Opinion

To wash, or not to wash: that is the question

‘Whether it is nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous’ servitude,

or to take a stand against a sea of troubles, mediocrity and ‘by opposing, end them?’

Since washing the husband’s clothes has found its way to the topmost topic worthy of discussion amidst many other issues ravaging our dear region, let’s talk about it then. We are unserious, first of all, I must admit. After wasting time and energy on such trivial topics, I wonder how we still expect an actual transformation to occur. How is that possible?

By the way, washing the husband’s clothes is not a crime; it fetches rewards from Allah and love from (some) husbands. If you want to be a diligent wife and conquer his heart by washing his clothes, please do, as there’s no user guide to a successful marriage. Just do what works for you. But remember, no good husband will wish slavery and suffering upon his wife. If he/she has the means to make life easier for you and they are not doing that, then dear, you are probably with the wrong partner.

Who are you married to? A lover or a husband?

Yes, because it’s about time we differentiate between the two. But I was married to both in one person, so to say that I washed his clothes out of love shouldn’t be surprising. We were newly married then. I was young (and not naive, thanks), energetic, and most of all, wanted to prove the ‘I am a good wife’ point. We both were pursuing our masters in India, so whenever he had classes and I didn’t, I would wash and iron his clothes before he returned. I love to see him appreciate me. That ‘Allah ya yi miki albarka‘ meant a lot to me, and I would do anything to get those blessings.

So while I was washing, he would try to dissuade me. Other times he would join when he was around, and because I wouldn’t stop, he searched, found and patronised dry cleaners in the neighbourhood until we got our washing machine. So, whether or not to do these little things is absolutely perspectival. I washed not just his clothes but those soiled with poop and vomit (when he was sick). It doesn’t make me feel lesser, and I would do that again if necessary because if I don’t, who will? I did it diligently, with enthusiasm and so much pride.

Moreover, that made us happier; it fetched me lots of love and admiration and earned me a good repute. As such, he washed mine and the kids’ too. We were abroad without any other relative, so whenever I put to bed, he’d be fully in charge of the laundry – and other domestic chores. What is love and compassion in marriage for?

I have seen similar arguments about cooking as well. So if you say women shouldn’t care for or serve their husbands in these little ways, how else should they do it if he is not rich enough to afford such services? Just how?

I am not saying being a slave is the only way to a man’s heart; instead, I want to rebuke the adamant claims that rule out the possibility of making these little gestures. If care is not taken, someday, women will argue about whether to have intercourse with their husbands. Hello!

It saddens me every time I see women following a so-called ideology trashing the institution of marriage – in the guise of ‘woke-ness’, for we may escape the traps of their unwavering criticisms, but what about our kids? The louder their voices, the more sceptical the next generation would be about marriage. Many youths are now feeling pessimistic about the whole idea of marriage – thanks to influencers and bloggers. Remember, if we continue to applaud life without marriage, we will watch our societies relapse into lethargic savagery.

I am not saying being a slave is the only thing about marriage; no, there’s a lot more. But please, let’s engage in marital discourses more positively and always keep in mind that the younger generation is watching. Marry, wash or cook if you want to, and if you don’t want to, just shut up! We shouldn’t be accomplices to the tacit agenda infesting our region.

Please do not misconstrue my opinion. Being servitude isn’t the key to every man’s heart. It depends on the man and the circumstances. Also, washing his clothes (among other courtesies) wouldn’t keep him, if you like wash his clothes and all of his village people’s, he will replace you in a snap if he wants to. No amount of endurance, sacrifice, compassion and diligence would guarantee that you have won him, my dear; only a man that wants to be kept can be kept.

So, as you put all your efforts into building your home, do everything for Allah’s sake to earn His pleasure only because man is naturally dynamic. Wash if you want to, I reiterate, but remember, it’s not your religious duty as a wife. However, you may do it for the fun of it. Be a bloody Samaritan. It’s fun! What is love without compassion and foolishness? Although my ‘breakfast’ was just recently served, I choose to say objectively: Marriage is sacred and an achievement, take it or leave it!

Yours humbly,

Dr Sadiya Abubakar

By Abdullahi Khairalla

Given the recent tsunamic and fundamental economic and educational reforms in the country, people have started raising historical and comparative questions of whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu holds dearly the sacred political and economic principles and ideals of a centenary Yoruba saint Obafemi Awolowo known as ‘Awoism’.

