Opinion

By Isah Dahiru

On Friday, December 6, 2024, while skywatchers marvelled at the serene night sky adorned with celestial wonders, a different spectacle unfolded in Jigawa State. Governor Namadi, alongside his entourage of government officials, presented the much-anticipated 2025 Appropriation Bill to the State Assembly. Tagged the “Budget of Innovation & Transformation for Greater Jigawa”, the document was intended to embody progress and forward-thinking leadership.

At first glance, the title seems aspirational, promising groundbreaking initiatives to propel Jigawa into an era of sustainable development. However, a closer examination of the budget reveals glaring contradictions, misplaced priorities, and a lack of the innovation and transformation it proclaims.

A Misleading Budget Title

Though grammatically correct, the ambitious budget title seems to serve as a deceptive marketing strategy rather than an accurate reflection of its contents. Far from being innovative or transformational, the budget largely perpetuates conventional methods of governance, burdening the state with debt while ignoring pressing human capital development needs. A more suitable title could have highlighted its illogical allocation and amateurish approach, as the document fails to address critical issues facing the state.

Unrealistic Revenue Projections

The proposed total budget stands at a staggering NGN698.3 billion, with expected revenues broken down as follows:

• Federation Account Allocation: NGN34 billion
• VAT Share: NGN80 billion
• Other Federal Government Contributions: NGN134.1 billion
• Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): NGN130.6825 billion

Governor Namadi’s administration has estimated NGN219.517 billion in loans to finance the deficit, an amount alarmingly higher than the state’s entire IGR. This reliance on borrowing raises significant concerns about the sustainability of the state’s fiscal policy. Borrowing such colossal sums without substantial revenue-generation mechanisms is reckless and poses long-term risks to Jigawa’s economic stability.

The governor’s failure to leverage Jigawa’s rich agricultural resources, untapped natural wealth, and the potential of smart farming to bolster IGR demonstrates a lack of foresight. Instead of pursuing innovative strategies to grow revenue, the administration has opted for unsustainable borrowing, leaving future generations to bear the burden.

Misplaced Capital Expenditure Priorities

A whopping 76% of the budget (NGN536.750 billion) is allocated for capital projects, including the construction of 45 new roads spanning 830 kilometres. While infrastructure is essential, this allocation overlooks the state’s urgent needs in human capital development, education, and healthcare.

Recent tragedies highlight the misplaced priorities of this budget. From the Majia tanker explosion, which claimed over 200 lives, to the tragic road accidents in Adiyani (Guri LGA) and Auyo LGA, which resulted in the deaths of women, children, and youth, road safety remains a pressing issue. Constructing new roads without addressing the underlying factors contributing to road traffic accidents is counterproductive. Jigawa needs safer transportation systems, not a roadmap to more tragedies.

Furthermore, questions about the NGN30 billion mobilisation payment for these road projects linger. It is unclear whether this payment adheres to constitutional provisions or represents the notorious 10% kickback culture often associated with government contracts. Transparency in budget execution is non-negotiable, and the state deserves clarity on these expenditures.

A Failing Healthcare System

Jigawa’s healthcare sector is in crisis, yet the budget allocates insufficient resources to address the challenges. Since June 2024, over 25 professional healthcare providers have resigned due to poor remuneration and working conditions. This mass exodus has left hospitals understaffed and unable to deliver quality care, pushing Jigawa’s residents into greater health risks.

Governor Namadi’s “J-Health” initiative—designed to improve healthcare delivery—has proven ineffective. The program is plagued by untrained personnel and a lack of infrastructure, turning hospitals into death traps rather than centres of healing. Ironically, the governor does not rely on “J-Health” workers for his medical care, further exposing the inadequacies of the initiative.

Neglecting Education Amid a Crisis

The BBC recently reported that Jigawa has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Yet, the budget’s allocation to education falls woefully short of addressing this crisis. With thousands of children lacking access to quality education, the future of Jigawa’s youth hangs in the balance. Instead of investing in human capital through education and skill development, the government prioritises infrastructure projects that offer minimal long-term benefits to the people.

