Opinion

By Garba Sidi

Kannywood, like other film industries worldwide, depends on the emergence of new talent who capture audiences’ hearts and help transform the industry into a powerhouse. These actors often deliver exactly what is needed because of their talent and fame. However, relying solely on a few well-known stars can threaten the industry’s sustainability. If these actors age or fade away, will the industry collapse with them?

Among those challenging this pattern is filmmaker Salisu T. Balarabe, whose vision goes beyond just telling stories—he is committed to discovering and promoting new actors to grow the industry and create job opportunities.

A VISIONARY PERSPECTIVE ON KANNYWOOD

Salisu T. Balarabe is a key figure among AREWA 24’s directors and plays a major role in giving aspiring talents a platform to shine in Kannywood. His work on the long-running series Kwana Casa’in is a clear example of his commitment to this goal. Rather than relying solely on already-famous actors, Balarabe introduces fresh faces to the audience by integrating them into the show’s narrative. Before Kwana Casa’in, no one knew Safiya Yusuf, now popularly known as Safara’u Kwana Casa’in. The show brought her to prominence, and she has since launched a music career as well.

Now, as he produces another long-running series, Zaɓi Biyu, Balarabe is sticking to his principle of working with new talents, giving them a platform to show their skills to the audience. This strategy is evident when compared to other popular Kannywood productions like Garwashi, Labarina, Jamilun Jiddan, Manyan Mata and Allurar Ruwa, which mostly rely on a small circle of already-famous actors such as Sadik Sani Sadi, Abubakar Waziri (Baba Rabe), Adam Garba (Raba Gardama), Amal Umar, Momy Gombe, Minal Ahmad (Ya Kaka), Ruky Alim, Hadiza Saima (Maman Saima) and Rabi’u Rikadawa.

There’s no denying the talent, skill, and fame of these actors. Their appearances often guarantee high viewership and profits for any film or series they’re part of. Still, Salisu T. Balarabe has chosen a different route—one that takes longer to become profitable but is ultimately more sustainable.

PERSEVERANCE DESPITE AUDIENCE PRESSURE.

In an industry where producers and directors often prioritise famous faces to ensure quick financial returns, Balarabe deserves praise for his dedication. He understands that for Kannywood to grow and flourish truly, it must constantly introduce new talent and provide them with training and opportunities. This approach is not just about development; it’s a crucial long-term investment in the industry’s future.

Balarabe’s work is reminiscent of internationally acclaimed filmmakers who have taken similar paths in other parts of the world. In Bollywood, directors like Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Karan Johar have introduced fresh talents such as Vicky Kaushal, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Alia Bhatt. Likewise, in Hollywood, directors such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Greta Gerwig have played key roles in discovering actors who went on to achieve global fame.

These directors are celebrated not just for their storytelling abilities but for their impact in nurturing talent. Salisu T. Balarabe is doing something similar in Kannywood—showing great courage and commitment despite the pressure he faces from audiences who demand familiar faces. His vision of discovering gifted individuals and helping them reach their potential through AREWA 24’s productions is commendable.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND MEANINGFUL STORYTELLING.

Beyond introducing new faces, Balarabe also ensures that these actors deliver performances that resonate with audiences. His long-running series, Kwana Casa’in and Zaɓi Biyu, are not small projects. They are rich in culture, politics, and the real-life struggles of Hausa society. This provides new actors the chance to shine while also educating and entertaining the audience.

This approach enriches the stories and gives the new actors a strong foundation to grow. These emerging talents often give their absolute best, using all their abilities to tell stories that leave a lasting impact. Balarabe’s consistent effort to showcase new faces in his films reflects his dedication to prioritising art over fame—a trait that distinguishes true filmmakers from mere trend-followers.

A NEW ERA FOR THE KANNYWOOD INDUSTRY.

Salisu T. Balarabe is showing the Kannywood industry that growth is possible when directors aim higher and embrace innovation. By doing so, they not only enrich the industry with talented and committed actors but also ensure that more talented people can benefit from the opportunities it offers.

If Kannywood were to follow this model, it would continue to progress—not just by elevating individual stars, but by fostering a culture of talent discovery, hard work, and quality production that will earn it global respect. Just like Nollywood in southern Nigeria has proven, an industry does not have to rely solely on a handful of celebrities to grow. When talent becomes the main focus, true and lasting success follows.

CONCLUSION.

At a time when fame dominates the storytelling landscape, Salisu T. Balarabe stands out as a beacon of hope for sustainable development in the Kannywood film industry. His commitment to nurturing and promoting new talent, as seen in series like Kwana Casa’in and Zaɓi Biyu, reflects his deep passion and long-term vision.

By Abdullahi Adam Usman

I recently read an exposé on the life of the late Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, published by HumAngle.

The report, titled “The Making and Unmaking of Abubakar Shekau,” attributed the rise of Boko Haram partly to what it described as the influence of the teachings of the medieval Sunni scholar and jurist, Ibn Taymiyyah. HumAngle wrote that his ideas influenced Islamic reform movements such as Salafism and Wahhabism, and suggested that his thoughts on governance and rebellion helped shape extremist ideology in Maiduguri.

