Rest in peace Auwal Salisu

Indeed every living Soul Shall Depart from earth to the next world. Auwal Salisu died few weeks after his marriage. Auwal was once the President of Baze University. He was such a friendly and simple person. We lost a great friend and a brother. May Allah have mercy on his Soul. Don't forget Auwal in your prayers. 

In Defense of Inec by Abdul Jari

  The recent addition of thirty thousand polling units by INEC is a right step in the right direction. As Nigeria heads to its most heated election, all hands must be on deck, all necessary actions must be taken to ensure a free, fair and credible elections. In the addition, about twenty two thousand polling units were added to the North, while the South only received about eight thousand polling units.  The good and faithful decision of INEC did not go down well with some elements in Southern Nigeria. The Southern Peoples Assembly was quick to condemn the decision and threaten legal action against it.
  In my view, the addition of the polling units was a right move in the right direction and also at the right time. The following if sincerely and carefully considered, one will agree with INEC's decision;
  Firstly, the existing number of polling units are too short for the North. Northern Nigeria alone account for over 60 percent of Nigerias population. Due to that population, some polling units are having a lot of people, as such, some units have up to one thousand registered voters. Dala local government in Kano state is the most populated local government in Nigeria. Dala alone has over 1.9 million people. This kinds of local government needs addition polling units.
  Secondly, with the current crisis in the North east, a lot of people have been displaced. The displaced people are Nigerians and they have to exercise their franchise. In some towns like Bama, Konduga etc were the local government is ransacked, the people are now displaced all across Nigeria, especially Kano and in Abuja. The additional polling unit should be added where the displaced people are located.
  Lastly, out of the nine hundred and twenty thousand square kilometers of Nigeria, the North account for over 60 percent of the total land mass of Nigeria. Some states like Niger, Borno, Kaduna, Jos, Adamawa, and Nasarawa states are very large, therefore, the need for more addition polling units is required so that everybody can vote within the given available time. Niger and Borno state are larger then the South east. The need for more additional polling units is needed for people in those states.
   Nigerians must learn to have faith in their institutions. INEC is now headed by somebody credible. Politicizing every national decision because of cynical and sentiments are ill for Nigeria at the moment. Nigerians must unite to ensure a free, fair and credible elections in 2015

Comrade Abdulbaqi Aliyu Jari
Usmanu danfodiyo university
Sokoto state of Nigeria
+2348035424321
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Chibok girls by Abdul Jari

  By Friday 1 of November this year, it will mark exertly 200 days, 6 months 20 days since the abduction of Chibok girls from a government secondary school, Borno State. The abduction of the abduction of the girls was similar to the abduction of Aboke girls by LRA in 1996, Uganda. Initially after the abduction of the girls, the Nigerian government did not agree that the girls were abducted. A popular video circulated around which  shows the unconstitutional but powerful appendage of power, the  first lady carrying was a testimony of the disagreement of the first family. The government thought it was like any other issue that time will wade away just like Baga, Odi, Zaki Biam, Gwanin Gora massacres. Or they thought it was like Apo killing, the missing 20 billion scam, halliboturn scandal, or fuel subsidy scandal. They intended to keep quiet till the issue goes down with time.
 Unfortunately for the government, the #Bring back our girls mmovement started the just five days after the abduction of the girls. Up to now they are there in Abuja marching. They never alone the issue to be swept under the carpet. The movement attracted international attention. Over 30 million post and  tweets was believed to have been posted in the social media in that month (April) when the girls were abducted. It was only Hadiza Bala and others that waka com in Abuja.
  It is unfortunate that still the girls are not set free despite the resources spent to set them free. Over 40 billion dollars are spent each year from 2011 to date on security. This is not to talk of loans secured in the name of security. Just recently, twice a plane was compounded in South Africa with over 15 million dollars in the name of security. Only God knows how many of its kind were successful. The participation of international forces and experts for over a month to locate and rescue the girls was also another unsuccessful effort that did not succeeded. Though that was a welcome development to the federal government since combine experts of America, China, UK, Israel, ECOWAS etc, then they surely found some respite and free from all blame.
  After a month of negotiations, Stephen Devis came up with a horrific revelation that devastated all Nigerians. We are watching the development closely and waiting for  answers. The impounded plane in South Africa also, we are waiting for answers. Nyako's allegations also, we are waiting for answers. Etc.
  The Bring back back our girls protesters have really tried for all the' aluta' out there. the campaign is risen and falling with time. After every 30 days, that is one month, the movement will rise because of additional month anniversary. The campaign strength was at all time low when Ebola came to Nigeria. The people, media and the government changed their focus from bringing back the girls to Ebola. The government tried it best and later, God in his will the virus was curtailed and subsequently eradicated from Nigeria.
   About 10 days ago, a truce was said to have been entered between Nigerian government and Boko Haram. It is my hope that the truce be maintained and strengthened. It is also my hope and prayer  that this fighting stop totally soon. It is my hope and prayer that unity, peace and prosperity come back to northern Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole.

