Opinion

By Aisha Yahya Ibrahim

Almajiri is a word deduced from the Arabic word “Almuhajir, “ meaning an immigrant. Almajiri is a localised Arabic word. It is from the root word called “Hijra”, which means migration from one place to another for the sake of ‘Allah’. This concept of migration implies that one could relocate from where he does find conducive for worshipping his creator (Allah) to where he could find a conducive environment for worshipping Allah.

At this height, Nigerians correlated this concept with relocating children from one place to another in search of knowledge of Islam generally or the Quran in particular. The reason could be traced to the followings:

1. We have observed the misconception and misapplication because the children are relocating to places without proper care and sponsorship. They’ve become a nuisance to society.

2. The reason for the migration is that it is not conducive due to oppression. Whether one is oppressed or violent against people seeking Islamic knowledge cannot be equated to such oppression or violence.

3. Children are moved from where the knowledge is available without care or sponsorship, e.g. moving children from Kano to Kaduna instead of remaining with their parents in Kano, where they can have proper care and support. This results in the children begging on the street for sustenance.

4. There are instances where the children are even moved from where the knowledge is available, and the environment is conducive to where the command is not open, e.g., children being moved from Kano to Abuja.

THE IMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AL-MAJIRI SYSTEM NIGERIA.

The following are some of the apparent implications of the Almajiri system in Nigeria.

1. The children become vulnerable to health hazards regarding their food and clothes; in most cases, some of these children walk barefoot.

– The food they eat: In most cases, these foods are remnants, and the actual eaters are unknown how the food was cooked and kept.

– The clothes they wear: We often see these children wearing the same cloth for up to a week or more without washing them.

This can lead them to develop skin problems due to accumulated germs.

– Walking barefoot: Some of these children walk barefoot. As a result, it leads to them contracting fungal infections on the nails (Onychomycosis) or the skin of the feet (Tinea pedis), better known as athlete’s foot.

2. They tend to be influenced negatively in terms of behaviour, e.g. They become exposed to drugs, i.e., taking drugs.

There’s a high level of theft mainly carried out by these children, e.g. snatching people’s items on the road when they get the chance.

3. These children will grow into adulthood as lazy citizens who depend solely on what people give or forcefully take away from people for survival.

 In today’s society, mainly in Northern Nigeria, children living with their parents sometimes disguise themselves as Almajiris just to get free money and food from people. These children have become so lazy that they don’t want to work; they prefer to go out and beg.

It’s important to note that this is due to some parents not taking responsibility for their children. 

A CALL FOR ACTION

For a better society, it is high time the government at all levels came in and ensured that these children are taken off the street to ensure that these children don’t become a threat to society and its people.

WAY FORWARD

The government cannot do that alone to ensure that these children are taken off the streets.

A collaboration between Government at all levels, Non-governmental organisations, Islamic religious leaders and Traditional Rulers.

Religious leaders: Religious leaders here can ensure the actual concept of the word is correctly explained to their followers as well as the need for these children to be taken off the streets through enlightening the general public about the negative consequences and acts of sins that are incurred as a result of the misapplication and the need to bring lasting solutions to it, at this moment working together to ensure that the real thing is established and the actual aim achieved.

The religious leaders are responsible for enlightening the Quranic teachers of these Almajiris on the danger of allowing the children to flood the streets begging for food.

The religious leaders also have to mediate between the Quranic teachers and wealthy Muslims to educate the rich Muslims on the need for charitable work to feed these Almajiris. They are also responsible for alerting the government through the Ministry of Youth and Development on the need to aid these Almajiri institutions and their Quranic teachers because that’s part of the government’s social responsibility instead of letting them become a menace to society. 

Traditional Rulers: Traditional rulers here are the closest people to this institution. They can physically mediate between the Almajiri institution and the government. They can ensure no child is found roaming about through their local security outfit. They can quickly investigate where the children came from, who the parents are, and so on since we now have parents who no longer take responsibility for their children.

Non-governmental organisation: The non-governmental organisation here can assist through some charitable work. i.e. distribution of food and other relevant materials.

Government: The federal government’s role in combating this menace cannot be overemphasised. The government here can put laws in place to ensure that no child is roaming the street as an Almajiri. The government can help shelter these children, i.e., just as we have government orphanages, we can adopt the same method and other assistance through collaboration with religious leaders, Traditional rulers and non-governmental organisations.

