By Zayyad I. Muhammad

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, President Bola Tinubu signed into law four landmark tax bills that the National Assembly had recently passed.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with Tinubu’s style of governance, the new tax bills signal a new beginning for Nigerians, businesses, and governments, both at the subnational and federal levels.

Some key  highlights of the Reforms are:

Elimination of Duplication in Tax Collection: One major reform is the establishment of the new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), which will now collect revenues that were previously handled by numerous agencies, such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NIMASA, and others.

Tax Exemption for Low-Income Earners: With the new provisions, individuals earning ₦800,000 or less per year are now fully exempt from income tax. This is a masterstroke, especially for many people in the North. It removes a huge burden and creates space for their small and medium-sized businesses to grow and flourish.

New Personal Income Tax Rate: 

Only those earning above ₦50 million annually will be required to pay the new 25% personal income tax rate. This is both fair and reasonable.

Another significant win for the North, which has the highest concentration of impoverished people in Nigeria, is the removal of VAT on essential goods and services, including school fees, medical services, food, pharmaceuticals, and electricity. This is a significant relief for the poor and small to medium-sized businesses.

The corporate tax rate will now be reduced from 30% to 25%, and small businesses will be fully exempt from paying income tax.

The controversial VAT issue has now been ‘fairly’ settled, and again, it’s a big win for the North, which had previously raised concerns. The new revenue-sharing formula is as follows:

Federal Government: 10%

States: 55%

Local Governments: 35%

Even more importantly, the VAT sharing formula has been revised in a way that favours the North. If northern states seize the opportunity to harness and develop their economies and markets, especially in agriculture, they will benefit significantly.

The new sharing criteria are:

50% of VAT is shared equally among all states

20% is based on population

30% is based on where goods/services are consumed

One of the most important features of these tax reforms is how they protect and uplift the poor and small businesses,especially in the North, where:

About 65% of Nigeria’s poorest people live

Over 52% of the country’s states are located

More than 60% of the population resides

Nearly 70% of Nigeria’s landmass is found

And almost 80% of agricultural production takes place

It’s time for northern states to tap into local knowledge and deploy homegrown experts to thoroughly study the four landmark tax laws in line with each state’s peculiarities and needs, yet with the whole North as the unifying objective.

If well studied and strategically implemented, Tinubu’s new tax reforms could be the silver bullet the North has been waiting for.

They offer fiscal justice, decentralisation of revenue, protection for the poor, incentives for businesses, and a practical opportunity to lift millions out of poverty.

However, as always, it will take visionary leadership, technical expertise, and political will to translate policy into meaningful impact. The opportunity is here. The North must not waste it.

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

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Federal University Dutse (FUD) is set to convoke a total of 4,227 students in a combined convocation ceremony for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.

This was announced by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Muhammad, during a pre-convocation press briefing, where he outlined the preparations and schedules for the event.

The convocation ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, by 9:30 am.

A convocation lecture will precede the ceremony on Friday, July 4th, 2025, at 4:00 pm at the Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi Auditorium.

The lecture, titled “Harnessing Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of Higher Education Institutions,” will be delivered by Guest Professor Jibrilla Dahiru Amin, the pioneer VC of the university.

According to the VC, a total of 99 and 110 students graduated with First Class honors in the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions, respectively.

Additionally, 544 and 727 students graduated with Second Class Upper Division in the respective sessions, while 879 and 115 students graduated with Second Class Lower Division.

Furthermore, 321 and 283 students graduated with Third Class honors in the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions, respectively.

The VC highlighted some of the remarkable achievements of his tenure, including the university’s attractiveness to prospective students, with around 20,000 applicants seeking admission annually.

Other notable achievements include improvements in student and staff welfare, physical infrastructure development, introduction of new faculties and departments, enhanced security, research grant wins, and digital transformation, among others.

By Maryam Shehu

In April 2025, the historic city of Zaria, long hailed as Birnin Ilimi (City of Knowledge), witnessed its first-ever Books and Arts Festival, a groundbreaking literary and cultural event curated by a young visionary determined to rekindle the flames of creativity in Northern Nigeria.

Despite its rich academic tradition, Zaria has often left arts, literature, and creativity feeling orphaned, without the nurturing hands they deserve. It takes a persistent muse to find a home in the hearts of the younger generation. To fill this void, in 2022, driven by passion and a deep desire to engage in literary conversations with like-minded individuals, I founded Pen Warriors. It began as a shade tree for emerging voices to be heard and appreciated.

