Lifestyle

By Ibrahim Aisha

In the Chiranci ward of Kumbotso Local Government Area in Kano, the term “sore throat” has taken on a chilling significance. For Iya Yani, a mother of eight, it was the phrase that cost her daughter her life.

“She only said her throat was hurting,” Iya Yani recalled with tears. “Neighbours told me it was nothing, just harmattan. By the time I took her to the hospital, she could no longer breathe. She died before they could help her, and the doctor blamed my ignorance “.

Iya Yani’s heartbreaking loss is part of a broader tragedy unfolding far and wide in the Kumbotso Local Government Area, a tragedy that statistics and government reports can hardly mitigate. 

Diphtheria, a disease preventable by vaccine, continues to claim the lives of children in this community, some due to financial constraints, misleading rumours and even Ignorance.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease caused by the exotoxin-producing bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. While the disease can affect individuals of all age groups, Unimmunised children are particularly at risk. There is no World Health Organisation (WHO) region that is completely free of diphtheria globally.

The Facts Behind the Grief

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s (CDC) situation report from May 2025, Nigeria recorded 30 confirmed cases and three deaths in the first few months of the year. By July 2025, Premium Times reported that Kano State alone had logged 18,284 confirmed infections and 860 deaths, making it the most affected state in Nigeria. 

According to the World Health Organisation, from 9th May 2022 to 25 October 2023, 15,569 suspected diphtheria cases have been reported across Nigeria, 547 of whom have died. 

As of October 2023, the World Health Organisation disbursed US$1.3 million for the response to enhance key outbreak control measures, including disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, case investigation and treatment, training, as well as collaborating with communities to support the response efforts. 

With support from the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund, Kano State carried out three phases of reactive routine immunisation campaigns in February, April, and August 2023, using the combination tetanus-diphtheria and pentavalent vaccines.

Almost 75,000 zero-dose children under the age of two received the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine, while around 670,000 eligible children (4‒14 years) were vaccinated with the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine in 18 high-burden local government areas in Kano state.

 Health Reporters revealed in July 2025 that Chiranci of Kumbotso local government is one of the wards with the highest number of “zero-dose” children – those who have never received a single vaccine. In such a setting, diphtheria spreads rapidly, and misinformation intensifies the situation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Patients who were not vaccinated had more than double the likelihood of death compared to fully vaccinated individuals.

When rumours mislead and ignorance lies 

Many parents from different areas of Kumbotso Local Government Area admit they delayed immunisation due to prevalent rumours. 

When his seven-year-old brother, Jubrin, was diagnosed with diphtheria in July 2023, Aminu had never heard of the disease, the outbreak of which had claimed more than 500 lives in Nigeria.

Safiya Mohammed, a mother of two, residing in the Kumbotso Local Government Area, a hotspot for diphtheria in Kano State, ensured her children were vaccinated.

“I had never heard of diphtheria,” Safiya said. “I don’t want my children or those in the neighbourhood to fall sick or die from the disease. To protect my children, I also need to make sure the children they play with are protected.”

 Fatima Umar, a resident of Dan Maliki and a nursing mother, confessed, “I heard the injection would make my baby sick, so I waited. Then he fell ill. The hospital told us it was diphtheria. He died before I even understood what that word meant.”

Usman Sani, a husband and resident of Taku Mashi, shared a similar regret: “My wife complained of her throat and her not being able to swallow food properly. I thought it was just a sore throat”.He added that by the time his wife was taken to the hospital, it was already too late.

For Zainab Ibrahim, a mother at Chiranci Primary, the battle against diphtheria has been both long and personal. In early 2025, her daughter, Halima, nearly lost her life to the disease. “She could not breathe,” Zainab recalled. 

My daughter said she finds it difficult to yawn properly, and her throat hurts a lot when she swallows saliva. My neighbours kept saying I should use garlic to make tea for her. I started, but noticed there was no progress, as my daughter could not breathe one night. My husband was away, so I called him in the morning and told him I was going to the hospital. As soon as I arrived at the hospital, she was diagnosed and a file was opened for her. The doctor administered drugs and told us to return after two weeks for an operation.

Zainab further mentioned that her daughter survived. “But the scar on her neck serves as a constant reminder of how close I came to burying her.”

