By Kabir Fagge Ali

It is a known fact that security personnel are always ready to pay the supreme price whenever they are in line of action. Their patriotism and unrelenting effort in tackling insecurity partly make us sleep comfortably at night.

Worrisome, however, are reports that our gallant troops, who protect our territorial integrity and lives, are allowed to be slaughtered like guinea pigs during terrorists’ ambushed attacks.

Last Saturday was a black day as troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside two Police officers, were killed around the Danjibga axis in the Tsafe Local government area of Zamfara State in an ambush.

The attack on the troops by bandits is in retaliation to several attacks launched by troops on different bandit camps in the state, leading to the death of numerous terrorists and the destruction of their camps and ‘operational’ motorcycles, among others.

Zamfara has been battling insecurity for nearly a decade. The Nigerian military, however, must be commended for leading the war to end banditry in the troubled North Central state and general insecurity in the country.

But winning the war demands our collective support. Both the federal government, the military, other security agencies and citizens must join forces and come up with a portent strategy for tackling terrorists and other criminal elements, holding our dear nation to ransom.

That is why a multifaceted approach to fighting insecurity is imperative. Firstly, the military’s intelligence-gathering system must be enhanced. This will help quickly identify the movements and plans of terrorists and other armed groups.

Strengthening collaboration between various security agencies and investing in technology, such as surveillance and communication equipment, are also vital.

Again, we need to equip our troops with modern and sophisticated ammunition, and the government must allocate adequate resources to ensure that the military has the tools and knowledge needed to adapt to evolving security threats. This will also help its troops navigate the challenging terrains often exploited by insurgent groups during gunfire battles.

Community engagement remains a linchpin in the fight against insecurity. Local populations can be pivotal in providing credible intelligence, as they possess invaluable knowledge about their communities.

Establishing trust between the military and communities is paramount for building a united front against insurgency. Addressing the root causes of violent conflicts in the country is another thing that cannot be overemphasised.

Beneficial socio-economic policies and sound development initiatives focused on providing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities can help to dissuade our youths from being recruited into armed and terror groups.

By addressing the underlying issues, the government can reduce the appeal of insurgency, banditry, robbery and oil theft, among other crimes. And marginalised populations will not find cause to take to criminalities and heinous vices for survival.

Furthermore, international collaboration is crucial in tackling cross-border security threats. Zamfara’s proximity to neighbouring countries should necessitate coordinated efforts to prevent armed groups from exploiting regional vulnerabilities.

Similarly, collaborative intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and diplomatic initiatives can contribute to a more robust defence against insurgencies.

In summary, curbing the spate of ambush attacks on troops in Zamfara and other states afflicted by terrorism and banditry requires a holistic strategy, combining intelligence, technology, community engagement, and socioeconomic development.

Let’s hope that those saddled with piloting the affairs of our dear nation summon the political will to do what is needed this time. They have been docile for a long while now.

Kabir Fagge is an NYSC member with PRNigeria Centre Abuja.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Kylian Mbappe is poised to embrace a fresh chapter in his football journey with a reported move to Real Madrid for the upcoming season.

Le Parisien, a reputable source known for its insights into Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has disclosed this significant development, hinting at Mbappe’s strong inclination to sport the renowned white jersey of Real Madrid, although the deal awaits official confirmation. 

Le Parisien’s Saturday report created waves across social media, asserting, “France’s premier star set to grace the world’s preeminent club next season.”

Madrid enthusiasts are brimming with anticipation as negotiations unfold, with the potential for this to become the most financially rewarding contract for the revered captain of Les Bleus. 

Unlike previous summers that left Real Madrid fans disappointed after speculation about Mbappe’s possible move to Santiago Bernabeu, the current narrative seems to be evolving.

Le Parisien’s report adopts a decisive tone, proclaiming, “The battle is lost,” signaling a diminishing likelihood of Mbappe extending his tenure at PSG amid increasing conjecture about his imminent departure. 

PSG, alongside influential figures in French football, appears to have come to terms with Mbappe’s decision to bid farewell to Ligue 1 for an exciting new venture with the club, often touted as the world’s premier football institution.

