Take My Gist

~~ Tenin Yahaya  International Women's Day (IWD) is more than just a day of celebration; it's a call to action.  This year, as we acknowledge the achievements of women globally, the focus for African women should be on leveraging this momentum to further explore and develop their diverse communities.  The theme – while varying year to year – consistently underscores the power of women's collective action and contribution to societal progress.  For African women, this translates into a potent opportunity to amplify their voices, challenge existing inequalities, and spearhead transformative initiatives. The continent's tapestry of cultures and challenges necessitates a nuanced approach. While celebrating the triumphs of women in leadership, business, and social activism, it's crucial to acknowledge the unique obstacles African women face.  These include limited access to education and healthcare, gender-based violence, economic marginalization, and persistent cult...

  Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Global Human Capital & Energy Management  Security challenges in any nation constitute a threat to lives and properties, hinder business activities, and discourage local and foreign investors, which invariably slow down economic growth and development. Nigeria, in recent times, has recorded unprecedented security challenges, including Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) attacks, militancy, armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, Fulani-Herders farmers clashes, and cultism. These security threats have far-reaching implications for the country's economic growth and development. Brief History of Security Challenges in Nigeria Many scholars have identified several causes of insecurity in Nigeria that hinder socio-economic and national development. Some of these causes have been traced to post-independence ethno-religious and political crises. Nigeria's porous borders, lack of Forest Guards  and prevalence of illicit arms have exacerbated the s...

All praise be to Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon His final Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family, and his companions. My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, Ramadan, the blessed month of mercy, forgiveness, and abundant rewards, is upon us.  This is the month where Allah opens the gates of paradise, closes the gates of Hellfire, and chains the devils.  It is a month of unparalleled opportunity, a month where our good deeds are multiplied exponentially. Yet, many of us may find ourselves inadvertently losing out on the immeasurable rewards Allah has prepared for us. Today, Insha'Allah, let us reflect on how we can maximize our rewards during this sacred month and strengthen our resolve to avoid sins, paving our path towards Jannah. Maximizing Rewards in Ramadan: Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from food and drink. It is a holistic spiritual journey focusing on purifying our hearts and strengthening our connection w...

~~ Tenin Yahaya  It's frustrating.  We constantly hear about the need for women's empowerment in Nigeria, but where's the real progress? We're practically half the population, yet we're severely underrepresented in politics, business leadership, and every significant decision-making body.  It's not just about a few token positions; we're talking about genuine equality, a 50/50 split at the top, women presidents, CEOs, governors – the whole shebang. And what are we doing about it? Too many of us are caught up in internal battles, petty rivalries, and focusing on things that ultimately benefit only ourselves, like securing a husband or chasing material possessions.  We spend more energy competing with each other than challenging the system that keeps us down.  We're letting our own insecurities and internal conflicts overshadow our collective potential. We need to stop playing small and start thinking big.  Instead of fighting for scraps from the men's...

  ~~ Ahman Makams  The 2027 Nigerian senatorial elections are still over two years away, yet the online buzz surrounding the Niger South Senatorial Zone A (Nupe-speaking) is already heating up.  A recent X poll highlighted several prominent names, sparking speculation and setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested race.  The early frontrunners, as identified online, include Hon. Muazu Jantabo, Sen. Bima Enagi, Hon. Sani Kutigi, and surprisingly, former Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Mohammed Nami.  While such early pronouncements are premature, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the potential dynamics of the upcoming election. The inclusion of Mohammed Nami is perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this nascent campaign.  A relative newcomer to the political arena, Nami’s lack of prior electoral experience is a significant hurdle. While his tenure at FIRS undoubtedly provided him with valuable administrative skills, tr...

~~ Ahman Makams  The Nigerian Senate, often referred to as the "Red Chamber," is intended to be a body of seasoned statesmen and women, guiding the nation with wisdom and experience.  Since the return to democracy in 1999, however, it has increasingly become a source of national embarrassment, its reputation tarnished by scandal and internal conflict, overshadowing the House of Representatives in negative press.  This decline in respect and integrity begs the question: what must change for the Senate to regain its rightful place as a pillar of national governance? The Senate's composition, while theoretically rich with experience, often proves counterproductive.  Many Senators are former governors and ministers, individuals who arguably possess the expertise to craft effective legislation. However, instead of leveraging this experience for the betterment of Nigeria, the Senate too often descends into a mire of infighting, corruption allegations, and public displays o...

  Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Global Human Capital  & Energy Management  Nigeria's educational system is at a crossroads, facing numerous challenges that hinder its ability to produce productive leaders and curb corruption. The federal government must take decisive action to revive the educational sector, particularly at secondary schools and universities. Challenges and Limitations The educational sector in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including: - Inadequate Infrastructure: Many secondary schools and universities lack basic infrastructure, such as classrooms, libraries, and laboratories, making it difficult for students to learn effectively. - High School Fees: Exorbitant school fees have become a significant burden for many Nigerian families, forcing them to sacrifice their integrity or engage in illicit activities to make ends meet. - Limited Access to Quality Education: Many Nigerian students lack access to quality education, particularly in rural areas, perp...

