Opinion

By Emurence Imran Nata’alah

This is not a promotion of feminism, but it has become part of our people to meddle in what does not concern them, which is uncool in Islam: “Part of the perfection of someone’s Islam is leaving alone that which does not concern them.”

A woman passes through different positive and negative phases: People will define her life, plan her life, and monitor and count every move she makes.

Know this: The most annoying thing about these people who plan a woman’s life is that they aren’t family; they barely know a thing about her but are eager to say one or two negative things about her. I meant something like: What is her biggest sin, whom she sins with, how did she sin the alleged sin, and how did she react to the stupid allegations?

A woman must be super strong, for what will come is bigger and mightier than seen in movies like “Iron Lady” and all of Its sorts. People are mean, especially to women trying to be successful without going astray or becoming a negative example to the younger ones.

This does not mean people generally hate successful women out there, but in reality, people hate success. Even men face stuff like these, but it’s more prevalent when it’s a lady in the picture.

A woman should not let people know her weaknesses because If she cries out because of the negativity, they would call her a witch, and if a woman smiles, they would say it’s too much — she has no class.

If a woman frowns, she would be called ungrateful; she has forgotten all the blessings bestowed upon her, and if she isolates herself because of the negativity by keeping her head up—they would ask questions like: “Why are you isolating yourself?” “Are you depressed?”

When a woman minds her business and interacts with others, they would say she’s bragging. While she’s waiting for the right spouse—which is the most common thing in our part of the world; they suddenly become curious and considerate—people would accuse her of liking material things and not having a sound mindset.

The moment things start falling in place and a woman keeps her head up, BOOM! They would still say she’s too old, and no one will want her or suit her.

When she starts concentrating on profits in her business, people say she’s fornicating or selling her body for money and hurl many more negative comments just to hurt her. These people believe she can’t succeed in her small business without venturing into part-time prostitution.

When a woman finally gets a spouse, these people would say, “She’s married to a poor man. Is that all that she got after all the pride and ego?” Only a few will pray for you, honestly. All you need to know is do and don’t do this; happiness will be by your side.

When a woman’s life is going perfectly or something close to perfect, her husband is caring, and serenity becomes her friend, they would still manage to say she charmed her spouse. They would call him wife, and she’s the husband. According to their perspectives, a woman can’t be loved wholeheartedly, romantically, without charming her spouse.

They say, “A real man should be brave and act like a king in his house.” So, how does acting as a king correlate with an inferiority complex? I don’t know if there’s a correlation between being an Alpha and being foolish because an Alpha would never stoop this low because of an inferiority complex in the name of being an Alpha. Anyway, it’s a story for another day.

A woman is a lady with an entrepreneurial mind. She’s a lady who wants freedom and needs to be pampered as always like it’s always been before an inferiority complex came into existence.

Give women freedom. Don’t marry them and cage them for your selfish reasons. If you don’t want a successful or career woman, please go for something within your reality and spare these for those who live In the same way.

I know some of you would be in awe of how I came up with these negative stories, while there are many positive stories about women treated as Queens, that they are.

Okay. Hear me out. The number of marriages that crashed due to the inferiority complex isn’t something we should write about; the resulting negative treatment of spouses due to the inferiority complex isn’t something close to being friendly.

Despite all these phases, some women fought through and are living happily ever after, but then, we have to let the younger ones prepare for what is about to come because society has a bigger influence in their lives.

I’m saying that a woman shouldn’t be deprived of her rights and chances of making things right. She needs to be corrected in a romantic and caring way. She has imperfections in her nature. She shouldn’t be a target of suspicious actions.

Give her a chance, consult her and make her bloom. It’s not that hard.

By Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu

Sabon Gari Kano has always been a melting pot – drawing multiple nationalities and ethnicities who converge in the settlement and make it truly unique. Prof. Adamu Baikie’s “Sabongari: The Simmering Melting Pot of Kano State” is the latest addition to the literature on the area. Having grown up in the area, Prof. Baikie gives a unique ethnographic account of the place and its development.

