By Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim

Years ago, when visiting a prominent Hindu temple in Himachal Pradesh, India, an Indian coursemate became excited at the sight of a white man worshipping there. I asked why. She told me it was pretty reassuring to see someone you didn’t expect to share your belief practising it.

As I walk through sites in Madina, including the Prophet’s mosque, I see the faces of people from far and near, dressed differently and speaking various languages. People from all nooks and crannies of the world visit this holy city. I couldn’t help but recall and, somehow, share my friend’s feelings.

Without a doubt, Islam and Christianity, unlike and above many other religions, have universal appeal. I have also been to several parts of the world. However, seeing a sea of people of different skin colours, heights, and sizes worshipping in unison is stunning and soothing.

There is inflation globally, and poverty is also on the increase. Still, people troop to Mecca and Madina to perform Umrah, the lesser Hajj, as if it were free. For many Muslims, especially those who have never come here before, nothing is expensive.

Although the feeling is indescribable, I can mention just one: visualizing what you have (very likely) heard about all your life about Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions feels distinct and unique. It’s so serene and serendipitous – ma sha Allah.

May Allah accept our prayers and rescue our country, continent, and all that is beyond.

Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, who is a Nigerian working in Germany, is currently on lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia.

By Ibrahim Uba Yusuf, PhD

Trends in the Hausa Film Industry often divide the industry sharply across socio-political lines. Interactions and production have also not been exclusive to the political dynamics of Northern Nigeria or Kano in particular. However, the recent development requires caution to avoid a relapse into conflict and violence.

On January 28th, 2024, I saw a short video clip of a popular actor-cum-politician, Mustapha Badamasi Naburaska. In the video of about two minutes, the actor announced his intention to release a film that would depict the aftermath of the 2023 Kano State Governorship Petition from the Tribunal to the Supreme Court. In the video, the actor further announced his intention to portray an ‘old man and a musician’ in a negative light.

To complement his pledge, the actor released a poster of the intended film called Igiyar Zato on his Facebook page and other social media platforms. The poster contains the name of the producer and the photograph of the lead fictional character adorned with artificial grey beards just to reinforce the political figure he intends to mock. Mocking a politician is not my problem. It is purely a political affair.

I am not a card-carrying member of any political party but rather a researcher and public affairs analyst interested in teaching and conducting research relating to the Hausa Home Video Industry. In fact, my PhD thesis focused on ‘Hausa Home Videos and Peacebuilding in Northern Parts of Nigeria’. These, I believe, provided me with an opportunity to understand some nitty-gritty and make informed remarks about trends in the industry. It is useful to point out that this write-up is not intended to support or discredit any political group. The essence is to draw the attention of regulatory bodies to a danger that needs their urgent attention.

Firstly, my concern is the use of grey beards in the name of mocking an individual. While the announcement and content of the film may sound pleasing to some of his comrades and supporters, it will hoist a red flag if such content could pass the rigorous screening at the Kano State Censorship Board.

The Beard Issue

The beard issue has been a subject of ridicule during the build-up to the 2023 Guber Election in Kano State. A section of the campaigners used the beard impression to ridicule a particular contestant during their public campaigns. After the pronouncement by the apex court affirming the victory of Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf as the duly elected governor, members of his political party have been engaged in making skit performances in communities using the beard as a subject of emphasis. The skits were done in the name of celebration, to mimic the governorship candidate of the APC.

Igiyar Zato

Although the trailer of the film has not been released, if – at all – it is going to be produced and distributed, viewers and followers of Kano politics can easily predict scenes and the likely narrative it contains. From the different posters, viewers can deduce the direction, rationale and target group of the producer, Mustapha Nabraska. Of concern is the picture of Nabraska with a fictional grey beard. This depiction is a caricature of a recommended tradition of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Muslims may find this satire offensive, an act of irresponsibility and tantamount to rupturing the peace beingenjoyed in Kano State. Making jest at the Prophetic tradition, consciously or unconsciously, is forbidden. Sufficient is verse 65 of Suratul Tauba. While other scenes of the film might be valuable sources of analysis in the field of political communication, indeed, this depiction can likely provoke and create preventable chaos.

What does the Kano State Censorship Board Law say?

