Opinion

By Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf

It is challenging for any group of players that has won all the available trophies on offer to maintain the same focus and motivation the following season. There’s only one way for any club to win a treble of league title: UCL and the domestic cup. That way is downwards. In this context, I am not overly surprised about Manchester City’s struggles so far this season.

Pep Guardiola is a gaffer who prioritises control and patient buildup in the middle of the park. The current Manchester City team lacks these attributes. Their matches are often chaotic end-to-end affairs that produce plenty of goalscoring chances. This isn’t a quintessential Guardiola team that routinely deprives their opposition of a sniff of the ball, let alone scoring opportunities. I attribute Manchester City’s recent travails to three critical factors:

1. Rodri’s frequent suspensions

Manchester City have lost four games so far this season. A common denominator in all these games is that Rodri missed ALL of them. Make that what you will.

2. Kevin De Bruyne’s Injury

Do I even need to mention the importance of the blond Belgian to this team? Julian Alvarez has deputised in the KDB role, often admirably. However, the Argentine is no midfielder and will never bring the same midfield control and assurance.

3. Gundogan’s Departure/Kovacic’s Poor Form

Pep Guardiola signed the Croatian as a direct replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who left for a Bosman ruling in the summer. The German was a cornerstone for Manchester City for several years. True, Kovacic is no Gundogan. Still, he has often been poor whenever he steps onto the pitch. He was subsequently relegated to the bench. Guardiola and City surely expected more from the former Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea man.

There you have it. For the record, I still expect Guardiola to sort things out and mount a title challenge as usual. Come the end of the season, the Citizens will be there or thereabout. Write them off at your own peril.

Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf wrote from Kano, Nigeria. He can be contacted via aliyuyy@gmail.com.

By Kamal Alkasim

Atiku Abubakar, former vice president and perennial presidential candidate, has long styled himself as the “Unifier” of Nigeria. Yet, recent events raise questions about his ability to live up to this label.

Internal Divisions and G5 Exodus:

Atiku’s party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been plagued by internal divisions. The G5 group of five aggrieved governors, led by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, have publicly parted ways with Atiku and the party leadership. This exodus has significantly weakened the PDP’s chances in the 2027 presidential election.

Lost Allies and the Rise of New Political Alliances:

Further complicating the picture, two major figures who ran for president in 2023, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have left the PDP. These departures have deprived Atiku of potential allies and created a new political landscape with the emergence of a possible merger between the PDP, Labour Party, and New Nigeria People’s Party.

Unifying Action Needed:

While the details of this potential merger remain unclear, it presents a fresh challenge for Atiku. Should the merger materialise, it will demand exceptional unifying skills to navigate the competing ambitions of Obi, Kwankwaso, and other stakeholders within the new entity.

Unification Through Action, Not Words:

The question remains: when will Atiku be a “verified Unifier”? While words are persuasive, concrete action will ultimately determine his ability to bring together disparate political forces and forge a unified front.

Negotiations and the Struggle for Power:

Atiku faces a tough road ahead. He must navigate the complex negotiations with Obi, Kwankwaso, and other influential figures while overcoming internal party divisions. Ultimately, his success in securing the presidential candidacy and uniting the disparate political forces will be the true test of his unifying credentials. 

Kamal Alkasim is a freelance writer. He can be reached via kamalalkasim17@gmail.com.

By Abdelghaffar Amoka

I travelled home in 2012 after my PhD and one of my older cousins asked when I would become a Professor. I laughed and told him it would still take some years, and I jokingly told him I was not keen on becoming a Professor. He became angry at my response and said I should get the Professor for them even if I didn’t want it. After I left him, I began to wonder what is in that rank that some people want at all costs.

I can still remember the huge congratulatory messages I received after my friend and colleague shared on Facebook the news of my promotion to that rank. Sometimes I reflect on those messages and imagine how rich I would have been if those congratulatory messages could be transformed into cash. Here we are struggling, and some of us can’t even drive our cars any longer.

The Nigerian Professor

Becoming a Professor, the peak in academia, is something most academics look forward to. The title still comes with some prestige and perceived false benefits attached to it by outsiders. I once read a post on Facebook that said professors are stingy. Poor professors and the public want them to spend the money they don’t have. I went to buy a seat cover for my car a few years ago and the seller said lecturers have money but refused to spend it. I asked how much he thinks a professor is earning, and he said it can’t be less than N700,000. I laughed very hard.