Leadership Is About Priorities

Leadership is not about laying asphalt or unveiling ambitious-sounding projects but about using available resources to deliver well-tailored programs that directly impact citizens’ lives. Governor Namadi’s budget fails to address the core challenges facing Jigawa State, including:

• The alarming rate of out-of-school children
• The exodus of healthcare professionals
• The rising tide of road traffic accidents
• The lack of sustainable revenue-generation mechanisms

Jigawa needs a government that prioritises its people—one that invests in human capital, builds safe and functional infrastructure, and ensures fiscal responsibility. The 2025 Appropriation Bill, as it stands, is far from being the “Budget of Innovation & Transformation for Greater Jigawa.” It is a missed opportunity to create meaningful change and lay a solid foundation for the state’s future.

Governor Namadi must rethink his approach, listen to the cries of his people, and refocus on what truly matters: the well-being, education, and prosperity of Jigawa’s citizens. Only then can the state genuinely embark on a path of innovation and transformation.

Isah Dahiru, B. Pharm. MPSN, wrote via easerdahiru@gmail.com.

By Hassana Suleiman Kandi

Health is not merely the absence of disease in the human body; rather, it encompasses the physical, social, and emotional well-being of individuals. Mental health refers to a person’s ability to cope with life’s stresses, recognise their abilities, and function effectively in work and learning environments.

Mental health is integral to our well-being and significantly contributes to our daily decision-making ability. It encompasses the complexity of an individual’s social and psychological life, highlighting the urgent need for action on mental health. It is vital for personal development.

However, mental health is experienced differently by each person. This includes conditions like mental disorders, psychological disabilities, and other mental states associated with impairments. People are inherently vulnerable to mental health challenges.

Social interactions and personal skills strengthen resilience, and mental health issues can be mitigated by identifying social and emotional determinants. However, some issues require actions that go beyond the health sector. 

Fortunately, various forms of art offer protective benefits that can bridge the gap for common mental health conditions. The arts play a pivotal role in mental health. Engaging with the arts can help moderate the risk of mental health problems. 

Art exists in many forms, including visual, performing, and literary arts, each offering unique benefits. Taking a break from daily routines to engage in artistic activities can significantly improve mental health, as the benefits are numerous and deeply engaging.

Visual Arts: Anyone, regardless of skill level, can participate in visual arts. Many people have been encouraged to look after their health by utilizing their leisure time creatively. Visual art, including painting, drawing, and sculpture, is therapeutic, boosting self-esteem and enhancing skills.

Performing Arts: Music, dance, poetry, and storytelling are accessible to all, regardless of skill level. These activities improve mood, promote physical health, boost emotional well-being, and help ward off negative thoughts. Lady Gaga, for example, has famously used music and performance to manage anxiety.

Literary Arts: Writing, poetry, and spoken words can also effectively address mental health issues. These forms of expression are open to all and can help with mood expression and self-reflection. Schools should encourage students to engage in literary arts, as they foster emotional expression and can boost self-confidence.

Crafting: Knitting and woodworking promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve mood, and alleviate anxiety. Many people, particularly women, craft as a fun and therapeutic way to relieve stress.

Numerous individuals have coped with and overcome mental health challenges through art. For example, the renowned painter Edvard Munch struggled with anxiety but found solace in his artwork. Art stimulates brain regions that promote neural connections, adaptability, and the release of endorphins, all of which improve mood.

Many people have overcome common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression by engaging in the arts. Art provides a unique outlet for emotional expression and helps individuals realise their potential. Creativity is innate in everyone, regardless of age, race, or skill level.

Art fosters understanding and unity between individuals or communities, leading to a stereotype-free environment and encouraging cohesive socialisation. Furthermore, it helps represent emotions through body language, words, and patterns. The most exciting part is that anyone, including individuals with disabilities, can participate in art.

It is crucial not only to protect and promote the mental well-being of all but also to deepen the value placed on mental health. A committed approach to addressing the needs of those with mental health conditions will undoubtedly improve overall mental health outcomes.

Hassana Suleiman Kandi is a student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai and an intern with PRNigeria. She can be reached at kandihassana@gmail.com.

By Isma’il Alkasim

Since the Jigawa State government announced a 100% increase in scholarship allowances for state students, it has served as a beacon of hope and high expectations. This timely intervention comes amid the economic hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent increase in registration fees at tertiary institutions. 