While HumAngle is widely respected for its investigative reporting, this conclusion is deeply problematic and requires more nuance. Whether due to insufficient historical context or oversimplified interpretation, such a claim risks misleading readers by forcefully linking terrorism with Wahhabism and, by extension, Ibn Taymiyyah (a narrative that has long been promoted in sectarian discourse).

During his lifetime, Ibn Taymiyyah was imprisoned multiple times by different rulers. However, none of these imprisonments were due to armed rebellion or terrorism; rather, they resulted from theological and intellectual disputes. In fact, several of his critics even described him as a scholar who emphasized obedience to authority to preserve social order. Portraying him centuries later as a direct ideological architect of terrorism therefore presents a historical contradiction.

It is true that some extremist groups have selectively misused or misinterpreted Ibn Taymiyyah’s writings to support their actions. However, this does not make his teachings their true foundation. In reality, many of Boko Haram’s earliest and most prominent victims were Salafi scholars who openly opposed the group.

One such figure was Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam, a respected Salafi cleric who was assassinated in 2007 while leading the Subh prayer in Kano. He had openly criticized Boko Haram during its formative years. Similarly, in 2014, Sheikh Albani Zaria, another Salafi scholar, was killed by Boko Haram while returning from a lecture. If Boko Haram truly shared the same ideological roots as Salafi scholars inspired by Ibn Taymiyyah, these assassinations would not have occurred.

Furthermore, in mourning the late Bauchi-based Salafi scholar Dr Idriss Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, the Nigerian President described him as someone who played a significant role in countering violent extremism during the early stages of the Boko Haram crisis. This official recognition underscores the clear distinction between Salafi scholarship and terrorist ideology.

Journalism demands more than merely repeating how a group defines itself. As the saying goes: “If one person says it’s raining and another says it’s dry, it’s not your job to quote them both; your job is to look outside and find out which is true.” Responsible reporting requires context, depth, and historical accuracy.

We acknowledge HumAngle’s important contributions to terrorism reporting and public awareness. However, greater care is needed when making sensitive historical and religious attributions that could further inflame misunderstanding and division.

Abdullahi Adam Usman is a student of International Studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He can be reached via abdallahnangere@gmail.com.

By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

When Zohran Mamdani, an Ugandan-born politician of Indian descent who migrated to the United States, emerged victorious as the new Mayor of New York, it became more than just another electoral story from America. His triumph resonated across continents, sparking global conversations on representation, inclusion, and the reawakening of civic trust in politics. For many, Mamdani’s victory symbolised a powerful statement that character, vision, and authenticity still matter in the age of polarisation.

Mamdani’s path to City Hall was anything but easy. As an immigrant, a Muslim, and a progressive voice, he faced a storm of hostility from powerful circles. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, among others, were said to have thrown their weight behind his opponents, amplifying fears that his immigrant roots and socialist ideals made him unfit for leadership. Yet, against all odds, Mamdani not only survived the onslaught but emerged stronger, armed with nothing but a clear message of hope, justice, and inclusiveness.

What made Mamdani’s campaign remarkable was not just his defiance of elite power, but his connection with ordinary people. His grassroots outreach, his emphasis on social housing, education, climate action, and racial justice found resonance among New York’s diverse electorate. He spoke to their realities, not to their fears. In doing so, he rekindled faith in participatory democracy, the belief that leadership should reflect the people’s shared struggles and aspirations, not the privilege of a few.

It is no coincidence that Mamdani’s rise echoes that of other reform-minded figures who emerged from outside political establishments. His campaign defied the dominance of corporate funding and media bias, relying instead on volunteerism, small donations, and community-based mobilisation. That model reminded the world that authenticity, not affluence, is what truly earns public trust.

Back home in Nigeria, Mamdani’s story holds profound lessons. Our political system remains heavily tilted in favour of the wealthy and the well-connected. Elections are often a contest of money, not merit. The idea of a young, visionary leader without financial backing or godfather support ascending to power still sounds utopian. Yet his victory invites reflection. What if Nigerian politics began to reward credibility over connections? What if the masses recognised their collective power to shape outcomes beyond inducements and ethnic sentiments?

Mamdani’s triumph also reinforces the value of civic enlightenment. His message cut through misinformation because citizens were engaged and aware. In Nigeria, the recurring crisis of leadership is not only about corrupt elites but also about the disempowered electorate that allows manipulation to thrive. Real change begins when citizens see themselves as active participants in governance, not passive observers of elite bargains.

Beyond politics, his story underscores the beauty of diversity as a source of strength. America, despite its contradictions, remains a land where the son of immigrants can become a city’s chief executive. In Nigeria, where diversity often fuels division, Mamdani’s ascent serves as a reminder that inclusion is not a weakness but a path to unity. The more our institutions reflect the country’s social mosaic, the more legitimacy they command.

The lesson from New York’s new Mayor is therefore clear: leadership that listens, represents, and uplifts will always triumph over propaganda, money, and prejudice. For Nigeria, it is not enough to envy its victory; we must internalise the principles that made it possible: sincerity, civic participation, and justice. Mamdani’s win is not just a political event; it is a mirror reflecting what genuine democracy could look like when people, not power, decide.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu is a journalist and syndicate writer based in Abuja.