Above all, agitation for eradicating the Almajiri institution won’t be right, but a reformation.

And I hope this gets to the appropriate authority!

Aisha Yahya Ibrahim  wrote via ibrahimaishat432@gmail.com.

By Adnan Abdullahi Adam

Even before his swearing-in as Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf had issued a public warning that any state government land or property awarded by former Governor Ganduje’s administration to any private individuals would be revoked and demolished and reverted as own state property.  Soon after his swearing-in, the execution of the Governor’s exclusive order started. Heavy-duty bulldozers were deployed near Kano Race Course and Daula Hotel at midnight. Soon, the new buildings developed by Ganduje were raised down into piles of rubble.

 At the speed of light, pictures and video clips filtered on social media platforms carrying the demolishing scene instantly became a trending topic. And the out of the blue, just before dawn, youths rushed to the scene “looting”, carrying away everything valuable that may be sold for reuse or recycling. It is like a free for all; a hundred youths went out scampering and carting away so-called “Booty” from roofing sheets, doors, iron rods, and wood, among other things of valuable importance.

Similarly, the next day multiple shops building outside the parameters of historic Old Eid Ground, along IBB Way, were demolished. Again, hundreds of youths went out pillaging and carting away people’s valuable goods and properties. Likewise, rumours spread about the following line of demolishing.  In anticipation, some youths converged and burst into The Triumph Newspapers Publishing House Building and carted away doors, windows, iron rods, and other expensive building materials.

Before this “looting” by the youths, there were many outcries across the residents of Kano about the rising crimes of phone snatching in Kano. The city is becoming dangerous, primarily by night; it is impossible to walk across busy streets carrying your smartphone freely. This may amount to losing one’s life. Several disturbing stories from media houses reported mobs carrying dangerous weapons and robbing unsuspecting victims of their phones and valuable goods. If he plays a hero or tries to resist, they attack him with knives and pointed steel objects. In many cases, the victim is killed or sustained life-threatening injuries.  

Hardly a week goes by without the PRO of Nigeria Police Force, Abdullahi Musa Haruna Kiyawa, parades apprehended suspects of various crimes from stealing cars or motorcycles, phones robbery, killings, homicide, clashes between thugs, drug peddling and addiction, among others. Recently, the spate of rising crimes perpetrated by some harmful youth elements has changed the tranquil city of Kano, the second biggest commercial city in Nigeria.

Worried and disturbed by the incessant phone-snatching crimes, some Kano residents call for the death sentence to be meted out to the culprits of this capital punishment, including a summary death sentence on the spot; some even justified a jungle justice on phone snatchers.

Firstly, we must constantly remind ourselves that youths are the backbone of society. If they are empowered, guided, educated and equipped with in-demand skills, they will develop their community and make it a good place to live. Likewise, society will fail if society neglects its youth’s potential resources, both male and female. Therefore, youths are like a double-edged sword to serve as an ingredient of potential development or a recipe for impending great disaster.

Secondly, we should not just look for the outward behaviour of youths but also its deep causative agents. There are immediate and remote causes of this ever-increasing crime rate among the youth. We must dig deep to know why things have become how they are. In single shot execution of criminals cannot blot out crimes in society. There is the law of cause and effect. Youth must be redirected, guided, and oriented toward achieving a meaningful and productive life. 

They say, “Satan finds some mischief still for the idle hands”. Something must be found to fill the void of the prime time of the youths. Youths must be made to know how to learn. They must be educated and learn positive thinking, which will birth positive action. It is only when a person knows better that they can do better.

Thirdly, elders and parents must set a good example for the younger ones. Children learn from imitation rather than just verbal admonishing. Children are brilliant. They do not listen to what their parents say but copy from their habits and patterns. If you want your children to tell the truth, start by telling the truth yourself in your words and action. Only after you earn respect from your children, you may likely emulate them. In the same analogy, if a politician tries to get power by hiring youth thugs giving them drugs and arms to attack opponents or buying them phones to bully his political opponent on social media, he inevitably has set a negative pattern.