The government emphasised that Governor Umar A. Namadi understands the challenges students face. To support their education, the state’s scholarship board was instructed to disburse scholarship payments before the start of each academic session. This directive has undoubtedly restored hope and brought joy to the students.

The State Executive Council approved a series of memos and tags to supplement the payment, but only to a few institutions. Although the state government boasts of having paid all students, over eighty percent of institutions have not received any payment from the board. We have repeatedly read that the government approved a substantial sum for the payment, but to no avail. This has engendered mistrust and left a deep scar in our memory, raising concerns that heartless and corrupt opportunists may have stolen the funds.

Moreover, in an interview with Radio Jigawa, the Senior Special Assistant on Students Matters to the Executive Governor of Jigawa State claimed that the government had given scholarship allowances to all Jigawa State students. This claim either demonstrates his inability to represent his office truthfully or suggests his complicity in misappropriating public funds intended for student support. 

Furthermore, to strike a balance and provide an honest treatment of this issue, we attempted to reach Ambassador Muhammad Salisu Seeker, the SSA, to clarify his ill-founded assertion. However, despite our numerous text messages, he arrogantly refused to answer our calls. He did not even have the courtesy to respond. This arrogance is unbecoming of a public servant who represents the government in students’ eyes. 

As a concerned student, I find the SSA’s claim offensive and insulting. To date, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria students have not received any payment from the Jigawa State Scholarship Board. The Senior Special Assistant has abused the trust bestowed on him by the Governor, demonstrating sheer incompetence and a monumental failure in public service.

Finally, as a concerned citizen of Jigawa State, I call upon Governor Umar A. Namadi to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that anyone found guilty faces the full force of the law. I also urge him to address the misconduct of his Senior Special Assistant on Students Affairs, Amb Muhammad Salisu (Seeker), who has demonstrated a pattern of abusing his office through gross incompetence.

Isma’il Alkasim is a student at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. He writes from Garki Jigawa State and can be reached at kogasgarki@gmail.com.

By Amina Muhammad Sani

When I first stepped into university life, I thought it would be a breeze compared to secondary school. I assumed that financial burdens would be minimal and that I could coast through with ease. But reality quickly set in.

As a young adult, I realised I needed to take charge of my finances. That’s when I ventured into the egg business—sourcing eggs from farms and selling them to shop owners. The business initially showed promise, but I soon encountered a major hurdle: getting paid on time.

The delayed payments took a significant toll on my mental well-being. As a student entrepreneur, I relied heavily on the income from my egg business to cover essential expenses like transportation, handouts, and saving for next year’s school fees. With the uncertainty of when I’d receive payment, I found it challenging to focus on my studies. The constant worry and stress began to affect my academic performance. It was then that I decided to pivot and explore a new business venture – making samosas.

Initially, my samosa business took off, and I was thrilled to have finally found a reliable source of income. However, success comes at a cost. Making samosas was labour-intensive and time-consuming, requiring me to wake up at night to prepare for the day. The exhaustion was overwhelming, and I often dozed off during lectures. Despite the high demand and timely customer payments, I realised that the business was jeopardising my academic performance. The very reason I started the business – to support my education – was now being undermined. I knew I had to make a change again. This time, I decided to switch to making buns and doughnuts.

Making buns and doughnuts proved to be a more manageable venture, as I could prepare them in advance. However, I soon faced a new challenge: declining demand. Students lost interest in my baked goods, preferring samosas instead. The economic climate didn’t help, as the rising prices of snacks made it difficult for students to afford my products. As a result, sales dwindled, and I was left relying on the kindness of friends who purchased my snacks out of sympathy. But I knew I couldn’t sustain a business based on charity. I needed a more reliable solution. Having always been self-sufficient, I decided to explore alternative options for supporting myself financially. This led me to take on a job as a sales girl at the market.

Landing a job as a sales girl at the market was a dream come true. The pay was good, and I was finally on my way to becoming a successful, independent businesswoman – a goal I’d always been passionate about. As a final-year student in my final semester, I had a flexible schedule, with lectures only on Mondays and Thursdays. This allowed me to dedicate the remaining days to work, as agreed upon with my boss.

However, my new role came with its own set of challenges. My early morning departures and late evening returns raised concerns at home. In my community, it’s deemed improper for a female child to stay out late at night. My mom would often call me, suggesting that I quit my job, as it was deemed more suitable for men. The real issue, though, was the difficulty I faced in finding transportation after closing work at 6 PM. The location was far from home, and the rush of workers leaving at the same time made it challenging to find a ride, often leaving me stranded until 7 or 8 PM.