More of a personal recollection from a resident, than a rigorous archival excavation of community history, Baikie’s Sabongari [sic – that is exactly how he spelt it throughout the book] provides additional fascinating information about other developments in Kano. In particular, Education, in which Prof Baikie also released a companion book, “Nigerian Education: Ivory Towers & Other Issues.” It’s a pity that the few pictures included in the Sabongari book did not come out too well, being black and white and blurry.

Prof. Baikie’s discourse on Sabon Gari (my preferred spelling) is similar to Neil Skinner’s “Alhaji Mahmudu Ƙoƙi – Kano Malam”, in which the subject provides a primary participant observer’s insight about the development of either events, or in this case, a community. It is truly fascinating.

There were, of course, other works on Sabon Gari Kano, long before this. The most monumental was Ahmed Bako’s “Sabon Gari Kano: A history of Immigrants and Inter-group Relations in the 20th century” (UDUS Press, 2006) and based on his groundbreaking PhD thesis, “A Socioeconomic History of Sabon Garni Kano, 1913-1989” submitted to Bayero University in 1990. Prof. Baikie approaches the study of Sabon Gari from the perspective of ‘son of the soil’ who lived in the neighborhood, playing footer, attending Church service there and interacting with the waves and waves of Nigerian and West African immigrants who settled in the borough as neighbors and friends.

Prof Adamu Baikie mentored both me and my father at various stages of our careers, so I certainly don’t mind plugging this wonderful memoir. This is not a review, as I am sure Dr Shamsuddeen Sani will be doing the honors soon enough [on Facebook]. It is just to let people know that the book, launched on 20th August 2023, is now available at Zamani Bookstore, Sabon Gari at the cost of ₦3,500. It is another addition to our understanding of the history of Kano.

By Aliyu Musa Dada

Today, I want to bring our attention to a heartbreaking incident that highlights the shortcomings in our government’s support system. Dr. Tijjani Ibrahim, a young and dedicated medical doctor, fought bravely against decompensated chronic liver disease caused by Hepatitis B infection.

Despite the efforts of his friends to raise funds for his treatment, Dr Ibrahim tragically passed away before realising the required amount. This unfortunate event raises serious concerns about lacking a robust system to assist individuals, even those tirelessly dedicated to serving others, like Dr. Ibrahim.

We, as citizens, deserve a government that prioritises the well-being of its people, especially those in critical need of medical support. It is disheartening to witness the struggles faced by individuals who have dedicated their lives to saving others, only to be let down by a system that fails to provide adequate assistance.

Dr. Ibrahim’s passing is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reforms and investment in healthcare infrastructure. It should not rely solely on the goodwill and generosity of friends and well-wishers to fund essential medical treatments. Our government should be responsible for ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all citizens, especially those in dire situations.

In this moment of grief, let us remember Dr. Ibrahim as a compassionate and dedicated doctor who selflessly served his patients until the end. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

May Dr. Tijjani Ibrahim’s soul rest in peace, and may his legacy inspire us to advocate for change. Let us raise our voices and demand better support systems for individuals facing medical challenges.

We must unite as a community to address these issues and hold our government accountable. We can start by engaging in constructive conversations, raising awareness about the gaps in healthcare support, and urging policymakers to prioritise the well-being of their citizens.

Remember, change begins with us. Let us honour Dr. Ibrahim’s memory by actively working towards a healthcare system that provides timely and accessible support for all those in need.

By Abdulmumini Lawal

The fate of university students in Nigeria undergoes various hiccups and calamities. Among these are the frequent industrial actions by different Academic Unions and Non-Academic Unions, the probability of hike increment in school fees, uncertainty in life itself whether one will even graduate or not,  constant mutable thinking on what tomorrow might bring, and overall, the competitive race awaiting there in the labour market – life after graduation. Economic hardship is another phase of constraint students undergo towards pursuing their academic careers.

