News

By Uzair Adam Imam

In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State declared that he harbors no political ambitions beyond his current eight-year governorship tenure.

He noted that his sole aspiration is to serve as governor and has no intentions of pursuing roles such as chairman, senator, or member of the House of Representatives.

Governor Sule stated firmly, “I have no dream of becoming even president. You can take it from me confidently that I have no intention to run for the office of a senator.”

He affirmed that after completing his eight years, he is open to exploring other pursuits.

Expressing confidence in his post-governorship plans, Sule conveyed his disinterest in seeking a senatorial position, urging viewers to hold onto the statement for future reference.

The governor also revealed his anticipation of a favorable Supreme Court judgment, signaling the conclusion of the court case.

With the legal challenges behind him, he expressed readiness to focus on governing the state.Governor Sule, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, served his first term from 2019 to 2023.

In the 2023 governorship election, he contested against the Peoples Democratic Party’s David Ombugadu.

Despite legal challenges, the Supreme Court recently upheld Sule’s election victory, solidifying his position as the state governor.

Sule reiterated that his primary goal is to govern the state, dispelling speculations of seeking a Senate or House of Representatives seat in the future.

By Muhammad Sulaiman Abdullahi

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government’s effort to forcibly uplift and upgrade Lagos State shouldn’t surprise anyone who knew or read about Nigeria’s history. The military initiated the idea of the creation of Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria in the late 20th century, precisely in the late 70th. The idea was well thought out, well planned and well executed in good faith by successive military governments. 

The actualisation of Abuja as the capital city of the federation was one of the few tasks inherited and continued by more than one regime of governance. A Wikipedia article says that; “it is a planned city built mainly in the 1980s based on a master plan by International Planning Associates (IPA), a consortium of three American planning and architecture firms made up of Wallace, Roberts, McHarg & Todd (WRMT – a group of architects) as the lead, Archi systems International (a subsidiary of the Howard Hughes Corporation), and Planning Research Corporation. The Central Business District of Abuja was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. It replaced Lagos, the country’s most populous city, as the capital on 12 December 1991.”

It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the whole world, not only in Nigeria or in Africa. “According to the United Nations, Abuja grew by 139.7% between 2000 and 2010, making it the fastest-growing city in the world. As of 2015, the city is experiencing an annual growth of at least 35%, retaining its position as the fastest-growing city on the African continent and one of the fastest-growing in the world.” This is Abuja for you. 

Everything about Abuja was well-planned by intellectuals of repute in the world. Its strategic location, terrain, weather and, above all, compatibility to all, comfort and suitability as the capital city of this complex combination. There are so many planned cities in the world, and they are done for a purpose. Right from the beginning of the amalgamation, those who perpetrated it had known that it would be so complex to manage. They, therefore, according to their expectation, helped in realising where the leadership would be easier for all. Thus, the idea behind the planned city of Abuja. And this shows how disciplined and committed the military were to the general development and progress of the country. If it were these set of politicians of today, such a momentous task would never be accomplished.

History recorded that the Yorubas vehemently rejected the idea of Abuja’s formation. The “biggest” opposition to the formation of Abuja was the then Yoruba chieftain and presidential candidate, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Awo pledged and promised to his people that if elected, he would hire the American Walf Disney Corporation – an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate, to convert the current site of Abuja into an amusement park. Perhaps Chief Awo’s dream is quickly becoming a reality under Tinubu’s administration.

Awo lost the election, and it was reported that one of the first works of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, when he assumed power, was to accelerate and lay the foundation of Abuja and push for its early completion. Successive governments took over from him, and the trend continues until these days when we see the reversal in quick gears.

I contested the supremacy of Lagos over Kano a long time ago, but later, when I visited the state in 2013, I concurred and agreed that Lagos state is so blessed and looks like other well-developed foreign cities, if not because of the roughness and ruggedness of some its people. The state is both naturally and artificially endowed. Its intellectuals also support it at the expense of all others. They are the kind of people who love themselves more than anyone else. We started seeing the manifestation of this love so early in this Tinubu-led government.