MARCA echoes this sentiment, shedding light on a prevailing pessimism within PSG’s ranks regarding the prospects of retaining their star player beyond the current season.

By Aisha Musa Auyo

I have been writing about how women should be patient, understanding, tolerant, verbally appreciative of their men, admire them, massage their egos, and constantly upgrade themselves to please their men, etc. The men are loving it. It’s about time women get their concerns heard.

We all love good things. And I know it’s a man’s nature not to care what his woman thinks about his looks after he marries her. The truth is, smart men know that appeasing their women pleases themselves. Most of the time, women reciprocate what they feel. If they’re happy, they radiate that energy to the people around them, and trust me, a positive vibe is contagious.

You’ve seen her, and you wanted nothing but to marry her at that moment. You will do anything to please, impress, convince, attract, and marry her. That’s not the end, though. You need to work on staying happily married to her. You need to stay attractive to her. Women are strange beings—simple yet complicated. Basic things like hygiene (oral, toilet, clothes, head, nails, and general body cleanliness), choice of perfume, or outfits can make her love or hate you. Yes, we don’t dislike—we hate. Lol.

Frankly, I don’t want to write about this. I don’t want to start telling adult males how to groom themselves, but the direct messages and tags I receive are too numerous to ignore. So, let’s do this!

It was reported to me that most men don’t flush after peeing. Yes, you read that correctly. I feel compelled to bring this out for the sake of my girls. Furthermore, when they flush after a number two, they don’t bother to wait and see if everything is cleared, let alone use the toilet brush or air freshener.

The ideal way to clean up after using the toilet is to wash yourself with soap and water. Water alone will suffice for purification, but soap is necessary for hygiene and a pleasant smell.

When it comes to underwear, kindly change them daily. Buy as many as you can afford. There are affordable ones for everyone’s pocket. Nigerian weather is not very friendly. Those sweatpants and tight trousers are bad for hygiene. Please let your body breathe!

Mouthwash, clove, and chewing gum are not for women alone. They’re oral hygiene products for both genders. Teeth scaling, polishing, and dental check-ups are not just for celebrities. They’re for everyone. Manicures, pedicures, and shaving (for men) every Friday are sunnah. Shampoo, conditioner, and anti-dandruff products are for both genders, especially men who want to grow their hair. However, they should be aware that this decision comes with financial responsibility.

Wash or sanitize your hands immediately when you get home. Bathe and brush your teeth after work, and use deodorant, body spray, antiperspirants, and perfumes (I know most of you do these things before going out). The problem is when you are home. Your wife deserves the best version of you. Please ask her what she thinks of your perfume. If her choice is different from yours, use your own choice when you are going out and her choice when you are home.

When your wife nonchalantly suggests that you freshen up, get the clue, dude… she may not spell out that you stink. And if anyone you trust offers you a clove, chewing gum, or minted sweets, gladly accept it; chances are, you need to freshen your breath. Accept corrections and observations about your hygiene with an open mind.

If you notice that your wife is avoiding physical contact or conversations with you, check your hygiene. A wife prepares herself and waits the whole day just to be with her husband. So if she’s keeping her distance, something must be amiss. Freshen up and both of you will be fine.

Women love money, they say, but decent women love hygienic and good-smelling men more. If you have money, use it to look and smell good. If you don’t, make sure you are not dirty. There are cheaper options for looking and smelling good. A woman can never hate a neat and good-smelling guy. Women pay more attention to how you smell than how you look.

And that annoying jallabiyya you men wear from Friday evening until Monday morning, please try to change the habit. It really annoys us. If we ladies can change at least two outfits a day just to please you, you may as well reciprocate the gesture. There are comfortable casual clothes that are very available and affordable.

The dreaded morning breath… we know it’s unavoidable, but hey, brush your teeth before sleeping, use mouthwash, chew mint leaves or cloves before bed. That morning intimacy couples rave about isn’t so great with morning breath. Please brush before going to Subhi prayer (that one is a complaint from your fellow men). Just brush before talking to anyone. Drink water and eat a date or apple to neutralize the acidity in your empty stomach.

