By Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD

You will find some highly versatile members whose contributions drive their areas in every place. The Department of Chemical Engineering at ABU Zaria is no exception. I cannot imagine the department without Professor Atta’s services.

 Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering is among the PhD courses that ring the bell in the department, thanks to the delivery methods perfected by Prof.

Prof. designed his class with weekly assignments submitted before each session. Students take turns submitting and answering immediate follow-up questions, ensuring that even those copied must read. Adhering to this weekly activity is a Prof trademark except for unusual circumstances, keeping students engaged throughout the week. The more time one dedicates to a topic, the better one understands it.

There is also a group project where the class is divided into teams. Each team is assigned a research topic to develop into a term paper. This project often includes laboratory work, computational work, or both to publish a paper in a respected journal. Like the weekly assignments, group work is reported biweekly. The group leader makes a presentation, but each member contributes. Though it is challenging for a group of two or three to produce a paper during coursework, the skill that comes with that is priceless.

Then there is the industrial visit. Prof. Atta ensures that students make at least one visit to a process industry, particularly the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), to study chemical reaction units such as Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCCU) and fixed bed reactors. These academic excursions are vital for complementing student knowledge or, as Prof. puts it, making knowledge functional.

During our visit to the KRPC FCC unit, the chief operator unleashed the practical working principles of the process. At the same time, Prof. Atta facilitated the connection between theory and practice to us. The duo of Prof. and the experienced chief technician, a reservoir of experience, kept us on our toes until we wished to call it a day. A colleague turned to me and whispered, “Whenever a chemical reaction is being discussed, Dr. (then) can never have enough.”

Of course, this rigorous teaching approach doesn’t sit well with every student, but that never makes Prof. Atta take his foot off the gas. I was surprised at the end of the coursework when a colleague, who was in collusion terms with the course, declared, “I now understand modelling and simulation for the first time.” This is another reason one should not be deterred by complaints of those he is supposed to train. Trainees often want to avoid the process and jump to the achievement, so a trainer must stick with his gun; as they say, the end justifies the means.

A conducive environment is a major concern for research students in Nigeria. Simple tools like a weighing balance, pH meter, or glassware can affect and slow down research. To address these small but impactful issues, Prof. prepared a mini lab equipped with all basic and some analytical equipment. This lab includes a working area, a reading area, and lockers for everyone.

One day, an MSc student met me in the lab and, after his observations, declared, “You, Prof. students, are enjoying,” as if he would say I will join you. Still, to my chagrin, he confessed: I couldn’t join Prof. because I wasn’t serious enough to qualify to work with him.

Another major concern for postgraduate students is time. Many suffer from a lack of contact time and engagement with their supervisors. However, with Prof. Atta, the story is different. His office is a Mecca for PG students, with students queuing from morning to evening, each waiting for their turn.

 Of course, other significant issues that concern the nation and society pop up and are discussed. As a melting pot, the professor’s office allows free fall for ideas, but primordial affiliation has no place. Such gatherings of students, sometimes Professor colleagues, and visitors from various backgrounds are a rare opportunity not only to get a glimpse into diverse area research and technological trends but also to learn about others’ personal life journeys and ambitions. 

The professor’s dedication to academics is exemplary and worthy of emulation by young (and not-so-young) scholars. It will go a long way to facelift postgraduate study in Nigeria.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD, wrote via bilal4riid13@gmail.com. 

By Aisha Musa Auyo 

September is globally declared Sickle Cell Awareness Month.  The month is dedicated to raising awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD) and the challenges faced by those living with this inherited blood disorder. It serves as an opportunity to educate the public, promote early diagnosis, and advocate for better treatment options and research. 

The month also highlights the importance of genetic screening, support for patients and families, and increased funding to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by SCD. Through community events, health campaigns, and social media, advocates aim to bring attention to the urgent need for action and support for those impacted by sickle cell disease.

Today, I want to discuss sickle cell disease from a social and psychological perspective rather than a medical one. While I’m not a medical doctor, I’ll focus on the impact this condition has on families and individuals beyond the clinical aspects.

Anyone who knows me as a relationship coach knows that I deeply love and believe in love. I advocate for it passionately. However, when it comes to marriage, love is just one of many essential foundations. I’ll be very realistic here—there’s much more needed to make a marriage thrive. We’re all witnesses to the struggles and the painful moments of crisis of sickle cell sufferers. We know how their parents strain to cope with the financial demands at times of crisis.

For AS-AS couples who choose to look beyond their genotype and marry for love, the romantic vision they once had is often overshadowed by constant worry, fear, and apprehension. The looming possibility of having a child with sickle cell disease adds significant stress. After having children, the anxiety only deepens, with parents constantly fearing an impending crisis or managing one. This often results in the other children not receiving the care and attention they need, as the focus shifts primarily to the sick child.