By Ummi Umar

I write with a broken heart. A heart so bruised it feels shattered. There is no day I open Instagram, X, or WhatsApp without stumbling on another story that tears at the soul, another reminder that insecurity, banditry, and sheer lawlessness have become a constant shadow over this country. It almost never gets better for us.

For weeks now, it has been one tragedy after another. One kidnapping case replaced by the next. Little girls are taken from their schools. Families plunged into fear. We have reached a point where people whisper painful prayers like “may Nigeria never happen to me”, because we have watched the nation turn against its own.

Only last week, schoolgirls in Kebbi were abducted. And even though news has just broken that they have been freed, the joy of their return cannot erase the trauma of their ordeal or the deeper truth it exposes about our country. In that same week, more than three hundred students were taken from a Catholic school. These were girls who simply wanted to learn, to grow, to dream, to build a life. Their only “fault” was the desire to be educated. And then Nigeria happened to them.

There is no way to describe the agony of sending your child to school and then seeing on the news that she has been taken by ruthless, faceless men. You do not know whether she has eaten, whether she is being harmed, what fears she is battling, or what pain she is enduring. Is it a crime to be a girl child in this country? Why must she carry so much suffering on her small shoulders?

The rate of insecurity in Nigeria today is beyond alarming. And our leaders, what exactly are they doing? Must it be your daughter, your niece, your cousin, your wife before you feel any urgency? Must tragedy knock at your own door before you remember the weight of responsibility?

Those who lead us, those who hold authority, are meant to use every tool within their reach to protect citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Yet what do we see? Are they asleep? Is ordering schools to vacate the answer? When there is even a whisper of protest, government mobilises soldiers with unbelievable speed. But when children are carried away by bandits, the same urgency disappears as though the nation cannot see what is happening.

If you want to understand misplaced priorities, look no further than Nigerian leadership.

Sending students home is not a solution. It strips these girls of their fundamental right to education. And then what happens when they resume? Will the cycle of fear, evacuation and abduction continue? What truly is the way forward?

Our leaders must seek real, practical solutions to these recurring horrors. They must rise to their duties and be held accountable. Our girls are suffering. They are far too young to bear this kind of trauma. No girl, no child, no human being deserves this. No parent deserves the torment of knowing that their daughter is in the hands of men who may do only God knows what to her.

Our love, our prayers and our support remain with these girls and with their families. We thank God for the safe return of the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls, but we refuse to let that relief distract us from the painful truth that no child should ever have been taken in the first place. 

We continue to pray for every child still in captivity, and for the strength of the families waiting for their return. May our leaders finally be held accountable. May our girls be protected, truly and consistently. And may Nigeria never happen to any of us.

Rabi Ummi Umar is an intern at IMPR and can be reached via: rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Salim Yunusa

Art Xplosion 4.0, the youth-focused art and mental health festival organised by Friends Advocacy for Mental Health Initiative (FAM Initiative), concluded in Zaria after a week-long celebration of creativity, resilience, and cultural identity. The event, the first of its kind in the city, marked a major step toward exposing young people to art as a tool for emotional expression, cultural grounding, and mental well-being.

Over 100 children and adolescents participated in the program, which featured bead-making, painting, mosaic art, upcycled crafts, gypsum art, traditional performances, cultural showcases, storytelling, and an art exhibition. Participants were drawn from different communities across Sabon Gari Local Government and beyond, including young people with invisible disabilities and those from underserved socio-economic backgrounds.

For the organisers, Art Xplosion 4.0 was more than an event. It was a statement about the role of creativity in strengthening mental resilience among young people navigating social pressure, identity struggles, and emotional challenges.

Program Manager and Lead Artist Aisha Ahmad Ibrahim said the week-long festival reaffirmed her conviction that art remains one of the most accessible and transformative tools for youth mental health. She said, “Art Xplosion 4.0 was truly a wholesome event for me that reaffirmed that what I do is worthy,” she said. “Despite the hassles and rigorous work I handled as Programs Manager and Lead Artist, I genuinely enjoyed every part of the experience, from preparation and procurement to organising and leading my team. The diversity of participants initially made me sceptical about coordination, but art once again proved to be a natural medium of expression. Healthy children, children and youth with neurological and non-visible disabilities, and those from low academic and socio-economic communities all expressed their artistic abilities beautifully. My team and I moved easily between groups to guide and support them. With about 100 participants from almost all parts of Sabon Gari and beyond, Art Xplosion 4.0 was a deeply fulfilling success.”

Curator Jecinta Egbim described the edition as a powerful testing ground for the resilience strategies she teaches adolescents during mental health outreaches. “This year’s Art Xplosion 4.0 was an entire experience, not just for our participants but for me,” she said. “Going through some of the tests of my own resilience strategies, I have seen that resilience is truly the key. Tools like art, effective communication, emotional regulation, support systems and outlets helped us push through.”

