Nigeria

By Uzair Adam

The Hausa language is one of the fastest-growing languages, not only in Nigeria but also in other parts of Africa and countries such as China, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

However, despite its increasing global recognition and recorded successes, Hausa people seem to be neglecting the cultural teachings and traditions of their ancestors.

Hausa customs, norms, and values are gradually fading, turning into historical relics that may soon exist only in books or folktales.

This trend has raised concerns among cultural stakeholders.In response, the I-Care Initiative organized a two-day workshop in Kano from Monday to Tuesday, focusing on the preservation of Hausa traditions in the 21st century.

The event brought together stakeholders from various Hausa-speaking states in Nigeria to discuss the way forward through presentations, Hausa poetry, and other cultural showcases.

The workshop featured prominent Hausa novelists, including Dr. Bilkisu and Hajiya Hadiza Nuhu, as well as renowned traditional musicians such as Aminu Ala.

It also attracted traditional dancers, academics from Nigerian languages and mass communication departments, and other cultural enthusiasts.

According to Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, the Chairperson of I-Care Initiative and wife of former Vice President Namadi Sambo, the event aimed to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Hausa people.

She noted the importance of preserving Hausa culture, stating, “Nowadays, many of our children can hardly speak Hausa without code-mixing or code-switching.”

She also lamented the decline of traditional Hausa cuisine, noting that many young people no longer know how to prepare these dishes.

To address this, the event showcased various Hausa delicacies alongside traditional businesses, allowing attendees to learn and appreciate their heritage.

Hajiya Amina further criticized the growing disregard for Hausa traditions, which has led some to believe they are superior to the Hausa people.

She urged individuals to read Hausa literature and called on Hausa filmmakers to promote authentic Hausa culture in their productions.

Speaking at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Sayyada Rahma Abdulmajid, praised Hausa culture and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to preserving Nigerian traditions.

He highlighted the creation of a ministry dedicated to cultural preservation and the allocation of significant funds for this purpose.

Shettima reiterated the global significance of Nigerian culture, stating, “Our culture commands great respect worldwide.

“Wherever you go, among every five black people, one is Nigerian. Moreover, the best among them is often a Nigerian.”

The event also showcased Hausa crafts and trades, such as hand fans (mafici), woven mats (tabarma), clay pots (tukunyar kasa), and dyeing techniques.

These businesses have historically connected Hausa traders from Kano to Sokoto, Zaria to Timbuktu, Marrakech, and across West and North Africa.

“Through these businesses, the Hausa man built his own house and city, which later contributed to the formation of Northern Nigeria,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Aliyu Bunza from the Department of Nigerian Languages, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, took attendees on a historical journey tracing the origins of the Hausa people and the factors behind their success.

Bunza attributed their resilience to strong cultural and moral values, stating, “The Hausa people are known for their honesty and truthfulness. If you are trustworthy, you will earn their respect, but if they find you deceitful, they will not trust you.”

The event was attended by traditional titleholders, government officials, and wives of former governors, including Dr. Aisha Bala Muhammad, wife of the Bauchi State Governor, and Hajiya Amina Shekarau, wife of former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, among others.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD

Every nation has its beacon of hope. India has Mahatma Gandhi, Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, China, Mao Zedong, South Africa, and Nelson Mandela. In the United States, it’s Abraham Lincoln, while Ghana reveres Kwame Nkrumah. Zimbabwe holds on to Robert Mugabe, Kenya to Jomo Kenyatta, Egypt to Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Ethiopia to Haile Selassie.

Northern Nigeria’s guiding light is Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto—a man whose name is written in gold on the sands of history. A towering figure with a heart as vast as the Sahel, he was a custodian of Islam, a protector of culture, a unifier of regions, and a calculated risk-taker. Bold in action and resolute in purpose, he stands tall as the North’s brightest son.

Almost all of Sardauna’s life and legacy have been well documented and were public knowledge; it has been told through various forms and platforms like nostalgia, reminiscence legends, truth, and myth. Sardauna is generally known for one thing: an unnegotiable love for the North- a love rooted in modernization and unification.

Thanks to Sardauna’s vision for proficient and disciplined graduates to fill the gap in the northern civil service, the all-encompassing, majestic, and larger-than-life ABU Zaria was born. Sardaunan’s vision for institutional independence extends beyond academia: it includes independence in finance, energy, media, aviation, and food security.