Sometimes, the mother has to forfeit most of her dreams and aspirations because she’s always in and out of the hospital. I don’t want to mention the fear, horror, and pain they endure whenever their kids are in the hospital. The hospital becomes the second home of sickle cell kids with their parents. 

These parents hardly have any social life outside their homes and hospitals. The mothers, who are naturally more emotional, tend to be most affected by this.

Now, let’s discuss the pain and agony of sickle cell children. As much as I hate to write about it, we have to do it.  The pain experienced by a sickle cell patient is not only severe but often unpredictable. It can occur when least expected. 

The crisis stems from the sickle-shaped red blood cells that block blood flow, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues and causing intense pain. The pain can affect various parts of the body, particularly the bones, joints, chest, and abdomen. It can be acute (lasting hours to days) or chronic (persistent over time). The episodes are triggered by stress, dehydration, cold, or infections. The ensuing pain can be debilitating, leading to hospitalisations and significantly affecting the patient’s quality of life.

As these children grow older, many develop feelings of resentment toward their parents. They feel that their parents prioritised their desires over the potential suffering of their children. Every painful episode and crisis can remind you of choices made without fully considering the long-term consequences. This resentment stems from a sense of betrayal as they bear the physical and emotional toll of a decision that was not theirs. Parents often face this blame, which adds another layer of pain to an already difficult journey.

Parents in this situation are bound to carry the heavy burden of guilt and regret. Some marriages don’t survive the strain, leading to divorce, while others remain intact but with the painful decision to stop having children. 

I’ve seen firsthand the difficult choices couples make, including terminating multiple pregnancies because the babies were predicted to have sickle cell disease. It begs the question—why start down this path in the first place, knowing the potential heartache? No one should have to make these choices, and it’s a reminder of the importance of understanding genetic risks before taking that step.

Dear aspiring couples, Love, while beautiful, is not enough to withstand the many challenges that marriage brings. If both of you carry the AS genotype, I urge you to reconsider your relationship. There are many potential partners out there, and though it may be difficult, stepping away now could save you unimaginable heartache later. Trust me, it’s not worth the pain.

To couples already married with the AS genotype, please think carefully before bringing more children into the world. Consider the immense suffering that comes with sickle cell disease—for both you and your child. Spare them the pain and constant crises. Your love can be expressed in ways that protect their future.

Dear parents of children with sickle cell, my heart goes out to you. As a fellow parent, I can only imagine the trauma, pain, regrets, and difficult choices you face. The physical, financial, and emotional toll can feel overwhelming at times. 

Please remember that this is beyond your control, and you are doing your best for your child. Stay strong and lean on each other for support. Don’t hesitate to seek help from family, and make time for yourselves to recharge. Remember, there’s a life outside the hospital and home—try to socialise and find moments of joy. 

Connect with other parents who understand your journey, learn the best ways to care for your child, and never stop seeking knowledge. Above all, pray for Allah’s guidance and strength. You are not alone, and you will get through this.

Dear sickle cell warrior, please know your parents are deeply feeling your pain. They live with a mix of empathy and guilt, wishing they could take away your suffering. While they can’t change the course of destiny, they are sacrificing so much to ensure you have the care and support you need. Their love for you runs incredibly deep, often even more so because of the battles you face. If they could go back and change things, they would do so in a heartbeat. Always remember that your health and happiness mean the world to them.

The spread of the sickle cell genotype can end in a few generations when we intentionally avoid reproducing that genotype. It is a must for all of us to know our genotype before engaging in any serious relationship with the opposite gender. A stitch in time saves nine.

In my next post on this topic, I will discuss prevailing medical solutions in the management and treatment of sickle celldisease.

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 Sabiu Abdullahi 

Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity and Official Spokesperson, has stepped down temporarily to attend to a pressing family medical matter. 

In a statement released on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he had informed the Chief of Staff of his decision to take an indefinite leave of absence, effective immediately.

This move will see him pause his duties as Presidential Spokesperson, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen. 

Ngelale explained that the decision was made after consulting with his family due to a deteriorating medical situation at home.

He expressed hope to return to his roles when circumstances allow, but requested privacy for his family during this difficult time. 

The presidential aide stated, “I have submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence to address medical matters affecting my immediate family.”

He added, “I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.”

By Uzair Adam

Hope has been reignited in the minds of women entrepreneurs as the Chidoka family, through the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program, awarded N100,000 grants to ten female small business owners in honor of their late mother, Nneka Chidoka.