My experience as a salesgirl taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and determination. However, juggling this role with my academic responsibilities proved incredibly challenging. The physical and mental exhaustion were constant companions, and convincing my mom to allow me to continue working was an ongoing battle.

Through this journey, I’ve come to realise that becoming a successful businessperson requires unwavering dedication. Business and education are two distinct paths that demand individual focus. In my opinion, it’s unrealistic to expect someone to excel in both simultaneously.

I struggled to balance these two aspects of my life, and I firmly believe that students should prioritise their studies. Entrepreneurship can wait until after graduation, or students can explore business ventures that complement their academic schedules without compromising their studies. By focusing on one goal at a time, individuals can give their all and achieve success.

Amina is a level 400 student of Mass Communication, and she writes from Bayero University, Kano

By Rabiu Alhassan Elkanawi

As Nigeria continues to champion financial inclusion and socio-economic development, KAYI Microfinance Bank has taken a decisive step to address the needs of remote communities through an initiative named Grassroots Empowerment and Engagement Project.

Recognising the unique challenges faced by Tsangaya (Almajiri) schools in Northern Nigeria, KAYI Bank has launched a pilot program across four states—Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, and Jigawa—targeting these centuries-old learning centres to boost financial literacy, entrepreneurial activities, and access to digital banking services.

Tsangaya schools have traditionally offered Islamic knowledge, basic literacy, and numeracy skills, primarily in Arabic. Many of these centres are located in areas with little or no access to conventional banking facilities, leaving them vulnerable to financial exclusion. Poverty and unemployment continue to be rampant in these communities, where students (almajirai) often resort to street begging to meet their needs. This new program by KAYI Microfinance Bank directly tackles these issues by positioning Tsangaya instructors and leaders as community champions of digital financial inclusion and economic empowerment.

Piloted in August 2024, the program provides each participating Tsangaya school with a range of resources valued at about five million naira. This includes training sessions on financial literacy, business management, and start-up funds. These investments enable each school to establish and operate a cash point business, offering critical services such as deposits, withdrawals, and transfers. By eliminating the need for community residents to travel long distances to access banking, the initiative significantly cuts costs and eases residents’ financial transactions.

The empowering nature of this approach promotes trust in financial institutions. Community members can interact with familiar faces—teachers and leaders from the Tsangaya schools—who have undergone comprehensive training to provide financial literacy and other training to the community and effectively manage these cash points. Over time, the program will enhance economic engagement, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and help reduce poverty rates in historically underserved regions.

By placing financial tools within reach of marginalised populations, KAYI’s initiative offers a sustainable solution. Stakeholders, including students, parents, and local traders, gain firsthand exposure to the benefits of digital banking. Basic financial concepts—saving, budgeting, and prudent money management—are introduced in an environment that respects the community’s cultural norms and values.

This program’s potential extends beyond immediate monetary benefits. Supporting Tsangaya schools contributes to the broader goal of social development and community upliftment. If children have better prospects for skills acquisition and financial stability, fewer may be compelled to resort to street begging. Building trust and familiarity with digital banking services encourages more people to open savings accounts, apply for microloans, and engage in entrepreneurial endeavours.

KAYI Microfinance Bank’s efforts align with the broader objectives of financial inclusion strategies set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). With many remote regions in the North still lagging in access to credit and other essential banking products, the bank’s model provides a blueprint for how financial institutions can partner with local leaders to overcome distrust and logistical barriers. Further replication of this approach will likely spur economic activities, reduce unemployment, and help alleviate poverty.

As the pilot program continues, KAYI plans to monitor and measure outcomes to refine and expand the model. The ultimate goal is to replicate the initiative across more states in Northern Nigeria and beyond. The bank envisions a future where every region, no matter how remote, can participate actively in the digital financial system, thereby nurturing entrepreneurship and uplifting entire communities.

KAYI Microfinance Bank is a beacon of corporate social responsibility. By creating a culture of financial literacy among grassroots populations, the bank has set a high standard for other financial institutions to follow. By merging profit-driven objectives with a genuine commitment to social impact, the bank has created a virtuous cycle: stronger local economies, lower poverty rates, and a more inclusive financial ecosystem that can drive sustainable development across Nigeria.