However, those above and other threats in academic space have been the main predicaments for Nigerian students and have to serve as a deterrent to one and evolve his perspective approach of who thinks the only way he can excel in life is by obtaining a degree and/or eventually securing a job (white collar one as many say). The limitation of thinking faculty in university students is expected to differ from layman’s, so he has to admit as such.

To my brothers and sisters, preferably those from low-income family backgrounds, I call upon your attention to erase the sense of thinking about when and why you will meet your desired expectations by the government in academia. You have many alternatives to make your life different; the agricultural sector is one of thousands. 

Initially, citing examples from my humble self and being a farmer for ten consecutive years, I decided to embark on farming activities last year. This was a result of the incessant ASUU strike. I vowed to utilise the time I had then positively. During the year, I realised I knew little or nothing among the bounties of opportunities therein. Meanwhile, my ten years of experience in the field is limited. It doesn’t widen the scope of the lucrative opportunities in the farming investment. I strived a lot, putting in the effort I could, most notably money and time, to achieve it.

Alas! So many blessings will never meet you openly but will surely reach you in disguise. To me, the ASUU strike was a blessing in disguise for every university student since this was coming purposely to divert from being affected by the trauma of the ASUU strike.

Subsequently, the outcome was favourable. To sum it up, despite the fertiliser price hike, when I calculated the profit, it multiplied the capital I invested by 4 – 5 times. That’s to say, the profit reached 400 – 500%. I accomplished my dream. I have learnt a lot. There are numerous opportunities there. Many have become what they are today not by the certs they obtained, but by those skills many university students understand. 

Moreover, today’s life is becoming more challenging every day. Today can’t be yesterday, just like tomorrow can’t be today. We see new changes every day, everywhere. It is supposed to be the turn of our parents and guardians to reap from what they have been investing in. Where does our thinking go? Okay, we think they will reap after we graduate and get employed. The uncertainty of securing a job after graduation is a constant gesture. The number of unemployed graduates keeps increasing. Universities keep producing. The white collar jobs are no longer to be found. 

Meanwhile, the incessant government’s negligence in line with education concerns many other threats that have nothing to do with your failure and could never be the reason behind your excellence. Whatever Allah decides for you is a blessing in disguise. It’s either you misuse it or unknowingly leave it untouched.

Let’s wake up! Thousands of opportunities are there waiting for us. Let the cert be the second priority. Strive fervently day and night. For the little chance you have, make use of it appropriately. 

I wish you a better tomorrow in all your endeavours!

Abdulmumini Lawal is a student of Mass Communication at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

By Muhammad Kanya Hauwa’u 

Kindly permit me a space in your widely read newspaper to unfold the procedures and the process of making delicious bomboloni doughnuts, the struggle of every Nigerian baker. A doughnut is a small fried snack of sweetened dough that comes in the shape of a ball or ring. It is popular in many countries; my country, Nigeria, is not left out. The doughnut is prepared in various forms that can be homemade or purchased in bakeries. This can also be glazed, frosted, or iced with powdered sugar. 

However, Bomboloni is a slightly crispy, soft, and light Italian doughnut, typically with an overwhelming sweet filling like whipped cream, jam, caramel cream, and chocolate, eaten as a snack food and dessert. Bombolone, also known as a bombe, means “big bomb” as it is a real explosion of flavour in the mouth. 

We have two types of bomboloni: the original Tuscan style and the Krapten style, more common in the regions that used to be under Austrian rule. The first is known to be more traditional, and the latter has become more common over the years. Both are made with yeast dough, proofed for a few hours and then fried in vegetable oil.

The market for doughnuts in Nigeria is growing big as there is an increasingly high demand for this mouth-savory snack by people of all ages. Many Nigerian bakers are struggling to make Bomboloni doughnuts, which have become the new popular recipe that allows for creativity and experimentation with different fillings to attract more potential customers in the Nigerian market. 