At a local Islamic school at Dorayi Chiranci primary, the head of the school, Malam Andullahi Abubakar Jabbi,informed that many of his students died during the outbreak of diphtheria. It started small, then it became alarming when 3 siblings died within the interval of not less than a week.

” Many students stopped coming, and parents phoned to know what was happening. We had to close down the school for some period of time to avoid the spread of the disease,” said Malam Abdullahi.

Bala Dahiru, a resident of Dorayi Yan Lalle, narrated that it was due to financial constraints that he almost lost his only daughter’s life to diphtheria.

What Kumbotso teaches Nigeria 

Diphtheria is preventable. The World Health Organisation affirms that vaccination offers nearly complete protection against the disease. Yet in many areas of Kumbotso, many mothers continue to rely on neighbours’ advice rather than the guidance of health officials. Health workers, such as Lawan Ibrahim Ahmad, the Primary Health Care Coordinator for Chiranchi Primary Health Care, have repeatedly stated that without a steady supply and consistent funding, “it is impossible to reach every child in every home.”

The tragedy of Kumbotso illustrates that diphtheria is not merely a medical issue; it reflects broken trust, inadequate systems, and misinformation that can kill as swiftly as the bacteria themselves.

A Call to Protect Children

The stories emerging serve as a dire warning. Unless vaccination coverage improves, more families will mourn children lost to a disease that the world already knows how to prevent.

Iya Yani’s daughter should not have died from what she thought was a mere sore throat. Halima should not bear the scar on her neck just to breathe. Fatima should not have lost her son to a disease that belongs in the past.

This grief mirrors our collective failure. Until we take action, every cough in this community will reverberate with fear: Could this be the next case of diphtheria?

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Egyptian police have arrested dozens of teenage TikTok creators on charges ranging from indecency to money laundering, in what critics say is a crackdown on free expression.

Authorities have confiscated the influencers’ devices, frozen their assets, and imposed travel bans. Among those detained is 19-year-old Mariam Ayman, known online as “Suzy El Ordonia,” who has more than nine million followers. She is accused of posting indecent content and laundering millions of pounds.

Rights groups warn that vague morality provisions in Egypt’s cybercrime law are being used to silence young voices online, while traditional media remains tightly controlled by the state.

So far, none of the detained creators have been released, and the government has not indicated any change in its approach.

Authorities ordered TikTok to delete content it described as inappropriate or face a ban.

According to reports, TikTok had removed more than 2.9 million videos, some of them even before being reported or flagged by users.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Health experts are warning against the growing habit of spending long periods on the toilet while scrolling through smartphones, according to a recent report by The Washington Post.

Doctors caution that sitting too long on the toilet can put unnecessary pressure on the rectal veins, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids and other related problems. What often begins as a quick bathroom break can stretch into 15 minutes or more when people get absorbed in social media, emails, or online news.

“The toilet is not a lounge chair,” one colorectal specialist noted. “It’s meant for short use, not for catching up on your notifications.”

Instead, experts advise leaving your phone outside the bathroom and limiting screen time during restroom visits. By doing so, they say, people can not only reduce health risks but also foster healthier digital habits.

By Abba Murtala

In Northern Nigeria today—from Kano to Katsina, Kaduna to Abuja, Gombe to Adamawa and beyond—prostitution is being redefined, repackaged, and repurposed in ways our society is yet to grasp or confront fully. Once seen as an explicit, stigmatised trade practised by women living in brothels or in the fringes of urban society, prostitution has now assumed a form that is more discreet, deceptive, and dangerously normalised.

The new face of prostitution no longer resides in dingy motels or poorly lit street corners. She may very well be your neighbour’s daughter or your daughter, your cousin, your niece, or even your girlfriend (wives, too, have been reported). She lives at home, speaks decently, dresses modestly in public, attends school or has a small job, and blends perfectly into her conservative community. Yet, she is actively engaged in transactional sex.

This new wave of commercial sex work is cloaked in deception. Unlike the “traditional” prostitutes who often migrated far from their family homes to avoid shame and suspicion, these girls remain within the comfort of their homes. The family remains unsuspecting; society remains blind. They are not seen as sex workers, and they don’t identify as such. But the reality is, they sell their bodies to men—usually for money, phones, rent, trips, and more.

Who Are the Clients?