Monuments and megastructures in Sardauna’s name that still stand and reverberate speak volumes about the foresight, determination, and vision of this legendary figure. This uncommon vision for the North to develop and be independent fetched Sardauna, both friends and many foes. But it never deterred him. He forged on from strength to strength.

Whether known or unknown to Sardauna’s distractors, he was never anything close to being a bigot. His actions tell a different story: his consideration of the whole North transcends every primordial boundary like tribe, region, and religion. Sardauna merely wanted to discharge his duties best to the people he was entrusted with. If Sardauna could govern Nigeria, he would ensure the country excels among its peers. He will pursue the Nigerian interest with the same vigour and rigour as the North.

Perhaps the most controversial stance of Sardauna after the Northernization agenda was his determined campaign against independence. This is what Southerners and Easterners, especially his colleagues such as Awolowo, Akintola, and Azikiwe, could not wrap their heads against. Was it not the independence that people die to get, but here is a potential premier kicking against it or, at best, asking for its delay? This particular unpopular campaign that Sardauna embarked on and his colleagues in the North are two sides of the same coin.

As of 1952, when agitations for self-government began to mount, the majority of staff in the North were Whites, Southerners, and Easterners of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, so Sardauna clamour was until the North became not only united and literate but capable of piloting its affairs before independence. This argument and most of other Sardauna’s interests would prevail, and the regional self-government was granted in 1955 to 56 instead, before the independence four years later.

This unprecedented vision of Sardauna for the delayed independence is a revolutionary—a potential antidote to the challenges plaguing many post-colonial nations. This could be the first time a potential president of a potential country could not be desperate, but instead harbour delayed independence subject to the capacity of the country.

Yesterday marks 59 years since Sardauna’s cold-blooded assassination by Lieutenant Colonel Nzeogwu. Yet, his legacy lives on, etched in the hearts of Northerners and Nigerians alike. May Allah forgive the shortcomings of North’s brightest son and grant him Jannatul Firdaus, amin.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD, wrote via bilal4riid13@gmail.com.

By Yakubu Nasiru Khalid

Still, addressing the public’s issues remains challenging in northern Nigeria. Media outlets favour partisanship over accuracy or truth, and the Nigerian media requires a controlling apparatus. 

Media outlets are considered a room where the underprivileged can address their problems to the government or private individuals who breach their rights. However, media outlets are now mainly sponsored and do not act independently or impartially when telling the truth. 

When I was young, I saw journalists as saviours who worked as architects or social engineers to prioritise public interests and solutions over personal or government interests, but now I see the opposite.

This results in the loss of hope that the electronic or printing media cannot serve as a messianic approach to standing against the breaching of the rights of ordinary citizens.

Even though media and journalistic standards attest to and measure a report’s accuracy and truthfulness, the ongoing challenge for media outlets remains their preference for partisanship over impartiality and independence.

For this reason, fact-checking media and journalists are mostly needed in electronic media (online Newspapers). Most media companies are owned and managed by people not equipped with journalism etiquette; they do it for a passion. 

While passion in journalism can often render one unprofessional, incompetent, or unethical in reporting, investigating, or addressing issues, it is essential for those who have not studied media to understand its etiquette, even if it means obtaining a certificate in the field.

It’s known that Nigerian media companies are owned by private individuals and deprived of government-approved control mechanisms or apparatus. They aim to generate income, which leads to sparks of misinformation from various media outlets. 

Lastly, I suggest media companies refrain from favouring personal or political interests over factual or truthful reportingor addressing public issues. I also advise those passionate about journalism to learn its etiquette formally.

Yakubu Nasiru Khalid wrote via yakubunasirukhalid@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The United States government has temporarily suspended financial support for HIV treatment programmes in Nigeria and other developing countries, following an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump.

This decision has resulted in a 90-day pause in disbursements from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a US initiative providing life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment across Africa and other regions.

The suspension is linked to an order signed on Trump’s first day in office, which instructed all government agencies overseeing foreign development aid to halt fund distribution temporarily.

PEPFAR, which operates on an annual budget of $6.5 billion, provides HIV/AIDS treatment to over 20.6 million people worldwide. Since its establishment, the programme has reportedly saved 26 million lives, making it a cornerstone of global health initiatives.

According to NPR, the funding halt could extend for at least three months unless PEPFAR secures an exemption.

Public health experts have expressed concern over the potential long-term consequences, including the risk of the programme being permanently discontinued by the Trump administration.

Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the US State Department, stated that the government “is no longer going to blindly distribute money without returns for the American people.”

In Nigeria, where approximately two million people live with HIV, the suspension could have devastating effects. PEPFAR has been instrumental in providing life-saving medication and improving the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Over the years, PEPFAR has contributed more than $6 billion to Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response, saving countless lives and playing a pivotal role in controlling the virus’s spread.

The suspension now threatens to reverse these gains, sparking widespread concern among healthcare advocates and policymakers.

By Anwar Usman

Vice President Kashim Shettima sympathized with the victims and government of Enugu State over the fuel tanker fire which claimed lives in the state.

He added that it is time to bring an end to avoidable tanker accidents and explosions.

The fuel tanker had on Saturday skewed off course and burst into flames along the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

In his condolence message to those who lost their lives and injured, signed by the spokesperson to the vice president Stanley Nkwocha, the vice president noted that President Bola Tinubu was very concerned and disturbed by the incident and other tanker explosions in recent times.

He said, “It was with a heart full of sadness that I received news of the fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Ugwu Onyeama Local Government Area of Enugu State. I am deeply saddened that another tanker accident would lead to the loss of lives of Nigerians, leaving others injured in the gory incident.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seriously worried by the frequency of these tanker explosion incidents on public roads and residential areas, which are ordinarily avoidable. Just as he has directed the relevant agencies in his message of condolence on Sunday, I want to reassure Nigerians that the government will stop at nothing to put an end to tanker accidents on our roads”.

The vice president promised that following Mr President’s directive, the government will engage relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on possible ways the road traffic authorities, as well as federal and state transportation ministries can cooperate to urgently forestall further tanker accidents and explosions across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported that 411 Nigerians died in 2024 while attempting to scoop fuel from fallen tankers across the country.

This was disclosed by the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, during a press briefing on the Corps’ 2024 special patrol operations in Abuja.

According to Mohammed, the FRSC recorded significant improvements in road safety compliance in 2024, with a 26% increase in adherence to traffic rules and a 23.5% reduction in traffic law violations compared to 2023.

He noted that 21,580 traffic offenders were arrested in 2024, a sharp drop from the 29,220 recorded in the previous year.

Discussing road traffic crashes (RTCs), Mohammed stated that the Corps documented 9,570 RTCs in 2024, a 10% decrease from the 10,617 incidents recorded in 2023.

He added that injuries from these crashes also slightly decreased, with 31,154 people injured in 2024 compared to 31,874 in 2023, representing a 2% reduction.

However, the FRSC Corps Marshal revealed a 7% rise in fatalities, with 5,421 deaths recorded in 2024, up from 5,081 in 2023.

Of these fatalities, 411 were linked to fuel scooping, which accounted for 7.6% of total deaths.

Mohammed described the practice of scooping fuel as “the very monster the Corps is fighting,” and emphasized that without these incidents, the fatality figure for 2024 would have stood at 5,010.

The FRSC continues to advocate for strict compliance with traffic laws and urges Nigerians to avoid the dangerous act of scooping fuel from crashed tankers to prevent further loss of lives.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

I have always maintained the opinion that aid is a mechanism used by the so-called powerful nations to underdevelop weaker countries—though not deliberately, especially in African countries where insecurity is caused by terrorism or ethnic cleansing, which is a crime against humanity or genocide.

In Africa, particularly Nigeria, our major problem is poverty—a singular issue that has metamorphosed into intractable insecurities, including but not limited to the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, among others. Many people might argue that Boko Haram and the Biafra movements are ideological in nature, but the truth is that those ideological elements have long since faded, leaving the agitations as an economic venture for certain nefarious countries and individuals to exploit.

They recruit jobless, uneducated, desperate, and misguided young people into their criminal community to kill not just their enemies but anyone who upholds peace and stability. I was born and raised in Maiduguri, and I’ve never left the ‘Home of Peace’ even for a day because of the insurgency—not even when it was at its peak. Therefore, I am qualified to say a few things regarding the phenomenon. We’ve witnessed how young people were recruited into the deadly and infamous sect known as Boko Haram.

Some were paid 50k weekly, some received 150k to 300k monthly, depending on the nature of the work assigned to them, and some of the payments were in hard currencies. The same thing happens in the North Western region of Nigeria, where banditry and kidnapping thrive in the open — dozens of lives are lost, and women and children are left in depression, poverty, and psychological trauma. 