It is undoubtedly clear to anyone who pokes his nose into Nigeria’s issues that Lagos is by far more prosperous than all the 36 federation states combined. You may not be wrong if you call Lagos a country of its own. That’s why I find it weird when public structures are shamelessly moved to Lagos in the name of convenience, proximity and all other silly excuses. These flimsy excuses can look strong from the surface, but some hidden weaknesses may be uncovered after a deep X-ray.

I once asked a knowledgeable friend about the issue of population between Kano and Lagos. Those who promote Lagos promote it even where others are better. Almost all the time, I see conflicting and contradictory reports on the issue of population. He explained to me in layman’s language that Kano is the most populous city in Nigeria, and there is no doubt about this. But Kano’s population is a dispersed population while that of Lagos is the most densely populated city in Nigeria. 

Then, in the actual number of people living in the two states combined together, Kano is the most populous state in Nigeria. Even this, many people do not care to know. Back to the Federal Republic of Lagosia! The state has been leading in terms of infrastructural development, IGR, investment, inventions, entrepreneurship, companies and all that the world counts as the indices of development. This, no one can deny. Maybe Kano can only be ahead of Lagos in terms of decorum, legitimate earnings and legal dealings. But Kano, being the Centre of commerce, has for long been hijacked by many powers beyond an ordinary imagination to comprehend.

Recently, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been reported to have moved some of its key departments to Lagos. Why? It was said that close to 60 per cent of Nigeria’s wealth revolves around Lagos state only. Then, why should CBN sit far away from the Center of money? In this respect, one should salute the courage and foresight of CBN to relocate. Those of you shouting, what do you bring to the CBN’s table to make the CBN move the headquarters to your state? 

FAAN also moved its key offices and officers and even issued a statement that they have done so for the good of the country. It was said that the former aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, was the one who forced them to be in Abuja. 

In the statement issued by FAAN, its PRO Obiageli, it is said that they don’t have enough space/offices to accommodate their personnel in Abuja. Whether this is true or false should not matter, as truth is so expensive in Nigeria, and lies are so cheap. Whatever may happen, they moved out, pending when there would be enough space for them. They would form a committee to start looking for whether they could move back to Abuja. But one important thing that Obiageli mentioned was the issue of 60% of Nigeria’s flights hovering around Lagos. This singular statement is heavier than all the other flimsy and silly excuses given. This holds water!

Abuja was not ordinarily built without any thinking. It was strategically chosen, located and designed. Abuja was one of the purposely well-planned cities in Africa, as explained. It was designed to be in the centre to ease everything for everyone. When it was established, as is the norm, many companies, government agencies, embassies, foreign establishments and above all, the seat of the government were all transferred to the location. This is how Abuja was made.

Today, under the Asiwaju’s government, silly excuses are forwarded, and some government agencies headed by Yorubas are taken back to Abuja without even consulting the two houses of assemblies. I thought such a decision must be backed by law. They should first take the issue to the National Assembly for consent. But even the movement is systematic. They started by saying we are moving “some offices”, maybe to outsmart Nigerians. Many other movements might have been shrouded in secrecy.

The preferential treatment given to Lagos state sends terrible signals to the remaining states. Yes, Lagos generates revenue, but don’t forget that many of Nigeria’s population resides in the North. Lagos is made to be a necessary location for all Northerners or their goods to pass through. To compound issues and systematically actualise this, the Northern land borders are shut. Therefore, everyone is systematically forced to carry his fate, money and energy to Lagos. The import and export solely rely on Lagos. Why all this centralisation? Something is fishy here. Are Yoruba’s up to something? Only time will tell.

Lagos state is rich enough to have its own Central Bank. It shouldn’t take everything away from the rest of Nigerians with the support of the president. Already through the shrewdness of its technocrats, more than half of what is supposed to be shared by all Nigerians is given to her alone, in the name of its ports and other cover-ups. If we go by the statement of proximity and suitability as issued by FAAN and CBN, then the Ministry of Defense should be relocated to Zamfara or Borno, NNPC to Rivers or Bayelsa, Mining and Solid Minerals to Zamfara, Borno or Yobe, among many others. 

