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Re: The craze for easy money in Nigeria and the Hanifa story, by Prof M. K. Othman

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Re: The craze for easy money in Nigeria and the Hanifa story, by Prof M. K. Othman

Re: The craze for easy money in Nigeria and the Hanifa story, by Prof M. K. Othman

Deep Thought with Othman

Again, it is time to allow the esteemed readers of this Column to air their views. There were varieties of views on almost every topic I presented in this Column. Today, I am presenting some edited views on the topic “The Craze for Easy Money in Nigeria and The Hanifa Story”.

The Hanifa saga continues to hunt our psyche until justice is done and preventive measures taken against repeat and replication of the saga in our society. Happy reading:

Prof, your article speaks volumes of the moral decay in our society. The safe school initiative of the Government has a lot to contribute in controlling the excesses of these criminals masquerading as Proprietors. Government must continue to seek means of revamping our educational institutions to make these private schools dysfunctional, as they have become avenues and catalysts for crimes. While these may be isolated cases, the regulatory institutions must be up and doing and appropriate the right sanctions to erring institutions.

The roles of parents in the upbringings of their wards need not be overemphasized; Hanifa was too young to be entrusted to go to school all by herself. She should have been under the care of her parents or guardians when she was not in class. This lacuna is what was responsible for this dastardly act and gave the criminal in the name of Proprietor to find her a soft target.

Thank you Sir for sharing with me, once again your various interventions through the pen are making modest contributions to our society.

Musa Aliu, Zaria.

Fantastic, Prof, may your pen ever be flowing with the ink of wisdom, amen. Nigeria is a nation where nobody or government questions the source of your wealth, the use of BVN is just existing without being used for verification, where underage are swimming in resources not worked for, where law enforcement agents share the proceeds of crime with criminals, where people celebrate rich people with untraceable sources, where intelligent and hard work are no longer celebrated, where the good name of the family is no longer preserved and cherished, where all manner of things can be done for money. It is only God of genuine revival that can cure this nation.

Prof Olakojo Samuel Adelow, Ibadan.

My Prof. You have said it all. But I fear that, if this barbarism continues to spread like a great cyclone as it is doing now in Nigeria without any security upsurge, we will soon go back to the age of troglodyte. We made laws, which only work on the poverty-stricken individuals while the criminals that have amazed Haram’s wealth are celebrated across the country. Thus, only Allah can save us from this serious schizophrenia.

Well done my Prof. You continue to ring the golden bell of alarms, but I don’t know whether the listeners are sleeping or are just political sycophants? My Prof, I suggest that the death of Hanifa should be used as a deterrent to the others by executing her culprit in a market square of Kano.

Yakubu Yunusa Sakpe, Bida.

When people with ill-gotten wealth are praised and given red carpet treatment in society. The craze to get rich quickly by feeble-minded members of society will take a calamitous dimension. Only God will help us out of this ugly trend. Many thanks for this educative piece, sir.

Jonah Attah, Abuja.

May Almighty Allah protect us from the hands of the evil ones. And may we be contented with what we are destined to have.

Your write-up is very educative, Sir.

Aliyu Yakubu, Kaduna.

Great piece Prof. More wisdom Sir. It is a painful and unbearable tragedy to Hanifah’s family and the world at large. We hope that justice should be served. A similar case was Soffiyah’s case in Abeokuta who was beheaded by her boyfriend.

Dr Adams Tijjani Zaria.

Innalillahiwainnailaihiraji’un. Ya Allah continues to protect us from known and unknown evils planned or unplanned by Shaytan, humans, jinns, and their accomplices. This is indeed a sad part of our national history which if allowed to continue can lead to complete lawlessness in society.

