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Religious

Hardship: Kaduna Choir holds concert, spreads message of love, hope

By Sani Idris

The Kaduna Metropolitan Choir, on Sunday, held a music concert to spread the message of love and hope, that Nigerians would come out of the current hardship being experienced across the country.

Mr Samuel Yatai, leader of the choir, said during the event in Kaduna, that the annual concert brings together talented choristers from different denominations, united by their passion for music and worship.

Yatai explained that the concert was organised by the Non-Denominational Christian Choir Association of Nigerian, with the theme, “Behold God is Doing a New Thing in Your Life.”

He said that the goal was to spread the message of love and hope through music.

He expressed hope that God would see Nigerians through the challenging times of hardship, and heightened insecurity.

He said: “Despite the difficulties, we remain hopeful and optimistic that with God’s guidance and mercy, our country will soon become one of the most peaceful nations in the world.

“We trust in God’s plan and provisions for our lives and our nation.

“As we strive for good governance, let us remember our civic duty and responsibility.”

He explained that the concert was a culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and team work to spread the message of love, hope and unity through music.

“We are thrilled to share this unforgettable experience with you, and we pray that music will inspire, uplift, and bless you.

“Let the melodies transport you to a place of joy, hope, and spiritual renewal,” Yatai said.

He urged Nigerians to pray for leaders and participate in governance processes for the peace and well-being of all, as directed by God.

He disclosed that to further spread the word of God, His message of love, hope and salvation, the metropolitan choir would embark on evangelism outreach to Adamawa.

He said that the outreach which would hold from Nov.1 to Nov. 3 was organised by the Non-Denominational Christian Choir Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, in collaboration with other state chapters.

“This outreach aims at sharing the gospel through music, fostering unity among Nigerians, and providing spiritual enrichment.

“We urge you all to join us in this noble endeavour. Together, let’s spread the message of love, hope and salvation.

“We believe that with your support, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of many,” the leader added.

The Chairman of the event, Rev. Joseph Hayap, described music as an “instrument of unity” and a universal language that transcends ethnic, race and other socio-cultural boundaries.

Hayab, who is the immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, also said that music “can unite and bring people together.

“With music, people would forget their differences and dance to the same tune.”

As a remedy for hardship, the cleric said that music could be used to bring people together to speak in one language, one voice and encourage one another.

“It is time to end the division, segregation and confusion, everybody has a role to play in uniting this country.

“When you look at music, it has different tones which we need to put all together to come up with a fantastic melody,” Hayab said.  (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Politics

Kaduna: Uba Sani Group lauds Mamman Lagos’ dedication to good governance

By Ezra Musa

The Uba Sani Support Group has lauded Sadiq Mamman Lagos, Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, for his commitment to good governance in Kaduna State.

The group, in a statement signed by Dr Victor Bobai, in Kaduna on Friday, described the commissioner, popularly called, Mamman Lagos, as “a pillar of support for Uba Sani’s vision in Kaduna State”.

“As we approach the 2027 elections, we wish to highlight the unwavering commitment of Sadiq Mamman Lagos to the leadership of Gov. Sani and the vision he has for Kaduna state.

“Recently, Mamman Lagos boldly declared that there is no vacancy in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in 2027.

“This statement reinforces his loyalty and steadfastness toward Uba Sani’s administration.

“In a political climate that can often prioritise personal ambition over collective goals, Mamman Lagos stands out as a figure dedicated fully to the transformative policies instituted by Sani.

“His focus is not on personal gains but on ensuring the continuity of the governor’s impactful vision for the state.

“Any attempt to oppose this leadership will fail in view of the remarkable achievements of the Uba Sani administration,” it said.

The group further said: “At a recent flag-off event, Mamman Lagos proudly mobilised more than a million supporters, demonstrating significant grassroots backing for Uba Sani’s policies.

“This substantial show of unity among citizens echoes the commitment to progressive governance that is crucial for Kaduna State’s future.

“Noteworthy is the impressive array of infrastructure and rural development projects currently underway which serve as the bedrock of Uba Sani’s administration.

