Opinion

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

A United States congressman, Major Owens once said, ‘I have a great deal of respect and admiration for people who put themselves on the line.’

Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s political doppelganger, Awana Alhaji Gana, often describes him as an exemplary leader because, according to him, he was taught as a child in Islamic school that a leader is a servant of the people and a loyal servant sacrifices his life to protect his masters – the people.

Indeed, this was justified by Shettima when he was the governor of Borno State. He stood his ground to protect his people and never ran away from battle, putting his life on the line and confronting the monsters called Boko Haram.

He mobilised the police, rallied soldiers and established the Civilian JTF – a group of patriotic young people who are always ready to sacrifice their lives for their country – which helped to stem the tide of the insurgency.

The fear in Maiduguri in 2014 was so intense that some notable persons, politicians, and non-politicians had to relocate their families to Abuja. Shettima, who was abroad at that time, canceled the assignment, returned home, and mobilised residents to rise in defense of their ancestry. They succeeded in pushing the enemies back. That was the time when everybody thought the cursed elements had hoisted their flags in the city of Maiduguri.

Based on the sleepless nights he had endured in the latter part of his first tenure – moving from one shooting or bombing scene to the other and liaising with the federal government to protect Borno people – most observers actually thought he would just chicken out and not bother to seek a second term in office. But he contested, won, and sustained the fight against the enemies.

VP Shettima has always attracted the best brains to himself, being a first-rate intellectual as well. This was why it wasn’t difficult for him and this remarkable look-alike to find each other and connect.

Unlike other politicians who only read articles written by their admirers and watch activities done by others in their names without appreciation, Shettima keeps his eagle eyes around, following everything that involves his name and showing appreciation. He doesn’t look down on people, which is why his political network is full of diverse people of all classes.

This reminds me of the first time he called to appreciate me when I wrote an article titled “Kashim Shettima: Courage, Conviction Cannot Kill a Man,” in 2022 which was published in many national dailies across the country.

Interestingly, when VP Shettima met Alhaji Gana, who politically mimics him, he observed the striking similarities between himself and the latter.

Kashim Shettima is known for visiting his friends, honouring their special invitations, and standing with them during trying times. These quintessential traits have been maintained by his political doppelgänger whose friends work with him. Awana attends marriages, condoles with people who lost their loved ones, and organises a caricature of every political event the VP has attends.

VP Shettima once again showed the humane side of him recently when he posted on Facebook that: “On Tuesday, I paid a condolence visit to the family of my brother, friend, and colleague at Zenith Bank, Chief Kester Christopher Kenechuku Ogualili, who passed away on May 3, 2024. Kester and I have come a long way, and now that he is no more, we will step in to fill the vacuum created by his demise.”

Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Borno and can be reached via email: lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

A couple of days ago, the Lagos State government officially entered into an agreement with the Netherlands government to establish a waste-to-energy firm. 

The initiative was said to get rid of heaps of waste across the Lagos metropolitan area (about 2250 tons daily) and generate between 60 and 75 megawatts of electricity annually, providing some 40,000 homes. 

In addition, the Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu said the project will help cut down the country’s carbon footprint, as about 550,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses emitted daily from the dumpsite will be addressed. 

Singapore is one of the countries that is an embodiment of waste to energy. Singapore is said to have zero waste, thanks to its waste-to-wealth program. They completely convert their waste, partly into energy and other parts into recycling.  

Trust developed nations; they always think ahead. In Denmark, an innovative twist was added to this technology. Due to the extensive space occupied by the conversion centre, the top area of this facility would be transformed into a game reserve and tourist attraction. Who said you can’t kill two birds with one stone?

As Sanwo-Olu highlighted, the world is currently grappling with climate change, so several countries have been resorting to generating energy from biomass. This includes food crops (maize, sugarcane, cassava, etc.), lignocellulosic materials (e.g., woods), and waste (a mixture of biomass, petroleum products, and metals), the latest being the most expensive for conversion. By using waste to generate energy, countries would not only clean the environment but also cut down their carbon budget, hence mitigating the effect of the looming climate change. 

