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      ~~ Mahmud Ashraf  The passing of Alhaji Ahmad Yabagi Abdullahi (1952-2025) leaves a void that can never be truly filled.  More than a simple obituary, this is a tribute to a life lived with extraordinary generosity, unwavering integrity, and a profound dedication to his community.  Born in Bida in 1952, Alhaji Yabagi’s journey was marked by significant contributions to Niger State, both in the public and private spheres. His career with Niger State Project Agriculture and his leadership within the PDP demonstrate a deep-seated commitment to public service.  Yet, his true legacy lies beyond titles and positions. Alhaji Yabagi was a philanthropist at heart, quietly and consistently providing for those in need.  He was a peacemaker, adept at bridging divides and fostering unity amongst diverse groups. This was evident not only in his professional life, but also in his personal relationships, exemplified by the strong bonds he shared with his br...

  ~~ Ahman Makams   Nigeria, a nation of vibrant culture and teeming population, often finds itself grappling with a stark contrast: a wealth of untapped potential seemingly destined for greatness, juxtaposed against persistent economic and social challenges.  The question lingers: can Nigeria's enormous resources and human capital overcome its deeply rooted problems to become the giant it has the potential to be? A Land of Contrasts Nigeria, Africa's largest economy, boasts abundant natural resources, including oil, which have historically fuelled its economy.  Its agricultural sector, despite facing significant hurdles, possesses the potential to feed a substantial population and drive agricultural exports.  The country also boasts a young, dynamic population, a substantial and rapidly growing middle class, and a thriving tech sector.  Yet, widespread poverty, corruption, infrastructure deficiencies, and a struggling power sector continue to stifle progre...

  Theme: Reflections for a Centered Life A new entry in the Making Real Sense Series by: Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel In a world that never stops moving, what truly matters isn’t more success, more hours, or more applause — it’s more presence, more clarity, more inner peace, and the courage to live aligned with your values. We don’t need more distractions disguised as opportunities. We need discipline that aligns with self-respect. We need focus that’s rooted in intentional living. We need to stop outsourcing our worth to applause and approval. What if the real achievement isn’t about climbing faster, but climbing wisely? Because life isn’t about how high you go — it’s about how rooted you are while rising. Focus Isn’t Circumstantial — It’s a Choice Focus is not a condition life gives you; it is a commitment you give yourself. Even when the world throws noise and chaos at your doorstep, you still get to choose where your attention goes. Focus doesn’t require silence around you; it jus...

~~ Dr Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician   Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide.  In 2022, 2.3 million women were diagnosed, and 670,000 died.  The disease affects every country, with significant disparities in incidence and mortality rates based on human development index (HDI). While high-HDI countries see a lower lifetime risk of diagnosis (1 in 12), mortality remains relatively low (1 in 71). Conversely, low-HDI countries have a lower diagnosis rate (1 in 27), yet a much higher mortality rate (1 in 48).  Approximately 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men. Breast cancer begins when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. Early-stage (in situ) cancer is treatable.  As cancer invades surrounding tissue, it can spread (metastasize) to lymph nodes and other organs, becoming life-threatening.  Treatment depends on the individual, cancer type, and stage, typically involving surgery, rad...

   ~~  Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Democracy Day in Nigeria, celebrated annually on June 12, is a day steeped in emotion, history, and the enduring quest for freedom. It commemorates the now-legendary June 12, 1993 election, widely believed to be the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history—annulled by the military regime despite the clear will of the people. That date etched in sacrifice and symbolic power was revalidated in 2018 by President Muhammadu Buhari, who officially declared it Democracy Day in place of May 29. But 31 years on from that defining moment, and 25 years into continuous democratic rule under the Fourth Republic, a pressing question looms: Is Nigeria truly enjoying the dividends of democracy, or merely enduring its disappointments? Democracy, On Paper and In Practice We have had six general elections (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023), and a peaceful transition of power between rival political parties—a significant marker of a democratic syst...

Baba Isah Edota's Installation and Upcoming Homage Ceremony  Baba Isah Edota (BBI) was turbaned as the new Dan Bana Nupe (Kpakoyankpa) in January 2025. The turbaning ceremony, a grand and memorable occasion, was graciously hosted by DCG Aliyu Galadima Saidu (Rtd) PhD, Galadiman Gari Nupe (Dodondawa). It was attended by top traditional title holders from Bida and beyond, as well as friends, well-wishers, and dignitaries from various sectors in Niger State and beyond. This coming Saturday, June 14, 2025, will feature a Traditional Homage Ceremony to His Royal Highness, Etsu Nupe, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar CFR. We wish the new Dan Bana Nupe long life, prosperity, and happiness in his new role. This title brings great responsibility, and we are confident he will fulfill it with grace and wisdom. Congratulations to Baba Isah Edota on this special achievement. May his future be filled with success and fulfillment. Best wishes. Formal Invitation You are cordially invited to the traditional ...