Abdul Jari ( The Aishabab)

  The Alshabab( Youths) is one of the oldest Islamic organization in Africa. Alshabab came into the lime light some 23 years ago after the fall of Barre's government in 1991. That was the initial of the Somalia's civil war, that was when Alshaba start to occupy villages.
   Somalia is a very large country, home to over 10 million people, Somali history can be dated back to about 10 thousand years ago. Islam has been in Somalia just decades after the coming of the religion. Somalia was under British control from 1884 till 1960 before their independence.
   Nigeria, kenya, uganda, and African union forces have been in the fore front in the fight against Alshabab. Many atimes they tried to get reed of them from Somalia. The US was there and fought with Muhammad Fara idid. The Al shabab was Partially dislodged from the capital Mogadishu about  4 time. The last was in 2011 after attaking uganda. Now the Somali military backed by African Union has defeated the Alshabab in it last strong hold this month.
  Sheik Muhammad is the current president. He very well knows that the battle is not over. Because even the so called green zone is not safe. Many a times suicide bombers stroke the areas.
  Negotiations remains the only answer to Somali permanent peace and security. The frequent intervention of Somali neighbors must stop. The security of Somali is the security of its neighbors.
  Just like other fighters. The Alshabab has a strong force of 7000 men. It has tanks, RPGs and a lot other sophisticated weapons. Its doctrine and zeal to fight is more than that of the Somli and African union forces. Belligerence and war has caused over 300 thousand death to innocent souls in Somalia.
Poverty is on the increase. Migration has risen in double digits
   Still is not late for peace in Somalia. Just like Sudan, the government and the people must find a political way to solve the crisis. If not, the end to belligerence is a way with no end.

