Lifestyle

By Kamal Alkasim

In these tough economic times in Nigeria, young people, your ideas are more valuable than you think. They can be your ticket to success if you present them well. You can start small or go big, online or offline. Don’t start a business without knowing the ropes. Here’s some straightforward advice: Begin a small business, regardless of your education. Education helps but doesn’t limit you.

If you want to make it, learn from the experts in your field. Avoid diving into something you don’t understand. Ignorance won’t get you far. Remember, being a job creator is better than being a job seeker.

Procrastination is your enemy. Act on your ideas quickly. As Pastor Reno Omokri wisely said, “Your mind is your supercomputer.” Believe in the power of positive thinking, as Islamic Scholar Malam Ibrahim Khalil noted: “A rich person grows through investments, and a poor person through positive thoughts.”

Don’t believe opportunities are scarce. Every day is a chance to work on your ideas wisely and diligently. Even the slightest idea can lead to something great. Small steps pave the way for significant achievements.

Always remember that your ideas hold immense potential. The choice is yours: build on them or let them go to waste. Your future is in your hands. May God bless the brilliant young minds of Nigeria as they turn their ideas into reality!

Kamal Alkasim writes from Kano via Kamalalkasim17@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Cancer Center has disclosed plan to establish Cancer Care Trust Fund to help the vulnerable indegene patients in the state with the cost of their health treatments.

The co-odinator of the Center, Dr. Aminu Magashi, stated this on Monday in a Facebook post sighted by The Daily Reality.

Magashi said the effort was in collaboration with some international development partners, NGOs and business community among others.

He added that it was also part of their plans to set up a Cancer Registry/Directory in collaboration with the Kano State Bureau of Statistics.

He further stated that also distinguished health committee members tasked them to establish the governing board and open the centre soon as well as be updating.

In the post, Magashi said, “In my humble capacity as the Coordinator of the Kano State Cancer Care Center, today, Tuesday 3rd October, I received in my office a powerful delegation of the Kano State House of Assembly Health Committee led by Hon. Zakariyya Alhassan Ishaq, Chairman Health Committee, Hon. Usman Abubakar Tasiu, Deputy Chair and other esteemed members of the committee and Clarks.

“It was a familiarisation visit. With me is our Legal Adviser/Secretary, Barrister Maryam Jibrin, from the Ministry of Justice.

“We updated them on our plans to commence work at the Cancer Centre with our ‘PPP’ partner H360 as well as our intention to establish the Cancer Care Trust Fund in collaboration with our international development partners, NGOs and business community to cater for indigent patients/vulnerable people’s cost of treatment, set up of Cancer Registry/Directory in collaboration with Kano State Bureau of Statistics.

“Distinguished health committee members tasked us to establish the governing board and open the centre soon as well as be updating,” he added.

As observed by The Daily Reality, many people who commented under the post have expressed their gratitude and prayed for the centre to succeed.

By Uzair Adam Imam

There have been moves for collective efforts between the Kano State Bureau of Statistics, Kano Cancer Center and AMG Foundation to establish a comprehensive cancer registry and directory in Kano State.

A statement by the Technical Assistant to the Statistician, General Kano State Bureau of Statistics, Muhammad Tasiu Abbas, disclosed this on Monday.

Abbas said that Dr. Aliyu Isa Aliyu, the Statistician General of Kano State Bureau of Statistics, met with Dr. Amin Magashi about the development.

He added that their meeting revolved around discussing the possibilities of collaboration in establishing a comprehensive cancer registry and directory in the state.

The statement read in part, “The meeting aimed to enhance efforts in collecting and analyzing cancer-related data, ensuring improved planning, prevention, and treatment strategies in the fight against cancer.

“The proposed partnership between the Bureau of Statistics, Cancer Center and AMG Foundation is expected to strengthen the state’s capacity to combat this disease and address the various challenges it poses to public health,” the statement added.

By Usama Abdullahi 

Lack of trust is a significant factor affecting marriages these days. I know a man who recently got engaged to his girlfriend. Everything was going fine for him and his fiancée until he caught her talking to another guy. When he saw her with the guy, he reported him to Market Management, where they both work. This may seem ridiculous, but I understand the pain of betrayal.

However, I’m unsure if the guy he caught talking to his fiancée is having an affair with her. Up to now, there’s no sufficient evidence to prove such claims. Yet, two things stand out in this story. One is that, as a prospective couple, you should never feel suspicious of each other. Suspicion always sets in when you don’t trust your partner. Before you decide to get engaged to your partner, make sure you trust them because trust significantly improves your relationship. 

