Opinion

By Munirah Ibrahim Yusuf

Growing up as a teenager, one of the most challenging questions you could ask me was the almighty… “What do you want to be in the future”? I dabbled from one self-proclaimed pretty “Science course” to another for years…

All I knew was that it had to be a course in the Science field. First, it was ophthalmology, then pharmacy, and even estate management. Who am I kidding? It was a crisis.

It felt worse when I got to SS1 and saw the other options I could have had in different fields, like art and commercials. I was good in their subjects too.

I couldn’t quite understand why I chose to go to the Science Field. I couldn’t find why I decided to go there, so I held on to the fact that Allah was in control and had led me to pick it with good faith.

Years later, one morning….it hit me like a revelation. I suddenly knew why I never went to art or commercial class. It was because “THEY WERE NEVER AN OPTION”.

A certain teacher we looked up to had categorically told us things that created the impression. For example, whoever was blessed with anything close to an IQ had nothing to do with anything other than in the science field. And, like, that’s where the money is….And, like, that’s where great people and great professions belong….blah blah blah. 

Who wouldn’t want to be Great, tho? I subconsciously ruled out other fields. I still remember when we were asked to pick classes after JSS3. I knew I wanted to choose “Science” but didn’t want anything too deep in science (medical science) because of all the blood and flesh business. 

I had settled to write down courses I thought wouldn’t have too much messy work (blood, wounds), and Opthalmology was what I went with (LOL again, who am I kidding?)

Secretly, many people still regret the paths they chose in their education. Family, friends or society influenced some of us,and now we have discovered what we want for ourselves.

Let’s think about it; I don’t know about you, but in my area, kids around ages 12-14 are already in JSS 3, where they get to choose fields. Is a child that young capable of knowing what’s best for them? It’s screaming NO. The schools differ, ranging from private or government-owned, but most I’ve seen make them choose a field after JSS3.

I heard about a principal who would make the JSS3 finalists come to school during the long break after their Junior NECO exams. He would then teach them art, sciences, technical and commercial subjects and finish with some exams.

This system gave the students a little insight into what they would be dealing with when they got to Senior class and helped them make better choices regarding the subjects they found more intriguing and good Counselling. Great, don’t you think? May Allah bless his soul. Either way, no one seems to do that anymore, and we have to move on.

As a teacher or an educator whom kids look up to and adhere to with all beliefs, you should be careful with the kind of information you give kids.

Courses might be ranked, but the individual is responsible for how much utility they can produce using it. Every course is important. If not, it would not be a cause to study. (P.S.: We will talk about the effect of our country on education some other day).

As a parent or caregiver, it is important to practice mindful parenting and carry out routine checks with your kids to understand their choices and lifestyle and make sure they choose the best for themselves.

Many of us had that ‘follow follow’ stage that comes with growing up. And then you snap! And you reach the point where you have to take a step back, assess the situation and realise that this is not who you want to be.

Then, we live our lives trying to find ourselves with ever-changing wants and needs. Many of us are past that now, but you might know a kid or two going through these struggles. It is easy to recognise these stages when they talk and be on the lookout for help.

Let us give them better than we had.

Munirah Ibrahim Yusuf can be reached via ibrahimnurah99@gmail.com. 

By Habibu Ma’aruf Abdu

An interesting incident at the Awgu NYSC orientation camp, Enugu State, revealed to me the far-reaching popularity of Ali Nuhu in 2018. 

It was the early evening glow at the camp. As we strolled back from the training ground, a young Ijaw lady approached me with a cool smile on her face;

“Brother, may I ask you a few questions, please?” she inquired. 

“Why not?” I responded politely.

“Your platoon member, Oluwaseun, told me you are a Hausa from the North…”

I nodded my head in agreement: “Yes.”

“So, do you know Ali Nuhu?” she asked, her curiosity evident.

“Yes, I know him very well,” I affirmed.

Her face lit up with joy upon hearing my answer, and she muttered to herself: “No wonder!”

Curious, she continued, “Is he a brother to you…?”

Surprised, I responded, “Why this question? I know him as a famous actor. Nothing more. After all, who doesn’t know Ali Nuhu in the North? “

“Please don’t take offence; it’s just that I noticed a resemblance in your looks and actions…

“He is my favourite star. I love watching his films,” she added with enthusiasm.