Let Abuja be either disbanded for all Nigerians to take their share or be retained as it is. Developmental projects should be distributed evenly throughout the country. You have already forced so much of Lagos on all at the expense of all. Lagos has snatched away the lion’s share of the country’s earnings, and no one says anything. It is another country in Nigeria, so everything about her is different. The train, the power, the companies, and now Nigeria’s CBN, FAAN, among many others. Haba! Why all these? A stitch in time…

By Professor Abdussamad Jibia 

Those of us from Jibia LGA of Katsina state have been mourning for the past ten days. Last week, bandits launched an attack on the Kukar Babangida community of Jibia LGA. The infamous guests had visited Kukar Babangida many times, but this is probably the worst. They killed the ward head, Alhaji Haruna, along with nine others. 

Kukar Babangida is located about 15 kilometres from Jibia on the Jibia-Katsina highway. It was called Kukar Zaure until sometime during the administration of General Babangida when he launched the annual tree-planting campaign at the village. On that occasion, the then Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Usman, renamed it Kukar Babangida. Of course, for a local community to be validly renamed, it must have the blessing of the emirate. In its case, Kukar Zaure was renamed by the Emir himself. The annual tree planting campaign was a very good practice of military regimes that politicians have abandoned for no apparent good reasons.

Magaji Zaure, which is his traditional title, refused to relocate to either Katsina or Jibia as many of his colleagues have done. He has always stated that abandoning his people and running away would be a breach of trust. This time around, he paid the supreme price. If you have been following my writeups for the past eight years, you would understand the kind of frustrations our communities have been subjected to with respect to insecurity. Lives have been lost, women and girls disgraced, people kidnapped for ransom, farmers displaced from their farmlands and communities occupied.

This introduction would only tell you how badly in need people like me are for a solution to the problem of insecurity. That is why my curiosity was piqued when I came across a video clip yesterday.

The clip, which is obviously a news item from a Hausa service of one of those big foreign radio stations, is about the launching of a vigilante group by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Association. The activity, which took place in Nasarawa state, featured a parade by the new recruits in their uniform, a fashion parade by Fulani youth and an interview with the President of the Miyetti Allah group, one Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Bodijo. Very senior police officers also graced the occasion.

According to Alhaji Bodijo, the aim of establishing the group is to assist regular security forces to “peacefully” arrest criminals without killing the innocent. Asked whether or not they have obtained Government approval to establish the group, he only expressed hope that the Federal Government and its security forces would give them the necessary recognition. “We shall also help Nigerian Governors to tackle the problem of insecurity”. 

In Nasarawa state alone, Alhaji Bodijo stated they will recruit 4,000 members. First, they have already screened 2140 selected from different (Fulani) families. He promised to end the security problem in Nasarawa state in six months. While stating they have their traditional sticks, Alhaji Bodijo pledged to seek Government approval to obtain weapons allowed by law.

First, let me commend the Miyetti Allah group for their concern about the insecurity problem bedevilling Nigeria and, for the first time, admitting the contribution of their kinsmen to the problem. That most of the bandits operating in the North West and North Central states are Fulani is not debatable. This became well known during the time of Buhari when he directed Governors in the North West geopolitical zone to dialogue with bandits. All the bandits’ leaders that met with Governor Masari were Fulani, and they are well known, with some of them still moving unscathed even when the Federal Government is spending billions of Naira of taxpayers’ money on insecurity.

With the resolve and non-cowardly nature of Fulani, I do not doubt that if the all-Fulani group decide to face their criminal kinsmen, banditry will come to an end in a very short time. But are they ready to do it?

Miyetti Allah Kautel Hore group has itself been criticised for aiding and abetting criminality on several occasions. Perhaps the best known for this accusation is the immediate past Governor of Benue state. We can also recall that at a point in time, a Zamfara state commissioner of Police issued a warning to the Miyetti Allah group to bring an end to banditry in the state or face the wrath of the law.