On same Religion ticket by Abdul Jari

   Nigeria is a blessed country - home to over 170 million people. Nigeria houses many tribes, languages and ethnic groups. Hausa, Yaruba, Igbo,  Kanuri, Nupe, Tiv, Ibibio, Ijaw, Igala are just a few of the over 360 tribes and languages in Nigeria. Some ethnic groups have collapsed into the major regional tribe, while many are not significant in respect to the population. There are many religions in Nigeria out of which Islam is believed to constitute half the population. Christianity account for about 35 percent, traditional religion, and paganism, account for the rest percentage.
    Nigeria has celebrated it 54 years anniversary of independence. It is sad that even after these, the sense of patriotism is very low or even non existing. Civil war was the first major problem that divide Nigerians. Though even before that, the election and census of 1963 causes a lot of tension in the country - especially in the South West. The Gideon Okah unsuccessful coup - where they intended to remove the all Hausa lands from Nigeria was one thing that further manifest our differences. The aborted and nullified Presidential election of June 12 was perceived by some Nigerians as North against South. Against all odds, Nigeria is still a single country and elections are still been held after 4 years since from 1999.
   The bi-religious joint ticket was first  institutionalized in Nigeria politics in 1960 after independence. Ironsi was given the position of head of the military because of religious politics. Also in 1979 when the military handed over power to civilians. Shagari been the President - was a Muslim from the North and his deputy a Christian from the South. Though it didn't survived long as the government was overthrown in 1984. since 1999 after the return of democracy, both the PDP and the opposition fielded are joint religious ticket. Obasanjo was with Atiku up to 2007. Then Yaradua-Jonathan-Nmadi came from 2007 to date.
  In 2011, religious politics manifested it self as a major influencing factor in Nigeria. The PDP went ahead with its bi-religious arrangement. So was the CPC. Thought the CPC candidate has for long been leveled by some mischief makers as a bigot, but still they went ahead with a Muslim-Christian ticket.
  Now that it is only about 4 months to elections, religious politics has resurfaced again. The ruling PDP has given Jonathan-Sambo automatically endorsed ticket. While the major opposition party the APC has is yet to field its own. There are indications that the APC is considering giving the Presidential seat to a northerner. Former Head of State General Buhari has already declared his intention to run for the office of the President under the APC. Some reports have it that the some influential supporters and loyalist of the General are making arrangement for Gov. Fashola of Lagos state to run together with Buhari. To me, this is a very good idea as both the men are tested and trusted. If the two men finally agreed for Buhari/Fashola ticket, that will be a Muslim-Muslim ticket. If I happen to be Gen. Buhari, I will surely choose Fashola. Considering the known voting pattern of Nigeria, population of the regions where the 2 men came from, and their teaming political supporters, I will surely go for Fashola. I will rather damned the political consequences than compromise. Gen. Buhari should also consider the fact that Gov. Fashola is middle age level headed politician, as such, will be loyal and easy going. From the North also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has indicated his interest to contest Presidential elction under the APC. Atiku is yet to name or show sign of his running mate. Kwankwaso has alleged that federal government is blocking his declaration, no sign of his running mate also. Other parties with the exception of perhaps 6 may not likely field in candidates.
  is unfortunate that everything in Nigeria is politicized. Our sense of patriotism is very low if not - not existing. What is there if Jonathan is to choose David Mark as his running mate? Is same religion but different region, different tribe, different language, and different background also.
  In politics, what matters is majority. If Jonathan-Mark can bring success to PDP why not try it. If Buhar-Fashola will be a formidable ticket that will bring success APC then why not they do it?
  In politics, politicians should know that they must be castigated, that is the nature of politics. Whether bigotry, nepotism or what ever false claims they will put upon you, a politician must remain ideological, focused and determined if he wants to succeed.

Comrade Abdulbaqi Aliyu Jari
Katsina state
+2348035424321
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Effect of Deforestation by Abdul Jari