The most widely used technology for waste-to-electricity conversion is the combustion integration into steam turbines. In this process, the waste is burned in the boiler unit to generate steam, which generates steam channels to power the turbine and the movement of turbine generic electricity. But that is not all; the exhaust steam is channelled into a condenser unit, where the steam is converted back to the water, then finally the water is pumped to the boiler to complete the cycle.  

Applications of the laws of thermodynamics in each unit allow the energy usage analyses to make each step more efficient, that is, reduce energy waste in each section (boiler, turbine condenser, and pump). This technology is known as a steam turbine, one of the heat engines based on the principle of the Rankine cycle. A closely related heat engine is a locomotive rail or refrigeration and Air conditioning system based on Rankine cycles. 

 The second way to convert waste to energy is pyrolysis. In pyrolysis, waste is converted to oil instead of directly burning them. As mentioned above, these oils can then be burned in a boiler to generate steam and the cycle proceeds. Catalysts like zeolite can be used to upgrade the oil for use, such as petroleum.  The difference between pyrolysis and combustion is that in the former, oxygen is not allowed; in fact, pyrolysis means a lack of oxygen. In the former, oxygen is necessary; without oxygen, combustion will not occur, or there will be incomplete combustion if it is inadequate. 

The last category of technology for waste conversion is gasification; in this process, waste is converted to carbon monoxide and hydrogen (syngas); these gasses can be burned in a boiler to generate steam, and the process proceeds just as mentioned. Similarly, the syngas can be upgraded to synthetic fuels using metal catalysts like iron through popular technology known as Fischer-Tropsch. Depending on the quality, synthetic fuels produced may be used as petroleum, too. Gasification differs in combustion in the oxygen usage; in the former, oxygen is meticulously controlled.

Wise students will check out abundant videos on YouTube demonstrating these three categories of biomass conversion: combustion, pyrolysis, and gasification, the principles of Steam Turbines, Heat Engines, the Rankine cycle, and the Carnot Cycle, the applications of the laws of thermodynamics, and the catalysis involved in the bio-oil upgrade and the Fischer-Tropsch process.

If you are in the secondary or early years of a degree program and already aware of this information, then you are a step ahead, and you are not only fortunate than your peers but most of us at your level.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin wrote via bilal4riid13@gmail.com.

It is challenging, if not impossible, to raise a child, have him educated and employed, and then simply let him go without expecting anything in return. You may also want to guide him in his work. Determining the appropriate time to grant the child complete independence is a complex matter.

The relationship between Sen. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf exemplifies the above dynamic. Despite Senator Kwankwaso’s claims or desires to refrain from interfering in Engineer Yusuf’s work, it is inherently difficult to do so.

On Abba’s part, he feels a deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness towards Kwankwaso. This gratitude naturally leads him to want to please his benefactor. Therefore, even if Kwankwaso were to distance himself, Abba would (and should) strive to do his utmost to fulfill the expectations and preferences of his mentor.

Godfatherism exists globally, particularly in democratic systems. I dislike it. I cherish my freedom and independence of thought, especially on matters related to Nigeria. Therefore, this post is not an endorsement of it.

Still, if I were Kwankwaso, I would try harder to stay away from the affairs of governance in Kano. I believe Abba is a competent protégé and old enough to lead the state. In fact, I would stop him from trying to please me, such as when he wanted to appoint my son as a commissioner. I would remind him to stop the vendetta and focus his energy elsewhere.

Anyway, I am not a politician. I am an academic. I wish my state and country all the best.

Peace.

Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim writes from Cologne, Germany.

By Muhammad Attahiru

Jigawa State has always been tagged the luckiest state in Northern Nigeria in terms of getting leaders who have the state in their hearts. This statement was not further from the truth. Since the inception of this Administration led by the astute driver, Jigawa state has been once again over the radar, and the spirit of its citizens has been bashed again. 

This week, the APC administration, led by His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, clocks one year in office. Indeed, it was more than a proud moment not only for the APC electorate but for the entire state’s citizens, having someone who serves as the consolidator of projects abandoned two decades to date, also a unifier and visionary leader who despite the slander of all the doom prophets, they were put to shame. As a   Governor, Mal.  Namadi became the tangible symbol of the united Jigawa. 

Those conversant with state politics would realise my statement: Against all odds, the Unifier has maintained his stance on his promises before the election. His viable and economically sustained state projects were disbursed across all parts of the state with every sense of justice and fairness. 

