Lifestyle

By Suleiman Usman Yusuf 

Mentorship ideally involves a powerful exchange in which experienced individuals selflessly guide and motivate others, promoting growth and potential. It is a reciprocal act of giving back, forming a chain of knowledge and support that benefits both mentor and mentee. However, this is not solely hierarchical. Reverse mentorship highlights younger generations sharing expertise in rapidly evolving fields, where they often surpass their older counterparts in understanding. Nonetheless, reality frequently falls short. 

A significant misrepresentation, usually deliberate, undermines mentorship’s integrity, affecting both mentors and mentees. Many mentors publicly project an image of unflinching support, yet privately, many mentees report a lack of genuine engagement – not occasional lapses, but a consistent absence of promised guidance. 

This is worsened by mentors taking public credit for mentees’ achievements, even when their involvement was minimal or non-existent. This raises questions: Has mentorship become self-promotion, leveraging others’ successes for personal gain? Is the pursuit of accolades overshadowing the commitment to nurturing potential? 

This deliberate misrepresentation extends to mentees. While financial support from a mentor can be helpful (for project logistics or seed funding), the relationship shouldn’t be founded on this. Seeking a mentor solely for financial assistance devalues the mentor’s time and expertise, reducing the relationship to a transaction rather than a collaborative journey. This hinders the mentee’s development, as genuine learning requires commitment beyond financial gain. 

Beyond these core issues, several other challenges frequently undermine the effectiveness of mentorship relationships. Power imbalances inherent in the mentor-mentee dynamic can lead to exploitation or abuse. Mentors might take advantage of their position, while mentees might feel pressured to conform to uncomfortable expectations. 

Moreover, a lack of clearly defined goals and expectations frequently leads to aimless and unproductive relationships. Both parties must grasp the expectations and desired outcomes from the beginning, establishing regular check-ins to remain focused and assess progress. 

Effective mentorship depends on open and honest communication, as well as mutual trust. Without these elements, misunderstandings and frustrations can easily arise, potentially damaging the relationship. Furthermore, the demands of mentorship can lead to burnout for mentors who take on too many mentees or neglect to set healthy boundaries. 

Mentees, too, can become overwhelmed if they lack self-awareness or adequate support. Inconsistent commitment from either party, whether due to competing priorities or lack of motivation, inevitably leads to a lack of progress and can breed resentment. Finally, mismatched personalities or differing goals can make it extremely difficult for a mentor-mentee relationship to thrive. 

Ultimately, successful mentorship hinges on authenticity and mutual respect. Mentors must prioritize genuine support and guidance and focus on empowering mentees. Mentees should approach mentorship with a sincere desire for growth and understand that the rewards extend far beyond financial gain. 

The transformative potential of mentorship can only be fully realised through a foundation of honesty and reciprocal commitment between mentor and mentee. Maya Angelou wisely said, “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

Suleiman writes from Abuja and can be reached at suleimanusmanbac@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Isah Zng

Sleeping is essential to the human body. It helps the body function well in the office, school, and daily activities. That’s why experts in health care emphasise that people should get at least six to seven hours of sleep daily.

Sleep improves physical health, helping humans build bones and muscles and strengthen the immune system. Although it decreases the lifespan of healthy adults, it also helps children grow up with the utmost energy.  

Therefore, sleeping enhances cognitive function. It plays a crucial role in brain function and development, helping the brain process information and get enough rest to function well. Consequently, a lack of sleep can impact cognitive function, leading to difficulties reading, understanding, or making good decisions. 

Furthermore, enough sleep helps the human body have a stronger immune system, which produces cytokines that fight infections and inflammation. Because of these cytokines, people who sleep well have fewer diseases. Therefore, chronic sleep deprivation can weaken a human’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. 

Sleep improves memory, and the human body protects the body from minor diseases and helps people perform well in the office, school, and other activities. 

Muhammad Isah Zng wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano.

By Abdulaziz Bagwai

Between 2012 and 2018, I was a student in the Exchange Student Program at Sani Dingyadi Unity Boys College in Sokoto State. Whenever school resumed, our most cherished moments as junior students were the day school closed, and we left Sokoto for our various states. Our parents would send us food and local transport funds from our state’s education ministry to our hometowns.

As students from Kano, our first junction was always in Gusau, Zamfara State, to eat and pray. That Gusau junction, Lala, was our dream hub. It’s a place that every one of us would anticipate being. The first time I was at Lala, I couldn’t decide what to eat. The myriad delicacies, including those I’d never tasted, were there, and I had the pocket money to afford them—but I ended up eating half-spoilt rice and beans with stew.