I have written a lot on the remuneration of academics in Nigerian public universities, but many still don’t believe the figures. Yeah! Too bad to be true as compared with their perception. I had a discussion with one of our PG students, who is a lecturer in a state polytechnic, about salary disparity in the Nigerian public sector yesterday, and the salaries of university lecturers came into the discussion. I told him the figures, and the smile on his face showed that he didn’t believe it but couldn’t say I was lying. So, I logged in to the university portal and showed him my payslip. The gross, the deduction, and the net. We met again today, and he said that until yesterday, he never believed that a Professor on step 4 was earning less than N600,000.

Again this is the salary of academics in any federal government university in Nigeria. The quoted value is for step 2, the rank:

~The Assistant Lecturer’s net salary with all his allowances is N118,279 (105 USD).

~Lecturer II’s net salary with all his allowances is N129,724 (115 USD).

~Lecturer I net salary with all his allowances is: N160,809 (142 USD)

~Senior Lecturer’s net salary with all his allowances is: N222,229 (197 USD)

~Reader (Associate Professor) net salary with all his allowances is: N277,179 (245 USD)

~The professor’s net salary with all his allowances is N332,833 (294 USD).

The University workers are perhaps the only federal government workers whose salary is yet to be reviewed since 2009, that is for 14 years despite inflation. Those who were already professors in 2009 are still receiving the same salary since then. Your comfort is key to your output.

Aside from the academic work and the research and publication work that forms the bulk of your promotion criteria, you are loaded with administrative responsibilities without responsibility allowance. They call it ‘community services’. You can be denied promotion if you don’t have enough of the said “community services”.

If you happen to travel outside the University for a conference and you are lucky to be funded, the travel allowance is as follows:

~Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) for the professorial cadre is N16,000 per night.

~Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) for Senior Lecturer cadre and below is N12,000 per night.

~The transportation allowance is N20 per km.

If a Professor is to travel 200 km for an assignment that lasts for a day, he will get a DTA of N32,000 for 2 nights for his hotel accommodation for 2 nights and feeding and N8,000 for transportation. That is a total of N40,000. Despite the fact that FG has approved a new DTA for public service in September 2022, the universities can’t afford the new rate a year later. I applaud the patience of my colleagues, but the patient dogs are dying of hunger.

Meanwhile, education is said to be key to national development.

Dear prospective academics, I love academia. For me, it is not a job but a way of life. However, ask questions before you wish to join academia and become a Professor. The job as it is at the moment can’t pay your bills for a decent life.

Abdelghaffar Amoka Abdelmalik, PhD, wrote from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He can be reached via aaabdelmalik@gmail.com.

By Dr. Ismail Muhammad Bello

Abuse of Antibiotics: Abuse of antibiotics entails both overuse and misuse. Medical professionals, veterinary practitioners, drug vendors, animal farmers and individuals in the community are all culpable in this detrimental practice. 

Antibiotics Abuse in Veterinary Practice and Animal Husbandry: In humans, antibiotics are primarily utilized for therapeutic purposes, but in veterinary practice, they are extensively employed for non-therapeutic reasons, such as promoting growth to meet the rising global demand for animal protein. Even for therapeutic purposes, a common practice involves administering antibiotics, sometimes even below the therapeutic dose, to entire herds for “disease prevention” when only some animals are ill.

The environment plays a crucial role in the evolution and dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Major sources of antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic pollution in the environment include waste from large-scale animal and aquaculture farms, wastewater from antibiotic manufacturing, as well as from hospitals and municipalities. A portion of the antibiotics administered to humans and animals is excreted unaltered in faeces and urine.  Such animal waste is rich in nutrients and commonly used as fertilizer on crop fields, resulting in direct environmental contamination with both antibiotic residues and resistant bacteria.

Antibiotics Abuse in Human Medicine: In human medical practice, the lack of adherence to standard treatment guidelines has led to unwarranted prescriptions of antibiotics by medical professionals. A common occurrence is the prescription of antibiotics for non-bacterial conditions like the common cold (viral rhinitis).