Since the 1960s, Yoruba politics has been dominated by a political orientation known as ‘Awoism’. The phrase refers to the political philosophy of the late Yoruba political leader Awolowo, who espoused policies he called “democratic socialism”. Its primary tenets were welfarerism, free social services and job creation. Awolowo loomed large over Yoruba politics for over forty years. He was an intensely intellectual figure with great energy.

Awolowo had a ground-breaking term of office as the premier of Nigeria’s Yoruba-dominated Western region between 1955 and 1959. During this time, he introduced free education and health care in his region with other social welfarist policies.

Awolowo’s political ideology did not die with him. He was a great and transformational leader who was loved, revered and cherished like the rock of Gibraltar by the Yorubas and all who benefitted from his pioneering social welfare programmes. They refer to themselves as ‘Omo Awolowo’ (Awolowo’s children) or Awoists (disciples of Awolowo and his principles). Awolowo’s ideas remain so deeply ingrained in the political psyche of the Yoruba that being an Awoist is regarded by many Yorubas as the only legitimate apprenticeship before becoming a Yoruba politician on the national stage.

President Tinubu has very few in common with Awolowo. Tinubu, just like MKO Abiola, is not like Awolowo. Awolowo was trim, dapper and austere. In contrast, Tinubu is well known for his staggering wealth and flamboyance, which made him appear larger than life. Awolowo was a socialist: Tinubu is an ultra-capitalist billionaire who sits atop— bringing in completely capitalist-oriented policies in the education sector, oil and gas industry, health, electricity and many others, which makes him look like the opposite figure of Awolowo in Yoruba land.

Of course, Awolowo’s death politically orphaned the Yoruba. He had served or played a dual role as the Yoruba leader and also their political representative on the national scale. After his death, Yoruba politics were dominated by one trend. First, there was the search for another iconic and radical socialist to inherit Awolowo’s dual role. 

Many thought Tinubu would apply some Awoist policies on Nigerians now that he became the Nigerian president, but the recent developments and realities seem to belie this hope. 

Abdullahi Khairalla writes from the Department of Political Science, University of Maiduguri.

By Salihi Adamu Takai 

Creativity pays with much income, so don’t be misled as you’re acquiring knowledge in any field of study, whether scientific or artistic. Refrain from relying on the Government to enumerate your study; the onus is on you to use your knowledge to help your humble self and the Government.

Be curious about Creativity, and don’t think that you will have a certificate in some field of study so that Government will give you what you may rely on to quench your hunger. As you study at the University, college or secondary school, think of your future and learn to get money from the little you grasp in your study.

People should have learned that already as they started feeling discouraged by Government policy; success in life is attached to curiosity, innovation, creativity and courage. If people had been curious about innovation, they would have become creative and courageous about their interests.

Let’s look at the sources of development of the developed countries, such as China, America, England and others. We will say that they all developed because of curiosity in innovation. In China, we can see an infant exhibiting a sense of invention, producing phones and what have you; he doesn’t rely on the Government to give him jobs; the Government receives from his creativity.

In Nigeria, conversely, even a professor still relies on Government to boost his salary. That is a typical example of backwardness in Africa. Our Government also doesn’t encourage the youths to be curious about Creativity only bars them with a lack of encouragement. 

Therefore, as the youth who starts thinking of this idea, I engage myself in creativity. I did, and I got the value of it; I became curious about it; and will keep evolving curious about it forever. I exhibited my input on Earth, and it was accepted. Alhamdulillah!

Salihi Adamu Takai wrote from Kano via salihiadamu5555@gmail.com.

 By Zayyad I. Muhammad

On October 17, 2022, at Arewa House, Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented to the north his blueprint for the region. He said he would fight bandits and terrorists with the technology the Buhari administration began to use in 2022. Tinubu pledged to turn the North’s fertile land into grain fields- the North would become the agriculture hub. The dairy economy and agro-allied industries would be promoted as he accelerates the Mambila Project and rejuvenates existing power stations. He vowed to exploit the gold in Zamfara and iron ore in Kogi State. Tinubu also promised to bring millions of North’s out-of-school children back to school through incentives. He further pledged to create a special commission for Almajiri education, including employing Almajiri teachers.