From there, our conversation delved into a discussion about Nigerian cinema. I then discovered that the young lady knew no actor from Northern Nigeria besides him!

Ali Nuhu is probably the only Nigerian actor whose popularity transcends regional boundaries. His exceptional achievements in both Northern Nigeria’s Kannywood and mainstream Nollywood firmly established him as a pan-Nigerian superstar. 

I once encountered a young man in a faraway village in Igbo land wearing a T-shirt adorned with Ali Nuhu’s image. Again, when I visited Kebbi state in 2013, their most frequent question was, “Have you ever met Ali Nuhu?”

I, therefore, deemed his recent appointment as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation by President Bola Ahmad Tinubu to be well-deserved. It is a testament to his dedication and significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry. Wishing the King of Kannywood continued success in this new position!

Habibu Maaruf Abdu wrote from Kano via habibumaaruf11@gmail.com. 

By Mohammed Usman

Every society comprises class and caste, dividing its members into the same or similar status, profession, occupation, etc. This division makes the society function and able to move forward. It is the factor that enables each member to, directly and indirectly, benefit from another to sustain a living. 

We can say that these societal classes and castes are God Made since they have existed since time immemorial. More so, they exist even in the heavenly kingdom of God, the Almighty, for not all the angels of God are of the same status andrank. But each one of them remains an Angel of God, anyway! And being one angel of a status lower than the other doesn’t make him less than an angel. The difference in status resulted from the different purposes for which each one was created to serve. 

Similarly, mankind is made into different statuses, occupations and professions. We are all cut out for various reasons, so we can never be the same or go the same path in life’s journey. We are being driven, all of us, by the force of destiny that is beyond our control. It is in the hand of God, our dear creator. He is the one who penned down what and who each of us will be after being born and given a lease of life.

This, therefore, is worthwhile for us to fathom the metaphysical differences we have in perception of life phenomenon, passions, and craves_which are the fundamentals of our existence and our purpose for living, or one of the essential purposes for which we are created, and of course, the reason why we belong to a different caste. 

Having this at the back of our minds and having understood it fully, we shall never assume that belonging to an assumably superior societal class or caste makes us superior to another in entirety. It is foolish to think this way. As I said above, we all need each other. And we benefit from each other to sustain living. That makes us less than superior than we think we are! 

For more emphasis, belonging to that societal class or caste is, or the other, not a consequence of our own doings or mental engineering. It is something within the orbit of our destiny made and controlled by God, the owner of insurmountable power. 

So the earlier we come to this wisdom, the better and more balanced society we shall make for ourselves, and as a result, we make the world a better place for mankind to live to the fullest. 

May Allah grant us understanding. Aameaan! 

Mohammed Usman (Noble-pen) wrote via mohammedusman5706@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Yakubu Abare

In the quiet corners of our shared memories, a vibrant, so enduring soul exists that even the passage of time cannot diminish its brilliance. MB Mohammed is a name that resonates with the echoes of laughter, shared dreams, and the unspoken bond of a friendship that weathered the storms of life. It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to a companion, a confidant, and a cherished friend who, after a valiant three-decade struggle, succumbed to the relentless grip of sickle cell anaemia on the 1st of November, 2023.

Our journey together began in the embrace of a shared childhood, where our families were not just neighbours but kindred spirits united by the thread of fate. From when our parents toiled side by side in the pursuit of livelihoods to their eventual retirements and relocations, MB and I traversed the meandering paths of life hand in hand. An enthusiastic learner, he possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge, which propelled him to pursue Economics at the University of Maiduguri, from which he emerged with commendable distinction. 

In the journey of life together, MB faced challenges that would have deterred a less resilient spirit. Living with sickle cell anaemia, he confronted each hurdle with courage that spoke volumes of his determination. His path, marked by periodic bouts of illness, bore witness to a remarkable strength that defied the limitations of his physical condition. Beyond the confines of health struggles, MB was not only a scholar but also a tech virtuoso. His proficiency in programming and computer skills illuminated a path of endless possibilities. 

Before venturing into the humanitarian sector, MB donned the hat of a dedicated teacher at a private school. Here, he harnessed his programming prowess for the greater good, developing software solutions for school management, including salary vouchers, results computation, and attendance tracking – all offered selflessly, free of charge. His passion for education extended beyond the classroom as he initiated science-based student clubs, fostering a love for learning.