         According to Wikipedia, deforestation is the process where is cut down without a simultaneous re planting for economic and social reasons. Nigeria is home to 1417 known species of fauna and at least 4715 species of vascular plants according to figures from the World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Although national parks and reserves have increased in the country only 3.6% of Nigeria is protected under IUCN categories I-V. Deforestation all over the globe is threatening the sustainability of the environment but has had especially detrimental effects in Nigeria due to their high rates. Deforestation puts at risk all aspects of the environment, the economy and of the citizens of the country. As of 2005, according to world food and Agriculture Organization( FAO), Nigeria has the highest number of deforestation in the world. Between 2000 and 2005 the country lost 55.7% of its primary forests, and the rate of forest change increased by 31.2% to 3.12% per annum. Forest has been cleared for logging, timber export, subsistence agriculture and notably the collection of wood for fuel which remains problematic in western Africa. The annual rate of deforestation in Nigeria is 3.5 percent. That is about 400 thousand hectares per year. From 1999 to 2010, the forest cover of Nigeria moved from over 17 thousand to just below 10 thousand. A report compiled by Halen Basey of talk to Africa gave a cited example of deforestation  in Malunfashi local government of Katsina State. The villages suffers heavenly from deforestation and heave grazing of farms by animals of animal rearers. Also a data research and  report gathered by IRIN Nigeria in march 2008 - reported that it was believed that 35 percent of land under cultivation 50 years ago has been turned to desert in 11 Northern states.  They reported Kabir Yammama of national forest commission about 70 percent of environmental problems in northern Nigeria is from deforestation. Yammama said the population burns over 40.5 million tonnes of firewood each year which destroys over 400,000 hectares of forest. Environmental activists have been lobbying the government to create a Desert Control Commission and pass a federal bill to address desertification, but parliament has not yet taken action.
   Desert encroachment is fast grabbing more lands in Nigeria. From 1901 to 2005, more than 200 villages were believed to have been engulf by desert in Nigeria’s arid
north on account of climate change. According to the Journal of Geography and Regional Planning, Nigeria’s average temperature has risen by 1.7 degrees celsius in the period between 1901 and 2005, with higher increases in semi-arid regions than in coastal zones. The consequence of this climatic anomaly for the Nigerian people is the combined threat from desertification in the north and coastal erosion in the south. In fact, the Sahara Desert is currently advancing southward at an estimated rate of 600 metres per annum. The severity of this trend is being enforced by a multiplicity of factors spanning from overgrasing to woodland abuse and increasingly unreliable rainfall, thereby putting the livelihood of ‘over 55 million people in 10 northern states at serious risk.’
 Agriculture is accounts for close to 70 percent employment of Nigeria. Though commercial agriculture is not much practiced in Nigeria - using sophisticated mechanized farming system, yet local farming is still practiced through out Nigeria. In 1990, 82 million hectares out of the total 91 million hectares of land were arable, though only 42 million hectares were  utilized for agricultural purposes. Desert encroachment through deforestation has made significant damages to agricultural development in Nigeria.  Even though agriculture contribute
About 32 percent of Nigerias GDP as of 2001, but still the sector is not receiving the required government attention and is under threat from deforestation and desert encroachment in Northern Nigeria. In 1999, Nigeria produces about 145 thousand tons of Cocoa - which is the major agricultural exchange for Nigeria, yet even the Cocoa's maximum production is not harnessed as Nigeria is capable of producing 300 thousand tons annually.
   Among other things aiding desert encouragement in Nigeria is the universal climate change, lack of sustainable and viable other means of domestic use of woods, and over grazing. Over grazing is the next factor after deforestation. There are about 15 million estimated pastorals in Nigeria. There are also over 80 million animals grazing in Nigeria. Nigeria officially has 415 grazing reserves but only one-third are in use, while the remaining 270 have been built on or farmed. At least 18 km of fertile land is required in every state for grazing animals. The government is also demarcating a 1,400km livestock route from Sokoto state in the northwest to Oyo state in the southwest; and another 2,000km route from Adamawa state in the northeast to Calabar in the delta region, said Maina. It has been noted by  Wilson et al., 1965, that as early 1960s, farmers in Nigeria where able to cultivate over 83 percent of lands in Northern Nigeria. In 2011, less than 60 percent  of the land is under commercial agriculture.

  The government must move fast to save our land from desertification. A special ministry may be needed to tackle this great problem. A robust orientation on the dangers of deforestation should be carried out to save our forest.

Comrade Abdulbaqi Aliyu Jari
Katsina local government council,
Katsina state
+2348035424321
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Afrokanist Magazine.

                                                               

 

‘I feel that Nigerians are extremely gifted, we do not need an icon or look up to anyone’ – (CEO of Gidi Designs) Kehinde Adedoyin.

 

 

 

 

 

‘I am an entrepreneur today because my passion for creativity and innovation, besides everyone cannot take up jobs; some people must keep creating jobs’- (CEO of MoneyMart Teleshopping) William Dokpesi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘I created a business consultancy company based on pan-Africanism which operates in Nigeria, as well as across the African continent especially sub-Saharan Africa, the aim is to help African firms improve their efficiency, their work product and to work more sufficiently with the resources they have, so that they can utilize them to the maximum.’ – (CEO of Jobec Pan-African Consulting) Christian C.Elemele

 

 

 

Now if this was all the media reports to the world about the African youth, would the world have a different relationship with Africans and Africa? Would our perspectives and representations of ourselves as Africans be different?