The law establishing the Kano State Censorship Board (KSCB) as a statutory regulatory body is not silent on what should be portrayed in films and home videos. The intended production contravenes the religious beliefs of the people of Kano. The film glaringly incorporates a form of amusement and deliberately alters the creation of Almighty Allah to mock an individual, which is not approved in Islam. In fact, these are yardsticks that some religious scholars used to engender their position on the illegality of popular culture.

The law, as it is, frowns at depictions in films that are not in tandem with the culture and tradition of the Kano people. Even though the law mandates all producers to submit their films to the Board for censoring after the completion of production, there is a need to amend that clause and mandate producers to share their ideas at the level of conceptualisation with the Board to be appropriately guided. It is left for the Board to decide what to do with the film if the producer decides to submit a copy before release.

Abba Al-Mustapha should Act!!!

In the interest of peace, the KSCB, under the leadership of Abba Al-Mustapha, should discontinue the promotion and production of the film at all costs. This is given the potential damages it could cause to the volatile situation in Kano. The Muslim community in Kano and beyond are saddened by this irrational depiction and public display, which directly affects a cherished symbol of the Prophet of Islam Muhammad (SAW). In the same way, you thwarted the distribution and sales of Queen Primer in Kano. Please act fast now.

The KSCB remains the beacon of hope in preserving the culture and religion of the people of Kano, and we hope that it will continue to do so without fear or favour. The Board should avoid politicisation and preferential treatment of members loyal to the government and deliberately make Kano a difficult terrain for actors and musicians who align with the opposition.

I urge the Board to assess the film on the scale of cultural and religious values and their attendant consequences to Kano State’s peace. Already, people are aggrieved and have been registering their displeasure, specifically on the fictional beard, as a subject of ridicule in the post’s comment section on Facebook and other social media platforms. Some comments are inflammatory and may likely throw the State into chaos.

This is the time of political healing and concentration on fulfilling the myriad of campaign promises. Any distraction is uncalled for. As such, there is a need for the Board to provide policy direction to actors and musicians who have become stakeholders in political campaigns on how to produce content devoid of promoting hatred, public ridicule and rupture.

Ibrahim Uba Yusuf, PhD, lectures at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, and is the Director of Communications, Advocacy, and Outreach at the Centre for Media, Policy, and Accountability (CMPA). He can be reached at ibrahim.mcm@unimaid.edu.ng.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Ali Nuhu, director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, has stressed the importance of prioritising quality in Nigerian filmmaking, citing its potential to elevate the country’s reputation on the global stage. 

In an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa, Nuhu showed the need for a significant improvement in the quality of Nigerian films, revealing that only a fraction, approximately 30–35%, currently meet the desired standard.

He stated that the target should be much higher, aiming for at least 70–75% of films to attain the desired quality level. 

Addressing this concern, Nuhu pledged to spearhead efforts to enhance education within the industry and provide filmmakers with access to quality equipment.

He remarked, “We have an ambition of transforming Nigeria’s film industry into one of the best in the world because we don’t need quantity; what we need most is quality over quantity.” 

Acknowledging the negative perceptions of Nigeria perpetuated by some individuals, Nuhu expressed confidence in the transformative power of films to counteract such portrayals and restore the country’s integrity.

“Through these films, we will restore our integrity,” he affirmed, highlighting the positive impact of quality filmmaking on national image-building efforts. 

In a message of unity to both Kannywood and Nollywood, the two major film industries in Nigeria, Nuhu stated the importance of collective support in achieving shared objectives.

“I am a member of both; what I need most is support from all sides to achieve all our desired goals,” he concluded. 

As Ali Nuhu advocates for a paradigm shift towards quality-driven filmmaking, his vision resonates with industry stakeholders, paving the way for a renewed focus on excellence and innovation in Nigerian cinema.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of the Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, presented the service’s 2024 budget on February 5, 2024, to the Nigeria Senate Committee on Customs at the National Assembly. 

The CG, while defending the 2024 budget of 706.43 billion naira, focused attention on consolidating carried-over projects, increasing staff welfare by improving and motivating officers’ performance, and integrating technologies into Customs processes. 

Regarding Officers’ welfare, CG Adeniyi mentioned that Officers will be encouraged in various ways to increase efficiency and improve their well-being.

He stated that this would be done through awards, promotions, and payment of allowances. 

Additionally, the Comptroller General pledges to surpass the revenue target of 5.079 trillion naira in 2024. According to him, the revenue target for 2024 is 27.75 percent higher than the target of 2023. 

