Take My Gist

  ~~ Ahman Makams  The incident involving the diversion of a Nigeria footballers (AFCON) flight to Libya has shed light on the challenges faced by Nigeria as a nation. It is disheartening to see African countries and others disrespecting Nigeria, often considered the Giant of Africa. The lack of trust and respect from other nations is a result of economic and political challenges, as well as questionable policies that do not benefit Nigerian citizens. The Tunisian pilot who flew the Nigerian team to Libya highlighted the issues faced during the diversion of their flight to a remote airport, Al-Abraq, instead of their intended destination, Benghazi. The pilot emphasized that the decision to divert the flight was not made at his discretion but came from Libyan authorities. This unexpected diversion caused the Nigerian delegation to be stranded for over 16 hours, raising concerns about safety and fuel calculations made for the initial destination. The pilot's description of the c...

      ~~ Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel  The Dangote Refinery, Africa's largest refinery, presents a mix of blessings and curses for Nigeria. It embodies hope for economic transformation while highlighting governance challenges, particularly under the APC's nine-year rule. Potential Economic Transformation The Dangote Refinery offers promising benefits for Nigeria: 1. Reduction in Fuel Import Costs: Expected to reduce reliance on imported fuel, saving billions and strengthening the naira. 2. Job Creation: Projected to create thousands of jobs, boosting employment rates. 3. Boost to Local Industry: Increased refining capacity can stimulate industrial development and growth in other sectors. Governance Challenges and Masse's Plight However, governance issues and societal realities shadow these benefits: 1. Monopoly Concerns: Dangote's dominance raises worries about market monopolies and potential price manipulation. 2. Impact on Masses: Despite potential benefits, fuel pric...

  ~~ Salma Mohammed  Exhibitions and trade fairs are not only beneficial for large corporations but also offer immense opportunities for small business owners like Miss Ruqayya Sanusi in Minna, Niger State. As she shared her experience at the recent Niger State 1000 vendor festival, it became evident that such events can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to expand their customer base and increase sales. Miss Ruqayya initially had doubts and hesitations about participating in the festival but decided to take a leap of faith. The decision paid off as she not only made significant sales but also connected with numerous potential customers who expressed interest in her products. The platform not only provided her with a sales opportunity but also allowed her to learn from other vendors and showcase her skills to a wider audience. The impact of participating in trade fairs and exhibitions goes beyond just making sales. It is an opportunity for small business owners to net...

On this special day, the entire team at Take My Gist CEO joins in celebrating you, our esteemed Commentator and Co-Founder of Global Opportunities Hub. Your journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, yet through it all, your unwavering faith and gratitude have remained steadfast. Your dedication to your work and your family is truly inspiring, and we thank God for the blessings He has bestowed upon you and your loved ones. Your partnership and friendship with us at TMG are truly valued, and we are grateful for the insights and positivity you bring to our team. As you mark this milestone of 56 years, may God continue to shower you with His grace and favor, guiding you to even greater success and prosperity in the years ahead. Happy Birthday, Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel! May your path be illuminated with blessings, joy, and fulfillment, and may you continue to inspire all those around you with your resilience and faith. Here's to a future filled with abundance, growth, and e...

  ~~ Ahman Makama  As Nigeria marks 64 years of independence, the nation stands at a crossroads, reflecting on its journey through democracy, governance, and development. Often referred to as the "Giant of Africa," Nigeria boasts a wealth of resources, a vibrant culture, and a youthful population. Yet, the country grapples with significant challenges that hinder its potential for prosperity. A Historical Perspective Since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1960, Nigeria has experienced a tumultuous political landscape characterized by military coups, civil unrest, and a struggle for democratic governance. The transition to civilian rule in 1999 marked a pivotal moment, leading to a series of democratic elections. However, the country still faces issues of corruption, insecurity, and governance that impede progress. Current State of Democracy Over the past two decades, Nigeria has made strides in establishing democratic institutions and processes. Elections, th...

  ~~ Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel   Carlo M. Cipolla’s Law of Stupidity provides a fascinating lens through which to evaluate not only individual behaviours but also the broader dynamics of governance, leadership, citizenship, and institutional structures. Cipolla's law asserts that stupidity is a universal human constant, and its most dangerous form is when individuals or groups act in ways that are detrimental to both themselves and others. When applied to the arenas of governance, leadership, and society, the relevance of this concept becomes stark, particularly in understanding the various missteps that have hindered societal progress. Governance and Leadership Cipolla defines a "stupid" person as someone who harms both themselves and others, often without realizing the extent of their actions. When this is translated into governance, we frequently witness leaders who, either through incompetence or selfishness, make decisions that harm not only the populace but also the...

  ~~ Dr. Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician  Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) provides young people with accurate, age-appropriate information about sexuality and reproductive health, which is crucial for their overall well-being. Sexuality education equips children and young people with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary to protect their health, form respectful relationships, make responsible choices, and understand and uphold the rights of others. High-quality sexuality education has been shown to lead to positive health outcomes, including delaying the onset of sexual activity and promoting safer sex practices. It also helps young people navigate physical and emotional changes during puberty and adolescence, while teaching them about respect, consent, and how to seek help if needed. By educating children and adolescents about sexuality in an age-appropriate manner, parents can help reduce risks related to violence, exploitation, and ab...