Writer Chimamanda Adichie eloquently pointed out during her Ted talk that ‘the single story creates stereotypes.  The problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story’. Most people around the world including Africans grew up with a single story of Africans henceforth why the world has only had a single story of Africans. This could be blamed on the media, due to minimal media coverage of Africa and its diversities, thus this is where Afrokanist Magazine comes in we incorporate the voices of the African youths, as they hold the key in making a difference. Africa's current generations are ambitious, not only in Africa but also in other continents. We recognize that historically and culturally there has always been a single perspective of Africans generally, even within the African communities, which is why African nations and it’s diaspora needs Afrokanist magazine because we facilitates the use of networking between Africans and non –Africans, we embrace the bright sides of the African youth we acknowledge and encourage the visibility of the African youths. Examples include story tellers, entrepreneurs, doctors, footballers, young aspiring health workers, young aspiring politicians, fashion designers, scientist, artist, teachers, etc.  Till date, no magazine has fully embraced the positive side of the African youth.

www.facebook.com/afrokanistmagazine- Facebook

Afrokanist@yahoo.co.uk or Bankoleabiol1@yahoo.com – Email address

WAEC ( mass failure)

    A lot of mass failures in various examination are now been recorded yearly.  The recent 2014  WAEC results  have shown that over 68 percent of the 1.6 million candidates have failed either Mathematics or English - which are prerequisite for getting admission into any tertiary  institution in Nigeria as against 65 and 60 in 2013 and 2012 respectively. Only about 30 percent got five credits including Mathematics and English. That was against 35 percent and 38 percent for 2013 and 2012 respectively. Also, about 8.4 percent of the results was nullified. Even the traditional NECO that students passes with flying colors is now in comatose. The NECO 2014 results shows that over 52 percent failed in either Mathematics or English. UTME use to a failure for most students every year. 2014 was not different. Though it both paper and computer tests were used to asses the students, but still over 60 percent scored below 180. Even in our tertiary institutions, the cases of spill over and students graduating with pass degrees are on the increase. The questions that one to  ask him himself, th teachers and the students are, why this mass failure? Causes of the failure? How can we remedy them?
   In my own assertion as a one time volunteer teacher, I believe the following are among the major problems:
 1.  Lack of quality education, educators and learning environment. The teachers are half-beaked graduates that are also product of corrupt teachers and schools. The environment is not favourable for learning. Twenty students par twenty foot square room.
 2. Lack of well and proper examinations standard. Different schools with different curriculum. WAEC standard, NECO standard etc
  3.  Lack of robust and articulated orientation for the students. Many students do not  know the format of UTME, NECO etc. They thought it was like their ordinary school exams.
 4. Effect of social networks and media. Even during the time of examinations, one will still see students online. Whether on Facebook, Twitter, 2go etc. People from thirteen years are allowed to register on this networks. Therefore, they spend most on this networks. Instead of them "facing their books, they eventually ended up on facebook". "while they are suppose to go to class, the spend their times on 2go. Etc other factors include lack of determination of students to succeed, motivation from parents, teachers etc
   All those problems among many other can be remedied. The first answer to avoiding mass examinations failures lies on the qualitative teaching and learning materials and  environment. Also, in the national education policy, conducive environment, including feeding, recreation should be ensured among the basic for conducive atmosphere for learning.
  Before taking school teachers, their ability to impact the needed knowledge should be a top priority not just certificate. That is very imperative for the promotion of knowledge.
  Among other things needed is regulation of social networks in schools - especially during the times of study, lectures and examinations.

Comrade Abdulbaqi Aliyu Jari
Usmanu Danfodiyo University
+2348035424321
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Aisha Labo CEO diamond taste bakery.

My name is Aisha Labo. I am a baker and a student. I am from Katsina and a 400level student of Law In Baze University, Abuja.

I am the proud owner of Diamond Taste. This little home business of mine began in early September 2013 where I had a course in Nazish Kitchen Tooting Bec London where I had a 1week course in baking and decoration. I came back to Abuja where I am based and began my business. With the help of God Alhamdulillah, I got the opportunity to go back early April 2014 for another one week course in desserts.

I have had a lot of ups and downs in terms of competition but Alhamdulillah, with the family and friends I have, everything is going smoothly.

My baking career was inspired by Frost Cakes and with a lot of encouragement from my parents I was able to pull through. The name Diamond Taste was given to me by a very close person to me.

I plan on opening a shop soon but before then I settle with my home business. I like to help people a lot especially in terms of baking related which is very uncommon in the baking career. People always ask how I cope with school and business but Alhamdulillah God has been able to see me through in all my encounters. People always wonder why I choose to do business after all I'm from a well to do family, but I feel it doesn't matter as long as you have the mindset and capital then God will surely see you through it.