Fourthly, no society would know peace if drugs could be bought and sold cheaply and easily like pure water. There is a correlation between the availability of drugs and rising crimes. Many heinous were traced to be committed under the potent influence of drugs. And among all Godly creations, thinking and reasoning are the qualities of only human beings; if a man loses his human sense, he becomes a wild beast. So to all fight crimes, first and famous you must fight drugs. 

In addition, media has a profound influence, especially television, smartphones, and computers. The Russian Communist leader, Joseph Stalin, called TV “The “greatest propaganda machine to be invented”. It can retain attention and indoctrinate a person or even an entire community. As we lack reading culture, we consume and learn from TV content more than radio, newspapers, and magazines. Most films and music videos our youths watch nowadays glorify thug life, drugs and sex. It has brainwashed our youths to think of thuggery, drug taking and having extra-marital sex as the best thing to do on earth. So to stamp out social evils and every form of crime, including phone snatching, parents should guide children to watch only educational programs and other non-toxic entertainment programs. 

Lastly, our first line of action, if we want to stamp out the menace of crimes, phone snatching and many social vices in Kano and elsewhere, we must trace the root cause. Capital punishment, jungle justice or summary execution is not enough to break the jinx of the rising crime rate. It is like a saying,” so much to be done, but so little is done”. So also, it would not yield the desired outcome of mitigating crimes among youths. If not, our action will become like a proverbial Hausa saying of killing a snake without cutting its poisonous head. 

Adnan Abdullahi Wrotes From Kano Ungogo via adnanadam37@gmail.com.

By Garba Sidi

In local governance, effective leadership is often characterised by innovative approaches to tackling communities’ diverse challenges. One such exemplary leader is Honourable Bala Umar, the Chairman of Hadejia Local Government. Under his visionary leadership, Hadejia has witnessed remarkable strides in addressing pressing social issues, particularly the plight of female beggars and sex workers, and ensuring equitable access to vital resources like petroleum. This opinion piece aims to shed light on Chairman Umar’s commendable initiatives and their positive impact on the community.

 Female Beggars and Their Children:

Chairman Bala Umar’s approach to addressing the issue of female beggars stands out as a testament to his commitment to uplifting marginalised members of society. Instead of merely dispersing them or turning a blind eye, he has taken a proactive stance by initiating a program that involves repatriating them to their hometowns. This approach recognises the inherent dignity of these individuals and seeks to provide them with opportunities for a better future.

By collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including local authorities and non-governmental organisations, Chairman Umar’s administration facilitates the safe and responsible return of these women and their children to their places of origin. This comprehensive approach includes providing necessary transportation, reintegration support, and access to vocational training and job opportunities. By addressing the root causes of begging, such as poverty and lack of educational opportunities, Chairman Umar empowers these women to build sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.

 Issue of Sex Work:

Another noteworthy aspect of Chairman Umar’s tenure is his dedication to addressing the challenges faced by sex workers in Hadejia. Recognising the complexities of this issue, his administration has taken a multifaceted approach. Rather than resorting to punitive measures alone, Chairman Umar prioritises compassion, recognising the need for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Through collaborations with law enforcement agencies and social welfare organisations, the local government implements programs to support sex workers transitioning to alternative livelihoods. These initiatives include skills training, entrepreneurship development, and access to educational opportunities. By offering viable alternatives, Chairman Umar’s administration demonstrates a commitment to addressing the underlying factors contributing to the perpetuation of sex work, such as poverty and limited employment prospects.

Equitable Distribution of Petroleum Resources:

Under Chairman Umar’s leadership, Hadejia Local Government has also witnessed substantial improvements in the distribution of petroleum resources. Recognising the significance of electricity and its impact on the quality of life, the local government prioritises the allocation of petroleum to areas where it is needed most, particularly in quarters with limited access to electricity.

One crucial aspect of this initiative is ensuring that areas reliant on generators to pump water from their reservoirs receive a fair share of petroleum. By addressing this essential need, Chairman Umar’s administration not only improves the living conditions of residents but also demonstrates a commitment to equitable resource distribution. This approach not only enhances the well-being of individuals but also contributes to the overall development and prosperity of the entire community.

Conclusion:

Honourable Bala Umar’s tenure as the Chairman of Hadejia Local Government has been characterised by innovative and compassionate approaches to addressing pressing social challenges. Through his proactive stance on the issues of female beggars, sex workers, and equitable resource distribution, he has demonstrated a commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable members of society.

