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Showing posts from March, 2025

Saudi Arabia's Visa Restrictions: A Double-Edged Sword for Nigerian Pilgrims

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~~ Ahman Makams  Saudi Arabia's recent decision to restrict multiple-entry visas for 14 countries, including Nigeria, has sent ripples of concern through the Nigerian Muslim community, a significant number of whom undertake the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages annually. While the Kingdom cites overcrowding and unauthorized pilgrimages as justification, the move highlights a complex issue involving both Saudi Arabia's policy and the conduct of some Nigerian pilgrims. The new policy, effective February 1, 2025, limits nationals from the affected countries to single-entry visas valid for 30 days. This directly impacts Nigerians who frequently travel for religious purposes, business, or family visits. The immediate consequence is a significant increase in the cost and complexity of travel. The narrative shared by one Nigerian detailing the exorbitant Umrah visa cost (₦1.3 million for a single-entry visa compared to $150 for those with Schengen, US, or UK visas) underscores the disparit...

The Global Inactivity Crisis: A Call to Action for Healthier Lives

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~~ Dr Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician  Physical inactivity is a global health crisis, costing billions and contributing significantly to preventable deaths and diseases.  While regular physical activity offers substantial benefits for physical and mental well-being across all ages, a staggering 31% of adults and 80% of adolescents worldwide fail to meet recommended activity levels. This inaction leads to increased risks of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, along with mental health challenges.  Addressing this requires a multi-sectoral approach, including policy changes, community initiatives, and increased investment in promoting physical activity.  The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading the charge, providing guidelines, support, and monitoring to help countries achieve a 15% relative reduction in physical inactivity by 2030. The Urgent Need for Movement: The WHO defines physical activity as any bodily...

Peller Rakes N20 Million a Week: Can Nigeria Harness its Creator Economy Potential? 

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  Nineteen-year-old Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, rakes in an estimated N20 million weekly on TikTok.  This isn't just a rags-to-riches story; it's a stark illustration of Nigeria's failure to harness its burgeoning creator economy and the talent within it for broader societal benefit. Peller, a content creator, embarked on his career path unusually early, starting at just 13 years old. Initially apprenticed at a printing press, he revealed a deep-seated fear of a life of hard labor, evidenced by his repeated truancy and the image of aging vulcanizers that haunted him. This fear, coupled with witnessing his boss's modest lifestyle, fuelled his dissatisfaction and led to further career shifts. His early attempts at finding his footing were marked by a reluctance to commit, highlighting a yearning for something more than the seemingly limited opportunities he perceived. His parents' intervention, resulting from his discovered truancy and subsequent punishment, ser...

Food Nutrition: The Truth About Eating Fruit Before Bed and Optimal Fruit Consumption

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  ~~ Hawee Saeed  Fruit, a cornerstone of a healthy diet, offers a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, the timing and combination of fruit consumption can impact its benefits and overall health. Let's explore the myths and realities surrounding nighttime fruit consumption and the best practices for maximizing its nutritional value. The Myth of Nighttime Fruit: The notion that eating fruit before bed is detrimental to health is largely a myth, unsupported by robust scientific evidence. The primary concern revolves around potential blood sugar spikes. Fruits, particularly those high in fructose (like mangoes and bananas), can cause a rise in blood sugar. However, this effect is relative to individual metabolic responses and overall diet. For most healthy individuals, a moderate amount of fruit before bed shouldn't cause significant issues, unless they have pre-existing conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance. The perceived negative effects are often...

"Seyi Tinubu: 'Nothing Can Stop My Father's Second Term' — Charity or Campaign?"

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Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Global Human Capital & Energy Management  Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been making headlines with his Ramadan outreach programs across Nigeria. While some have praised his efforts, others have criticized them as a thinly veiled attempt to garner support for his father's re-election bid in 2027. At the center of the controversy is Seyi's perceived disparity in approach to different regions. In the North, he distributed cooked meals and rice, while in the South, he provided cash gifts and business equipment to young entrepreneurs. Critics argue that this disparity underscores the systemic inequality and favouritism that has long plagued Nigeria. Seyi Tinubu's recent statement, "My Father Will Complete His 8-Year Tenure—Nothing Can Change That, Not Even God," from another media, has sparked controversy and raised eyebrows across Nigeria. This declaration not only showcases an autocratic mindset but also undermin...

A Friday Sermon: Embracing the Final Days of Ramadan

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~~ Mahmud Ashraf  Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh. My dear brothers and sisters, as the blessed month of Ramadan gracefully nears its end, we find ourselves in the final days, a time of profound reflection and intensified worship.  The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Whoever fasts Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven." (Bukhari).  Having reached this point, let us not squander the immense rewards still available to us. Allah SWT has bestowed upon us this invaluable opportunity, and it is incumbent upon us to make the most of it. What then, should be the hallmark of a good Muslim brother and sister in these precious remaining days? Firstly, intensify our Ibadah (worship): We must redouble our efforts in prayer, recitation of the Quran, and seeking forgiveness (Istighfar). Let us not merely go through the motions, but engage in heartfelt supplication and sincere repentance. ...

"Weep, Nigeria": A Poetic Outcry Against Corruption, Violence, and Injustice

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~~ Ahman Makams  The social media poem (WHATSAPP), "Weep, Nigeria," is a powerful indictment of the current state of the nation, resonating deeply with the frustrations and anger of many Nigerians who feel abandoned by their government.  The poem masterfully uses the motif of weeping to encapsulate the nation's collective sorrow and suffering.  It highlights the stark contrast between the government's priorities and the plight of its citizens.  The declaration of a state of emergency for damaged oil pipelines while ignoring the massacres in Benue, the losses in Borno, and the banditry in Sokoto and Zamfara is a scathing critique of the government's callous disregard for human life.  The prioritization of oil profits over human lives, as poignantly asked, "Is oil thicker than blood?", strikes a chord with those who witness the government's inaction in the face of widespread violence and suffering. The poem also correctly points out the corruption and ...