During his one-year service in the NYSC, MB’s altruism shone brightly. Despite battling his health challenges, he engaged in community services, particularly in education. His efforts included distributing free books to school libraries, which garnered him well-deserved awards. This selfless dedication defined his remarkable life, turning adversity into opportunities for others. Though he grappled with sickle cell, his existence was a testament to the extraordinary resilience that marked his every endeavour.

Our closeness transcended mere friendship; it was a kinship forged in the crucible of shared aspirations and mutual support. Our mothers often remarked on the uncanny synchronicity of our thoughts as though our minds danced to the same rhythm. As we embarked on our respective careers, we found solace in exchanging our companionship. CV reviews, career advice, and shared triumphs became the threads weaving the tapestry of our intertwined professional lives.

In a moment of need, MB opened his doors and heart, welcoming me into his rented apartment for an entire year when I embarked on the employment journey. His generosity and unwavering support were a testament to the depth of our connection. He stood as a pillar of strength, a beacon of guidance whenever the tides of life grew tumultuous. It is with a profound sense of disbelief and grief that I learned of his passing, a mere four days after our last communication on the 27th of November via WhatsApp.

The news of his departure on the 1st of November shook the foundations of my world, leaving a void that words struggle to fill. Yet, in this time of sorrow, I find peace in the memories we created, the shared laughter, and the indomitable spirit that defined MB Mohammed. As we mourn his physical absence, let our hearts be united in prayers for the eternal peace and tranquillity of his soul. In these days of grief, we turn our hearts heavenward, seeking solace in the divine and entrusting the departed soul to the mercy of Allah.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” – Surely, we belong to Allah, and to Him shall we return. May MB’s soul find tranquillity in the divine embrace, and may his memory continue to illuminate our paths as we navigate the journey of life.

Muhammad Yakubu Abare wrote via muhammadyakubuabare@gmail.com.

Dear Dennis,

I am writing this letter to you from a very far distance from you. Even though I am unsure where you are now, I can never forget where you were on 9th May 2022. There is no way I can forget that fateful day and what has now gone down as an encounter of historic proportion. One that defied the scheming of ethnic militiamen and escaped the wrath of vainglorious agents of darkness. 

That day, it was brought to the fore in the most flagrant way: human injustice and hatred against fellow humans. It encapsulated the merit and importance of being good. It portrayed the essence of virtue, which great men utilise in the arduous task of nation-building and, of course, for the benefit of mankind. 

Dear Dennis, I am breathing in and out to this point for the mercy of God and His guidance in giving me the wisdom to react in the manner I did in the hands of my would-be killers. Naturally, the clear understanding of a great man like you, who comprehended my message and resonated with it, played a huge part. 

At that moment, when nothing was assured. But that one may never live to see the next 15 minutes without being hacked most painfully by people whose only crime is their ethnicity and faith. Although I have lived all my life advocating for peaceful coexistence among people of all tribes, religions, and backgrounds. 

It was agonising and ironic that the cause of my death would have been what I had lived all my life striving to address. The world would know no evil if great men like you discern the messages of people like us, whether the world accepts them or not. You did not only listen as I spoke amid large swaths of people gathered in Takum. You had come as one of the passers-by, but you strategically intervened by supporting my points and taking me to the back of your motorcycle. You did all these because humanity means humanity to you with all its benevolence. This, fellow Nigerians, should learn.  

No doubt we are in a tangled situation. Prices of commodities have skyrocketed, and earnings have remained largely the same or dropped significantly. Nigeria’s inflation has remained at double digits since 2016. ‘In September 2023, the headline inflation rate increased to 26.72% relative to the August 2023 headline inflation rate, which was 25.80%.  On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 5.94% points higher compared to the rate recorded in September 2022, which was 20.77%,’ National Bureau of Statistics.

Anything that could instigate the people against the people has been in place. However, the best bet is to persevere, as things won’t remain stagnant. There will be changes. Yes, positive changes if Nigerians continue to stand for what is right no matter the provocation, threats, and hazards that can lead one to do otherwise, just as Dennis, my eternal friend, rose to support me at a moment when not only my life but also his were in danger by his stance. 

This is a letter from a grateful heart to a good Nigerian, Dennis, wherever you could be at this hour, as I have lost your contact.  Your maturity, actions, and position on 9th May 2022 are the way forward for Nigeria. Therefore, Nigerians worldwide will be in a better position to flourish if we follow this path that leads to nothing except development for the most populous black nation on earth. I am eternally grateful, Dennis until we meet again.

Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani wrote from Turaki B, Jalingo, Taraba State. 

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

After watching a Hausa video from Kano State a few days ago on different social media platforms, I was deeply saddened to witness a young man confessing to security officials how he fatally stabbed and murdered his father. Saying he committed the act “out of love for him” forced tears out of my eyes.

The most heartbreaking part was when he acknowledged his father’s care, provision, education, and immense love towards him, expressing that he killed him to ensure his father’s peaceful rest in heaven.

When asked about his name by the interrogator, he confidently said, ” My name is Abu Kasim Bin Ya’u Bin Ibrahim Bin Abubakar.” Surprisingly, he doesn’t even know the crime he committed before his arrest by the staff of the Nigerian Civil Security and Defense Corps (NSCDC).

While reminding him that he killed his father, he unapologetically explained that whoever is killed goes to heaven—paradise—without any questions from angels. ”I killed him, and whoever kills someone will go to hellfire. I am a certified member of Hellfire, but my father is a dweller of paradise, and I don’t care about the situation I will find myself in. That is not my problem.”

When asked why he didn’t kill himself,  he replied, saying he loves his father more than himself. ”He paid my school fees, and I became a wayward person and killed him, qualifying me to be judged accordingly. We must tell the truth no matter what. I am in the know that I killed him, and I will not lie to you, Officer.”

These were the words of the young man from Nigeria who killed his hard-working and promising father after getting high on hard drugs, exposing the level of crime that a drug addict can commit if he or she is high.

Similarly, I overheard a story of a young man, 21, who forcefully slept with his 17-year-old sister after being high at night, leading to her pregnancy. He said he thought he was at a hotel where he spent the night.

Another case of drug addiction that got me thinking some months ago was a case of a man who threatened to kill his father if he cautioned him about his lifestyle.

Yesterday, I read a report by TheCable that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has raised concerns over the abuse of psychoactive substances among Borno’s young people, outlining fermented human urine, lizard dung, camel urine, Lipton soaked in gin, and mentholated spirits mixed with soft drinks as the most abused substances in the state, which resulted in prostitution, extortion, and other social ill-practices.

This was contained in a statement by Iliyasu Mani, the Commander of the Narcotics of the NDLEA, Maiduguri, Borno State.

He explained that some youths are inhaling toilet fumes and gutter dirt to get high and commit different kinds of crimes to the detriment of the state, aside from the ongoing insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and businesses, leaving people poor and helpless.

Mani went on to say, “Let me categorically state here that these new psychoactive substances that are commonly abused today include cannabis sativa, skunk, cough syrup with codeine, ice, tramadol, rRohypnol diazepam, pentazocine, rubber solution, and glue,” concluding that some use 10-year-old human urine to get high.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, a household survey conducted in 2018 and reviewed in 2021, the level of substance abuse in Nigeria is at 14.3 percent which was three times higher than the 5.6 percent global average. This alone calls for action to come up with realistic and achievable ways of tackling drug addiction in the country.

Recently, one of my relatives escaped death after a botched attack by terror drug addicts at his residence in Gwange Sabon Layi in Maiduguri. They went to his house at night, attacked him with knives, and snatched his cell phones, one among the many crimes they commit daily.

This is the situation of many young people today in the North. Their addiction to hard drug consumption has already taken a frightening dimension. That is why the government must do something to arrest the dangerous situation. 

Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Borno State and can be reached via email lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

The excellent investigative report by the Daily Nigerian and the subsequent suspension of accreditation of degree certificates from Beninese and Togolese universities by the federal government of Nigeria has put a dent in every certificate genuinely or ill-obtained from institutions in these West African countries and some other African countries. This includes certificates from Eastern Africa as well.

The urge for these certificates, particularly among young Nigerians, is simply the price we pay for our inclination toward seeking easy solutions and allowing personal interests to override the national image.

One interesting aspect of the Cotonou ‘easy’ certificates is that they predominantly attract young people from Nigeria’s ‘semi-middle’ class and lazy individuals from wealthy families. For them, obtaining a bachelor’s degree often involves pursuing studies at Benin or Togo universities, which admit anyone can pay for the desired degree.