They are not their peers. Young men, even those with questionable morals, typically frown at paying for sex, especially with women their own age, especially since there is the looming risk of exposure. The real clients, therefore, are middle-aged and elderly men—the “uncles.” These men, often above 50, use their financial power to exploit vulnerable young girls. Many are married, influential, and sometimes respected members of the community. They book hotels, arrange flights, and fund the lavish lifestyles of these girls, all in exchange for sexual gratification.

They are the shameless engines driving this trade, creating demand and sustaining the illusion. They are the reason a girl from a struggling family can suddenly afford the latest iPhone, expensive clothes, designer handbags, and weekend trips to Lagos, Abuja or Dubai.

How Does It Happen?

It starts with a desire—often triggered by poverty, peer pressure, or social media fantasies. The girl feels a pressing need for money, attention, and a lifestyle far beyond her family’s means. She may resist menial jobs or honest work, not because she is lazy, but because those options won’t fetch her the quick cash she believes she deserves.

Then comes the network. A friend introduces her to someone. A “pimp”—male or female—slides into her DM. The network is simple but effective—a few conversations, a meeting, a test run. Then the money starts flowing. Once she gains footing, she establishes a base of loyal clients—uncles who can be called upon for any service, at any time, for the right price.

Her life becomes a web of deception. School hours, “friend visits,” or supposed job responsibilities become covers for interstate flights, secret hotel bookings, and clandestine transactions. The richest among them reportedly offer services like anal sex, which are in high demand by some of these predators.

Who Are These Girls?

They are typically from low-income or struggling homes. They reject being categorised as “poor” in public, and they will go to great lengths to appear middle-class or affluent. Many of their families are unaware. In some extreme cases, parents even give silent consent, as long as the money keeps flowing home.

Their greatest assets? Physical beauty, curvy figures, and the naivety that predators exploit. These girls have no business with brothels or street corners. They have gone digital. They operate through WhatsApp groups, TikTok algorithms, and private Facebook pages. With just a few clicks, they are matched with high-paying clients—sometimes in entirely different states.

Why Poverty Is Not an Excuse

Many will point fingers at poverty. But we must be careful not to romanticise or rationalise prostitution as a legitimate response to hardship. Poverty is real, yes—but so is integrity. There are girls in the same communities who, despite hunger and hardship, have chosen honest paths. They work as waitresses, hairdressers, salesgirls, and tutors. They manage small businesses, survive on tight budgets, and still hold their heads high.

Prostitution, especially in this form, is not a product of poverty alone—it is often a product of greed, laziness, entitlement, and a corrupt value system. The growing belief that one must “look rich” or “live big” regardless of how the money is made is at the core of this moral collapse.

Religious warnings are being ignored. Even when confronted, some girls say, “Allah will forgive.” But repentance requires remorse and a firm commitment to change—not a continuous indulgence in sin while hiding behind religious phrases.

The Role of Social Media

Social media is a major culprit. The platforms intended to connect and educate have become virtual marketplaces for the flesh trade. TikTok glorifies vanity, consumerism, and “soft life” narratives. WhatsApp becomes the digital brothel where clients and sex workers finalise deals. Facebook hosts secret groups where sex work is promoted in coded language.

The constant bombardment of luxury lifestyles, body flaunting, and materialism fosters insecurity and desperation among impressionable girls. The result? An endless race to fake perfection—even if it means trading dignity for money.

The Damaging Effects

 • On Families: Many families remain oblivious, and by the time they discover the truth, the damage is irreversible. Reputations are destroyed. Trust is lost.

 • On Society: The normalisation of secret prostitution threatens the very foundation of our cultural and moral values. When immorality becomes invisible, it becomes unstoppable.

 • On Marriages: This trend contributes to rising distrust in relationships and marriages. Husbands are becoming suspicious, wives are growing insecure, and divorce rates are climbing.

 • On Public Health: Increased sexual activity with multiple partners, often without protection, raises the risk of STDs, including HIV/AIDS. Yet, this danger is seldom discussed.

 • On Religion: The erosion of fear of Allah and the disregard for Islamic teachings show how deep this problem runs.

Critical Questions We Must Ask

 • How did we get here?

 • Who failed our girls—parents, clerics, or the government?

 • Why is society silent?

 • What kind of men are sleeping with girls young enough to be their granddaughters?

 • Will we allow another generation to grow up in a society that calls evil “smartness” and shamelessness “hustle”?

