By Aisha M Auyo

Love, it is popularly said, makes the world go round. This implies that the presence of love engenders harmony, peace, and tranquillity in relationships.

As the nucleus of the family, which in turn is the pivot of human society, it is very important that true or genuine love exists between the two people who live together as a couple, as in husband and wife.

Do you know the concept of love language? Do you know your love language? Do you know your partner’s love language?

Knowing about these will solve most of the issues that usually rock marriages and our relationships with others.

Love language is defined as a person’s characteristic means of showing affection or care for another. It can also be portrayed as how a person prefers to express love to—and receive it from—a partner. 

If you doubt your partner still loves you, know you are not alone. The fact is, you might be speaking a different love language from that of your partner. 

Relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman created the concept of love languages in his book The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. 

The book explains that to ensure a healthy relationship, it is essential to identify and use your partner’s love language. This will help eliminate miscommunication and allow for a more understanding, harmonious couple. The following are some points to know about love languages to help you on the road to a healthier relationship.

There are five types of love languages: 

1. Words of affirmation.

When words of affirmation are your love language, words build you up. You thrive on spoken affection, praise, encouragement, and compliments. Harsh words and criticism irk and can bother you for a long time.

2. Acts of service.

As a woman, anything your partner does willingly to ease your workload is a sign of love to you. You feel cared for when, for instance, your partner vacuums (or sweeps) before you get to it or makes you breakfast as a surprise. On the other hand, broken promises or laziness can make you feel unimportant.

3. Receiving gifts.

When you speak this love language, a thoughtful (special) gift shows you that you are special. In contrast, generic gifts and forgotten special events have the opposite effect. This love language is not necessarily materialistic – it could be as simple as receiving your favourite snack after a bad day.

4. Quality time.

To you, nothing says you’re loved like undivided attention. When your partner is genuinely present (not looking at their phone, laptop or TV), it makes you feel important. Failure to actively listen or long periods without one-on-one time can make you feel unloved.

5. Physical touch.

Holding hands, kisses, hugs, and other tender touches are your preferred ways to show and receive love. Appropriate touches convey warmth and safety, while physical neglect can drive a wedge between you and your partner. 

Generally, men are people of action, while women thrive on words. If a woman disrespects a man, doesn’t obey his orders, or talks to him disparagingly, it is usually very difficult to convince that man that she loves him, even if she does.

 If you, as a man, spend time, resources, and efforts to make life easier for a woman and make no effort to tell her sweet nonsense, trust me, you may not win her heart. On the other hand, a playboy, with few spoken words like, ‘I love you’ or ‘you’re beautiful’, will win her heart in no time.

 Although some women may be materialistic and prefer gifts and money, some men, too, may prefer a voluptuous or sophisticated woman to a submissive, uneducated one. The examples are endless.

How love languages can improve your relationships

Most of us have one or two preferred love languages – often different than our significant other’s. If you express your love through your preferred love language, the chances are that it goes unnoticed by your partner.

For example, if your love language is gifts, and you often surprise your partner with thoughtful gifts, how does it make you feel when they just have a quick look at your thoughtful present? Meanwhile, your partner hardly values gifts but appreciates acts of service. It would mean the world to them if you did chores around the house instead of buying gifts. So you and your partner won’t feel loved, as there is a difference between what one gives and what the other wants to receive.

Many women complain that their men are not romantic: no hugs, pecks, or holding hands. Some frown at their women when they initiate any of these gestures. Some men find it hard to vocalise their feelings, such as “I love you”, “I miss you”, “you are beautiful”, and “You smell nice” appear to be very difficult for some men. “Allah Ya yi miki albarka” is difficult for some men. The issue here is a difference in love language between the couples. 

If these men go out of their way to provide for the family and make you comfortable, then to them, they’re communicating that they love you. If your man is interested in what you do, listen to your small and big talks, even if he doesn’t say a word, it means he cares about you.

My sister, if your man hardly comments on your clothes or outfits, it means he values your character and personality more than your looks. But if he’s so inclined to your physical appearance, it means you should pay much more attention to how you look than how you behave.

My brother, I know it’s a man’s nature not to vocalise what you feel, but your woman needs to know your love language to please you. Know your love language and communicate it accordingly. Also, try and get to know hers.