~~ Tenin Yahaya  Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is a time of profound spiritual growth for Muslims worldwide.  But its impact extends far beyond personal devotion.  For Muslim women, this period offers a unique opportunity to leverage their faith's emphasis on compassion, generosity, and community to positively impact society as a whole, regardless of religious affiliation. This isn't about proselytizing; it's about amplifying the inherent goodness of Ramadan and extending its spirit of giving to everyone.  Here are some ways Muslim women can contribute to their communities during this blessed month:  ● Strengthening Local Food Security Organize food drives and donation initiatives: Partner with local food banks or charities to collect non-perishable items and prepare meals for vulnerable populations, including the homeless, elderly, and low-income families. This transcends religious lines, addressing a universal need. Support local ...

   Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Global Human  Capital  & Energy Management The recent controversy between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked intense debate and raised concerns about the National Assembly's internal dynamics. The crisis began when Akpabio told Akpoti-Uduaghan not to speak like she was in a "night club" after she spoke without being recognized by the Senate President. This incident has been criticized by many, with over 300 women groups demanding an unreserved apology from Akpabio. The groups argued that Akpabio's remarks were sexist and undermined the dignity of women in the Senate. Akpabio has since apologized to Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that he meant no harm and values the contributions of women in the Senate. This controversy bears some resemblance to a similar incident during the tenure of former Senate President Bukola Saraki. During Saraki's presidency, there were reports of disagreements over s...

  Samira lived in a busy desert market, where the sun beat down hard.  She wore old clothes and had no money or job.  She couldn't read or write.  Because of her rough ways, people didn't respect her.  She felt very sad, like a broken pot that could hold nothing valuable.  But deep inside, she was strong. One day, a carpenter named Tariq saw her.  Tariq wasn't looking for a beautiful woman. He just wanted someone to share his simple life with. He saw past Samira's worn clothes and difficult life.  He saw a person with dignity, hidden strength, and a story waiting to be told.  Tariq was kind, and this kindness shone even in the hot desert. Tariq gave Samira some food.  It wasn't charity; it was a way of showing he understood her.  He listened carefully when Samira talked about her struggles.  He noticed her intelligence, even though she had faced many hardships.  He saw the potential within her, the strength waiting to be r...

  ~~ Dr. Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician   AGEING Every person – in every country in the world – should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. Yet, the environments in which we live can favour health or be harmful to it.  Environments are highly influential on our behaviour and our exposure to health risks (for example, air pollution or violence), our access to services (for example, health and social care) and the opportunities that ageing brings.  The number and proportion of people aged 60 years and older in the population is increasing. In 2019, the number of people aged 60 years and older was 1 billion. This number will increase to 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050. This increase is occurring at an unprecedented pace and will accelerate in coming decades, particularly in developing countries. This historically significant change in the global population requires adaptations to the way societies are structured across all se...

  Sikiru Adepoju isn't just a drummer; he's a legend. This Nigerian percussionist has carved a unique place in music history, boasting not one, but two Grammy Awards.  Born into a musical family in Oyo State, Nigeria, Adepoju's passion for drumming was nurtured from a young age, tracing its roots back to his Yoruba heritage. His journey began with tours and recordings alongside Nigerian Juju music icon, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey. This early exposure laid the groundwork for his future success, eventually leading him to international acclaim and collaborations with world-renowned musicians. The turning point came when he joined Mickey Hart's Planet Drum.  Their 1991 self-titled album marked a watershed moment, winning the inaugural Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album. Adepoju became the first and only Nigerian to achieve this prestigious honor. But Adepoju's Grammy story doesn't end there.  In 2009, he was part of Mickey Hart's Global Drum...

Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Global human Capital & Energy Management  The 2025 budget, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presents a comprehensive fiscal framework aimed at driving economic growth, improving living standards, and addressing Nigeria's critical challenges. This in-depth analysis delves into the budget's key components, opportunities, and challenges, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. _Key Highlights:_ - Total Expenditure: N54.99 trillion, marking a significant increase from the 2024 budget - Capital Expenditure: N23.96 trillion, accounting for a substantial portion of total expenditure - Debt Servicing: N14.32 trillion, representing a considerable allocation. - Recurrent Expenditure: N13.64 trillion, accounting for a significant portion of total expenditure - Statutory Transfers: N3.65 trillion, representing a notable allocation _Opportunities:_ - Inclusive Growth: The budget's focus on inclusive growth and security may lead to improv...