“These strides make a formidable foundation impervious to any political challenges.”

The statement also said that Mamman Lagos, as the commissioner for local government had passionately championed the cause of welfare, security and development for citizens of Kaduna.

Bobai reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Gov Sani’s policies targeted at a better life for the people.

“As we navigate the political landscape leading to the 2027 elections, we echo the sentiments expressed by Mamman Lagos that with Sani’s guidance, the future for Kaduna State is indeed promising.

“We stand united, ready to advance the voice of the people while fortifying the achievements and aspirations of the current administration.

“We reaffirm our commitment to Gov Sani’s vision, confident in the belief that together, we can foster a brighter, more prosperous Kaduna State for all,” Bobai said. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Health

Rep. Mathew provides free medical services to 200 constituents

By Amen Gajira

Rep. Donatus Mathew (LP-Kaduna) has provided free medical services to no fewer than 200 people in his Kaura Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.

Inaugurating the exercise in Kagoro, Mathew, who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr Musa Danjuma, said the exercise was part of his sustained efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of his constituents.

“This gesture is borne out of my commitment to the health and wellbeing of my constituents.

“This is the first phase of our free medical outreach in Kaura and this particular one is targeted at the vulnerable ones amongst us.

“The hardship faced by individuals and families at this point in time calls for interventions such as this,” he added.

The lawmaker noted that the intervention comprised counselling and screening for hepatitis, HIV, diabetes, hypertension, malaria, ulcer and surgical treatment of cataract amongst others.

He explained that the aforementioned ailments were the focus of the outreach because they were the most prevalent in the area.

According to him, those who are found to have any of the ailments will be treated and given medication.

In his remark, Mr Godwin Luka, a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), lauded Mathew for the initiative, which he described as timely.

Luka enjoined the people to go for regular medical check up to avoid unforeseen circumstances that might lead to untimely death due to negligence.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Mr Peter Katung and Mr Tachio Biya thanked the lawmaker for placing a premium on the health and wellbeing of his constituents.

They prayed to God to grant the lawmaker the enablement to sustain the effort beyond this year. (NAN )

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

APC Flag
Politics

APC’s unity, organised structure enhancing its credibility among voters – Coalition

By Ezra Musa

The Coalition of Kaduna Political Groups says the unity and well-organised structure of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has enhanced its perception as a credible party among voters.

The coalition stated this in a statement signed by its Co-conveners, Mr Ibrahim Kachia and Solomon Maiyaki.

Other signatories included Dr Victor Bobai, Public Relation Officer, Mrs Blessing Daniel, Secretary General, and Hajiya Aisha Zango, Women Leader.

In the statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, the group said that APC had demonstrated a more organised internal structure, enabling it to respond effectively to pressing national challenges.

“The APC has positioned itself as a party of development, actively promoting inclusive governance and policies that reflect the needs of the people.

“This proactive engagement enhances the APC’s appeal as voters seek a party that not only acknowledges their concerns, but also endeavours to address them effectively.

“Also, the APC’s focus on infrastructure development and economic innovation resonates with Nigerians’ quest for initiatives that would improve their lot.

“The positioning of the APC as a party of change has also attracted voters seeking good governance,” it said.

The coalition expressed concern about the current state of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as an opposition party and its implications for Nigerian politics.

It particularly said that PDP’s internal struggles, leadership crisis, among other challenges, have raised significant questions about its viability as a credible opposition party.

It added that the outcome of past elections, particularly the recent governorship election in Edo, has illustrated the precarious state of the party.

“Also, recent developments in Kaduna State, particularly in Southern Kaduna, have underscored the growing decline of the party’s influence.

“The departure of prominent figures and their supporters from the party highlights an urgent need for re-evaluation.

“Notably, the exit of notable figures, such as Sen. Shehu Sani, along with 10,000 supporters, signals an alarming trend.

“This dissatisfaction is prompting political migration towards the APC,” it noted.

The coalition further said that the political landscape in southern Kaduna, where the PDP had enjoyed massive support since 1999, might soon change.

