London

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The death of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari in a London hospital has once again spotlighted the country’s long-standing crisis in healthcare delivery, especially among its elite. 

Buhari, 82, died on Saturday, July 13, after a prolonged illness reportedly linked to leukaemia. Despite leading Africa’s most populous nation and the continent’s largest economy, he died not on Nigerian soil, but under foreign care.

His passing mirrors a now-familiar pattern among Nigeria’s political class: fleeing abroad for treatment, even for routine ailments, only to eventually die in foreign hospitals. Buhari, who frequently sought medical attention in the United Kingdom during his presidency, had once campaigned on the promise of reducing medical tourism. Instead, he became one of its most prominent symbols.

Public reaction has been swift and critical. Muhammad Shakir Balogun, a resident advisor with the Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (NFELTP), condemned the trend in a widely shared Facebook post. Drawing comparisons with African icons like Nelson Mandela and Jerry Rawlings—both of whom received treatment and died in their home countries—Balogun wrote:

“They were not flown to London, Paris, or Amsterdam. They were attended to in their own countries by their own doctors… What of Nigeria, the giant of Africa? Even those who campaigned on the moral pedestal of not going abroad for treatment turned out to be the worst offenders ever.”

He called on current President Bola Tinubu to “break the despicable and shameless tradition” by ensuring at least one world-class hospital exists within Nigeria—“even if it’s a military hospital.”

Yet, President Tinubu himself has also faced criticism for continuing the same tradition. Since assuming office in May 2023, he has reportedly travelled to Paris multiple times for medical checkups, reinforcing the perception that Nigerian leaders lack confidence in the very healthcare system they oversee.

Critics argue that the reliance on foreign healthcare is not just a failure of policy but a profound betrayal of public trust. Nigeria’s public hospitals suffer from underfunding, dilapidated infrastructure, and a mass exodus of medical professionals, many of whom now work in the very countries to which Nigerian leaders turn in times of illness.

With Buhari’s burial scheduled for today in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, attention is turning not just to the legacy of his leadership, but to the urgent need for healthcare reform at home, so that future presidents may live, heal, and if necessary, die on Nigerian soil.

By Aliyu Abubakar

Kannywood actors Ali Jita and Ali Nuhu recently took to the stage at Success Hall in London on Saturday, April 22, 2023, showcasing the talent and artistry of Northern Nigerian culture for the first time as part of the 2023 Eid celebration party. Their performance not only highlighted the cultural richness and diversity of the Hausa and Arewa people but also demonstrated Kannywood’s growing reach and influence beyond Nigeria’s borders.

As Ali Jita and Ali Nuhu performed in London, their fans watched in awe as they seamlessly blended music and dance to showcase the beauty of Hausa and Arewa culture. The audience was treated to a stunning performance that celebrated the talent and creativity of the actors and showcased the unique heritage of Northern Nigeria.

For those who may not be familiar with Kannywood, the film industry produces movies in the Hausa language in Northern Nigeria. It has been gaining popularity recently, with a growing following among Nigerians and beyond. The success of Ali Jita and Ali Nuhu’s performance in London is a testament to Kannywood’s increasingly global reach and influence.

This achievement is a proud moment for the actors, their fans, and the entire Kannywood industry. Moreover, it marks a significant milestone in the growth and development of Northern Nigerian culture, highlighting the resilience and creativity of its people.

Ali Jita and Ali Nuhu’s performance in London was significant for the Kannywood industry and the Hausa and Arewa communities in the diaspora. For many Northern Nigerians living outside their homeland, the performance reminded them of their culture and heritage, bringing a sense of pride and joy to their hearts. In addition, the event provided an opportunity for the diaspora community to come together, celebrate their traditions, and connect with their roots.

The success of Ali Jita and Ali Nuhu’s performance in London also reflects the power of culture in fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting unity. The event brought together people from different backgrounds and cultures, providing a platform to showcase the beauty and diversity of Northern Nigerian culture. It also helped to break down stereotypes and promote a deeper appreciation of the vibrant cultures that exist in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. As Kannywood continues to grow and gain global recognition, it has the potential to serve as a bridge between different cultures, promoting understanding and fostering unity.

In conclusion, Ali Jita and Ali Nuhu’s triumphant performance at Success Hall in London as part of the 2023 Eid celebration party is a significant milestone for the Kannywood industry and a proud moment for the Hausa and Arewa people. It celebrates the beauty and richness of Northern Nigerian culture and showcases the talent and creativity of the region’s actors and filmmakers. Furthermore, the event has helped promote cross-cultural understanding and foster unity, highlighting Kannywood’s potential to serve as a bridge between different cultures. As the industry grows, we can look forward to more exceptional performances from Northern Nigeria’s talented actors and filmmakers.

Aliyu Abubakar is the MD. Rbm e-Tech and Digital Services, Hadejia, Jigawa State. He can be reached via aliuabubakar852@gmail.com.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Yusuf Aminu Anka, a law student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has emerged winner of the 2022 Rory Peck’s Sony Impact Award for Current Affairs in London.

Mr Anka disclosed the milestone on his verified Twitter handle on Thursday. 

“I’m honored to have won the @rorypecktrust, @sonyproeurope impact award in the midst of many courageous and important reportings from Afghanistan and around the world. I am extremely happy and proud of the support I receive from family, friends, and colleagues here.” He wrote on Twitter.

Mr Anka made a short documentary for BBC News Africa titled ‘The Bandits Warlords of Zamfara.” 

The award-winning documentary tells the story of banditry and kidnappings in Zamfara and its effects on people’s lives. 

Reacting to the award, Mr Anka said, “Every day, I am reassured that the story of Zamfara is significant not only to us but to everyone who values humanity.” 

The Sony Impact Award for Current Affairs honours the work of freelance journalists in long-form current affairs that examines a single issue, story or situation and has an impact on the viewer, policy or public awareness.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Nigeria after his routine medical check-up in London, United Kingdom.

Special Assistant on Digital Communication to the President, Bashir Ahmad, announced the President’s return in a Facebook post on Sunday.

He said, 

“President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja from London, the United Kingdom.” 

Amidst criticism of medical tourism, Buhari departed the country for the UK on October 31, 2022, for what the presidency described as a routine medical check-up.

The trip will be one of several medical trips the President has embarked on since assuming office in 2015, spending at least seven months abroad.

By Muhammad Sabiu

After a medical check-up in London, President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Abuja on Friday.

The President was scheduled to leave for the medical trip from Nairobi, Kenya, after attending the UN Environment Programme at the age of 50, but he returned to Nigeria on March 4.

He met with Mai Mala Buni, the Interim National Chairman of the APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee, amidst the party’s leadership tussle while in London.

At about 7.09 p.m., the presidential plane carrying Buhari landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.