The tone of Alhaji Bodijo does not suggest that the Miyetti Allah group is ready to face the criminal elements among their kinsmen, fire for fire. In fact, he mentioned the name of a hardened criminal in the North West and stated that they are ready to partner with people like him to end insecurity. But Alhaji Bodijo has a reply for me if he wants it. What is news about partnering with bandits if the Government, with its security forces and an obligation to protect lives and property, has dialogued with them several times? 

But come. Why Nasarawa state? Does the Governor have any interest in the new Miyetti Allah project? Politicians can be unpredictable. Many of them have been accused of using ethnic militia for their political agenda. Governor Abdullahi Sule should come clean on this.

Or does the Nasarawa project have anything to do with the “innocent” herdsmen killed by the military sometime in 2022? We are aware that the Horijo, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, visited both President Buhari and President Tinubu to seek compensation for his tribesmen even though he has never done so with respect to the many innocent people killed by criminals suspected to be of Fulani descent. How are we sure that this project is not about revenge?

Assuming revenge is not the first idea. If an incident like the one in question happens again, can we rule out a confrontation between an armed Miyetti Allah vigilante group and the Nigerian Air Force? If the group has branches in all states of the Federation or at least the Northern states, would that not be a major disaster?

By the way, this is Nigeria, a multiethnic and multireligious nation. Any security outfit to be recognised by the Government at the state or Federal level must not be ethnically biased. While Fulani herdsmen (Fulanin daji as they are called) have a very good knowledge of the forest because of the nature of their occupation, the collaborators of forest-based bandits are usually hidden in the cities. The victims of banditry are mostly people in the villages, and they can tell the different ways in which bandits attack.  All these mean that an unbiased vigilante group must be composed of different categories of people, not just people with knowledge of the forest.

My advice for MACBAN is to modify their approach. Reach out to other interest groups and form an all-inclusive vigilante group. Government should do the screening with inputs from Miyetti Allah Kautel Hore and other law-abiding groups. 

Recognising the new group without modification is a potential disaster for Nigeria.

Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote from Kano. He can be reached via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Nigerian Police Force in Bauchi State have arrested a student for illegal possession of a gun.

The accused, whose identity is sketchy as at the time of writing this report, is believed to be a 400-level student of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

Police spokesman in the state, SP Ahmed Wakil, stated in Bauchi on Wednesday that the suspect was arrested on Saturday following a tip-off by a vigilance group.

Wakil added that the suspect had already admitted to the offence and claimed that the weapons belonged to another person previously arrested for possession of a locally made pistol in 2021.

The accused is the second student to be caught with a gun in a space of one month in the university. In December 2023, a student identified as Atim Emmanuel, was arrested for owning a revolver pistol and a cartridge.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver its judgement this Friday on an appeal seeking to nullify the election of Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State. 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mohammed Barde, are urging the court to overturn the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Gombe State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had dismissed their case challenging Governor Yahaya’s victory in the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial poll. 

The five-member apex court panel, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, approved the case for judgment after all parties presented their briefs of argument. 

Additionally, the court dismissed an appeal against Governor Yahaya’s election by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Nafiu Bala, who withdrew the case upon realising it contained pre-election issues. 

In a related matter, the court also deferred judgement on the Kaduna state governorship election dispute, where the PDP and its candidate, Mohammed Ashiru, seek the removal of Governor Uba Sani, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A soldier attached to the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Abeokuta accidentally shot himself to death, as confirmed by Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the spokesman of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, supervising the brigade. 

The unfortunate incident occurred when the soldier sustained a gunshot wound to his head. Lt.-Col. Ayeni reported on Wednesday that upon hearing the accidental discharge, the soldier’s colleagues rushed to the scene, discovering him in a pool of his own blood. 

“Investigation has since started to unravel the circumstances and possible remote cause of the unfortunate incident. 

“The remains of the soldier have been evacuated and deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta,’’ Mr Ayeni stated. 

Addressing speculations circulating on social media, Lt.-Col. Ayeni urged the public to disregard insinuations that the soldier took his own life due to non-payment of Ration Cash Allowance. 

He clarified that the late soldier had been deployed to the Brigade Standby Force on Jan.15, adequately fed alongside his colleagues in accordance with the Nigerian Army’s standards for troops on duty. 

