By Uzair Adam

Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially launched the federal government’s new nutrition initiative, aimed at addressing malnutrition and food insecurity across Nigeria.

The programme, named the “Nutrition 774 Initiative,” is set to improve nutritional outcomes in all 774 local government areas of the country.

Shettima emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that every household in Nigeria has access to nutritious food, beyond just availability in stores and warehouses.

He noted that the initiative aims to eradicate malnutrition through a community-based approach that empowers local actors, such as health workers and community leaders, to take charge of nutritional improvements in their areas.

At a roundtable meeting with development partners, Shettima called for their collaboration to make the programme a success. He explained that addressing malnutrition requires collective efforts from all stakeholders, including the government and development organizations.

The initiative also focuses on training local health professionals to better equip them in handling malnutrition at the grassroots level. Despite recent floods and global inflation affecting food security, Shettima highlighted the need for innovative solutions that directly tackle these challenges.

Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, described the initiative as crucial in addressing malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations.

He stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral approach, integrating efforts from agriculture, health, water, sanitation, and social protection sectors to ensure the success of the programme.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has yesterday officially bade farewell to the 2023 Batch C National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who completed their one-year national service at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) headquarters in Abuja. 

CGC Adeniyi, in a ceremony marked by a memorable passing-out parade, accompanied by senior officers, inspected the outgoing corps members as they displayed their final drill.

Adeniyi urged the corps members to uphold values like discipline, teamwork, and commitment.  

He said, “These are values you must carry with you into your professional lives.” 

He also praised the dedication and contributions of the corps members during their service year.

By Aisha Musa Auyo 

Hormones influence a considerable percentage of our behaviours and physical appearance. If we say our hormones are what make us, we won’t be exaggerating. Yet we hardly discuss it; thus, only a few know about it or believe in it.

Hormones regulate critical bodily functions such as metabolism, blood pressure, growth, reproduction, and mood. Even small changes in hormone levels can significantly impact our health, affecting everything from sleep and energy to appearance and cognitive function.

I’ve summarised the explanation in the most straightforward language possible so that I wouldn’t suffocate you with medical jargon. As promised, this outing is about male hormones…Finally.

Puberty in boys, typically starting between ages 9 and 14, is driven by hormonal changes, mainly testosterone. This triggers physical changes like increased sweating, acne, voice deepening, growth spurts, and the onset of sexual attraction. Emotionally, boys may experience mood swings, irritability, and seek independence.

Because they sweat a lot due to changes in their hormones and physical activities, they are bound to smell. This is one of the best times to ensure that they master personal hygiene, as they’re too old to be bathed by their mothers. Do this, and his wife will thank you later.

Teenage boys should learn about Islamic teachings on wet dreams and ritual baths. They should also learn about weekly shaving, the use of deodorants and perfumes, proper bathing, and washing underwear and sportswear as regularly as possible. 

At this crucial stage, parental support is vital. Don’t ignore and assume that boys don’t need attention and sympathy. They need it as much as their female counterparts. Parents should be patient, encourage open communication, set healthy boundaries, and model empathy. Ensure a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep (at least 8 hours).

This is the phase when boys are likely to succumb to peer pressure and are likely to experiment on good, bad, and ugly, as they are fearless and careless. Parents should pay attention and make efforts to curb the impact of peer pressure, sexual attraction, and risky behaviours by monitoring their (a) friends, (b) how they use social media, (c) discussing the consequences of actions and inactions, and, (d) most importantly, prayers and setting a positive example. 

Parents should also promote emotional intelligence by having heart-to-heart talks with their male children, validating their feelings, and encouraging open expression. This gesture will go a long way in teaching them about expressing their feelings, listening to others, and communication in general.

Puberty is a crucial stage in a boy’s life, shaping both his body and mind. With patience, understanding, and the proper guidance, parents can help their sons navigate this period confidently, setting the foundation for healthy adulthood.

Men’s hormone levels stabilise in early adulthood, peaking in testosterone around age 20 and growth hormone around 25. After age 30, testosterone decreases by 1% annually, and growth hormone declines by 2-5% every five years. Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” and melatonin, which regulates sleep, become important for well-being.

During fatherhood, testosterone may drop, potentially reducing aggression and libido. In midlife, decreases in aldosterone and growth hormones can affect blood pressure and muscle mass. In late life, low testosterone impacts sperm quality and fertility. Ageing men should also monitor glucocorticoid and insulin levels, as imbalances can affect metabolism, memory, and diabetes risk.

Let me share some fundamental secrets with you. While women’s hormonal rollercoasters are quite pronounced, men’s hormone levels are mostly stable. However, the productivity, compassion, and cooperation of a boy-cum-man are boosted when they feel accepted, respected, appreciated, admired, and validated. 

Lack or shortage of the abovementioned elements will make a man’s emotions unpredictable. It will trigger reactions similar to women experiencing hormonal changes and mood swings.

We need to know how to treat the male gender with these measures from childhood. It’s the only way to get them to do what is desired of them. Naturally, that’s how our Creator made them. 