Making doughnuts may not be as simple as it is, according to a talented Nigerian baker, Tasty Dainty, who spent three months before she mastered the Italian doughnut, narrating some difficulties bakers face, especially those who are toiling to make it. These include incorrect way of kneading, putting too much flour or less, pouring water at once, over-proofing the dough, high heat for frying, bad yeast, bad ingredients and bad recipe. As a result, the dough becomes sticky when fried, failing to give the actual taste, texture and shape required. 

To start a successful bomboloni doughnut production business in Nigeria, it’s essential to have a delicious and enticing recipe to keep customers coming back to you. Here are the step-by-step methods to get you started:

1. 500g all-purpose flour

2. 120g sugar

3. 1 tbsp instant yeast

4.250ml milk

5.50g butter 

6. 1 cup water

7. 1 egg

8. 3 inches deep oil

Firstly, you don’t need a mixer to make bomboloni. You can knead the dough until it feels tacky and does not stick to a clean finger when quickly touched. Put the flour, sugar and yeast in the mixer bowl and stir to combine. Scatter butter cubes over the flour so it’s evenly distributed, then pour in the egg, lukewarm milk and water. Bring the dough out onto a clean surface. Shape the dough into a small ball by kneading it 2-3 times.

Place the dough in a clean bowl lightly greased with oil and cover with plastic wrap. Leave to prove for 2-3 hours. If the doughnut doesn’t rise and the yeast is good, then preheat your oven to a very low temperature, turn the oven off and then stick your bowl of dough in the oven. The warmth in there will help it rise faster.

Once the dough has risen, knead it into a smooth ball, flatten it with your hand, and use a cookie cutter to cut around the doughnut about 3-5 inches in diameter. You can cut it into a shape. Place the cutout doughnut on a surface lined with baking parchment and leave to prove until tripled in size. Once proven, fry in an oil around 3 inches for the best result. Leave to Cool. It is best served with hot chocolate or a chilled drink. 

Hauwa’u Muhammad Kanya is a student of Mass Communication at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She wrote via hauweemuhammadkanya@gmail.com

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

At its 8th meeting held in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, on September 9, 2023, the Northeast Governor’s Forum expressed its concern about the new dimension of growing banditry in Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba states as a result of the concerted efforts of the military bandits from other parts of the country. The governors called on the federal government to intervene. With this new development, it’s evident that Adamawa State is doing well among the six states in the northeast sub-region in internal security. How did the Governor Fintiri-led government achieve that? Through planning and strategies or just sheer luck?

The Adamawa state government has employed three approaches. First, the Fintiri-led government looked at the areas affected by Boko Haram’s senseless insurgency. Then, the government developed excellent and feasible post-war programmes and projects with a comprehensive implementation strategy that fast-tracked the healing of the war’s scars. The government restored basic infrastructure and local economies, returning the affected communities to their peaceful and productive pre-war status.

A simple example is the burbling economic activity in townships like Mubi, Michika, and Madagali. Secondly, after the restoration of basic infrastructure and integration of the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people, the government employed a quick rehabilitation of agricultural land, places of worship, health centres, bridges, and schools, including the creation of productive employment for the teeming unemployed citizens, especially young people and women.

Over the years, most developmental efforts in many states emphasised urban development at the expense of rural development, which has led to a substantial rise in inequality among Nigerians—inequalities beget insecurity. What the Fintiri-led government did was balance urbanisation and rural areas’ needs. While Adamawa state’s capital, Yola, is gradually being transformed into a working city that accommodates all segments of society and provides basic and modern infrastructure, other local governments are getting what they should have in agriculture, basic electricity, healthcare, and human development. What the government did was equate each community’s basic infrastructure needs with youth employment needs to curtail crime.