In general, a pleasant smell has a calming effect on the person who wears it and the person who breathes it in. A bad smell is not only offensive to the nose but also damages the recipient’s mood, angering them instantly. The unfortunate thing is that most people who exude a bad smell are unaware of it. Therefore, as an individual, do everything humanly possible to avoid having an unpleasant odor. Never be too busy or in a hurry to the detriment of your personal hygiene and grooming.

Aisha Musa Auyo is a Doctoral researcher in Educational Psychology, a mother of three, a homemaker, caterer, and parenting/relationship coach. She can be contacted via aishamuauyo@gmail.com.

By Abbas Datti

Both Islamic and Hausa traditions instruct women to cover up their bodies and guard against indecency when it comes to dressing. But sadly, in the modern age of social media, the issue of indecent exposure of bodies by women on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms has become a problematic issue.

It is sad to note that the ease with which social media allows people to post whatever content they wish to share has created and exposed potential Nicki Minajs and Rahama Sadaus living in the comfort zones of our different homes.

While many women use social media platforms to express themselves and market their commodities for trade, some choose to show their bodies for public viewing. One wonders how this Indecent exposure emerged, raising questions about the potential consequences and societal well-being

We must blame Hausa Kannywood actresses and Nollywood celebrities for promoting this indecency to boost their social media handles and gather many more followers. It has now become a usual trend, particularly on TikTok, to see girls of different age brackets dancing and shaking their asse, exposing their naked cleavages, thereby promoting provocative sexual desires in our youths. 

The portrayal of the woman’s body has recently found its way into public spaces through various social media platforms, prompting discussions on one’s reputation and its impacts on younger audiences.

This phenomenon has also sparked discussions on the responsibility of social media platforms to regulate content, with calls for stricter guidelines to maintain a balance between freedom of expression and preventing the normalisation of explicit content.

As conversations evolve, finding common ground that respects individual expression while considering the broader societal impact remains challenging. The digital age demands ongoing regulations about the changing norms and ethics of online behaviour, urging individuals, influencers, and platforms to reflect on their roles in shaping the online landscape.

Abbas Datti writes from Kano via abbasdatti448@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Strong indications have emerged suggesting that the Nigerian Federal Government is considering a groundbreaking policy that could lead to the conversion of over $30 billion in domiciliary accounts held by citizens into naira, aiming to stabilise the nation’s currency. 

If the plan becomes a reality, the government is set to mandate the conversion of foreign currencies in individuals’ and corporate organizations’ domiciliary accounts to naira, with the exchange rate to be determined by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

A government source confided that the issue of dollar scarcity primarily affects the elite, particularly at the end and beginning of each month, coinciding with FAAC (Federal Account Allocation Committee) allocations to governors.

The government seeks to address the unconventional practice of keeping dollars in domiciliary accounts, stating that no other country follows this trend. 

The source was quoted as saying, “In Nigeria today, there are over $30 billion in domiciliary accounts of individuals. It is in the CBN account. The records are there. It is not right. These are issues we will have to deal with. In other countries, dollars are not meant to stay in peoples’ accounts.” 

This potential policy shift marks a departure from the stance expressed by the President Bola Tinubu administration in September 2023, which aimed to attract funds from domiciliary accounts and those held by Nigerians abroad into substantial investments across various sectors of the economy. 

Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, disclosed this earlier, noting the need to tap into the significant funds held in domiciliary accounts and abroad to revitalize the economy.

Edun indicated that Nigerians in the Diaspora would play a crucial role in contributing to the proposed economic rejuvenation through increased productivity and efficient resource management.

The contemplated conversion policy, if implemented, represents a significant departure from the earlier strategy of attracting foreign funds for economic development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, has appealed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, asking him to reconsider his 2027 presidential ambition in favour of younger Nigerian leaders. 

Speaking in an interview on Arise Television, Chief George expressed concerns about Atiku’s age, emphasising that, at 81 years old in 2027, he may be too old to effectively govern the nation.

He suggested that Atiku should adopt a mentoring role, acting as a guiding figure for the younger generation, rather than pursuing another presidential bid. 

“My brother Atiku Abubakar was 77 years old last year, and by 2027 he will be 81 years old. Atiku should give room for younger Nigerians, who still have the energy and the brain to develop the country,” George stated during the interview. 

