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Opinion

Kano Zoological Garden: A Place Where Animals Complain And The Trees Are Silent

Published

3 years ago

on

Kano Zoological Garden

 

By Musa MAZAN KWARAI

 

Who did the animals at Kano Zoo told they’re not comfortable there? What about Trees? Did they also complain? There is no place in the whole of Kano city that has a high density of vegetation as the Kano Zoological garden. One of the numerous beauties nature has blessed us with is a vegetal cover, comprising of trees, shrubs, and grasses which are very much important and necessary for life. Vegetation, especially trees are important to man and his environment in a variety of ways.

 

Carbon dioxide is one of the major greenhouse gases that is, when injected into the atmosphere makes it possible for shortwave electromagnetic radiation to reach the surface of the earth but traps the longwave (terrestrial) radiation from escaping to the sky thereby making the earth surface hot, a phenomenon referred to as GLOBAL WARMING. Trees are very good at sequestering the ocean of carbon dioxide we inject into the atmosphere which are responsible for making the earth surface relatively hotter than it should be

We were taught in our elementary science that green plants use carbon dioxide and give us oxygen during photosynthesis. This is a pointer to the importance of vegetal cover to us and our environment. That is to say, trees are blessings to us because of the roles they play in reducing the ocean of carbon dioxide we inject as a result of urbanization and industrialization. In environmental science, humans are advised to reduce the level of carbon dioxide emission to the atmosphere through a variety of processes such as the adoption of clean sources of energy for our vehicles, domestic and industries, for example, the use of biofuels, use of solar, wind and hydro energy. In addition to this, reduced deforestation and massive tree plantings are always advocated.

It was estimated that carbon dioxide level has increased from 288ppm (parts per million) to 382ppm from the pre-industrial period to 2006 worldwide and this is forecast to skyrocket as long as humans live on the planet earth, however, with better practices, the menace can be managed as contained in many UN protocols and treaties such as Montreal and Kyoto protocols.

Another beauty of vegetation does not stop at aesthetic beautification of the environment and purification of the earth’s atmosphere from harmful effects of pollutants but is also one of the major contributors to the hydrological cycle.

Relocation Of Kano Zoological Garden: Decimating The City’s Air Purification

Vegetation contributes to a high percentage of water molecules through the process of transpiration and or evapotranspiration. This helps in transferring water molecules from vegetation through the stomata in their leaves to the sky. These water molecules converge with other molecules from other phenomena such as evaporation from water bodies (lakes, oceans, seas, rivers), condense and form precipitation in any of it forms (rain, snow, hail, drizzle) as the case may be which later ends as surface or underground water. The process goes on and on; hydrological cycle.

Another role of vegetation has to do with the moderating effects of the water molecules (from transpiration)  to the immediate environment is adding to cloud content (mostly water molecules).

 

The major content of cloud cover, water droplets comes from the vegetal cover as pointed earlier. There is always a moderating effect in an environment with lust vegetation when compared to another environment that is devoid of vegetation. These droplets inform of, moderate the effects of sunlight (short wave radiation) from penetrating the atmosphere, thereby making the surface cooler than it should during the day time when radiation is more active and in turns trap the outgoing longwave (terrestrial radiation) from escaping, there by moderating the low night temperatures (nights are always colder due to the fact that all the supposed energy that entered into the earth must have escaped to the sky- heat lost). This is very much practical if someone compares two environments; one with lush vegetal cover with another one that is devoid of vegetation. This is the case if we take for example the thick forests of southern Nigeria and its northern counterpart especially as one approaches the Niger republic. The same applies to the southern tip of Kano along Riruwai in Doguwa local government and Kano city.

 

One can go on and on to downscale these examples to a local level; say looking at Kano city (where there are very little trees) and the outskirt of the city such as places like APCU quarters, Janbulo, BUK new and old campus, FCE Kano and many other places especially government ministries within Kano.

With the above benefits of vegetation and the fact that the Kano Zoo is one of the few places that has a high density of trees standing for decades, we should be very careful and at the same time trade with cautions when taking any decision concerning this important place. The Ministry of Environment should at this juncture guide our decision and policymakers on the danger of destroying our vegetation.

It did not come to me as a surprise when I first heard of the news that the Kano Zoo will be relocated due to some reason. My worry was the justification given by the government side that; the animals are not comfortable with the sound of human activities within the environment.

