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By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR

It often begins in silence, the kind of silence that follows suffering, that surrounds forgotten people and places. Then, one day, someone listens. Someone hears the unheard cries and decides to act. Not for praise. Not for politics. Just for people. That is how the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation was born out of quiet empathy and bold conviction.

Founded by the respected and remarkably selfless Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti, this foundation has grown into a strong pillar of light for those trapped in the shadows of neglect. It doesn’t announce itself with noise, but rather with impact. It doesn’t parade power, but wields compassion with quiet strength. In every village it touches, in every child it lifts, the foundation tells a story of care that is both personal and profound.

At the heart of Wunti Al-Khair is a simple but powerful philosophy: people matter. Whether it’s a sick mother, a child without a school, a youth without skills, or a traditional gasping for breath—everyone counts. The foundation has built its work on four timeless pillars: health, education, skills, culture, and community services. These aren’t just categories; they are the lifeblood of any thriving society. And Wunti Al-Khair doesn’t just serve these areas; instead, it brings them to life.

In healthcare, the foundation reaches places others overlook. It breathes life into under-equipped rural clinics, supports emergency services, organises medical outreaches, and ensures that the poorest families are not left behind. Where once fear and despair prevailed, now there is relief—and a renewed will to live. For many, a hospital bill is the difference between hope and helplessness. But through Wunti Al-Khair, that burden is lifted with dignity.

In education, the foundation does more than hand out books, renovate classrooms, or award scholarships. It opens the doors of destiny. Imagine a young girl from a forgotten hamlet stepping into school for the first time, her eyes wide with dreams, her hands clutching a schoolbag gifted by strangers who saw her worth. That’s the kind of miracle Wunti Al-Khair delivers—not one-time donations, but long-term transformation.

Skills development follows naturally. Because education alone can inspire, but skills empower. The foundation trains women, nurtures local entrepreneurs, supports artisans, and helps young people turn their talents into trades. It doesn’t just teach people to fish; it gives them a pond, a rod, and the confidence to cast their lines.

Then there is the culture: the soul of a people. Now, as globalisation tries to wash away local identity, Wunti Al-Khair holds firm. It celebrates heritage, promotes traditional art, supports festivals, and reminds communities that their past is not a relic but a treasure. By honouring culture, it strengthens pride, and through pride, it nurtures progress.

Governments often fall short in fulfilling their responsibility to provide basic amenities for the populace. The Wunti Al-Khair Foundation has stepped in to fill the gap with endless commitment. The foundation restores hope in underserved communities by implementing impactful, grassroots initiatives. Among its most notable contributions are the drilling of solar-powered boreholes in rural areas, ensuring access to clean and sustainable water sources. It also extends compassion to the less privileged and vulnerable by providing permanent and temporary shelter solutions.

But a foundation, no matter how noble, is only as strong as the man behind it. And in Dr. Bala Wunti, we see not a benefactor from above, but a father beside us. His generosity is quiet, his heart open, and his actions resolute. Those who know him describe a man who listens before speaking, gives without being asked, and navigates life with humility and purpose. His leadership is not defined by status, but by service.

Dr. Bala’s life is a lesson. From humble beginnings to impactful influence, he has never lost sight of the human face of hardship. He gives not because he has to, but because he cannot not give. For him, lifting one person is worth more than a thousand compliments. He believes that the true measure of wealth is not in what you own, but in the number of lives you’ve made better.

Wunti Al-Khair Foundation is not just an organisation; it’s a movement of mercy. It is a reminder that in a world often clouded by selfishness, there are still hearts that beat solely for others. You won’t always see its name in headlines, but you’ll find it in the eyes of a healthy mother, in the smile of a child clutching a scholarship letter, in the hands of a youth finding his worth and becoming independent, and in the praises of others whose lives have been touched.

This is a revolution led by kindness. One community at a time. One human being at a time.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State departed Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Sunday night, leading a high-powered delegation to attend the funeral rites of the late business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, in Madina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dantata passed away in the early hours of Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.This was made known in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Accompanying the Governor on this solemn journey are the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Umar Namadi, former Governor Barr. Ali Saad Birnin Kudu, and other senior government officials and notable dignitaries from Kano.

