Take My Gist

~~ Mahmud Ashraf  Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh. My dear brothers and sisters, as the blessed month of Ramadan gracefully nears its end, we find ourselves in the final days, a time of profound reflection and intensified worship.  The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Whoever fasts Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven." (Bukhari).  Having reached this point, let us not squander the immense rewards still available to us. Allah SWT has bestowed upon us this invaluable opportunity, and it is incumbent upon us to make the most of it. What then, should be the hallmark of a good Muslim brother and sister in these precious remaining days? Firstly, intensify our Ibadah (worship): We must redouble our efforts in prayer, recitation of the Quran, and seeking forgiveness (Istighfar). Let us not merely go through the motions, but engage in heartfelt supplication and sincere repentance. ...

~~ Ahman Makams  The social media poem (WHATSAPP), "Weep, Nigeria," is a powerful indictment of the current state of the nation, resonating deeply with the frustrations and anger of many Nigerians who feel abandoned by their government.  The poem masterfully uses the motif of weeping to encapsulate the nation's collective sorrow and suffering.  It highlights the stark contrast between the government's priorities and the plight of its citizens.  The declaration of a state of emergency for damaged oil pipelines while ignoring the massacres in Benue, the losses in Borno, and the banditry in Sokoto and Zamfara is a scathing critique of the government's callous disregard for human life.  The prioritization of oil profits over human lives, as poignantly asked, "Is oil thicker than blood?", strikes a chord with those who witness the government's inaction in the face of widespread violence and suffering. The poem also correctly points out the corruption and ...

  ~~Ahman Makams  The situation in Kano State mirrors a dangerous parallel to the recently declared state of emergency in Rivers State, and warrants immediate attention to prevent a similar, potentially disastrous outcome. President Tinubu's actions in Rivers State, ostensibly to quell political unrest and pipeline vandalism stemming from a feud between the governor and his predecessor, serve as a stark warning. The Kano government, Emirs - Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero, and the people of Kano must heed this cautionary tale. The ongoing dispute over the Kano emirate, with two rival emirs claiming legitimacy and planning separate Durbar celebrations, creates a volatile situation ripe for escalation. This isn't simply a traditional dispute; it's a power struggle with the potential to destabilize the entire state. The fact that both sides allegedly have backing from different levels of government further exacerbates the risk. The situation is analogous to the Rivers State...

Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Global Human Capital  & Energy Management  Nigeria's struggles and situations have been a subject of concern for many, with excessive political debates on social media being a significant issue. The country's social media space is often characterized by emotional outbursts, logical fallacies, and misinformation, which undermines constructive dialogue and nuanced discussion. As noted by Tanja (2014), social media has the potential to increase political participation and deliberation .  However, the Nigerian context presents a unique challenge. The country's social media space is often characterized by emotional outbursts, logical fallacies, and misinformation. This trend is alarming, as it undermines constructive dialogue and nuanced discussion. The quote "Nigeria is not in a normal state, and sometimes, abnormalities are needed to restore normalcy" highlights the need for unconventional solutions to address the country's challenge...

~~ Tenin Yahaya  Namibia's Historic Leadership Shift, A Catalyst for Nigeria ... Namibia's groundbreaking achievement in placing women at the helm of its government – with a female president, vice president, and speaker of parliament – offers a beacon of hope, not just for Namibia, but for other African nations, including Nigeria.  The simultaneous presence of women in these crucial roles signifies a profound shift in the understanding of leadership potential.  However, while Namibia's example is inspiring, the path forward for Nigeria, and other nations facing similar challenges, is not simply about replicating the outcome. It requires a multifaceted approach, addressing both systemic obstacles and societal attitudes. The Nigerian context, unfortunately, paints a different picture. While Nigeria boasts prominent, intelligent women in various fields, a significant disparity persists in leadership positions.  The frustration expressed by women like Senator Natasha Akp...

  ~~ Ahman Makams  Niger State's Educational Crisis: A Failure to Prioritize Primary and Secondary Education ... Niger State's educational system faces a profound crisis, characterized by a stark disconnect between ambitious budgetary allocations and the grim reality on the ground. While Governor Umaru Bago's administration boasts significant financial commitments to education,  reports from Sahara Reporters, TakeMyGist, and public opinion ("Nigerlites") paint a picture of widespread neglect, particularly in primary and secondary schools.  This prioritization of higher education over foundational learning undermines the state's long-term development prospects. (TakeMyGist Report) Lack of oversight and monitoring.   Reports from Bida Power FM highlight a disconnect between the state government's pronouncements and the ground realities faced by communities.  The lack of regular inspections by the Ministry of Education, as suggested by the radio program, ...

~~ Ahman Makams  In 1973, a Nigerian worker on minimum wage could purchase 20 bags of rice.  Today, even with a significant increase in the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, that same worker struggles to afford even one.  This stark reality lays bare the catastrophic devaluation of the Nigerian Naira and the abject failure of successive leadership to address this fundamental economic crisis. The numbers tell a devastating story.  A 1973 minimum wage of ₦125, with rice costing ₦5 per bag, afforded a comfortable level of food security. Fast forward nearly fifty years, and the minimum wage, though nominally higher, holds significantly less purchasing power.  The recent increase to ₦70,000 is rendered almost meaningless when a bag of rice now costs ₦70,000 or more in many parts of the country.  This isn't just about rice; it's a symptom of a much deeper malaise affecting the entire Nigerian economy. What happened to the Naira? The answer isn't simple, but i...