Final Warning

This is not a rant. It is a wake-up call. What we are witnessing is not just immorality—it is moral suicide. If we continue to ignore this, we risk raising a generation that believes fornication is business, pimps are mentors, and prostitution is hustle.

Let the uncles be warned: your lust is destroying the daughters of the land. Let the girls know: no amount of iPhones or Dubai trips will cleanse the burden of shame you’re carrying. And let the parents rise: your silence is no longer innocent—it is complicity.

May Allah guide us all, amin.

Abba Murtala, FCH DK, wrote from Gombe via abbamurtala8@gmail.com.

By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

The fight against hunger in Nigeria has entered a critical phase. With rising food prices, climate-induced disasters, and conflicts crippling agricultural production, food security is no longer a distant policy concern but an everyday reality for millions of households. What was once viewed as a seasonal challenge has now become a national emergency, demanding a shift from reactive relief to proactive preparedness.

At the forefront of this shift is the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which is redefining its role beyond post-disaster interventions. Through the newly unveiled Food and Nutrition Security Crisis Preparedness Plan (FNSCPP), NEMA is laying the groundwork for a coordinated, data-driven framework designed to detect and respond to food security threats before they spiral into full-blown crises.

For NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the stakes could not be higher. “Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its food security landscape,” she observed during a recent consultative session. “We must transition from reactive to anticipatory response models. This collaboration presents a pathway toward a more structured, timely, and impactful system of intervention.”

The new preparedness plan signals a significant departure from the traditional cycle of emergency relief. It recognises that food insecurity is not an isolated problem but a complex challenge worsened by flooding, drought, armed conflicts, and economic shocks. Seasonal floods, for example, continue to devastate farmlands in states like Anambra, Benue, and Niger, erasing months of hard work and leaving rural communities vulnerable to hunger.

The FNSCPP seeks to address this challenge by integrating early warning systems with national emergency operations, setting up clear crisis escalation protocols, and ensuring that federal, state, and community-level agencies respond in unison. This aligns with NEMA’s broader strategy, which has included launching the 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) and conducting large-scale flood simulation exercises in high-risk zones such as the South East.

Experts agree that timely action is the difference between a manageable disruption and a nationwide crisis. Dr. Ritgak Tilley-Gyado, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank and one of the key technical leads behind the FNSCPP, highlighted this during a consultative visit to NEMA’s headquarters. “This is more than just an emergency response plan,” she explained. “It is a long-term preparedness blueprint. Once indicators are triggered, every institution must understand its role and act without delay.”

The stakes are particularly high for vulnerable populations, where food crises often translate into chronic malnutrition, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. Nigeria’s recent qualification for crisis response financing underlines the urgency of establishing a clear and unified response framework. Without it, resources risk being delayed, duplicated, or mismanaged — leaving those most affected to bear the brunt of avoidable suffering.

To counter this, NEMA is also championing community-level sensitisation, ensuring that disaster preparedness is not merely a top-down directive but a collective effort. By engaging local leaders, grassroots organisations, and youth groups, the agency aims to bridge the gap between policy design and on-the-ground realities.

Yet, significant challenges remain. Adequate funding, political will, and inter-agency coordination will determine whether this bold plan succeeds or falters. Beyond the federal effort, state and local governments must embrace their roles in creating food-resilient communities. Environmentalist Mayokun Iyaomolere captured this sentiment aptly when he remarked, “Preparedness is not just about government plans. Communities must also take ownership of the process, particularly in areas where local action can prevent disasters from escalating.”

As Nigeria faces a future marked by unpredictable weather patterns and growing food demands, the real question is not whether crises will occur but how effectively the country can respond. With the FNSCPP, anchored by NEMA’s leadership and supported by multi-sector partnerships, Nigeria has an opportunity to shift from a culture of reaction to one of anticipation and prevention.

The blueprint has been laid out. What comes next is the test of execution, coordination, and the political courage to ensure that no Nigerian is left to go hungry simply because the warning signs were ignored.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu writes on disaster management, humanitarian response, and national development.

By Abubakar Suleiman

“I am sorry, the brain of your child has been insulted.” Those were the words of a friend who is also a medical doctor after reviewing the EEG result of my late daughter, Rahma, three years ago. He continued, “Abubakar, you have a case in your hands, Allah Ya baka ikon cin jarabawa.”