Antibiotics Abuse in Hospitals: Moreover, medical professionals are also guilty of prescribing these drugs below the standard treatment dosage or for a shorter duration, particularly at the primary level of healthcare. This is particularly important because correct dosing is pivotal in drug therapeutics and serves as a significant distinction between orthodox and traditional practitioners. Paracelsus succinctly captures this in his renowned toxicology maxim: “All drugs are poisons; the benefit depends on the dosage.”

A common scenario in pediatric practice involves practitioners prescribing drugs based on volume rather than the calculated amount per child’s body weight. For instance, it’s not uncommon for a child to receive a prescription for 5mls of Amoxiclav Suspension to be taken twice daily. This practice poses a challenge for pharmacists during dispensing, as Amoxiclav Suspension is available in various strengths, ranging from 125mg to as high as 600mg of Amoxicillin in a 5ml dose.

A related situation arises when patients are instructed to take 1, 2, or 3 tablets of medications with varying dosage forms and strengths. For instance, Amoxiclav is available in tablets with 250mg, 500mg, 875mg, and 1000mg of Amoxicillin. This leaves the patient reliant on the drug vendor to select and dispense from his catalog, potentially leading to under-dosage or over-dosage, unless fortunate enough to be attended by a skilled pharmacist.

Another related practice involves the management of children with fever and multiple convulsions. In our setting, top among the list of differentials are severe malaria and acute bacterial meningitis. These conditions can be effectively distinguished through thorough good history-taking, physical examinations and investigations such as malaria parasite test (MP), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and full blood count. Despite evidence favouring one treatment over the other, some practitioners often combine parenteral antibiotics and anti-malarials. While simultaneous severe infections are not impossible, they are typically uncommon, emphasizing the merciful nature of God.

The repercussions of this lack of precision extend beyond medical concerns to economic ones, particularly in our context. An unnecessary 7-10 day antibiotic course can result in an additional estimated bill of approximately N40,000 ($50.66). A good brand of Ceftriaxone nowadays costs about N2500-N6000 ($3.2-$7.6) per vial, varying by location. This is a significant expenditure for a country with the highest level of poverty globally compounded by a poor health insurance scheme and a paltry minimum wage of N33,000 ($41.8).

Such harmful practices may result in under-dosing, subjecting organisms to sub-therapeutic drug levels which are nonlethal, promoting drug resistance. It’s comparable to confronting a machine gun-wielding terrorist with a tiny stick, eliciting a reaction that can only be better imagined.

In this regard, health professionals should undergo continuous training on the proper use of antibiotics and adhere to standard treatment guidelines in disease management. Health institutions should also implement antibiotic stewardship programs to systematically educate and guide practitioners in the effective utilization of these drugs.

Job aids should be provided to assist in the accurate prescription of medicines. In this context, both healthcare workers and patients should recognize that medical practice is guided by the principle of “Primum Non-nocere” – First, do no harm – underscoring the importance of patient safety. Both patients and practitioners must understand that cross-checking when uncertain is not a sign of incompetence but a commitment to due diligence. Patient safety surpasses individual egos, as it’s wiser to be safe than sorry. Physicians’ reactions to patients’ treatment expectations contribute significantly to inappropriate antibiotic use. This often occurs when a patient arrives with preconceived notions about their condition and preferred medications. Emphasis should be placed on educating the patient rather than yielding to their requests and pressure. Patients need to be adequately counselled on their condition and the reasons why prescribed medication may not be necessary. Additionally, physicians should be mindful that non-drug therapies can be as effective, or even superior, in certain conditions.

Dr. Ismail Muhammad Bello is a proud graduate of ABU Zaria. He is a Malnutrition Inpatient Care trainer and currently serves as a Medical Officer at both Khalifa Sheikh Isyaka Rabiu Paediatric Hospital in Kano and Yobe State Specialists Hospital in Damaturu. He can be reached at ismobello@gmail.com

Dear Vice-Chancellor,

We are writing to express our concern regarding the enrolment of recruited staff at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, on the IPPIS. Despite completing all necessary documentation processes and waiting for almost three years, there has been significant uncertainty surrounding the actual enrolment of the affected employees.