Garba Sidi can be contacted via sidihadejia@gmail.com.

Dear beloved Nigerians,

I pray that this message finds you in the embrace of joy and tranquillity. Today, I humbly beseech your kind hearts to join me in fervent prayer for the esteemed President Bola Ahmad Tinubu (PBAT). Let us come together, enveloped in a sweet, soothing aura of prayer for our beloved leader.

Recently, a poignant incident unfolded during President Tinubu’s visit to France, which has captured our attention. In a video circulating on social media, an enchanting French lady, amidst the ensemble of waiters outside the Presidential Jet, momentarily received an item, surreptitiously placing it tenderly within her pocket. Soon after, she had the extraordinary privilege of shaking hands with our beloved President Tinubu, only to return the item discreetly to the ever-vigilant security personnel.

While the intentions and essence of this encounter remain shrouded in mystery, it is of utmost importance that we, as noble citizens, approach this situation with tenderness and delicacy. Let us refrain from hasty conclusions or harsh judgments. Instead, let our collective energies converge towards a more meaningful, fruitful response.

President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has dedicated his life to the noble cause of public service, exemplifying an unwavering commitment to the growth and prosperity of our beloved nation. He has illuminated our path with hope, championing positive transformation and kindling the fires of inspiration in the hearts of generations of Nigerians. In these trying times, our beloved leader needs our unwavering support and the solace of our heartfelt prayers.

Therefore, I beseech each and every one of you, with the gentlest of requests, to join hands in a tapestry of prayer for President Tinubu’s well-being, wisdom, and divine guidance. Let us fervently implore the heavens for his enduring strength, robust health, and celestial protection as he toils ceaselessly to steer Nigeria towards an even brighter future.

We must always remember that unity stands as our most formidable strength. Regardless of our political affiliations or personal opinions, let us set aside our disparities and unite in a harmonious symphony of solidarity, placing our unyielding trust in the power of prayer. Together, we possess the might to craft an ethereal atmosphere of unwavering support and boundless goodwill, uplifting our cherished President during these trying times.

May our prayers, like the sweetest nectar of a thousand blossoms, serve as a balm for President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s spirit, reminding him that he is cradled in the loving embrace of the Nigerian people. Let us emanate waves of positive energy, affirming our resolute belief in his visionary leadership.

With hearts overflowing with gratitude for your steadfast devotion and boundless love for our beloved nation, let us remain steadfast in our prayers for the well-being of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu and our great Nigeria.

May divine blessings cascade upon Nigeria abundantly!

With utmost sincerity,

Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi.

By Tijjani Ahmad, FCA

Many complain about lack of capital as the major barrier to their dream venture. This is not always true. It is just an excuse. While capital is an essential factor, it is not the only factor. Because it is relative, you will find out the complainer is referring to financial capital in the form of large amounts of capital when you ask further.

In business, many things can give you the advantage that capital “alone” can’t give. But if you have them, they can jointly stimulate your journey more than capital.

Skills: Ensure you have the know-how of any venture you are interested in. The know-how will make you be considered an expert, and people want to see expertise in whatever they want to relate with. For example, if you are interested in carpentry or the fashion industry, here is how you can start:

Know the theoretical skill: There are thousands of free courses, videos, and tips for beginners. All you need is the smartphone you use to read this. If you consistently commit 2 hours to attend the right courses and watch YouTube videos for a month or two, you will master the trade.

Learn the practical skill: You can learn this through apprenticeship. It will take time, but it will surely pay. Just prepare yourself and be ready to learn. Many people are there looking for people like you who are ready to learn. 

With basic skills earned through courses and commitment to your apprenticeship, what is between you and becoming your own boss is tools and the right attitude. 

Tools: Own the tools. I know some will ask how I can get the tools without capital. Here are the ways:

Your skills will land you your first work; with this first work, your first tools are secured. And then your second job and second tools, and the cycle will continue. 

Two years ago, I had a plumbing problem. I reached out to a plumbers shop in our neighbourhood. Unfortunately, the boss wasn’t around, but his apprentices were. I asked one of them to come and fix my tap; it could be done in less than 15 minutes. But he said I should wait for his boss. He went for another work with the tools.