Another unfortunate aspect is that someone who obtains a bachelor’s degree in less than two months can easily secure a job in a sector involving life and death, make critical decisions in vital areas of Nigerian public life, or lead a group of competent individuals who have diligently earned their certificates. We hope there are no doctors, pharmacists, engineers, etc., practising in Nigeria who obtained their certificates through ‘crooked ways’ from Benin, Togo, etc. However, Nigeria’s professional and regulatory bodies should have prevented them from gaining entry.

Fake certificates pose a serious threat to the nation. This issue would be treated as a ‘war’ against the country in more developed countries. The Nigerian government should suspend accreditation from these countries and take decisive action to shut down these irresponsible institutions targeting Nigeria and punish the perpetrators.

However, Nigeria shouldn’t throw away the baby with the bathwater; some individuals have obtained certificates from reputable institutions in these African countries. Nigeria should address the issue from both ends—domestically and with these countries. Domestically, authorities must address why our young people opting for universities abroad. The answer lies in our universities being plagued with incessant strikes, some lecturers being unnecessarily sadistic, and sometimes foreign certificates being undeservedly celebrated.

Secondly, serene learning environments are attractive; some of Nigeria’s university lecture classrooms and theatres are overcrowded and in poor condition. In contrast, foreign universities provide beautiful and appealing learning spaces. Additionally, it raises questions about why graduating from a private university in Nigeria is often easier than a public university, especially when many lecturers at private universities are the same individuals teaching at public universities.

To address the issue at its source in these African countries, Nigeria should leverage its diplomatic influence in West Africa, compelling these nations to mandate that private universities adhere to established standards and penalise offenders. Those implicated should face legal consequences, as certifying unqualified individuals is akin to warring Nigeria’s human resources development and socio-economic sectors.

Fake degree certificates from Benin and Togo involve two actors: the institutions in those countries and their collaborators in Nigeria. Moreover, fake degrees are not confined to Benin and Togo; they are a global issue. According to a report by the Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc. (ACEI Global), based in Los Angeles, CA, USA, on December 2, 2023, Israeli police arrested 40 Israeli doctors, medical interns, and pharmacists who had presented false credentials to Israel’s Health Ministry. These individuals are suspected of purchasing medical and pharmacy degrees from three universities in Armenia despite never completing studies at those institutions—St. Tereza Medical University, Haybusak University, and Mkhtiar Gosh Armenian-Russian International University. The report also highlights controversies surrounding Punjab Technical University (PTU), India, including the issuance of fake degrees, leading to the arrest of four administrators for aiding failed students in passing.

If someone has genuinely obtained their degree from Benin or Togo, the current controversy has cast a shadow over it, and it may take some time to restore its credibility.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Salihi Adamu Takai

The case of culpable homicide has become a daily report case in Kano State. The crime is a rampant nuisance that disturbs the whole country today. This is horrible in a state like Kano, which is the most populous state in Nigeria.

The rampancy of the crime is not only confusing but also the human, physical, and emotional proximity of the parties that are involved in the commission of the crime. The case of the rampancy of the commission of the crime is abnormal considering how it has been in records in police stations and contained in many cases of laws.

Most of the reported culpable homicides in Kano show the relationship and social proximity of the parties involved in it. The accused persons of the reported cases had proximity to the dead persons. This started – (as I have noticed it) – from the Hanifa’s case. Hanifa was kidnapped and killed by her teacher. There was a human proximity between the dead person and the accused person.

The Chinese man who killed his girlfriend had human proximity to the dead person engaged in courtship, and he eventually killed her. The recent case of Hafsa is also a case that confuses lots of people in Kano. The accused person had proximity to the dead person, and she killed him. Yesterday, it was reported that a person raped and killed his sister in Kano.

Therefore, this rampant nuisance in the report of the cases of culpable homicide in Kano is not a mere thing of crime inconsistent with the Penal Code; it’s beyond human perspectives and avoidable. What a relationship that puts people into a dilemma! Son kills his mother, and mother kills her son!!

It’s a collective responsibility of the Kano State community to engage in the proper investigation of the causes of these crimes. Islamic scholars shall always deliver sermons to admonish people on such offences, and the life of the Prophet (SAW) shall be part of the sermon so Muslims can always remain in touch with it.

By Muhammad Sani Usman

It is not just in Togo or Cotonou; mushroom universities are widespread in Asia, especially in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and even some parts of core Europe.

