle cell disease, several management options help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications:
– Pain Management: Medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
– Blood Transfusions: Increasing healthy red blood cell levels.
– Hydroxyurea: Reducing the frequency of painful episodes and improving anaemia.

Aisha Mahmud, a sickle cell patient diagnosed at age three, shared her experiences. As she grew older, the frequency of her crises reduced, occurring only once every three months. She regularly visits Primus Hospital in Karu, Abuja, and FMC Azare for checkups. Aisha emphasises that emotional stress often triggers crises, highlighting the importance of therapy over medication. Remarkably, her genotype changed from SS to AC, bringing immense joy to her family.

The challenges faced by sickle cell patients are immense, impacting them physically, psychologically, emotionally, and financially. Crises can occur unpredictably, causing significant distress to patients and their families.

Researchers are continuously exploring new treatment options for sickle cell disease. Some of the latest developments include:

– Hydroxyurea: Reduces pain crises and acute chest syndrome, decreasing the need for blood transfusions.

– Voxelotor: Approved for people age four and older to reduce pain crises and improve anaemia.

– Crizanlizumab: Approved for people age 16 and older to reduce pain crises.

– L-glutamine: Approved for people age five and older to reduce pain crises.

– Bone Marrow Transplant: Can cure some individuals with SCD but requires careful consideration and a suitable donor.

– Gene Therapy: Genes are used to correct the mutations that cause sickle cell disease.

– CRISPR Technology: A gene-editing tool that corrects the mutation causing SCD.

In conclusion, sickle cell disease is a complex and debilitating genetic disorder affecting millions worldwide. While there is no cure, management options help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Ongoing research and new treatment options offer hope for improved treatment and potentially a cure in the future.

Maimunna Katuka Aliyu wrote via munat815@gmail.com.

By Aisha Musa Auyo 

September is globally declared Sickle Cell Awareness Month.  The month is dedicated to raising awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD) and the challenges faced by those living with this inherited blood disorder. It serves as an opportunity to educate the public, promote early diagnosis, and advocate for better treatment options and research. 

The month also highlights the importance of genetic screening, support for patients and families, and increased funding to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by SCD. Through community events, health campaigns, and social media, advocates aim to bring attention to the urgent need for action and support for those impacted by sickle cell disease.

Today, I want to discuss sickle cell disease from a social and psychological perspective rather than a medical one. While I’m not a medical doctor, I’ll focus on the impact this condition has on families and individuals beyond the clinical aspects.

Anyone who knows me as a relationship coach knows that I deeply love and believe in love. I advocate for it passionately. However, when it comes to marriage, love is just one of many essential foundations. I’ll be very realistic here—there’s much more needed to make a marriage thrive. We’re all witnesses to the struggles and the painful moments of crisis of sickle cell sufferers. We know how their parents strain to cope with the financial demands at times of crisis.

For AS-AS couples who choose to look beyond their genotype and marry for love, the romantic vision they once had is often overshadowed by constant worry, fear, and apprehension. The looming possibility of having a child with sickle cell disease adds significant stress. After having children, the anxiety only deepens, with parents constantly fearing an impending crisis or managing one. This often results in the other children not receiving the care and attention they need, as the focus shifts primarily to the sick child.

Sometimes, the mother has to forfeit most of her dreams and aspirations because she’s always in and out of the hospital. I don’t want to mention the fear, horror, and pain they endure whenever their kids are in the hospital. The hospital becomes the second home of sickle cell kids with their parents. 

These parents hardly have any social life outside their homes and hospitals. The mothers, who are naturally more emotional, tend to be most affected by this.

Now, let’s discuss the pain and agony of sickle cell children. As much as I hate to write about it, we have to do it.  The pain experienced by a sickle cell patient is not only severe but often unpredictable. It can occur when least expected. 

The crisis stems from the sickle-shaped red blood cells that block blood flow, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues and causing intense pain. The pain can affect various parts of the body, particularly the bones, joints, chest, and abdomen. It can be acute (lasting hours to days) or chronic (persistent over time). The episodes are triggered by stress, dehydration, cold, or infections. The ensuing pain can be debilitating, leading to hospitalisations and significantly affecting the patient’s quality of life.