Being treated with respect and admiration will make a man (and a boy) drop his ego and defences without even knowing it. (Just like how love and caring open a woman’s heart and make her drop defences). Au, na tuna, this outing is for za other gender ko? LOL!

Anyway, as wives and mothers, knowing this will go a long way in helping us in our relationships with husbands, male children, and the other gender in general.

Aisha Musa Auyo is a Doctorate researcher in Educational Psychology. A wife, a mother, a homemaker, caterer, parenting, and relationship coach. She can be reached via aishamuauyo@live.co.uk.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a public clarification regarding its earlier statement on Starlink’s subscription price hike, stating that it was released in error.

Initially, the NCC expressed surprise at Starlink’s announcement of new subscription rates in Nigeria, asserting that the company had not obtained regulatory approval for the price increase.

The Commission acknowledged that while Starlink had submitted a request for a price review, a decision had not yet been made.

The original statement also alluded to potential regulatory infractions under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003.

However, the NCC now clarifies that the previous statement was premature and has urged all media outlets to retract any related publications.

Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, stated, “We request that all media platforms kindly withdraw the previously issued statement on Starlink’s price hike, as it was issued in error.”

He further asked those who published the statement to remove it from their platforms.

The NCC remains dedicated to ensuring regulatory stability and creating a favorable environment for investment in the telecommunications sector, especially as stakeholders continue to call for a review of tariffs to encourage further investment.

The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the media and apologizes for any confusion or inconvenience caused by the earlier release.

By Uzair Adam

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the federal government will no longer provide subsidies for Hajj pilgrims starting in 2025.

In previous years, pilgrims benefited from a concessionary exchange rate offered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), allowing them to purchase dollars at a lower rate.

With the naira currently at N1,650 to the dollar, pilgrims are expected to pay nearly N10 million for the Hajj fare, given that the minimum cost is around $6,000.

Although the official fare for the 2025 pilgrimage is yet to be confirmed, some State Pilgrims Welfare Boards have already started asking for an initial deposit of N8.5 million from intending pilgrims.

NAHCON also announced a refund of 64,682 Nigerian pilgrims (equivalent to 150 Saudi Riyals) who participated in the 2023 Hajj.

This was disclosed during a virtual meeting between NAHCON officials and Private Tour Operators (PTOs) on October 7, 2024.

The meeting also highlighted a reduction in the number of approved PTOs for the 2025 Hajj, with Saudi Arabia cutting the figure from 20 to 10, and each operator required to register at least 2,000 pilgrims for visa approval.

NAHCON also addressed a refund of over SR62,000 (N26.9 million) owed to PTOs for substandard feeding arrangements during the 2022 pilgrimage, while clarifying that it received N2.75 billion from 110 PTOs for the 2024 Hajj and still holds a balance of N750 million from undecided operators.

Operators who initially paid a cash deposit of N40 million as a cautionary measure for the 2025 Hajj now have the option to submit a bank guarantee instead.

By Uzair Adam

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the persistent level of violence against children in Nigeria, citing new studies that indicate the situation remains alarming.

UNICEF’s Child Protection Manager in Nigeria, Mona Aika, made this known during the opening of a two-day forum on ending violence against children, held in Abuja on Monday.

She revealed that about 6 out of 10 children in Nigeria experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence before the age of 18, while only 5 percent of reported cases receive the necessary support and services.

Aika emphasized that Nigeria is making efforts to address the issue through the INSPIRE framework, which includes enforcing laws, eliminating harmful social norms like gender discrimination, female genital mutilation, and child marriage, and creating safer environments for children.

The Solicitor-General of the Federation, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, echoed these sentiments, stressing that a comprehensive approach involving all stakeholders is necessary to combat violence against children.

She reiterated the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting cases of violence, including crimes against girls who were affected by Boko Haram.

Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, Director of the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department, described the forum as a preparatory step ahead of the global summit in Bogota, Colombia.

She highlighted the determination to shift from merely discussing the issue to taking concrete actions to protect children.

The stakeholders’ forum marks another step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to confront and reduce violence against its children.

By Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB)

It is widely recognised across Kano State that the 44 LGA Day Technical Schools have been abandoned and remain under incomplete construction. These schools were established in 2012 during the second tenure of former Governor Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. 

The initial progress on these schools was swift under Kwankwaso’s administration. However, the subsequent government, led by former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, halted the continuation of the project.

The abandonment of these schools has not only led to their physical decay but also created opportunities for theft and vandalism, with some individuals stealing materials from the school premises. The neglected sites have also become hubs for illicit activities, posing a threat to the safety and well-being of the surrounding communities.

It is crucial to bring this matter to the attention of His Excellency, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, the current Governor of Kano State. Your commitment to advancing education in both urban and rural areas, particularly through the construction of classroom blocks, the reduction of registration fees for higher education institutions, and the provision of postgraduate scholarships, is commendable and has garnered praise from Kano residents and visitors alike.

During your 2019 and 2023 gubernatorial campaigns, you pledged to resume work on the 44 LGA Day Technical Schools. I respectfully appeal to your administration to take swift action to complete these schools. By doing so, you will transform these temporary sites into permanent institutions, ensuring they fulfil their original purpose and preventing further loss of valuable materials.

Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB) wrote from Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano.

By Zainab Haruna Shittu

The economic downturn in Nigeria has reached alarming proportions, leaving no one unscathed. The youth, particularly university students, face unprecedented hardships. Financial constraints, food insecurity, and limited access to resources have become the norm for many Nigerian university students.

Research has shown that economic hardship profoundly impacts students’ academic performance and mental health. A National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) study reveals that poverty and hunger are major factors contributing to students’ poor academic performance. Similarly, a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlights the devastating effects of food insecurity on students’ mental health.

For many students, the struggle is personal. “Academic pressure mounts, but hunger weighs heavier. I’m constantly worried about where my next meal will come from,” confesses a 21-year-old student who wished to remain anonymous.

Another student echoes this sentiment. “I struggle to focus in class because I’m constantly worried about where my next meal will come from. My parents’ hard work doesn’t pay enough to sustain us, leaving me hungry and stressed. The toll on my mental health is overwhelming,” shares a 20-year-old university student.

To mitigate the effects of economic hardship on university students, policymakers and stakeholders must prioritise education and food security. This requires collaborative efforts, including government support for education and food programs, increased scholarships and financial aid, improved access to mental health resources, and community-based initiatives for food security.

Nigeria’s economic woes have far-reaching consequences, affecting various sectors, including education. University students deserve support and resources to thrive. It is imperative that we prioritise their well-being and future.

Zainab Haruna Shittu wrote from Bayero University, Kano, via harunazainabshittu7567@gmail.com. 

By Mukhtar Ibrahim

Alhaji Umaru Hadejia, a septuagenarian, cries out and looks for justice, after he had been unlawfully detained together with his 5 children by the state security forces.

According to Umaru, his arrest was allegedly orchestrated by the current state minister of defense, Matawalle, who ordered for their arrest without them commiting any offence.

In a letter obtained by TDR, Umaru Hadeja lamented and explained that; he, together with his five sons, were detained unlawfully by the IG of police.

“I, along with my five children (Bashir, Bello, Mahmud, Abubakar and Ahmad) have been
unlawfully detained without any warrant of arrest and without any charge levied against us at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) unit in Abuja by the Inspector General of Police under the directive of the Minister of State (Defence) Bello Matawalle since yesterday 30th September, 2024 at around 6pm.”, He said.

He further said “The previously spurious allegations against Bashir by the Inspector General of Police and
the Minister of State (Defence) Bello Matawalle, which were widely circulated in the social media were found to be false because the Police investigations themselves did not find any cause to charge Bashir to court. Up to now, the Police could not charge Bashir on any of those allegations.”

“Despite this, the Police could not release Bashir, which then forced us to go to court to secure his release and enforcement of his fundamental human rights. Upon which the court granted bail and ordered for his release on the 5th of September 2024. Still, the Police refused to release Bashir until the 25th September 2024.”

“However, I and my above-named children are still being illegally detained by the Inspector General of Police under the directive of the Minister of Defence (State) Bello Matawalle without warrant of arrest and any charge against us.
I fear for our lives and safety.”

Initially, it was a son of Alhaji Umaru, named Bashir, who was arrested by officers from the Police Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) and Force Intelligence Department-Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), but later, the father and other family members were also arrested when they attempted to seek for his release.

Federal prosecutors are accusing Bashir (the son) of “treason, subversion against the state” and playing a role in the sponsorship of the nationwide hunger protests in the first week of August.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant stride in enhancing its air surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B aircraft.

This move is part of Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s efforts to revitalize the NCS airwing operations. 

The Cessna Grand Caravan, registered as 5N-BAA, is a rugged and versatile aircraft, ideal for border security operations in Nigeria, thanks to its ability to operate on remote airstrips.

It is also fitted with the modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system, enabling operations under day, night, and low-visibility conditions. Powered by the reliable PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine, the aircraft has a six-hour aerial endurance and can carry 10 officers. 

CGC Adeniyi hailed the acquisition as a “game-changer” for the NCS Airwing, enhancing air surveillance and border patrol capabilities. “This aircraft will be a game-changer for the Nigeria Customs Services’ Airwing. Its ability to carry 10 officers, coupled with its six-hour aerial endurance, will significantly enhance our capacity for air surveillance and border patrol,” he stated.

The aircraft will play a crucial role in detecting smuggling routes, deploying armed personnel, and providing swift support for ground operations. 

According to CGC Adeniyi, the acquisition aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. “With this aircraft, we will strengthen our air border patrol capabilities, which will not only help us intercept illegal activities but also provide quick extraction support when necessary,” he explained. 

Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, Aircraft Operations Coordinator and Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, praised the acquisition as a milestone for the NCS aviation unit.

“With this aircraft, the Nigeria Customs Service is poised to revitalize its air border patrol activities, securing our borders more effectively and improving revenue generation for both the Service and the nation,” he stated.

The acquisition of the Cessna Grand Caravan is expected to provide significant tactical advantages to the Nigeria Customs Service, tightening border security and sending a clear signal to economic saboteurs that the Service is better equipped than ever to combat smuggling activities.