A new experience but a different reality

In December 2012, after our first term, while traveling back home, my friends, whom we were seated together in the car, learned from the older students among us that drinking the combo of malt and milk increases blood volume. Seeing them all with tins of malt and peak milk was awkward, and because I was too uninformed as a junior secondary school student to think whether it was true or not, I admittedly found myself craving for the combo. Since then, it has become the norm for my friends and colleagues to buy the combo whenever we pass Lala to or from school, but I have never bought it once.

This article triggered an encounter with a client who brought his sick daughter to a chemist I work for earlier this month. My co-worker examined the patient and decided to send them for two blood tests: malaria’s rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and a pack-cell volume (PCV) because she was both feverish and hungry. Both results confirmed my co-worker’s professional inquiry: RDT reactive, PCV slightly low. When he enquired about my suggestion on the patient’s treatment plan, I told him to necessarily include medicines that would boost the patient’s low, slight blood count.

Upon hearing my suggestion, the man disagreed that no medicine should further be given to his daughter except for malaria. His reason was that this same daughter was anemic sometime in the past, and he denied buying any medicine she was prescribed in the hospital; he purchased for her a few tins of malt and milk, and in a few days, she recuperated. 

While it’s my duty as a community health extension worker to educate community members about helpful and harmful health practices, misinformation, misconceptions, and baseless hearsay, I’ve done my part for my client, who seemed unconvinced.

What a nutritionist had to say about the combo

A July 19, 2021, Punch Newspaper article by Angela Onwuzoo titled “Drinking milk, malt combo won’t boost blood volume” featured Beatrice Ogunba, a professor of public health nutrition at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. I quote the professor saying, “Consuming milk and malt could deliver nutrients to the body because they are fortified with iron, calcium, and vitamins. 

Some malts are also fortified with vitamins, so consuming all these will deliver nutrients to the body, but mixing milk and malt with the notion that it will increase blood volume is unrealistic. There is no scientific evidence for that. I have heard about the mixture, and women primarily consume it. But in terms of delivering iron, I am sure of that because milk has iron.”

However, she urged Nigerians to diversify their foods to get all the nutrients they need to be healthy. She also noted that people vulnerable to anemia should consume iron-rich foods like vegetables and liver.

Hypovolemic or anaemic?

Hypovolemia is a state of abnormally low extracellular fluid (ECF) in the body. It may be caused by a loss of salt and water or a decrease in blood volume. Hypovolemia is the loss of extracellular fluid (ECF) and should not be confused with dehydration. Anemia is a blood disorder in which the blood cannot carry oxygen. It can be caused by a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells, a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin available for oxygen transport, or abnormalities in hemoglobin that impair its function.

While both conditions have different causative factors, in layman’s terms, insufficient blood is present in the body when investigated through a laboratory test. The extremes of both conditions—anemia and hypovolemia, which result from a decrease in blood volume—would require transfusion. 

Furthermore, when both conditions are mild or are in their primary stages, and a doctor decides to prescribe medications, patients or their relatives should understand the reality and abide by the doctor’s rules. So, drinking the combo of malt and milk does not increase blood volume.

Abdulaziz Isah Bagwai is a community health practitioner, journalist, and storyteller. His work has appeared in The Solutions Paper, Brittle Paper, The Daily Reality, Neptune Prime, Opinion Nigeria, and more. He writes from Kano State and can be contacted at aibagwai001@gmail.com.

By Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim

One thing about being a public figure is that it deprives you of your nature to be human (one bound to make mistakes). Moreover, it makes you lose your private life, as everything you do is often turned into a public affair.

It’s even more troubling when you’re a religious public figure who is commonly referred to as an Ustaz because you’d have to go the extra mile to pretend to be who you’re not sometimes to remain in people’s good book.

Now, imagine having to tender an apology and an explanation to an entitled public for your personal affair, which they consider inappropriate, or risk being bullied. Some of these issues that raise concerns are debatable or even irrelevant.

People with visible flaws would even be the ones at the forefront of bullying you when you derail from their definition of saint or Ustaz just because they expect you to be completely flawless.

Nobody would understand the irresistible youthful exuberance, satanic temptation, peer group influence, and other factors that might have led to your deviation from the path of saintliness. 

Anyway, such prestigious recognition and status come with a price. So, I can say that’s the price you’d have to pay for being what so many people are not.  

It is more important to please God while being true to your conscience than trying to please humans, as pleasing humans can never be completely achievable.

Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim wrote via suleimibrahim00@gmail.com.

By Amrah Musa Kamaruddeen

In today’s digital era, a new phenomenon known as “sharenting” has emerged, where parents extensively share photos, videos, and updates about their children on social media platforms. This blend of sharing and parenting has sparked a lively debate, raising questions about privacy, consent, and the long-term impact on children.

For many parents, social media offers a convenient platform to document and celebrate their children’s milestones and daily adventures. It provides a way to connect with family and friends, especially those far away. Sharing these moments can foster community and support, allowing parents to exchange advice and experiences.

However, the practice of sharenting has prompted significant privacy concerns. Once images and information are posted online, they can be difficult to control. Photos can be shared, downloaded, and even misused by strangers. 

The permanence of the internet raises questions about how these digital footprints might affect children as they grow older, especially when they begin to establish their online identities.

Another critical issue is consent. Young children cannot give informed consent to having their lives shared online. As they grow, they may feel uncomfortable with the digital trail left behind by their parents’ posts. This raises ethical questions about children’s rights to privacy and autonomy over their personal information.

The psychological effects of sharenting are still being explored. Some experts suggest that children might feel pressure to perform for the camera or struggle with the idea that their lives are being broadcast without input. On the other hand, positive reinforcement from family and friends can boost a child’s self-esteem, suggesting a nuanced impact.

For parents who wish to navigate sharenting responsibly, several guidelines can be considered:

1. Privacy Settings: Use strict privacy settings on social media accounts to limit who can see your posts.

2. Consent: As children grow older, involve them in discussions about what gets shared and respect their wishes if they prefer not to be featured online.

3. Limit Details: Do not share sensitive information such as full names, birth dates, or locations that could compromise your child’s safety.

4. Think Long-Term: Consider the potential long-term effects of each post and whether it might embarrass or harm your child in the future.

5. Digital Literacy: Educate children about the implications of digital sharing and the importance of privacy from an early age.

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the dynamics of parenting in the digital age. Sharenting, while offering opportunities for connection and celebration, demands careful consideration of privacy, consent, and the well-being of children. By adopting mindful practices, parents can safeguard their children’s present and future in the digital realm.

Amrah Musa Kamaruddeen wrote from the Mass Communication Department, Bayero University, Kano.

 By Amrah Musa Kamaruddeen

In today’s hyper-connected world, our smartphones have become more than just communication devices; they are lifelines that connect us to information, social networks, and essential services. However, this dependence has given rise to a modern psychological phenomenon known as nomophobia—the fear of losing mobile connectivity. This article explores the definition, symptoms, causes, and potential solutions to this increasingly common issue.

Nomophobia, a term derived from “no mobile phone phobia,” was coined in a 2010 study by the UK-based Post Office. It describes the anxiety and fear experienced when an individual is unable to access their mobile phone or is disconnected from the internet. The condition can manifest in various forms, including feelings of panic, anxiety, and distress when separated from one’s phone, whether due to battery failure, loss, or lack of signal.

Nomophobia can manifest through several symptoms, which may vary from person to person. Common indicators include panic, physical distress, compulsive checking of devices, irritability, and social withdrawal.

 Several factors contribute to the development of nomophobia, including social connectivity pressures, work expectations, psychological tendencies, and cultural norms that emphasise constant connectivity. The condition can adversely impact personal relationships, professional performance, and well-being.

The impact of nomophobia extends beyond personal anxiety; it can affect professional performance, relationships, and overall well-being. Studies have shown that individuals with nomophobia may experience decreased productivity, difficulty concentrating, and strained relationships due to constant device distraction.

Furthermore, the omnipresence of mobile devices can lead to “phubbing,” a term for ignoring someone in favour of a mobile device. This behaviour can damage personal relationships and reduce the quality of face-to-face interactions.

Addressing nomophobia requires self-awareness, behavioural changes, and, in some cases, professional intervention. Individuals can implement strategies to manage nomophobia, such as setting device boundaries, practising mindfulness, engaging in digital detoxes, and seeking professional help if necessary. Understanding and addressing nomophobia is essential for fostering a healthier relationship with technology and enhancing mental well-being.

Nomophobia is a growing concern in our increasingly connected world, affecting individuals’ mental health and well-being. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and potential solutions is crucial for fostering a balanced relationship with technology. 

By acknowledging our dependency on mobile devices and taking proactive steps to manage our usage, we can mitigate the negative impacts of nomophobia and cultivate a healthier, more mindful approach to connectivity. 

Amrah Musa Kamaruddeen wrote from the Mass Communication Department, Bayero University, Kano.