Expressing deep concern over the misuse of the incident, Lt.-Col. Ayeni stated the commitment of the division to the welfare of its troops. 

He conveyed the division’s condolences and sympathy to the deceased soldier’s family, highlighting that the division is dedicated to providing necessary welfare to boost the morale of its troops.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) paid a courtesy visit to Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), on January 16, 2023. 

The visit aimed to express gratitude for the CGC’s significant contributions as a distinguished Board member. 

Daniel Igali, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, led the delegation and took the opportunity to congratulate the CGC on his appointment. 

He conveyed the federation’s heartfelt appreciation for the CGC’s active role as a board member and his unwavering support over the years. 

President Igali also acknowledged the CGC’s longstanding association with the board, dating back to his tenure as the Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada. 

This history of collaboration added a special dimension to the expressions of gratitude during the visit. In response, the CGC expressed his thanks for the honor and appreciation extended by the Wrestling Federation. 

Reflecting on his enduring involvement with the board, he assured the delegation of the Nigeria Customs Service’s continued dedication to promoting wrestling and other sports activities within the service. 

The CGC affirmed the service’s commitment to supporting the Wrestling Federation, pledging ongoing assistance and collaboration.

He underscored the importance of fostering training and sporting activities for Customs officers, highlighting the readiness of the Nigeria Customs Service to engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives with the Wrestling Federation. 

The visit highlighted the strong bond and collaborative spirit between the Nigeria Customs Service and sports federations, particularly the Wrestling Federation. 

This collaboration exemplifies a shared commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria, showcasing the positive impact of partnerships between government institutions and sports organizations.

By Uzair Adam Imam The Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, convened an emergency security meeting on Tuesday in response to the rising incidents of kidnapping by bandits in Bwari Area Council and other parts of the territory. 

During the opening session, Wike reassured residents that his administration and security agencies were actively addressing the situation and urged them not to panic.  

He acknowledged the security challenges but emphasized that steps were being taken to resolve them.  

“We are all aware of the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly Bwari and some other areas that we have witnessed security challenges.  

“I am also aware that sometimes too, the Press overblow what is happening but indeed we owe a duty to make sure that FCT is safe,” said Wike. 

He further stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the challenges and find solutions collaboratively, involving all Council Chairmen who share responsibilities for their respective areas. 

Wike warned Council Chairmen against unnecessary stated their responsibility to remain in their councils and address issues within their purview.  

He expressed dissatisfaction with Chairmen leaving their responsibilities for unnecessary travels and noted the need for them to actively engage in resolving challenges within their jurisdictions. 

“We will not be happy where Area Council Chairmen will leave their responsibilities and travel out. We have gotten reports that Council Chairmen travel anytime and then, if anything happens, they will not call anybody’s name except the FCT Minister,” warned Wike. 

He also addressed the recent strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), pointing out that primary schools fall under the jurisdiction of Area Councils.  

While emphasizing that resolving the issue was not the responsibility of the Ministers, Wike invited the Council Chairmen to collaborate in finding solutions to challenges. 

Wike concluded by asserting that every effort was being made to address the security challenges faced by the FCT and urged Council Chairmen to fulfill their responsibilities actively.  

The security situation has escalated in Bwari Area Council since December 23, 2023, with kidnappers carrying out bold attacks and even killing their hostages.

On Monday, reports indicated that kidnappers had dumped the remains of at least four victims around the Jere junction on the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

I find it difficult to believe that the majority of those reading this piece right now do not know what bullying is all about. Bullying, as a matter of fact, is a common phenomenon among us now. Being bullied is both heartbreaking and miserable for those targeted.

But many adults, unless they too have been bullied, have a hard time understanding just how much kids can suffer from being bullied. They fail to realize that the consequences of bullying are significant and can have a lasting impact on one’s mental and physical health.

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), bullying has a lifelong impact on the social and emotional development of children, which puts them at risk for everything, from severe mental health issues to stunted professional growth later in life.
Bullying is the use of force, coercion, hurtful teasing or threat to abuse to aggressively dominate or intimidate an individual. The behaviour is often repeated and habitual.