This issue has caused pain and disappointment among the recruited staff. The delay not only impacts the morale and confidence of the affected employees but also raises questions about the efficiency of FUDMA’s bureaucratic administrative processes. Some have resigned from their previous employment, anticipating working at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma. The anticipation has been prolonged, and the affected workers need to know whether there are still possibilities for them to be captured on the IPPIS or not.

It is essential to acknowledge the efforts invested by the new recruits in completing their documentation promptly. Failing to enrol them in a timely manner not only hinders their ability to contribute effectively to the university but also reflects poorly on the university’s commitment to its employees.

I urge you to address this matter promptly, identify the reasons for the delay, and take necessary actions to expedite the enrolment process for the recruited staff. Open and transparent communication regarding the steps being taken to resolve this issue will help alleviate concerns and maintain FUDMA’s reputation for professionalism and efficiency.

Your immediate intervention in addressing all allegations of employment racketeering is highly appreciated, as it directly impacts the well-being of your tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma and its staff.

Pending IPPIS FUDUMA Staff. They can be contacted via aishaumarabdullah2000@gmail.com.

Bello Hussein Adoto

Last week, the world marked Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness (AMR) Week. The goal was to raise awareness about  AMR—a phenomenon where antimicrobials no longer kill or prevent the growth of the microbes they used to kill.

Our bodies do an excellent job of containing viral, bacterial, or fungal infections before a doctor chips in with a drug or two to kill the germs and bring us back to good health. These drugs include antibiotics for bacterial infections, antifungals for fungal infections, and antivirals for viral infections.

Unfortunately, some of us don’t go to—or wait for—the doctor to treat actual or presumed infections. We dash to the nearest chemist to buy ampicillin over-the-counter for boils (skin abscesses) and amoxil for typhoid. Patients who can’t tell the difference between dysentery and diarrhoea would buy branded Ciprofloxacin or Amoxiclav to resolve prolonged toilet troubles and stomach pain. Those who are not that buoyant would manage metronidazole.

Our health practitioners also contribute to the problem. A survey of 12 countries shows that Nigeria has the third-highest percentage of antibiotic prescriptions. Three out of every five patients on admission at our hospitals are on antibiotics. This heavy use of antibiotics contributes to Nigeria’s AMR burden.

The consequence of our use, abuse, and misuse of antibiotics is that the viruses, the bacteria, and the fungi have grown tough—they no longer fear us and our drugs. Our pills and creams are no longer as effective. Regular bacterial infections that were once treatable with first-line antibiotics have become stubborn. You may need a second or third line to treat them. Diseases that needed only Ciprotab now call for Ceftriazone and Imepenem. Diseases that were once tolerable have become debilitating, if not deadly.

The WHO recently spotlighted the story of a woman who had reconstructive facial surgery following an accident. The wound got infected and they treated the infection only for it to rebound and eat away at her face. Gradually, her facial muscles turned to cheese. Further tests showed she had MRSA, the dreaded methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Luckily, the woman survived. “If I’d known earlier, maybe I wouldn’t have lost huge portions of my face,” she said years later.

Our ignorance about AMR doesn’t make it any less deadly. About five million people died from drug-resistant infections in 2019. More than one million of these deaths were linked directly to AMR.

Aside from being deadly, AMR is expensive. Infections with drug-resistant bacteria, for instance, mean that patients spend more on higher and more effective antibiotics. These antibiotics don’t come cheap. Augmentin, one of the go-to drugs for severe infections, is now 13,000 naira. That’s more than one-third of the minimum wage.

The task before us is to stem the tide this menace. The government is playing its part. It has drawn up a national action plan for AMR. The plan seeks to increase awareness about the problem

, promote surveillance and research, and improve access to genuine antibiotics. Doctors also have concepts like delayed prescription and antimicrobial stewardship to guide their prescriptions. You can join the fight too.

One, don’t use antibiotics without prescriptions. Trust your doctors when they say you don’t need antibiotics. Some viral infections like cold can resolve without drugs.

Secondly, complete your doses when using prescribed antibiotics. It could be tempting to abandon your drugs at the first sign of relief. It could be valid even: some research has shown that extended use of antibiotics after symptomatic relief doesn’t make any significant difference in recovery. Still, don’t discontinue your drugs at a whim. Speak with your doctor.