To my surprise, the cost of the tools needed to come and fix my tap was not more than N2,000, and his fee was not less than N1,000. Meaning two works like mine will earn him his first tools.

Attitude: “A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.” —Patricia Neal.

Attitude influences your action, response to challenges, incentives, and rewards. Attitude is not just about being positive or negative but also about being adaptable and willing to learn and grow. It will shape how you relate with yourself, your trainers, partners and customers.

Therefore, depending on your passion, expertise, location and resources available. Here are some of the businesses you can start with zero or negligible capital:

1. Farming and animal rearing 

2. Content creation, copywriting, coaching and vlogging

3. Consultancy service and remote jobs

4. Cleaning and laundry services 

5. Gardening and landscaping 

6. Event planning and management 

7. Sports centre facilitation 

8. Mini processing, packaging, printing services, 

9. Web design and development, marketing, commission agent 

10. Fashion design, makeup art

I wish you all the best.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

On Tuesday, at a meeting with the United States Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Energy Resources, Ambassador Geoffrey Praytt, at the State House, Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to honouring all its obligations to climate change and the quest for clean energy.

The president further called for stronger and better ties with the United States as Nigeria and the rest of the world move in the quest for renewable and other clean energy sources. This revelation made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made it imperative to bring to the front a related issue: Nigerian Biofuels Policy and Incentives.

To contribute to the global fight against climate change, Nigeria implemented the biofuel policy and incentive in 2007. This policy aims to encourage bioethanol and biodiesel production as supplementary to conventional transportation fuel, which is unfriendly to the climate.

It provides several incentives for potential investors, creating a conducive environment for biofuel production, and promises to establish a Biofuel Commission along with a dedicated Research Centre for the development of the sector. However, 16 years after, limited progress has been achieved, with only a few Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Nigerian states like Kebbi, Niger, Ondo, Kogi, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

The policy has considered one of the major challenges of the biofuel sector globally: the expensive cost of production compared to conventional fossil fuels. As such, a range of incentives was offered, such as tax holidays, withholding tax exemptions, waivers on import and customs duties, waivers on value-added tax, long-term preferential loans, insurance, and most importantly, creating market demand (a promising alternative that the policy overlooked however was the use of cheaper local technology, materials, and equipment). Despite these incentives, the success of biofuels in Nigeria hinges on the government’s political will.

According to the policy, the Federal Government is responsible for providing necessary infrastructure, amenities, and facilities to communities where biofuel companies operate. The State Governments are mandated by the policy to facilitate the procurement and utilisation of agricultural land by biofuel companies. Additionally, in collaboration with State Governments and biofuel companies, the Local Governments are expected to organise out-grower schemes and other cooperative initiatives.

The feedstock of biofuel is grains/sugar, and oils. So, this highlights the hope the biofuel industry holds for the Nigerian poor who rely on subsistence farming. Traditional farming practices in Nigeria have remained unchanged for centuries. But thanks to the policy, farming technology can be drastically improved by integrating agriculture with the energy sector by adopting biofuels, hence more wealth and prosperity. 

However, there is trouble in Paradise; biofuel feedstock brings about another major challenge: food vs energy conflict. But the policy did not keep a blind eye, as there were provisions for out-growers schemes for massive crop production. In Kebbi State, more than 5 000 hectares were procured for cassava cultivation.  Other measures put in place to counter food vs energy conflict include the development and adoption of transgenic varieties of the feedstock to be specifically customised for the efficient production of biofuels (a promising alternative to food that the policy didn’t capture is utilising second-generation feedstock, which is more abundant and cheaper, that is, waste lignocellulosic materials and underutilised agricultural and forestry).  

In effect, the biofuels mission holds dual benefits:  foster economic growth and inclusivity for farmers while addressing the pressing issue of climate change, which the president just reiterated. Dear FG, considering the immense potential of this policy, and against the backdrop of celebrated bold actions on critical issues you have been undertaking, please give this policy a second chance, summon new hope, and get it hit the ground running.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin wrote via bilal4riid13@gmail.com.

By Kasim Isa Muhammad

In a disheartening turn of events, the University of Maiduguri faces widespread criticism for its recent policy to bar students with unpaid fees from entering examination halls. This decision has sent shockwaves throughout the campus community, leaving many students dismayed. UNIMAID must reconsider its stance and adopt a more compassionate and supportive approach to ensure equal opportunities for all.