Some women love gifts, but this doesn’t mean they’re materialistic. Even if it’s something small, the thought matters to them. She will be happy and submissive. 

Some women love to hear sweet nonsense. These kinds of women do not care about your gift as much as they care about your attention and affection. If your woman is of this type, men, your wealth or gift will not mean much to her. Lack of attention makes her feel unloved.

In conclusion, speaking your partner’s preferred language can drastically strengthen your relationship. Relate with your partner in their love language, not yours, for a better and more fulfilling relationship. Let me stop here.

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

Author: Richard Eaton

Number of Pages: 489

Date of Publication: 2019

Publisher: University of California Press

In case you’re too lazy to read the book, it is all about the time when Islam was the dominant ruling religion in the Indian subcontinent from the sociopolitical, economic and military perspectives.

This is a very interesting book that, according to the author, challenges some preconceived narratives and stereotypes on the complex interactions between India and the Persian-speaking world during the medieval period.

The book takes a long view of the political dynamics of the Persianate age, discussing the emergence of the Mughal empire, its spread and culmination, and its interplay with other contemporary gunpowder empires: the Ottoman and the Safavid.

Naturally, any discussion on the emergence of the Mughal Empire must include a historical look at Timur, a controversial figure whom I believe many Western authors, unfairly criticize. Of course, there was an entire chapter dedicated to Abu al-Muzaffar Muhi-ad-Din Muhammad Bahadur Alamgir Aurangzeb Badshah al-Ghazi, under whose 49-year reign the Mughal empire reached its peak in terms of glory and geographical extent.

The author builds the bulk of his arguments upon a very deep historical background, and he closely examines the role of Persianate age in shaping religious and intellectual developments in India.

He also discusses the impact of Sufism on Indian society and explores how Persian texts played a crucial role in the spread of Islamic mysticism across the subcontinent. This way, the book provides insights into the assimilation of Persianate cultural practices into Indian religious traditions, such as the development of Persian-influenced styles of devotional poetry in languages like Urdu.

The author, Richard Eaton is an American historian at the University of Arizona.

Shamsuddeen Sani wrote from Kano, Nigeria.

By Garba Sidi 

Patriotism is something any good citizen of a particular society must practice. Anyone who has no interest in the development of where they were born knows nothing. If we all care more about where we came from and do whatever we can to benefit our society, our lives would be on a great path. That wouldn’t happen without loving society and its people.

As it has been said many times, Hadejia has witnessed the leadership of many politicians as local government chairmen. Still, no one has seen half of what the current chairman, Honourable Abdulkadir Bala Umar, has put on the ground for the development of the people and the town.

Sadly, since the beginning of His Excellency Muhammad Namadi (Dan Modi), the current Governor who won the primary election for the APC and beat his running mate after the secondary election from the PDP, Mustapha Sule Lamido, rumours have circulated that he’s going to step down all chairmen and replace them with his allies, even though the law has already been verified to allow three-year terms, unlike before. Before the end of the reign of former Governor Muhammad Badaru, a bill was signed for an additional year for chairmen’s terms, for which all processes were completed and assigned.

We, the people of Hadejia, don’t support that idea. That’s why I want to bring attention to His Excellency and think deeply before taking that action. If, as you have said many times, you came to get what’s needed for the state and the development of the state is what’s on your agenda, prove it by letting Honourable Abdulkadir Bala Umar rule for a second term because he’s the one Hadejians need to continue developing the town.

They gave you one hundred per cent support during the campaign. They spent their wealth, time, and effort just for you to secure the position. Who could do that to someone they see as a rival? Only those close to you are trying to lead you down the wrong path, which may not bring you anything good in the end. He’s ruling us, and we like his ways, and it is not against anything if you let him rule for a second term.

We don’t need change in Hadejia.

Garba Sidi wrote via sidihadejia@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has inaugurated a new tactical team, Operation Whirlwind, aimed at combating the smuggling of petroleum products to neighbouring countries. 

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, CGC Adeniyi stated the crucial role the team will play in protecting the nation’s economy from the adverse effects of smuggling petroleum products.

“Economic saboteurs must be brought to justice,” he declared. The team, which was set up to curb smuggling, particularly of petroleum products diverted to neighbouring countries, will undergo a workshop to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out their mission. CGC Adeniyi highlighted the significance of the workshop and the strategic importance of the new operation.