She added that the implementation process itself came with emotional and logistical challenges. “We faced hard times, tough ‘no’s, shut doors, and some interesting stakeholder management issues, but we emerged stronger. One of our biggest successes was simply seeing the week through from start to finish. We received multiple reports from adolescents, parents, school owners, community leaders, and caregivers. Even two days after the event, a mother visited our office with her daughter to thank us. It was humbling to see the impact extend into homes. That was the essence of this year’s edition: Art Xplosion should not just be immersive on-site, but a holistic experience that follows participants into their houses, schools, and workplaces.”

She noted that even with less than 20 sponsors supporting 100 participants, the team stayed committed to impact. “Fundraising was tight and discouraging, but our successes outweighed every challenge. It reminded us of what we are really made of.”

One of the program’s partners, NEST AI, highlighted the deeper emotional significance of art for young people. Its founder, Yazid S. Mika’il, said the initiative reflected how creativity can help youths build confidence and shape their futures. “Art speaks to one’s emotions and the core of being… it helps young people realise that they matter, and can determine what a beautiful and healthy future looks like,” he said.

Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, also a partner, expressed satisfaction with the program’s impact. Founder Salim Yunusa said the organisation was proud to support an initiative that brings creativity and healing into the lives of young people in Northern Nigeria. “We are pleased with what this initiative achieved, especially in Zaria,” he said. “We hope to see more of this replicated across Zaria and northern Nigeria at large.”

The Art Xplosion model uses creative expression to help children and adolescents communicate feelings, build confidence, improve emotional regulation, and reconnect with cultural identity. Many of the participants came from families dealing with psychosocial stressors, developmental challenges, or limited access to creative opportunities.

FAM Initiative reported that participants showed improvements in communication, empathy, and artistic expression. Parents and community leaders also noted that the activities helped their children feel calmer, more expressive, and more connected to their heritage.

This year’s edition introduced an expanded cultural showcase, featuring participants who displayed traditional attire, shared cultural stories, and performed dances. The art exhibition and auction also allowed the public to appreciate the creative output of the young participants.

With Art Xplosion 4.0, Zaria has now hosted its first large-scale festival that blends art, cultural pride, inclusion, and mental health advocacy. Organisers say the program’s success has opened a new chapter for community-driven youth development initiatives in Kaduna State.

FAM Initiative announced that future editions will expand mentorship opportunities, deepen community outreach, and strengthen support structures for children and adolescents dealing with emotional and developmental challenges.

As the dust settles on this year’s event, the organisers say their biggest hope is that the young participants, many of whom are experiencing structured art therapy for the first time, will carry their newfound confidence, skills, and cultural pride into the next chapters of their lives. Art Xplosion, they say, is not just an event. It is becoming a movement for healing, expression, and resilience across Northern Nigeria.

By Nazirah Muhammed,

Before the first note of his debut single, My Time, hit any speaker, Boluwatife Balogun lived in a world deliberately shielded from the glare of celebrity, a rare reality for the firstborn son of Afrobeats icon Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid. To understand his entry into music, you must first appreciate the calm, structured upbringing that shaped him.

Born in 2011, the same year Wizkid’s Superstar album launched him into global recognition, Boluwatife arrived at a moment that reshaped his father’s life. Unlike the public drama that often surrounds celebrity births, his early years were quietly protected. His mother, Shola Ogudu, Wizkid’s former partner and one-time manager, built a bubble of normalcy around him, ensuring that despite his father’s fame, his childhood remained grounded.

Privacy defined Boluwatife’s early life. While fans saw only occasional birthday photos or short videos, Bolu lived what many would consider a normal Lagos childhood. He attended regular schools, played basketball, hung out with friends, and focused on his education. Photos shared over the years showed a cheerful, well-adjusted boy enjoying vacations, milestones, and hobbies far from the spotlight. It was a deliberate effort to let him grow into himself, not into the expectations attached to his surname.

As he got older, one truth became impossible to ignore: Boluwatife is the spitting image of his father. From his eyes to his smile and lean frame, the resemblance earned him the nickname “Wizkid’s twin” among fans. And while Wizkid rarely posts about his children, the love is unmistakable. In a 2020 birthday message, he called Bolu his “twin” and expressed heartfelt affection, a glimpse into a quiet but strong father-son bond.

But beyond the looks, Boluwatife was absorbing another inheritance: music. Growing up around one of the most successful African musicians meant witnessing the creative process up close. The first public hint of his musical journey came in 2023, when his mother shared a video that quickly went viral. It didn’t just show a teenager singing along; it showed Boluwatife in a home studio, headphones on, confidently recording original material.

That clip changed everything. His voice, youthful but melodic and steady, revealed a natural ease with music. It was the moment “Boluwatife the artiste” shifted from speculation to reality.

My Time didn’t appear out of nowhere. It is the product of years spent watching, listening, learning, and quietly preparing. The same boy who hustled on the basketball court and completed assignments is now stepping into the booth with intention. His sheltered upbringing gave him self-awareness; his environment gave him artistry.

His debut marks not just a career launch but the beginning of a new chapter for a young man raised with care, balance, and an understanding of the legacy he represents. The world may just be hearing him now, but Boluwatife Balogun has been getting ready all along.