Later, the initiative was rebranded as Bookish Alchemy, with a bookstore arm, Bookish Alchemy Bookstore, whose profits now partially fund our literary programs. Since then, we’ve hosted programs that have reached over 300 individuals, including poetry competitions, a mentorship session with Abduljalal Musa Aliyu, book chats with authors such as Sani Abdulrazak and Aliyu Danladi, serene Silent Book Reading sessions, and intensive August mentorship weekends on spoken word, short story writing, and public speaking.

Toward the end of 2024, the idea of hosting Zaria’s first Books and Arts Festival took hold of me. At first, I was paralysed by thoughts of funding. Some peers warned that such an event would require thousands of dollars I didn’t have. But the idea felt like a child ready to be born–it refused to be ignored.

I assembled a team of six brilliant minds: Halliru Sani Salihu, Abdurrazak Maiwada, Mardiyya Nura, A’isha Ibrahim Ahmad, Sani Abdulrazak, and Hadiza Isyaku Abdulsalam. We dived headfirst into planning, reaching out to guests, drafting sponsorship proposals, and building the foundation from scratch.

With the generous support of organisations like Duniate Culture (Kaduna), Gidan Dabino (Kano), Creative Corner (Kano), Katsina Times, Poetic Wednesday Initiative, Beyond the Pages, and the Bukar Usman Foundation (Abuja)–though none from Zaria itself–Bookish  Alchemy brought the Zazzau Books and Arts Festival (ZABAFEST) to life.

A FESTIVAL IS BORN

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests and attendees, Hadiza and Mardiyya coordinated 10 incredible volunteers. Out of sheer love for the arts, Mahmud Jimada, Abdulmumini Yahuza, Abdullahi Abubakar, Maryam Jalo, Khadija, Hauwa, Asma’u, Fatima, Auwal, and Ibrahim took on various roles, including registration, ushering, stage management, and guest welfare.

On April 26–27, 2025, ZABAFEST debuted at the Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar Assembly Hall, Barewa College.

“Maryam, how many times have you cried while putting this together? If you haven’t yet, get ready for more,” said Prof. Audee T. Giwa, a day before the festival, as he submitted his book collections, fully aware of the emotional toll such a project could take.

With the theme “Legacy Reimagined,” the dream came to life.

HIGHLIGHTS OF DAY ONE

Day One opened with the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Alhaji Ado Ahmad Gidan Dabino, actor, author, filmmaker, and cultural icon. The award was presented by Isma’il Bala, author of Ivory Nights, in a moment of reverent celebration.

Prof. Audee T. Giwa delivered a stirring keynote on The Role of Arts in Preserving Our Culture, emphasising how the arts help conserve heritage and foster unity in Nigeria’s diverse landscape.

Next came a rich Hausa panel titled “Ma’abota Al’adu: Muhimmancin Marubutan Hausa wajen Kiyaye Gadon Mu,”moderated by Mal. Abba Abubakar Yakubu, featuring Prof. Ibrahim Malumfashi, Safiyya Jibril Abubakar, and Gidan Dabino. Together, they explored how Hausa literature sustains cultural identity.

The festival’s literary journey was anchored on four key books: Ivory Nights by Isma’il Bala, ZABBA’U by Prof. Audee T. Giwa, An Abundance of Scorpions by Hadiza El-Rufai, Girls and the Silhouette of Form by Star Zahra (who could not attend due to illness)

A captivating book chat on Ivory Nights, moderated by Abduljalal Musa Aliyu, provided readers with an opportunity to engage with the author and ask questions that had lingered since the book’s release.

After lunch, the session Cultural Amnesia: What Happens When We Forget Our Culture? Brought together Sani Abdulrazak, Isma’il Bala, and moderator Ibrahim Ahmed to reflect on the consequences of cultural neglect.

“It looks like a bird entangled in a cage, but it is worth it. It will pay–not now, but definitely. Just endure the pain,” said Gidan Dabino in an emotional aside to me backstage.

The afternoon wrapped up with Ahmad Mubarak Tanimu’s African Literature Quiz. Guests and attendees were grouped and tested on their knowledge of African books, with the winners showcasing impressive literary awareness.

The day closed with the Abubakar Imam Poetry Slam, named after the legendary author of Magana Jari Ce and Tafiya Mabudin Ilimi. Twelve contestants competed under the theme Al’adunmu: A Window to the Past for a ₦200,000 prize. Judged by Namse Udosen, Nasiba Babale, and Abdulbasit Abubakar Adamu, the session left a lasting impression on the hearts of the attendees.

“It wasn’t easy to choose the winners. They came with fire in their words and metaphorized our hearts,” a judge remarked.

