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Heart to Heart with Hajara – Series 3: Five Conversations Every Couple Should Have Before Saying “I Do”

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Heart to Heart with Hajara – Series 3: Five Conversations Every Couple Should Have Before Saying “I Do” There is something so beautiful about preparing for marriage. The excitement of planning a future together, discussing where you will live, meeting families, and imagining what life will look like as husband and wife can be thrilling and unforgettable. But somewhere between the wedding preparations, buying stuff, choosing outfits, meeting relatives, and making arrangements for the big day, there are some much more important conversations that couples need to have. Conversations that may not be as exciting, but could save you from painful surprises later. Marriage is more than a wedding. It is a lifelong union,  a partnership, and before saying “I do,” couples need to understand not only how much they love each other, but also how to sustain their love and how they intend to build a life together. From what I have seen as a counsellor, these are some vital conversations every coup...
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Why Some Nigerlites Still Miss the Mark on Farmer Governor Umaru Bago’s New Niger Agenda

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In Niger State today, there is a conversation that keeps coming up in markets, on radio, in Social media platforms, and at political gatherings. It is not about the new roads, the schools being renovated, the agricultural inputs, or the health centers receiving equipment and power. It is about comparison.  Why are some Nigerlites measuring Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s four years in office against the eight years of past governors, in cluding those who did very well and those who, in truth, did nothing at all?   The question is fair, and the answer says more about us as a people than it does about leadership. Because if we are honest, what Governor Bago has done within a single term has touched almost every local government in Niger State. From the Green Economy blueprint, to massive urban renewal in Minna and other towns like Bida, Kontagora,  Suleja to agriculture mechanization, road construction, education reforms, and health sector interventions, the foot...
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Happy Birthday to Aisha Hussaina Idris Manarakis 🎉

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Today we at TakeMyGist celebrate a proud daughter of Bida, Niger State.   Aisha Hussaina Idris Manarakis was born to the family of Alhaji Idris Muhammad Bida (N’One) and Hajiya Sa’adatu Yannagi. She studied Mass Communication at Fati Lami Abubakar Institute, FLAILAS Minna, and obtained her BSc in Mass Communication from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai. Hussaina is a Nupe Writer, Teacher, Translator, Newscaster and Presenter working with Badeggi 90.1 FM and Lapai TV. She is also a member of the Minna Literary Society.  From her teenage days, she has been committed to promoting the Nupe language. She serves as Vice President of the Nupe Writers Association of Nigeria, Chairperson of the Nupe Female Promoters Forum, and Coordinator of Millennium Africa Global Initiative, MAGI, Bida chapter. She is the author of many books in Nupe language including Bicicin kpako, Kangari, Ewo na Soko kin na, Yetu egi and others. Her work has appeared in several anthologies, in T...
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Heart to Heart with Hajara – Series 2

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  Have You Ever Wondered Why Good People Still End Up in Bad Marriages? Have you ever looked at a couple and wondered, "They're both good people. What went wrong?" It's a question many of us ask when we hear about a marriage falling apart. We often say, "But he's such a nice person," or "She's such a wonderful woman." So, what happened? In reality, being a good person does not automatically make someone a good spouse. Likewise, marrying a good person does not guarantee a happy marriage. Many people enter marriage happy, optimistic, and with sincere intentions. They genuinely want to love, support, and build a beautiful home together. Yet, somewhere along the journey, misunderstandings replace meaningful conversations, assumptions take the place of understanding, and disappointment begins to overshadow affection. It isn't always because someone is wicked or unfaithful. Sometimes, two well-meaning people simply lack the skills needed to b...
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Heart to Heart with Hajara – Series 1: 6 Silent Signs Your Marriage May Be in Trouble (Even If You Hardly Fight)

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Most people think a marriage is in trouble only when it involves shouting, constant arguments, or people sleeping in separate rooms. But that's not always the case. Some marriages are very quiet, and that's exactly what makes them dangerous. The husband and wife go to work, come home, eat together, talk about the children, pay the bills, and go to bed. Everything looks fine from the outside. But deep down, they no longer feel close to each other. They are living in the same house but slowly becoming strangers. The truth is, most marriages don't break overnight. Little by little, people stop talking, stop listening, stop making time for each other, and slowly drift apart. Here are six silent signs that your marriage may need attention: 1. Your conversations are only about responsibilities. If the only things you talk about are the children, bills, errands, or daily routines, while real conversations have disappeared, your emotional connection may be fading. 2. You no longer ...
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Kachalan Rabban Nupe (Kpakoyankpa): Honour bestowed on Tgst. Bagudu Mustapha Ndayako (M-Nate)

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His Royal Highness, Etsu Nupe, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar CFR, Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers conferred the prestigious traditional title of Kachalan Rabban Nupe (Kpakoyankpa) on Tgst. Bagudu Mustapha Ndayako (M-Nate). Ceremonial Event, Date: Saturday, 1st August, 2026 Venue: Umar Majigi Palace, Bida About Kachalan Rabban Nupe: Tgst. Bagudu Mustapha Ndayako was born on 24th October, 1968 in Zaria, Kaduna State. Education His early education began at Model Primary School, GRA Bida from 1970 to 1980.   In 1980, he gained admission into Government Technical College, Eyagi Bida, where he studied Automobile Mechanics until 1987.   For his tertiary education, he attended The Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi now known as Waziri Ibrahim Federal Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi.   He was there from 1991 to 1994, and returned again from 1998 to 2001 for further studies, obtaining his ND and HND respectively. National Service After his studies, he served his country und...
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INTRODUCING OUR NEW RELATIONSHIP COLUMNIST

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Need Someone to Talk To? Are you and your partner going through marital issues, communication problems, or financial disputes? TMG now offers confidential Relationship & Marriage Coaching. Speak with Hajara Mustapha Certified Relationship Coach & Marriage Educator Founder, Deep Healing Counselling Services Every healthy marriage is built on intentional love, honest conversations, and the willingness to grow together. Every Thursday, TMG brings you Heart 2 Heart with Hajara, practical wisdom, faith-informed guidance, and real solutions for stronger relationships. WhatsApp for Confidential Sessions>> 0706 491 3193 ABOUT》Mrs. Hajara M. Thani Counsellor | Life Coach | Relationship Educator Hajara is a trained counsellor, life coach, and relationship educator who helps individuals, couples, and families build healthier and happier relationships. She holds a Diploma in Counselling with Distinction from the Blackford Institute, UK. She is also a Certified Life Coach and Certifie...
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