“This is not a task force or the setting up of checkpoints,” he clarified.

“This is an intelligence-driven operation that will support the political will at the highest level. Our dedication and loyalty must not be compromised. There will be serious consequences against whoever acts against this mission. There is zero tolerance for sabotage.” 

The team was urged to work together to achieve their mission, with CGC Adeniyi stressing that “you were selected because you can do the job. Your coordinator’s record is impeccable, and your assignment can’t succeed without you working as a team. You are to complement the existing structure. You are not going as competitors; you are going to fight people sabotaging our efforts.” 

The Director of Legal Services is scheduled to educate the team on the proper procedures for filing seizures, ensuring that all legal aspects of their operations are handled correctly. 

The inauguration of Operation Whirlwind marks a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against smuggling and economic sabotage.

As the team prepares to embark on their mission, the Comptroller-General of Customs asserts that the expectation is clear: to protect Nigeria’s economic interests with unwavering dedication and integrity.

By Fatihu Ibrahim

Sometimes, our directionless life in Nigeria amazes me. Although we were once ruled by British colonists, we adopted the American presidential system, which is not only costly but also ineffective for our country.

With a heavy heart, I reflect on the recent dethronement of the 15th Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero. This event marks yet another instance where the government of Kano State has seemingly exercised its power dictatorially. Aminu was dethroned for no reason other than his association with the Ganduje administration. There was no justification for this action other than political disagreements and personal enmity.

This is the second time this government has taken action that deeply affects me. The first was the demolition of business buildings at the Eid praying ground, which caused the loss of billions of Naira worth of properties. This act indiscriminately affected nearly everyone in the Kofar Wambai market, regardless of political affiliation.

Some might argue about Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s dethronement, which I also believe was wrong. However, at least there were allegations against him, whether true or false. In Aminu’s case, there was no such basis. He has tried to stay out of the political drama, avoiding the turmoil.

One wrong cannot right another. The most troubling aspect of this saga is how quickly the House acted, from proposing the motion to passing the verdict, in stark contrast to the usual legislative process. I recall advocating for gender-based violence laws in Kano State, which took months, if not years, to pass. The double standard is glaring.

The House of Assembly should focus on pressing issues. Our children have performed poorly in the SSCE qualifying exams, and our education system is dire, especially in primary and secondary schools. While I commend the governor for declaring a state of emergency on education, more must be done. Our universities are burdened with a 600 million Naira debt. Yet, the administration is spending 2.7 billion Naira on exotic cars for assembly members, ignoring the plight of the masses who elected them.

Ironically, the member who proposed the dethronement motion has no significant achievements. Many people who share his political affiliation vote for him out of blind loyalty to the party. It’s time we recognise the importance of voting for suitable candidates, regardless of their political views.

Yesterday, it was Sanusi; today, it’s Aminu. Who knows what will happen tomorrow? This cycle of dethronement could continue, with each governor bringing in their emir. What will become of our traditional institutions? Kano is renowned as one of the best Emirates in West Africa, if not the world. If this continues, can we still boast of being the Kano we once were?

Conflicts between the government and the emirate are not new; they date back to the colonial era and span various regimes. The government should find a way to resolve differences with traditional institutions without resorting to dethronement, preserving our history.

Perhaps someday, a governor will return the emirship to the HABE, the original heirs to the throne. There are still descendants of Muhammadu Rumfa and Sarki Muhammad Alwali, the last Hausa king. This, however, is a story for another day. Before anyone questions my loyalty or faith, I am a proud descendant of one of Shehu Dan Fodio’s flag bearers, making me Fulani by genealogy from the Kuninkawa clan.

May Allah bless Kano and its people. May we continue to lead in the political sphere in the north and Nigeria at large.

God bless Nigeria.

Fatihu Ibrahim wrote via fisabbankudi123@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Kano State Police Command has announced its commitment to upholding a federal court order that prohibits the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano. 

In a press briefing held at the Bompai command headquarters on Saturday, Commissioner of Police Usaini Gumel assured that the command and its sister agencies would ensure peace and stability in the state, warning that anyone attempting to incite violence or disrupt public order would be dealt with decisively. 

The court order, granted by Justice A.M. Liman of the Federal High Court on Thursday night, restrains the Kano State Government from reinstating Emir Sanusi II, who was deposed in March 2020.