It expressed concern that political figures like Sen. Danjuma Laah, Mr Andrew Yakubu, Joseph Gumbari, and thousands of their supporters, might consider leaving the party.

It blamed the declining popularity of the PDP in the region on the party’s failure to present a unified front, effectively address internal conflicts, and provide tangible benefits to its supporters.

“On the other hand, the APC’s ability to rally its members around common goals has positioned it favourably to capitalise on the PDP’s internal fragmentation to hold on to power as the ruling party,” it said.

The coalition advised politicians and the electorate in southern Kaduna to embrace the APC for development, cashing in on President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda and Gov. Uba Sani’s rural transformation initiatives.

“The decision to remain loyal to the PDP should not be dictated by sentiment; rather, the focus must shift toward tangible benefits.

“Embracing change and aligning with parties that offer genuine governance opportunities may very well determine the future of political representation in the region.

“It is time for the vibrant youth and women of southern Kaduna to strategise collectively, strengthening the APC as a vehicle for real progress and development.

“The time for change is now, and we must prioritise tangible benefits over sentiment. Let us work together to build a better future for our region and Nigeria as a whole,” it said.

On the feasibility of the PDP to regain its position as a viable opposition party or even win election, the coalition advised it to pay attention to accountability and inclusion.

“The PDP can only rebuild its connection with the electorate if it demonstrates a high level of responsibility, strong leadership and presents a united front,” the group said. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Politics

Bobai, Jisalo’s former aide, seeks to replace late Rep. Ekene

Kene

By Ezra Musa

Mr Francis Bobai, former Special Assistant to special duties minister Joseph Jisalo, when he was Abuja Municipal Area Council’s Chairman, has declared interest in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat.

The seat became vacant following the demise of Mr Adams Ekene in July.

Ekene had won the election on the ticket of the Labour Party (LP), flooring PDP’s Yakubu Barde that occupied the seat for 20 years.

Ekene, widely believed to have achieved much within the one year that he served, died after a brief sickness.

Bobai, who is seeking the ticket of late Ekene’s party, the LP, to take his place, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Monday,  that he had a big advantage over his rivals both in, and outside the LP.

“I believe I am the viable candidate. I can deliver.

“We worked closely with Ekene, so, when we lost him, some youth and elders’ groups pleaded with me to contest the seat so as to sustain his many legacies. We shared our dreams of service to the nation together.”

Bobai, a former teacher, Real Estate dealer and philanthropist, said he had given a lot in the area of sports, support to religious bodies and care for the youths and elderly.

He identified the concerns of the constituents to include lack of development and insecurity.

He said that his focus is the empowerment of the youths to make them self-reliant, take them off the streets and make them assets to the society.

“I have been empowering  many youths and even empowered 100 women to start off businesses that are flourishing.

“I am doing this on my own. I intend to do much more if elected to serve the people,” he said.

Bobai said that the LP had a wide acceptance because the people had tried both the APC and PDP and were disappointed year after year.

“The Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat, for instance, has been occupied by Yakubu  Barde of the PDP for 20, but the people did not see any impact.

“But, in his few months at the National Assembly, Ekene did so much and that is what is helping us as a party.”

He listed Ekene’s projects to include solar light projects, school construction and the provision of electricity transformers to the constituents.

“So, generally, the people empathise with the LP for such massive loss and want to vote whoever the party presents,” he said.

He said that some of his rivals for the LP ticket were being sponsored by opponents to ensure the right candidate did not pick up the ticket.

“Apparently, they want to weaken the LP and destroy the opposition, but we won’t allow that,” he said.

He cautioned the APC against seeking to use money to buy votes and influence officials, declaring that the youths would resist that.

“The youths know these antics and are ready to protect votes the way they did for Ekene.

“The factors that worked for Ekene will favour me even more.

“The APC and PDP, no one likes them. They could try to use underhand tactics, but those games are already known and shall be stiffly resisted,” he said.