Thirdly, don’t share antibiotics or prescribe them to others. This should go without saying, but our desire to help friends and loved ones often pushes us to share drugs like antibiotics with them. You can do better by directing your friend or relative see a doctor. Antibiotics are not emergency drugs that can’t wait for a prescription.

Good hygienic practices can help, too. They limit the spread of infections, and the consequent antibiotics (ab)use. Wash your hands regularly. Adopt proper etiquette when you are in a hospital or laboratory environment. Doing otherwise increases your risk of contracting or transmitting new infections to your loved ones.

Five, get vaccinated. Vaccines protect you from contracting potentially resistant infections or spreading them to others. Moreover, viral infections that can be prevented with vaccines, like measles and influenza, are some of the reasons people abuse antibiotics. When you don’t contract influenza or measles, you won’t feel a need to abuse antibiotics.

The AMR Awareness Week has come and gone, but the problem and its consequences remain. They affect us all; everyone can and should contribute to the solution. You can be a part of the fight by not abusing antibiotics or demanding that your doctor prescribe antibiotics for you when you don’t need them. You can join in by not abandoning your treatment or sharing your drugs. You can get vaccinated too. Start now. Start today. Join the fight against AMR.

Hussein can be reached via bellohussein210@gmail.com.

By Mansur Hassan, PhD

In a shocking turn of events yesterday during a peaceful gathering for Maulud in Kaduna State, Nigeria, the unthinkable unfolded as the Nigerian army allegedly dropped bombs on the assembled crowd, resulting in a devastating loss of innocent lives.

What makes this tragedy even more horrifying is the apparent repetition of the attack, casting serious doubts on the claims of a mere mistake.The sequence of events, where the army reportedly first unleashed destruction and then returned within a short span to inflict more harm, raises profound questions about the true nature of this incident.

Can such a grave error be repeated in the same location, with devastating consequences, all within a span of 30 minutes? The assertion that this was a mistake demands thorough scrutiny and a comprehensive investigation.

It is imperative that the Nigerian government takes swift and decisive action to probe this incident thoroughly. The loss of lives and the trauma inflicted upon those who survived demand justice, accountability, and reassurance for the affected community. The international community should also pay close attention to ensure that the investigation is transparent, impartial, and free from any influence.

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for reforms and increased accountability within the military and security forces. The government must ensure that those responsible for this appalling act, if found guilty, face the full extent of the law. Only through a transparent and unbiased investigation can trust be restored in the institutions meant to safeguard the welfare and security of the people.

In these trying times, our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We stand united in condemning this senseless violence and urge the government to prioritize justice, transparency, and accountability in the pursuit of truth regarding the Kaduna State tragedy.

Dr. Mansur Hassan is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics, Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano and can be reached via mhassan@yumsuk.edu.ng

By Dr. Ismail Muhammad Bello

You have likely heard about climate change, a pressing existential threat demanding global collaboration. However, it is not the sole concern. Antibiotic resistance is another rapidly emerging issue that demands urgent attention.

Not too long ago, the pathological basis of diseases was shrouded in mystery, often attributed to superstitions. About four hundred (400) years back, the role of microbes in disease causation was still unknown. It took the discovery of the microscope and the works of Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek to open our eyes to the unseen world – the realm of microbes – surrounding and inhabiting us.

Microbes, omnipresent and adaptable, have evolved significantly to thrive in a constantly changing world. The human connection with microbes is extensive and intriguing. Thanks to their versatility, microorganisms are instrumental in driving human technological advances through their varying applications in agriculture, environmental protection, medicine and industrial production. From drug discovery and development to their role in bioremediation, biotechnology, and the emerging field of genetic engineering, microorganisms have played a monumental role in the survival and progress of life forms on Earth, even shaping civilizations.

Nevertheless, despite their crucial role in the earth’s functions, microbes also contribute to human misery as pathogens. Despite global efforts to combat them, infectious diseases persist as a challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where the existing weak health system grapples with a double burden of diseases – an increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases alongside prevailing communicable diseases.

Apart from the substantial morbidity and mortality resulting from infectious diseases, the burden encompasses economic losses due to healthcare expenses and disabilities, as well as a decline in productivity. In a broader sense, infectious diseases hinder human development by adversely affecting education, income, life expectancy, and other health indicators.