The Daily Reality reports that the grants were awarded on what would have been her 76th birthday, continuing her legacy of support for women and small businesses.

Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, announced the initiative in a Facebook post on Friday, September 6.

He invited female entrepreneurs with small teams of 2 to 5 staff, operating home-based or small-shop businesses with a daily turnover of less than N100,000, to signify their interest.

“She would have been 76 years old today,” Osita wrote. “Are you a female entrepreneur? Do you have between 2 and 5 staff? Do you operate from your house or a small shop? Is your daily turnover less than 100k? Are you a Mekaria Mentorship Program Attaché? The first five women to respond and meet these criteria will receive a message from the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program today.”

The response was overwhelming, with more than 50 women sharing their stories. Ten were selected based on the program’s criteria, receiving N100,000 each to support their businesses. One recipient, Nkechi Eze, a fashion designer, expressed her gratitude: “This support is a dream come true. It’s not just about the money; it’s about knowing someone believes in me and my business.”

The Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program, created in honor of Nneka Chidoka, who passed away in 2023 after a long battle with cancer, continues to promote her values of resilience, compassion, and community support. Led by her children, the foundation focuses on cancer awareness, screening, and treatment, as well as educational support for young people.

Since its inception, the program has screened over 2,000 women for cancer, provided free surgeries for more than 60 women, and supported over 1,000 individuals with various health interventions, including the distribution of corrective eyeglasses.

Additionally, during her memorial service, the program covered school fees for over 500 students in Obosi.

“Our mother’s life inspired us to be positive, considerate, and empathetic. The Outreach Program is a testament to her boundless strength and compassion,” said Osita Chidoka.

He also emphasized that the program is more than charity, reflecting his mother’s core values of community strength, education, and accessible healthcare.

In a similar act of generosity, the Chidoka family last year provided cash grants to over 100 petty traders in Obosi, Ozubulu, and Ohafia, fulfilling their mother’s wish to support female-owned businesses as a way to alleviate family poverty.

By Uzair Adam

The Sokoto State Government has equipped the newly established Community Guard Corps with 20 Hilux vans and 710 motorcycles.

The vehicles were handed over on Thursday by Col. Abdul Usman (Rtd.), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, during a ceremony at the corps’ state headquarters.

The Daily Reality reports that the move was part of the government’s strategic efforts to address rising security concerns in the state.

Commanders from the 13 local government areas most affected by banditry were present to receive the vehicles.

Col. Usman highlighted that the provision of the vehicles aims to enhance the corps’ reach, particularly in remote areas of their communities.

He also stressed the need for responsible use, reminding the personnel that the vehicles are strictly for official purposes.

“These vehicles and motorcycles are not for personal use. The government has invested significantly in acquiring them, so ensure they are well-maintained and used appropriately,” he advised.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A shocking revelation came from the 44 Army Referral Hospital in Kaduna State, where over 200 soldiers injured in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and bandits are receiving medical attention.

Despite their sacrifices, these brave men and women claim they have been neglected by the Nigerian Army authorities, forced to pay for their own treatment and buy drugs out of pocket. 

One soldier, paralysed from the waist after being shot by Boko Haram terrorists, spoke out about the dire situation.

“We’re begging for help. We need assistance with our treatment, but the army has abandoned us. We’ve had to pay for our own surgeries, and no one has reimbursed us.” 

Another soldier echoed this sentiment, saying, “We’re helpless. We’re buying our own drugs, and the army is not supporting us the way they should. It’s like they’ve forgotten about us.” 

The soldiers also alleged that they have not received the special disability compensation they are entitled to, and that their welfare and treatment have been grossly neglected. 

Despite attempts to reach the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, for comment, there was no response. 

This reflects the plight of Nigeria’s injured soldiers and raises questions about the government’s commitment to supporting those who have risked everything to protect their country.

By Sa’adatu Aliyu

It was in the harmattan of December 2023. My siblings and I were at home when my elder sister, the firstborn, called to update us on her husband’s current state.

He had recently undergone surgery and was back home recovering with his family. I couldn’t tell whether she spoke calmly or sounded agitated when she called my brother on the phone. But as soon as he hung up, he said she told him that her husband’s sickness had resurfaced, and they were heading to the hospital.

Aside from my faith in God that everything would be fine, I remained calm because I believed it was normal for people to fall ill from time to time. Sometimes, the illness may be severe, and other times, it may not, but eventually, everything will be fine. I held onto this thought as I continued eating my plate of boiled yam.

But shortly after, my brother called back to ask what was happening, as anxiety was starting to get the better of him. I kept eating the soft yam with a sprinkling of oil and “yaji” while my brother waited for my sister to answer the phone.