The phrase “brain being insulted” was unfamiliar to me then. I had to start browsing to be sure that the words weren’t what I feared. Alas, it turned out to be what I thought.

Being a twin, Rahma came into the world weak after her twin sister, Rayhana. And she was put in an incubator to resuscitate her. Before the EEG investigation, Rahma had jaundice that was detected when she was just seven days old.

Upon arrival at the pediatric clinic, after her vitals were taken and a series of tests conducted, she was hospitalised. Phototherapy and an exchange blood transfusion were carried out. And that marked the beginning of a pilgrimage, ranging from one consultant paediatrician to another neurologist, then a physiotherapist throughout her 3 years, 2 months and 1 week of existence.

“Hypertonia.” The word a doctor muttered after we were discharged from the hospital drove me to the internet. Slowly, I became an overnight ‘neurologist’ so much so that whenever we find ourselves in the hospital, the doctors were so surprised by how well I understood some medical concepts. Knowing that hypertonia is a form of cerebral palsy sent chills down my spine. What could have led to this? Loss of oxygen during birth? The jaundice that led to the exchange blood transfusion? Abi na all join? إلى الله المشتكى 

Cerebral palsy rendered Rahma almost helpless. She could not sit, talk, walk or fall asleep with ease all her life. She doesn’t eat any kind of food. Feeding her required tact. Nutritionists’ aid was sought. Her neck control was only partial. We could only try to improve her quality of life with therapeutic interventions and the support of a caregiver. 

While her twin sister, Rayhana, was energetic and quickly enrolled in school, Rahma was mostly on controlled drugs to help her sleep. From phenobarbital, clonazepam, phenytoin, diazepam, to all sorts of medications depending on her weight and other medical variables, as noticed by the doctor. Zamzam water and ruqya weren’t exempted.

Her smile and laughter were expensive. But whenever it appeared, it melted hearts. She shared many features of my late Dad. She is hairy and, in many ways, more uniquely beautiful than her siblings. Her ill health exposed me to the limitations of modern medicine, the high level of professionalism of some doctors and nurses, and, of course, the unruly and unprofessional attitude of others. It also made me renegotiate many priorities in life.

Sicknesses like cerebral palsy drain one psychologically and financially. It pushes one to the boundaries of imaan. In the mix of all these were suggestions, positive and negative. I heard whispers that my ‘Izala’ is becoming too much since I am not willing to try some traditional concoctions or so-called Islamic medicine (whatever that means). Again, I am also not given to superstitions. But alhamdulillah for a strong wife who never wavered in giving her best for Rahma and her siblings. Her imaan was unshaken. It was exhausting, but her resolve was steel-like.

To helplessly watch your child in pain or a medical crisis hits differently. It requires imaan, admonition and strong mental stamina. Whenever Rahma convulsed or cried out due to exhilarating pains, aside from Hasbunallahu wa ni’imal wakeel, all I could tell her was: 

‎اصبري يا رحمة فإن موعدك الجنة إن شاء الله. 

“Be patient, Rahma, your final abode is paradise, InshaAllah.” Even though she doesn’t hear me, I find solace in uttering those words.

My family and friends did everything they could to make things easy for me. Not to mention that the emotional, moral,and even financial support from them would amount to being economical with the situation. I was showered with love and admonition during Rahma’s trial and after her death. 

Death. When your time is not up, you will not die. Rahma was hospitalised countless times, so I no longer informed relatives, friends or family. It became a routine. Her medical conditions were sometimes complicated and severe, so I often prepared myself for the announcement of her death when receiving some phone calls. But she bounced back. However, when it was time to depart the world, she bade us farewell peacefully in her sleep. It was indeed a bumpy ride and a heavy trail. Alhamdulillaah.

I am optimistic that Rahma has found peace inshaAllah. I pray Allah grants her Jannatul Firdaus. May Allah comfort all parents with children having special needs.

By Khadija Hamisu Daninna 

Across Nigeria, kitchens are changing. Gas cylinders stand neatly in urban homes, while charcoal bags fill market stalls. Yet, despite these alternatives, firewood still burns in countless households. Its smoky flames carry taste, memory, and tradition that neither gas nor charcoal can fully replace. For some families, it is also the more affordable choice.

Zainab, a 31-year-old resident of Daura, has never known another way of cooking. “I have never cooked with gas before. All my life, I have been using firewood. I don’t even know how food tastes on gas, but I prefer my firewood. Maybe it is because I grew up with it. I use charcoal sometimes, but firewood is easier for me. Firewood is what I know.”