Trust is crucial in every relationship, and its absence destroys the foundation upon which the relationship is built. Regarding marriage decisions, things should not be carried out in haste. By rushing things, you disregard every necessary step to make the marriage work. Like patience, trust is highly required in building successful relationships. Even though some people believe that “successful relationships” do not exist. Still, mistrust or suspicion destabilises relationships.

The story of the man I told is one of the apparent reasons that cause marriage failure in our modern society. Many people can agree with me that the people who are often suspicious of their romantic partners aren’t always found innocent of the things they suspect in those partners. They could be the ones who are guilty, while their partners could be free from guilt. Other times, the partners could both be guilty, which might ruin their long-term relationship. So, to avoid destroying your decade-long relationship by a lack of trust, ensure that you marry or fall in love with someone you can trust. 

If you suspect your partner is having an affair with someone other than you, confront them and talk the way out. Sometimes, your suspicions might be wrong. And it takes one to know one. Moreover, if you constantly get suspicious of your partner, you should always question yourself. Maybe you’re the one with such questionable characters. Or perhaps your instinct is misleading you into thinking otherwise. It’s also advisable not to marry the person you usually get suspicious of.

Usama Abdullahi writes from Abuja and can be reached at usamagayyi@gmail.com.

By Abdurrazak Mukhtar

In a world often rushed by in a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities, we easily find ourselves swept away by the tide of anger. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That moment when anger boils up inside us, threatening to overflow. It’s a natural human emotion, but what we choose to do with it truly defines us. In this article, we’ll explore the profound impact of our words when spoken in anger and why choosing kindness or silence can be transformative.

Anger, like a sudden storm, can engulf us in its intensity. It’s a primal emotion, a response to perceived threats or injustices. Our minds can become clouded in moments of anger, and our tongues sharp as swords. We lash out, often without thinking, in an attempt to relieve the emotional pressure building within us.

Yet, we may not realise in those heated moments that while our anger may pass, the words we’ve unleashed can leave lasting scars. Words, once spoken, cannot be unsaid. They have the power to wound deeply, and those wounds can take years to heal if they ever do.

Think back to when someone said something hurtful to you in anger. Perhaps it was a friend, a family member, or a colleague. The memory of those words may still sting, even years later. This is the undeniable impact of words spoken in anger.

So, what can we do when anger rears its head? Here, the age-old wisdom comes into play: “Never say mean words out of anger.” Instead, we can choose the path of kindness. Kind words, even in the face of anger, can diffuse tension and promote understanding.

Choosing kindness doesn’t mean suppressing your feelings or letting others walk over you. It means expressing your emotions in a way that is respectful and constructive. It means taking a step back, breathing deeply, and finding words to lead to resolution rather than conflict.

Sometimes, the kindest words are the ones left unspoken. When anger threatens to consume us, silence can be a powerful ally. In silence, we give ourselves the space to cool down and gain perspective. We prevent ourselves from saying things we might regret later.

Silence, when used wisely, can also send a powerful message. It can convey that we value the relationship and are willing to wait for the right moment to address the issue. It can create an opening for dialogue once emotions have settled.

In a world where anger is often the default response to frustration and conflict, choosing to use kind words or be silent is profound. It’s a choice that can shape our relationships, define our character, and leave a legacy of empathy and understanding.

So, the next time anger knocks at your door, remember the enduring impact of your words. Choose kindness whenever possible, and when words fail you, let the grace of silence be your guide. In doing so, you’ll tame the storm of anger within and foster a world where kindness prevails over cruelty.

Abdurrazak Mukhtar wrote via prof4true1@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigerian healthcare system faces a severe blow as the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) will officially commence their indefinite nationwide strike today, in solidarity with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). 

The strike, initiated to protest the removal of fuel subsidies and the government’s anti-labour policies, has left the nation’s hospitals in a state of uncertainty. 

NANNM President Nnachi Michael Ekuma emphasised the necessity of the strike, citing the government’s failure to address issues crucial to healthcare workers, such as stagnant salaries, staff shortages, and subpar working conditions.

Ekuma’s letter to association members outlined the dire situation created by the removal of the fuel subsidy, leading to increased living costs for Nigerians without corresponding wage hikes for workers. 

Despite the government’s attempt to mitigate the situation by deploying military personnel to hospitals and clinics, the adequacy of these measures remains uncertain.

