Take My Gist

      ~~ 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 ...