Take My Gist

  ~~ 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...

~~ Ahman Makams  Nigeria, a nation rich in resources and human potential, faces a stark contrast: a wealth of natural resources juxtaposed with widespread poverty, particularly concentrated in northern states.  While the country has vast potential for growth, systemic issues have created a cycle of hardship. This feature examines the 10 poorest states, highlighting the interwoven factors contributing to their plight. A Northern Predominance, But Not a Sole Issue: A significant number of the poorest states are located in the northern region.  This concentration is not solely due to regional bias but reflects a convergence of several key challenges.  While the southern state of Ebonyi also features, it underscores that poverty is not geographically confined. The Interplay of Factors: The challenges in these states are deeply intertwined.  Several recurring themes emerge: Insecurity: Banditry, insurgency (particularly in the North East), and communal clashes severe...

Nigeria's World Press Freedom Day (May 3rd) arrives under a dark cloud.  The very principles celebrated—freedom of information, truth-seeking—are stifled by a government that, in many ways, resembles a parent beating a child and then demanding silence.  The press, meant to be the mirror reflecting the nation's struggles, is increasingly muffled, rendered voiceless in the face of injustice. Silencing the Truth: How Nigeria's Government Stifles Information: The government's approach to dissent and critical reporting often mirrors tactics of control and suppression: Gagging the Press: Restrictive laws and decrees frequently target journalists and media outlets.  These measures are often used to silence critical commentary on government policies and actions. Threats and Harassment: Journalists daring to expose corruption, inequality, or human rights abuses face a barrage of threats, intimidation, and harassment by security forces.  Fear pervades the air, silencing vital ...

~~ Tenin Yahaya   The narrative of a "matrimonial market" flooded with women seeking marriage, often portrayed as a crisis of overpopulation, is a misleading and harmful oversimplification. While modern life presents unique challenges to relationships, the issue isn't a numerical imbalance, but a complex interplay of shifting societal expectations, economic realities, and evolving relationship dynamics. The "overpopulation" framing ignores the reality that many women face barriers to finding fulfilling partnerships beyond the sheer number of available men. Instead, it's a matter of compatibility, opportunity, and the very definition of success in today's world. The Shifting Sands of Expectations: Dual Career Paths: Women are increasingly choosing (and often excelling in) demanding professional lives. This can lead to competing priorities and a limited availability for dating and relationship building. The expectations of a "career first" tra...