For example, when the notorious Shila Boys re-emerged, the Fintiri government used a soft and hard approach: the government provided young people with cash grants, loans, and training on new skills through the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA) and the Adamawa State Social Support Programme (ADSSSP). While those who refused to change their ways were dealt with the hard way by law enforcement agents. Another approach that helped Governor Fintiri sustain the success recorded in its internal security management- the government reinforced its more knowledge-based approach, thus the coming onboard of Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, Secretary to the State Government Awwal Turkur, and Chief of Staff Dr. Edgar Amos, etc. These people are well-read and have been through the mills in their respective fields.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), community security seeks to operationalise human security, human development, and state-building paradigms at the local level. This is the concept the Fintiri government used to douse tension due to farmer-herder conflict in some communities. However, there is a theory that says no one can experience perfect security because individuals or states are not perfectly secure or completely insecure, but the Fintiri model of community engagement, local people’s parley, and provision of basic needs has helped Adamawa State curtail farmer-herder conflicts, peaceful co-existence, youth restlessness, assurance of safety, absence of fear, etc. within the state. The Fintiri model of internal security management is working; other states in the northeast sub-region can copy it.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja.

By Fadhila Nuruddeen Muhammad

The journey towards becoming a doctor often begins in childhood, driven by a deep desire to help others and positively impact people’s lives. For many, like myself, the path may take unexpected turns, leading to different callings. I recall my childhood fascination with medicine, even playfully emulating the role of a doctor in my school days, using improvised tools such as cloth face masks and hand gloves to “perform surgery” on classmates’ pens. I’d then transfer the ink from one tube to another, all to save my classmates from running out of ink. Life has a way of guiding us, and for me, that path led to journalism.

Tijjani Ibrahim, however, followed his childhood passion to become a committed and dedicated young medical doctor. His journey was filled with promise, but it took an unfortunate turn when he was diagnosed with advanced Chronic Liver Disease, Liver Cirrhosis, a consequence of Hepatitis B Viral Infection in June 2023.

Dr Aisha Danbatta, a medical consultant at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, explained Hepatitis B as a global health challenge that targets the liver, causing both acute and chronic illnesses. “This virus can be transmitted through various means, such as from mother to child, unscreened blood transfusions, exposure to contaminated materials, sexual contact with an infected partner, and even through saliva. Unlike HIV, Hepatitis B has a longer lifespan, making it easier to transmit.”

Dr Danbatta emphasised the prevalence of undiagnosed cases due to a lack of immunisation, leaving many unaware of their condition. Those diagnosed often struggle to afford vital tests like viral load measurements, which determine the quantity of the virus in the blood and assess the extent of liver damage. Physical examinations, ultrasounds, and fibroscans are also crucial in evaluating liver fibrosis and scarring monitoring the progression of the disease.

Dr Tijjani was first at the National Hospital, Abuja, where he was doing his house job and diagnosed with Liver Cirrhosis at the same hospital in June this year. The cost of his treatment was quite high, and he could not afford it. The National Hospital Abuja could only support his medical bills by creating an official memo. He was later transferred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano.

Hamza Danyaro, a friend of the late Dr Tijjani Ibrahim, explained that “his return to Kano was motivated by the hope that the National Medical Association (NMA) Kano State chapter could provide support. However, it was revealed that to benefit from their assistance, he needed to complete his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), pay his dues, and work for at least a month or two before becoming eligible.”

“Tijjanii was not strong enough to go through these. Instead, we rallied to seek help from dignitaries such as politicians, the House of Representatives members of his local government in Kumbotso, and organisations. Unfortunately, the lengthy protocols inherent in today’s politics prevented direct outreach,” Danyaro added.

Tijjani was left with no other option than to seek funds. His friends organised the fundraising. The campaign was expected to raise a sense of urgency and necessity to help support a young medical doctor with funds to support his medical bills. This kind of transparency can prompt people to contribute to the cause. But only a tiny amount was raised after several days of campaigns.

Fauziyya D. Sulaiman, a philanthropist with a heart of gold, shared her disappointment on social media, writing, “It’s unfortunate that despite our community boasting politicians and business leaders among us, we couldn’t muster N25,000,000 to support Tijjani. If this were about some trivial matter, you would have seen some of us at the forefront. This is undeniably a disgrace.”

