By Auwal Sani

Stories have a curious way of finding the places we pretend no longer exist. A few nights ago, I settled in to watch Saheeba, the ongoing Hausa mini series that has quietly earned a place in the hearts of many viewers. I expected to follow the lives of its characters. Instead, somewhere between the pauses, the longing, and the things left unsaid, I found myself confronting a story I have been carrying since 2018. By the time the episode ended, I was no longer thinking about the people on my screen. I was thinking about the quiet spaces within me.

I have always loved love stories. Not because they always end happily, as many of them do not, but because they reveal something profound about the human heart. It is perhaps the only part of us that refuses to become entirely logical. It believes after disappointment, hopes after silence, and waits even when waiting appears unreasonable. Love stories remind us that the heart possesses a resilience that the mind often struggles to understand.

There is a kind of loneliness that rarely announces itself. It is not the loneliness of being surrounded by no one. Rather, it is the loneliness of having family, friends, meaningful work, and personal achievements, yet still sensing that one important space remains unoccupied. It quietly accompanies you to weddings, birthdays, and ordinary evenings. It reminds you that some places within us cannot be filled by ambition, success, or the passage of time.

That has been my reality since 2018.

People often say that time heals all wounds. I have come to believe otherwise. Time, by itself, does not heal. It simply teaches us how to carry what has not healed. Over the years, I have questioned myself more than I have questioned fate. Perhaps my expectations of love are unrealistic. Perhaps I desire too much in a generation that seems increasingly comfortable with temporary connections and convenient relationships. Or perhaps I simply long for a kind of love that still believes commitment is worth choosing every single day.

What I know with certainty is that love has always been my greatest vulnerability. I have never learned the mathematics of guarded affection. I do not know how to give ten percent when my heart insists on giving everything. It has always seemed ironic to me that we encourage people to pursue their dreams without reservation, yet advise them to ration kindness, vulnerability, and love. More than once, I have discovered that not every heart knows what to do with genuine affection. Some admire it, some misunderstand it, and others receive it without ever intending to give anything in return.

Perhaps that is why love remains such a mystery. We write poems about it, compose songs because of it, and build entire futures around the hope of finding it. Yet no definition has ever been large enough to contain all that it is. Those who understand love most deeply are not always those who found it. Sometimes, they are those who have lived through its absence. They know what it means to smile while carrying invisible disappointments, and they understand that loneliness is not merely the absence of people, but the absence of the one person with whom silence would have been enough.

Watching Saheeba reminded me that love is rarely sustained by grand declarations or dramatic sacrifices alone. More often, it survives through patience, consistency, understanding, and the quiet decision to keep choosing someone even after the excitement has faded. The series is still unfolding, and perhaps that is why it resonates so deeply with me. Like life itself, its ending has not yet been written. Every episode quietly reminds us that uncertainty is part of every meaningful journey.

The human heart has an astonishing ability to survive what should have broken it. It remembers tenderness after betrayal, imagines tomorrow after years of unanswered prayers, and continues to believe long after experience suggests it should stop. There was a time when I considered hardening my heart because it seemed safer. After all, disappointment cannot wound a heart that no longer expects anything. But I eventually realised that the opposite of heartbreak is not peace. It is indifference. And indifference is far more frightening because it asks us to stop feeling altogether. I would rather carry hope than become indifferent.

Perhaps that is the greatest lesson Saheeba has offered me. Not that love is guaranteed, or that every story reaches the ending we imagine, but that there is quiet courage in remaining emotionally available despite life’s disappointments. To continue believing after years of waiting is its own form of resilience. Hope is not weakness. It is evidence that the heart has refused to surrender.

So I still love love stories. Not because they promise happy endings, but because they remind me that every ending is also the possibility of another beginning. They remind me that hope is never foolish, and that the heart’s willingness to believe again is one of the quiet miracles of being human.

Perhaps the greatest miracle is not finding love. Perhaps it is refusing to let disappointment convince us that love is no longer worth finding. And maybe, just maybe, the most beautiful chapter of my own story has not been written yet.