Bobai emphasised the need to empower the youths to make them self-reliant, take them off the streets and make them assets to the society.

“Only the LP can do that. We do not want another political party to come and destroy the scorecard and legacies we are building for the people and society,” he said.

He also stressed the need to support the LP to complete Ekene’s tenure “especially when it has been widely acknowledged that he performed excellently”.

The aspirant listed five areas he said would be his focus, with the completion of projects Ekene started as the prime agenda.

Other areas included youth empowerment and support for the aged, especially with  a monthly stipend for food and medicine.

He also promised to support the farming population with fertiliser and provide micro scheme loans for the women.

Bobai said he would partner with the Kaduna State Government to provide security, especially for vulnerable persons that had become victims of attacks.

He expressed confidence  that he would pick the LP ticket and win the secondary election in view of his general acceptance in the community where he was born 45 years ago.(NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

General News

65ltrs CNG at N3,500 will go 191km- Expert

By Gabriel Agbeja

A 65 litres water capacity cylinder of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) which cost N3,500 to fill, will take a car from Abuja to Kaduna, a distance of about 191km, an expert has said

Mr Mas`ud Ya`u ,  an Engineer and Manager of ABG Conversion Centre, Dawaki, one of the Federal Government’s accredited CNG conversion centres in the Federal Capital Territory,  disclosed this to newsmen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Ya’u spoke when the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) undertook an inspection tour and distribution of CNG conversion kits to six centres in Abuja

In an interview with newsmen after the inspection of his centre, Ya’u said: “CNG is safe, as the gas tank is fire and bullet proofed and the thickness of the tank is between 15mm and 20mm.

“”65 litres water capacity of CNG will cover 170km to 200km distance, which means it can conveniently take you from Abuja to Kaduna.

“To fill CNG of 65 litres water capacity will cost N3,500,” he said

NAN reports that the driving distance between Abuja and Kaduna is 191km, and it takes approximately two hours 30 minutes.

NAN also reports that a car using petrol, will use approximately 20 litres of pms to cover the same distance, costing N17,940 at N897 official pump price in FCT.

Ya’u said CNG also improved engine performance and extends its longevity

According to the Engineer,  before conversion, if it takes three months to service a car, after conversion it will extend to five months before servicing without affecting the oil viscosity.

Ya’u said the CNG conversion process is a division of labour and they usually convert about four cars in a day at the centre.

“The process involves installation of the kits in the engine with gas cylinders in the trunk of the vehicle

“We also conduct detailed inspection to determine if the car is standard enough for conversion,” he said.

At Mijo Gas Auto, another conversion centre in FCT, the head of the centre, Mr Gaurav Goyal, described CNG as very safe and clean.

“We want every Nigerian to go green. CNG is a good initiative for bringing down the price of PMS, with a spiral effect of reduction in prices of foods, commodities and other items,” he said.

Speaking at another conversion centre, Udechukwu Ejike, a Bolt driver whose car is being worked on said: “I’m doing this because petrol price is  higher than CNG.

“For instance, in a day, I buy petrol of about N25,000 to N30,000, but with CNG I am to spend between N3,500 and N7,000.

“I am happy with this initiative, and I advise everyone to consider converting their vehicles from petrol usage to CNG. It is very cheap and good,” he said.

NAN reports that the six conversion centres inspected by the team are, NIPCO Oil and Gas Station Airport Road, Kia Motors at Utako, Mijo Gas Auto in Jahi, ABG CNG, Kubwa, Bovas Filling station, Wuse Zone 5 and C&L Mart Energy Solutions Ltd at Lokogoma,

Earlier, Mr Micheal Oluwagbemi, leader of the inspection team and Programme Director, Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) said the programme would provide cheaper and cleaner vehicle fueling alternative for Nigerians.

“President Bola Tinubu has assured that we are making one million conversion kits available for free to the commercial sector and at reasonable discounts for the private vehicles

He said Nigeria had been subsidising petrol to the tune of 10 billion dollars a year, consistently in the last 15 years and every single dollar of that had been borrowed.