Patients are advised to proactively liaise with their healthcare providers to determine the status of their appointments and procedures.

Where possible, rescheduling appointments after the strike concludes is recommended to minimise disruptions to their healthcare services.

The unity of the Nigerian labour movement underscores the depth of dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies, creating a challenging environment for negotiations and resolution.

By Ibrahim Tukur

As we enter the last week of September, I am compelled to pick up my pen and continue writing as usual.

September marks Deaf Awareness Month, a time when the deaf community comes together to shed light on their unique culture and the challenges they face in their interactions with society.

Although I am unable to organise a learning event this time for personal reasons, I intend to celebrate this month by raising awareness about the various challenges faced by the deaf community.

One of the most significant issues that must be addressed is the pervasive problem of stereotypes that persistently plague the deaf. These stereotypes are prevalent across many societies, especially in Africa, where individuals hold negative misconceptions about the deaf. Some wrongly view the deaf as cursed, insane, mad, aggressive, or even unintelligent.

These harmful stereotypes give rise to discrimination against the deaf. When people harbour negative beliefs about the deaf, they often treat them unfairly. In some families, deaf individuals are treated like slaves due to the unfounded belief that they are mentally unstable. Some parents deny their deaf children access to education, erroneously believing that they have no promising future and won’t contribute positively.

Despite many deaf individuals proving these stereotypes wrong by excelling in higher education, they still face discrimination. Deaf graduates struggle to find good job opportunities, and even deaf schools, where they should be employed, are often staffed primarily by hearing individuals.

Stereotypes also result in stigmatisation. Many people avoid socialising with the deaf, assuming they are prone to madness or aggression and quick to engage in conflict. Personally, when I became deaf, I lost numerous friends who began avoiding me, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Moreover, stereotypes expose the deaf to mockery solely because of their inability to hear. People often make fun of them, use derogatory terms, and speak negatively about them. I personally experienced ridicule and mockery when I lost my hearing at the age of six, which frequently led to conflicts, ultimately forcing my family to relocate.

Thankfully, there are ways to combat this issue. Eliminating deaf-based stereotypes can begin with increased awareness about the nature of hearing impairment. Workshops and seminars on sign language should be organised, enabling better communication and understanding between the hearing and deaf communities. Additionally, introducing Deaf Studies into school curricula can familiarise students with the experiences and capabilities of the deaf.

It is crucial to recognise that deaf individuals are sane; they are not “mad” or “cursed.” They possess the same potential as anyone else and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Let us work together to break down these harmful stereotypes and promote inclusivity for the deaf community. They deserve it, without a doubt.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

The Jigawa State Government has confirmed the deaths of ten people due to an outbreak of diphtheria in the state, as there are currently about 100 suspected cases of the disease.  

The Jigawa State Ministry of Health disclosed on Saturday that ten people have died following an outbreak of diphtheria across the 14 local government areas of the state.  

The Permanent Secretary of the Jigawa State Ministry of Health, Dr Salisu Mu’azu, disclosed this while fielding questions from reporters in Dutse.

He said that two cases have been confirmed in Kazaure and Jahun local government areas, while some samples have been taken to Abuja for confirmation. 

He said the outbreak occurred in areas with zero-dose routine immunisation against the epidemic. 

Dr Ma’azu also said the ministry had already investigated, collected necessary information and data in the affected areas, and updated the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHDA) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for further action. 

He said the state government is making arrangements to administer vaccines once available. 

Dr. Muazu attributed the outbreak to healthcare service disruptions some years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, when everything was suspended; hence, routine immunisation has become a major challenge in the state.

By Aisha M. Auyo

In my last article, I wrote about how verbal appreciation affects marriage. In this episode, I will discuss how our words have the power to build or break our marriages. Words are not just for communication; they are for construction and destruction.

We are builders when we use our words wisely. With our words, we are creating a marriage that matters, a union that makes it through the good and bad, through thick and thin.

Here are a few things that you can build with your words in marriage

1. Intimacy

Intimacy is not just something physical. Share your heart with your spouse. Cultivating a marriage with meaningful communication will build deeper intimacy. 

Words move two hearts closer together and unite them as one. 

Dear wife, be patient with your husband – we all know men generally don’t talk as much… They are people of action.

Allah didn’t create marriage to be boring! Have fun for His sakes! From sending a naughty text during the day, a random phone call with words that will make your spouse want to finish whatever they are doing and come home to using words that will build anticipation.