Auwal Sani is a Lecturer in the Department of Development and Strategic Communication, University of Abuja. He writes on communication, society, culture, and the quiet experiences that shape everyday life.

By Aminu Mubaraq

The recent increase in petrol prices following the removal of fuel subsidy has changed the way Nigerians think about transportation and energy consumption. In cities like Abuja and Lagos, where transportation costs have become a major concern for many citizens, the search for a cheaper and more sustainable alternative has become necessary. One solution that has gained public attention is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Considering Nigeria’s large natural gas reserves, the introduction of CNG appears to be a reasonable step. However, the major question remains whether the initiative is truly solving Nigeria’s energy challenges or whether it is an idea that still requires more preparation before Nigerians can fully benefit from it.

CNG agencies, especially the Presidential CNG Initiative, were created to encourage Nigerians to move away from complete dependence on petrol and diesel. Their responsibilities include promoting awareness, supporting vehicle conversion programmes, developing CNG infrastructure, and training technicians who can handle the conversion and maintenance of CNG-powered vehicles. These activities are important because the success of any energy transition does not depend only on introducing a new system but also on convincing people to trust and adopt it.

From a strategic communication perspective, the way these agencies communicate with the public is one of the most important factors determining the success of the programme. Many Nigerians are interested in cheaper fuel options because of the pressure caused by high transportation costs. However, some people still have concerns about safety, availability, and whether CNG will actually provide long-term benefits. This means that government agencies must go beyond announcements and create continuous communication channels where citizens can ask questions, receive accurate information, and understand the realistic advantages and limitations of CNG.

Another important area of CNG activities is partnership with different stakeholders. Government bodies, private investors, transport unions, and vehicle owners all have roles to play in making the transition successful. Expanding conversion centres and increasing access to refuelling stations require cooperation between these groups. Public awareness campaigns through traditional media, social media platforms, and community engagement can also help Nigerians understand how CNG works and why it is being promoted.

Despite the potential benefits, the CNG transition still faces several challenges. The number of available refuelling stations remains limited compared to petrol stations, and the cost of
converting vehicles can be expensive for many Nigerians, especially commercial drivers who depend on their vehicles for daily income. There is also a need for more public education because some citizens still have doubts about the safety and reliability of using gas-powered vehicles. These challenges show that introducing CNG is not enough; proper planning and effective communication are required to make the initiative successful.

The possible impact of CNG adoption in Nigeria is significant. Economically, it can help reduce transportation expenses by providing a cheaper alternative to petrol. This could reduce the financial burden on commercial drivers, businesses, and commuters. Environmentally, CNG produces fewer harmful emissions compared to traditional fuels, making it a cleaner energy option. However, these benefits can only be achieved if the necessary infrastructure is developed and citizens have confidence in the system.

The importance of CNG agencies goes beyond providing another fuel source. The initiative represents an opportunity for Nigeria to take advantage of its natural resources, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, and improve energy security. It can also create employment opportunities in areas such as vehicle conversion, gas distribution, equipment maintenance, and technical services. For strategic communication professionals, the CNG programme highlights the importance of public relations, transparency, and maintaining a strong relationship between government institutions and citizens.

Although CNG is not a perfect solution to Nigeria’s energy problems, it remains a valuable step towards achieving a more affordable and sustainable energy system. The programme should continue, but improvements are necessary. More investment in infrastructure, better public awareness, and clearer communication strategies will determine whether CNG becomes a practical solution or another government initiative that fails to reach ordinary Nigerians.

In conclusion, the success of Nigeria’s CNG transition depends on more than the availability of natural gas. It depends on effective planning, public trust, and the ability of relevant agencies to communicate their goals clearly. If properly managed, CNG can contribute significantly to reducing energy costs and improving Nigeria’s transportation system. However, without addressing current challenges, the initiative may struggle to achieve the impact it promises.