 

How can any human give such a justification for relocating the garden that has been in the same place for decades, something every citizen of Kano has right over. Even if they find it deem to do that, they need to provide more concrete reasons and conduct public opinion to do that.

 

The issue of Kano Zoo is never the same as that of Triumph publishing company, Daula Hotel and many other public landed properties sold by the Kano state government because of this concerns all of us and the environment itself.

A Zoologist friend of mine during a conversation said; Musa so all you care about is the trees in the Zoo, not even the animals? I smiled and said to him the animals are mobile and would be fine everywhere they are relocated to, especially the Tiga/Bagauda axis (although the state government will experience a decline in revenue due to proximity) as I heard but what about the trees standing there for decades and the ecosystem services they provide? Can they be relocated as well? Definitely, if we allow this to happen, the Zoo land would be converted to commercial or residential land which means all the trees will be cut down thereby losing all the benefits they serve to us and the environment.

The Kano Zoo is one, if not the only decent public garden left for us the ‘Talakawas’ to enjoy. My very big question to those that want to sell off the Kano Zoo for whatsoever reason is; can they relocate the animals and leave the garden with the beautiful trees most of which are indigenous for us since I understand their compassion for animals?

 

Lastly, I am appealing to the executive governor of Kano to please in the name of Almighty Allah to look into the yearnings people that have written on this matter. We are good citizens of Kano and we understand that the idea to convert this important place may not necessarily be his but he has the veto power to stop any policy that can harm his people. I believe that some potential benefactors wrote you a memo on this idea. Please listen to us not them on this and Insha Allah you’ll not regret it.

 

Musa Mazankwarai,  Mazan Kwarai Quarters, Kano (eltankomusa@yahoo.com)

 

 

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Opinion

Why They Are Afraid Of Ganduje

Published

5 days ago

on

April 23, 2024

By

Governor Ganduje

 

By Abubakar Umar

While preparing to pen this write up I just scrolled the news and read that the Kano High court that ordered the suspension of the APC National chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have vacated the order pending the determination of the suit on 30th April.

 

From the look of things and with his glowing political clout since he joined politics in the second Republic Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje the former Governor of Kano state is giving sleepless nights to many politicians particularly from his home state of Kano where the melting pot of Nigerian politics emanated from.

No vex his emergence as the National chairman of Nigerias ruling party has brought down the evil machinations of some politicians who sees Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as a stumbling block to their political ambition at the national stage .

The administrator cum politician as many people will attest to knew very well that interms of experience and political calculations he has no match especially from the North West political zone where the National chairman hails from .

They know very well that the national working committee of the party and President Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu have done the right calculation by placing an elder politician and a two term Governor of the most difficult state to Govern in the whole Nigeria as the chairman of the Nigerian ruling party.

They knew very well that his stature has made him one of the most visible and hardworking APC National chairman since its formation in the year 2013.

The conscripted script being played by agents of destabilzation in order to make the ruling party irrelevant can only be done if they try to use some political zealots with the aim of making the National Chairman look like someone who can not sail through their evil conspiracy .

It was understood that the only way the NNPP Governent in Kano will change it’s political nest is to cut down the tree that is supposed to give it a shade but instead of humbling themselves and submit themselves to the party’s National Secretariat in which Dr. Ganduje is the leader they starte beating about the bush like a child’s play.

Dr.Ganduje had since humbled them politically and by visiting the state on January 25 ,2024 to invite them to the ruling party without vengeance .

He extended the hand of friendship that politics is is the ability to make sacrifices and compromise .

It was that compromise and sacrifice that made some of his political foes make accomplishments they never dream to achieve but still they are not grateful with the his sacrifice and patience .

Today the courts have vindicated by Dr.Abdullahi Umar and the APC national stalwarts across the country who are comfortable with the leadership style of Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

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Opinion

Celebrating Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84

Published

6 days ago

on

April 22, 2024

By

Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari ,Emir Of Ilorin

 

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

Today the highly revered Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu -Gambari CFR marks 84 years birthday.The former Jurist ascended the throne of his forefathers on Monday and he was also born on Monday. What a coincidence!

Being alive up to the age of 84 is a rare opportunity for anyone who really appreciate the homongous favour of the Almighty.The Chancellor of Bayero University Kano is an example of an Emir with a digital disposition and inclination.He believes so much in the progress of individuals and the entire Ilorin Emirate.