Rabiu Alhassan Elkanawi writes from Kano, and he can be reached via email at alhassanelkanawi@gmail.com.

By Hafsat Jaafar 

2024 was an amazing and memorable year that changed my life. Having my parents and siblings alive is one of the most joyous gifts of life, for they give me a positive vibe. My mother and siblings support me through every phase of life in whatever path (good) I walk. 

I got a job with a popular private primary school around September 2023, and it was one of the most challenging working environments. I was new to teaching kids, new working environments, colleagues, and different standards/sets of rules. My mother and siblings supported me with the ‘you-can-make-it’ idea when I thought about quitting for certain reasons and incidents. 

I finally persevered through every hardship, believing that challenges are part of growth and experience. This experience made me realise that not all that glitters is gold, and not everyone you meet at your workplace who smiles and laughs with you is a true friend, though I made many friends who are like family.

For all the years I have been a teacher, teaching kids has been one of my best experiences and has changed many thingsin my life. Kids tend to give you joy and hope. Seeing them happy brings a sense of satisfaction to your soul, for they have no worries and don’t even know what life is about. They only care to be given whatever they wish or request, no matter the circumstances. ‘NO’ is not an answer to them.

Technological Kids, as I call them, are always curious; they ask many questions and expect you to know all the answers and everything in the world. Being an adult, they tend to see you as their role model, parent, doctor and saviour. They are the coolest, most annoying, innocent beings you would ever meet. 

One of the most memorable moments of my life was getting an offer for a teaching job. I wasn’t expecting it to come soon, but God was so kind that my prayers were answered. When a call came in about the job, I thought it was a scam,so I ignored it. My father was called and informed, and that was when it dawned on me that the call was for real.

My relationship of three years–we have already been friends for about six years–crashed and collapsed like the national grid in Nigeria. It died a natural death. Turning a blind eye to things in a relationship matters a lot, but when it’s been toxic with many red flags, letting go of whatever and whoever you are dating matters the most for your safety and mental health. It takes a lot of courage to do that, though. It was one of the most challenging decisions I ever made in 2024.

December, the last month of the year, comes with festivities, especially weddings. We were invited to many weddings. The one that stood out was that of a family friend, who is Kanuri: paternal side Yusufari, Yobe state, Nigeria and maternal Niamey, Niger Republic. 

The coming together of two countries with diversified cultures and traditions gave a unique picture of how the two ethnic groups, though from the same country, celebrate weddings as one of the most important events in a person’s life.

Events are celebrated with lots of food, especially snacks,fura (a different kind with chunks of cheese), grilled meat garnished with lots of vegetables, and bread (French bread). Guests are considered among the most important people and are treated with the utmost respect, especially elderly people. Their attire, Laffaya (a wrap around the entire body with a colourful fabric), is one of the most unique and modest modes of dressing for which the Kanuris are known.

Incense will be burned throughout any event, indoor or outdoor; it’s like a necessity in every part of their lives, creating an aromatic environment that changes their mood from being gloomy to a vibrant person. 

Three different languages are the means of communication between the two tribes (Kanuri, French, and Zarma), though some understand English, while a few speak the Hausa language. The wedding is one of the most elegant, colourful and the most expensive of the year 2024 that I have attended.

This year, I learned three lessons: to leave people where they are, accept situations for what they are, and realise that not every action needs a reaction. 

Come 2025. In sha Allah, I look forward to success, blessings, a calm heart, a peaceful soul, and lots of love.

Hafsat Ja’afar wrote from Kano via jaafarhafsat@gmail.com.

By Garba Sidi 

It’s truly disheartening how some parents neglect their responsibilities in shaping their children’s behaviour. This lack of care can leave their biological sons and daughters feeling unloved. Love is crucial for a child’s healthy development.

On my way out of the city this morning, I overheard a conversation between two young men, no older than 24, who were smoking cigarettes. One said, ‘We have no value in people’s eyes because we messed up our lives.’ The other responded, ‘I swear, Nasiru, when I look at my friend Aminu, his life seems so good. Everyone likes him; he studied hard, has a good job, and looks at us, sitting in this dirty place. We ruined our lives, and we’re ashamed of ourselves.’