As these children grow older, many develop feelings of resentment toward their parents. They feel that their parents prioritised their desires over the potential suffering of their children. Every painful episode and crisis can remind you of choices made without fully considering the long-term consequences. This resentment stems from a sense of betrayal as they bear the physical and emotional toll of a decision that was not theirs. Parents often face this blame, which adds another layer of pain to an already difficult journey.

Parents in this situation are bound to carry the heavy burden of guilt and regret. Some marriages don’t survive the strain, leading to divorce, while others remain intact but with the painful decision to stop having children. 

I’ve seen firsthand the difficult choices couples make, including terminating multiple pregnancies because the babies were predicted to have sickle cell disease. It begs the question—why start down this path in the first place, knowing the potential heartache? No one should have to make these choices, and it’s a reminder of the importance of understanding genetic risks before taking that step.

Dear aspiring couples, Love, while beautiful, is not enough to withstand the many challenges that marriage brings. If both of you carry the AS genotype, I urge you to reconsider your relationship. There are many potential partners out there, and though it may be difficult, stepping away now could save you unimaginable heartache later. Trust me, it’s not worth the pain.

To couples already married with the AS genotype, please think carefully before bringing more children into the world. Consider the immense suffering that comes with sickle cell disease—for both you and your child. Spare them the pain and constant crises. Your love can be expressed in ways that protect their future.

Dear parents of children with sickle cell, my heart goes out to you. As a fellow parent, I can only imagine the trauma, pain, regrets, and difficult choices you face. The physical, financial, and emotional toll can feel overwhelming at times. 

Please remember that this is beyond your control, and you are doing your best for your child. Stay strong and lean on each other for support. Don’t hesitate to seek help from family, and make time for yourselves to recharge. Remember, there’s a life outside the hospital and home—try to socialise and find moments of joy. 

Connect with other parents who understand your journey, learn the best ways to care for your child, and never stop seeking knowledge. Above all, pray for Allah’s guidance and strength. You are not alone, and you will get through this.

Dear sickle cell warrior, please know your parents are deeply feeling your pain. They live with a mix of empathy and guilt, wishing they could take away your suffering. While they can’t change the course of destiny, they are sacrificing so much to ensure you have the care and support you need. Their love for you runs incredibly deep, often even more so because of the battles you face. If they could go back and change things, they would do so in a heartbeat. Always remember that your health and happiness mean the world to them.

The spread of the sickle cell genotype can end in a few generations when we intentionally avoid reproducing that genotype. It is a must for all of us to know our genotype before engaging in any serious relationship with the opposite gender. A stitch in time saves nine.

In my next post on this topic, I will discuss prevailing medical solutions in the management and treatment of sickle celldisease.

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 Aisar Fagge

“I will facilitate connections between the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Federal Ministries, as well as international donors like the United Nations,” said Aminu Magashi Garba during a courtesy visit to the ministry on Tuesday, as part of his commitment to support vulnerable populations, including the less privileged and disabled in the state.

Magashi, founder and CEO of the Aminu Magashi Foundation (AMG), also announced technical support for the ministry, a gesture commended by Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, who is the commissioner of the ministry.

Hajiya Amina assured the foundation of her commitment to collaboration, aiming to enhance the ministry’s impact on the people of Kano State, especially the vulnerable and disabled.

During the visit, Magashi pledged to support the ministry in several key initiatives, including convening a one-day stakeholders’ forum on the proposed Kano State Humanitarian Agenda, organizing a two-day working visit to Abuja to explore partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the United Nations Office of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.

He also committed to assisting with the development of the 2025 Annual Operational Plan and a five-year strategic plan for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Other support initiatives from the foundation include assistance with establishing the Kano State Humanitarian Investment Trust Fund and the Kano State Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee on Humanitarian Response.

In her remarks, the commissioner highlighted the present administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, which led to the establishment of the ministry, reiterating her dedication to working with the foundation to further this mission.

Dr. Magashi praised her leadership and urged the commissioner to engage stakeholders for further interventions. He also encouraged the ministry’s directors to develop annual operational and strategic plans for the future.

By Mutalib Jibril

Have you ever felt a sudden twinge in your back, experienced a sharp pain in your chest, or noticed unusual fatigue? Did you rush to your favorite search engine to discover what might be wrong? You could be a patient of Dr. Google. Even with the best intentions, your search can quickly become a tangled mess of confusion.