Furthermore, the Comptroller-General outlined strategies to achieve the 2024 target, including implementing the National Single Window championed by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

He also harps on strategies to agonize and standardize Customs processes, port decongestion, collaboration with other agencies for efficiency and competitiveness, anti-smuggling operations, integrating ICT into operations, investing in capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, among others. 

The CG also noted supporting local production and taking food security seriously.

He stated, “We intend to grant waivers to vehicle owners to pay duties within a specific time to avoid sanctions and to regularize the importation of vehicles through payment of duties.” 

He added, “The service plans to recruit 1,600 personnel in 2024. The low figure is due to the small vacancies we have available. These vacancies are primarily for junior staff who will carry out Customs operations and guard duties. In subsequent years, more recruitment exercises will be carried out.” 

CG Bashir, however, noted that the service had a shortfall of 12.62 percent in its 2023 revenue target, citing concessions in Section 99 of the Common External Tariff (CET), import duty exemption certificates, cash crunch, general elections, and other factors affecting revenue generation negatively.

He assured a positive outcome in 2024.

By MA Iliasu

Anytime I’m reading Nassim Nicolas Taleb’s book, Antifragile, one of the books in the celebrated Incerto series, nobody comes to mind more than Dr. Yusuf Ƙofar Mata. Maybe there are better descriptions, but the dynamism of Dr. Ƙofar Mata fits the boxes of intelligent antifragility. If you bear with me, I may tell you why.

Taleb was once asked: “Would you rather be an intelligent fragile or a dumb antifragile?”, to which question he answered: “I’d rather be a dumb antifragile”. That encounter was what rattled my interest in the Incerto series. And I figured, why choose between the two when you can do better, by becoming an intelligent antifragile.

An intelligent fragile, according to Taleb, is an individual with all the mental and cognitive sharpness in the world, who sadly gets shaken by the slightest disruption of adversity. For example, a chess champion that church drums could cause to lose his mind, a professor of software engineering whom Twitter trolls can make cry, or an investment guru who gets chased away by the business cycle. An intelligent fragile is a smart who can’t withstand any kind of physical or mental pressure, big or small, who therefore finds it challenging to survive outside of his ideal environment. He gets bullied physically, mentally and emotionally. He’s a prey. During a hunt, he gets hunted. He won’t survive the survival of the fittest. To Taleb, that’s how many talented individuals become underachievers.

A dumb antifragile meanwhile, is a mentally slow individual who doesn’t get moved by adversity. He doesn’t understand puzzles, he can’t solve maths, he can’t make analogies, he can’t put things into context, and a lot of the bare minimum escape his attention; the kind of people that can vote a political party because of its colours or symbols. However, that person is well-drilled in the unfriendliness of human society. He’s physically robust, mentally firm, and emotionally stone-cold. Trolls shy away from him because they can’t affect his condition in any way. If it comes to it, he will bully rather than get bullied, and he’s a predator rather than a prey. During a hunt, he’s the hunter, not the hunted; in the language of Breaking Bad, he’s not in danger, he’s the danger. The floor of such a person in any environment is good for survival. He’ll survive an intelligent setting because he’s strong for labour and ripe for any mechanical task. And he’d excel in non-intelligent settings because he has what most intelligent people lack; thriving in adversity. Taleb believes that’s how a lot of slow individuals come to acquire generational wealth!

Amidst these boring explanations, Dr. Ƙofar Mata falls into the category of Intelligent Fragile. This is a soon-to-be professor of economics who is among the rarest that can humanize economic theory and contextualize it to the level even a street beggar would understand. His mathematical profundity dribbles through models like prime Lionel Messi on a touchline. His statistical acumen collects data with intuition, processes it like a child’s play and interprets it in the same way he eats dinner; with so much ease. I haven’t met five people with a sharper mind. Strategy exists in his random whims. It’s like he was born to solve problems.

The antifragility of Dr. Yusuf Ƙofar Mata is even more amazing. Kano State is tested with the peculiarity of youth who may need more guidance than normal. And so untypical of an active member of the intelligentsia, Dr. Ƙofar Mata was a commander of a local vigilante. Thugs ran away when they saw him because they knew with persuasion or force that day was their last outside the watch of the law. He exudes security, safety and assurance. His aura gives no space for the infiltration of stupidity and idiocy. His charisma is robust. His temperament is firm, just like the tune of his voice and the quality of his oratory. He’s persuasive where it’s due, and blunt if that’s what will solve the problem. No individual with a sound mind or functioning eyes will mess with that!