The massive appointment of his political aides, including commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisors, board members, and heads of various Agencies, was all evidence of his commitment to fairness without compromising his known attribute of prioritising merit over political connection.

Over the last twelve months, the administration of Mal.  Umar Namadi has recorded an uncountable number of visible and impacting projects across every sector that directly or indirectly positively affect the common man of Jigawa state.

Food security and social welfare were one area the administration of Malam Namadi took with a serious note. The constant alarm was raised by the United Nations bodies like the World Bank and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) about the impending danger of food insecurity facing our countries, especially those bordering the Sahara, due to multifaceted factors of Insecurity and climate change.

Jigawa State Government initiated the food distribution Palliative, especially during the Ramadan fasting. The success story of the Ramadan feeding program was indeed commendable, considering the hardships the poor populace would have passed through during the Holy month. The subsidy was also injected into Fertilizer to boost the agricultural output of the state’s majority farmers.

The most ambitious project of all was the coveted Danmodi Super Store Palliative Project. Around N1.5 billion was injected into it to procure all forms of food and household items that would be sold by special stores across all wards and local government headquarters in the state. The items would be sold at very cheap and subsidised prices.

 The project is a public-private partnership with the reputable FinTech Company Bizi Mobile. Specially designed ATM cards would be distributed to people, and transactions for items would be made through the ATM card number. This would ensure direct remittances of payment proceeds to the state treasury and ensure no diversion or overbuying above a certain limit, allowing each individual to buy his foodstuffs without fear of hijacking by people with access or those with more money.

The Superstore project would soon be commissioned, and the CEO of the Company, Mal. Aminu Bizi, has already made the necessary preparations for the technology, tools, logistics, and personnel for the smooth implementation of the project. This would greatly help the poor citizens of the state access cheaper food items in the markets. On the other hand, the project would allow the Government to have more Data on its citizens to aid in implementing other economic, security and social programs.

If implemented, this project would again prove this Administration’s sincerity and socialist-style approach to Hayakawa emancipation. Jigawa state would be the only state in Nigeria with this very welcome system. This form of superstore has already been practised in many countries, such as Venezuela, Brazil, and China. It is a simple and effective way of ensuring citizens have access to cheaper and affordable food. It’s also a method that directly links the Government to the masses. 

This project would reduce the burden and hardship caused by the removal of the petrol subsidy. Indeed, it’s money well spent.

We wish the Jigawa state Government under Malam Namadi a successful tenure and more ideas that would help impact the Jigawa state’s common man.

Long live Mal. Umar Namadi.

Long live Jigawa state.

Long live Nigeria.

Muhammad Attahiru wrote from Dutse via habibmultilinks@gmail.com.

Company: Jammaje Productions

Director: Ali Nuhu

Producer: Abubakar Bashir Maishadda

Language: English

Cast: Nancy Isime, Sani Muazu, Sola Sabowale, Ali Nuhu, Enyinna Nwigwe, Rabi’u Rikadawa, Segun Arinze, Abba el-Mustapha, Asabe Madaki, Abba Zaki, etc.

Release date (Nigeria): 16-6-2024

After successful screenings in Turkey and the United States, the reportedly most expensive Kannywood movie, Nanjala, has finally hit our domestic screens. The movie is a groundbreaking attempt to bridge the gap between Northern Nigeria’s Kannywood and “mainstream” Nollywood by bringing actors from both industries together in a neutral setting and on an equal footing.

The film narrates the story of Nanjala (Nancy Isime), whose father, Captain Sembene (Sani Muazu), harbors a deep-seated disdain for female children. He, therefore, neglects his three daughters, focusing his care only on his son, Dititi (Abba Zaki). Nanjala has been a voracious reader with dreams of becoming a journalist since her childhood. However, her father’s constant discouragement makes his friend, Captain Jammoh Jummoh (Rabi’u Rikadawa), adopt her to help her realize her dreams.

Years later, Captain Sembene’s family falls apart. His favorite son, Dititi, becomes a drug addict, and his daughter, Jarry, leaves home, fed up with his mistreatment. Meanwhile, Nanjala achieves her dream of becoming a journalist but encounters problems with people in authority who want her to stop exposing their corrupt government.