By Amrah Musa Kamaruddeen

Water is vital for our health, influencing everything from digestion to metabolism. While most people focus on how much water they drink, the temperature of that water can also have significant effects on our health. Water temperatureis measured using two primary scales: Celsius and Fahrenheit. Celsius is the most commonly used scale globally, while Fahrenheit is used primarily in the United States.

Cold water refers to water that is lower than room temperature. The average room temperature is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit), so water below this range is considered cold. In Celsius, cold water is defined as 0 to 15 degrees Celsius, while Fahrenheit is between 32 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit. This article explores the benefits and potential drawbacks of consuming cold water.

Benefits of Drinking Cold Water:

1. Enhances Metabolic Rate:

Drinking cold water can boost your metabolic rate, aiding in burning more calories. The human body burns calories when maintaining our core temperature; therefore, when we drink cold water, the body expends energy to warm the cold water to the core temperature, thereby burning calories.

2. Improves Digestion:

Cold water after a meal can aid digestion. It can contract stomach muscles, speeding digestion and facilitating nutrient absorption.

3. Reduces Inflammation:

Cold water can help reduce inflammation. Post-exercise, drinking cold water may soothe sore muscles and mitigate inflammation.

4. Aids Hydration:

Many people find cold water more satisfying, which may encourage higher water intake and better daily hydration.

Effects of Drinking Cold Water:

1. May Disrupt Digestion:

While cold water can be beneficial after a meal, consuming it during meals may interfere with digestion by solidifying fats, making them harder to digest.

2. Can Cause Headaches: 

Drinking cold water rapidly can trigger headaches or migraines as the cold temperature may constrict blood vessels in the head.

3. May Lead to Colds:

Cold water does not cause colds, but it might weaken the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

4. Can Aggravate Gallstones:

Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder.

For those with gallstones, cold water may cause gallbladder contractions, potentially intensifying symptoms.

In conclusion, while drinking cold water offers several benefits, it’s essential to be mindful of how and when you consume it. Opt for room temperature or warm water during meals to aid digestion, and enjoy cold water as a refreshing option throughout the day.

Amrah Musa Kamaruddeen wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR 

In recent days, a deeply troubling trend has emerged across Northern Nigeria, posing significant threats to the region’s cultural and religious values. The widespread sharing of explicit videos on social media, particularly involving young women and even some public figures, has become a glaring concern. 

Platforms like TikTok and others, once heralded for fostering connection and creativity, have instead become vehicles for spreading inappropriate content, undermining our society’s foundation of moral values. This surge in immoral behaviour, coupled with the increasing acceptance of homosexuality, has shaken the Hausa community and the wider Northern Nigerian populace, challenging the region’s long-held traditions and values.

The cultural landscape of Northern Nigeria, built upon the principles of modesty, family honour, and religious piety, is now facing an unprecedented moral challenge. The platforms meant to uplift and connect opened doors for behaviours that deeply conflict with societal norms. The impact is felt by the individuals whose private lives are exposed, and their families suffer great shame, dishonour, and social rejection. In our conservative culture, where family honour holds immense weight, such incidents leave scars that can last generations.

The trauma experienced by the victims of these scandals is profound. These young individuals—many of whom are our sisters, nieces, and neighbours—face a harrowing journey of social alienation, emotional distress, and, at times, extreme psychological harm. Many become pariahs in their communities, carrying the burden of shame for something often beyond their control. The emotional fallout extends far beyond the individual, reaching into the lives of their families, who must endure the humiliation and stigma of public disgrace. In many cases, these families are ostracised, their reputations tarnished, and the emotional pain magnified by societal rejection.

Celebrities, who once stood as role models in the region, are now increasingly caught in public scandals. Pursuing fame and social media attention has driven many into compromising situations where private missteps become public spectacles. However, this issue is not limited to public figures. Individuals, particularly the youth, fall victim to the same trend every day. With explicit content becoming a misguided path to popularity, the consequences for these young men and women are devastating. They are lured by social media’s fleeting attention and false validation, only to face lifelong consequences.

This cultural shift highlights the urgent need for action. The Northern region has always prided itself on its deep-rooted values, with religious and community leaders playing a pivotal role in upholding societal norms. It is now more crucial than ever for these leaders to address the current moral decay head-on. Sermons in mosques, community dialogues, and family interventions must be leveraged to instil the principles of modesty, self-discipline, and respect for personal and communal dignity. Our traditional and religious leaders must take charge of restoring our moral compass.