So far, President Tinubu has appointed eight (8) Special Advisers (SAs), appointments seen by many political pundits as the direction of his administration’s policies and programs. Of the portfolios of the eight SAs, agriculture gets none.  Has Tinubu forgotten agriculture, or has he major policies and programs planned for the sector?

The North needs a unique recovery program in the agriculture sector- the mainstay of the region’s economy is now devastated by banditry, insecurity, floods, and corruption. Some of the previous administrations’ beautifully designed programs for agriculture have been abused.  Many ‘real’ farmers have tearfully complained that the custodians of the programs and projects have hijacked the benefits.

The Anchor Borrowers Programme, Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), Youth Farm Lab, Paddy Aggregation Scheme, Agricultural Trust Fund, Presidential Economic Diversification Initiative (PEDI), Food Security Council, etc., including other CBN interventions programs, are good. However, the implementation and targeting were not 100 per cent successful. For example, under the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), fertiliser blenders benefit from government resources and smile to the banks, while the farmers for whom the scheme was primarily designed to buy fertilisers through their noses.   Instead of the 5,000 Naira per bag, as envisaged by the programme, a bag of fertiliser now costs between 20,000 to 25,000 Naira.

Despite the shortcomings of some of the programs,  Nigerian agricultural production has improved. For instance,  rice milling created many productive jobs.  The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) supported about 4.57 million smallholder farmers who cultivated over 6.02 million hectares of 21 agro-commodities nationwide. The programme has helped to improve the national average yield per hectare of these commodities, with productivity per hectare almost doubling within eight years of the programme’s implementation.

Also, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) statistics indicated that some of these programmes contributed significantly to the increased national output of commodities, with maize and rice peaking at 12.2 and 9.0 million metric tons in 2021 and 2022.

However, one of the fundamental bottlenecks that these projects and programs faced was their managers. For instance, the last two Ministers of Agriculture were somehow ‘disconnected’ from agriculture. Moreover, some programs and project managers are not agro-enthusiasts or farmer-friendly.

With workable and real farmer-friendly agricultural policies, programmes, and projects, President Tinubu will have a golden opportunity to directly ‘talk’ to millions of northerners. What should Tinubu do?- First, his Minister of Agriculture should be an agricultural enthusiast and an agile practising farmer who understands the entire agricultural value chain, politics, and markets.  A personality who understands the needs and global trends in agriculture and has a connection with real farmers and private initiatives. Tinubu’s agriculture minister should see agriculture from the prisms of entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and national GDP growth. Tinubu should also appoint a  Special Adviser on agriculture and an agricultural advisory team, which should be populated by competent real farmers. The Forum for Agricultural Commodities Association Chairman, Sadiq Darewa, once said: The Tinubu administration should sustain and improve upon programs and projects that have clear benefits for Nigerians. At the same time, those that have wasted Nigerians’ time should be rejected.

Tinubu may wish to sustain but redesign all the current agricultural policies, programs, and projects.  He needs to remove the apparent opacity which characterises most of the programs.

Tinubu should bring real farmer associations and groups on board to assist the government in redesigning the programs. They have a good grasp of what went wrong with the schemes, programmes, and projects and how to rejuvenate them for millions of real farmers in the country.

The redesigned and improved programmes should incorporate livestock production and the establishment of more herbicide and pesticide factories. Nigeria has no business spending billions of naira on importing water mixed with some chemicals; it should work on reducing the cost of seeds, fertilisers, and other inputs, including labour and transportation costs.

 Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja and can be contacted via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Maryam Shehu

I write with a heavy heart and bleeding eyes to the extent that my sights are closed, and I can’t catch a glimpse of the words that percolate through my pen.

Zaria is known as the heartbeat of its state, moving from its social amenities and the acuity of its residents and advocates. It won the best award for breeding leaders and world scientists with excellent records of surveillance and stateliness.

Its leaders have incentives for every eclipse and malady, but I am yet to have a vision of the sad situation of its library. Does that spell another prestige or a paralyzing facet of its artistry and reading culture? Only God knows how much a lack of a library plays in the eruption of the educational sector and traditions.

 ‘Mostly students within Zaria from the 1980s used the Public Library, but now it remains only the building’; this was what I saw as a description of a group named ZARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY FRIENDS on Facebook… A very disheartening description, indeed! Does that mean education ended in Zaria after those days, or is it only for those in the 1980s? Oops, I can’t uphold the irritation!