Those separable combinations of gifts are hardly found together. And in my opinion, that’s what makes Dr. Ƙofar Mata one of the most important people in modern Kano society. He carries effortlessly the wisdom of the past, the energy of the present, and the vision of the future, and deductively or inductively analyses and draws inferences from the same scope and with a single swing of the mind. He’s a politician, a statesman, an administrator, a strategist, a problem solver, a teacher, an economist, a mathematician, a statistician, a comrade and a philosopher. He likes intelligent people like himself, but doers even more. And he tries to push everyone he encounters to become the best version of themselves, and as competent and useful as possible. He despises useless people and cherishes those who are immersed in their pursuit of useful achievements.

During one of our discussions, the work of the ministry he’s presiding over as a commissioner was mentioned. And it reminded me of our earlier discussions before he was appointed when someone wondered which ministry would best fit his abilities. And I said, assign Dr. Ƙofar Mata as a commissioner of common sense and Kano society will never lack critical thinking again. I don’t think there’s any endeavour which Dr. Ƙofar Mata can’t improve, an activity he can’t manage or an individual he can’t interact with. He has a decentralized view of solutions found usually in classical Austrians, with stubbornness of the Germans and the esteem of Victorian Britons.

The peerless achievements of the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education so far are both a reflection of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment towards higher education and the breathtaking genius of the revolutionary mind he trusted the ministry with. It will go down as one of the best decisions Kano State has made in the 21st century, and I’m not exaggerating. As his student, mentee and keen observer of his philosophy, it’s critical that I let you know. May Allâh guide him. Amin.

M.A Iliasu is a budding writer from Kano, an economist and currently a corp-member serving in Taraba State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service issued a press statement today in response to the tragic loss of a young man in the Jibia Border Area of Katsina State on Saturday, February 3, 2024, to provide clarity on the incident and express deep sympathy to the family of the deceased teenager. 

The Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, stated, “Our attention has been drawn to the devastating loss of a young life… We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the innocent teenager whose life was tragically cut short.” 

Addressing media reports, Maiwada clarified, “It is pertinent to address the misinformation circulating in the media regarding the reported killing of the teenager by a reckless driver of a J5 vehicle.”

He stated that Customs operatives were not involved, saying, “Our operatives neither drove the J5 vehicle nor intercepted it during the reported incident, contrary to some press allegations of the involvement of our Officers.” 

Maiwada shared preliminary findings, noting, “Preliminary reports suggest that the J5 vehicle was transporting soya beans, and the driver is currently in Police custody pending further investigation.” 

The press statement conveyed the sentiments of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, stating, “The CGC, alongside the officers and men of the service, expresses profound sympathy with the bereaved.” 

Reiterating the commitment to community relations, the CGC said, “He also urges members of the public to adhere to Government directives and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security in our communities.”

The customs spokesperson appealed for calmness, further expressing gratitude for ongoing cooperation from border communities and stated the importance of working together to address challenges and promote safety and prosperity for all.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Dawn Queva, a BBC senior staff member, was fired on Friday for posting disturbing anti-Semitic content on Facebook.

The 55-year-old playout planner faced swift termination after referring to the Holocaust as a ‘holohoax’ and using derogatory terms against Jewish people.

The BBC’s decisive action has triggered a debate on hate speech within the organisation, with calls for firm leadership responses from figures like broadcaster Andrew Neil.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism condemned the posts as “utterly horrific” and called on the BBC to confront anti-Semitism.

Queva’s termination has raised concerns about intolerance within media organisations.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

In northern Nigeria, discussions on leadership succession and selection processes usually arise prominently only when the region is not in power at the center. Attention to these issues appears to be less pronounced when the North holds central power.

In four to eight years, the dynamics of politics in Northern Nigeria will witness a major shift because the current ‘Class 1’ political leaders will retire due to old age. For instance, in eight years, the former President Muhammadu Buhari will be 90, the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will be 86, the former President, Ibrahim Babangida, will be 91, Mamman Daura will be 93, Murtala Nyako will be 90, former Head of State Abdulsalam Abubakar will be 90, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon will be 98, and General Aliyu Gusau will be 89. Also, General TY Danjuma will be 94, Sani Zangon Daura will be 94, Ango Abdullahi will be 84, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje will be 83, etc. Their age will eventually phase them out of active politics.