“A country that has the largest gas reserve in the world, should has no business consuming petrol and diesel to the level we are doing,” he said.

Oluwagbemi assured that the initiative would address the economic sabotage of smuggling petrol across the nation’s borders. (NAN) (nannewsngr.com)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Health

Kaduna govt takes steps to mainstream persons with disabilities

By Mustapha Yauri

The Kaduna State Government says it will soon commence implementation of the Disability Act to strengthen equality and mainstream persons with disabilities.

Alhaji Zubairu Muktar, Special Adviser to Gov. Uba Sani on NGO matters, said that the act would also help to remove barriers in accessing services in public and private sectors.

Muktar spoke at the end of a strategic round table discussion and orientation of media houses on disability reporting in Zaria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the act was passed and signed by former Gov. Nazeer El-Rufai in Oct. 2021.

The programme was organised by Lafiya Project, a UK support in health transformation in Nigeria, in collaboration with SightSavers International.

Muktar, who expressed dismay over non-implementation of the Act, which had been signed into law since 2021, explained that he would meet with the governor within the week over the implementation.

He, therefore, restated the commitment of the current administration to ensure that persons with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone.

Earlier, Mr Monday Okwoli, Disability Inclusion Adviser, Sight Savers, an NGO, commended the state governor for the initiative.

Okwoli expressed the commitments of the NGO to strengthen partnership with the state government on the implementation of the Act.

According to him, available statistics from the National Demographic Health Survey indicated that about 9.7 per cent of Nigerians had different form of disabilities.

“This category of people with such a huge number cannot be relegated. Many of them lack access to public services such as education, health, empowerment and security empowerment programmes, among others,’’ he said.

Okwoli said one of the aims of the orientation was to build the capacity of the media to know the stigma and discrimination faced by persons with abilities while accessing public services.

He added that the programme was also aimed at getting the nod from the media so that they could come up with programmes that would amplify more visibility for persons with disabilities and ameliorate their challenges.

“Our belief is that, when there is adequate right information in the public domain, the stigma and discrimination faced by people with disabilities while accessing services would be eroded,’’ he said.

Hajiya Rakiya Umar, Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board, commended the organisers of the programme and described the orientation workshop as educating and informative.

The executive secretary said implementation of the Disability Act would reduce barriers experienced by the person with disabilities and scale-up access to many services rendered by the board to its immediate constituency.

According to her, this action further denotes that more persons with disabilities will have improved access to empowerment from different centres of the board across the state.

“By implication, some of the people with disabilities, who are on the streets, would be rehabilitated,’’ she observed. (NAN)

Edited by Muftau Adediran/Muhammad Lawal

Politics

Kaduna council polls: Dogara emerges APC candidate for Jema’a LGA

Mr Peter Dogara has emerged as the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Independent Electoral Commission has fixed Oct. 19 for the council polls in the state.
Delegates from the 12 wards of council affirmed the nomination of Dogara as the party’s candidate through a voice vote at a congress held in Kafanchan.
Alhaji Rilwanu Abdullahi, the Chairman of the Congress Committee, commended the members of the party for their peaceful conduct throughout the exercise.
Abdullahi said that the smooth and seamless process that produced Dogara was a pointer to the victory for the party in the forthcoming elections.
He advised the candidate to carry everyone along during the campaign to guarantee his success.
Accepting his nomination, Dogara thanked the party members for the confidence reposed on him, assuring that he would not let them down.
He promised to execute people-oriented projects if elected into office and solicited for the support of the electorate in the area.
Earlier, Jema’a APC Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Koli, described the candidate as a grassroots politician whose pedigree would translate to an overwhelming victory for the party at the polls.
He called on those who lost out during the selection process to join hands with the candidate and work for the success of the party. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani
Solutions Journalism

Parents of Kaduna brides may now sigh in relief

Parents of Kaduna brides may now sigh in relief

By Aisha Gambo

Aisha Auwal, a 40-year-old housewife, is anxious.

Her daughter, Bilkisu, aged 19, is set to be wedded soon and the family is yet to provide the traditional household items popularly called Kayan Daki or Gara.