What could be the possible causes of this craze for easy money? In my opinion, it may be a result of corruption and corrupt tendencies in all our basic institutions of school, family, religion, government, and economy. Admission into our institutions of learning was considered on merit. That merit was defined by the number of credits or combination of subjects provided by the various regulatory bodies such as JAMB. To meet these basic paper qualifications, parents, students, school administrators strive to get results from WAEC or NECO by all means. This effort led to the proliferation of magic centres that are well known across the country. The authorities are doing nothing or governing bodies to deter the creation of those centres due to interests and corruption. The students end up in higher institutions with little basic knowledge of the requirements for higher education. All they are after is the certificate; hence all forms of malpractice, buying of grades with money or through sexual gratification are done to pass exams. This is the basis for corruption in Nigeria.

I remember in our secondary school when we were writing exams, black Maria used to be stationed by the side waiting for an exams malpractice case. Everyone was careful not to be involved. The craze for certificate and the corrupt ways through which it was obtained drive the people to the craze for money from their investment. Any window of opportunity, the result is beyond imagination. The cases of security operatives aiding the corrupt practices and compromising are well documented. Check roadblocks along the highways, the cases of Magu and Kyari, etc all in the name of quick money-making.

This corruption has also depleted our economy, as the government can no longer afford to provide those free education, basic health care, employment, security, etc. Parents can no longer afford to provide basic needs of their families. Children drop out of school to be engaged in menial jobs. Some end up in the company of bad friends that introduce them to crimes and related activities.

The religious institutions were also not spared by corruption; we see cases of diversion and personalization of funds by the leaders, buying private jets, luxury apartments, and Ferraris with the sweat of their followers. Therefore, all that we think about the craze for quick money is deeply rooted in our basic institutions. We have to look back and reflect on this for a lasting solution.

Dr SaniIsiaku, Zaria.

Unfortunately, the new generations of leaders are not helping. The previous leaders were more visionary, less materialistic, self-sacrificing, not greedy, valued human lives, unlike today direct opposite. It’s worrisome and to me, the future seems bleak, especially for the majority of youths that are left stranded with no proper education, involvement in reasonable ventures or connection to society is already an indication of bitterness, inequalities in terms of social welfare, etc.

Good morning my amiable Prof. I am impressed with the cutting-edge articles that touch the ills of our society especially as it affects the youths.

Dr Anlade Yakubu, Aliero.

Salam Prof. Thanks for the concluding part of your article on the unfortunate circumstances, in which children find themselves nowadays, of being abducted and killed by their supposed protectors even after ransom payment. The craze for easy money is the root cause of all these kinds of vices.

Prof Abdulhameed Y. Umar, Kano.

Prof Othman writes from NAERLS, ABU Zaria and can be reached via email: mkothman@gmail.com.

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Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

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Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

By: Balami Lazarus

When I heard of the killings of the innocent travelers that happened at Manjul in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, who are my brothers and sisters? I sat down and began to think, trying to reason out why and what the rationale is behind these killings. My thought raised so many questions regarding this brutal murder, ruling out some motives. But political motive kept whispering, telling me the rationale is politically motivated considering the quantum of killings on the Plateau in places like Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu, which has become a vicious cycle in these areas. And in addition, there were utterances from some politicians complicating issues.

I hereby condole with the families of my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Samaru, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) community main campus Samaru who lost their lives in the Mangun brutal killings of 20th June, 2025, on their way to Qua-anpan for a wedding. May their souls rest in peace.

The killings of these innocent Nigerians were carried out with no reason or cause, neither threat nor provocation of any kind, much lessreligion or ethnicity, as some irrational persons want us to believe. I stand and write with the power of the pen to say in print that the sentiments aforementioned are far and kept away from such unfortunate incidents, which have been peddled around by some enemies of peace and progress on the Plateau.

It is on record that so many Nigerians have condemned in totality the killings of these innocent travelers. While the government and the good people of Plateau State have long condemned this act in strong terms. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration has properly condoled and sympathized with the government and people of Kaduna State, including the management and staff of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. In his effort as the executive governor, Mutfwang is working tirelessly to see that justice takes its course on those involved in this crime. Besides, his administration is making an effort to compensate the affected families, according to sources.