Kano Emirate Conflict: Durbar Festivities Could Exacerbate Emergency

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  ~~Ahman Makams  The situation in Kano State mirrors a dangerous parallel to the recently declared state of emergency in Rivers State, and warrants immediate attention to prevent a similar, potentially disastrous outcome. President Tinubu's actions in Rivers State, ostensibly to quell political unrest and pipeline vandalism stemming from a feud between the governor and his predecessor, serve as a stark warning. The Kano government, Emirs - Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero, and the people of Kano must heed this cautionary tale. The ongoing dispute over the Kano emirate, with two rival emirs claiming legitimacy and planning separate Durbar celebrations, creates a volatile situation ripe for escalation. This isn't simply a traditional dispute; it's a power struggle with the potential to destabilize the entire state. The fact that both sides allegedly have backing from different levels of government further exacerbates the risk. The situation is analogous to the Rivers State...

Navigating Nigeria's Complex Political Landscape: Challenges, Solutions, and Recommendations

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Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Global Human Capital  & Energy Management  Nigeria's struggles and situations have been a subject of concern for many, with excessive political debates on social media being a significant issue. The country's social media space is often characterized by emotional outbursts, logical fallacies, and misinformation, which undermines constructive dialogue and nuanced discussion. As noted by Tanja (2014), social media has the potential to increase political participation and deliberation .  However, the Nigerian context presents a unique challenge. The country's social media space is often characterized by emotional outbursts, logical fallacies, and misinformation. This trend is alarming, as it undermines constructive dialogue and nuanced discussion. The quote "Nigeria is not in a normal state, and sometimes, abnormalities are needed to restore normalcy" highlights the need for unconventional solutions to address the country's challenge...

Namibia's All-Female Leadership: Can Nigeria's Women Achieve Similar Success?

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~~ Tenin Yahaya  Namibia's Historic Leadership Shift, A Catalyst for Nigeria ... Namibia's groundbreaking achievement in placing women at the helm of its government – with a female president, vice president, and speaker of parliament – offers a beacon of hope, not just for Namibia, but for other African nations, including Nigeria.  The simultaneous presence of women in these crucial roles signifies a profound shift in the understanding of leadership potential.  However, while Namibia's example is inspiring, the path forward for Nigeria, and other nations facing similar challenges, is not simply about replicating the outcome. It requires a multifaceted approach, addressing both systemic obstacles and societal attitudes. The Nigerian context, unfortunately, paints a different picture. While Nigeria boasts prominent, intelligent women in various fields, a significant disparity persists in leadership positions.  The frustration expressed by women like Senator Natasha Akp...

Niger State Schools: A Looming Educational Catastrophe

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  ~~ Ahman Makams  Niger State's Educational Crisis: A Failure to Prioritize Primary and Secondary Education ... Niger State's educational system faces a profound crisis, characterized by a stark disconnect between ambitious budgetary allocations and the grim reality on the ground. While Governor Umaru Bago's administration boasts significant financial commitments to education,  reports from Sahara Reporters, TakeMyGist, and public opinion ("Nigerlites") paint a picture of widespread neglect, particularly in primary and secondary schools.  This prioritization of higher education over foundational learning undermines the state's long-term development prospects. (TakeMyGist Report) Lack of oversight and monitoring.   Reports from Bida Power FM highlight a disconnect between the state government's pronouncements and the ground realities faced by communities.  The lack of regular inspections by the Ministry of Education, as suggested by the radio program, ...

The Crumbling Naira: A National Tragedy

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~~ Ahman Makams  In 1973, a Nigerian worker on minimum wage could purchase 20 bags of rice.  Today, even with a significant increase in the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, that same worker struggles to afford even one.  This stark reality lays bare the catastrophic devaluation of the Nigerian Naira and the abject failure of successive leadership to address this fundamental economic crisis. The numbers tell a devastating story.  A 1973 minimum wage of ₦125, with rice costing ₦5 per bag, afforded a comfortable level of food security. Fast forward nearly fifty years, and the minimum wage, though nominally higher, holds significantly less purchasing power.  The recent increase to ₦70,000 is rendered almost meaningless when a bag of rice now costs ₦70,000 or more in many parts of the country.  This isn't just about rice; it's a symptom of a much deeper malaise affecting the entire Nigerian economy. What happened to the Naira? The answer isn't simple, but i...

Nigeria at a Crossroads: Addressing the Multifaceted Challenges Facing the Nation

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  Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Global Human Capital  & Energy Management  Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is grappling with a myriad of challenges that threaten its stability, economic growth, and social cohesion. From economic crises to insecurity, corruption, and environmental degradation, the country is facing a perfect storm of problems that demand urgent attention. Illegality and Unconstitutional Governance Fubara’s suspension and the dangers of personalizing political power. The recent Rivers State saga is a stark reminder of the illegality and unconstitutional governance that plagues Nigeria’s democracy. The president’s declaration of a state of emergency without the required vote and support from the National Assembly is a clear violation of the constitution. Furthermore, when the National Assembly finally voted on the issue, they failed to meet the required 2/3 quorum, rendering the decision unconstitutional. This blatant disregard for the rule of law a...