How does the story unfold from there? Find out for yourself at Platinum Cinema.

The film addresses themes of women’s empowerment, the endurance of the human spirit, corruption, and moral decadence. It debunks the chauvinistic belief that female children are mere burdens to their parents and incapable of achieving greatness. We see how Nanjala suffers, initially at the hands of her chauvinistic father and later as a journalist hunted by a corrupt government. Despite these challenges, she overcomes her fears and insecurities to eventually emerge triumphant.

Nanjala is indeed a compelling film that has enough to hold viewers’ attention throughout its runtime. However, while it may lack attention-grabbing twists and turns, the wonderfully constructed screenplay and perfect use of flashbacks make it an enjoyable experience that you wish would never end. The cinematography is also spectacular, fully doing justice to the film’s scale. I haven’t enjoyed any Kannywood movie as much as this one recently. One must applaud the makers for their courage and financial strength in bringing such a big project to life.

The eponymous character seems to be inspired by Kenyan political analyst and activist Nanjala Nyabola. She also shares similarities with a character played by actress Miriam Osimbo in the Kenyan comedy series Hullaballoo Estate. Therefore, the film is likely to resonate with a broad African audience for that reason, and for its setting (a fictitious East African country), casting, character names, and universally relevant thematic preoccupations.

The film also deserves distinction marks for its English dialogue. The diction and flow of words are exceptional. What is even more interesting is how the Kannywood actors deliver their lines as flawlessly as their Nollywood counterparts in the cast. Thanks to Mallam Kabiru Musa Jammaje, the executive producer who pioneered the trend of “Kannywood films in English.”

In terms of performances, Nancy Isime fully immerses herself in the character of Nanjala and plays it exceptionally well. Sani Mu’azu is excellent as her chauvinistic father, delivering his dialogue with expressions that prove his acting skills. Rabi’u Rikadawa will win your heart as Nanjala’s foster father, who stands by her through thick and thin.

Asabe Madaki (Majuma), the character of Jarry, and Abba Zaki (Dititi) are first-rate as Nanjala’s siblings, but their mother, played by Sola Sobowale, does not live up to expectations. However, Enyinna Nwigwe is admirable as an accomplished author who later becomes Nanjala’s love interest. Segun Arinze, Ali Nuhu, and Abba el-Mustapha all shine in their brief roles. But it’s Hajara Haidar (Falmata) who will impress you with her adorable looks and fluent English, giving her small role a huge impact.

In conclusion, Nanjala has opened a new page in Nigerian cinema. It is a “Pan-Nigerian” film that will resonate across the country and beyond. I strongly recommend this insightful and inspiring film to every parent, young ladies, and, of course, anyone who enjoys seeing Africans speaking English on screen.

Habibu Maaruf

Kano, Nigeria abduhabibumaaruf11@gmail.com.

By Ishaka Mohammed

Carlcare Nigeria is the official customer care support for Infinix, TECNO, itel, and Oraimo users in Nigeria, offering after-sales service (repair, technical support, etc.).

I have known the company for a long time but only had a reason to seek its service on Saturday, June 8, 2024, when I realised that my Infinix SMART 5 phone lacks a particular feature: OTG. 

The USB On-The-Go (OTG) makes it easy to connect your smartphone with devices like flash drives, game pads, digital cameras, microphones, etc. Since my phone doesn’t support OTG, I couldn’t connect it with a wireless microphone.

Consequently, I made a reservation to visit a Carlcare service centre in Kaduna. While filling the online form, I wrote this: “My phone doesn’t support OTG, so I want to find out how I can still use it with a wireless microphone.” I screenshotted the reservation page, proceeded to the service centre and explained everything to a receptionist, who consulted an inner room and made me pay N4,700. 

After making the payment, I waited for over an hour before retrieving my phone. I tried to connect the microphone again, but nothing changed.

When I complained to the receptionist, she told me that the phone doesn’t support OTG. Then I asked her to explain why I had to pay to be told what I already knew, but she instead claimed I paid for “sub-board”.

As far as I was concerned, I didn’t know any sub-board. All I needed to know was the possibility of using my phone with a wireless microphone.

We kept exchanging words until it became clear that I wouldn’t get a refund, so I snapped the payment details and left.