“Ya rasu, he’s dead,” she said as soon as she picked up the phone. My brother then softly exclaimed, “From Allah we are and to Him is our return.”

Since I hadn’t considered the possibility of death in our family and had taken the illness lightly – I mean, I, too, have undergone surgery before – my brother’s words didn’t immediately make me think of death. But I couldn’t explain why my heart sank in terror despite my attempt to brush it off. However, I carefully got out of bed and went to the parlour to ask what was happening.

My brother told me that she said he had passed away. I said, “From Allah we are and to Him is our return,” knowing that after this, I wouldn’t return to eating my yam and that it would be a long night.

This was the only thing I had the strength to do. While I watched my younger siblings break into tears and the news spread to the rest of the world, I pretended to be strong. I wanted to be strong. I couldn’t wail like others. Despite being known as the emotional one in the house, I was unusually calm. I easily shed tears over the slightest pain, but I didn’t cry when I heard the news of my sister’s husband’s death, a man who had loved and treated us well.

Later, I realized it had been three to four months since I last saw him physically. I had been studying in my first year of master’s at university, and due to my health issues and other reasons, I couldn’t visit his house.

Afterwards, I realized I had let many memories of him slip away due to forgetfulness. When the announcement of his death came, I struggled to recall even his appearance. I don’t know if this is a form of betrayal. However, after time had somewhat eased our loss, I began to feel a little bereaved. At least I remembered that he fervently supported my writing and had confidence in my ability to succeed in the literary world.

Then, something gripped me. I felt hollow, like a bottomless abyss, suddenly doubting my ability to be the great writer he always praised. I felt like I had betrayed him. I couldn’t shed a tear, only once, and it was when I went to console my sister, and she expressed gratitude to her siblings for being there. Now, my dreams felt hollow, no longer worth pursuing. He called me “our writer” with delight in his eyes and pride in his voice.

However, perhaps I didn’t break down at his death news because I’ve learned to be a pillar for my family to lean on. Maybe I knew that showing blatant grief would break us all. But this death arrested me unexpectedly, making me exhibit a composure that felt real when it was just a mask. It stole my reason to pray consciously for him despite him being a loved one. It reinforced the reality of death as our eventuality and the need to move on, which I tried to do, perhaps too early.

However, I know the fatality of my emotions. Or perhaps I’d changed as a human being, embarrassed to be perceived as emotional, and had become so cruel and cold in this December harmattan because I’d been accused in the past by people I loved of being too emotional. Ever since maybe I’d subconsciously vowed never to show weakness in the face of adversity. Whatever it may be, now I know that I may never forgive those who have accused me of being too emotional because they’ve essentially succeeded in making me a little less compassionate and merciful.

And if this is just one of those things death does to people – causing them to evolve – then I’ve seen such change in my sister. After spending a month in her house during the mourning period, I saw her sometimes hiding her tears as she remembered her now late husband and sometimes reaching for her phone to place a call to her husband to ask for the location of something she couldn’t find in the house before she remembered he was no more. I’ve since noticed new things about her. She would hide her phone underneath the bed every night when she was about to sleep and ask if I did the same with my phone. “My husband always did that to keep away from robbers in case of a break-in,” she would look at me and say. I didn’t know what to tell her.

She cooked spaghetti differently from how we cooked in our house before she was married. She would say, “The foaming top of the ogbono soup must disappear before it’s ready to be eaten.” She did other things I’ll call strange, only because her husband did them. Sometimes, they were against my liking, but I reasoned that perhaps the death of a loved one altered us in ways I could not comprehend. Maybe she held on to those things, even though they sometimes felt strange – a museum of special memories of him that were quickly within reach.

Though I was numb for days after his death, it wasn’t until recently that I was able to pray for him consciously. I hope I’ll pay his rightful due to him, my fervent supporter. May Allah have mercy on him, amin.

Sa’adatu Aliyu is a writer from Zaria. She is currently pursuing an M.A. in Literature at Ahmadu Bello University, where she also works as a lecturer at the Distance Learning Centre. Her writing interests include Prose fiction and International politics. She can be reached at Saadatualiyu36@gmail.com.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

There is a massive call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore the petroleum subsidy. The ongoing 10-day “End Bad Governance” protest and the high prices of commodities and services are the result of the removal of fuel subsidies.

If President Ahmed Bola Tinubu does not plan to restore petroleum subsidies, the government must find another way to reduce the price of petroleum products, especially premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol. Petrol is the lifeblood of any nation. The social problems arising from the aftermath of petroleum subsidy removal are purely local issues that require theoretical and practical solutions. 