This has attracted many INGOs and subsequently led to the formation of local NGOs in the country, whose assistance is largely unsustainable and dependent. They provide cash and food items, with only a few engaging in ‘goat and sheep empowerment’, similar to the initiative recently unveiled by the Kano State Government. That initiative, too, is ineffective, as more than two-thirds of the beneficiaries, if not all, sell these items at the distribution venue. This arises because it is aid, not a partnership for economic growth.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, shares my opinion. His remarks reflect a deep understanding of global economic dynamics and the need for sustainable development in Africa. Leaders like him talk about Nigeria’s untapped potential as a partner for global powers and investors. 

Instead of perpetuating the cycle of aid dependency, he spoke about the urgent need for the world to recognize Nigeria’s potential as a hub for industrialization, which would provide opportunities for millions of youth and contribute to global economic growth.

Africa, and particularly Nigeria, has long received foreign aid, often with good intentions but yielding unsustainable results. Aid might address immediate crises, but it does not tackle the root causes of poverty or unemployment. Instead, it fosters dependency, undermines local capacity, and creates temporary solutions. As Sen. Shettima’s example illustrates, Nigeria does not need fish handed to it; it needs to be taught how to fish through strategic partnerships that prioritize industrialization, skill development, and innovation.

By working together to build industries, Nigeria can unleash the potential of its vast, youthful population and ensure long-term, self-sustaining growth.

World powers and private investors must recognise Nigeria for what it truly is: a land of opportunity. With a population of over 250 million, Nigeria represents one of the largest consumer markets globally, along with an abundance of natural resources and human capital. Establishing industries in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy would not only tackle the country’s unemployment crisis but also offer global investors access to untapped, profitable markets.

Partnerships that create factories, manufacturing plants, and tech hubs will empower Nigeria’s youth, reduce migration pressures, and ultimately benefit the global economy. The need for industrialisation cannot be overstated. Nigeria’s youths, brimming with talent and ambition, are eager to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development. 

However, without opportunities, many remained unemployed, looking forward to migration in search of greener pastures. The international community can help transform Nigeria into a global production hub by establishing industries and leveraging its demographic dividend to drive innovation and development. This is the position of Sen. Shettima, who advocates for economic empowerment rather than reliance on foreign assistance.

Furthermore, industrialisation offers a win-win scenario for both Nigeria and the world. While Nigeria gains employment opportunities, technological transfer, and a diversified economy, global powers and businesses secure access to a vibrant and emerging market. Beyond economic benefits, these partnerships strengthen political stability, reduce security threats, and position Nigeria as a strong ally on the global stage. 

Sen. Shettima’s representation at the World Economic Forum emphasised this potential as he spoke about Nigeria’s challenges and its vast opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The message is that Africa, particularly Nigeria, does not require handouts. It needs partnerships that promote self-reliance, innovation, and sustainability. The world must transition from giving aid to creating opportunities. Let industries rise, let innovation flourish, and let Nigeria demonstrate to the world that, with the right tools and partnerships, it can be a formidable force. 

Lawan Bukar Maigana, Daily Trust’s 2024 Unsung Hero, writes from Maiduguri, Borno State, and can be reached via email: LawanBukarMaigana@gmail.com.

By Hamisu Adamu Dandajeh, PhD

Recently, I have not encountered anyone more deserving of an Honorary Doctorate Degree globally than Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini Maiduguri CON. The 87-year-old global scholar and researcher has authored over 400 books and 100 conference papers in Arabic. 

Sheikh is a global mufti who currently heads the Supreme Council for Fatwa and Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (NSCIA). Throughout Nigeria’s history as a nation, no recognised Islamic scholar has made such remarkable contributions to the body of quality knowledge as the Mufti himself.

This renowned Sheikh embodies knowledge and humility and is a product of the Tsangaya System. Sheikh Sharif is, in fact, overly qualified. European universities established an Honorary Doctorate in the 15th Century to recognise exceptional individuals who have made substantial contributions to a particular field, society, and humanity despite lacking traditional academic credentials.

Sheikh Sharif has written extensively on nearly every facet of Islam, encompassing Quranic sciences, Hadith, Islamic law, history, philosophy, Islamic jurisprudence, linguistics, Islamic polity, Tauhid, Fiqh, Tafseer, Sufism, Arabic literature, Islamic law, inheritance, astronomy—indeed, astronomy—and the peaceful coexistence between nations.