It might surprise some readers why I emotionally addressed those murdered as my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), Samaru, and ABU main campus, which are integral parts of the Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. I am an indigene of Zaria, having been born and bred outside the ganuwa (city walls) of the ancient Zaria city in Gaskiya, Kongo, ABU main campus, and Samaru, all addressed as Zaria, where I had my childhood spree. Therefore, I will not be queried by identifying with the deceased and their families as my own people, for we are linked one way or the other.

Let me hereinafter tell you why I suspect political motive was behind these killings of the travelers in Mangun-Mangu. I partly grew up on the Plateau, shuttling between Jos and Sharam in Kanke Local Government Area as a student and still living in Jos. Moreover, I have some good understanding of the people, their sociopolitical and economic happenings, and their dynamics on the one hand. And I once led a political group on the other. The utterances of some politicians and their cohorts/allies are questionable because they are not happy with the people-oriented projects of the Caleb Mutfwang administration. And that they were accused of sponsoring the killings going on in the state. The case of Mangun, 20th June, 2025, holds water going by the alleged accusations and the kind of politics playing out in Plateau State.

Findings have revealed that there were interventions by some youth leaders, elders, and vigilantes who risked their lives trying to stop this group of rascals from carrying out the killings and burning of the bus belonging to ABU conveying the victims for a wedding at Qua-anpan. In fact, some were burnt—men, women, and children. Others were rescued with various degrees of injuries. Reports put the total dead at 8 persons. While 12 were injured, some survived. The good news making rounds is the arrest of over 20 suspects believed to be behind these gruesome killings of the Zaria travelers.

Thus, this incident has no doubt painted Plateau State in a bad light as one of the major flashpoint states where killers of innocent travelers reside. Well, I will not blame them because this is not the first. However, this particular one is painfully shrouded in a bitter political atmosphere between some gladiators who are not at peace with the positive developments in the state. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang as the change driver.

Yes, there are insecurity challenges on the Plateau, where apprehension and naked suspicion are everywhere, prompting the citizens to be extremely cautious and always on alert. However, if young men can channel their collective energies as a force towards the insecurity bedeviling the state instead of engaging in political thuggery, drugs, and criminality, there will be a change in their lives and the entire system.

Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290

Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

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Osama, For Good Governance and Social Justice Through the Radio

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Osama, For Good Governance and Social Justice Through the Radio

By: Balami Lazarus

Osama. Does it ring a bell? Yes, it does on the Plateau. The Osama I am writing about is that individual who is known for his good works for humanity on the radio and outside the studio. Osama is a gentleman but is outspoken and has a mind of his own.

My Osama in this context is a personality, a brand, and a trademark. Osama is a broadcaster, radio presenter, and popular comedian on stage and in the entertainment industry in Jos-Plateau and beyond. Since the writing is sailing, I will later reveal the identity of who this young man is and why he is so passionate about good governance.

The fights for human rights, social justice, and good governance have been the cries and topic of discourse of so many Nigerians, especially good governance. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and human rights activists are the leaders in these struggles, whereby their roles cannot be overemphasized. The quantum of spoken words, public lectures/enlightenment programs, workshops, seminars, etc., has not brought many changes in our systems because there was little or no action by you and me as Nigerians.

I remembered when I was very active in the struggle for human rights and social justice. As Deputy Secretary General (DSG) of Democratic Alternative (DA), we were much concerned with democratic alternative processes and social justice with a whiff of good governance, and this has been the case for some NGOs, as I know.

I came to understand from my experiences that, as a country, we have good public-oriented programs, but our major challenges are implementation and follow-up that come with too many talks but no individual action or collective responsibility because many Nigerians are fearful, and this has made me a one-man advocate/crusader for human rights and social justice. Like the subject of this work.