The consequences of this ill-conceived policy are far-reaching and detrimental. Numerous students, burdened with financial hardships, now face the distressing prospect of academic exclusion. This sudden disruption hampers their progress and undermines the core principles of inclusivity and equal opportunity that universities should uphold.

The impact of this decision extends beyond individual students, raising serious questions about the university’s commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment. Instead of supporting students facing financial difficulties, the punitive measures imposed exacerbate their struggles and perpetuate a cycle of inequality.

As a society, we must recognise the importance of empowering our students to overcome obstacles and pursue education as a fundamental right. Education is the foundation upon which individuals and communities thrive, contributing to societal progress and development. By impeding the academic advancement of these students, UNIMAID risks compromising its mission and tarnishing its reputation.

Under the administration of Professor Aliyu Shugaba, the University of Maiduguri must take immediate action to reconsider this misguided policy. A compassionate and supportive approach should be adopted, exploring alternative means of financial assistance to ensure no student is left behind. By proactively addressing students’ financial constraints, the university can uphold its commitment to inclusivity and guarantee equal opportunities for every aspiring mind to succeed.

Furthermore, stakeholders, including student unions and alumni, should raise their voices collectively to advocate for a fair and equitable resolution. Through the collaborative efforts of all concerned parties, we can foster an environment where students’ dreams can flourish, and the pursuit of knowledge remains unrestricted by financial barriers.

The current state of criminality and insecurity in our country further underscores the urgency of this matter. If these students are deprived of their education and forced to drop out of university, they may find themselves vulnerable to the temptations of criminal activities. Education has always been a powerful tool in shaping the future of our society, and denying students access to exams and their academic pursuits can have far-reaching consequences beyond the classroom.

In conclusion, we implore Professor Aliyu Shugaba to consider the profound impact of the ongoing economic downturn on the lives of our fellow citizens, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many families are struggling with financial difficulties, making it challenging to meet their financial obligations promptly. We risk pushing students into an even more precarious situation by denying them the right to write their exams solely due to unpaid fees.

Kasim Isa Muhammad wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman 

In the year 2020, just before the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global health emergency, I was privileged to be part of a class taking a course on ‘Animal Health and Diseases’ at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, UDUS.

At the beginning of the pandemic, rumours were rife that the disease emanated from animals. We did not immediately dismiss the narrative because we had just learnt about zoonotic diseases (illnesses contracted by humans from animals), their preventive techniques and how deadly some of them can be.

Just over a week ago, precisely on June 13, 2023, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development alerted Nigerians to take precautions as Northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo, had recorded an outbreak of the Anthrax disease. 

According to that statement, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos States are most at risk due to their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana, and needed to “intensify animal vaccinations”.

At this point, it dawned on me that Anthrax was one of about twelve deadly bacterial diseases, which we discussed in class about three years ago. The disease is zoonotic. Hence, if left untamed, it threatens the loss of humans and livestock. And perhaps, this is why relevant authorities thought it wise to inform the public.

The announcement came with a caution against consuming hides popularly known as ‘Ponmo’, smoked and bush meat, as they pose serious risks. These are not the only route of transmission.

In Nigeria, a large percentage of the livestock are kept under a pastoral and agropastoral production system. This means that animals are not secluded; they interact with humans directly or indirectly, and not everyone attending to animals washes themselves before mingling with others. 

The point is, while animals are primary, humans, contaminated soil and materials are secondary sources of zoonotic diseases. Anthrax manifests in several forms, including flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, and muscle aches. If not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty breathing, shocks and death.

To prevent zoonosis, there are about two ways. The first is to prevent the disease from even entering your community or country by allowing immigration or the purchase of only healthy animals. This can be achieved through proper quarantine, vaccination and isolation before release to the general animal population.

Secondly, environmental cleanliness, proper animal management, isolation of sick animals, drug therapy and regular veterinary visit in unfortunate circumstances where the disease is already endemic is the way to go.

Vaccination remains cost-effective in the prevention and control of animal diseases. To this effect, National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau State, has the mandate of producing standard quality vaccines for the livestock industry in Nigeria.