Simple sentences like “I made your favourite dish” or “I’ll come home with your favourite smoothie” can do the trick. It is not the entity that matters. It’s about knowing that your Significant Other has thought about you and even tried to do what pleases you.

When you are together, set aside time for just the two of you to talk. Be intentional and selective with your words. Flirt with one another.

2. Build encouragement

Wives, one of the best things YOU can do for your relationship is to be an encourager. Encouragement can come naturally through sincere daily prayers. Through voicing delight in whatever is done or given to you, through words of gratitude. This will make him want to do more.

Men, women are highly receptive to words. Simple sentences could fuel her attitude for years. The phrase “Allah yai miki albarka” (We want this very badly), or “We can’t do without you”, is all she needs to hear to be her very best.

3. Build confidence

Life is hard, full of tough and sobering reminders that we live in a broken world. So, use your words to encourage and build hope in your spouse. 

Tell them you believe in them and trust their ability to excel. In a world full of competition, envy, and self-doubt, be the number one person who believes your spouse, uplift them, and make them trust themselves. From writing exams, presentations, business ideas, etc. Instil the seed of belief and confidence in them.

Men, please encourage your wife and boost her confidence in her looks and dreams. We need this like oxygen. With your support and trust, we can be the best version of ourselves.

Women, showing doubt in your man’s ability or dreams will kill his ego. His zeal to work hard, his zeal to excel. If there’s one thing that keeps men alive more than oxygen, it should be a massaged ego.

4. Heal

Words heal broken people, sick people, tired people, people who lost loved ones, even people in coma! I’m sure you’ve watched a movie where friends or families of a person in life support talk and say good things to them, and with time, the person in a coma comes back to life. This works not only in movies but also in real life. 

Soothing words for a broken person can help their physical and mental recovery immensely. Hearing someone say that they care about you, believe in your ability to heal, or that life will get better is often enough to improve someone’s mood in their lows.

Life-changing events, sickness, ailment, etc., can affect one spouse or the other. Be the person who brings harmony and healing to your spouse through words. Make it a point to say something positive to your significant other, even once a day.

However, let us always remember that our words can cripple, destroy and disrupt as much as they can build and construct. Verbal abuse is as powerful and destructive as physical abuse. It’s not every time we say what we feel. Most times (Not always woo), silence is better than some utterances. 

Avoid any word that will bring negativity, fear, or discouragement to your spouse. Never threaten or demean your spouse. If an issue needs to be resolved, choose your words wisely.

Know that words, once spoken out, can never be taken aback. The words ‘I’m sorry’, ‘I don’t mean it,’ and ‘it was a joke’ can never undo what you said. Some words create wounds that apology will never heal.

Aisha Musa Auyo is a Doctorate researcher in Educational Psychology, a wife, a mother of three, a homemaker, a caterer and a parenting/ relationship coach.

By Aisha Mahmud Yusuf

In August 2020, when my father was admitted to the hospital, my friend, who was doing her youth service (NYSC) at the same hospital, visited him. She later came when I was with him and told me something no one else had. She said, “I know exactly how you feel, and it’s okay to have all those emotions.” She understood that because her father had also been sick for years.

A few years later, some of my friends whose parents became sick would ask me, “Is that how you feel?” I would tell them it would get better with time and pray for the sick to get better. It made me realize that we don’t talk about it because without experiencing it, one doesn’t know how it feels to have a sick loved one and take care of them. 

Often, when someone is sick, what people see is the financial burden on the family members. But there is much more that they don’t see. The stress, anxiety, fear, and sometimes even guilt that the family members, especially the caregivers, go through is rarely acknowledged. Unfortunately, sometimes people even add to all these with their judgements and (sometimes accusations) unsolicited suggestions and advice on how to care for the patient.

People expect one to be a caregiver without showing emotions, to be on one’s feet 24/7 without a break, forgetting that we are humans too and there is a limit to what we can endure. 

In a society where mental health is still not a priority, you as a caregiver should take time to process your emotions and, if possible, take a break to avoid burnout. You cannot give from an empty cup. If it becomes overwhelming, find someone to listen and talk to them. 

When next you visit a sick person, check their caregivers too, share a few kind words, and appreciate them.  That will go a long way for them. Also, if a caregiver opens up to you, listen with empathy even if you don’t understand because you are not in their shoes and ask if you can help in any way.

Aisha Mahmud Yusuf wrote via aishatyusuf63@gmail.com.