Nazirah Muhammed is an intern with PRNigeria. She can be reached at nazirahmuhammed01@gmail.com.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

On Saturday, November 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald J. Trump made his famous “guns-a-blazing” remark and described Nigeria as “the now disgraced country.”

On Sunday, November 2, he repeated that the United States could deploy troops to Nigeria or launch airstrikes to stop alleged killings.

In what appears to be a reaction to Trump’s comments, terrorists and bandits in Nigeria have intensified attacks, especially the mass abduction of pupils, students, and worshippers.

On November 17, bandits abducted 25 female students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State.

On November 18, daredevil gunmen attacked Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegba, Eruku, kidnapping 38 worshippers during an evening service.

On Friday, November 21, gunmen raided St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community of Niger State’s Agwara District, abducting 215 pupils and 12 teachers.

That same day, after Trump appeared on Fox News and declared, “I think Nigeria is a disgrace,” reports emerged that ISWAP fighters had abducted 13 teenage girls working on farmlands in Askira-Uba, Borno State.

Armed groups across Nigeria have long understood the symbolic power of their targets. But the timing and composition of these attacks suggest deeper motives:

Three separate days. Four mass kidnappings. Hundreds of victims. Mostly female victims. This is not a coincidence. This is a strategy.

Observers cite four major reasons:

1.  To escalate the situation and attract international attention. Nothing provokes global outrage like the mass abduction of schoolgirls or worshippers. Terrorists crave visibility, especially when a powerful international figure has threatened intervention.

2.  To instil fear and embarrass the government , psychological warfare, so to speak. Targeting female students and worshippers strikes directly at the heart of communities. Schools and places of worship are supposed to be sanctuaries; when they are violated, society trembles.

3.  To use abducted victims, especially girls, as human shields. If the U.S. were ever to conduct air strikes, the bandits and terrorists understand the protective value of having dozens of young female hostages in their custody.

4.  Ransom opportunities: To exploit heightened international interest as leverage for ransom or negotiation. Heightened American interest increases the “value” of hostages. Criminal groups see an opportunity to negotiate for large payouts.

President Trump’s threats have become a local weapon for the terrorists. To be fair to President Trump, he may not intend it, but his sensational remarks have become ammunition in the arsenal of Nigeria’s armed groups. They interpret his words as an opportunity or a provocation and recalibrate their tactics accordingly.

Also, to be fair to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he or his government cannot control the statements made by foreign leaders. Still, they can control how prepared the country is for the consequences. This moment demands urgency. The Nigerian delegation to the US, led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is engaged in sterling diplomatic work. Thus, apart from local efforts, this visit indicates to the Nigerian leadership that a well-planned diplomatic strategy can prevent reckless foreign commentary from escalating domestic crises.

Local and international efforts must work together!

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

By Habu Abdu Aminu

Professor Umar Sani Fagge is widely recognised as a leading figure in Islamic scholarship and Arabic studies in Nigeria. His name commands respect not only in academic circles but also among millions of Muslims who follow his lectures, sermons, and community teachings. His life’s journey from the traditional Qur’anic school in the Fagge community to the rank of Professor at Bayero University Kano (BUK) represents an inspiring narrative of humility, perseverance, and the pursuit of divine and worldly knowledge.

Born into a devout, intellectually rich family in the Fagge area of Kano State, Professor Fagge’s educational journey began under his mother’s loving care. Coming from a lineage of knowledgeable parents and grandparents, he was nurtured in an environment where Islamic learning, moral discipline, and respect for knowledge were fundamental values.

His earliest education took place in the Makarantar Allo (traditional Qur’anic school), where he learned to recite the Qur’an. He later advanced to an Islamiyyah school, which broadened his understanding of Arabic grammar, hadith (Prophetic traditions), and fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). These formative experiences instilled in him a passion for knowledge and an unshakable spiritual foundation.

Subsequently, he transitioned into the modern educational system, completing his primary and secondary education in Kano State. Motivated by a desire to deepen his understanding of Islamic and Arabic studies, he proceeded to Bayero University, Kano, where he obtained a Diploma, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), a Master of Arts (M.A.), and ultimately a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Arabic. This remarkable academic progression not only reflects his intellectual capacity but also his lifelong dedication to scholarship.

Professor Fagge’s professional career began at the Kano State Ministry of Education, where he served as a classroom teacher. His outstanding teaching skills and commitment to educational excellence soon drew attention from the academic community. In 1991, he joined Bayero University Kano as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Arabic, marking the start of an illustrious academic journey.

Over the following three decades, Professor Fagge steadily rose through the ranks, from Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer II, Lecturer I, Senior Lecturer, and Associate Professor, culminating in his promotion to full Professor in 2023. His promotion was celebrated across the academic and religious landscape as recognition of his scholarly distinction, exemplary service, and mentorship of younger scholars.

Throughout his tenure at BUK, he has taught a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Arabic language, literature, and Islamic jurisprudence. He has supervised numerous research projects and postgraduate theses, shaping a generation of students and educators who continue to uphold his academic legacy.