Everyone that often visits the place is a bystander to how barren and malodorous the place is, the books are outdated, and the shelves are scanty and scattered to the magnitude that one can not confidently point to a visitor or a person who has been reading about or watching notable libraries.

I write for the government or any other personnel responsible for the library to reminisce, if forgotten, about the virtues and diamonds behind refurbishing the library and its roles in developing a state/LG with few ravines of mine. These are:

First, it supports the educational sector: Education is the bedrock of every progressive state. It soothes every rough wall for governance. Whenever/ wherever a state owns a gear of education and capitalize its residents with the necessities, that administration is said to have grappled with every hole of unemployment, insurgency, and other suppressed deed that might lead to the tumult of any governance. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation. As said by Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”.

Second, it preserves the cultural heritage of the society: A rich cultural heritage defends how the residents maintain its distinctiveness and sets it as a mirror to look at by young ones. We have different skin colours, languages, and marks, and our clans mingle with others (good/bad), but the pictures we sow in their hearts and books are those that could reflect and defend their susceptibilities. The library is the only place where those scrapbooks and photographs could be carefully salvaged.

Third is the provision of useful textual materials: The availability of a standard and substantial library provides advantageous scripts and materials for self-development and implementation of a basic constitution… It helps especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.

Fourth, it also provides an avenue for recreation and relaxation. Libraries are one of the most significant factors that lead to the development of arts and crafts; they create seats for all crawling and professional clubs and carve stages. It composes words for artists and other microphones partners.

Furthermore, it also provides and enhances reading culture. As the slogan says, ‘Readers are leaders’; likewise, writers and other mellow people, we succeed by reading from the served letters of our antecedents. And many people strive to be voracious readers but the lack of money to buy books drag their necks back and turn their faces from the papers by furnishing the library; that surely could be a buzzer to the sleeping readers.

With the above few ravines of mine, I hope the government and other related personnel are persuaded and forecast how much renovation of the public library could make their governance suitable and memorable and how lack of it will keep draining the administration. We hope you listen to our dried throats and reconstruct our shattered floors.

Maryam Shehu wrote from Zaria via maryamshehu6354@gmail.com.

By Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim

On 9th July 2006, legendary footballer, Zinedine Zidane, was sent off the pitch in the 110th minute of a fierce World Cup final match in Berlin, Germany, after he infamously headbutted Italy’s Marco Materazzi.

Zizou, as he’s fondly called, was very phenomenal during his time and is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. He was renowned for his unique playmaking and elegance. His exploits at the 1998 world cup and other competitive tournaments a few years after cannot be overemphasized. It’s just sad he ended his football career in such an infamous way.

During the world cup final match, France was on the advantaged side, with a higher tendency to win the game. Zidane, who was the French captain, had earlier netted a penalty against legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in an audacious ‘panenka’ style to give France the lead. The Italian team later equalized through a header from Materazzi during a corner kick.

Thereafter, there was a fierce battle, and both teams were on the offensive until the match went to extra time. All eyes were on Zidane to see the French team regain the lead, but Zidane couldn’t control his temper against provocative Materazzi during the 110th minute of the game, hence the costly mistake of headbutting Materazzi.

He was sent off by the referee after some reviews, and the game did not remain the same after that. Italy went on to win the game with 5-3 on penalties after the end of the extra time.

Although Materazzi was reported to have trash-talked Zidane’s family during a supposed harmless encounter, which was what triggered the physical assault from Zidane, such a reaction, if necessary, was ill-timed, owing to the importance of the game to his football career.

That violent reaction not only cost him the opportunity to win what would have been his second world cup trophy but was also popularly believed to have thwarted his chances of winning what would have been his second Balon D’or award in 2006.

Some emotional speculators, however, hailed Zidane for standing up for his family, but many others, like myself, saw it as a costly overreaction from his side. 

And that was the last time we would ever see Zidane play football.

Meanwhile, Zidane didn’t let that unforgettable event weigh him down, as he went ahead to become one of the most successful managers in history. He won 3 consecutive champions league titles in his first stint as Read Madrid’s Manager.

Nonetheless, despite the huge successes both as a player and as a manager, you can’t mention Zidane’s name today without picturing the infamous moment at the 2006 World Cup final. That is how injurious reactions triggered by uncontrolled anger can be.