Mrs. Auwal and her husband had purchased a few items. She had also put aside some years ago by using her savings. But all these were not enough. She could not save anymore due to the harsh economic situation in the country.

Aisha Auwal, Parent

“When you get  little money now, you spend it on food; prices of items have gone high and money is hard to come by,” she said.

What the culture demands

In some parts of Nigeria’s north, particularly in Kaduna State, brides’ parents are expected to furnish the bride and groom’s house and also provide kitchenware and other household items.

The groom, on the other hand, provides shelter and mandatory gifts to the bride that includes sets of boxes containing  clothing, jewelry, shoes, bags and makeup items.

According to Statista, 70 per cent of women in Nigeria aged 15 to 49 were married in 2018, while 25 per cent never married.

However, in another research, most of the young population in Nigeria were not married in 2020.

Around 54 million people aged between 15 and 35 years composed part of the unmarried population while 39 million young Nigerians were married that year.

In Kaduna state, 49 per cent of its population were in monogamous marriages and 16.5 per cent in polygamous marriages while the remaining were people who never married, were divorced or widowed.

Hajiya Zulaihat Ibrahim, a 65-year-old woman, said Kayan Daki is deep-rooted in the Hausa culture because a bride is expected to go along with household items to her husband’s house.

Hajiya Zulaihat Ibrahim 

“I was married off at the age of 16 and during that time my parents provided two beds and mattresses for me as Kayan Daki. Pots, plates and other household items were also provided. In those days there were no sofas.”

Even at that time, any bride who is taken to her husband’s house without those items would be the centre of gossip among female in-laws and neighbors, she added.

“So, that is why parents plan early, so that they can buy these items for their daughters,” she said.

At a loss as to how her family could meet this obligation, Mrs. Auwal confided in a friend who told her about a monthly contribution plan that helps mothers in her current predicament pick items worth the amount they put in.

She immediately joined the plan saving N3,000 monthly in order to purchase kitchen items for her daughter because she believed providing sufficient household items would raise the status of her daughter in her new home.

“This is a tradition we grew up to see; my parents also provided the same when I was getting married and I have to do it for my daughter too or else she will face harassment or be looked down upon by her in-laws or even the husband.

“To earn respect for your daughter, you have to get her these things so that the husband’s family will appreciate her and be happy; I’m happy that we were able to provide all the necessary things needed and the girl is happy too,” she said.

Abdullahi Sambo, a married man, said the practice of buying household items for a bride was an age-long practice in Hausa society, saying his wife also came along with furniture, kitchenware and even food items.

So, abolishing such a practice would be hard as new things are always discovered to complement and strengthen the tradition even with the economic situation of the country, he said.

“Any woman sent to her husband’s house without the items would face challenges from the husband and his relatives; they would keep reminding her that she didn’t bring anything along to the house,” he said.

“But if her parents provided sufficient household items, she would be respected by her husband and in-laws. Infact, the husband would overlook some of her shortcomings due to the furniture and food items she came with.”

Abdullahi Sambo , Married man

Sambo pointed out that the practice has no religious backing. In Islam, a man was supposed to provide all the necessary things his wife needs.

“If we can turn back to the religion and do things in accordance with the Islamic religious prescription, we won’t be having this problem where parents with daughters always panic whenever marriage talks come in,” he said.

Societal pressure

In spite of its long rooted history among Hausa communities in Nigeria, Kayan Daki has been a source of worry to parents whose daughters have reached marriage age.

Parents are put under pressure to ensure that they supply sufficient household items so that the new husband and his family will respect their daughters.

For those who are not economically buoyant, they become indebted for years trying to settle the bills they have incurred. Some run to extended family and friends seeking financial support so as to be able to buy home essentials for their daughters.

Such is the story of Hafsat Sani who was threatened by her new in-laws that the boxes the groom usually gives to the bride would not be given to her daughter as she had failed to provide Kayan Daki for her.