For ‘Class 2’ political leaders, some will also grapple with old age, and their faces are too familiar to the public. In 8 years, Nasir El-Rufai will be 72, Ali Modu Sharif will be 76, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will be 76, Ahmed Lawan will be 73, Aliyu Wamako will be 79, and Nuhu Ribadu will be 72. Bala Mohammed will be 74, Governor Inuwa Yahaya will be 71, George Akume will be 79, and Governor Abdullahi Sule will be 73, while the current Vice President, Kashim Shettima will clock 66, which is fairly good for him. However, globally, in recent times, people in their 80s have clinched the presidency of their countries, indicating that age is gradually becoming inconsequential in political contests.

However, the individuals poised to play a prominent and vital role, naturally succeeding the ‘Class 1’ political leaders, include some state governors completing their second terms in the 4 years and other political figures who are relatively young and have excelled in their positions. Notable among them are Governors Babagana Zulum (63), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (64), who is performing wonders in Adamawa despite its meager resources, Simon Lalong (69), Yahaya Bello (57), Mai Mala Buni (65), Senator Aminu Tambuwal (58), Speaker Tajuddeen Abbas (60) and many more in both the public and private sectors. While the dynamics remain uncertain over the next 4–8 years, it promises to be an intriguing new chapter in the political leadership of Northern Nigeria.

Furthermore, the next leadership of the North may emerge in contrast to our existing selection process, a process that was always haphazard and mostly shrouded by the vestiges of personal interests. It has often been devoid of the sub-national’s or country’s interests. This time around, someone’s performance in public office may play a vital role in his or her emergence as the leader of the North. The Northern masses are now more concerned about development-oriented personalities than just political names. Performance is key.

And the dynamics of the Nigerian political landscape are changing overtime as well. The country needs a well-planned leadership succession arrangement. This is even more crucial because the nation is a developing country. A structured political succession plan will free the current age-old leadership from the burden of ‘carrying the camel and its loads’.

Though our succession planning, especially in the North, has been happening within the spheres of political leadership in Nigeria, it was based on some old systems and outdated processes, so to speak, for example, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo was tackled on his choice of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua while being fully aware of the latter’s health condition, Obasanjo said his decision was based on the information available to him and Yar’Adua’s honesty. This has brought to the fore the need for the North and the Nigerian political leadership at large to cultivate the culture of having succession advisors and employ the science of succession. It will help them make sound decisions for the transition of leadership between the current generation of leaders and potential younger successors while still maintaining some sort of political relevance and influence.

Unfortunately, the current political leadership has a poor mentorship system, especially in terms of teaching the art of politics and participation in national politics. The most hit are often their offspring and lieutenants; they are mostly engaged in power play and wealth accumulation, forgetting the importance of leadership and governance . Thus,  when they find themselves in power, they become confused with power.

Let us also not forget that picking a successor in Nigeria is a painstaking job because of the complex nature of Nigeria’s politics. Our fault lines, apparent influence of geography, tongue and faith in our polity are some of the factors responsible for this. For instance, the political geography of the North has a large number of these political leaders, and the region has some of the oldest people in the national and state assemblies, including commissioners and council chairs.

The north’s “Class 1” political leadership must establish a well-organized yet practical succession plan – a crucial step for them, their politics and the region. Notably, some governors who will conclude their final terms in 2027, having excelled in their roles, should naturally be the future political leaders in the North and at the center.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja, 08036070980, zaymohd@yahoo.com

By Tahir Mahmood

Kano State, known for its vibrant culture and economic potential, has witnessed an influx of companies and nongovernmental organizations. However, there is a noticeable disparity in the representation of local citizens within these entities.

There is a need to address unemployment challenges and breathe new life into the economy of Kano State by drawing inspiration from the successful Edo Jobs Center model. This initiative comes at a crucial time when the need for job creation and skills development is more pressing than ever. It is suggested that Kano State adopt a framework similar to the Edo Jobs Center, a proven model that has successfully facilitated job placements, nurtured skills development, and fostered economic growth in Edo State. The aim is to tailor this approach to the unique needs and opportunities within Kano.