He further stated the importance of consistent adherence to party norms, suggesting that the PDP should prioritize mentorship and continuity.

Chief George concluded by stating that the presidency must remain in the South in 2027, following the completion of the North’s eight years in power. 

The appeal from the PDP ex-leader brings attention to the ongoing discussions within the PDP about generational leadership and the party’s direction in the upcoming presidential elections.

By Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf

Super Eagles’ Zaidu Sanusi isn’t a bad player. You can’t be a starting player for FC Porto if you are bad. His struggles stem from the position he’s asked to play in these knockout games.

Sanusi is a quintessential left back in a four-man defense, where his primary duty is to stay at the back and make sporadic forays into attack based on the circumstances of the game.

Since the game against Guinea-Bissau, the Super Eagles’ coach, Peseiro, has changed his defensive structure from a four-man to a three-man central defense (Ajayi, Ekong, Bassey) sandwiched by two wing backs in Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi.

This means that Sanusi is now expected to strike a balance between defense and attack. When Nigeria is out of possession, he will stay on his flank to provide extra cover for Calvin Bassey from the left. This is what Sanusi excels at.

But when we are in possession, he’s effectively our left-sided midfielder who must make runs behind the opposition defense to join attack. This is Sanusi’s biggest weakness. He’s a square peg in a round hole.

The problem is, when you remove Sanusi from the starting lineup, who are you going to play? One option is to bring Omeruo to the center of the defense and push Bassey to the left wing-back position. But this won’t solve Sanusi’s problem because Bassey isn’t that good going forward either.

Another alternative is to shift Aina to the left wing-back and bring Oseyi to the right wing-back. In my opinion, this is better than the first option. However, when you do that, you strip the team of one of its biggest assets: Aina’s tireless work rate from the right, which Oseyi can never replicate.

Whatever the case may be, the best solution is to stick with Sanusi. After all, tell me a coach who changes a tried and tested watertight defense in the middle of the knockout rounds of a major international tournament.

Aliyu wrote from Kano. He can be reached via aliyuyy@gmail.com.

By Mahmud Dambazau

With a new year, we were anxiously anticipating a renewed hope. Unfortunately, no. In this devastating economic dilemma, we have been overwhelmed with cries to crowd-fund to secure the release of various victims from kidnappers. 

The latest trending across social media, most especially on X (formally Twitter), was the case of Najeebah and her sisters, who were kidnapped alongside their father. He was later released to go and get 60 million naira for the release of his six daughters! They subsequently killed one of the sisters when the amount was not realised at the expected time to serve as a warning and even increased the amount to 65 million naira initially and then to 100 million naira. 

The kidnappers had the audacity to return her dead body because they were confident that they would escape scot-free,and unfortunately, they were not disappointed. I was delighted to read the news of their release this morning after the ransom of 100 million naira was paid.

There is yet another case seeking public support where 14 children were kidnapped along the Abuja – Kaduna highway on 6th January. One miss Praise God; a student from the Nasarawa State University was also kidnapped a few days ago. Ajeni Mary Olamide and her two friends, Mary and Miriam, from the same university, all 400-level students of Mass Communication, were also kidnapped on their way to Abia state for a wedding, with 15 million nairas requested before their release. 

I just came across another appeal on X where a Navy Officer was also alleged to have been kidnapped with 100 million requested by his kidnappers to secure his release. These are just a few of the numerous in the public domain. Fresh in my memory are the female students from the Federal University Gusau, approaching four months now in captivity. 

The Abuja–Kaduna highway was, at a time, the most dangerous road with incessant incidences of kidnappings. Still, we were all witnesses to its near absolute contentment when the runway of Abuja airport was closed for repairs, and Kaduna airport was used instead. There was constant and consistent patrol, which drastically tackled the issue then. The scourge has now returned when the elites no longer needed that road. 

Within this week, there has been a significant improvement by the security operatives, with several arrests made after several cries across all mediums. Why do we always have to be reactive rather than proactive? In many instances, the capacities and capabilities of our security are top-notch, but only when pressures have been mounted are such improvements seen. Why is it so difficult to maintain progress made?