Professor Umar Sani Fagge’s influence extends far beyond the university walls. As an Islamic jurist (faqih) and public preacher (da’i), he has become a household name in Northern Nigeria and beyond. He actively participates in Makarantar Soro, Islamiyyah schools, and community-based Qur’anic centers, where he teaches and delivers sermons to diverse audiences.

His da’wah activities reflect a holistic understanding of Islam, addressing both ‘ibadat (acts of worship) and mu’amalat (social and economic interactions). Through his public lectures, radio and television programs, and digital platforms, he promotes moral reform, justice, and socio-economic development in line with Islamic principles. Thousands of people attend his lectures, and his teachings are widely shared on media outlets, where he reaches audiences across Nigeria, Niger, and other parts of West Africa.

Among Professor Fagge’s many contributions to Islamic thought, his interpretation of Zakat al-fitr stands out as a practical and socio-economically relevant concept. In his lectures, he emphasises that Zakat al-fitr, a mandatory form of almsgiving at the end of Ramadan, is a crucial instrument of infaq (voluntary or obligatory charity) that directly addresses food insecurity in Muslim societies.

According to him, Zakat al-fitr is not a mere ritual; it is a divinely ordained social safety net aimed at eradicating hunger among the poor during festive periods. When administered correctly, it ensures that every Muslim, regardless of social or economic status, partakes in the joy and blessings of Eid. He argues that if properly institutionalised, Zakat al-fitr can enhance the living standards of the poor and promote socio-economic balance within the ummah.

Professor Fagge further observes that the real purpose of its implementation goes beyond the spiritual cleansing of the fasting individual. It also reflects the economic justice promoted by Islam, where wealth flows and benefits all parts of society. In his opinion, the proper management of Zakat al-fitr by reputable charitable organisations could significantly reduce hunger, poverty, and inequality within Muslim communities.

Moreover, Professor Fagge’s intellectual reach is amplified through his numerous public lectures, Qur’anic tafsir sessions, and radio commentaries. He is known for simplifying complex religious concepts and applying them to contemporary social issues such as governance, family relations, business ethics, and community welfare. His style is calm, evidence-based, and deeply rooted in classical sources, making his teachings both authentic and accessible.

He has also published academic papers and presented at conferences on Arabic linguistics, Islamic jurisprudence, and ethics. His insights continue to influence scholars, students, and policymakers who seek to align Islamic principles with modern governance and development strategies.

Over the decades, Professor Umar Sani Fagge has mentored countless students, many of whom have become lecturers, jurists, judges, lawyers, politicians, administrators, businessmen, and community leaders. His balanced approach to Islamic jurisprudence, combining intellectual rigour with moral empathy, has earned him a reputation as a reformer who promotes unity, moderation, and social responsibility.

His enduring legacy lies not only in the degrees he earned and the lectures he delivered, but also in the transformative impact he has had on his community. Through his tireless service, he embodies the Qur’anic principle that “those who are given knowledge and act upon it are truly among the most honoured of people.”

Professor Umar Sani Fagge’s journey from the traditional Qur’anic school of Fagge to the professorial chair at Bayero University Kano is a story of resilience, dedication, and divine blessing. His life underscores the timeless value of education as both a spiritual and social enterprise. Through his scholarship and da’wah, he has contributed immensely to moral reform, academic growth, and socio-economic enlightenment in Nigeria.

In an age where many scholars are confined to either the mosque or the classroom, Professor Fagge stands as a rare bridge between both worlds. His teachings on zakat al-fitr and food security reaffirm Islam’s commitment to justice, compassion, and collective welfare. Indeed, his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come—an enduring reminder that knowledge, when guided by faith, is the greatest form of service to humanity.

Habu Abdu is a researcher and social analyst from the Department of Banking and Finance at Kano State Polytechnic, Nigeria. He can be contacted at +2348086252563.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

History has shown, time and again, that empires rise and fall. The Roman Empire, one of the most powerful the world has ever known, once ran its affairs through the “cursus publicus”, a state-run courier service that carried official messages, documents, and goods across vast territories. At its peak, that system was the lifeblood of Rome’s political and economic power.

It was through the “cursus publicus” that Rome sustained control over trade, tax collection, commercial regulation, and responses to economic challenges. It kept the wheels of commerce turning, ensured that official supplies — from grains and olive oil to textiles and metals — moved swiftly, and maintained the empire’s hold over its provinces.

But as Rome began to lose its grip on that system, communication faltered. Trade weakened. Taxes dwindled. Economic integration collapsed. What followed was a slow, sprawling decline that signalled the empire’s loss of power and the gradual rise of others.

Today, empires no longer look like Rome. They are defined by global influence, control of international systems, and the ability to shape the world order. The West — especially the United States — has long enjoyed that advantage. But emerging power blocs are redrawing the world map, and anyone can see the global balance is shifting.

It is against this backdrop that the recent noise around an alleged “Christian Genocide” in Nigeria must be understood. Following that allegation, US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). The designation carries several potential consequences: aid cuts, export license restrictions, asset freezes, limited security cooperation, and even American opposition to international loans and investments.