The incident with this Cotonou one-year degree made me curious to discuss the issue with a student in Germany. He told me about the presence of substandard schools even in Germany. If such universities can be found in Germany, I wonder, where is safe? Most often, our federal universities in Nigeria, in comparison, seem to offer a more reliable education.

The significance of university rankings becomes apparent, particularly in the West, during job hunting. Employers often emphasise the importance of your university’s ranking in their consideration for an interview.

That’s why you’ll see graduates from places like Sudan or Cyprus facing challenges in passing medical and dental council exams in Nigeria due to the issues associated with their questionable degrees and institutions.

The situation in India is the worst one, and our best Nigerian students are often directed to these quack private universities, which are not on the accreditation list globally.

You’ll be seeing celebrities flaunting their graduation pictures and certificates obtained from Cyprus private universities while we know they are here in Nigeria shooting “Izzar So” and whatnot. How and when they studied still remains a mystery to all.

While not intending to generalise, our thirst for foreign certificates poses these challenges. Until we go for the best, our education and leadership will go nowhere.

Our government did an excellent job on these Benin and Togo degrees/certificates, until a system is established to check and authenticate these universities, the proliferation of quack PhD holders, which can indeed be detrimental to our growth will surely be the order of the day. Investing in our own institutions and striving for excellence globally should be our main priority and concern.

Muhammad Sani Usman can be reached via muhdusman1999@gmail.com.

By Umar Sani Adamu

Poverty has far-reaching consequences on various aspects of society, including health, education, and social structure. Understanding these repercussions is crucial for addressing the root causes and developing effective strategies to alleviate poverty and its associated issues.

1. Health

Poverty significantly impacts health outcomes. Limited access to nutritious food, clean water, and adequate healthcare services contributes to a higher prevalence of malnutrition, infectious diseases, and chronic conditions among the impoverished. Lack of resources often results in substandard living conditions, exposing individuals to environmental hazards. Additionally, stressors associated with financial insecurity can lead to mental health issues, further exacerbating the overall health burden.

2. Education

Poverty creates barriers to educational attainment. Families struggling with economic hardships may prioritise immediate needs over investing in education. Children from impoverished backgrounds often face challenges such as inadequate access to quality schools, resources, and educational support. Limited access to books, technology, and extracurricular activities hinders their development. As a result, the cycle of poverty continues, as these individuals may find it challenging to break free from their circumstances through education.

3. Social Structure

The social fabric of a community is intricately linked to economic well-being. Poverty can contribute to the fragmentation of social ties as individuals grapple with the stress and uncertainty of their circumstances. Communities with high poverty rates may experience increased social inequality and a lack of social cohesion. This can manifest as reduced community engagement, weakened support networks, and a diminished sense of belonging.

4. Crime

Poverty is often identified as a significant factor contributing to crime. Several mechanisms explain this relationship. Firstly, individuals in poverty may resort to criminal activities as a means of economic survival. Limited opportunities for legitimate employment can lead some to engage in illegal activities to meet basic needs. Additionally, impoverished communities may experience higher rates of substance abuse, which can further contribute to criminal behaviour.

Furthermore, the lack of access to quality education and limited social support in impoverished areas can result in a higher prevalence of delinquency. The frustration and hopelessness stemming from persistent poverty may lead individuals, particularly young people, towards criminal behaviour as an alternative to breaking free from their challenging circumstances.

Addressing the Link Between Poverty and Crime

A multi-faceted approach is necessary to mitigate poverty’s impact on crime. Policies to reduce poverty through economic empowerment, education, and healthcare access are crucial. Investments in education, vocational training, and job creation can provide individuals with opportunities to escape the cycle of poverty and reduce the likelihood of resorting to criminal activities.

Social support programs that strengthen community bonds, mental health services, and addiction rehabilitation can address some of the root causes of criminal behaviour associated with poverty. Additionally, targeted efforts to improve law enforcement-community relations and reduce systemic inequalities can contribute to crime prevention.

In conclusion, poverty has profound consequences on health, education, and social structure, with a direct link to increased crime rates. Breaking this cycle requires comprehensive strategies that address the systemic issues contributing to poverty and simultaneously provide individuals and communities with the tools and resources needed for positive transformation.

Umar Sani Adamu (Kawun Baba) wrote via umarhashidu1994@gmail.com.