The Daily Reality reports that Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a towering figure in commerce, philanthropy, and community service, spent his final days in devotion in Abu Dhabi before his passing.

His death marks the end of an era, closing a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s business and humanitarian history.

Speaking shortly before his departure, Governor Yusuf described the late Dantata as “a father to many, whose generosity and commitment to humanity transcended borders.”

He added that the presence of the delegation in Madina reflects the deep respect and gratitude the people and government of Kano State have for the deceased elder statesman.

The funeral in Madina is expected to attract delegations from across Nigeria, including federal and state officials, family members, business associates, Islamic scholars, and admirers, all gathering to pray for the repose of his soul.

Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata will be remembered for his humility, deep faith, and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and community development.

By Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

Sometime in 2023, after the APC presidential primaries, I wrote to advise the flag-bearer of APC, Alhaji Bola Ahmad Tinubu, on the need to appoint a Muslim as his running mate. The reason I gave is still valid. Northern Christians (read opportunists) are a tiny minority compared to their Muslim counterparts. 

Additionally, northern Nigerian Christians are known to unleash violence against Muslims in the few areas where they form a majority. Any presidential ticket with a Northern Christian was thus dead on arrival.

Taking Nigeria as a whole, Christians are fewer than Muslims. A Muslim-Muslim ticket is thus a winning ticket. A Christian-Christian ticket will always lose. If it could win, Nigerian Christians would never allow us access to even the most insignificant positions in Government. 

But even as we were talking about Islam and Christianity, we ignored a statement credited to former President Olusegun Obasanjo that to the Yoruba man, Yoruba culture is more important than religion. We also ignored notes from other Muslims that Tinubu was married to a pastor who had an excessive influence on him. Whereas, going by the teaching of Islam, Bola Ahmed, a Muslim male, did nothing wrong by marrying a Christian woman, the undue influence of his wife had not been established. Hence, we ignored those notes.

Now, with a Muslim as the head and another Muslim as his deputy, what are the expectations? 

Since democracy is a game of numbers in which the majority have the way, it is highly unexpected that a minority will populate a government that came to power with the votes of the majority. That is what President Tinubu has done. 

Tinubu, a Muslim who came to power with the votes of the Muslim majority, travelled to the Vatican “with a bragging right of 62% Christian appointees”. This figure was shamelessly released by the Presidency, according to the Thisdaynewspaper. 

The presidential entourage itself is Christian. There is no single Muslim name in it except the President himself. If I may ask, is the president still a Muslim? Is he practising double religion? 

Islam doesn’t allow a person to practice two religions. You are either a Muslim or something else.  Is President Tinubu going there to worship? Of course, the Vatican is a Catholic city with no single Muslim. Why can’t he send the president of the senate, if at all, Nigeria has to honour the “Pope’s invitation”?

But appointment to public offices is only secondary. What is fundamental is the right of every Nigerian Muslim to practice their religion without let or hindrance and without another religion being imposed on them. A Muslim-Muslim presidency is useless if it cannot remove, or at worst attempt to remove, the aspects of Christianity imposed on non-Christian Nigerians in our national life. 

Only a few weeks ago, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) protested the closure of schools by some Northern states during Ramadan, claiming an attempt to “Islamize” the country. Instead of the Tinubu/Shettima government seizing the opportunity to conduct a total review of the influence of the colonial Christian religion in our national life, this government, like some cowards, succumbed to CAN’s position and asked the Federal Ministry of Education to “discuss” with the Muslim states that closed schools. 

A simple review of our working and work-free days would reveal that we are being forced to observe Christian holy days of Saturdays and Sundays as weekends, a total of 104 days per year. Again, our schools close twice a year for Christmas and Easter Christian celebrations. Yet, the Muslim-Muslim Government is not even looking in that direction. Is it timidity or deception? Either way, the disappointment is stinking.

Out of laughable ignorance, Nigerian Christians consider Israel a Christian country and Israelis as their brothers. Yes, the same Jews who proudly claim the murder of Jesus and consider his mother a whore. This ignorance is what led Pastor Adeboye to pray for Israel against the occupied Palestine. At the point the entire freedom-fighting nations like our own South Africa were filing a petition at the International Criminal Court, we saw the President’s wife receiving the Israeli ambassador at the state house.