Dr Khalid Sunusi Kani, a medical doctor and health advocate, penned an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu through Solacebase online newspaper. In this heartfelt letter, he expressed the critical need for Dr Tijjani Ibrahim’s services in Nigeria, emphasising the pressing issues within the country’s healthcare sector and the alarming rate of “brain drain syndrome.”

He wrote, “Your Excellency, Nigerians too are in desperate need of his services, looking at the manpower deficit in the health sector and the rate at which we suffer from ‘brain drain syndrome.’ I strongly believe Nigeria and Nigerians are unprepared and cannot afford to lose someone like Dr. Tijjani Ibrahim.”

Chronic Hepatitis B places individuals at a high risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer, leading to severe health consequences. In July 2023, the World Health Organization revealed that 296 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2019, with 1.5 million new conditions occurring yearly. While there is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B, medicines can effectively slow the progression of cirrhosis, reduce the incidence of liver cancer, and improve long-term survival.

Dr Tijjani Ibrahim died on September 6, 2023. His dedication to the medical field and his efforts to make a difference in the lives of others will be remembered and cherished.

Witnessing a doctor who devoted his life to saving countless others facing such challenging circumstances is genuinely disheartening. He dedicated his life to the mantra of ‘One Life, One Liver,’ yet our society struggled to come together to save his life. In a world where trivial issues on social media can garner an astonishing number of likes, it’s heartbreaking that Tijjani needed just 25,000 people to contribute a mere dollar each or someone who can just pay the total amount.

Tijjani’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of rallying together to support those in need, especially those who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Let us reflect on this unfortunate situation and take it as a call to action. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the heroes who dedicate their lives to saving others do not suffer in silence.

“One Life, One Liver”: A heartfelt tribute to a fallen hero leaving an indelible mark on the world. May Allah rest his soul, amin.

Fadhila Nuruddeen Muhammad is a social media influencer based in Kano and can be reached via fadhilamuhd@gmail.com.

By Bello Hussein Adoto

Medicine is a sacred profession where trust is vital. Yet, fakes and their accomplices undermine this trust and put everyone at risk. Medical doctors must stand up and sanitise the system first by not promoting quackery.

Meet Abawulor Omenka, a 35-year-old Nigerian who made headlines after presenting a second-class upper degree in Medicine and Surgery to Covenant University Medical Centre, Ota, Ogun state, for employment.

For those who don’t know, medical degrees are not classified. It is either you pass or you don’t. There is no first-, second-, or third-class, as you have in education, law, engineering, and pharmacy programmes.

So, for Mr. Omenka to present a second-class upper degree shows something was wrong. True to suspicion, he was found to be a fake doctor and handed over to the police. Omenka’s case is symptomatic of how doctors contribute to quackery, deliberate or not.

The role of doctors in quackery is subtle yet significant. For instance, Omenka, in his interview, talked about the different hospitals he has worked for. One of his interviewers told The Punch, “…he (Omenka) had worked at the hospital owned by some of our colleagues that we know. We put a call across to them, and two of them actually confirmed that they knew him very well. I told them he was trying to apply as a medical officer, and they told me he worked with them as an auxiliary nurse or, better put, as a hospital assistant.”

Imagine if he had earlier been reported to the police or the Nigerian Medical Association and removed from circulation. He wouldn’t have had the guts to apply to be a medical officer at a hospital.

Beyond that, doctors should not allow their hard-earned certificates and licenses to be used to register clinics run by unqualified individuals. Many quacks wouldn’t have had clinics to experiment on patients without doctors registering the clinics for them.

The practice of quacks using a doctor’s license to operate their clinics is well established. As Professor Shima Gyoh, a former provost of Benue State University College of Health Sciences, told the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, “A lot of these illegal clinics are run by cleaners in the hospitals; I knew some who started clinics without approval. What they do is you start a clinic, you ask a doctor to stand behind you and register the clinic in his name, then you pay the doctor something. Instead of the doctor inspecting what you are doing, he does not do that, and then you continue to run your clinic independently. Yet, you are not a doctor.”