For Mariam, a 39-year-old housewife, firewood is tied to her husband’s nostalgia. “My husband always says the fried eggs his mother made tasted better on firewood. So I fry eggs on firewood, just to remind him of his childhood.”

Hajara, a 26-year-old food vendor, said firewood gives food a flavour no other fuel can provide. “When I cook jollof rice for parties, I always use firewood. It brings out a special flavour. Gas and charcoal cannot give you that same smoky taste. My customers expect it.”

But even warnings from doctors cannot keep some people away. Amina, a 37-year-old married woman, recalled: “There was a time I was sick, and the doctor told me to avoid smoky areas because of my eyes. But how can I stop? Firewood is what I grew up with. It is not just about cooking. It is about sitting together as a family, sharing stories, and working around the fire. That memory cannot be replaced.”

Cost is another factor. Mallam Usman, a 42-year-old man, explained: “I use both charcoal and firewood. The least charcoal I can buy is ₦200, while firewood is more expensive, up to ₦500. But I prefer firewood. My wife is already used to it. Sometimes I buy charcoal to ease the work, but mostly we use firewood because that is what we have always been using.”

Abdulmumin, a firewood seller in Rumfar Shehu who is over 40, said many people still depend on his trade. “People still come to buy firewood every day. Even though the price is high, food vendors, households, and event caterers still buy it. Firewood is something people cannot abandon. We have been using it since the time of our grandparents, and it still holds memories.”

But experts warn that firewood comes at a cost. According to a 2024 report from the National Bureau of Statistics published in Punch newspaper, 67.8 per cent of Nigerian households still cook with firewood. In Bauchi State, the figure is as high as 91 per cent. Doctors interviewed by Punch Healthwise have cautioned that prolonged exposure to smoke can lead to lung disease, eye problems, and respiratory infections. They noted that women and children, who spend long hours near smoky kitchens, are especially at risk. One pulmonologist, Dr. Abiona Odeyemi of Osun State University Teaching Hospital, explained that smoke from firewood damages the lungs over time, leading to serious health conditions.

Experts have also raised concerns about the environmental impact. Firewood use contributes to deforestation, worsens climate change, and adds to indoor air pollution.

Still, the flames continue to glow. For some, firewood carries memory and tradition. For others, it remains the more affordable choice. And for many, it is simply the way they were raised. Gas may be quicker and charcoal less smoky, but in countless Nigerian homes, firewood still burns, not just as fuel, but as a link between the past and the present.

Khadija Hamisu Daninna wrote via khadijahamisu2003@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), in collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and the Al-Balsam Association from Saudi Arabia, has successfully conducted free open-heart surgeries for patients in Kano.

Speaking to journalists about the development, the Head of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit at AKTH and team lead for the local medical team, Dr. Jamil Ismail Ahmad, said the initiative has brought relief to many patients who cannot afford treatment abroad.

“Normally, open-heart surgery costs between eight to ten million naira in Nigeria. But here, patients are getting it almost free of charge. 

“Outside the country, it would cost between 25 to 30 million naira, including logistics. This partnership is therefore very important,” Dr. Ahmad explained.

He noted that patients with heart diseases who require surgery but have no high-risk complications are usually considered for the program, stressing that safety remains a top priority.

“Some patients are excluded because their cases were neglected for too long, and operating on them would be too risky. Our key watchword is safety — we want to ensure that after surgery, patients are in much better condition than before,” he said.

Dr. Ahmad commended the partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, describing it as highly supportive in both service delivery and local capacity building.

“Such collaborations are important globally, not only for providing services but also for building local capacity. The visiting team shares its expertise, which enhances our training and helps us sustain these services,” he added.

On patient outcomes, he revealed that survival rates in previous missions with the same team ranged between 80 and 90 per cent, and similar results are expected this time.

Dr. Ahmad also called on the government, philanthropists, and the private sector to support such initiatives, noting that investment in infrastructure, human resource training, and collaboration would strengthen healthcare delivery.

On his part, Dr. Abdullah, the team leader of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, emphasised the challenges of delivering such care in underserved regions like Nigeria, Sudan, and Yemen.

“Patients often present late because they were neglected for years. Some should have undergone surgery 10 or 20 years ago before developing complications that now make operations riskier. 