Assuming the land and blood of Gazans were lawful for Israel, which is what Mrs. Tinubu seems to believe, what of the valid claim that Israel has a hand in the failure of our internal security by giving military training to Christian militia in the North Central? Why can’t President Tinubu launch an honest investigation into it? 

Mr. President, have we not made the wrong choice? 

On a final note, I still believe that it could have been worse if Tinubu had chosen a Northern Christian as his running mate. Of course, he would have lost the presidential election. 

Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on security agencies to investigate the killing of its Kwara State Chairman, Idrissu Abubakar, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, MACBAN’s National President, Alhaji Baba Ngelzarma, through the association’s National Secretary, Malam Bello Gotomo, condemned the killing and urged authorities to ensure justice is served.

Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Police Command said Abubakar was attacked around 10 p.m. on Saturday in front of his house at Oke Ose, Ilorin East Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated that officers recovered five expended 7.62mm shells from the scene, and the victim’s remains were deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) mortuary.

Describing Abubakar as the youngest state chairman in the association’s history, Ngelzarma lamented that his death marked the second killing of a MACBAN chairman within two months, following the murder of Katsina State’s newly elected chairman, Alhaji Sirajo Mairana.

The deceased, aged 33, left behind two wives, six children, and his elderly mother.

According to MACBAN, Abubakar was attacked shortly after returning from Taraweeh prayers. Ngelzarma expressed concerns over the repeated killings of the association’s leaders, revealing that in the past two years, MACBAN had lost over seven state and local government chairmen to unknown gunmen.

Additionally, the group’s National Vice President, Alhaji Manir Lamido, has been missing since 2023 while traveling between Katsina and Kaduna states.

The MACBAN president urged security agencies to intensify efforts to uncover those responsible for the attacks, assuring that the association would take necessary steps to seek justice for its slain members.

By Uzair Adam

MTN Nigeria has apologized for raising the price of its 15-gigabyte (GB) weekly data bundle by 200 percent but has further increased the cost despite the public outcry.

The telecom provider initially hiked the plan’s price from N2,000 to N6,000 as part of a broader tariff adjustment but later admitted the increase was a mistake.

“To our 15GB digital bundle lovers, you dey vex. We know,” MTN said in a statement. “We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200% increase on your favorite digital bundle.

“We could share several reasons and provide explanations, but omo, all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.

“In this love season, don’t stay angry with us. Please forgive and forget. You matter die, and we will never stop showing you how much. Let’s continue our relationship. Thank you for your understanding.”

However, checks revealed that MTN not only raised the price further to N6,500 but also reclassified the 15GB bundle from a weekly to a monthly plan.

The tariff adjustments followed the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a request from telecom operators to increase prices, marking the first official review since 2013.

MTN’s price hike came despite the House of Representatives directing the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to suspend the 50 percent tariff hike approval.

By Yakubu Nasiru Khalid

Formally, Izala sect was formed in 1978, it was created to eradicate innovation (bid’ah) within the Islamic doctrines. It has a modern structure and leadership both at the state and national levels. Therefore, the leadership of the Izala has come with well-structured and hierarchical bureau, and a feeling that they are different from who they see as “Conservative Islamic Groups”.

The structure comprises three arms; the Council of Ulama, the Administrative Council and The First Aid Group, each of the councils has its own head and followers for achieved designed goals, even with this structure, the sect experienced crisis at all levels which polarised its leadership.

The reason attached to the polarisation of Izala at the national level which later descended to many states were, among many others; the large followership, it may arguably be the largest formidable Islamic group in West Africa. Also, other reasons are multifaceted from jurisprudence, political, financial, external meddling and sundry, etc.

Initially, there was a problem regarding the leadership of the organization especially the question of who was the supreme leader of the organization between the administrative Council and the chairman of the Ulama Council. At the time the head of the Administrative Council was Alhaji Musa Muhammad Maigandu, from Kaduna and the Sheikh Ismail Idris, the Chairman of Ulama Council. The Jos Izala faction recognized Sheikh Ismail Idris.