The order was issued despite Justice Liman’s reported absence from the country, currently being in the United States. 

The case was filed by Aminu Babba-Dan’Agundi, a traditional title holder, and Sarkin Dawaki Babba, who sought the court’s intervention to prevent the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi II. 

The police command’s vow to enforce the court order comes amidst heightened tensions in the state, with many fearing a potential outbreak of violence over the emirate dispute.

Commissioner Gumel’s warning serves as a clear message to those who may attempt to disrupt the peace, stating the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order in Kano State. 

As the situation continues to unfold, residents and observers alike are closely watching the developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the emirate tussle.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the dethroned Emir of Kano, has returned to the ancient town and taken up residence in a palace in Nassarawa, fueling confusion and tension.

His return came in the early hours of Saturday, when his aircraft landed at Aminu Kano International Airport at around 4:30 am.

Upon his arrival, Bayero was greeted by a large crowd of supporters, who chanted verses from the Holy Quran, including Surah Al-Fatihah: “It is You we worship and You we ask for help.”

His convoy then made its way through the city, eventually arriving at the mini-palace in Nassarawa, where he has taken up residence.

Meanwhile, Sanusi II has taken over the traditional Gidan Rumfa palace, which has been the seat of the Emir of Kano for centuries.

Both palaces are now under heavy security cover, as the situation remains tense and uncertain.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has ordered the immediate arrest of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, accusing him of creating tension in the state with his return to the city. 

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the former Emir was secretly brought into Kano City on the night of May 24, 2024, in an attempt to forcefully return to the palace just two days after being deposed by the governor. 

The statement further revealed that the new Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, arrived at the palace in the company of the Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker of the State Assembly, and other top government officials at around 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024. 

As the Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Abba Yusuf has directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the deposed Emir with immediate effect for disturbing public peace and attempting to disrupt the relative peace enjoyed by the state.

By Nusaiba Ibrahim

For over a year, I have been working alongside other creatives in my department after I assumed my role as a content writer and website manager with a higher education institution. The department in which we work is formally referred to as the Media and Communication Department, but somehow, maybe before I joined, it became known as the Creative Department.

Whenever we attend a meeting, we are termed the creatives. Only along my journey did I realise that two or three of the team members had undergone degrees in disciplines that had little or no bearing on the creative industry. The team—a social media manager, a content writer or website manager, a graphic designer, a motion designer, and a creative support staff member—has one thing in common: we possess skill sets that are within the creative industry. Yet, we all have degrees.

During our usual chitchats, I realised that the social media person I had met was a history graduate with a second degree in the same field. He’s doing wonderfully well today in Lagos because of his exquisite skills as a brand marketer and manager. The new staff member who assumed the role is a biology graduate; the motion designer studied industrial design; the graphic designer and I studied mass communication; and the creative support staff studied quantity survey and obtained a postgraduate diploma in the same field.

From the faculty to operational staff to even students, the creative department comprises geniuses skilled in producing exceptional creative pieces that would be admired by the university’s community and beyond. Hence, the department is admired by many. Simple casual discussions with students and staff, whether in or out of the office, never ended without passionate statements like “I will stop by to learn one or two things” or “I’ll come to learn a few things.”

When I was putting this piece together, a faculty member, a friend of the creative department, had come in to drop a request. While going out of our office, he was tempted to read the title of the article. He read it carefully and said, “I think I disagree with you. I am of the opinion that skills are better than degrees.” I turned and tried to explain that the topic didn’t mean degrees were superior to skills or vice versa. They could be used to complement each other when necessary.

This particular faculty member only left me with more thoughts about the debate. He’s a faculty member with a B.Sc. and Master’s degree in International Relations and is very much appreciated by the institution due to his expertise in teaching. He is yearning for a skill set. I understand he must not have realised he could do well as a public speaker, as that is what he’s most notable for. Hence, he didn’t value his proficiency in public speaking, which is now widely applauded. Later that day, he came into our office to further explain his passion for learning graphic design or motion design.

With these current debates, which have awakened people’s desire to invest more in skill sets, I think we are on the path to building the future we’d envisioned to be far. We are getting closer to a better Nigeria. Nonetheless, you might still need a solid foundation from degrees that will familiarise you with values and etiquette that will propel your career.