In Nigeria, this mostly occurs in boarding schools among seniors who take advantage of their timid and weak juniors, thereby forcing them to do their bidding, such as washing clothes and assignments, cleaning their rooms, collecting their food, and punishing and beating them as they wish.

According to NICHD, children who are involved in bullying experiences (on either side of the situation) are at an increased risk of developing issues in both mental and physical health aspects. Bullying can have physical, social and emotional effects, too.

The physical effects of bullying include:
– Stress response
– Headaches
– Muscle pain
– Digestive upset
– Weight changes, etc.

Those who are bullied are at increased risk for mental health problems such as:
– Depression and anxiety
– Low self-esteem and personal drive
– Trouble focusing and falling grades
– Behavioral problems
– Social and relationship issues
– Substance abuse later in life
– Dropping out of school
– Self-harming behaviours, etc.

Bullying can also affect other children who witness the acts, even if they aren’t directly involved. While it may seem obvious that those who are bullied have a higher risk of developing developmental issues, what’s less obvious is that bullying also affects the on-lookers.

Bullying brings negative effects to everyone who witnesses the act by way of creating what feels like an unsafe environment. It can make children feel as though they are helpless, planting a deep seed of insecurity and disdain for their classroom (and classmates) as a whole.

It also makes kids feel as though they can’t be protected by those they trust (teachers, aides, parents, etc.), which can lead to withdrawal and a failure to thrive. Research shows that bullying and harassment can cause adult symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In fact, one study examining mental health in college students found experiencing bullying to be the strongest predictor of developing PTSD symptoms.

Oftentimes, it is withdrawal that is the first and most obvious sign that bullying is taking place, apart from actually seeing the incident in person.

Over time, if the bullying continues, those who witness it will likely begin to show other signs such as attention issues, fear of participating in normal activities, acting out or other behavioural problems such as vandalism or destroying toys or objects. Because kids rarely tell an adult when they experience bullying, it’s important that parents, teachers, and other caregivers are aware of the warning signs.

For instance, kids may hint that they are being bullied by saying there is drama at school, that kids are messing with them, or that they have no friends. These are all signs that they are experiencing bullying. If your kids confess to being a target, tell them you are proud of them for having the courage to talk about it.

This reinforces that you value having an open dialogue about issues they’re facing. It’s also important that you believe what your kids tell you and that you make a commitment to work with them to find solutions. While it can be difficult, try to keep your emotions in check. Instead, remain calm and work with your child to make a plan.

When kids feel as if they have options, they are less likely to be overwhelmed with negative feelings. In addition, efforts to advocate on behalf of victims will not be effective unless people truly comprehend how painful and traumatic bullying can be.

Kids who are regularly targeted by bullies often suffer both emotionally and socially. Not only do they find it hard to make friends, but they also struggle to maintain healthy friendships. Part of this struggle is directly related to low self-esteem.

A lack of self-esteem is a direct result of the mean and hurtful things that other kids say about them. When kids are continuously called “fat” or “losers,” they begin to believe these things are true. Many times, kids feel like they need to accept occasional bullying in order to belong. As a result, they will succumb to peer pressure and accept bullying as a way to maintain their social standing.

Kids who are victimized often yearn for acceptance from the very people who are bullying them. In order to remain part of the group, they may tolerate fake friendships and mean behaviour, especially if the person bullying them has a higher social standing than they do.

In fact, research shows that 50% of students between the ages of 12 and 18 who have been bullied report that the bully had more social influence. In addition, 31% indicated that they had more money. Bullying victims also tend to experience a wide range of emotions. They may feel angry, bitter, vulnerable, helpless, frustrated, lonely, and isolated from their peers.

Consequently, they may skip classes and resort to drugs and alcohol to numb their pain. If bullying is ongoing, they may develop depression and even contemplate suicide. Aside from the bumps and bruises that occur during physical bullying, there are additional physical costs. For instance, bullied kids often experience anxiety. This stress on their bodies also will result in a variety of health issues, including being sick more often and suffering from ulcers and other conditions caused by persistent anxiety.