Jos faction rejected Maigandu for not being a scholar but a businessman, they argued that an Islamic organization should be led by a scholar not a businessman, this added more fire to the crisis.

Furthermore, the Kaduna faction was very critical to some views and Fatwas of Sheikh Ismail Idris especially those that dealt with the issue of bid’a. According to Ismail Idris, the followers of Izalah should not pray behind an Imam who’s not a member of Izala, they should not also marry from the family of a person who is inclined to Sufism and should not eat the meat of an animal slaughtered by a follower of the Sufi groups. The Kaduna faction was vehemently against these views, and they opposed it.

Another vital factor that played a role in the split of Izala group was the accusations and counter-accusation of financial (mis)management. Ismail Idris was accused for dubiously representing the organization in the Arab countries, he was further accused of personalising vehicles donated to the Izala sect.

In addition, Ben Amara argued that the eruption of Gulf War in 1990s between USA and Iraq was another important factor in the polarisation of the Izala. Jos faction supported American invasion of Iraq because of the Saudi Arabian interest while the Kaduna faction supported Iraq. The Jos faction called the Kadunas “Saddamawa” meaning (supporters of Saddam) while the Kaduna called the Jos faction “Bushawa” meaning (supporters of American interest).

The leadership of the Jos faction blamed Shi’a for the internal crisis of Izala and accused some Ulamas of being secret agents of Shiism who were working toward dismantling the group.

There are so many wild accusations against each other and today, one of the greatest sad events are also unfolding which will serve as a litmus test over the major pathways which the Izala sect claims to have been following. There are series of arguments and counter arguments amongst its top ranking officials, some of whom are seeing by many onlookers as those who have completely drailed from the actual teachings of the Sunnah of the holy prophet (PBUH). Izalah leaders need retrospection and internal assessment to protect themselves and their creed from an obvious roadblock which may decide whether they move ahead successfully or crumble, devastatingly.

Yakubu can be reached via: yakubunasirukhalid@gmail.com

By Ishaka Mohammed

An Abuja-based strategic communication and multimedia firm, Dinovate Solutions, has announced one month’s free training in cinematography and related fields.

The company announced the programme on Monday, January 6, 2025. Under its academy (Dinovate Creative Academy), the company listed five free courses, including cinematography, photography, generative content creation, AI-powered video editing, and cartoon creation and animation.

The physical training, scheduled to start on January 27, will feature only individuals with access to laptops.

Among other benefits, trainees will have the chance to participate in industry-level short film projects, and top performers could gain internship opportunities and potential job offers.

While the application deadline is January 10, acceptance will be based on first come, first served.

Interested persons are required to visit https://bit.ly/DCACohort1application to apply.

Dinovate Solutions drives developmental projects through creative storytelling and multimedia content, partnering with local and international organisations, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

By Uzair Adam

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has disassociated himself from an alleged empowerment scheme promising N65,000 to applicants, describing it as a scam designed to defraud unsuspecting citizens.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku disclosed that a group identified as “Travelling Abroad Opportunities” has been promoting the so-called “Atiku Grant by FG” on social media.

He called on security agencies to investigate the perpetrators and take appropriate action to protect the public.

“For the avoidance of doubt, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007) and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (2023), is not currently running an empowerment scheme that purports to give N65,000 to successful applicants,” the statement read.

He clarified that neither he nor any organization associated with him is involved in such a scheme, emphasizing that the initiative is a ploy to deceive Nigerians into providing sensitive personal and financial information.

“The so-called ‘Atiku Grant by FG’ is a scam whose objective is to fleece unsuspecting Nigerians of their hard-earned money,” he added.

Atiku assured Nigerians that any legitimate empowerment initiative he might undertake would be directly communicated and not executed through unknown third parties.

The former vice president urged security agencies to act swiftly against the fraudsters and other similar schemes targeting innocent citizens.

By Habibu Ma’aruf Abdu

Renowned Kannywood actor, Sani Musa Danja, has been appointed Special Adviser on Youth and Sports by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

This was announced in a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

The appointment is widely seen as a well-deserved recognition of the actor’s loyalty and dedication to Governor Yusuf’s Administration. As a long-time supporter of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Danja actively campaigned for the Governor during the 2023 elections.