Moreover, doctors are honourable people who should not be found near quacks and quackery. Yet, some doctors help quacks run their clinics. The quack will open a clinic and handle common illnesses while the trained doctor comes in for the severe ones. This partnership gives the quack a veneer of legitimacy, which allows him to attract more patients and handle even bigger cases.

Another factor is economical. I know things can be challenging for doctors, especially those in private practice. They must establish standard hospitals, hire competent staff, meet regulatory standards, and offer quality services. All these cost money.

Nevertheless, the need to balance the chequebook does not excuse hiring untrained hands as cheap labour or training them to become health workers themselves. The male trainees graduate to become ‘doctors,’ while the female ones are called ‘auxiliary nurses.’ Whatever that means.

Let’s be clear. I don’t have a beef with medical doctors. If anything, I am grateful for their remarkable job in the face of limited resources and an overwhelming workload. My aim is to call on them to sit up and excise this cancer eating into their noble profession.

Of course, fakes are not exclusive to the medical profession. Bogus certificates and fake professionals are around us in the form of fake doctors, fake lawyers, fake soldiers, fake engineers.

Nevertheless, patients place enormous trust on their caregivers and doctors should know better than to endorse quackery. They are trained, more than most, to know the value of health and wellness and respect the sanctity of their patients.

They have read tonnes of materials, done lots of practicals, and spent years doing exams upon exams to show they have studied human functionality and diseases and can apply the training to treat people. They shouldn’t be found contributing to quackery in any form.

Medicine should have no room for quackery. Human life is too sacred, and the burden of care is too great for those not qualified by training, experience, and certification to play poker.

One could say that doctors and non-clinical health workers can work together in a task-shifting, task-sharing arrangement. This way, routine, low-skill tasks can be shifted to health workers like community health extension workers (CHEWs) and health technicians so that we can have better use of our depleted workforce and ensure that everyone gets quality healthcare. I agree with this arrangement.

In a task-shifting, task-sharing arrangement, everyone knows their job. However, what some doctors do currently is not task-shifting or task-sharing. What they do instead is aiding and abetting an aberration fast becoming a norm. This needs to stop.

Bello Hussein writes from Ilorin via bellohussein210@gmail.com

By Mansur Hassan, PhD

In the first 100 days of His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, significant strides have been made towards transforming and improving various sectors of governance in Kano State. This report highlights the key accomplishments achieved during this period. 

Governance and Social Welfare: 

Timely Salary Payments: The administration successfully implemented a policy to ensure that all civil servants receive their salaries promptly on the 25th of each month. This initiative has contributed to boosting the morale and well-being of the state’s workforce. 

Settlement of Outstanding NECO Fees: Addressing a longstanding concern, the government cleared the backlog of National Examinations Council (NECO) registration fees that were left unpaid by the previous government. This commitment to education underscores the administration’s dedication to investing in the future of Kano youth.  Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has made a significant decision that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the accessibility of education in our state. In a move that showcases his commitment to affordable education, the governor has decided to reduce the school fees across all state-owned tertiary institutions by an impressive 50 percent. This decision is poised to make higher education more attainable for a larger portion of the population, opening up new avenues of learning and skill development. By taking this step, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf not only showcases his dedication to fostering a well-educated society but also demonstrates his understanding of the importance of reducing financial barriers to education. This move has the potential to encourage more students to pursue tertiary education and contribute to the overall growth and development of our state. 

Support for Students: A noteworthy achievement was the financial support provided to 7000 Kano State students studying at Bayero University Kano. This initiative eased the financial burden on students and their families, facilitating access to higher education. 

Higher Education Sponsorship: The administration extended its commitment to education by sponsoring first-class students to pursue master’s degrees at foreign universities. This initiative not only promotes academic excellence but also contributes to building a skilled and globally competitive workforce. 

