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A Just Thought: Is the Internet a Safe Space for Women?

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  ~~ Hawee Saeed  The internet is a huge place, full of information, and ways to connect with others. But for many women, it's not always a safe place. It's complicated, and there's a lot of harassment and bullying happening online. Lots of women get targeted with mean comments, threats, and hateful messages online. This isn't just a few bad people; it's a big problem because it reflects how our society treats women. It makes it hard for women to talk or share ideas online without feeling bad. Things like insults, untrue stories spread online about someone, and stalking online are examples of this. Mean comments and old stereotypes about women are very common online too. This kind of online harassment hurts women a lot. It can make them feel lonely, scared, and even depressed. Feeling like you can't be yourself online can really damage how you feel about yourself. It's a serious problem that goes far beyond just a few bad comments. Websites and soci...

Friday Sermon: Preparing Ourselves for the Blessed Month of Ramadan

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  ~~ Mahmud Ashraf  In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and may His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all those who follow his righteous path. My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, As the blessed month of Ramadan draws near, we stand at the threshold of a time of immense spiritual opportunity. This month, a month of mercy, forgiveness, and abundant blessings, is a time for introspection, renewal, and a deepening of our relationship with our Lord.  Today, as Friday’s sermon concludes this week, let us focus on how best we can prepare ourselves for this sacred month. Ramadan is not merely a month of abstaining from food and drink from dawn till dusk. It is a comprehensive spiritual journey, a time of heightened worship, increased charity, and a striving for self-improvement.  It is a month where we aim to purify our souls, strengthen our faith, a...

A Brighter Future: Combating Child Labor in Niger State – Empowering Children, Securing Their Rights, and Investing in Education

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  ~~ Ahman Makams  Niger State's partnership with the ILO marks a significant step towards a brighter future for its children. The government's commitment to eliminating child labor, as evidenced by Governor Bago's collaboration with the ILO and other organizations, goes beyond simple policy; it's an investment in the empowerment, security, and educational values that will shape the next generation. Empowerment: The initiative directly empowers children by rescuing them from exploitative labor practices. By removing children from harmful work environments, the program allows them to reclaim their childhoods, fostering their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the focus on social protection for vulnerable households indirectly empowers families, providing them with resources and support to prevent them from relying on child labor for survival. This holistic approach empowers both the child and their family. Security: Eliminating child labor...

 Is Senator Sani Musa's Baro Port Stance a Betrayal of Niger State's Future?

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~~ Ahman Makams  ____ Nupes  Claims Senator Musa's Baro Port Stance is Politically Motivated __ Senator Sani Musa's strong opposition to the Baro Port road project raises serious questions about his motives. His dismissal of the project, located outside his senatorial district, as lacking in support and development potential, is disappointing and contradicts the needs of Zone A in Niger State. Critics allege his opposition stems from regional bias against Zone A and the Nupe people. They claim Minna (Zone B) politicians are obstructing Zone A's development, creating systemic inequality. This warrants careful investigation. The argument that Baro Port, like Lagos Ports, will grow over time, directly contradicts Musa's perceived undervaluing of the project. Such a short-sighted perspective ignores the potential for jobs and economic growth. Senator Musa's intense opposition, exceeding a typical disagreement, suggests potential ulterior motives, possibly financial ...

Unleashing Potential: Navigating Financial Independence in Challenging Times

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~~ Tenin Yahaya  In an era where the cost of living is skyrocketing, the need for women to awaken to their potential and make meaningful impacts in their lives has never been more pressing. The traditional roles that have often confined women to the domestic sphere are being challenged and the urgency to step into financial independence and self-sufficiency is paramount. This is not just about personal empowerment; it’s about creating a stable environment for families, especially for those with children and ensuring that the next generation is nurtured and supported. The Economic Landscape: A Wake-Up Call: The rising cost of living has created a landscape where financial stability is no longer a given. Many families are feeling the pinch, and for women, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The reality is that relying solely on a partner’s income can be precarious. If a partner is unable to meet financial responsibilities, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of...

Naked Truth By Okonjo-Iweala: African Leaders Urged to Ditch Foreign Aid for Economic Growth

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  ~~ Ahman Makams  In my opinion, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's call for African leaders to ditch foreign aid and focus on mobilizing domestic resources is not only timely but essential for the continent's economic growth and development. The notion of relying on foreign aid perpetuates a cycle of dependency and prevents African nations from realizing their full potential. African leaders need to heed this advice seriously because the continent is rich in untapped financial and natural resources that could drive sustainable development. The fact that Africa holds approximately $250 billion in pension funds, which are mostly invested outside the continent, highlights the need for a shift in mindset towards harnessing these resources for local economies. By attracting investments and mobilizing domestic resources, African nations can strengthen their own institutions and drive economic growth without relying on foreign aid. This approach will not only create job opportunities but al...

Niger State Takes Giant Leap in Education and other sectors: Empowering the Future, H.E. Governor Umaru Bago’s Visionary Scholarship Initiative

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  Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Global Human Capital & Energy Management  In a ground-breaking initiative, the Niger State Government, under the leadership of H.E. Governor Umaru Muhammed Bago, has embarked on a mission to empower One Thousand students from public secondary schools to pursue higher education abroad. This overseas scholarship program aims to sponsor students in Medicine, Engineering, ICT, and Agriculture-related courses in top institutions across Canada, China, India, and Brazil.  This visionary program is a testament to Governor Bago’s commitment to creating a brighter future for the youth of Niger State.  By providing opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to excel in science, technology, and agriculture, the  government is bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.  Prospective Opportunities and Benefits Students selected for this program will have access to world-class education, cutting-edge research facilitie...