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The craze for easy money in Nigeria and the Hanifa’s story (II), 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

The craze for easy money in Nigeria and the Hanifa’s story (II), by Prof. M K Othman

Deep Thoughts with Othman

In Nigeria, the Hanifa’s case is neither a common one nor an isolated one as there are few other Hanifas murdered by their supposed protectors such as guardians and trusted neighbours in the last five months.

Cases of 12-year old Sylvester Oromoni in Lagos and 8-year old Asma’u Shuaibu Wa’alamu in Zaria were reported in the first part of this piece last week. The craze for easy money has turned out to be the most adaptable and adorable trade for some people irrespective of gender and age differences.

Last month, security personnel paraded a housewife, 39-year old Maryam Abubakar who was deeply involved in running errands and sex racketing for bandits for money. She was audacious enough to confess before newsmen that “Bandits paid me between N30,000 and N50,000 naira for a round of sex. I helped them do their shopping to prevent them from arrest, I knew they were into kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery but I decided to date one of them despite my married status because they give me lots of money. I brought girls to them and they were given 50,000 Naira per night each. I felt my 15-year-old and 17-year-old daughters can also benefit so I introduced them to the bandits and they were given lots of money….”

Children are not left behind in this “craze for easy money business”. In the first week of January 2022, Sahara Reporters reported the arrest of three teenagers; Emomotimi Magbisa, Perebi Aweke, and Eke Prince, all 15-year-old males, and natives of the Sagbama community of Bayelsa State. The teenagers accosted and hypnotized a 13-year-old girl, Endeley Comfort. Subsequently, they took her to an apartment in the community, cut her finger, and sprinkled the blood on a mirror for a money ritual. Residents of the community noticed the suspicious movements of the suspects and raised an alarm that led to their arrest and confession.

Endeley Comfort was lucky to be rescued with her life but Sofiat Okeowo, a 20-year-old girl, resident of Idi-Ape, Abeokuta was not that lucky as she was gruesomely murdered by her pretentiously, “lovely” boyfriend, Majekodunmi Soliudeen, a 19-year old boy. Soliudeen lured Sofiat to his room for supposedly a romantic escapade but held her down and asked one of his accomplices to cold-bloodedly chop her head with a knife. Soliudeen’s accomplices were 17-year-old Wariz Oladeinde from Kugba, 19-year-old Abdulgafar Lukman from Kugba, and Mustakeem Balogun from Bode Olude, all residents of Abeokuta town. They conspired, murdered Sofiat, cut her head, packed the headless body in a sack, and started burning the head in a pot for money ritual.

They were apprehended, confessed to committing the crime on January 28th 2022 at the Kugba area of Abeokuta, and are currently being prosecuted in the Court of law. These are teenagers who should be in school for their studies but are on the street with a devilish mind to make easy money. How did we degenerate to this level of decadence? Before answering this question, let me repeat the two questions posed in the first part of this piece; why are we crazy for easy money? Does money solve our problems or bring happiness to our lives?

The high level of poverty subjecting many people to suffering and tenacious fear of social insecurity has made many Nigerians have limitless love for money or position that can bring money. Our brains are synched to believing that money can solve all problems. This is entirely wrong. Money can buy a house and comfort but cannot buy sleep, money can buy friendship but cannot buy loyalty, money can pay school fees and buy books but cannot buy knowledge, money can attract people but cannot buy their love and affection, and several other things money cannot do.

However, money is still important in the life of a man as a lack of it can make us to be miserable, so also, having too much of it can make life unbearable. Shreds of evidence of people committing suicide due to lack of money are common but there are also cases of rich people committing suicide. The case of a German billionaire, Adolf Merckle, who committed suicide in 2019, is heart-rending.

Merckle’s family issued a statement explaining the pressure that resulted in his suicide. The statement reads; “the desperate situation of his companies caused by the financial crisis, the uncertainties of the last few weeks and his powerlessness to act, have broken the passionate family entrepreneur so he took his own life.”

To answer the question of money bringing happiness, let me quote an anonymous writer who said, “the difference between money bringing happiness and not buying happiness is that money changes your perspective towards the things that you admired when you’re not rich but it cannot save you from being human, because as humans, every day or some days, something bothers us”. Now, how do we get out of these doldrums, the calamitous disposition?

The responsibilities of righting the wrongs in our society are collective tasks; the government, parents, religious leaders, and community leaders. Law and order must regulate the activities of the three arms of government as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. Nigerians must wake up to demand transparent and accountable governance. Corruptions at all levels must be fought using several strategies to achieve the desired results.

Parents should bear the full responsibility of parentage. They should be a shepherd to their children and other members of the family. Can we instil and inculcate morality and value system in all members of the family? As parents, we should be like a bee, providing honey most of the time and then stinging to correct and defend the family value. We should not spare the rod for our children if the need arises. At all times, we should be watchful, mindful, and accountable for our children’s doings and undoings. We should not hand over the upbringing of our children to school teachers. We should honour our children when they do well and sanction them when they do the opposite.

Religious leaders have significant roles in shaving conducts in society but must have the fear of God to play such roles correctly and deservedly. Can they shun wealthy people who are enmeshed in aggrandizement? Can we stop celebrating people with questionable wealth?  Ill-gotten wealth should be despised by all and sundry. This is the only way to avoid the future occurrence of the Hanifa story.