Hospitals Renovation: The administration took a significant step in healthcare by renovating the Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital, which had been previously sold during the Ganduje administration. This restoration ensures better healthcare access for Kano’s youngest residents. 

Infrastructure Development: The continuation of the Faculty of Engineering building at Yusuf Maitama Sule University underscores the administration’s focus on enhancing education infrastructure, fostering academic growth, and preparing students for technical careers. 

Infrastructure and Security: Kano State’s streets have regained their illumination, with functional street lights now contributing to improved security and a safer urban environment. 

Sanitation and Management: The reinstatement of the Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB) highlights the administration’s commitment to maintaining clean and hygienic surroundings, promoting public health, and a better quality of life. 

Infrastructure Rehabilitation: The administration’s decision to continue the Wuju-Wuju road project, abandoned by the previous government, demonstrates dedication to completing unfinished projects and improving transportation infrastructure. 

Local Development: The commitment to extending 5 kilometres of roads in each local government contributes to improved connectivity and accessibility within communities, fostering economic growth and social development. 

Social Services and Security:

Revival of the CRC: The revival of the Community Reorientation Committee in Kano state is a significant step towards fostering community engagement and positive social change. By reestablishing this committee, the state is likely aiming to address various issues, promote awareness, and encourage citizens to participate in activities that contribute to the betterment of their communities. This effort reflects the state’s commitment to strengthening local connections and promoting a sense of shared responsibility among its residents. 

Water Access: A major accomplishment has been the reestablishment of tap water supply across Kano State after an eight-year hiatus. This achievement significantly improves the daily lives of citizens, providing them with a basic necessity.  

Resolving Issues about Pensioners’ Payments: Pensioners are now receiving their full payments, rectifying a long-standing issue and ensuring that retired public servants are able to lead dignified lives. 

Benefits for Families: The administration’s approval of benefit payments to the families of state civil service employees who lost their lives between 2018 and 2023 demonstrates compassion and support for those who have made sacrifices for the state. 

Enhanced Security: The reduction in daily reports of phone snatching incidents indicates an improvement in the state’s security situation, enhancing the safety and well-being of residents. 

Humanitarian Aid:

Palliatives for Vulnerable Citizens: The distribution of palliatives worth 1.6 billion naira to needy and vulnerable citizens signifies the administration’s commitment to addressing immediate challenges and ensuring the welfare of its most disadvantaged citizens.  

Conclusion:  

In just 100 days, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration has achieved significant milestones across various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, social services, and security. These accomplishments reflect a dedicated effort to uplift Kano State and improve the quality of life for its citizens. As the administration moves forward, these achievements provide a strong foundation for continued progress and development. 

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

By Usman Muhammad Salihu

As a genuinely blessed son of the North and a proud Nigerian, I am honoured to be part of a rich and diverse culture that has contributed significantly to the growth and development of Nigeria. From our unique customs and traditions to our rich history, the North is a region that has stood the test of time and remains a force to be reckoned with in the country.

Growing up in the North, I was exposed to a different way of life from other parts of Nigeria. I was taught to respect my elders, to honour my ancestors, and to always put family first. These values have stayed with me throughout my life and have helped shape the person I am today.

One of the things I am most proud of as a Nigerian is our ability to come together as a people, regardless of our differences. We may speak different languages, have different beliefs, and come from other parts of the country, but when it comes to matters of national importance, we stand united as one.

As a truly blessed son of the North, I have witnessed firsthand the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people. We have faced our fair share of challenges over the years but have always come out stronger on the other side. This is a testament to the spirit and resilience of our people, and it is something that makes me incredibly proud to be a Nigerian.

Overall, being a truly blessed son of the North is a great privilege I do not take for granted. I am honoured to be part of a rich and diverse culture that has contributed so much to the growth and development of our great nation. May we continue to work together towards a better future for ourselves and future generations.

Usman Muhammad Salihu can be reached via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.