Sometimes, the government relies solely on experts who understand the problem from a theoretical perspective, forgetting the real players in the petroleum industry who understand the problem from all its angles: importation, depot loading, haulage, retailing, and manpower management.

Apart from the subsidy, there are other ways to drastically reduce the price of petrol. Tinubu should critically consider restoring the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF). Since it is a contributory fund, its source is principally the net surplus revenue recovered from oil marketing companies. The bridging claims paid to petroleum marketers automatically equalise petroleum prices throughout Nigeria while maintaining affordability.

Aquila’s innovative electronic business solution has eliminated any irregular distribution and claims of bridged regulated petroleum products. The Aquila project is an excellent electronic business solution designed to track the movement of petroleum products throughout Nigeria.

Though the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), budgetary provisions, and some economic reasons were the guiding principles that led Tinubu to remove subsidies and float the naira, sometimes national interests—security, economic, and social order—must be paramount. It’s purely a local problem that requires purely home-grown solutions.

Some countries painstakingly control the prices of petrol for national security. These countries often have uniform prices for petrol across the entire country. For example, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, Malaysia, Iran, and Venezuela. In most countries, national security overrides other considerations; the government has significant control over fuel pricing and distribution, often through subsidies or state-owned oil companies.

Take India, for instance. India controls petrol prices through market dynamics and government policies, such as daily price adjustments based on the international price of crude oil. The Indian government sometimes provides subsidies to control the prices of petroleum products. This helps keep the prices within a certain range and makes them more affordable for the general public.

The Indian government achieves this through the national oil companies Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). Another mechanism India uses in the price control measures to address inflation concerns, freight, and logistics is that the government can intervene directly by adjusting excise duties or providing relief to the oil marketers.

The Tinubu government should critically consider reintroducing the Petroleum Equalisation Fund. It would sharply reduce petrol prices, bring uniformity in prices throughout Nigeria, bring the 21 NNPC depots to life, restore many lost jobs, and double-check product quality.

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

By Uzair Adam

Sheikh Bashar Danfili, a prominent cleric in Sokoto State, has made a public plea for financial assistance following the kidnapping of six of his relatives by bandits.

The abduction occurred as the victims were en route to an undisclosed village in the state.

The Daily Reality reports that in a video shared on social media, Danfili detailed the harrowing situation.

The victims include a man, his mother, stepmother, two wives, and his sister.

He reported that the bandits have demanded a substantial ransom, which they are unable to meet.

Danfili described the grisly aftermath of the attack, noting that the bandits killed their driver and used his flesh to feed their dogs.

The cleric reiterated the urgency of the situation, as the bandits have set a deadline for the ransom payment and threatened to kill the captives if it is not met.

With limited resources and facing a dire situation, Danfili has reached out to the public for support, hoping to raise the necessary funds to secure his relatives’ release.

By Uzair Adam  

Residents of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State, affected by ongoing security challenges, have reported that terrorists are compelling locals to work on their farms.  

In an interview with Daily Trust, the residents recounted how the bandits are forcing the locals into hard labour on their farms.  

It was gathered that a terrorist leader reportedly seized over 20 bags of soybeans from farms in Allawa and nearby communities this year. 

During an emergency media briefing in Minna, Saidu Salihu, the Secretary of the Coalition of Shiroro Associations, called for the re-deployment of military forces to Allawa and surrounding areas.  

This, he said, would allow displaced residents to return to their farms.  Salihu explained that various terrorist groups have controlled these communities since soldiers withdrew from the area three months ago.  

He urged both federal and state governments to support local vigilante groups to protect the affected residents. 

He also requested compensation for those displaced and who have lost homes and livelihoods due to the continued attacks. Salihu also revealed that bandits have initiated negotiations with the local communities to facilitate their return.  

However, both the federal and state governments have not responded to these developments.

Abdullah Suleiman Erena, another resident, noted that insecurity in the area extends beyond banditry, involving groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Ansaru.  

He warned that if the government does not act urgently, these groups could create a more entrenched terrorist presence in the region. 

He described the situation as a growing terrorist ecosystem, noting how these groups force locals to farm and sell their produce on their behalf.  

Erena also highlighted the proximity of Shiroro to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which puts the FCT at increased risk. 

Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki expressed disappointment with the state government’s response, stressing the need for more decisive action.  

Also, Babangida Kudodo of the Lakpma Youth Forum mentioned that previous reports to the state government had led to little or no action, allowing the situation to worsen. 

Both men called for immediate steps to be taken to dislodge the terrorists from Shiroro LGA and protect the affected communities.