Acknowledging the existence of the Sani Abacha Youth Center and the challenges it faced, the Jobs Hub may aim to learn from past experiences. It is crucial to analyze the reasons behind the center’s abandonment, incorporating these lessons to develop strategies that ensure the sustained success of the new initiative, particularly in promoting local employment.

It’s important to note the historical context, particularly of the abandoned Sani Abacha Youth Center Kano, which had similar aspirations but fell short of realizing its full potential, serving only as a wedding event center and a popular rawar gala location—a joint for hookups where local ashawos are initiated and recruited, despite the Hisbah’s commitment to curbing those activities in the state. Learning from past experiences, the Jobs Hub may aim to address the shortcomings of previous initiatives and create a sustainable platform for employment and skills development.

The key components of the Jobs Hub may include an online portal connecting job seekers with opportunities, comprehensive skills development programs, and strategic partnerships with local businesses. This holistic approach will seek to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers while equipping the local workforce with the skills needed in today’s dynamic job market.

In light of the challenges faced by the Sani Abacha Youth Center, it is imperative that the new initiative address the reasons behind its abandonment. By incorporating lessons learned from past experiences, the Jobs Hub may aim to not only overcome previous obstacles but also ensure long-term success and sustainability with modern technological advancements.

To achieve the above, collaboration with the government, private sector, and local communities is crucial. This is to encourage the Kano State government to actively engage in supporting and endorsing the establishment of the Jobs Hub, aligning it with existing employment initiatives and leveraging public-private partnerships for enhanced impact.

The success of the Edo Jobs Center model presents a compelling case for the potential for positive outcomes in Kano State. As we endeavor to revitalize opportunities and stimulate economic growth, it is hoped that the government will consider adopting the Edo Jobs strategies, setting in motion a transformative journey towards a more prosperous and vibrant Kano State.

The proposed Jobs Hub integrates various components to create a comprehensive approach to local employment: Online Portal, by establishing a digital platform connecting local job seekers with employment opportunities, making the recruitment process more inclusive and accessible.

Skills Development Programs, through implementing targeted training initiatives tailored to the needs of the local workforce, enhance their competitiveness in the job market. Partnerships with Companies, by fostering collaborations with companies and organizations operating in Kano, and encouraging them to actively participate in the Jobs Hub by recruiting from the local talent pool.

A critical aspect of this is the emphasis on addressing the issue of underrepresentation of Kano citizens in the workforce. The Jobs Hub may work closely with companies to develop strategies for recruiting and retaining local talent, promoting a more inclusive and diverse work environment through government mandates for local recruitment. By recognizing the pivotal role of the government in influencing employment practices, this suggests that Kano State can enforce regulations mandating companies and organizations operating within its borders to prioritize the recruitment of Kano citizens.

This proactive approach aligns with the state’s commitment to promoting local employment and ensuring economic opportunities are accessible to its people. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Active collaboration with both government bodies and private sector stakeholders is essential for the success of the Jobs Hub. Encouraging dialogue and partnership-building creates a supportive ecosystem for local employment initiatives. The establishment of a Jobs Hub in Kano State not only addresses unemployment challenges but also tackles the issue of workforce disparities.

By promoting local employment, the proposal aims to create a more equitable distribution of economic opportunities. The government’s mandate to enforce local recruitment practices can further solidify the impact of the Jobs Hub, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive economic future for the people of Kano State.

The State holds the promise of revitalizing the local economy and creating a brighter future for the youth. By learning from past experiences and adopting innovative solutions, Kano has the opportunity to pioneer the fostering of employment, skills development, and sustainable economic growth.

Tahir Mahmood Saleh can be reached via tahirmsaleh.seggroup@gmail.com.

By Aishat M. Abisola

Nigeria, a nation marked by diverse landscapes and cultural richness, grapples with significant healthcare disparities between urban and rural areas. While urban centers face issues such as minimal medical resources, a lack of healthcare workers and a lack of necessary equipment, they still provide decent healthcare services unlike rural communities who face numerous challenges that hinder their access to essential healthcare services.

Rural communities in Nigeria encounter formidable barriers on regular basis when it comes to accessing healthcare services. One of the primary challenges is the shortage of healthcare facilities and trained medical professionals in remote areas.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a significant urban-rural divide in the distribution of healthcare resources in Nigeria, with the majority concentrated in urban centers.

