Opinion

Why We Should All Have Mentors

Published

4 years ago

March 2, 2021

By Adamu Tilde

Permit me to preface this writing with two, though contrasting, personal experiences— one in 2014 and the other one around mid-2017.

Sometimes around August in 2014, while preparing for our study visa in Hungary, I met this intelligent guy who later became a very close friend. He confided in me that he was actually thinking of not following us to Hungary. I was like “Seriously? Guy, are you for real?”. Something in me was telling me that “well the guy looks cool and exudes no such empty boastfulness and show-off that many young guys are known for.” Though skeptical but I was cool with his decision. I never bothered to inquire why. Life went on. In any case, he did follow us.

We set out for Hungary. Since we were to study the same course, we did almost all the documentation and moved around together. Given his quiet disposition, critical mindset, and insatiable quest for knowledge, it’s natural that our friendship grew stronger.

We began to share our stories and experiences. We later realized that we were inducted by our professional body together. We both made the distinction in our professional exams though he had 80% while I had 78%.

After some considerations, we moved into the same room. I had observed that whenever we were talking, especially on things that had to do with education and career, he always had superior arguments backed with unquestionable references. I was like “how could he have all those information at his disposal?”. He was and remains just too informed.

A day came that he was suddenly too happy. I asked him “what’s going on?” He showed an email of his selection for a big scholarship. It’s indeed a big scholarship worth €49,000. They were, all in all, seven in numbers, each person representing a continent. He was the one selected from Africa. I later learned that, in 2014 alone, he had been selected for six different Masters scholarship from four different continents. As I type these words, my friend is a first-year Ph.D. candidate at Wageningen University and Research.

[It’s worth mentioning that the immediate previous beneficiary of that much-coveted Scholarship also finished from the same department with my friend. Your guess is as good as mine–he was (and is still) his mentor].

In June 2017, I was recruited for the position of Research Assistant to a Harvard University-based study. I met yet another brilliant guy who later became close friends so much that our supervisor had to separate us by allocating us to different teams. I was carried away by his intelligence and skills in conducting his work.

So one day while we were talking, he narrated to me his ordeals in landing a well-paying job. I told him that he can’t be serious. With his oratory skills and unmatchable mastery of organizational work, he should be saying no to a job position.

I asked him to come along with his CV the following day. When I looked at his CV, I told him point-blank that he should thank God he was lucky to be even considered for aptitude test to this job. “How would prospective employers invite you for an interview with this trash of yours called a CV, my dear friend”, I asked him in a much softer tone.

I reviewed the CV, rearranged it to the liking of the organizations, put the relevant experiences and training here and there in addition to the type and statuses of the referees. After some fallible fine-tuning, I handed it back to him and wished him good luck. By October 2017, five different organizations were ready for him. I advised him to go with the most reputable name.

What do these contrasting stories represent? What can we deduce from their trajectories? What lessons can we learn?

In the first story, we have seen the power of information. In the second story, we have seen the glaring effects of lack of relevant information on the part of my good friend. In spite of the knowledge, skills, training and experience he had, my friend couldn’t make judicious use of his talents. He was all alone on that. There was no one to guide and put him through. And it never occurred to him that he should search for one. Both trajectories weren’t accidental. One was a product of thorough preparation through well-orchestrated plans and the other its lack thereof.

The Economic Advancement Of South-West Nigeria

What do I want to say?

We all need mentors at virtually every stage in our life. They help us in making the right choices. We can circumvent a lot of mistakes and regrets if we have mentors, for they must have passed through that, and will not wish us to suffer the same fate.

Our people have a saying that the depth of a river is ascertained by observing who enters first. As we go into the river of life, we should always ascertain the depth by seeking from those who have gone through it. Mentors are not those type of people you would confront with your truckload of problems, no. Mentors are not ATM for your cash withdrawal, please. They are special people we contact on existential choices about our life. They serve to guide and put us on track.

One thing worth noting is that our mentors don’t live just to attend to our never-ending demands. They also have their lives to live, and often their problems to deal with just like everyone else. We should be courteous, methodical and considerate in making our case that needs their guidance. If we sense they need space, we should give them one and more. We must avoid that nauseating habit of instant demand for attention and answer.

One last thing, we must be respectful. My friend, first class is not enough to land you where you want to be. Attitude is also an integral asset to carry along as you and I journey through this thorny-infested route called life. Do you know what my people say about thorny paths? “Tread carefully and be thoughtful at every step.” Good luck to all of us!

Postscript:

I think there’s a need for us (I mean the people on the north side of the River Niger) to do more, far above what’s obtainable. Those of us that Providence favored should imbibe the habit of nurturing potential young ones. Of what use is our intellection if it all stops with our obituary announcement? I know it’s a double-edged sword; the young ones are not forthcoming, and their attitudes aren’t something to write home about; nonetheless, we can, nay, should do better.

First published 2nd March 2018.

Opinion

Let President Tinubu Rename University of Lagos After Gowon, Not Abuja

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

I was not happy when Northwest University Kano was renamed to Yusuf Maitama Sule University, as student leaders of that University then, we followed the interest of the students who were also not happy with the renaming at that time for one reason; the renaming was politically motivated, to hurt the founder of the institution Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. I was busy mobilising students to protest, the next day I was invited to the DSS for questions where I spent hours and all the people we were mobilising the protest together ran and dissociated themselves from it. I have no option but to plead with the DSS to release me, assuring them that not a single student would protest the government’s action.

The renaming has affected many students who are seeking admission abroad; it’s Northwest University on my transcript and Yusuf Maitama Sule University on my certificate. This is kinda confusing and not good at all.

Politicians should immortalise individuals in their new projects not existing ones. The renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University is not good for the university’s alumni.

The President should have found a new project or built a new University by naming it after the former Head of State.

I don’t support the idea of playing politics by renaming our universities and this happens mostly in Nigeria.

Imagine waking up renaming the University of Maiduguri to Mohammed Goni University, Yobe State University to Ibrahim Geidam University, the University of Ibadan to Abiola Ajimobi University, the University of Lagos to Lateef Jakande University.

It will be bad for the alumni of the aforementioned universities to come across this.

Why is this only happening in Africa? Look at Makerere University in Uganda, it was established in 1920 but despite Yoweri Mosevenni’s long reign; he didn’t for once attempt to change it to even his name for selfish reasons.

He didn’t think of renaming the Entebbe International Airport after him but in Nigeria, we have this culture of renaming everything after individuals.

If you want to be immortalised, leave a lasting legacy as Gowon did in establishing NYSC. That enough is Okay and better than naming an institution after him.

President Tinubu should have renamed the University of Lagos after Gowon, not Abuja. I’m sure his people will reject this not for any reason but because of the large number of people that will be affected by it.

The University of Abuja Alumni were all crying over this painful decision.

Opinion

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya: Champion of Civil Society and Good Governance in Northern Nigeria

Published

5 days ago

December 16, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is an influential Civil Society figure in Kano State and Northern Nigeria. He is currently serving as the Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), he has dedicated many years of his civil society activism as advocate for the promotion of democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, peace building and women empowerment

Amb. Waiya, holds number of academic qualifications, including a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Kano State Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Master’s in Public International Law at Maryam Abacha, American University, Maradi, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy at Skyline University, Kano in International Relations

In the course of his career, he held several positions and managed a number of projects. He served as the Director, Alhilal Foundation, from 2003 to 2007, an organization which focused on women empowerment, through basic literacy and skills acquisition. He later coordinated the North West Zonal Office of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Foundation. Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, led and coordinated a number of Local Government Councils Elections Observation missions across 19 Northern states.

In 2011, Waiya managed the Campaign against Drug Abuse under the auspices of Northern Youth Assembly, a youth driven platform with leadership structures in the Nineteen Northern States. He served as Secretary, for both, Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign and Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Child Abuse, a project which was coordinated by the office of the Special Adviser, Child Welfare and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. His involvement in election observation coordination missions and various public engagements, highlights his commitment to civic engagement towards community development, democracy and good governance

Waiya’s extensive experience includes free consultancy support services to numerous Government Ministries and Agencies such as: Kano State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Kano State Ministry for Community and Rural Development, office of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Child Welfare, Ministry for Special duties, office of the special adviser, joint security services. He has facilitated numerous training workshops and seminars, impacting his knowledge, skills, experience on the community, particularly for community based organizations

