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Opinion

Boko Haram and Their Renewed Attacks in the North-Dembo

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Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja,Chief Of Army Staff

 

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

In recent weeks Boko Haram has renewed their attacks in the North East. May we never go back to the era where the group consistently carried out attacks on daily basis. It is not a matter of prayers and wishes only, but also that of proactive measures such as intelligent gathering, formidable tactical approach and consistent military appraisal of the situation.

I am not a military man but a conscious and patriotic Nigerian who wants the best for my country at any given time. No nation can prosper in the absence of peace; hence need it to flourish and grow.

The recent attacks on Geidam town on 2nd November ,2023 where about 37 villagers were killed is depressing and mindboggling. At first they short 17 people and killed 20 other mourners through land mine according to an eye witness. I know Geidam town a bit because during my NYSC days in Yobe 2007/2008 Batch A, I visited Idris Aloma Polytechnic for our MCAN rural Da’awah. I was the State Public Relations Officer of Yobe Muslim Corpers Association of Nigeria (MCAN) at that time. Earlier last week or there about Boko Haram attacked Custom House and killed a custom officer in the same Geidam town.Meanwhile, Geidam is usually a peaceful town where one can find comfort with nature and tranquility.

It would be recalled that Boko haram started their mindless attacks in 2009 to establish their ideology that centred on “Western Education is forbidden” Many lives were lost.Villages were deserted and that was the reason for the emergence of IDPs camps till today.

President Good luck’s administration did his best to curtail the activities of Boko Haram, but it wasn’t successful as suicide bombing were heightened. Of course his regime made several efforts but it doesn’t put a stop to the bombings .On the whole his administration didn’t fail as much as his adversaries had painted it on the issue of Boko Haram.

In 2015 when president Muhammadu Buhari came onboard he identified the fact that our military needed more equipment and fighter jets.That was why he invested hundreds of millions of dollars to purchase Super fire fighter equipment including Super TUCANO. Frankly speaking Buhari’s administration decimated Boko Haram, because there were no suicide bombings though there were still some killings. One of the successes of Buhari’s administration on Boko Haram was that,he restricted them to Borno and some parts of Yobe State.

In September this year Boko Haram killed 10 farmers and abducted several others in Mafa Location Government Area of Born State. During the same time the insurgents also obtained 4 million naira from a business man in Zannari ward as ransom. Kudos to our military for they have been doing great jobs to wipe out insurgents both in the past and in recent times.We have lost many officers in the fight against insurgents and banditry.

It is imperative to say that I have never written any piece about the insurgents, but I had to write this time because there seems to be renewed audacity on their part. Our security operatives should intensify their efforts to stop the menace as they have done in Kano today, 3rd October,2023.Here is what the military joint taskforce said as monitored via Daily Trust newspaper:

“The Joint troops of the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) say they have averted an imminent attack on Kano by insurgents”

According to the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, a dawn raid operation was carried out on the terrorists’ hideout on Friday”.

More Importantly,the Governor of Borno state Professor Babagana Zulum lamented recently that Boko Haram and ISWAP are recruiting young men into their fold and warned that if such is not checkmated there would be danger ahead. Here is part of what he said “We have to stop the younger ones from being recruited into Boko Haram and ISWAP, otherwise, in the near future, the entire Nigeria will be wiped off the map”.

The Governor said this while hosting the reconstituted Management Board of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) at the Council Chambers of the State Government House in Maiduguri.

President Tinubu’s administration should leave no stone unturned to securing our Nation. Bandits have also renewed their kidnappings and attacks. In September about 24 students of Federal University, Gusau were kidnapped including construction workers.Though some of them had been rescued.

A secured Nation is where there will be prosperity, progress and hope.Let us join hands with the Government to secure our country

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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