The president has been commended when he recently suspended some officials of his government who were accused of corruption so that their investigation will go unhindered. That was a good move, undoubtedly sending other officials a strong message. Why can’t that be applied to security heads when results are negative? If corruption has repercussions, doesn’t non-performance have more? Besides, even the perpetrators may not have committed such crimes if all officials had done their duties accordingly. 

Security of lives and properties is the most essential duty of government. Everything else comes second. The fight must be sustained, the perpetrators apprehended should be tried and punished accordingly, and the security operatives should be given the modern gadgets required to confront such criminals as soon as possible. There should be increased collaboration between security agencies, and capital punishment should be introduced for crimes such as this and those responsible; the teams, heads of the security responsible, and ministers should be fired and replaced with those who can because security is not to be joked with! Can we count on you, Mr. President? 

By Salihi Adamu Takai

Most of the people leaving their country for acquiring education abroad make mistakes when considering the study abroad as an “easy learning” or an “easy way of gaining certificate”. Some people applied for transfer from their Universities to gain admission abroad not for the purpose of proper learning or additional gaining.

In any country, there’s a university that you can find around that’s not standard and gives certificate any how. So, if someone is intending to gain only certificate (not qualitative education) he can get that in his/her surroundings. In learning, the intention and purpose matter. What makes you search for it, takes you there – but to what extent that can be achievable? Ask your mind!

If it’s only certificate I want, why should I leave my country for another place? Think twice or even thrice. As a Muslim, I learned in the Hadith that the Prophet (SAW) was reported to have said that “search for a knowledge even in China”. Referring to “China” in the Hadith, even though some Ulamas say the Hadith is not authentic, but it shows how important search for knowledge is/was, and it makes people curious to get it – for the well-being of their lives. It’s talking about the qualitative education not what can be gotten easily.

Studying or living abroad is a chance of life if the person uses the advantages appropriately. Apparently, it’s not something of gaining what’s easy to me or not – rather what can add me value into my life. This means a person living in the most developed country can plan to live in the most underdeveloped country in Africa. This can help the person acquire another things such as experience and study how different people live in different places.

Many people learned different languages accurately through living abroad. There you can interact with some people you have never met before. They speak what you speak not. You can learn from them something different.

Studying abroad also can be the best for you if you take it as it should be. This means as you learn from someones who are different from you nationally and socially, you can get someone new to you. Although, the contents of the things you’re acquiring are the same, but the things in them can be worth acquiring and grabbing.

Here in Uganda, I interact with Congolese whose country is Francophone. Their official language is French not English. Most of them live in some countries like Uganda to do their degree and at the same time learning English language. This shows that the purpose is not only a degree certificate – but the language is very important to them.

Therefore, it’s very important to the people (students in particular) who are living abroad to know that; it is a very good time that should be utilised decently. You’re not living there permanently. Anytime you can be asked to leave the country. So, it’s a life for a purpose with a limited time. Don’t take it as just a chance of pleasure – rather a chance of success – once it is misused – it can affect the whole life.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In Fortune’s annual ranking of the world’s most esteemed companies, Apple has reaffirmed its supremacy, claiming the top spot for an impressive 17th consecutive year.

The comprehensive list, featuring 1,500 companies boasting revenues exceeding $10 billion, highlights Apple’s unwavering influence in the corporate realm, albeit with a marginal dip in its overall score from the previous year. 

Fortune meticulously curated the elite selection, narrowing down the contenders to 680 companies.

A discerning panel, comprising 3,700 executives, directors, and analysts, meticulously assessed each company across a spectrum of categories, ranging from investment value to social responsibility. 

Despite a modest decrease in its score, Apple continued to shine, securing the foremost positions in critical categories such as social responsibility, financial soundness, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Microsoft, on an upward trajectory this year, clinched the second spot with a notable triumph in the computer software industry.

Amazon, though sliding one place, maintained a strong presence with commendable scores in internet services and retail, securing its position in the top three. 

Apple’s consistent reign atop Fortune’s Most Admired Companies List underscores the company’s enduring commitment to excellence and innovation.

This accomplishment speaks volumes about Apple’s ability to navigate a dynamic business landscape while upholding unparalleled standards.