___________

Morals: “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured”. –Mark Twain

By Ummusalma Farouq Sambo

Hormonal imbalance is a nightmare for many women. Being unspoken by society and an enigma to most women is why I am writing this piece.

Many marriages/relationships are affected by the concurrent hormonal imbalance in women. The lack of knowledge from men on the topic leads to lots of misunderstanding about us women. I believe we can solve this problem by teaching women what is wrong with their bodies and enlightening men about how some women are created.

Let’s start by knowing what hormones are in a simple human context.

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by various glands in the body. They are released into the bloodstream and travel to different body parts to regulate and control multiple functions. They are crucial in coordinating processes like growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. They act as signals, transmitting information between different organs and tissues to help maintain balance and harmony within the body.

However, maintaining hormonal balance is no easy feat. Our bodies are like a complex ecosystem, and even the slightest disruption can throw these delicate hormones into disarray. Stress, poor lifestyle choices, and certain medical conditions can all wreak havoc on this delicate equilibrium, leading to hormonal imbalances and a host of unwelcome symptoms.

Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalance

Living with hormonal imbalance is like navigating a maze of unexpected twists and turns. As a woman, I know firsthand the impact it can have on our lives. Let’s look at the signs that can help us unravel the mystery of hormonal imbalance.

1. Rollercoaster of Emotions: Imagine waking up overwhelmed by sadness, only to burst into tears moments later. Hormonal imbalance can unleash a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving you feeling irritable, anxious, or inexplicably down. These emotional ups and downs can disrupt your relationships, work, and well-being.
2. Mysterious Weight Fluctuations: Have you ever diligently followed a healthy diet yet struggled to lose weight? Hormonal imbalance may be at play. It can wreak havoc on our metabolism, leading to unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, no matter how hard we try.
3. Battle of the Breakouts: Acne isn’t just a teenage problem. Hormonal imbalances can trigger frustrating breakouts, even in our adult years. Those pesky pimples that seem to appear out of nowhere? They could be a red flag indicating that our hormones are out of whack.
4. Energy Dips and Fatigue: Feeling like you’re constantly running on empty? Hormonal imbalance can drain your energy levels, leaving you feeling fatigued and exhausted. Staying focused and productive becomes a daily struggle; even the simplest tasks can feel like climbing Mount Everest.
5. Menstrual Mayhem: Our monthly cycle can offer valuable insights into our hormonal health. Irregular periods missed periods, frequent periods, stopped periods, heavy flows, or excruciating cramps might indicate that our hormones are imbalanced. These disruptions bring physical discomfort and disrupt our plans and routines.
6. Sleepless Nights: Tossing and turning, unable to find that elusive state of blissful slumber? Hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc on our sleep patterns, leaving us staring at the ceiling in frustration. It becomes a vicious cycle where lack of sleep further exacerbates hormonal imbalances.
7. Vaginal dryness and itching
8. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
9. Puffy face
10. Decreased or increased heart rate
11. Weakened muscles
12. Pain in the muscles, tenderness, and stiffness
13. Pain and swelling in the joints
14. Depression
15. Infertility
16. Anxiety or irritability
17. Purple stretch marks

Causes and Contributing Factors of hormonal imbalance

Throughout different stages of life, hormonal changes play a significant role in our bodies. Puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause are all periods when our hormones fluctuate, potentially leading to imbalances. These natural transitions can sometimes throw our delicate hormonal equilibrium off track, causing different symptoms.

But it’s not just natural life events that affect our hormones. Our environment and lifestyle choices also play a vital role. The relentless stress of modern life, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all contribute to hormonal imbalances. Stress, in particular, can disrupt the delicate dance of hormones in our bodies, throwing them out of whack and causing confusion on our physical and emotional well-being.

In addition to external factors, underlying medical conditions can disrupt hormonal balance. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and insulin resistance can all contribute to imbalances. These conditions require careful attention and management to restore hormonal harmony.