The best approach is continuous local services and proper screening. This saves lives and is more cost-effective than patients spending millions abroad in Europe, India, or North Africa,” he said.

He disclosed that so far, five patients had undergone surgery in Kano, with plans for six more cases in the following days. 

Dr. Abdullah praised the dedication of AKTH staff, including doctors, nurses, technicians, blood bank staff, and even cleaners, saying their support was crucial to the success of the program.

One of the beneficiaries’ relatives, Fatima Muhammad, expressed gratitude, saying her family could not have afforded the surgery if they had been asked to pay.

By Anas Abbas

The ongoing rainy season has brought relief from the heat but also a dangerous surge in mosquito breeding across many communities.

Open, clogged gutters and stagnant pools of water have become breeding hotspots for Anopheles mosquitoes, the primary carriers of malaria, prompting urgent calls for action from health experts, residents, and government officials.

The Daily Reality has reported that numerous neighborhoods in Kano City, including Dan Rimi, Yan Mata, and Kurna Asabe, are facing serious challenges related to unclean open gutters and stagnant sewage channels.

These unsightly conditions not only compromise the aesthetic appeal of these areas but also pose serious health risks to the residents.

Community outcry

Across several neighborhoods in the city, residents have expressed frustration over the poor state of local drainage systems. Many lament that the rainy season has worsened the situation, with gutters overflowing and stagnant water lingering for days.

“Our gutters are blocked with plastic waste, sand, and all kinds of debris,” said Aisha Ismail, a resident of Kurna Asabe.

Another resident of Yan mata, Isah Mustafa, added “Mosquitoes are everywhere now. We are willing to clean up, but the drains are deep and heavily silted. We need government equipment and manpower to make a real impact.”

Although some communities like Gayawa, Rimin Zakara Rijiyar Lemo (A) have already embarked on volunteer clean-up exercises, local leaders admit that without adequate tools, trucks, and protective gear, their efforts remain limited.

The village head of Rimin Zakara, Kabiru Abba, explained that during the rainy season, community members gather to emphasize the importance of maintaining clean water channels.

“This includes placing slabs over street gutters and clearing unwanted grass to reduce the risk of mosquito breeding.” However, “households with flowers are also advised to trim their plants and grasses, as doing so helps minimize the presence of insects and mosquitoes”.

He said the Ward Head of Tudun Bojuwa, Zaharaddin Muhammad, also urged communities to take advantage of the sanitation day to clean up their sewage systems, gutters, and drainages in order to protect themselves from mosquito infestations.

He added that “sanitation should not only be about preventing mosquitoes, but also about promoting personal comfort and well-being”.

Medical expert’s insight

Dr. Usman Sani, a seasoned medical doctor explained to Daily Reality that the outbreak of malaria is closely linked to how we manage sewage and refuse disposal in our environment.

“Malaria lays its eggs in dirty water, which leads to an increase in disease transmission in affected areas. It is crucial that we effectively manage our water systems,” he stated.

He emphasized the importance of implementing a closed system for water and waste disposal, rather than allowing them to be exposed openly. “Cleaning sewage channels and gutters will significantly reduce the chances of malaria in our communities. However, it is essential that these channels are enclosed rather than left open. In our case, our gutters are predominantly open and often stagnant, leading to clogged water systems filled with debris,” Usman said.

Government response

The Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has emphasized that both government and communities, alongside relevant stakeholders, must actively engage in drainage and sewage clean-up exercises.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, the Commissioner for Environment explained that rampant refuse dumping and blocked drainages often serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

He stressed that consistent clean-up activities could effectively address this challenge.

According to him, the ministry has provided equipment to communities to enable their participation in the exercise.

He further noted that while negligence and ignorance sometimes contribute to the problem, ongoing sensitization and inclusive efforts will encourage residents of Kano to embrace the initiative.

ThisDay newspaper reported that the Kano State Government has flagged-off the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) Campaign and Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) Distribution, with the official launch held at Burji Primary Health Centre in Madobi Local Government Area.

Aminu Abdulssalam, the deputy governor said the state has initiated the launching of the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaign and distribution of insecticide-treated nets to prevent malaria, a disease that disproportionately affects children and pregnant women across Kano state.

Despite the general distribution of 7.7 million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across Kano State, particularly targeting mothers and children, some residents in parts of Ungogo Local Government Area have expressed concerns about not receiving the nets.