Interestingly, he had previously contested for the chairmanship of Tarauni Local Government under the governor’s party, NNPP, but lost the primaries to Amb. Yusuf Imam Ogan Ɓoye.

However, with Ogan Ɓoye’s victory in the chairmanship election, Danja has now taken over his former position as Special Adviser on Youth and Sports.

This appointment marks another significant recognition of Kannywood personalities by the governor, following similar appointments of Abba Al Mustapha, Tijjani Gandu, Sunusi Oscar, and Aina’u Ade (Laila).

Lest you forget, the federal government has also appointed Kannywood stars Ali Nuhu and Rahama Sadau to serve in various capacities.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

Men are the foundation and cornerstone of every nation and each household. As ordained by Almighty God, man was created and endowed with strength and leadership qualities. According to divine design, man is destined to be the head of the household, with woman as his partner and helpmate, working together in harmony and mutual respect.

Just like women, men are human beings with emotions and vulnerabilities, despite being socialized to project strength and resilience. Society’s expectations often dictate their behavior, leaving them little choice but to conform to traditional masculine norms.

It is quite a relief to see men being recognized and appreciated, which is precisely why International Men’s Day is observed annually on November 19. This global celebration acknowledges men’s invaluable contributions to society while addressing their distinct challenges. The 2024 theme, Men’s Health Champions, aptly emphasizes enhancing men’s overall well-being and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Growing up, I would often watch my dad sit outside after dinner and Isha prayer— the last prayer of the day for Muslims — alone in contemplation. Whenever we asked him why, he would smile and say he was just receiving some “fresh air,” and we would respectfully leave him be.

At the time, I thought he truly was just savoring the evening breeze. But growing older brought the realization that it was his way of recollecting his thoughts and recharging after a long, hectic day of working tirelessly to provide for us. It was his way of coping with unrelenting stress and finding solace, yet we could never quite grasp the depth of his emotions.

Traditionally, men are expected to provide for their loved ones, including their partners, children, and themselves. With numerous responsibilities bestowed upon them by societal norms, they have largely embraced this role and its accompanying challenges without complaint.

Society has consistently placed high expectations on men, often disregarding their mental and emotional well-being. This has resulted in immense pressure on them, with little consideration for their inner struggles.

If they fail to pay children’s school fees on time, their homes become disastrous and uninhabitable due to constant nagging. If they miss rent payments, they are deemed irresponsible. And if they cannot provide for their wives’ glittering desires, they are labeled bad husbands. So, how can we reasonably expect them to maintain their sanity?

Even in relationships, if a man does not call on time, he is deemed out of love. If he does not send money, he is not “the one.” And if he fails to meet friends’ and family’s standards, the advice is to “find someone else.”

Since men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health symptoms, it is not surprising that suicide rates for men are four times higher than for women. This statistic underscores the fact that depression may be the most common mental illness in men.

While these expectations can be valid, they are often unfair. If the tables were turned, society and women would struggle to handle half of what is expected of men. However, this piece is not about shifting responsibilities; it is about shedding light on and raising awareness about men’s mental health.

Men are humans too, with feelings and emotions. The issues we often dismiss as normal can run deeper than they appear, potentially affecting their mental health and leading to depression. We rarely recognize this because men seldom fully express themselves, and we rarely create a safe space for them to open up.

Much like women, men are also victims of sexual assault, harassment, abuse, and other forms of exploitation. Yet how many of these cases come to light? When they do, how do we respond? How often do we show appreciation for the men in our lives—our fathers, sons, brothers, friends, and partners?

Men’s mental and overall health is crucial and must not be overlooked. We should strive to create a society where everyone, regardless of gender, feels comfortable and safe, fostering a better environment for all.

Let us imbibe the habit of celebrating men who break barriers and make a difference in the world—those who provide for their loved ones, bring joy, and positively impact our lives. To every man out there, you are loved, seen, strong, and most importantly, enough.

Let us celebrate the men who struggle in silence. To men out there, we see your struggles, and we are committed to making the world a better place for you and all of us.

Rabi Ummi Umar is a student of Al-Hikmah University and can be reached via: rabiumar058@gmail.com