I’d say this regarding the book title by Prof. Pantami, ‘Skills rather than Just Degrees’, that stirred the Arewa atmosphere a week ago (which I haven’t read). I’m only saying this based on the evident experiences of the revered scholar and the book title. Sheikh Pantami possesses three degrees: a B.Sc., an M.Sc., a Ph.D., and other academic qualifications. He is also a distinguished Islamic scholar who has been lauded adequately due to his skills in teaching Islamic education through his exceptional preaching.

To showcase the relevance of having both, the Sheikh used his wealth of technology experience to serve as a minister and accepted a professorial award (which has generated so much back-and-forth). In the process of serving as one of the ministers under former President Buhari, he definitely acquired more administrative and political skills, making his career stronger.

So you see, the title wouldn’t have become a bone of contention if people had realised the Sheikh was writing to explain the benefits of obtaining both, but just a little bit of emphasising skills. But works of art unleashed on the world are open to criticism. This is something authors and artists cannot control; hence, the Sheikh faced reactions due to his publications.

One of the things I’ve learned amid other creatives is skills and academic upgrades. I tell you, we’ve learned so much from each other. We often see ideas from similar perspectives when it comes to designs, motion graphics or writing. Three out of four yeses is always a pass for any content. We have become part of one another’s journey and a great team. Despite our skill-based engagements, we’d encourage one another to further our degrees.

Whether you have skills or degrees or both, use what you have to get what you want in life. With degrees, you can pursue a particular area of interest and gain something extraordinary. Likewise, with skills, you can also realise your potential. So, the big idea is to use any of the two to gain something beneficial for yourself.

Nusaiba Ibrahim Na’Abba wrote from Kano. She can be contacted via nusaibaibrahim66@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State House of Assembly has repealed the Kano State Emirate Councils Law, which had established five new emirates in Kano, Gaya, Karaye, Rano, and Bichi during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The law’s repeal, following its third reading on Thursday, has elicited mixed reactions among Kano residents.

The abrogated law will require district heads who were elevated or appointed under it to revert to their previous positions.

When the law was initially established in 2019, there were fears that it might politicize the traditional emirate system.

Kano residents expressed their opinions on social media, with some viewing the repeal as a politically motivated move, while others saw it as a step towards restoring the integrity of the emirate council.

Critics of Ganduje’s administration argue that the creation of new emirates undermined the traditional system.

‘Every new government to bring with it new emir’

Dr. Ibrahim Siraj, a political analyst and lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, criticized the development, warning that it could lead to every new government appointing a new emir, thereby politicizing the emirate system.

“An interesting precedent has been set here in Kano: every change of government will bring with it a new emir and an entirely different emirate system,” he said.

He lamented that this could lead to numerous living but non-serving emirs, breaking the tradition of lifelong service.

Abdulyassar Abdulhamid expressed a broader concern, stating, “My concern is not about the emir’s removal or the installation of a new one. But a theory I have been nourishing for some time is giving way to reality.

“The struggle, the loudmouth(ness), the so talked-about intellectualism is about an excessive desire to be on a throne. Nothing more,” he added.

Ado Garba noted that those who supported the previous government’s decision to create new emirates were now seeing the repercussions.

“But because the majority of us are not sincere, they refused to see reasons. Now, here we are. Ganduje will never be forgiven by the good people of Kano,” he said.

Atiku Mu’amun Bello highlighted the anomaly of having one person potentially serving as both the 14th and 16th Emir of Kano.

“So we will just call him ‘former emir’ when he eventually leaves or is dethroned,” he added.

History repeats itselfUman Garba, reflecting on the historical context, stated, “There is nothing new on earth. Just history repeats itself. Let us simply accept the fate and move on.”

Abdulmalik Shu’aibu emphasized the importance of the emirate councils and questioned the motives behind the repeal by Governor Yusuf and Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

“If truly Governor Abba and Kwankwaso love Kano, they shouldn’t have underestimated the tremendous contribution by the emirate councils in the state,” he asserted.

Yusuf Umar Yaro described the repeal as political retaliation, arguing that it was not aimed at the development of the state or its people.

The repeal of the Kano State Emirate Councils Law has sparked significant debate, reflecting deep divisions over the role and politicization of traditional institutions in Kano.