Other factors that can cause hormonal imbalances are

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Primary ovarian insufficiency
• Hypogonadism
• Cushing syndrome
• Benign or cancerous tumours
• Eating disorders
• Stress
• Hormone therapy
• Thyroiditis
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Medications
• Cancer treatments 

Seeking Balance and Restoration

I’ve discovered that a holistic approach is vital when restoring hormonal balance. It’s not just about popping a pill or relying solely on medical interventions; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that supports my overall well-being. Let me share with you some strategies I’ve found helpful on my journey:

1. Nourishing my body with a balanced diet: I’ve come to appreciate the power of food in nurturing my hormones. Incorporating whole foods, like colourful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, has made a remarkable difference. I’ve also minimised processed foods and refined sugars, which can disrupt hormonal harmony.
2. Moving my body regularly: Exercise has become my secret weapon in regulating hormones and reducing stress. Whether it’s a walk, a yoga session, or a gym, finding activities I enjoy has made incorporating movement into my daily routine easier.
3. Prioritizing quality sleep: I used to underestimate the importance of sleep, but now I recognise its profound impact on my hormonal health. Creating a calming bedtime routine, minimising exposure to screens before bed and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment help me achieve more restful nights and wake up refreshed.
4. Managing stress effectively: Stress can cause unwanted problems with our hormones, so finding healthy coping mechanisms has been crucial. I’ve explored various stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, writing, and spending time in nature. These practices have helped me find balance and reduce the adverse effects of stress on my hormonal well-being.
5. Embracing self-care rituals: Taking time for myself has become a non-negotiable part of my routine. Whether indulging in a relaxing bath, enjoying a good book, practising mindfulness, or engaging in creative hobbies, these self-care routines have provided a much-needed sanctuary in my busy life and supported my hormonal balance.

While lifestyle changes have been impactful, it’s essential to acknowledge that sometimes medical interventions are necessary. Consultation with healthcare professionals, such as doctors or endocrinologists, can provide further guidance and options tailored to your specific hormonal needs.

Remember, seeking balance and restoration is a personal journey, and what works for me may be different for you. The key is to listen to your body, be patient with yourself, and make gradual changes that align with your goals and values. Embrace your power in taking control of your hormonal health and nurturing your overall well-being.

Empowering Women and Promoting Awareness

We have to prioritise our health as women. We must prioritise our health and well-being, including taking care of our hormonal health. I can’t stress enough how important it is to listen to our bodies and pay attention to any changes or symptoms we may be experiencing. Whether it’s irregular periods, mood swings, or unexplained weight gain, these signs could be indicators of hormonal imbalance. By proactively seeking help when needed, we empower ourselves to regain control over our bodies and overall health.

Knowledge is power when it comes to hormonal imbalance. Knowledge truly is power. Educating ourselves about the intricacies of our hormones, the factors that can disrupt their balance, and the potential impact on our well-being allows us to make informed decisions. We can debunk myths, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for our health by staying informed. Let’s empower ourselves with knowledge and spread awareness among our friends, family, and communities so that no woman feels alone in her journey to understand and manage hormonal imbalance.

You are not alone. Dealing with hormonal imbalance can sometimes feel overwhelming, but remember. You are not alone. Building a support network can be incredibly empowering. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or even online communities where you can connect with other women going through similar experiences. Sharing your challenges, seeking advice, and supporting others can create a strong sense of solidarity and help you navigate this journey confidently. Together, we can uplift and inspire one another to embrace self-care and take control of our hormonal health.

For our men, patience and understanding of how a woman’s body is created will help you to understand us much better. On days that we don’t feel like talking or laughing, we understand we are fighting an unknown battle and that only your love will help suppress our pains.

Ummusalma Farouq Sambo wrote from Kano. She can be contacted via salmerhsambo@gmail.com.

By Kasim Isa Muhammad

In 2016, Femi Gbajabiamila, the immediate former Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, took a bold step by introducing a bill to address the financial challenges faced by students in higher education institutions nationwide. The proposed legislation, known as the Student Loan Act, sought to provide students with access to loans from the federal government to alleviate the burden of educational expenses. After its initial introduction, the bill was later reintroduced in 2019. However, when it resurfaced in 2022, it sparked a heated debate within the National Assembly, with members expressing divergent views.

The revival of the Act triggered intense discussions and disagreements among the members of the National Assembly. On one side, some legislators strongly supported the motion, citing the potential benefits of student loans for expanding access to education and reducing financial barriers. Proponents of the bill argued that it would provide equal opportunities for students from various socio-economic backgrounds, enabling them to pursue higher education without financial constraints.

Lo and behold! On June 12, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Student Loan Bill into law, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s educational sector.