Not stopping there, Trump went a step further, issuing a dramatic threat of military action that would be “fast, vicious, and sweet” if the Nigerian government failed to protect its citizens. His declaration sparked reactions far beyond Nigeria’s borders, raising an important question: What truly motivates America’s sudden aggression?

To understand this, one must consider the broader geopolitical shifts unfolding beneath the surface. In January 2025, Nigeria joined BRICS — a powerful intercontinental bloc formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa later joining. The BRICS exists largely to counter the dominance of Western institutions like the IMF and the World Bank and to promote a multipolar global economy in which the US dollar no longer reigns supreme. 

With a combined GDP of roughly $30 trillion, the bloc wields real economic weight. Nigeria’s entry strengthens its ties with major economies such as China and India, promising new investments in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial development. It also opens the door to greater export opportunities, especially in oil and natural gas. 

For a country long boxed into Western-controlled financial systems, BRICS offers breathing space — and alternatives. There is also the Dangote Refinery, with its single-train capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. For decades, Nigeria relied on imported fuel despite its abundant crude oil. That era is ending. Import figures are falling sharply — 24.15 million litres per day in January 2025, 19.26 million in September, and just 15.11 million in the first ten days of October. 

With Dangote planning to expand to 1.4 million barrels per day, Nigeria is on the path to fuel independence, rivalling India’s Jamnagar Refinery, the world’s largest. This development, naturally, unsettles countries that benefit from Nigeria’s dependence — America included.

Then there is Nigeria’s deepening relationship with China. In the past year alone, Nigeria has signed major deals on industrial parks, rail and port infrastructure, mineral exploration, and energy development. China’s economic footprint in Nigeria is expanding rapidly. Meanwhile, Russia’s growing presence across sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria’s renewed ties with France add to America’s discomfort.

The mineral dimension is equally sensitive. Beyond oil, Nigeria holds rare minerals — including lithium — that power the world’s battery industry. In a world moving toward electric mobility and renewable energy, lithium is the new oil. And China, not the United States, is securing access.

US Senator Ted Cruz once captured America’s anxiety bluntly during a congressional session when he warned: “China is a global threat that must be confronted territory by territory, nation by nation… China is pouring billions into its Belt and Road Initiative… gaining control over cobalt, lithium and other rare earth minerals… refining more than 70% of the world’s cobalt and controlling vast shares of global supply chains.”

His comments speak volumes when placed beside today’s geopolitical tensions. None of this denies the fact that Nigeria still faces grave security challenges. Our leaders must rise to their responsibilities and make the country safe for all. But it is naïve to imagine that America’s sabre-rattling is purely humanitarian. 

The United States may not be threatening a “sweet” military strike out of concern for Nigerian lives. Rather, like Rome losing its “cursus publicus”, America may be reacting to a shifting world order in which its grip is slipping — and Nigeria now sits at the centre of that shift.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja. He can be contacted at: dahirulawal90@gmail.com.

By Aliyu U. Tilde

International perception of religious conflicts in Nigeria is influenced by a propaganda that is overwhelmingly based on biased naming of their victims and perpetrators. When you search the Internet for the killing of Muslims in Nigeria by Christians, the best result you can get would be very scanty. But when you ask about Christian genocide, killings, etc., the result would be very lengthy. Something is amiss.

It is not that Muslims are not being killed by Christians or fellow Muslims. For twenty years, before Boko Haram and bandits started killing mostly Muslims, wholesale massacres of Muslims have been taking place in Northcentral Nigeria especially. And the mass killings have continued even after 2009 when Boko Haram appeared. However, the Internet turns blind when you search for them. Therefore, international observers hardly remember them and researchers hardly notice them. The reason is in the name.

Same Crime, Different Names

When the victim is a Christian, media reporters, who are predominantly Christians in the country, call them Christians, even in a conflict that may have nothing to do with religion. The headlines will quickly read: Fulani kill Christians, Christian communities attacked, genocide of Christians, etc. The Internet sees only what is posted.

On the flip side, when the victims are Muslim, they are given neutral names: villagers, worshippers, civilians, locals, people, Nigerians, etc. The 25 abducted Kebbi school girls are called “school children”, not “Muslim school children”. Their religious identity is cancelled, deleted or hidden deliberately. So when any scholar or reader searches the Internet on Muslim killings or genocide, he hardly gets much.

Again, if the attackers are Muslim, they are eagerly reported as Islamists, jihadists, Fulani (Muslim) militants, terrorists, etc. The Internet easily apprehends them and hands them over to the researcher who receives them with delight and uses them as the statistics of his own narrative, thus multiplying the spread of the bias.

However, if the perpetrators are Christian-affiliated, they are reported as youths, tribal militias, unknown gunmen, attackers, mob, etc. The Christian identity is deleted, hidden and allowed to escape the policing of the Internet.

Thus, the Internet-dependent world of today, as was the mainstream Christian southern press, is afflicted with the illusion that Christians are always the target, and Muslims always the perpetrators, which is false by history, statistics and morality.