Since the announcement, reports have it that Federal Government has resuscitated a Standing Committee on the control of Anthrax in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; relevant institutions and collaborators have been contacted to control the outbreak in addition to the sensitisation of state directors of veterinary services nationwide.

Sadly, on Thursday, June 22, 2023, a veterinarian and Chief Executive Officer, CEO El-Mond Veterinary Services, Abuja, Dr Monday Ojeamiren, mentioned in one of the national dalies that the “level of preparedness to prevent Anthrax disease spreading to Nigeria is not far from zero,” and poor awareness of the disease by Nigerians can lead to a momentous outbreak.

In the wake of Mr Ojeamiran’s alarm bell, Nigerians must and should know that Anthrax is life-threatening, and many scholars think it has existed since the time of Moses and may have caused what was known as the fifth plague during the ten plagues of Egypt.

While we hope the situation is swiftly contained by the government and health authorities in the country, we, as citizens, must heed experts’ warnings about the disease. Prevention, as they say, is better than cure.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached via dahirulawal90@gmail.com.

By Abbas Datti

Recently, the registration fees of most federal universities in Nigeria have risen dramatically, constituting a huge financial problem for students and their families.

The current fee increase places unfair constraints on low-income people, perpetuating inequality and promoting social inadequacies. More so, the exclusion is based on financial circumstances. As the registration fees continue to increase, the desirable dream of acquiring a university education slips further out of reach for many deserving individuals.

Therefore, as a bona fide resident of Kano and a great beneficiary of low and subsidised registration fees, I will use Bayero University as my case study. I am writing to appeal to Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, regarding the current situation.

We know Sagir as someone with an exceptionally high calibre personality, humility and modest approach. This sets him far above others. Thus, we believe he will no doubt consider the attending consequences of this enormous increase.

We have been told that education is a fundamental right of every individual, and one must admit that it is the responsibility of educational institutions to provide a nurturing and good inclusive environment that fosters academic growth and development for all students. While one may comprehend the various needs associated with running a university and the alleged withdrawal of the government from funding universities, I would like to refer the Vice Chancellor back to the difficulties many students experienced in paying their respective registration fees since before the recent increase.

The ever-increasing cost of registration fees has become a significant deterrent for prospective students, leading to a potential decline in enrolment rates. The burden of high registration fees and other expenses, such as accommodation, and high living costs, is enormous on students and their various families. Potentially, it not only limits access to education but also jeopardises the overall tertiary education enrolments.

I passionately beseech the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University to consider the urgent need for a reduction in registration fees and initiate constructive consultations with the appropriate university stakeholders to find feasible solutions. This could involve exploring more alternative revenue generation, seeking additional funding from wealthy personalities and other intervention funds, or reallocating resources to ensure a well-rounded, balanced approach that benefits both the university and the students.

Abbas Datti wrote from Kano via abbasdatti448@gmail.com.

By Aliyu Nuhu

The Petroleum Marketers, under the umbrella of IPMAN, are saying that petrol will be sold at N700 per litre if the next imported fuel arrives. But even at the current price, ask them “how market?”.

These days you see pump attendants sitting down for hours without selling 200ltrs. The moment they see a car approaching, they start shouting, ‘Come here! come here!’ It is now the buyer’s market; all that arrogance associated with the seller’s market during scarcity periods has vanished.

During fuel subsidy regimes, NMDPRA said we used to consume 66.8m ltrs of petrol daily. But after the withdrawal of the subsidy, the figure has dropped to 40m. If they increase the price to N700/ltr, the consumption may drop to 20m ltrs per day.

This will shrink the downstream industry and shut down half the filling stations in the country. Nigerians are resilient, and they know how to adjust to every difficult situation. People with many cars will sell them. Those with big cars will go for smaller, fuel-efficient cars. People will take Keke or bus and only travel when and where necessary.

The beauty of a free market economy is that the market forces of demand and supply will set price equilibrium to the acceptance of both sellers and buyers. There will be no market distortion, and petrol marketers will only make marginal gains relative to their level of capital and investment.

We are not scared of a free market. It is a waiting game. If they fail to sell their products due to low demand, they will lower the price. Otherwise, new entrants into the industry will come and offer lower prices for market penetration.

We are waiting.

Aliyu Nuhu writes from Abuja, Nigeria.