Nasiru’s friend spoke in a low voice, gathering his thoughts before narrating his story. He explained that his father was a car driver and his mother was from Bauchi State. When his father married his mother and brought her to Jigawa, she told him about his father’s recklessness in providing for their needs (his and his younger sister’s). After some years, his father married another woman, and whatever resources he brought came to her, leaving them with nothing but what their neighbours offered.

His mother sadly passed away, plunging him into deep sorrow. From that point on, their life became a struggle. He started going to the fish market to earn money for food and other necessities, as his stepmother used everything his father brought, even food, leaving them barely enough to eat. His stepmother, who didn’t have children herself, would sometimes even tell him his father wasn’t a man because he couldn’t give her a child.

He had friends who smoked cigarettes, and being around them constantly led him to become a drug addict. He blames two things for his current situation: the love he lost from his father and the death of his mother.

His friend, Nazy, then began his story about joining this group of drug addicts. He attributed the core reason for his situation to his mother’s neglect in shaping him in his youth. He explained that his mother sold food at home, and his father was a mechanic engineer. Many people came to their house to eat, and as the only male child, both parents showered him with love and didn’t punish him when he did wrong.

He started working as a shopboy for one of their regular customers. Things went well initially until he met the daughter of a wealthy businessman. They began a relationship, and she introduced him to a world of excessive entertainment, including smoking cigarettes, drinking syrup, injecting drugs, and inappropriate physical contact. Tragically, her father caught them drinking syrup in his apartment and handed Nazy over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) while his daughter continued to enjoy a comfortable life without consequences.

Nazy’s parents tried to get him out of jail but were too late. The wealthy man paid money to have Nazy imprisoned, blaming him for ruining his daughter’s life. Nazy spent five months in prison before being released. He heard the wealthy man’s daughter is now in Uganda. This is how he ended up in this cycle of addiction.

By Adamu Abdullahi 

As Nigeria’s capital city, FCT Abuja needs a university other than the University of Abuja, established in 1988, to cater to the increasing number of people seeking university education within the territory and in Nigeria at large.

Establishing the Federal Capital Territory University of Science and Technology, Abaji would provide the legal framework to close the knowledge gap in science and technology.

FCT is the fastest-growing city in Africa, with only one federal university and no single polytechnic. The FCT find it challenging to study, yet the federal government has only a name to change in the federal capital instead of commissioning the one that the weed snake has taken over. 

What reduction of congestion will change the educational sector of FCT? Will the rename accommodate our prospective admissions seeker seeking to study for their ambitious course? Has the renamed university had all the courses that will interact with the international community to study in Nigeria?

Universities can be viewed as brands, much like corporations. Just as corporate brands maintain their identities over time, educational institutions rely on stable branding for recognition and credibility. 

A troubling precedent is set when university names are changed impulsively—particularly to honour politicians. This practice undermines the integrity of these institutions and can create significant confusion, particularly in the global context.

For instance, renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University raises several important concerns. Many foreign employers and academic institutions may now struggle to recognise the new name, which could impact their perceptions of the institution’s legitimacy and reputation.

The sudden name change may also confuse prospective employers, who might not be familiar with the new name but have been aware of the previous branding.

Moreover, graduates of these renamed institutions face a unique dilemma. They are handed Certificates that no longer align with the name they are familiar with from their years of study. This disconnect between the institution they attended and the name that appears on their degrees can lead to questions about the validity of their education and qualifications. 

It can also complicate further academic pursuits and job applications, as they may confront scepticism from potential employers or institutions unaware of the name change.

In essence, this practice of renaming universities to immortalise political figures can have far-reaching consequences. It disrupts the continuity and coherence of an educational brand built over the years, potentially diminishing the value of the degrees it confers and creating unnecessary barriers for its graduates in the competitive global job market.

Adamu Abdullahi wrote via nasabooyoyo@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In today’s world, prevention plays a crucial role in safeguarding our health, safety, and overall well-being. Taking proactive steps to avoid harm and prevent issues before they arise can not only protect us but also conserve valuable resources, reduce stress, and improve our quality of life.