DAY TWO: POWER, PEACE, AND POETRY

Day Two welcomed even more guests. The panel Women, Arts, and Activism: Using Creative Expression to Promote Social Justice featured Aisha Lawan Indabawa, Hadiza El-Rufai, and Nana Sule. Their discussion, from creative writing to activism, highlighted the intersections of creativity and impact.

The next session, “The Role of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building,” moderated by Aliyu Jalal, gathered Sani Muhammad, Salim Yunusa, Nasiba Babale, and Amir Lukman Haruna to explore how poetry and storytelling can serve as tools for healing.

Nasiba Babale also hosted a moving book chat with Hadiza El-Rufai on An Abundance of Scorpions, a novel that follows a woman’s journey through loss and recovery. It was called one of the festival’s most powerful sessions.

Timely and futuristic, the panel on “Ethics of AI-Generated Arts: Authorship, Ownership, and Creativity,” moderated by Mujaheed Aminu Lilo, featured Namse Udosen, Aliyu Danladi, and Ahmad Mubarak Tanimu, sparking debate and insights into emerging creative technologies.

Prof. Giwa’s novella ZABBA’U took the spotlight next, in a discussion with Ahmad Mubarak Tanimu, drawing philosophical and literary insights from the audience.

Later, Husayn Zuguru gave a mesmerising Afrodervish performance, whirling poetry and movement into a dance of spirit and silence.

The final session, The Poetry Garden, featured open mic performances by Abdulbasit, Hidaya, Aisha Indabawa, and other talented poets. It was a closing tribute soaked in metaphor and soul.

MORE THAN A FESTIVAL

ZABAFEST 2025 welcomed over 30 guest speakers from 7 states and more than 300 attendees from 13 states, uniting people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds through a shared love for literature and the arts.

“Organising a festival isn’t easy, especially with today’s financial climate, but this is a much-needed initiative in Northern Nigeria,” said Hadiza El-Rufai. “I applaud your efforts and promise our support for future editions.”

For a first-time festival in a city that rarely spotlights the arts, the positive feedback far outweighed the challenges. Attendees left inspired, encouraged, and ready to write new chapters in their own lives.

The next edition of ZABAFEST promises to be even more expansive. It will explore themes such as climate change, digital creativity, and social advocacy and feature voices from across Nigeria and beyond.

We’re just getting started. The journey continues.

Maryam Shehu wrote from Zaria via maryamshehu6354@gmail.com.

Turkish authorities have arrested four staff members of a well-known satirical magazine following the publication of a cartoon that many believe portrays the Prophet Muhammad — a depiction strictly forbidden in Islam.

The country’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, described the cartoon released by LeMan magazine as “shameless,” confirming that the magazine’s editor-in-chief, cartoonist, graphic designer, and institutional director had been taken into custody.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Yerlikaya also released footage of their arrests and condemned the illustration as a “vile drawing.”

Responding to the outrage, LeMan firmly denied that the image was a caricature of the Prophet.

“The work does not refer to the Prophet Muhammed in any way,” the magazine wrote on X. It later issued an apology “to well-intentioned readers who feel hurt,” while maintaining that the cartoon was misinterpreted.

“The cartoonist wanted to portray the righteousness of the oppressed Muslim people by depicting a Muslim killed by Israel, and he never intended to insult religious values,” the statement read.

The magazine added, “We do not accept the stain that is cast on us because there is no depiction of our Prophet. You have to be very malicious to interpret the cartoon in this way.”

Despite the denial, hundreds of people gathered outside the magazine’s Istanbul office on Monday in protest. Demonstrators were heard chanting “tooth for tooth, blood for blood, revenge, revenge.”

Riot police intervened as the protest escalated, and a journalist from Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported the use of rubber bullets and tear gas by security forces to disperse the crowd.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc revealed that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had opened an inquiry into the matter, accusing the magazine of “publicly insulting religious values.”

He stated, “The caricature or any form of visual representation of our Prophet not only harms our religious values but also damages societal peace.”

He added that legal action against the staff of LeMan would proceed “without delay.”

Authorities have also issued arrest warrants for other senior figures at the magazine.Images of the cartoon, now widely circulated on social media, depict two winged characters floating over a war-torn city.

One character is quoted as saying, “Peace be upon you, I’m Muhammed,” to which the other replies, “Peace be upon you, I’m Musa.”In a comment to AFP, LeMan’s editor-in-chief Tuncay Akgun, who is currently in Paris, argued that the drawing had been misunderstood.