Baking to me is a thing of joy of which u have to be creative a lot. As a baker, you have to be good at creating new ideas, good at photography that will capture the attention of the people and also be able to talk and advertise your business to people. I try as much as I can to advertise my business and put in everything I have to please my customers.

A lot of people have played a vital role in making my business a progress. My mother, my sister, my brothers, my dad and my second mother. And each and every day of my life, I thank them for being able to see my business through. I'd like to advise the arewa youths out there to start up something as little as possible and not to be dependent on their parents. I pray that Almighty Allah sees everyone through in everything we do.

I'm specialised in making customised bottled water where we write details of ur ocassions on the bottle water, birthday cakes, cupcakes, parfaits, triffle, ice cream cake, Oreo mousse, samosa, springrolls and meatpie. You can find me on instagram or twitter @diamondtaste. Or call 08182953653/08156590231 to enquire about my business. My bbm pin is 2ACAB0B6 and my Whatsapp08182953653 my email is diamondtaste20107@gmail.com.

Thankyou very much for reading my little piece about me and my little business! I hope you gain something out of it and patronise me soon.

IN HER MIND ( comment by Isah)

'in her mind' yes indeed! From the preview I can hint that the book is written solely on the authors view of life and experiences. Pretty intriguing to me is a 'malo girl' finally admitting to the western world with her cultures/beliefs and then religion, well being into civilization I long anticipated this. And then finally I'm sure the book will sure make waves bringing it from the authors angle. 

IN HER MIND by Habiba ( book review)

Book review IN HER MIND

‘IN HER MIND’ is an inspiring story of a young teenage girl growing into adulthood,an average girl from a middle class northern family,who got exposed to the western world pretty early,here as culture and tradition preceeds and made life complicated,young malika tried her best to strike a balance between her religious life and her western life,being a muslim,trying to fit in as much as she can in her two worlds, as time passses by malika was at crossroads making life threatening decisions as she also had to deal with the trauma of growing up in a polygamous family,IN HER MIND’ also brings to light the plight of young people in the present society,while exposing the real dangers and challenges young people face.either from peer pressure,sexual asssault and exploitation,the trauma from a broken home and generally the uncertainties of life,how far can they stand the pressure and how smart can they be to take on life and all possibilities and responsibilities it has to offer,how strong our faith is and how accountable can we be to the choices we make,how far or to what extent we can uphold our cultural values and maintain the good virtues that nature and family expects us to inculcate...as young maleeka understood the essence of life,even in her melancholy she strived to be better,she strived to prove to the society she was brought up in that her exposure didnt bring out the worst in her rather she understood the dividends of a greater life and understood that vanity and material things are not themost important things in life,she tried to have a normal life,find love,find something she truly believes in without worrying about what the  society expects from an average hausa girl, a girl who choosed to be prominent and acquire education versely in the religious and western way it made her overcome every situation as she mingles with the world her faith still remained intact,never for once has she thought to abjure her faith infact it was the one thing that kept her going,in her mind.malika was dynamic and flamboyant in her way,i hope when you get to read read this book you can pick out something or perhaps serve as a guideline to million growing girls............this is just a whisper of what its ‘in her mind’ coming soon..

 

 

BY Habibah  adamu abdullahi

Maryam Booth makeup by Aisha Abubakar ( Teesha's makeup)

Guess who met Maryam Booth? Well, Aisha Abubakar, CEO of Teesha's Makeover hooked up with the Famous Hausa Actress in Abuja. She did her makeup. Maryam Booth looked So so beautiful After the makeover. Here are the pictures by Arewa Magazine. Don't forget to follow maryam booth and Aisha on Instagram > @realmaryambooth > @_Aishaabubakar > @arewamagazine 

Message from Fatima Gumsu Sani Abacha.

Gumsu sani Abacha posted a picture with this quote " when i understand the potentials of Nigerians and the future, it's so bright that it calms my Nerve".  Gumsu Abacha is the Daughter of Late General Sani Abacha.