Dwelling so much about his career as a retired Justice of Court of Appeal may not be necessary as many are aware of it.The Emir stands out as a man who had made Ilorin as a City to move away from the old ways of doing things even in terms of education. He has encouraged scholarship in all ramifications. Be it in Islamic perspective and western education. Emir Sulu Gambari is the first University graduate to have ascended the throne in more two centuries of Ilorin Emirate history .

Before his ascension to the throne of his progenitors, Ilorin had a handful of professors but today they’re as many as possible.He has achieved a lot but you know traditionally such may not be made public.

Mai Martaba has provided purposeful and impactful leadership, this can be captured in the words of Abubakar Imam, the National Secretary of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union IEDPU thus:

“The Emir has always taken care of the welfare and wellbeing of the ordinary people of his Emirate in words and actions. For instance, he initiated a Fund through which money was raised to address the immediate needs of the downtrodden people and residents of the community. The Fund was chaired by the Danmansani of Ilorin, Engr Sulaiman Ayinde Yahaya Alapansanpa, FNSE, while the immediate past National President of IEDPU, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman, fsi, was the Alternate Chairman. Over 15,000 individuals from all the nooks and crannies of Ilorin Emirate benefited from the Fund during the course of the perilous COVID-19 epidemic, which rocked the humanity about five years ago. It will also be recalled that the Emir purchased 400 bundles of corrugated iron sheet, which was distributed to the less privileged members of the community who were affected by a devastating rainstorm in 2021. The then IEDPU President was given the task of getting the item delivered at the footsteps of the victims of the natural disaster”

Before the coming of Emir of Ilorin, University of Ilorin was not a place an Ilorin indigene can gain admission into easily.In fact, only few had opportunity to school there at that time.But Emir Sulu -Gambari and other stakeholders ensured that an indigenous Vice Chancellor was giving opportunity to lead the Ivory tower for the first time,in person of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, the Talba of Ilorin Emirate .May Allah continue to grant Professor good health and plenty baraka. Professor Oba cannot even mention all those he has assisted, because the numbers are huge.

Today, there is fairness in the issue of admission into university of Ilorin.The standard was established by the administration of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem and has been sustained by his successors.

Eminent sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate are already sending their warmest messages to the Emir.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has rejoiced with the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara state traditional rulers Council

The Emir, according to the Governor, “has remained a father to all while also deploying his rich experiences and networks to support not just the people of the Ilorin Emirate but also the people of the state as a whole.

The Governor prays to Allaah to give His Royal Highness good health and long life, and continue to uphold him upon goodness in his service to the people of the Emirate”

The Turaki of Ilorin Emirate and Senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district, Senator Saliu Mustapha has also congratulated the His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, on the occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary

Senator Mustapha described the revered Emir who is a retired eminent jurist as “an ambassador of peace with an admirable style of leadership”

He affirmed that since the respected monarch’s ascension to the throne of his forefathers in 1995 as the 11th Emir of Ilorin, he has brought a lot of development and glamour to the entire State.

While extolling the emir’s humility and modernized vision for his domain and the country at large, Senator Mustapha prays God Almighty to grant the royal father more years of worthy service to his people and humanity in good health.

Furthermore,Honourable Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency also greeted the Emir “His Royal Highness has exemplified wisdom, compassion, and integrity throughout his reign, serving as a beacon of hope for the people of Ilorin and beyond. His visionary leadership has brought about tremendous growth and development, with a keen focus on fostering unity and inclusivity amongst his subjects. His unwavering dedication to our collective well-being is a testament to his selflessness and genuine concern for his people”

Under his guidance, Ilorin has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with strides made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. His Royal Highness’s commitment to fostering a harmonious and prosperous society has played a pivotal role in shaping the Ilorin of today – a thriving community that takes pride in its rich cultural heritage while embracing the promise of a brighter future”

Similarly, A former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulwahab Oladimeji Issa has felicitated the Emir of Ilorin.He extolled the Emir thus,”his uncommon leadership qualities” and prayed that God grants him many more years of service to the people of Ilorin emirate and Nigeria.

“As you mark your 84th birthday anniversary which comes up today Monday, April 22nd, 2024, I write, on behalf of my family to extend warm felicitations to Your Highness.

“Only recently, you marked twenty-eight years of unquantified success on the throne as the Emir of Ilorin. Your uncommon leadership qualities and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress, and prosperity of the Ilorin emirate and beyond, have combined to make you one of the most highly respected monarchs in Nigeria today.