While current morbidity and mortality rates remain notably high, the situation contrasts significantly with the past where certain infections, now easily treatable, were once considered death sentences or challenging to address. The serendipitous discovery of Penicillin by Alexander Fleming stands out as a pivotal moment in medical history. “Antibiotics” not only transformed the curability of many diseases but, coupled with advancements in anaesthesia, also enhanced the safety and feasibility of major surgeries.

While the term “antibiotics” holds a more specific meaning in pharmacology, commonly it refers to a category of drugs utilized in treating “bacterial” infections. Bacteria, while a significant group, represents just one class of microorganisms; others include viruses, fungi, parasites, and even prions. Antibiotics function by disrupting vital processes in microbes leading to a loss of structural integrity or functional capacity, ultimately causing them to die or halt their replication.

Antibiotics encompass a diverse group of drugs, belonging to various classes, each effective against specific types of organisms. They include the well-known Amoxicillin (Amoxil), Ampicillin-Cloxacillin (Ampiclox), Metronidazole (Flagyl), Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) and numerous others easily accessible over-the-counter in our setting. Antibiotics have played crucial roles in combatting menacing diseases like Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, bacterial pneumonia, acute bacterial meningitis, and many others.

The introduction of these drugs came as a huge blow to the pathogenic microbes that previously had a field day. However, in line with natural selection, they didn’t succumb passively and perceived the development as a declaration of war. Over the years, these microbes evolved, becoming insensitive to many of these drugs—a phenomenon known as antibiotic resistance.

In response, scientists discovered new drugs, tweaked some of the existing drugs or synthesized novel ones. This led to a vicious cycle, whereas new drugs are developed, these organisms adapt and become resistant. This trend persists to our present day, leading to the emergence of highly resistant strains of microorganisms that are not susceptible to most of the antibiotics used in treating the kind of infections they cause – the so-called Superbugs. 

Unfortunately, this cycle is not sustainable for mankind. The rate at which microbes adapt to our drugs is faster than the turnout of our drugs. It takes about 10-15 years to develop a new antibiotic. Not only that, studies have shown that the estimated global cost of developing a new, targeted antibiotic will cost over a billion USD ($1 Billion), making it a highly expensive and risky venture for pharmaceutical companies.

The combination of these factors has impeded innovation in the field of antibiotics. Notably, the latest discovery of a new “class of antibiotics” that has reached the market was back in 1987. Since then we have been in a “discovery void” era, and currently, there are few novel antibiotic classes in the drug development pipeline. 

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified twenty-eight (28) antibiotics in clinical development that address the WHO list of priority pathogens, of which only six (6) were classified as innovative. The repercussions are felt globally as an increasing number of bacterial infections are becoming hard to treat, once again posing a threat to global health and development.

Undoubtedly, resistance is a natural phenomenon and will eventually develop against some antibiotics. However, the accelerated rate at which it is occurring is aided by our irrational use of these drugs. Therefore, prudent use will surely slow down the process. 

Key determinants of antibiotic resistance include antibiotic abuse in veterinary and medical practice, inadequate provision of Water, Sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, and the effectiveness of policy development and enforcement.

Dr. Ismail is a Medical Officer at Khalifa Sheikh Isyaka Rabiu Paediatric Hospital, Zoo Road, Tarauni, Kano State.

By Ibrahim Tukur

Every December 3rd marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—an annual global celebration aimed at advocating for the rights, fostering understanding, and promoting inclusive actions for people with disabilities. It’s a day to acknowledge their accomplishments and emphasize the imperative need for equitable opportunities and the recognition of their fundamental rights.

The theme for this year’s edition is “United Action to Rescue and Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with, and by Persons with Disabilities.” It underscores the urgency of collective efforts in realizing the 17 comprehensive global objectives established by the United Nations in 2015. These goals encompass a wide spectrum of critical issues, including poverty eradication, healthcare, education, gender equality, access to clean water, creating sustainable cities, and addressing climate change, all aimed at fostering a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030.

However, to attain these ambitious SDGs, a collaborative approach is essential. It involves harnessing the diverse abilities and strengths of individuals, including the remarkable capabilities of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Despite facing substantial obstacles, particularly in many developing nations, where barriers to education, healthcare, employment, and societal integration persist due to prevalent negative stereotypes and discrimination, PWDs possess incredible potential and capacities.