Bullied kids also may complain of stomachaches and headaches. The bullying they experience may aggravate other pre-existing conditions like eczema. Skin conditions, stomach issues, and heart conditions that are aggravated by stress all worsen when a child is being bullied.

Kids who are bullied often suffer academically, too. Bullied kids struggle to focus on their schoolwork. In fact, slipping grades is one of the first signs that a child is being bullied. Kids also may be so preoccupied by bullying that they forget about assignments or have difficulty paying attention in class.

Additionally, bullied kids may skip school or classes in order to avoid being bullied. This practice results in falling grades. When grades begin to drop, this adds to the stress levels the bullied child is already experiencing. A study conducted by the University of Virginia showed that kids who attend a school with a severe climate of bullying often have lower scores on standardized tests.

When a child is bullied, it is not uncommon for the parents and siblings to also be affected. Parents often experience a wide range of consequences, including feeling powerless to fix the situation. They also may feel alone and isolated. And they may even become obsessed with the situation, often at the expense of their own health and well-being. It also is not uncommon for parents to feel a sense of failure when their child is bullied.

Not only do they feel like they failed to protect the child from bullying, but they also may question their parenting abilities. They may even worry that they somehow missed the signs of bullying or that they did not do enough to bully-proof their child along the way. The truth is that no one can predict who bullies will target.

Parents can do everything right and still find out that their child is being bullied. As a result, they should never feel responsible for the choices a bully makes. Instead, they should place the blame where it belongs and focus on helping their child heal from bullying.

Research shows that bullying has a lot of effects which last well into adulthood. In fact, one study found that the consequences of being bullied by peers may have a greater impact on mental health in adulthood than originally thought. Remember, the experiences that people have while they are children help mould them into the adults that they later become. So it is not surprising that the effects of bullying linger well into adulthood.

However, having a counsellor help your child with the recovery process may speed things along. If you were bullied as a child and are still experiencing the side effects, the first step toward recovery from childhood bullying is acknowledging what happened to you. Do not dismiss what happened to you or minimize the severity.

Be truthful with yourself about the pain you experienced. You also need to make healing a priority. Take time to take care of yourself and consider talking with a counsellor about your experience. A counsellor can help you make sense of your feelings and move past the negative experience of bullying. He also can help you reframe your thinking and reclaim control over your life.

While it may be painful to think about the bullying you experienced as a kid, if it is still impacting your everyday life and the way you view yourself, then it is best to face the issue head-on. Once you have come to terms with what you experienced and changed the way you view yourself and others, you will be on your way to recovery.

Conclusively, bullying prevention has been put in the spotlight in recent years and has gained momentum in educational facilities across most countries or worldly. Many schools and childcare providers now implement some variation of an anti-bullying policy, which has had a major impact on developing minds everywhere.

Most anti-bullying policies include tips such as keeping a watchful eye, utilizing activities that encourage kids to speak up about their experiences and keeping an open line of communication with youngsters to ensure they are comfortable with sharing any unwanted behaviours by others. It is time bullying in whatever form is stopped in Nigeria. One hopes that the government, school management and society at large will do something to tackle the vicious malaise.

Maimuna Katuka Aliyu is an executive intern with PRNigeria in Abuja, Nigeria.

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has advised Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to open a dance school. The group said such an institution would be the governor’s legacy in the state.

The advice was given in a statement issued on Monday, 15th January 2024, by the group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

He said:

“The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has become popular with his dancing skills. He shows off his skill at every given opportunity, at public functions and official sittings. It is one thing that he takes great joy in doing.

“We admit that even his opponents admire his skill while his supporters are thrilled by his dancing. One can never have a dull moment with Governor Adeleke around. He does it with passion and takes great pride in it. Such skill should not be allowed to waste away.

“It is for this reason we would like to suggest to the governor to bequeath his skill to the youth of Osun State by opening a dance school. In the alternative, the governor can inject powerful doses of government investment into the arts department of the Osun State University with a special bias for dancing.

“Such investment may catapult the state’s tourism and entertainment to the highest pedestal among other states of the federation. It will also increase its internally generated revenue (IGR). This is one way Osun can make the best of the present situation. Adeleke has a potential legacy already.”