He stressed that LeMan would “never take such a risk.” He also compared the backlash to the 2015 attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo over its caricatures of the Prophet, describing the response to LeMan as “very intentional and very worrying.”

The Charlie Hebdo incident led to the deaths of 12 people and marked one of the darkest moments in recent French history.

By Muhammad Sabiu

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector has been launched with the inauguration of the Livestock Value Chain for Youth and Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited. The cooperative aims to empower youth and women through value addition, targeting a ₦4 billion increase in livestock export value within the next three years.

Speaking during the virtual launch and swearing-in ceremony, President and Initiator, Hajiya Khuraira Musa, described the initiative as a “solution” to the economic struggles of rural farmers, youth, and women. She emphasised its mission to promote food security, economic empowerment, and dignified livelihoods across Nigeria, especially in the North.

“Our vision is to rebuild communities and elevate underrepresented groups while revolutionising the livestock value chain,” she said.

The executive board includes key figures such as Dr. Zainab Talatu Ahmed (General Secretary), Engr. Salim Salis Musa (Director of Projects), Dr. Dasuki Umar Kabir (Director of Marketing & Export), and Halima Adole Yusuf (Director of Women Engagement). Other notable members include Amb. Ferdinald Feson Fada, Pastor Celina Gar, Dr. Hussaini Adamu, and Batulu Sadiq.

The cooperative has developed a 12-month export development strategy under the leadership of Dr. Dasuki Umar Kabir, targeting markets in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Egypt. Plans include international product certification, cold-chain logistics, export branding, and business-to-business trade missions.

Advisory board members such as Aliyu Asghar Sa’eed Yar’Adua, Dr. Fatima Sule Mohammed, and Hauwa Muhammad Maccido are expected to provide strategic guidance.

In addition to its economic focus, the cooperative promotes social responsibility through interest-free loans, guaranteed offtake agreements, and training in livestock handling, agri-tech, and cooperative governance.

Membership is by referral only. According to Mohammed Sodangi, Director of Membership and Community Mobilisation, applicants must be recommended by a member in good standing and approved by the General Assembly. Recruitment efforts will involve women- and youth-led town hall engagements, as well as partnerships with traditional and religious leaders.

Hajiya Khuraira Musa concluded, “We are not just running a cooperative—we are rewriting the future of rural Nigeria, where livestock becomes a ladder to peace, prosperity, and progress.”

With its visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and ambitious export targets, the cooperative stands poised to become a national model for sustainable rural development.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Yellow Danbokkolo, the notorious bandit kingpin long feared across eastern Sokoto and parts of Zamfara State, has died from injuries sustained during a fierce confrontation with Nigerian security forces last week.

His death was confirmed by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Print Media, via a post on his verified social media account. According to Abdulaziz, Danbokkolo succumbed to his wounds on Sunday.

Danbokkolo, widely considered even more dangerous than the infamous Bello Turji, was linked to numerous deadly attacks in the region. He was the mastermind of the gruesome December 2021 arson attack in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, where dozens of travellers were burned alive.

Security sources say the bandit leader’s reign of terror was sustained by a chronic addiction to pentazocine, a powerful opioid, which he reportedly abused in heavy doses.

Residents of the affected communities have expressed relief at the news, hoping it marks a turning point in the fight against rural banditry in Nigeria’s northwest.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has dismissed reports claiming he was sacked by President Bola Tinubu, labelling them as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, Akume described the rumours as baseless and the work of mischief-makers.

“The information is entirely false and lacks any factual basis, as Mr. President has no intention of removing me,” the statement read. Akume emphasized that he retains President Tinubu’s full confidence and remains committed to driving the administration’s Renewed Hope AgendaThe SGF urged the media and the public to verify information before dissemination, warning that fake news erodes trust in institutions. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga also refuted the claims, reinforcing that Akume remains in office.

By Uzair Adam

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised alarm over the growing threat of loneliness, revealing that more than 871,000 people die globally each year due to its effects.

In a report released on Monday, the WHO Commission noted that one in six individuals worldwide is grappling with loneliness — a condition that, along with social isolation, significantly impacts both physical and mental health.

The report outlined that loneliness raises the risk of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and suicide. It also has academic and economic consequences, with lonely teenagers 22 percent more likely to perform poorly in school, while affected adults struggle more with employment.

Beyond personal consequences, the commission said loneliness leads to major economic costs due to increased healthcare demands and lost productivity.

Co-chair of the commission, Vivek Murthy, described loneliness as “a painful, subjective feeling that many of us experience when the relationships that we need do not match the relationships that we have.”