Technology has made nearly everything easier and more convenient, giving us access to a wealth of information at our fingertips. This convenience extends to the health sector as well. 

A research review suggested that 90% of people in the United States have searched the internet for health information. It also revealed that 1 in 3 adults have gone online to try to diagnose a medical condition.

Googling your symptoms makes you believe you have a serious or even deadly health condition. When this happens, it’s known as cyberchondria. This term is used for an individual who develops extreme, unwarranted anxiety by using the internet to search for medical information.

For instance, you are experiencing a persistent cough. Almost instinctively, you grab your phone and search “persistent cough is a symptom of ….” In an instant, you are bombarded with a range of potential causes, such as allergies, asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, whooping cough, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Now, you are not only coughing but also feeling overwhelmed and anxious. 

Turning to Google to diagnose what is wrong with you can lead to fear and anxiety because Google will not provide specific information about your health.

Online resources can be beneficial but are often confusing, alarming, and filled with inaccurate information. Google has no knowledge of your medical history, current medications, or other personal details crucial for an accurate diagnosis. One of the biggest risks of self-online diagnosis is that it may deter you from seeking the professional help you need.

When your car breaks down, you don’t just Google the problem to find out why it happened. Searching online may provide numerous reasons, but it won’t pinpoint the exact issue. Instead, you consult a mechanic with the expertise to identify and fix the issue. 

Similarly, seeing a medical doctor is more effective when you are experiencing health problems rather than relying on search engines.

When your smartphone starts acting up, you wouldn’t just rely on online searches to troubleshoot the issue. Instead, youwill visit a tech specialist who can fix the problem. Why, then, are you Googling your health problems? These two examples illustrate why seeking expertise is always the best approach.

Medical doctors undergo years of training that fully equip them with the precision to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions that Google simply cannot match.

Mutalib Jibril wrote via mutalibdantanisabi300@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

At least 10 people have died and 40 others are currently hospitalized following a diphtheria outbreak in Kano State.

The state’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, disclosed this to journalists as reported by The Daily Reality on Sunday.

Dr. Labaran confirmed to journalists that the deaths occurred over the past week, adding that the state government has established diphtheria treatment centers in various local government areas to handle the outbreak.

“We have recorded 10 deaths from the diphtheria outbreak in the last week, and as of this morning, 40 patients are receiving treatment,” Dr. Labaran stated. He urged residents who encounter individuals showing symptoms of diphtheria to visit the newly established treatment centers instead of coming to facilities in the metropolitan area, to help prevent the spread of the disease.

He emphasized that treatment at these centers is free of charge.

Dr. Labaran also refuted figures circulating on social media, stating, “The only official number we have is 10 deaths.” The health authorities in Kano continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to contain the outbreak are underway.

By Uzair Adam

A building collapse in the Makwarari area of Kano State has claimed the life of a 35-year-old mother and injured her two children.

The tragedy occurred on Friday following heavy rains that began on Thursday night and continued into the early hours of Friday morning.

The victim, identified as Balaraba Tijjani, was at home with her children, Abdulnasir and Abdallah, aged 11 and 13, when the incident happened.

According to her husband, Tijjani Magaji, the building’s collapse was due to the severe rainfall.

The Kano State Fire Service Spokesperson, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, noting that the structure was a one-storey residential building measuring 30 feet by 40 feet.

“We received an emergency call on Friday around 9:30 a.m. from one of our staff members, Ibrahim Isah, reporting the collapse,” Abdullahi said.

Emergency responders were promptly dispatched to the scene, where they managed to rescue the children alive.

They were taken to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano for medical attention.

By Uzair Adam

Residents of Chikaji, located in the Sabon-Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, are urgently seeking assistance from the government and charitable individuals following a devastating flood that swept through the area.

Several media reports indicated that the flood caused extensive damage, washing away cemeteries, homes, and properties.

Triggered by a seven-hour downpour from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, the flood has severely impacted the community.

The Village Head of Chikaji, Alhaji Auwal Sani-Dambaba, reported on Tuesday that over 200 houses were affected.