Inclusivity emerges as a pivotal catalyst in this pursuit. It not only enhances the lives of PWDs but also nurtures a sense of belonging, shattering societal taboos and providing PWDs the platform to contribute significantly to society. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can effectively reduce social stigma, enabling PWDs to become independent.

Across various continents, initiatives and programs championing disability inclusion, notably in both developed nations and within African countries, have exhibited remarkable progress. However, these advancements are only the beginning. Collaborative strategies involving Persons with Disabilities, disabled people’s organizations, governments, and local communities are imperative to facilitate active participation and remove barriers impeding the realization of the SDGs.

Empowering Persons with Disabilities through comprehensive skill development and robust advocacy efforts is paramount. Engaging in advocacy not only raises awareness but also nurtures a deeper understanding of the rights of PWDs, propelling their inclusion across all spheres of life.

On this significant day, let us commend the invaluable contributions of meaningful PWDs, disability rights advocates, organizations, and NGOs dedicated to championing the rights and inclusion of PWDs. Let’s stand united in our support for initiatives that actively promote inclusivity, equity, and the materialization of the SDGs for persons with disabilities.

Ibrahim Tukur is a hearing-impaired individual who hails from Ingawa town in Katsina State. He earned his first degree in Special Education/Sociology. He is a disability rights advocate and can be reached via inventorngw@gmail.com.

Appeal court confirmed the candidate of the opposition party Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, of All Progressive Congress (APC), as the winner of the March 2023 gubernatorial election.

But if we can recall, immediately after the first announcement of the election results in the radio stations and some social media handles, we heard the voice of the opposition candidte,Dr. Nasiru Gawuna saying that he is Muslim and for that; he accepted everything that happened to him with good faith. But later, the leadership of the party coming out with a lot of controversies, rising issues of invalid votes, rigging of election and many other sinister ways of usurping power. Later we heard that the tribunal has deducted 165,663 votes from Engineer Yusuf’s total votes as invalid votes, stating that the affected ballot papers were not stamped or signed and therefore declared invalid.

The verdict comes nearly two months after the Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, on September 20, sacked Yusuf, declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, as the winner of the March 18 election. Abba Yusuf, who contested on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), was declared the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the polls in March, 2023.

But remember what is currently going on in Kano is as a result of a clash or misunderstanding between the Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya political movements which started some years back in the year 2016, and these misunderstandings continue until 2019 election when the same issues like this occurred, which led to inconclusive. And from that time to date there is no sign of reconciliation between these two political movements.

The leaders of both movements; Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje are very prominent people in the politics of Kano and even Nigeria as large. Without mentioning these two names, the politics of Kano in this 21st century will not be complete. What I want to say here in essence is that, before this quagmire, Kwankwaso was the boss to Ganduje, who was first governor in this dispensation, while Ganduje was his deputy. And after the tenure of Kwankwaso ended, Ganduje was the successor of Kwankwaso. Therefore, the duo had worked together for long, but selfish interest, envy and the devil crept in between them.

After Abba Kabir Yusuf become the governor of Kano State, he started his tenure by demolishing of what his government described as illegal structures in Kano. This reckless demolishing raised tension and made many people from the opposition to redouble their hatred towards his government. It was also alleged that after the incident, Abba lost some of his fans or supporters but believe me you upon all the demolishing, the majority of Kano people are still with Abba, and this is simply because, most of the demolished properties are genuinely illegal and they were all erected on the public places.

Finally we all know that the Kwankwasiyya movement is with the poor masses. If you can see the last four years of Kwankwaso, one can understand a clear view of what I am saying. There are so many developmental projects, like the issues of empowering youths and women, healthcare, education, scholarship scheme which is unprecedented in nature, among many other goodies to the good people of Kano, which Abba continues from his boss.

Kwankwasiyya or Gandujiyya; I appeal to both parties to leave politics aside in order to rescue Kano and to develop Kano and its environs or else even the existing development will automatically decay. I believe reconciliation will only happen if actually Kano is in their minds, before they allow their dirty politics to take Kano down.

Haladu Muhammad, writes from Maiduguri, Borno State.