Now back to the subject. Osama is a brand package, fearless advocate, and mouthpiece for good governance on the Plateau through Town Hall, a popular radio program aired by JFM 101.9 FM. Jos is widely listened to. He was born as Ehis Akugnonu. But Osama has overtaken his certified name. Therefore, my continued use of Osama is justified in this work because I realized that many times your other name (also known as) tends to dominate and overshadow your real name.

Osama is redefining the fight for good governance by personal efforts through follow-up and speaking on them, putting the government on their feet to improve and do better. ‘I am for good governance, and I will continue to speak on this matter.’ He is purposefully driven by his passion for good quality and better systems to have an enabling environment where the systems are working for progress and development.

Balami, a publisher/columnist 08036779290

Osama, For Good Governance and Social Justice Through the Radio

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In Marriage Nest, Spouses Are Dying Ignoring Red Flags and The Panacea (2)

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In Marriage Nest, Spouses Are Dying Ignoring Red Flags and The Panacea (2)

By: Balami Lazarus

I saw it coming. As a writer, my works and I have been verbally attacked several times. I raised an eyebrow at how some readers react by using bad language on issues, opinions, and views. Well, that is their way of expression when they are displeased, but I feel it is grotty.

And here is the conclusion of the “controversial piece,” as one caller puts it. For me, there is nothing controversial about this discourse but the truth of the grotesque happenings in married homes. And the way out, as I earlier wrote, is divorce.

Recently there has been an inflation of brutal murders in marriages; those killed are mostly women and children, and fewer men. What justification does one have to continue in a marriage where there are threats, violence, and unhappiness generated by the presence of either the husband or the wife? And unknowingly one becomes prey hunted by an in-house predator.

Sharks areamong the most intelligent aquatic animals. Their sense of smell is very sharp; they can smell and detect blood or any red object in water from a far distance and come for it at near the speed of light. Therefore, women’s body chemistry is like that of sharks; they sense and notice things easily. But what is wrong with many of them in marriage that they are unable to detect landmines or red flags early in their marriages? Where there is a threat to life with the intention to hurt, harm, and/or cause grievous injury or death, that is when they realize they are living in gross bondage if they are lucky to come out of it alive.

As students at Pluto College Sharam in Kanke-Plateau State, we were told and made to understand as boys to treat our girl students with love and care and be there for them when the need arises. That was one of the lessons that came from the late Dr. Sumaila Ndayako (Rector), as he was known and called. As boys, we dared not humiliate, insult, or threaten them in any way; rather, we were to take them as our sisters by extension. This has taught me to respect and care for the opposite sex.

Moreover, my association, membership, and experience with some human rights organizations have enlightened me with rights, liberties, and freedom garnished by respect for individual differences, rights and privileges, consent, and action. With this knowledge put together, I consider marriage never a do-or-die affair but a privilege with consent to be a husband to a woman who also has rights/consent to be a wife and live in matrimony. Why then humiliation, abuses, and domestic violence?

I have observed in my experience as a married man that if you take away some women from their husbands, they will die, and vice versa. Despite the domestic violence and abuses inflicted on either party, he/she is willing and prefers to die in such gothic marriage situations because one among them has a deep spiritual attachment to the marriage. This is common in Christendom, where “till death do us part.” My question here is, what kind of death? Intentional, accidental, or natural? This created injunction clause does not hold water in life-threatening marriages.

Living in a shark-jaws marriage, I always blamed women who had seen the red flags but refused to leave such marriages and the house-husband (husband). I further came to understand that patience and the pretext that all is well have caused damage to both spouses in terms of emotional and traumatic agonies and some to their graves.

Therefore, spouses that are trapped in this valley of death with its quagmire should know that marriage is a thing of choice. Likewise, divorce is permissible as a panacea for both to be alive to breathe freely.

Balami, a publisher/columnist, 0803677929

In Marriage Nest, Spouses Are Dying Ignoring Red Flags and The Panacea (2)

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