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UMTH: Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai commended Professor Ahidjo and the management team for uplifting hospital standards beyond national boundaries

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UMTH: Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai commended Professor Ahidjo and the management team for uplifting hospital standards beyond national boundaries

By: Balami Lazarus

In a recent workshop organized by the management of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in collaboration with Fakeeh University Hospital of Dubai on ‘Advances in Kidney and Neurosurgical Management’ in Maiduguri, experts within and without spoke on the latest advances in kidney diseases and neurosurgical treatments/management and their remedies. While some made presentations on advances in neurosurgical management.

Dr. Omer Mohammed Al-Derwish, a urological surgeon/consultant from the Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai, has commended the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, and his management team for uplifting the standard of the hospital, stating that ‘Your capacity in both human and medical materials/equipment is of global standard.’ 

Al-Derwish made the observation while giving a talk on ‘Overview of Advances in Urology’ recently at the Babagana Zulum Conference Hall UMTH, medical

Speaking on urinary tract stones, urological cancers, bladder dysfunction, and urodynamics, among other related ailments. Al-Derwish drew the attention of his colleagues to the advances in the treatment and management of these diseases. He also stressed the need for UMTH to replicate Fakeeh University Hospital methods. 

Also in his paper, Dr. Tommaso Tufo, a neurosurgeon/consultant, spoke extensively on ‘Overview of Advances in Neurosurgery,’ paying more attention to advances made in neurosurgery. He said that neurosurgery is more scientific than what was obtainable in the past, where death mortality was high in the course of surgery. ‘Today medical neuroscience tools and materials/equipment have heralded a new chapter in neurosurgical treatments and management.’

The Fakeeh University Hospital experts said that CMD Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo and his management team are to be commended for their efforts. Adding that those at the helm of affairs for the day-to-day running of the hospital are to be applauded in no small measure.

During the workshop, Dr. Hassan Dogo of UMTH spoke on ‘Update on Infrastructure/Equipping of Kidney/Urology Centre of UMTH.’ Dr. Dogo informed participants on the available advances in medical tools and equipment at the center, which are of international standard, and these are being utilized in medical treatment of kidney/urology. He, however, said that the center needs more tools, materials, and equipment to meet her patients medical demands. He further said that the center is making progress in the treatments of kidney/urology using the latest medical methods.

In a similar vein, Dr. Babagana Usman, also of UMTH, made a presentation on ‘Update on Infrastructure/Equipping of Stroke and Neuroscience Centre of UMTH,’ making clear that the Stroke and Neuroscience Centre has first-class modern medical materials and equipment for the treatments of stroke. He called for more additional tools/material to achieve her aims.

“Patients and visitors to the hospital are witnesses to all this progress made by the CMD, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, for putting the hospital on the medical world map as being the best in Nigeria.” He said,

NEWSng reports that both experts gave UMTH a pass mark on her medical services, teaching, and research facilities. They promised to initiate the processes of partnership between Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai and UMTH.

UMTH: Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai commended Professor Ahidjo and the management team for uplifting hospital standards beyond national boundaries

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BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

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BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

By: Balami Lazarus

Growing up for many of us was interesting because for some of us that had the privilege of time and space provided by our parents, and our stubbornness as kids has helped us to explore our environment far and wide, having a range of friends.

Primary school was the beginning of our friendship and relationship through secondary school—Brigadier Maimalari Secondary School Maiduguri. These stages provided us with both childhood memories and those of secondary school. Giving us a strong and standing relationship through our alma mater. Where both senior and junior students are members, some by default with absence from the association register.

The old students association is one place where memories are recalled and remembered by the mere presence of classmate(s) or sets of groups valued by those who appreciate the alma mater relationship.

I pity those old students that take alma mater relationships for granted. I believe as we are growing older, we need more of such associational relationships, including that of childhood.

Samaru Nostalgia Group (SNG) Zaria is my childhood group, where we addressed ourselves as brothers and sisters because our relationship is far over and above us; it has its origin from our parents when living was communally bounded. For some, such childhood relationship and connection is lost. Why are some deliberately depriving themselves of the good opportunity of a lifetime friendship/relationship?

The benefits derived from this relationship are above penny and kobo. While many out there are refusing to take a position and ownership of such a union of their alma mater to harvest the pros.

Recently there was an overflow of condolences when we lost a committed member, a fine gentleman. What caught my attention were the tributes by Pastor Ngale Lautong and that of Dr. Edmund Richard Egbe. These tributes say it all about the deceased. And it reads in parts: ‘You responded to a call placed on you. You have shown commitment to the Association and its members in terms of contributions and assistance.’ On the other it reads, ‘We have indeed lost Luka, a gentle soul, a bridge builder, and a peace-loving brother.’ These testimonies will be engraved in the annals of the Brigadier Maimalari Secondary School Old Students Association (BRIGMASSOSA).

No individual can have it all. We need to lean on each other as a fraternity to accomplish some goals and objectives. There is strength in numbers.

Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290

BRIGMASSOSA: Friendship/Relationship Through Alma Mater

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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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