“As you continue to use your exalted throne to build bridges of friendship and harmony across Kwara state and the nation, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah grants you many more years of abounding health, prosperity, and enduring fulfillment,” he added.

Hajiya Arinola Lawal also felicitates Emir of Ilorin on 84th birthday anniversary,
“I extend my warmest wishes and heartfelt prayers to His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin, on the occasion of his birthday

I beseech Allah to grant His Royal Highness a long and prosperous reign on the throne of his fathers, filled with peace, stability, and blessings for the Ilorin Emirate”

Meanwhile, LT Col Ramat Suleiman also joined the league of prominent Ilorin Emirate sons and daughters to celebrate the Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84.She described the Emir as a father to all and a lover of peace.The first Ilorin Emirate woman to have attained the rank of LT Col in the military extolled the Emir as a leader with great vision and prayed to Allah to grant him good health and more years ahead on the throne of his forefathers.

Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem,Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Honourable Moshood Mustapha,Former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Hajiya Tundun Alanamu, Barrister Oba Magaji and others have also greeted the Emir at 84.

By way of conclusion,without mincing words Ilorin Emirate has witnessed tremendous transformation under the leadership of Emir Sulu -Gambari in all facets of the Emirate since his ascension in 1995.I wish the Emir a prosperous, healthy and pious 84th birthday anniversary and more years ahead Insha Allah.

Sheeeehuuuu.Walahu ya’simuka minna nas

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

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Opinion

For Adamu A Zango:Simple Solution To Your Compounded Problems

Published

7 days ago

on

April 21, 2024

By

Adam A Zango

 

Tijjani Muhammad Musa

I usually don’t like writing on celebrities except if the issue borders on religious matters. Even so, it’s not any trivial matter that makes my ink flow. For me, talking to stars is like calling on someone who has taken a turn.

But once in a while, I do make an exception when it comes to situations that need prompt intervention towards saving a soul that’s heading to the edge of the abyss. I have succeeded on one or two cases though. AlhamdulilLaah

And lately, with so much misfortunes befalling guys in the Arewa entertainment industry, most especially Kannywood, one can’t help but smell the unpleasant stench in the air, and thus whiff the hand to ward it off.

This brings us to the latest trending issue of Adamu A Zango’s depression crisis. Those concerned about him have been raising alarm on social media of an impending doom that could likely befall him if he is not counselled on time.

Well, it’s that serious. Many say he needs help urgently and beg those who can to approach him and save actor cum musical icon from himself. Those close to him should as a matter of urgency do. For us from afar, we can only submit thus:

The perfect solution to Adamu A. Zango’s problem and dilemma much as some wouldn’t want to hear it can be found in the Holy Qur’an Surah Al-Anbiya (21) verses 83-84 where Allaah SWT Says:

83. And (remember) Ayyûb (Job), when he cried to his Lord: “Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.”

84. So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost) and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all those who worship us.

Again relate to the same Surah Q21:87-88 which brings forth how Yunus AS was able to free himself from utter hopelessness into Allaah’s Grace and Mercy. Note the Promise of Allaah SWT to grant others who worship Him similar grace if they should repeat same du’a.

So Adamu, first you must prepare your mind by connecting to your Lord, sincerely seeking His Graceful intervention in your matters. How? Sincere repentance is key and subsequently seek for forgiveness for all your bad deeds.

Next abstain from all acts of disobedience to Allaah. Thereafter, perform 2 raka’at of Salah, after which you should engage in DhikrAllaah, reciting the du’a of Ayub AS in Q21:83 and Yunus AS in Q21:87

Finally, form the habit of reciting the Qur’an and listening to it on a regular basis. Always perform your 5 daily obligatory prayers in congregation and keep off anybody or anything that will constitute a distraction to your focus on your developing a close relationship with your Lord Allaah AWJ.

If you can take these few simple, but highly challenging steps and implement them in your life, it is a guarantee that you will be free from all these stresses and distresses to a life of unprecedented peace bi iznilLaah..

But as a Kannywood and Hausa music celebrity, this solution though simple as it may seem might be the most difficult thing for you to adopt. And I believe you know why. And that sadly is where the problem truly lies.

Unless one is ready to embrace a change of lifestyle from his or her norm to Allaah’s laid out norms, things in life will keep challenging their peace and tranquility of the person.

 

Hope this helps .

Tijjani Muhammad Musa is the chairman Association of Nigerian Authors Kano branch

 

*©2024 Tijjani M. M.*
All Rights Reserved

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