Challenges in Rural Healthcare Access

Geographic Barriers: One of the primary obstacles to healthcare access in rural areas is the geographic isolation of these communities. Many rural regions in Nigeria are situated far from urban centers, making it difficult for residents to reach healthcare facilities promptly. Long distances, poor road conditions, and a lack of reliable transportation options have contributed to delays or altogether neglected healthcare seeking behaviors.

Shortage of Healthcare Facilities and Personnel: Rural areas frequently deal with a shortage of healthcare facilities and trained medical professionals. Nigeria has a disproportionately low number of healthcare facilities in rural areas compared to urban centers. This shortage not only limits the availability of essential services but also results in prolonged waiting times for medical attention.

Financial Constraints:
Economic factors also play a significant role in healthcare access, especially in rural communities where poverty rates tend to be higher. The majority of rural residents often struggle to afford healthcare services, medications, and transportation costs to reach medical facilities. Out-of-pocket expenses associated with healthcare often deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention, exacerbating health problems and perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

Healthcare Infrastructure Disparities: The disparity in healthcare infrastructure between urban and rural areas is stark. Urban centers have significantly better hospitals and clinics, while many rural healthcare facilities are plagued by dilapidation and a lack of essential medical equipment. The Nigerian government’s National Health Facilities Registry highlights the uneven distribution of healthcare infrastructure, with urban areas having a higher concentration of better equipped facilities.

Lack of Skilled Personnel: In addition to inadequate facilities, rural areas face a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals. The WHO reports that the distribution of healthcare workers in Nigeria is highly skewed as urban areas have a more significant concentration of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. This scarcity of skilled personnel in rural regions further diminishes the quality of healthcare services available to residents.

Power Challenges: Another critical aspect of healthcare infrastructure often overlooked is the lack of reliable electricity in rural regions. Many healthcare facilities in remote areas struggle with power shortages which hinders the functionality of medical equipment and limits the provision of essential healthcare services. Electrification rates in rural areas are considerably lower than in urban centers, exacerbating the healthcare infrastructure divide.

Proposed Solutions

Investment in Rural Healthcare Infrastructure: Increasing investments in rural healthcare facilities is imperative in order to address the healthcare infrastructure disparities. Building new, well-equipped healthcare centers and upgrading existing ones will improve the availability and quality of healthcare services in remote regions. The Nigerian government, in collaboration with international partners, can allocate funds specifically for rural healthcare infrastructure development.

Training and Deployment of Healthcare Professionals: Addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas requires a comprehensive strategy. Government initiatives and incentives should be implemented to encourage medical professionals to work in undeserved communities. Investing in the education and training of local community health workers can also enhance primary healthcare services in rural areas and provide a sustainable solution to the shortage of skilled personnel.

Improving Transportation Infrastructure: Efforts to improve healthcare access should also focus on transportation infrastructure. Constructing and maintaining reliable roads in rural areas, as well as implementing affordable and accessible public transportation options, can significantly reduce travel barriers for rural residents seeking medical attention.

Financial Support and Health Insurance: The government can establish and promote health insurance programs targeted at low-income individuals in rural areas. These programs can provide financial relief and encourage healthcare utilization by covering medical expenses. Additionally, subsidies for essential medications and preventive healthcare measures can contribute to a healthier rural population.

Alternative Energy Solutions: Implementing alternative energy solutions such as solar power is crucial to provide a solution to address power challenges in rural healthcare facilities. The integration of sustainable energy sources can ensure a reliable electricity supply, enabling the consistent operation of medical equipment and improving the overall quality of healthcare services in rural areas.

Last line

Nigeria’s urban-rural disparities in healthcare accessibility and infrastructure can only be resolved when there is a concerted effort from the government, healthcare organizations, and the international community. By acknowledging the challenges faced by rural communities and implementing comprehensive, sustainable solutions, Nigeria can pave the way for a more equitable healthcare system.

Bridging these gaps is not just a matter of social justice but a strategic investment in the nation’s health and development. When stakeholders work collaboratively, the possibility of attaining accessible, quality healthcare for all Nigerians, regardless of their geographic location, can become a reality.

Aishat M. Abisola is a NYSC corps member with PRNigeria in Abuja