  ~~ Aisha Nnasule Ndayako  Writing this piece is one of the most emotionally challenging tasks I have ever faced. I was only a few months old when my beloved mother left this world. For the longest time I believed my aunty was my mum—she raised me as her own, and I will forever be grateful. When the truth emerged, it was a painful awakening: I was caught between denial and discovery, between memory and mystery. With tears in my eyes, I write these words. I have been told I am a miracle child—a living testament to the mercy and power of the Almighty. I was in the car with my mum, my elder brother, a cousin, two family friends, and the driver when tragedy struck. It was a fatal crash. I survived with only a small scratch on my face. My mum and the driver did not make it. Over the years, family and well‑wishers have kept her memory alive through stories—stories of a kind, generous woman who always put others first. They say she lived with a rare grace, as if she knew her time he...

~~Mahmud Ashraf  In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh. My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, today’s sermon focuses on one of the five pillars of Islam, a momentous act of worship that holds a profound spiritual significance: Hajj. Hajj is more than just a journey; it’s a transformative experience, a profound act of submission to Allah (SWT), and a unique opportunity to strengthen our connection with our Creator and fellow Muslims. Who should perform Hajj? The Quran and Sunnah strongly encourage every Muslim, who is physically and financially capable, to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. The capacity aspect is crucial. It’s not merely about possessing sufficient wealth; it involves being physically fit enough to undertake the rigorous demands of the pilgrimage, which includes walking long distances, standing for extended periods, and coping with potential weather extremes. It’s a journey demanding...

~~ Ahman Makams  The recent controversy surrounding former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) boss, Mele Kyari, presents a complex picture of potential corruption, political maneuvering, and a struggle for accountability. Kyari's lengthy tenure under two different Ministers of Petroleum—and, crucially, two Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria—complicates the narrative significantly. His removal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, coupled with the escalating protests in London, demand a nuanced understanding of the forces at play. The question of who is truly behind the pressure to prosecute Kyari remains central, and the answer likely lies within a confluence of factors, potentially including: The Case for Prosecution: Allegations of Systemic Corruption The protests and petitions detail serious allegations against Kyari, ranging from the misappropriation of funds earmarked for refinery rehabilitation to the opaque management of the fuel subsidy regime. Th...

  ~~ Ahman Makams  The recent guilty plea of British-Nigerian art dealer Ochuko Ojiri for financing terrorism sends a chilling message to Nigerians, and indeed the world. Here is a man who achieved a level of success many only dream of – a thriving business, appearances on popular television programmes, and the comfortable life that comes with such accomplishments. Yet, he chose to betray his own success, his community, and his humanity by knowingly funding a terrorist organization.  This raises a crucial question for us as Nigerians: how can someone so privileged, so educated, contribute to the very violence and suffering that plagues to nations? The easy answer, often whispered, is "Shaitan."  But invoking the devil as an excuse absolves us of our own responsibility.  Shaitan doesn't force anyone's hand; he whispers temptations, but the choice to yield remains ours.  Ojiri, with his access to information, his awareness of terrorists sanctioned status, and...

  ~~ Hauwee Saeed Guava, a tropical fruit, is more than just a tasty treat; it's a nutritional powerhouse packed with benefits for your overall health.  Dr. Linh Le highlights the numerous advantages of incorporating guava into your diet. Packed with nutrients, a single guava delivers a significant contribution to your daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals.  It boasts more than twice the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C,  meaning it can significantly strengthen your immune system.  Guava's high fiber content (12% of the daily recommended intake)  plays a crucial role in digestive health, regulating bowel movements and alleviating issues like diarrhea and constipation. Beyond its significant vitamin C content, guava provides a wealth of other valuable nutrients, including iron, calcium, vitamin A, and potassium.  This rich nutritional profile has a multitude of health benefits. Guava's impact on various aspects of your well-being: Immu...

~~Ahman Makams  Governor Soludo's announcement that APGA will adopt President Bola Tinubu as its 2027 presidential candidate is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about the future of democracy in Nigeria.  While Soludo cites "progressivism" and ideological alignment as justification, this thinly veiled endorsement reeks of political expediency and threatens to transform Nigeria into a de facto one-party state. The claim of shared ideology between APGA and the APC rings hollow.  APGA's previous support for Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 and its subsequent fielding of Peter Umeadi in 2023 demonstrates a lack of consistent ideological commitment.  This current move appears less about genuine political alignment and more about consolidating power within a shrinking political landscape. The implications are far-reaching.  The absence of a robust opposition presents a significant danger to democratic accountability.  Without genuine competition, the ruling p...

~~ Ahman Makams  Niger State possesses significant agricultural potential, yet its full realization is hampered by an uneven distribution of resources and a critical need for systemic reform.  While Governor Umaru Bago's administration has demonstrated a commitment to agricultural growth, primarily through Niger Foods Limited, a more balanced approach is required, leveraging the capabilities of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture and addressing crucial infrastructure deficiencies.  This comprehensive strategy outlines the challenges, proposes solutions, and aims to unlock the state's agricultural potential for sustainable growth and food security. Challenges Facing Niger State's Agricultural Sector: The current approach reveals several critical shortcomings: Underutilization of the Ministry of Agriculture: Despite possessing six departments (Administrative, Engineering, Finance, Planning & Budget, Pest Control & Sorting, and Agricultural Services), the Ministr...