He also mentioned that the flood caused significant destruction to the LEA Primary School and desecrated a large section of the Ojo Cemetery.

Although no lives were lost, many graves were disturbed, and residents are now taking refuge in nearby neighborhoods.

To address the immediate needs of the cemetery, Malam Suleiman Liman, the Chief Imam of Chikaji Central Mosque, has called an emergency meeting with local philanthropists to discuss relief efforts.

Among the victims is Malam Ibrahim Ahmed, whose two-bedroom home was reduced to rubble.

He expressed gratitude that the flooding occurred during daylight, which allowed residents to take swift action, although he lost all his belongings while trying to protect his children.

Community leader Alhaji Gafai Katsina highlighted the difficult situation for many flood victims, noting that some families are now staying with less affected neighbors or have returned to their parents’ homes temporarily.

Reacting to the disaster, a statement from the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen, emphasized the need for swift government intervention and called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide immediate support to the affected residents.

The Speaker also urged residents to take precautionary measures and adhere to safety advice from authorities to minimize further risks associated with flooding.

By Haruna Chiroma

The emergence of social media has democratized the dissemination of information to the extent that it has put pressure on mainstream media to compete for visibility. However, mainstream media filters and verifies the authenticity of information before publication, unlike social media platforms, where anyone can publish content, including fake or fabricated news.

Additionally, mainstream media consider ethics and morality when disseminating information, whereas social media ethics and morality often depend on individual consciousness. Although social media platforms have policies that users are expected to follow, these policies often prove ineffective despite efforts to remove unethical content. 

Today, I focus on TikTok, a platform that provides video editing features and allows users to post videos. Before delving into the main issue, it’s noteworthy that TikTok has been banned on government devices in several countries, including the United States, Denmark, Australia, France, Belgium, Taiwan, and others. Even in China, where TikTok originated, the international version has been banned, with Chinese citizens required to use the strictly controlled local version. Other countries that have banned TikTok include Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Malta, and Latvia. TikTok in Nigeria should be banned for significantly promoting immorality and toxic content.     

TikTok users are generally expected to create educational, technological, and entertaining content for the benefit of the public. Unfortunately, the platform has increasingly become a venue for promoting toxic and unethical content, particularly from Northern Nigeria. For now, I will focus on northern Nigeria before addressing the broader situation across Nigeria in my next article. In Northern Nigeria, abusive speech contradicts both cultural norms and religious beliefs. 

The rise of TikTok has seen a troubling trend among many youths from the region. The majority have created abusive content rather than using TikTok to advance technological development, promote cultural and religious values, or provide educational content. Particularly concerning is the trend of women leading this shift towards toxicity, often to attract large numbers of followers. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the fact that followers tend to encourage such content by flocking to those who produce it. 

Preliminary surveys of TikTok content from Northern Nigeria reveal that creators of abusive and sexual content often garner more followers in a short period than those sharing religious or moral teachings, including Islamic scholars. Notably, a significant portion of those promoting this harmful content are divorcees and young girls, mostly from very poor backgrounds.  

Apart from the abusive content, women and young girls found a new trend of creating sexual content by posting their half-naked videos on TikTok dancing while shaking heaps and front side, engaging in sexy talks, and exposing sensitive parts of their bodies to attract followers and viewers. It has reached an extent where you see videos of very young girls and divorcees on TikTok from Northern Nigeria showing themselves half naked in the name of entertainment to gather followers and viewers. Previously, it was extremely rare to see anyone publicly promoting the non-existence of Allah in northern Nigeria. However, with the advent of TikTok, this has changed. Now, it has become increasingly common to see videos on the platform that promote the non-existence of Allah, encouraging others to abandon their religion and embrace atheism. This shift has sparked significant discussions and controversies within the region.

The situation is further complicated by the troubling trend of politicians celebrating creators of toxic content. These individuals are often rewarded with luxurious gifts like cars and houses and branded as “celebrities.” This acknowledgment from politicians encourages other young ones to produce similar toxic content on TikTok in hopes of gaining large followers and eventually receiving similar recognition from the politicians. 

One prominent example is a woman in a northern state known for her creation of toxic content. Her videos, which focus on explicit, abusive, and sexually suggestive material, starkly contradict religious norms and cultural values. Despite the negative impact of her content, she has amassed a significant following of over one million, and she is frequently seen in photos with prominent politicians from the region. 