I thereafter expressed my grievance to the company via Facebook, phone calls, email and X (formerly Twitter), but the responses were unfavourable. In fact, despite my explanation and supporting documents, I was told via X that I paid for the sub-board.

I thought of leaving the matter, but I couldn’t do that because the company could cheat me or another person in a similar manner in future.

I mentioned the issue to a patriotic Nigerian on X. He gave me his phone number, listened to me on the phone and warned Carlcare Nigeria in an X post to do the needful or be ready for action.

Within 20 hours after the post, I received calls from four different agents (of Carlcare). They all apologised, and the last one sent me my money.

You see, I made fruitless efforts for about six days (June 8 to 13), but Barrister Uthman Isa Tochukwu used a single X post to solve the problem within a day.

Although he clearly mentioned that legal consultation is not free, he helped me recover my money pro bono (without asking for payment).

I’m glad to have recovered my money but even thrilled that this encounter could deter the company from attempting to cheat other prospective customers.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

Emir Muhammadu Sanusi’s two ascensions to the throne of the ancient Kano Emirate have been deeply intertwined with local and national politics. On June 9, 2014, Sanusi was installed as the 14th Emir of Kano by then-Governor Rabiyu Musa Kwankwaso, seemingly to spite former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Earlier that year, on February 2, Sanusi had been dismissed from his position as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria for alleging that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) had failed to remit a $20 billion statutory fund to the federal government—a claim denied by Jonathan’s administration.

On March 9, 2020, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje removed Sanusi from the throne, citing his alleged disregard for lawful directives. However, the primary motive behind Sanusi’s dethronement was political, as he had been openly critical of several policies and projects of the Ganduje administration. Ganduje was angered by Sanusi’s penchant to play a dual role as a revered Emir and a social critic, an untenable combination in the Nigerian context.

On May 23, 2024, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as the Emir of Kano after signing a state assembly bill that dissolved the five emirates created by the Ganduje administration and dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. Governor Yusuf’s decision to reinstate Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was also politically motivated, aimed at reversing Governor Ganduje’s actions and continuing the supremacy battle between former Governors Abdullahi Ganduje and Rabiyu Musa Kwankwaso.

Sanusi’s journey from being the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to his dismissal, his installation as the Emir of Kano, his subsequent dethronement, and finally, his reinstatement is marked by political intrigue. It begins with confusion and ends in confusion. His return as Emir of Kano on May 23, 2024, might seem straightforward, but it is anything but simple. It’s akin to a complex mathematical equation that appears simple on the surface but requires the application of numerous mathematical laws to solve. Sanusi’s reinstatement is a product of intricate local and national political manoeuvring, with an eye towards the 2027 elections from all the actors.

Senator Rabiyu Musa Kwankwaso is determined to erase any traces of Ganduje’s influence in Kano politics. Initially, this strategy worked for Kwankwaso without significant interference from the centre. However, it has now dawned on Tinubu and his handlers that allowing the Kwankwasiyya group to operate unhindered could lead to the loss of Ganduje’s group support without gaining substantial assurance from the Kwankwasiyya group. In the 2023 presidential and governorship elections, Kwankwaso garnered 997,279 votes, while Tinubu received 517,341 votes.

In the gubernatorial race, Abba Yusuf Kabir of the Kwankwasiyya group obtained 1,019,602 votes, whereas Nasir Yusuf Gawuna of the Ganduje group secured 890,705 votes, a difference of 188,897 votes. Maintaining this voting pattern is crucial for Tinubu and his team heading into 2027. Some members of the Ganduje group are discontent with the centre after narrowly losing the gubernatorial seat at the Supreme Court. If they continue to feel unprotected despite their connections at the centre, Tinubu’s prospects in Kano for 2027 could be jeopardized. Thus, the centre’s support for Aminu Ado Bayero is not surprising.

The calculations in Abuja, though not overtly confirmed, seem poised to influence Kano’s political landscape at a critical juncture. Giving the Kwankwasiyya group free hands to operate as they wish would be politically risky for the centre. Abuja needs to have some strong feet on the ground in Kano. Kano votes are crucial in the north.