“I was expecting some money from my relatives so that I can buy some items for my daughter, but most of them couldn’t give me money saying the economy is hard. I have no other option than to send her to her husband’s house after the marriage with a mat and some kitchen utensils.

“It was hard for me to see my daughter sad because her father and I couldn’t provide a bed, chairs and some kitchen utensils for her due to poverty; I just hope her husband treats her well,” Mrs Sani said.

Saving for rainy days

This was what spurred Samira Usman, the owner of Meerah’s Kitchen Utensils & More, to introduce an easier way of acquiring household items through a plan that requires the contribution of a minimum of N3,000 monthly.

She created a WhatsApp group where women do so for 10 months, after which they could take what they need from her store.

Samira Usman, founder Meera’s Kitchen Utensils & more

“After four months of starting the business, some women complained of insufficient funds to purchase the items of their choice; so I decided to create a platform where they can save monthly and take the goods when their payments are completed.

“Right now there are over 200 women in my WhatsApp group whom I have helped to gather kitchen and household items for their daughters wedding; some daughters who are working also joined the contribution group.

“I showcase all available items in the group and you select what you want and the quantity; items like pots, plates and cutleries, deep freezers, cooking gas, washing machines among others are best selling,” Mrs Usman said.

However, those without smartphones are not left out. Mrs Usman makes provision for them and records their payments manually.

Unfortunately, some women delay payments or request to take their goods before the slated date, which poses a challenge, Mrs Usman explained.

Then there are also times when they seek to switch from an agreed item to another due to size or colour.

“Another challenge is some clients not redeeming their pledge after getting their goods.”

Mrs Auwal was able to marry off her daughter after saving for three years through Meerah’s Kitchen.

“It felt as if I was given the items for free because I went home with lots of items; I started contributing N3,000 at first to see the genuineness of the plan but I later raised to saving N9,000 monthly which gave me an advantage to get more goods.

Picture of some kitchen utensils

“Thank God, I was able to impress my daughter’s new family and we were not put to shame; I didn’t rely on family members and friends’ gifts to provide  household items for my daughter,” she said.

But she wished that parents did not have to be burdened in such a manner after raising and educating their daughters.

“If I have the power to change things, I will change this tradition and make it compulsory for the man to provide all the house essentials.”

Another beneficiary of the plan, Rabiatu Yakubu, resident in Abuja, does not like going to the market.

The mother of three girls has been contributing for three years and collected her goods without any hitch. She makes a point of saving some of the items pending when a daughter is set to wed.

Safiya Abdullahi, another beneficiary, said: “The contribution is very helpful to women, especially  low income earners like me. With no stress or pressure, I get to save N3,000 monthly and get my goods at the end of the day; as for me, I got my goods before the 10 months elapsed.”(NAN)

**The Solutions Journalism stories are with the support of Solutions Journalism Network and Nigeria Health Watch.

***If used, credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Sports

Tinubu’s horse wins Int’l horse racing derby in Kaduna

By Mohammed Baba Busu

President Bola Tinubu’s horse named ‘Renewed Hope’ has won the Hope Renewed 1st Year Anniversary Horse Racing Derby that ended on Saturday in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the four-day epochal sports that opened on Thursday was organised by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN).

NAN also reports that Tinubu’s winning horse emerged victorious in the ‘Division 1 ThoroughBreed’, 10 furlongs or 2,000 metres race.

The horse won a car, a cup and N100,000 prize.

The second position under the division was clinched by a horse named ‘Sarauinya’ and it got N1million.

A horse christened: ‘Holiday Parade’ emerged 3rd clinching N700,000 prize.

Also, the fourth position under the division was clinched by a horse called: ‘Nawal’with a N500,000 prize.

The closing ceremony was graced by the Life Patron of the federation and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.

The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Ilyasu Bashar was represented by the Sarkin Borgun Ka’oje, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani-Anaje, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland among others.

The event was successfully coordinated by the President of the federation, Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar-Bida,the ‘Sarkin Dawakin Nupe.’ (NAN)(www.nannewsngr.com)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani