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Emotional Farewell: Staff Bid Adieu to Departing Executive at FCTA

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By Bala Ibrahim.

In Arabic, the name Najeeb means the Distinguished, the Noble or the Outstanding. The Arabic dictionary says if you’re seeking a name with inherent star power, Najeeb will make for a lovely fit. It is the masculine respelling of the Arabic favorite, Najib, which stands for the Distinguished.

Yesterday, Friday, 29/09/2023, I had reason to write on one of the 21 Chief Executives at the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCDA, that was relieved of his duty by Minister Nyesom Wike. As of the time of writing the article, I hadn’t any inkling about his name or the company he headed. Within minutes of the release of my article, responses came in torrents, giving the name, the agency he headed, his state of origin and an addendum, spelling out his personal qualities which people admire. These include honesty, generosity, courage and selflessness. His name was given as Najeeb, Najeeb Abdulsalam, whose sojourn as the Managing Director of the Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company, AUMTC, was cut short by the Minister of the FCT, barely three months on the saddle. I was made to understand that Najeeb came from Danbatta, in my native Kano state. In short, Najeeb Abdulsalam was described by many as a man of noble character. The encomiums were so encouraging that they gave me the justification for this follow up article.

For starters, I must make it very clear that the mission of the article is not in any way meant to support Najeeb for reasons of nepotism, not at all. I wrote without even knowing his name or where he came from. I was only touched by the show of uncommon support, solidarity and the sincere sentiments from those he led, alongside the testimonials of those that know him.

His staffers’ account gave the picture of an Officer and a Gentleman, with commitment to discharging correctly, the work he was assigned. Some of the staff that served under him were even volunteering to go with him, should the Government refuse to reverse the termination of his appointment. It is not surprising, because the name Najeeb is meant to go with a certain degree of nobility. Indeed I know some Najeebs, and truly all of them are noble and outstanding. One of the testimonies I received about Najeeb Abdulsalam is thus:

“I can proudly say that I was part of the overwhelming success he recorded during his 3 months+ long tenure at the agency. A friend and a business associate of mine financed the supply of spare parts and supervised the repairs of 37 number buses of the agency. The repairs are almost concluded with about 5 more buses to go out of the Lot. I managed the whole transaction on behalf of my friend. If merit was a yardstick for appointment into public office, Najib would have received a merit award instead of having himself unceremoniously sacked from office by the HMoFCT Bar. Nyesom Wike”.

Another one says: “Individuals like this should be fished out by the leadership of Government and celebrated to serve as an encouragement for others to perform well, Najeeb is highly disciplined and upright individual that I know, being a former Local Government Chairman twice”.

If the society sees traits like integrity, honesty, courage, loyalty and fortitude as the virtues of good behavior or character, then people like Najeeb Abdulsalam should be among the cardinals of the system. Three out of the 8 point agenda of President Tinubu are, Job creation, Adherence to the rule of law and the Fight against corruption. With people like Najeeb Abdulsalam at work, I see Asiwaju’s ambition as a fait accompli.

The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company Limited (AUMTCO), where Najeeb Abdulsalam was heading up till last week, was established by the then Ministry of Federal Capital Territory, which had a change of name to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in 1984, as Abuja Bus Service (ABS). It later mutated to Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company Limited, AUMTC. The ambition is to implement an environmentally friendly and sustainable Urban public transport system in the FCT, for effective, comfortable, safe, regular, efficient and affordable transport service delivery. The company has had a sizable turnover of chief executives, who served for years at various times, but according to insiders, non came near Najeeb Abdulsalam in performance. And he was only there for three months.

On his first day in office as the Minister of the FCT, Bars. Nyesom Wike promised to restore the national capital’s master plan by cleaning up the metropolis, instilling orderliness and ensuring infrastructural reforms, which were destroyed by decades of corruption, incompetence, carelessness and impunity. If the Minister is serious about matching words with action, people like Najeeb Abdulsalam should not be removed from the saddle.

Najeeb’s antecedents have given Kano state additional magnificence, especially when put alongside the recent story of Auwalu Salisu, the 22-year-old commercial tricycle operator in Kano, who returned the sum of N15 million, forgotten by a Chadian commuter in his tricycle.

The Minister of State in the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure is an indigene of Kano. She must rise up to the challenge, by waking up to smell the coffee. The country needs people with integrity to manage it. And in Najeeb Abdulsalam, I see a glimpse of such noble-mindedness.

Opinion

Dr. Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi: A Case Consuming Ego Interferring With Reason

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Idris Abdul'aziz Dutsen Tanshi

Na’Allah Muhammad Zagga

“Knowledge can be dangerous. Smart people can do monumentally stupid things. Intelligence can be put to a bad use. But this doesn’t mean that knowledge and intelligence are to be avoided. It means only that they need the proper accompaniment–wisdom.”
~Tom Morris.

Even Tanshi’s worst enemy cannot dispute the fact that he is colossally learned. So, why he is so isolated by other scholars, including his own fellow Izala brothers? Sheikh Idris Abdulaziz Tanshi achieved distinctions in all his scholarly studies in prestigious universities in Saudi Arabia.

Why should such a great scholar become such a controversial figure? To say he is learned is an understatement. His is a case of virtue spoilt by style. I have not come across a preacher with penchant for insulting other scholars as Dr. Idris. He hardly acknowledges the knowledge of other scholars. He uses his platform to engage in name calling. He spares no one.

No how do you attract people to Islam by using your knowledge to scare rather than inspiring others? Over 90 percent of his preaching is dominated by name calling. He publicly calls Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi and Prof. Pantami nasty names. His latest altercation is with his own Izala brothers. He openly insults Sheikhs Bala Lau and kabiru Gombe.

If we go by Islamic history, the Prophet Mohammad had used wisdom and personal examples to inspire and attract people to Islam. He demonstrated incredible refinement in his attitude towards others. He had never used foul language to address even his own enemies, those who disagreed with him or those that mocked him. He demonstrated patience and emotional intelligence in his interactions with others.

Incivility was not in the character of Muhammad. How can you openly call other people’s faith into question day after day without making needless enemies? He unapologetically calls Dariqa members kafirai. Dr. Idris Abdulaziz Tanshi talks as if your salvation depends on his approval; he behaves as if he controls the keys to heave or paradise!

It’s high time Dr. Idris Abdulaziz humbled himself and do a soul-searching on his own way of doing things. Leadership requires composure, patience, calmness and remarkable comportment. Don’t inspire your followers with uncultured behaviour or encourage them to insult others. Respect is the foundation of relationship at any level. You can’t belittle, vilify and insult other scholars without creating needless enemies.

Vanity can destroy even great people. Vanity is like Vodka. It intoxicates and intoxication impairs our reasoning ability. No man is an Island. The most dangerous delusion is the spirit of self-righteousness. A self-righteous person is like a patient who believes he is in perfect health, despite all the dangerous signs of his condition. He argues even with his own doctor, despite the fatal consequences of his own obduracy.

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Opinion

Climate Change’s Stealthy Impact on Health-Faith John

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Faith John

 

Maiduguri, the heart of Nigeria’s Borno State, is silently grappling with an adversary that’s affecting more than just the environment – climate change. The rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns might not scream catastrophe, but their toll on public health is undeniable.

The increasingly hot days are more than just discomfort. They bring a surge in heat-related illnesses, from heat exhaustion to heatstroke. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, bear the brunt of these health risks.

Changing climate patterns influence the spread of diseases. The city has seen an uptick in diseases like malaria and dengue, as rising temperatures create favorable conditions for disease-carrying vectors.
Water scarcity resulting from droughts and shifting rainfall patterns leads to unhygienic water sources and a higher risk of waterborne diseases, jeopardizing public health.

Another risk faced is air pollution from extended droughts which leads to respiratory issues, affecting both children and adults. Dust and air quality pose a growing threat.

For the past few weeks, Maiduguri have experienced haze weather known as harmattan haze during the season typically between November and February. Harmattan haze is caused by the movement of dry, dusty air from the Sahara Desert. This haze can have several effects on health.
Respiratory Issues: The fine dust particles in the haze can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and worsening of preexisting respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
The haze can reduce visibility, making travel and outdoor activities more challenging and potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

Dust particles in the air can cause skin dryness and irritation. Additionally, they may lead to eye irritation, including redness and discomfort.

Increased Vulnerability to Infections: Prolonged exposure to haze can weaken the body’s natural defense mechanisms, potentially increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections.

To mitigate the health effects of Maiduguri’s harmattan haze, individuals can take precautions such as staying indoors during peak haze hours, using air purifiers, wearing masks, and staying hydrated to help soothe irritated respiratory passages. It’s important for local authorities to issue health advisories and take measures to reduce the impact of haze on the population.