“We have seen people in areas like Fagge and Dala Local Government Areas collecting ITNs, but it is yet to reach us,” lamented Jamila Sulaiman, a resident of Ungogo.

A source confirmed that the Ungogo Local Government distributed insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to residents across the area. Health officials emphasize that mosquito control is not a one-time effort but requires consistent community engagement. Regular cleaning of gutters, covering of water storage containers, and timely waste disposal are being highlighted as essential steps.

“If we act together now, we can greatly reduce mosquito breeding and protect our communities. Every blocked gutter we clear today is one less breeding site tomorrow. The rainy season is here we must treat this as a health emergency.” Dr. Juniadu sani concluded

By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR

There are people whose presence on earth answers questions, silences chaos, and reassures broken spirits that goodness has not lost its place in the journey of humanity. When you meet such a soul, you don’t need persuasion or praise to understand them. Their essence speaks gently but powerfully. Their actions speak more than introductions. And their humility becomes the loudest testimony. Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti is one such rare man.

He is not defined by his position. He is defined by his posture toward people, toward purpose, and toward the possibilities that are in building others. He carries influence with a gentleness that disarms pride. He wields intellect with a clarity that speaks in results, not rhetoric. His kindness does not seek the spotlight, yet it lights up lives. In Dr. Wunti, leadership is not a claim; it is an effect. You don’t need to be told he leads; you feel it by what surrounds him: hope, truth, trust.

Dr. Wunti is a thinker. But not one who sits in silence while people suffer. He listens, he observes, and he acts. His success in the energy sector is known by experts across continents, but even more admirable is how he has remained deeply connected to the people beneath the statistics—those whose lives don’t appear in data sheets but whose realities matter the most. He balances global intellect with local empathy, and he does so effortlessly.

Every act of his kindness is not random. It is intentional. It is driven by a deep understanding of pain and a personal conviction that no one should be left behind when it is possible to lift. Many men do charity. Few men carry kindness as a responsibility. Fewer still see it as an identity. For Dr. Wunti, it is not about doing good to impress. It is about being good enough to make a difference that leaves no noise but creates echoes of gratitude.

What sets him apart is not only what he does but how he does it. He makes room for others without shrinking himself. He uplifts without needing to be worshipped. He speaks with such calm confidence that even disagreement becomes a space of learning. There is discipline in his humility, and there is wisdom in his silence. He doesn’t interrupt with his greatness; he simply lets it shine in how he walks into a room, how he listens to the ordinary, and how he never forgets those without titles.

Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti is a builder of people, not just systems. He is a man who understands that progress is not only about projects but also about peace. He knows that development is not truly development if it does not carry the human soul along. That is why his style is not loud. It is thoughtful. That is why his touch remains long after he has moved on. People do not only remember what he did; they remember how he made them feel—seen, respected, and valued.

It is no surprise that across regions, communities, institutions, and families, his name is spoken not with awe but with affection. And there is his secret—he earns respect by restoring dignity. He doesn’t walk in front to be praised. He walks beside, so no one is left behind. He does not pretend to know it all, but what he knows, he applies with uncommon honesty.

There is something deeply graceful about a man who does not chase validation yet earns admiration by simply being himself. In a time when too many seek recognition before action, Dr. Wunti has quietly made his life a gift to others. His kindness is not weakness. It is strength in its purest form. A strength that builds rather than breaks. A strength that gives, even when no one is looking.

This world, with all its weight, still finds light in people like Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti. He reminds us that being accomplished is good, but being compassionate is better. That having knowledge is necessary, but using it to serve others is noble. That being known is nice, but being remembered for goodness is divine.

As one reflects on his journey, it becomes clear that such a man deserves not just recognition but appreciation, not just applause but prayers. He doesn’t wear his impact as decoration. He lets others wear it as hope. And in doing so, he has built something bigger than status. He has built trust.

May the road ahead for Dr. Wunti remain wide, purposeful, and peaceful. May his type multiply in a world that desperately needs the fragrance of men whose hearts still beat for others. And may his story inspire many more to lead not by command but by compassion.

Because in this world of fleeting moments and forgotten promises, one truth remains: kindness will never go out of relevance. And for that, the name Bala Maijama’a Wunti will always echo where sincerity is treasured.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.