The ongoing power struggle in Kano is straightforward: it’s an attempt to balance interests, strike a political equilibrium, and prepare the ground for future battles. For the common man, the advice is clear: do not take sides, as these are political manoeuvres made with future gains in mind. However, the implementation of these decisions will inevitably have collateral damage. In politics, there is no provision for a collateral damage estimate (CDE)—becoming collateral damage means being in the wrong place at the wrong time. No harm is intended personally.

What’s happening in Kano? It’s a fascinating and high-stakes game—a zero-sum game, to be precise. The same thing happened. On October 22, 1983, Governor Abubakar Rimi established four new emirates in Kano State to diminish Emir Ado Bayero’s power and influence. After his inauguration, his successor, Governor Sabo Bakinzuwo, revoked the law and restored the emirs to their previous positions as district heads.

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

By Dr. Mansur Hassan

In a concerning and unprecedented development in Nigeria’s history, the Federal Government is undermining the powers of the executive and legislative arms of government in Kano State. This dangerous attempt threatens to plunge the state into a form of insecurity akin to that which plagues northern Nigeria.

Recently, Kano State has emerged as a hotspot of political tension and potential unrest. Allegations have surfaced that the APC-led Federal Government is attempting to create a new breed of Boko Haram insurgents in Northern Nigeria. If these claims hold any truth, they represent not just a political maneuver but a potential security disaster that could destabilize the entire region.

Federal security agencies have been accused of providing undue support to the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. Instead of ensuring peace and order, these agencies are perceived as undermining the authority of Kano’s state government. This situation sets a dangerous precedent and could lead to widespread unrest if not addressed promptly.

The people of Kano are ready to resist any attempts to undermine the constituted authority in the state. This resistance is deeply rooted in the belief that the NNPP administration is genuinely committed to serving the people—a commitment that resonates strongly with their mass followership. Without the peace-loving Kwankwasiyya administration, Kano might already have descended into chaos.

Certain individuals within Kano, who can be seen as enemies of the state and Northern Nigeria at large, are misleading the Federal Government. These individuals are pushing for a state of emergency in Kano, and the Federal Government must scrutinize these advisors’ motives and the potential consequences of their recommendations.

As the 2027 elections loom, the political stakes are higher than ever. It is imperative for the Federal Government to ensure that its actions and those of its agencies do not fuel political instability or violence. No amount of intimidation or political harassment will sway the people of Kano from their allegiance to the Kwankwasiyya Government.

The Federal Government must act swiftly and decisively to address these concerns. Avoiding any course of action that could plunge Kano into chaos is crucial. The state’s stability is essential not only for its residents but also for the broader peace and security of Northern Nigeria.

Mansur Hassan, PhD wrote from Kano

By Haroon Aremu 

Upon graduating from university, I eagerly anticipated joining the mandatory one-year national service with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). I shared my excitement with friends, but not all were keen to join immediately. One friend said he needed to hustle and build his career first. However, I wanted to finish it quickly and move on to my next life phase. So, I registered and subsequently got mobilised for a three-week-long camping/orientation.

Embarking on the journey to join the NYSC is more than just a transition to adulthood; it is a rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. 

Call up letter came, and it stated that  I was to camp at Niger State, Paikoro local government, Paiko camp, but after that three weeks, I am to complete my service in Abuja. I was happy and prepared to travel, as I had never been to Niger State before. I learned that Niger State is one of the largest states in terms of landmass. I thought about how beneficial it would be for the federal government to collaborate with NYSC and invest in agriculture to empower graduates to develop their futures. This would surely boost the economy at both the federal and state levels.

Before setting off, a friend’s cautionary words lingered in my mind. He chose to prioritise his career over immediate service, urging me to hustle first. However, my eagerness to dive into the experience outweighed any apprehensions. NYSC is a mandatory scheme for all graduates, except those over thirty, who are usually issued an exemption letter.

The night before departure, a subtle warning on the NYSC documentation reminded us not to travel at night—a precaution that resonated deeply. Despite the allure of reaching our destination quickly, we chose safety over haste, breaking our journey when dusk fell. This lesson applies beyond NYSC, reminding us that vigilance is key even in seemingly safe spaces.