Although concerns have been raised regarding the extent of student access to these loans, considering the persistently high rate of unemployment afflicting the country, One of the key considerations surrounding the implementation of the Student Loan Act is the number of students who will benefit from the financial assistance, as it remains unclear how many students will qualify for and receive loans.

However, some suggested that providing massive job opportunities for graduates would be a more practical approach than granting them loans. This sentiment is echoed by those who believe most graduates possess the skills but lack the capital to enhance their businesses. For instance, providing them N500,000 to start a business could be a viable alternative.

Whoa! The current provision stating that loan repayment begins two years after the completion of participation in the NYSC programme is being questioned. The government should reassess this strategy with graduates struggling to secure employment for up to eight years or longer. Given the prevailing circumstances, it is doubtful that the debt collectors will be able to repay their loans within such a short timeframe.

I was also taken aback when I discovered a particular element of the loan procedure: defaulters risk being fined N500,000 or even being incarcerated for up to two years. This revelation left me astounded and raised an essential question in my mind. Is it, not a grave injustice to punish our helpless teeming youths who are already battling to secure jobs with imprisonment simply because they cannot repay their loans?

The fundamental component of the loan process that exceedingly caught my attention is the requirement for students to provide at least two guarantors who must meet specific criteria, such as being a civil servant of at least level 12, a lawyer with at least ten years of post-call experience, a judicial officer, or a justice of the peace. This provision raises concerns, particularly for individuals residing in rural areas or those without any relatives in government positions who could serve as guarantors.

Since the loan programme intends to support the financially disadvantaged, the requirement of guarantors with specific professional backgrounds seems to create a barrier for those who lack connections with people in high positions in the government. 

Another facet of the Act that appears contradictory is the provision that a student’s family must have an income of less than N500,000 to qualify for the loan. This condition seems to limit the accessibility of the loan to only a select few people, raising questions about the effectiveness and inclusivity of the loan act.

Setting an income threshold may have been intended to target students with financial constraints, ensuring that those with the greatest financial need receive the necessary support. But the specific income limit of N500,000 may inadvertently exclude many students who could benefit from the loan.

Considering the drawbacks of the Loan Act, it becomes evident that the federal government should augment its efforts to fund tertiary institutions across the country. By so doing, education can become more affordable and accessible to a broader range of students.

Likewise, the recent increase in school fees at several institutions, including UNIMAID and BUK in the northern part of the country, highlights the pressing need for government intervention. While providing student loans is one possible solution, addressing the underlying issue of inadequate budgets for public universities is essential. By allocating sufficient funds to 109 public universities—50 federal and 59 state institutions—education can become more affordable for students.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recommended that developing nations give up to 15–20 per cent of their annual budget to public education. Nigeria’s allocation to the Education sector has not been meeting the UNESCO standard.

Dataphyte, a media research and data analytics organisation aiming to deploy data tools and technology for Nigeria’s socio-economic development, stated that the education budget analysis between 2016 and 2022 shows that the education sector has not received the recommended 15%.

This has indicated that the government at all levels should prioritise funding for education as a necessary step before implementing student loans. By addressing infrastructure deficiencies, making education affordable for underprivileged students, and providing needed resources, the government can create an environment where all students have equal opportunities to succeed. Investing in education will yield long-term benefits for people and society, fostering development and ensuring a brighter future for future generations.

Kasim Isa Muhammad is an investigative journalist who contributes as a full-time journalist at both Kanempress and The Citizen Reports newspapers.

By Bello Hussein Adoto

One, two, three. Every three seconds, someone somewhere is receiving blood, and they don’t know where it comes from. The person could be an accident victim with a broken leg, a woman bleeding after birth, a sickle cell patient hanging on to life, a man with haemophilia whose blood just won’t clot, or a snakebite victim whose cells are lysing away.

Three seconds. Someone is on the bed, being saved with another person’s blood. That blood could be yours—one pint drained from your body in ten minutes every three months (men can donate up to four times a year). Sometimes, it doesn’t take more than that to save a life.

Unfortunately, many people don’t donate blood because they frown at the idea that hospitals “sell” the blood they donate for free, so it is better that they don’t feed what they see as an unwholesome trade. Why should we donate blood for free if recipients have to pay for it? Let’s unpack the answer.

Blood is free. Hospitals—public ones, at least—don’t sell blood.

They collect service charges ranging from five to eight thousand naira in public hospitals to cover the cost of screening, collecting, bagging, storing, matching, and transfusing blood. The service charge is like revolving funds that keep the blood flowing from the donor to the patient.