The health implications of climate change in Maiduguri are crystal clear. Urgent measures are required to protect the health of the city’s residents. We urge the government to invest in healthcare infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and sustainable practices to mitigate climate change’s impact on health.

Maiduguri’s fight against climate change is more than an environmental struggle; it’s a battle for the health and well-being of its people.

Faith John
University of Maiduguri

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Opinion

Low Birth Weight” Impact on Newborns

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Faith John

The significance weight of a newborn carries more than mere numbers on a scale. Low birth weight, a silent but profound challenge, casts a shadow over the promising dawn of infancy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) sees low weight as weight at birth less than 2500 g (5.5 lb). Low birth weight continues to be a significant public health problem globally and is associated with a range of both short- and long term consequences. Overall, it is estimated that 15% to 20% of all births worldwide are low birth weight, representing more than 20 million births a year.

At the forefront of concerns is the vulnerability of these infants to a myriad of health complications. From respiratory distress syndrome to developmental delays, low birth weight amplifies the risk of a spectrum of issues that can cast a long shadow into childhood and beyond. The fragility of underweight newborns demands vigilant medical care and heightened attention to safeguard their well-being.

Cognitive development, a cornerstone of a child’s future, stands at the crossroads when low birth weight enters the narrative. Research suggests that these infants may face a higher likelihood of cognitive impairments, affecting their learning abilities and academic achievements.

Low birth weight babies are more likely to have health problems later in their lives. These issues may be related to also being born prematurely, or to failing to get the nutrition they needed at critical times during their gestation. Early intervention and treatment are critical to helping growing kids develop normally.
The goal of the World Health Organisation is to achieve a 30% reduction in the number of infants born with a weight lower than 2500 g by the year 2025. This would translate into a 3% relative reduction per year between 2012 and 2025 and a reduction from approximately 20 million to about 14 million infants with low weight at birth.
WHO’s Member States have endorsed global targets for improving maternal, infant and young child nutrition and are committed to monitoring progress. The targets are vital for identifying priority areas for action and catalysing global change.
As medicine allows smaller and more prematurely born infants to survive, we see these children developing a range of health outcomes. Some have no illnesses or negative outcomes at all, while others continue to have slower growth, more illnesses, and other problems throughout their lives. Babies with low birth weight born into situations where they are at risk socially or economically are more at risk for health problems

About 80 percent of low birth weight infants suffer some long-term side effects, from impaired immune systems or lung problems to learning disabilities, behavior problems or even cerebral palsy. About 20 percent of premature and low birth weight babies go on to have no health problems at all. However, parents of all low birth weight infants must provide good nutrition and health care throughout childhood to ensure the best outcomes for these children.
Advances in medical science, coupled with proactive healthcare measures, offer a beacon for positive change. From innovative interventions during pregnancy to specialized neonatal care, the healthcare landscape is evolving to provide tailored solutions for newborns on the lower end of the weight spectrum.
The societal response to low birth weight must transcend the confines of the clinic and extend into communities, fostering a culture of awareness and support. Education on prenatal health, access to nutritional resources, and destigmatization of preconceived notions surrounding low birth weight are vital steps toward a more equitable start for every child.
Governments and health practitioners can play pivotal roles in addressing and reducing low birth weight by Investing in accessible and affordable prenatal care services, ensuring that all pregnant individuals have timely and comprehensive healthcare throughout their pregnancies.
Health practitioners should emphasize the importance of early and regular prenatal visits, monitoring the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Implement programs that focus on improving overall maternal health, including nutrition, mental health support, and lifestyle guidance. Educate women on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy, addressing factors such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful substances.
Governments should work towards reducing socioeconomic inequalities that contribute to disparities in birth weight. This involves initiatives that improve access to education, employment opportunities, and social services. Ensure that healthcare facilities are adequately equipped to provide specialized care for low birth weight infants, including neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and trained healthcare professionals. Health practitioners should receive ongoing training to stay updated on the latest advancements in neonatal care.
By adopting a comprehensive and collaborative approach, governments and health practitioners can significantly contribute to the reduction of low birth weight, fostering healthier beginnings for the next generation. Thanks to the WHO Global nutrition target which is aimed at reducing low birth weight.

Faith John Gwom
Department of Mass Communication
University of Maiduguri

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