Forgotten Massacres of Muslims

The Internet hardly reflects the following carefully planned and executed war crimes against Muslims by their Christian neighbours:

— Kasuwan Magani (1981) – The first major religious crisis began with the nocturnal attack of innocent Muslims by Christians.

— Kafanchan crises (1987, 1999) – Multiple waves of massacres of Muslims.

— Zangon Kataf (1992) – So horrendous that Christian leaders were convicted and a retired General was sentenced to death.

— Tafawa Balewa recurring pogroms (1991, 1995, 2000, 2001) – Ending in the cleansing of the town of its Muslim founders and majority.

— Plateau crises (2001, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2012) – More than 40 Muslim settlements were wiped out.

— Yelwa massacre (May 2004) – Exceptionally barbaric; the Christian President suspended the Governor and declared a state of emergency.

— Southern Kaduna (2011) – In Matsirga, Zonkwa, Kachia, and many other southern Kaduna towns where over 1,200 Muslims were killed by Christian militias.

— Wukari crises (2013–2014) – Jukun Christian militias carried out mass slaughter of Muslims.

— Taraba/Jalingo/Ardo Kola (2012–2017) – Entire Muslim communities wiped out.

— Mambilla Plateau massacre (June 2017) – 727 Muslim Fulani herders massacred under the supervision and protection of Christian officials of Sardauna LGA and Taraba State Government.

— Numan massacre (November 2017) – Hundreds of Fulani Muslims killed by Bachama Christian militias.

All of the above gruesome Christian-on-Muslim killings are called ethnic clashes, reprisals, intercommunal violence, farmer-herder conflict, youth violence or mob attack. When Muslims attack Christians, often in defence or reprisal, it is called Islamic violence, jihad, Christian genocide or religious persecution. The asymmetry is astonishing and it is not without its reasons and motives.

Reasons

The naming bias exists because Western institutions are Christian, culturally, and so is the Nigerian media predominantly. This tilts their sympathies, metaphors and moral instincts toward Christian victims. A Muslim killed in Kuru is a Nigerian villager; a Christian killed in Jos is a Christian.

The evangelical world and funding structure of NGOs also share a quota of the biased narrative. Organizations like CSW, Genocide Watch, Open Doors, WWW, ICC Evangelicals, name them, are Christian and their reports are the fodder of CNN, US Congress, BBC, and form the basis of Western narrative. Muslims are not blessed with such infrastructure of global lying and propaganda.

Then Christian traders of conflict especially from the Northcentral, IPOB secessionist, and evangelical entrepreneurs feed this inverted narrative for the purpose of gaining NGO sympathy, Western evangelical funding, UN, US and UK political pressure, diplomatic leverage as well as weapons and security alliances. Moreover, foreign governments are easily animated by the mention of religious persecution rather than ethnic conflict.

There is also this strange desperation to prove Christian persecution in Nigeria which, for lack of sufficient data, is compelling many Christian clerics and politicians to claim Muslim victims as Christians. A picture of a Muslim burial is tagged “Muslim murder 25 Christians in latest violence across Nigeria—Pastor killed, churches torched.” In the instance of the kidnapping of 25 girls from a secondary school in Kebbi, even American officials and former Rep. Riley Moore are insinuating that they are Christians. Fortunately, to forestall any false claim, the school has just released the names of the victims: 100% Muslim.

The same thing with the killings in Bama, abductions in Katsina, and so on. We hope they will not claim that General Alkali and Brig. M. Uba are Christians too. Some people sabi lie. A reverend just told the Internet world that he carried out 70 mass burials, some up to 500 people in mass graves—he alone, he claimed. Where are the graves? No answer. Chineke! IPOB have also jumped into the fray. I watched a video showing cattle grazing while a group of masked men, speaking Hausa with a heavy Igbo accent, claimed to be Fulani terrorists ready to kill Christian Igbo.

Finally, let us also not forget the frequency of complaint and the readiness to exaggerate. Muslims hardly complain over and over when they are killed. They shout once, mourn for three days and carry on, “leaving everything to God.” Christians, on the other hand, as a Christian TikTok girl said, see it as an opportunity to complain, at home and abroad, for the reasons I just mentioned. The Internet algorithms will then definitely be in favour of the Christian narrative.

In the end, a false portrait is painted—that Christians are being wiped out everywhere; Muslims are never victims; Christians never kill; and Muslims kill for religion but Christians for “land” and “in clashes.”

Conclusion

A balance even in vocabulary is always important for proper understanding of any situation. Muslims in Nigeria are learning so since President Trump assigned himself the role of Peter the Hermit. They must learn the art of nagging and complain endlessly as their Christian counterparts do. Finally, they must adopt the Nigerian vocabulary of conflict reporting, naming the religious identity of their attackers and victims, whether Christians or Muslims. Only this would open the eyes of the Internet to their suffering, bring their victims to the notice of researchers and catch the attention of the West and global institutions.

With this egalitarian balance of nomenclature, the world would see a better picture of conflicts in Nigeria and assist the country in overcoming its problems. Without it, the narrative will remain one-sided and the Muslims in Nigeria will always be blamed—and punished—for crimes over which they do not have monopoly.

Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde is a political analyst based in Bauchi State Nigeria.