While some universities worldwide have drifted away from the 15th-century original purpose of awarding Honorary Doctorates, instead prioritising celebrity appeal, fundraising, politics, diplomacy, and commercialisation, Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria remains committed to upholding the original intent, as evident in the recent award to Sheikh Sharif. 

Sheikh Sharif has spent his entire life teaching, learning, researching, and contributing to community development, which aligns with the exact purpose of universities globally. He has exemplified scholarship and knowledge sharing, promoted interfaith dialogue, and fostered a culture of peaceful coexistence. 

Sheikh Sharif has produced many scholars of global repute, including Sheikh Professor Ibrahim Maqari, now the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Nigeria. He is building one of the biggest Islamic centres (Markaz) in Abuja to advance international teaching and research.

Sheikh Sharif brings class, integrity, dignity, and prestige to the Honorary Doctorate. We hope that, going forward, the nomination, review, selection, and conferment processes will remain transparent and accountable. 

To know what is next for Nigerian universities after this remarkable award, here is what Abdulbasit Kasim, a friend and a postdoctoral fellow at the African and American Studies at Stanford University, USA, added: “After awarding Shayk an honorary doctorate, Ahmadu Bello University should proceed to the next phase of translating and incorporating his books into the University curriculum. If I can include Shayk’s work on history, politics, philosophy, and economics in my Stanford syllabus, there is no reason why Nigerian students in humanities and social sciences should study Antonio Gramsci and Karl Popper but not Sharif Ibrahim Saleh and Adam Abdallah al-iluri. While this honorary degree has aesthetic value, I hope Ahmadu Bello University will diversify and broaden the curriculum beyond [the] Western canon.”

Thank you, Ahmadu Bello University, for honouring an erudite scholar. Congratulations, Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini Maiduguri, on your well-deserved Honorary Doctorate in Law award.

Hamisu Adamu Dandajeh, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Fuels, Energy and Climate Change at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – Nigeria.

By Anas Abbas

Faculty of Communication of Bayero University, Kano and the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters organized a two-day round table meeting on investigative and data-driven journalism challenges.

The roundtable, held on Monday, focused on challenges of investigative and data-driven journalism and was themed ” Round table meeting on issues and challenges of investigative and data-driven journalism in the broadcast sector in North West Nigeria.”

The event, organized in collaboration with the Society of Nigerian Broadcasting, took place at the CBN Centre of Excellence at Bayero University, Kano.

Professor Umaru Pate, a communications expert and seasoned scholar, presented a paper titled “The Imperative of Investigative and Data-Driven Journalism in North West Nigeria.” 

As the keynote speaker, Pate thoroughly explained that “investigative journalism contributes to freedom of information.” 

Pate noted that some companies might pull their advertisements if the media content conflicts with their interests. 

He highlighted the pressing issue of inadequate funding for research within media organisations.

Pate noted that many outlets often overlook the necessity of investing in thorough research, emphasizing that producing quality news requires financial commitment. “To deliver high-quality journalism, organizations must be willing to allocate resources toward research,” he stated.

He addressed another significant challenge faced by investigative journalism, which is “the threats to journalists’ safety,” which underscores the need for greater support and protection for those committed to uncovering important stories.

By Uzair Adam 

Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain professionalism and avoid political bias, particularly in its operations within the state.  

This follows the controversy surrounding a terror alert issued by the Kano State Police Command on the eve of the annual Maulud celebration organised by the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.  

In a statement on his X handle, Kwankwaso commended the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order for successfully hosting the significant event. 

He also congratulated Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for their contributions to the event’s success.  

However, he expressed disappointment over the police alert, which he claimed caused unnecessary panic among Kano residents and attendees from across Nigeria and beyond.  

“The conduct of the police, which appears to align with the Federal Government’s habitual interference in Kano’s affairs, further erodes their credibility,” Kwankwaso stated.  

He warned that issuing unverified threat alerts could lead to public complacency during genuine security threats.  

“Issuing a false threat alert of this magnitude sets a dangerous precedent. It risks making people dismissive of genuine threats in the future,” he noted.  

Kwankwaso also criticised the global impression created by the police’s actions, given the international participation in the event. 

He called on the Kano State Police Command to prioritise professionalism and avoid partisanship, emphasising the need for the Federal Government to steer clear of interfering in Kano’s governance.  

“The Federal Government must resist involving itself in matters that complicate governance in Kano State,” he added.  

The Tijjaniyya Maulud celebration remains a prominent annual event for the Sufi order, attracting participants from across the globe.