He distinguished it from social isolation, which he defined as an objective state of having few social connections.

According to the WHO, one in three elderly people and one in four adolescents are socially isolated.

The report cited causes including illness, low income, poor education, lack of social opportunities, living alone, and excessive use of digital technologies.

Murthy highlighted that while human communication has traditionally included facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, these elements are often lost when interaction is limited to phones and social media.

Sweden was highlighted as a model example in tackling loneliness.

The country has launched a national strategy to promote social connections in public spaces like shops, restaurants, and clubs.

Swedish Social Minister Jakob Forssmed revealed that prepaid cards are being introduced for children and teens to encourage participation in group leisure activities.

The country also plans to ban mobile phones in public schools to foster in-person interaction.

Studies referenced in the report suggest such efforts have improved social bonds, reduced cyberbullying, and improved sleep patterns among young people.

While acknowledging the benefits of digital tools, the WHO emphasised the need for physical spaces where people can connect without technological interference.

Murthy stressed, “Having places and spaces in our life where we can interact face-to-face with other people without the distraction of technology is very important.”

By Oladoja M.O

In the annals of Nigeria’s healthcare odyssey, the narrative has long been marred by systemic inertia, infrastructural decay, and a pervasive sense of despondency. For decades, the nation’s health sector languished in a state of neglect, characterized by underfunded primary healthcare centers, a dearth of medical personnel, and an overreliance on foreign aid. The corridors of our hospitals echoed with the silent cries of the underserved, while policymakers offered platitudes devoid of actionable substance.

Enter the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2023, heralding a paradigm shift that seeks to redefine the contours of Nigeria’s health landscape. At the heart of this transformation lies the comprehensive overhaul of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), a mechanism previously crippled by bureaucratic bottlenecks and inadequate financing.

The reimagined BHCPF now boasts a projected infusion of at least $2.5 billion between 2024 and 2026, a testament to the administration’s commitment to fortifying the primary healthcare system. This financial renaissance is not merely a numerical augmentation but a strategic realignment aimed at enhancing service delivery at the grassroots.

The direct facility funding to primary healthcare centers has been escalated from ₦300,000 to a range between ₦600,000 and ₦800,000 per quarter, ensuring that resources are channeled efficiently to where they are most needed. Such fiscal decentralization empowers local health facilities, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability that was hitherto absent.

Complementing this financial strategy is an ambitious infrastructural agenda. The administration has embarked on a mission to double the number of functional primary healthcare centers from 8,809 to over 17,600 by 2027, a move poised to bridge the accessibility gap that has long plagued rural and underserved communities. These centers are envisioned not as isolated units but as integral components of a comprehensive emergency care system, ensuring a seamless continuum of care.

Human capital development forms another pillar of this transformative agenda. Recognizing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals, the government has initiated the training of 120,000 frontline health workers over a 16-month period, encompassing doctors, nurses, midwives, and community health extension workers. This initiative not only addresses the immediate workforce deficit but also lays the groundwork for a resilient health system capable of withstanding future shocks.

In a bold move to stimulate local pharmaceutical production and reduce dependency on imports, the administration has eliminated tariffs, excise duties, and value-added tax on specialized machinery, equipment, and pharmaceutical raw materials. This policy is anticipated to catalyze the domestic manufacturing sector, ensuring the availability of essential medicines and medical devices while fostering economic growth.

Public health initiatives have also received a significant boost. Nigeria has become one of the first countries to roll out the Oxford R21 malaria vaccine, a landmark development in the fight against a disease that has long been a scourge in the region. Additionally, the administration has launched targeted programs aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, focusing on 172 local government areas that account for a significant proportion of such deaths.

However, amidst these commendable strides, challenges persist. The sustainability of these reforms’ hinges on robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability. The specter of corruption, which has historically undermined health sector initiatives, must be vigilantly guarded against. Furthermore, the success of these programs requires the active collaboration of state governments, civil society, and the private sector.

In conclusion, the Tinubu administration’s approach to healthcare reform seemingly represents a departure from the perfunctory gestures of the past. It is a comprehensive, well-funded, and strategically articulated plan that addresses the multifaceted challenges of the sector. While the journey towards a fully revitalized health system is fraught with obstacles, the current trajectory offers a beacon of hope. It is imperative that all stakeholders coalesce around this vision, ensuring that the momentum is sustained and that the promise of accessible, quality healthcare becomes a reality for all Nigerians.

Oladoja M.O writes from Abuja and can be reached at: mayokunmark@gmail.com

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.