Prevention is key to avoiding harm. Whether it’s wearing a seatbelt while driving, getting vaccinated to protect against diseases, or using sunscreen to prevent skin damage, these simple actions help reduce the risk of serious accidents, illnesses, and long-term complications. By focusing on prevention, we can avoid situations that lead to injury, pain, or loss, making it an essential part of daily life.

In addition to keeping us safe, prevention can also save time, money, and resources. Instead of spending resources on treatment, repair, or recovery, preventative measures often require fewer investments upfront, making it a smart choice for individuals and organizations alike. Regular maintenance on equipment, for example, helps avoid costly repairs and disruptions down the road.

Preventing health issues before they become serious can have a significant impact on physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and getting enough sleep are simple ways to prevent chronic diseases and promote overall health. Mental well-being, too, benefits from a proactive approach—by taking steps to manage stress and avoid burnout, we reduce the chance of suffering from anxiety or other psychological challenges.

Taking a proactive approach to health and safety rather than reacting to problems after they occur fosters resilience. Whether it’s scheduling a routine medical checkup, implementing fire drills in the workplace, or using protective gear for outdoor activities, planning ahead makes a difference. The more we invest in prevention, the less we’ll need to face the consequences of neglect.

The use of sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, wearing protective clothing to guard against UV damage, and staying hydrated to keep skin healthy are all crucial preventive measures. By avoiding harsh products and maintaining a consistent skincare routine, we can avoid unnecessary irritation and aging.

“Prevention is better than cure.” By embracing preventive practices in every area of life, from health to safety to skincare, we not only reduce risks but also improve our overall well-being. Taking a proactive approach today can result in a healthier, more fulfilling tomorrow.

By Isyaka Laminu Badamasi 

The Inspector General of Police’s concerns and warning against the unorganised distribution of palliatives and relief items that led to confrontation and stampede come at the right time. His calls on groups, individuals, and NGOs planning to distribute alms to the needy to ensure proper planning to avoid stampedes and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance are commendable.

During the two unfortunate events at Maitama, Abuja and Okija in Anambra state, several persons lost their lives. Many injured with different degrees of injuries receive treatment at other health facilities where the IGP reiterates the force’s commitment to supporting efforts to create a safer and more structured environment for aid distribution in our communities to prevent future tragedies and ensure such processes are seamless.

To achieve a tragedy-free engagement, philanthropists should collaborate with relevant stakeholders in organising such gatherings. These include security organisations, religious groups, community leaders, and civil society organisations.They should also leverage technology to achieve a hitch-free and transparent selection of beneficiaries and relief distribution. 

Crowd management experts and safeguard specialists are very key in the actualisation of a seamless approach; these could be found in many government and private organisations such as the Nigerian Police as highlighted above, NEMA/SEMA, International relief organisations working at different IDP camps, decades involved in this special tasks in the country.

According to online resources on crowd management and safety, emergency preparedness and management are key, access control, crowd density, and surveillance are paramount, barrier fencing, communications and risk assessment, as well as post-events analysis, knowing your crowd and their dynamics, and positioning security personnel in strategic locations are key to achieving a safer and more effective event organisation.

Organisers of such events should choose spacious, open areas with minimal obstacles and should be scheduled when the crowd is likely to be smaller; this is where the religious and community leaders will come in by submitting the lists of the vulnerable people who primarily benefited from such relief.

The order by the Inspector General of Police to investigate the circumstances that led to the two unfortunate tragedies is commendable. This highlighted the command’s commitment to ensuring safer and better ways to avoid the sad incident in the future, 

Leadership at all levels needs to see the importance and urgency of developing policies and programs to cushion Nigerians’ hunger and poverty levels; this can go a long way in reducing the number of people from trooping to alms distribution events. It will enable them to tread cautiously and prioritise their safety to avoid unforeseen calamities, as the IGP emphasises.

The National Orientation Agency, established to communicate government policies, stay abreast of public opinion, and promote patriotism and national unity, should, as a matter of public interest, develop a sensitisation program, specifically on the Nigerian government’s health and safety measures. This could be achieved through Drama, Skits,and Jingles, leveraging the FRCN radio stations and civil society organisations nationwide to achieve the desired objectives.

Our condolences go to the families and relatives of those who lost their loved ones during the unfortunate incident and to those injured, wishing them a quick recovery.

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi is the Bauchi State Coordinator for the Youths O’clock Nigeria.