When the Hisba (a moral police organization) initially intervened, she was issued a warning, which she disregarded. The Hisba then took legal action, but she was released on bail and continued to post her controversial content on TikTok, defying the court order. Adding to the controversy, a high-profile politician publicly defended her, citing human rights, further complicating the situation and undermining efforts to address the issue.

A man residing in Kano recently gained notoriety on TikTok for his abusive “skills,” quickly amassing a large following. Wealthy individuals have been flying him from one location to another to perform his abusive acts, often laughing along. Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, the general commander of Hisba, had to summon the man to his office to caution him about the inappropriate and morally bankrupt content. No responsible person would want their children exposed to such material. 

To my astonishment, I saw a video of the man in the presidential villa. Shortly after, I noticed an appointment letter bearing the presidential letterhead circulating online, “Appointment As Special Assistant On Entertainment,” with the aid of the Nigerian president. This revelation shocked me; I had to start following the media closely. I have not heard any denial from the presidency, which suggests the appointment might be genuine. On the contrary, I read in the Leadership newspaper, published three weeks ago, confirming the appointment.

One troubling aspect of this issue is that the toxic content is created in Hausa, a language widely spoken and understood across Northern Nigeria. This includes not only the local population but also many people from the southern regions of Nigeria who reside in the north and speak Hausa fluently. As a result, the toxic content produced by these creators reaches a vast audience, significantly contributing to the moral decay within Northern Nigeria.

Despite the troubling prevalence of toxic content, there are individuals from Northern Nigeria with substantial followings who engage in legitimate and moral activities, such as Islamic preaching, cooking, etc. However, these positive contributors represent a minority compared to the growing influx of harmful content. Given the rapid expansion of this toxic material, it is crucial to consider measures similar to those taken by other countries, such as banning TikTok to block access and mitigate its negative impact.  

Haruna Chiroma, Ph.D. Artificial Intelligence, wrote from the University of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, via freedonchi@yahoo.com.

By Hamza Muhammad Tasiu

I want to start with a powerful word: Kafkaesque! The meaning? It is when you enter a surreal world in which all your control patterns, plans, and how you have configured your own behaviour begin to fall to pieces. You find yourself against a force that does not lend itself to how you perceive the world. You don’t give up; you don’t lie down and die. You struggle against this with your equipment and whatever you have. But of course, you don’t stand a chance. That’s Kafkaesque as defined by Frederick R. Karl.

Kafkaesque comes from the name of the German author Franz Kafka. The word perfectly describes the cases of most kidney failure patients. The disease starts with back pain, then people go for diagnosis, and dialysis follows (Thank God it is free for Yobe indigenes). Swelling in arms and legs, shortness of breath, and hiccups follow and then comes the expected: slow and painful death. These are some of the things patients go through. 

But what is kidney failure? Kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys lose the ability to remove waste and balance fluids. In other words, the kidneys have failed. 

Ordinarily, kidney failure should not be a death sentence. Dr. Ibrahim Sulaiman told us that a person can survive on 25% of his total nephrons, the kidney cells. That is, you only need half of one kidney to survive. But for most people, being diagnosed with one kidney failure is like being issued an indirect death certificate.

Most patients diagnosed with kidney disease put everything they can into the fight against the disease, but they stand no chance in most cases. And as the word says, ‘You don’t give up, you don’t lie down and die. You struggle against this with your equipment and whatever you have. But of course, you don’t stand a chance.’ 

Gashua has the highest number of cases of kidney failure in the whole of Yobe State. You could go to the dialysis unit in Yobe State Teaching Hospital and look at a kidney failure patient and ask him, ‘Are you from Gashua?’ The most probable answer? ‘Yes!’ 

As we speak today, hundreds of families are at the mercy of this disease. May we, the healthy ones, be protected from it. We also pray that this crisis comes to an end soon. 

My attempts for writing this short piece are that we may get someone (individuals, NGOs, governments, etc.) who will come to our aid and relieve the pain in my heart. As Neil Gaiman said, ‘Pain shared, my brother, is pain not doubled but halved.’

Hamza Muhammad Tasiu wrote via hamzamtasiu@gmail.com.