In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed to several key positions, such as the President, of the Kano Civil Society Forum, Chairman of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, Convener, Nigeria for Peace Project, Managing partner, United Nigeria Project, Head of Secretariat, Kano Peace Committee, Secretary General, National Action for Women Agenda,(NAWA), chairman, Board of Trustees, Northern Youth Assembly, (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) Fellow, Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, Fellow, Institute of International Peace and Secure Society, Fellow, Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management, member, Commission of Inquiry on Missing persons, member, Implementation Committee, on the Recommendations of the Report of the Commission of inquiry on missing persons, member, Commission of Inquiry to investigate, various political violence and cases of missing persons, that occurred in the State from 2015 – 2023, member, Commission of inquiry to investigate protest, arson and destruction of public and private properties that occurred from 1st – 10th August, 2024 Amb. Waiya, served as Consultant on various government projects, such as: Kano State Security Trust Fund, Safe Corridor, Campaign against Drug Abuse, across the 44 Local Government Council Areas. Amb. Waiya”s active participation in peace building, policy advocacy and legislative reform has continued to impact positive change in Kano State, the North and Nigeria at large.

Opinion

“I Transition to PR and Digital Marketing to Transform Brands Globally” – Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

Published

7 days ago

December 15, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

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As 2024 comes to a close, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah reflects on his journey from journalism to public relations (PR) and digital marketing. With over a decade of experience in media and communications, Ibrahim’s transition was fueled by a desire to empower businesses—starting with Northern Nigeria but extending globally—to build impactful narratives and achieve sustainable growth.

“Every brand, regardless of location, deserves access to the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world,” Ibrahim says. “My goal has always been to bridge the gap in strategic communication, ensuring that no business is left behind.”

From Journalism to Strategic Communication

Ibrahim’s illustrious journalism career spans over a decade, during which he served as a Senior Reporter at TVC News, covering critical developments, including the Kano State Government House for three successive administrations. His work involved breaking major news stories, producing multimedia content, and engaging audiences through digital platforms.

“I’ve always been passionate about communication, but I realized I wanted to do more than report stories—I wanted to help brands craft their own,” Ibrahim shares. “That’s what led me to pivot into PR and digital marketing.”

To equip himself for this new journey, Ibrahim pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s in Communication Studies and a Master’s in Public Relations from Bayero University, Kano. He further honed his expertise with a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business Administration and a Master Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Skills Institute. These credentials underscore his commitment to mastering the art of strategic communication.

Empowering Brands Through Ayrah Media Concept

As the CEO of Ayrah Media Concept (AMC), Ibrahim leads a PR and creative agency that provides businesses with tailored solutions, including PR consulting, social media management, corporate campaigns, and digital marketing.

“My vision is to empower brands to connect with their audiences, tell compelling stories, and achieve global relevance,” Ibrahim explains. “Through AMC, we’re showing businesses—whether in Northern Nigeria or beyond—that they can reach new heights with the right strategies.”

In 2024, AMC worked on several impactful campaigns, including Ibrahim’s role as a Lead Consultant for the WOFAN-ICON2 project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, where he developed and executed PR and communication strategies to amplify the project’s impact.

Changing Perceptions and Building Bridges

Transitioning into PR and digital marketing came with challenges, including shifting perceptions about its value.

“Many businesses see PR and digital marketing as optional rather than essential,” Ibrahim says. “But the results are transformative. Strategic communication is not just about visibility; it’s about building trust, credibility, and lasting connections with your audience.”

This philosophy drives Ibrahim’s approach, ensuring that businesses of all sizes—whether local startups or established corporations—can access high-quality PR and marketing services.

Looking Ahead

Ibrahim’s vision for the future extends far beyond regional boundaries. While his roots and passion lie in Northern Nigeria, his focus is on creating strategies that resonate globally.

“Brands in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, or even New York share a common goal: to connect with people and make an impact,” he says. “My mission is to ensure that every business, regardless of size or location, has the tools and strategies to achieve that.”

In 2025, Ibrahim plans to document his professional journey in a book that will explore his experiences as a journalist and PR expert, offering insights into the evolving landscape of communication and its role in business success.

A Message of Gratitude

As he reflects on the year, Ibrahim expresses his gratitude to those who have supported his journey. “I’m incredibly thankful to my mentors, collaborators, and clients who have believed in my vision. Together, we’ve shown that impactful communication has the power to transform lives and businesses.”

With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah is poised to lead the way in redefining PR and digital marketing, not just in Nigeria but across the globe.