Take My Gist

  ~~ Aisha Rabiu Shuaibu (Nnagi) It's 40 Days Already ...  It is with profound sadness that we remember Hajiya Zainab Ahman Pategi, affectionately known as Umma.  The void left by her absence is deeply felt. Many of us held onto the hope of her swift recovery, a hope cruelly dashed by her passing. May Allah (SWT) grant her Jannatul Firdaus, Ameen. Hajiya Zainab was more than just a mother, grandmother, sister, and wife; she was a radiant beacon of warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love.  Her presence illuminated every room she entered, her smile a balm to the soul.  She possessed an unparalleled kindness that made everyone feel cherished and special. Confident, charismatic, and graceful, she faced life's challenges with remarkable strength, hope, and an unshakeable faith.  Selflessly giving, she prioritized the well-being of her loved ones, ensuring each felt seen, heard, and deeply cared for. Her infectious laughter and words of encouragement brought comfort ...

  ~~ Ahman Makams  "The Jessica Matthews Effect - Inspiring Nigeria to Invest in its Young Inventors" Jessica Matthews is a very smart woman. She was born in 1988, she's Nigerian and American.  She's an inventor, the boss of a company, and invests in new businesses.  She made a soccer ball called Soccket.  This soccer ball is special because it makes electricity!  She went to Harvard for college and then for business school. Jessica got many awards.  She got awards for being a great businesswoman and a great scientist.  The Nigerian president even made her an ambassador for entrepreneurship.  Jessica got the idea for Soccket at her aunt's wedding in Nigeria.  The power went out, and they used noisy, dirty generators.  This gave her the idea to make a clean energy source.  Soccket makes enough power to light a small light for a few hours after you play soccer with it for a while.  It helps kids do homework at night. Jessica...

  ~~ Ahman Makams  The tragic death of a pregnant woman in a Nigerian hospital, allegedly due to a ₦500,000 deposit requirement, shines a harsh light on a fundamental question:  is it a crime to be poor in Nigeria?  The grieving husband's poignant cry, "Is it an offense to not have 500,000 when your wife is heavily pregnant?", echoes the sentiments of millions of ordinary Nigerians who struggle daily against a system that seems designed to benefit only the elite. This incident isn't an isolated case.  It's a symptom of a deeper malaise affecting the nation's healthcare system and, more broadly, the socio-economic fabric of Nigeria. While government officials and the wealthy enjoy access to world-class healthcare, the vast majority of citizens face a stark reality: inadequate healthcare facilities, exorbitant costs, and a system that prioritizes profit over human life.  For those unable to afford even basic medical care, the simple act of seeking treatment...

  ~~ Ahman Makams  My adjournment and advice to Governor Umaru Bago, regarding Attahiru Samaila Albara's article. Governor Bago, while your administration has demonstrated progress in certain areas as highlighted in the Voice of Nigeria report and acknowledged in the article, the alarming rise in youth unemployment, drug addiction, crime, and prostitution necessitates immediate and decisive action.  The article rightly points out the paradox of significant budgetary allocations alongside persistent socio-economic challenges.  Your "New Niger Agenda" must address this critical issue effectively. The article highlights the concerning silence of the governed, but this silence should not be interpreted as consent.  The concerns raised are legitimate and demand a bold response.  The current situation where Special Assistants (SAs), Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), and Coordinators receive payments without clear portfolios or demonstrable output is unsustainable...

~~ Ahman Makams  The recent ban by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Eedris Abdulkareem's song "Tell Your Papa" exemplifies a concerning pattern of suppression of freedom of speech within the Tinubu administration.  This action,  criticized by various organizations including Amnesty International, SERAP, and the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), signals a worrying trend that threatens Nigeria's democratic progress. Arguments against the NBC ban and the Tinubu administration: Violation of Freedom of Expression: The ban is a blatant violation of fundamental human rights.  The right to freedom of expression, including artistic expression, is enshrined in international and regional human rights instruments, to which Nigeria is a signatory.  The NBC's justification of the ban based on the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, specifically Section 3.1.8,  appears selectively applied and disproportionately targets criticism of the government. T...

~~ Mahmud Ashraf  Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Today, as we gather on this Friday, a day of reflection and rejuvenation, let us delve into a profound concept central to Islam: the concept of brotherhood. The Quran and Sunnah, the teachings of Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasize this concept with utmost importance, highlighting our responsibility as brothers and sisters in faith to support, protect, and uplift one another. The very word "brother" in this context transcends the biological connection. It encompasses the spiritual bond forged through shared faith, a covenant of mutual respect, understanding, and compassion.  The Quran often uses the word *akh* (brother) to signify this close relationship, illustrating the deep commitment we must have towards each other. Consider the following verses: "Indeed, the believers are brothers." (Al-Hujurat 49:10) This verse establishes the foundational principle. We are not just indi...

A joyous Nupe royal wedding brought together families and friends from across the country to celebrate the union of Suleiman Musa and Hajara Abubakar Ndadama.  The aceremony, held in ahonour of Dr. Alhaji Umar Shehu Ndanusa, OON (Mutawallin Nupe), on behalf of the Bandakotsu Family and the late Alhaji Muhammad Zakari Ndadama (Nagenu Nupe), was a spectacular display of Nupe tradition.   The beautiful couple, with Hajara as the daughter of Alhaji Abubakar Nagenu Ndadama (Dan Nagenu Nupe), captivated all present of personalities and royalty.  The wedding, blessed by HRH Etsu Nupe, Dr. Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, was a vibrant affair filled with colourful Nupe customs and just like other traditional festivities.   Distinguished guests, including royalty, traditional title holders, and important community figures, from various parts of the country, attended the event.  The sheer grandeur of the occasion, showcasing the rich traditions of the Nupe people, create...