Aminu Mubaraq Asuku

Department of development and strategic communication
University of Abuja

By ELAIGWU SOLOMON
June 25th, 2026.

The All Progressives Congress, popularly called APC, is one of the major political parties in Nigeria. It was formed in 2013 through a merger of several opposition parties that wanted to challenge the then-ruling PDP (People’s Democratic Party). The party was created by the merger of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), part of APGA and the nPDP faction of PDP politicians. The ultimate goal was to unite the opposition into one strong political force. APC became important when they made history in the 2015 Nigerian presidential election when its candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, defeated then-president Goodluck Jonathan.
That was the first time an opposition party peacefully defeated a ruling party in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Today, APC remains the ruling party in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

When the All Progressives Congress (APC) came into power in 2015, millions of Nigerians believed the party would bring major transformation to the country. Campaigning with the slogan “Change,” the APC promised to improve security, fight corruption, revive the economy, and provide better governance. These were their core reforms for the country, and over a decade later, opinions remain divided over whether those promises were fulfilled or not.

One of the strongest promises made by the APC was the fight against insecurity, especially Boko Haram insurgency in the north-eastern part of Nigeria. At the beginning of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the military recorded several victories against Boko Haram, reclaiming territories once controlled by bandits. Some kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls were also rescued during the administration.
However, despite these achievements, insecurity continued to spread across different parts of the country. Kidnapping, banditry, and attacks by armed groups increased in many northern states, while clashes between farmers and herders remained a challenge. Many Nigerians therefore believe the government only achieved partial success in the area of security.

The APC government also promised economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. While the administration embarked on several infrastructure projects, including railway modernization, road construction, and bridge development, economic hardship continued to affect millions of Nigerians.
Nigeria experienced economic recessions during the APC administration, while inflation and unemployment rates rose significantly. The value of the naira weakened against foreign currencies, leading to increased prices of goods and services.

The recent removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in May 2023 further increased transportation costs and living expenses across the country. The policy was introduced to stop the drain on government budget and redirect funds to other sectors. In response, the government announced palliatives, CNG buses, and wage adjustments to cushion the effect on citizens. However, many citizens continue to struggle with the rising cost of food, transport, and other essentials. Although government officials insist the policy is necessary for long-term economic stability, the immediate impact shows change delivered in policy boldness, but delayed in relieving citizens.
Economic analysts say that despite visible infrastructural projects, the average Nigerian has not fully experienced the economic “change” promised during the 2015 campaigns.

The fight against corruption was another major pillar of APC’s campaign. During its tenure, anti-graft agencies such as the EFCC intensified investigations into corruption-related cases, while the whistleblower policy led to the recovery of some stolen public funds.
However, critics accused the government of selective justice, claiming that corruption allegations were pursued more aggressively against opposition figures than members of the ruling party. Several corruption scandals involving government officials also weakened public confidence in the anti-corruption campaign.
Political observers argue that although efforts were made to address corruption, the problem remains deeply rooted within the nation’s political system.

Now, infrastructure development is one of the promises that is majorly credited to the APC administration by political analysts. Significant projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan railway completed in 2021, the Second Niger Bridge commissioned in 2022, the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, and major highway constructions were completed and rapidly modernized. These projects improved connectivity and reduced travel time for Nigerians. However, other shortcomings such as maintenance challenges and slow progress on rural roads hindered this success.

Although APC is still in office till today, we journey towards the 2027 elections and there is a big question surrounding the future of APC, which is: Has the promised “change” since 2015 actually materialized?

Over a decade later, APC’s change can best be described as delayed and partial. Security improved against Boko Haram but threats like banditry and kidnapping continued . The fight against corruption began with recoveries and policies, yet selective justice claims weakened trust. Infrastructure grew with rail, bridges, and roads, but economic hardship and rising cost of living hit citizens hard. The promise of change started and some results are visible, but full delivery is still pending as Nigeria moves toward 2027.

By ELAIGWU SOLOMON wrote from University of Abuja