In addition, government action is essential. The laws concerning cybercrimes must be revisited and strengthened to address this modern menace. In collaboration with cybersecurity experts, law enforcement must actively track down perpetrators and hold them accountable for their actions.

The North has a rich history of valuing human dignity, and it cannot afford to watch idly as the viral spread of immoral content erodes this dignity. Efforts should be made to regulate social media platforms with stricter controls to prevent the proliferation of explicit content. The government must work alongside tech experts and media platforms to introduce more stringent oversight mechanisms.

Furthermore, education is key in combating this growing trend. Our youth, the future of Northern Nigeria, must be educated about the consequences of their online actions. Digital literacy programs, responsible internet use workshops and safety awareness campaigns must be rolled out to ensure that young people understand the permanence of their actions in the digital world. They must be taught to value their privacy, dignity, and the cultural norms passed down through generations.

At the heart of this crisis is a deeper cultural challenge. As we embrace modernity and technology, we must not lose sight of the cultural and religious values that define us. The youth must be reminded of their responsibilities to themselves, their families, their communities, and their faith. The glorification of immoral behaviour on social media, driven by the pursuit of viral fame, is a dangerous trend that must be reversed.

The current situation is a collective societal issue that requires a united front. Everyone, from religious leaders to parents and government officials to the tech community, has a role to play in addressing this growing menace. Preserving our moral and cultural fabric depends on our ability to act swiftly and decisively. We must safeguard our values and protect our youth from the dangers of a world that increasingly disregards modesty, respect, and human dignity.

The Northern Nigerian community cannot afford to sit idly by as its values are eroded. The trauma inflicted on the victims of these scandals is real, but with decisive action, future incidents can be prevented. It is up to all of us to reclaim our moral values, protect our cultural heritage, and ensure that the youth are guided toward a future grounded in respect, honour, and integrity.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Aisha Musa Auyo 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi

In every society, old age is a phase of life that carries a certain gravity, a reminder of the inevitable passage of time that each of us must face. Seeing an elderly person struggling with tasks that once came easily to them can evoke a deep sense of empathy and respect. 

It is a poignant reminder that no matter how strong or capable we may be today, the years will eventually catch up with us all. This awareness has shaped my interactions with the elderly, fostering a profound respect for them, regardless of their status or achievements. 

When I see an elderly man striving to complete a task that his body can no longer manage, it fills me with quiet sorrow, not because of his struggle alone, but because I recognise that one day, I, too, will face similar limitations. It is this awareness that guides my actions. If an elderly person asks me to stop doing something, no matter how important it may seem, I will stop. Not out of fear but out of respect for the years they have lived and the wisdom they have gained.

This respect for the elderly is not just about acknowledging their age but understanding the value of their experience. They have seen more of life than we have, and their words often carry the weight of that experience. Disregarding their counsel or disrespecting them is not only unkind but short-sighted. It ignores the fact that one day, we, too, will seek the respect and kindness of those younger than us.

Recently, I came across a disturbing video of Sarkin Gobir, a respected elder, who had been subjected to unimaginable cruelty by bandits. The sight of this old man, who had lived through so much, being treated with such brutality shook me to my core. It wasn’t just his status as a leader that made the situation so tragic, but his age. The mere fact that he was an elderly man should have been enough to shield him from such violence. Yet, these bandits failed to see the old age in him, or perhaps they saw it and chose to ignore it, driven by their evil.

When I later heard that Sarkin Gobir had passed away, my heart was heavy with sorrow, not only for his death but for the fate of those who wronged him. They had deprived an old man of his dignity in his final days, and in doing so, they had invited darkness upon their souls. Without Sarkin Gobir’s forgiveness, they are condemned to live with the weight of their actions. And indeed, peace will elude them for the rest of their lives, for they have committed an unforgivable sin against a man who should have been revered, not harmed.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of treating the elderly with the respect they deserve. We are all moving towards that stage in life; how we treat those already there will reflect on us when our time comes. If we are harsh and unkind, we cannot expect to be treated differently when we reach old age. But if we show respect, kindness, and understanding to the elderly, we pave the way for our future, ensuring that we will be treated with the same reverence when our hair turns grey and our steps grow slow.

In conclusion, the reverence of old age is not just a societal expectation but a moral imperative. The elderly have earned our respect through their years of life, and we must honour them for who they were and who they are now. We must remember that we are all on the same path, and one day, we will be the ones relying on the kindness and respect of others. Let us hope that by respecting the elderly today, we will secure the same respect for ourselves in the future.

Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi wrote via prof4true@gmail.com.