Is it criminal? Not quite. Hospitals get blood from unpaid voluntary donors and relatives of transfusion recipients who donate to replace the blood their loved ones received. A third source is those who get paid for donating blood. However, getting blood from paid donors is discouraged for ethical and safety reasons. Whatever the source, blood recipients are required to pay processing fees to cover the cost of getting blood and transfusing it safely.

Let’s face it. Healthcare is subsidised, but it’s not free. The government can only pay for so much. Hospitals need facilities to receive donors and collect their blood. They need equipment, test kits, and reagents to screen the blood; bags and anticoagulants to keep the blood fluid and aseptic; storage units to keep the blood stable enough to be useful to the patient. These cost money and that’s the service charge that patients and their relatives pay.

The need for blood for voluntary blood donation is high in Nigeria. According to a recent National Blood Services Commission (NBSC) report, only 25% of blood transfusion demand is met in Nigeria. Unpaid voluntary donation closes the demand gap for blood donation. It makes blood available to patients, especially those with rare blood types and those needing many pints of blood.

While you are welcome to share your concerns about patients having to pay for blood, please don’t let that discourage you from donating. People need blood, and that need is critical. Malnourished children, pregnant women, people with severe malaria, and those with sickle cell disease are among the top groups in this category.

Your blood could be the difference between someone staying alive or dead. Imagine your younger sister or a parent desperately needs blood, but blood banks and reserves are depleted due to a lack of willing donors. What do we do then? Even if you worry that recipients will eventually have to pay for it, your blood gives them something to pay for.

Besides, your donation makes blood available so that desperate patients and their relatives don’t have to get it from the so-called black market, which is more expensive.

Beyond donating, you can raise awareness for other people to donate. As of 2022, only 8% of transfused blood in the country was voluntarily donated. We need more unpaid voluntary donations to make blood more accessible to those in need.

Transfusible blood is obtained only from humans. We can’t manufacture blood like normal saline or get it from animals like insulin. So, people need to donate blood.

We must also make the case for better investment in our health system. Many public hospitals across the country cannot collect or store blood. They often ask patients’ relatives to look for donors or collect and keep blood that may not be useful for transfusion. Better hospital facilities and more laboratory supplies will buffer these limitations and improve the quality of blood transfusion in Nigeria.

While I don’t deny that unscrupulous elements could profit from the blood trade, we need to see the bigger picture. Blood donors serve a great need. Your donation makes blood readily available and accessible to everyone. So, please, go out there and donate. You are saving a life.

Adoto, a researcher, writer, and journalist, writes via bellohussein210@gmail.com.

Dear Governor Mai Mala,

I write to you with the utmost respect, acknowledging the positive impact you have made in the healthcare sector of Yobe State. I would like to commend you for your notable efforts in providing health insurance slots to sickle cell patients through YSCHMA, as well as the provision of free drugs and food items to these individuals via YOSEMA.

However, despite these commendable initiatives, it is crucial to address the issue of sickle cell disease, which continues to affect numerous children in Yobe State, making it one of the states with the highest prevalence.

Your Excellency, in certain Local Government Areas (LGAs), such as Potiskum, the specialist hospital lacks an emergency ward that caters to the needs of sickle cell patients and others requiring immediate medical attention. The existing emergency ward at the specialist hospital in Potiskum is operating at a limited capacity.

Hence, I kindly request that you prioritise the establishment of an emergency ward dedicated explicitly to sickle cell patients or consider expanding the current ward at the specialist hospital in Potiskum and other LGAs that lack such facilities.

Furthermore, I urge you to continue the excellent work you have initiated by enrolling sickle cell patients into the health insurance program. This ongoing support will significantly improve their access to necessary medical services.

Lastly, while I am aware that employment opportunities are open to all state indigenes, I would like to draw your attention to the plight of sickle cell patients. Considering the challenges they face and the presence of many educated individuals among them, I humbly request your favour in providing job opportunities for some of these deserving sickle cell patients.

Thank you for your attention to these matters, Your Excellency. I hope your continued efforts will bring about positive changes in the lives of sickle cell patients in Yobe State.

Yours sincerely,

Mohammed Madu Bukar

madubukarmohammed@gmail.com

Asibitin Mal, Potiskum, Yobe State.