Take My Gist

~~ Ahman Makams   The tensions between Niger State's Governor Bago and Deputy Governor Garba highlight a need for improved communication and collaboration within the state's leadership. The situation underscores a challenge many governments face: maintaining effective working relationships between key officials. The reported events – disagreements over candidate selection, budget allocations, and the alleged leaked recording – point to a breakdown in trust and effective internal conflict resolution. Addressing these issues requires a proactive and collaborative approach from both leaders. The controversy surrounding the consensus list for local government elections serves as a case study. The selection process, and the resulting perceived marginalization of the Deputy Governor, created a sense of disconnect and fueled tension. A more inclusive approach, involving greater collaboration and transparency, is needed to prevent similar situations. Open dialogue and a willingnes...

~~ Ahman Makams  Governor Umaru Bago's current engagements in Russia underscore his firm commitment to transforming Niger State's agricultural sector. His focus on agricultural development is a deliberate, ongoing strategy aimed at securing a brighter future for Nigerlites. These interactions, rather than mere visits, represent strategic investments that will positively impact the state's prosperity. A Multi-Billion Dollar Investment in Niger State's Future: The discussions with Gazprombank, a leading Russian financial institution, are not simply exploratory; they are focused on concrete investment opportunities worth potentially billions of dollars. Gazprombank's involvement signifies a major step towards realizing Niger State's agricultural potential. This partnership will provide: Access to much-needed capital: Gazprombank's expertise in investment banking will facilitate securing crucial funding for the purchase of modern agricultural machinery and ...

Dr Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician  To those who knew her, she was Mummy.  To me, she was everything.  Born on the 25th of August, 1945, to the late Pa Festus Edmund Josiah Williams and Mama Hannah Grant Williams, she was a remarkable woman, a trailblazer in every sense of the word.  Her life, though sadly cut short, was a testament to resilience, dedication, and unwavering faith. Growing up in Zaria, attending St. George's Primary School, her early years were steeped in community and faith, a life intertwined with her beloved church.  It's poignant to remember that former Governor Jim Nwobodo, a name etched in the annals of Nigerian history, was a teacher at St. George's during her formative years.  Her transition to the prestigious Queen's College, Lagos, marked a significant step in her educational journey, culminating in her Senior Prefect year in 1965. This wasn't just about academic success, but about leadership and discipline – qualiti...

~~ Ahman Makams  The passing of Hajiya Khadijad Yadi, my stepmother, has left an irreplaceable void. This past week has been a blur of grief and sorrow, slowing my work and leaving me emotionally drained. Yet, amidst the profound sadness, I find solace remembering her. From my childhood, Hajiya Yadi was more than a stepmother; she was my mother. Our shared jokes and laughter are cherished memories.  Even in her final moments, her spirit shone. Visiting her in the hospital, she reached for my hand; we shared a comforting moment, this time without words, in our peculiar mix of languages. She held my hand for five minutes, a precious last embrace before the doctors moved her. She fell asleep shortly after; that was the last time I saw her. The irony: I left her bedside to help prepare for my youngest brother Ismail's wedding the next day, Ismail, Hajiya Yadi's last-born.  The wedding's joy was tinged with unspoken anxiety, that was shattered by the devastating news: Hajiya Y...

  ~~ Ahman Makams  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, barely halfway through its four-year term, has overseen a dramatic escalation of hardship in Nigeria. A stark picture emerges of policies seemingly devoid of human sympathy, pushing the nation to the brink. A Mounting Toll of Suffering: The daily death toll, reportedly exceeding 100 due to escalating insecurity, paints a grim picture of a nation in crisis. This violence, coupled with a collapsing sense of security, underscores the profound human cost of current policies. A Failing Infrastructure: Electricity supplies under Tinubu's watch are demonstrably worse than in previous administrations. This crippling energy crisis not only hampers economic productivity but also contributes significantly to the widespread poverty and hunger plaguing the nation. The collapsing electricity grid symbolizes the broader failure of infrastructure investment and the apparent disregard for the fundamental needs of the people. T...

  Last week, April 12, 2025, the city of Bida witnessed the beautiful union of three prominent families. Engineer Abdullahi Yako Ibrahim of Kolotaki Banwuya Bida and the late Alhaji Alfa Yakubu of Emi Man Mukote Woni in Bangbara Bida, along with the late Alhaji Ahman Saba (Galadima Pategi), blessed the marriage of their children, Mubaraq Abdullahi Ibrahim and Engr. Fatima Ahmed Alfa. The ceremony was a grand affair, attended by important personalities, traditional title holders, and royalty. The wedding fatiha was led by the Chief Imam of Bida, marking the official start of Fatima and Mubaraq's new life together. Prayers were offered by all in attendance, wishing the couple a lifetime of love, prosperity, and success in their new home. The bride and groom were visibly filled with joy and excitement as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives together. Surrounded by the love and support of their friends and family, we wish them a future filled with happiness and cherished...