As we embarked on our journey, camaraderie filled the air. The sense of unity was palpable while travelling alongside fellow prospective corps members. From shared laughter to prayers for safe travels, each moment cemented the bonds of camaraderie that NYSC fosters. My journey was fascinating, especially with a friend assigned to the same state. “Corpers on board” was boldly written on our vehicle, and the people we passed hailed and prayed for our safe journey. We chatted and played music, making the trip memorable.

Yet, amidst the laughter and anticipation, a stark reality halted us. Amid lush landscapes, armed men appeared—a stark reminder of the world’s unpredictability. It was a wake-up call, underscoring the importance of vigilance even in seemingly serene surroundings. We stopped at a canteen to eat a sumptuous meal, enjoying the privileges of being a corps member. Continuing our journey, we enjoyed the natural beauty of Nigeria’s landscapes.

However, amidst the tension, there were glimmers of hope. Security checkpoints operated by dedicated officers reassured us of their commitment to our safety. Their professionalism and integrity stood as beacons of hope on an otherwise uncertain journey.

The most unexpected twist came when a seemingly menacing encounter turned into a moment of levity. Startled awake by a tap on the shoulder, I found myself face-to-face with an armed security officer, his stern demeanour giving way to a shared joke. In that moment, fear melted into laughter, reminding me that amidst life’s uncertainties, moments of joy abound.

The journey left an indelible mark as we finally arrived at our destination. From cautionary tales to unexpected camaraderie, each moment was a testament to the importance of preparation and vigilance. As I shared my story with my hustling friend, who had chosen a different path, I couldn’t help but wonder what adventures awaited him. For in the journey of NYSC, every twist and turn is a chapter waiting to be written, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds that unite us all. This is the essence of NYSC, preaching national unity and peace.

Apart from the interesting aspects of NYSC, I believe numerous advantages will convince you to join the program. If you want to know the funny joke the officer cracked with me, I guess you should also prepare to go to your NYSC to experience how interesting and memorable the journey was. As long as we take the necessary security precautions and avoid rough driving, NYSC ensures our safety because we are all dear to the government.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a youth Corp Member with PRNigeria centre, Abuja and wrote in via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

The rise of Umar Bush, a popular Hausa skitmaker notorious for insulting people, to stardom is unbelievably incomprehensible, justifying Allah’s incredible ability to enrich whom He wishes regardless of their decency or otherwise.

It is Allah alone who knows how he got there. Many people thought his popularity was going to be short-lived, like that of Alhaji Rufai, but that is not the case. He’s now targeted by skitmakers in the Southern part of Nigeria. God is great! New deals are underway.

His unimaginable progress reminds me of the time when an elderly man looked at me in our area during Ramadan and said that I would become a governor. However, a few of my closest friends, whom I thought would be the first to say ‘Insha Allah’, were the ones who contested against me. Indeed, life is greater than our sentiments, and it shall happen if He wills.

When he first came to the limelight comedically, many people thought he was a madman who needed intervention from a psychiatric hospital because of the way he speaks and relates to people. Some netizens even donated thousands of Naira, amounting to over a million Naira, which was later transparently given to his relatives after he had a misunderstanding with his manager, who is also from Kano, labelling it as ‘his end.’

A day later, his manager posted on his personal Facebook page announcing their resettlement with Umar Bush, assuring their audience of their continued efforts to reach stardom.

Ahmed Musa, a renowned Nigerian footballer who plays both in and outside Nigeria, saw Umar Bush’s comical clips trending on Instagram and Facebook and decided to host him at his residence in Kano. Inviting him was a big drama, as he had many misunderstandings and disagreements with all of them, insulting his managers and tagging one of them as his ‘enemy of progress.’

When given lots of Maltina and asked to extend it to one of the team members whom he perceived as an antagonist, he started a fresh drama, insulting him unstoppably until Ahmed Musa intervened and gave him one million naira.

A few days ago, he allegedly signed a ₦100m deal with Ziptol, a company that produces powder detergent, among other detergents. He’s now a millionaire, and I foresee bigger deals coming his way.

Perhaps it is my turn to be insulted comically when he sees this article, especially if he is told that I demanded he pay me for writing about his uncommon sagacious rise to stardom amidst all odds. If you know him or know anyone close to him, tell him that he should pay for this article; else, I will join Sadiq to disturb his life.

Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Maiduguri and can be reached via email: lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com.