Author: NewsDesk

By Rakiya A. Muhammad For many journalists, it has been a silent struggle to stay sane as the psychological effect of coronavirus pandemic takes a toll on them. ‘Since March, life hasn’t been the same with regards to reporting and covering news for me, ‘states Elizabeth Merab, who endured the torment of loneliness occasioned by the pandemic. She shares her experience on the impacts of the lockdown at the African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC): The virtual edition where “Journalists and Mental Health”, comes to the fore. The Kenyan broadcast journalist was confined to remote reporting because of an underlining condition…

Rakiya A. Muhammad The rhythmic clang of hammers on metal echoes through the workshop in Sokoto State, Nigeria, as the smell of molten aluminium fills the air. Alhaji Adamu Ba’are, a Nigerien and a celebrated producer of aluminium pots, reflects on over four decades of his enterprise with profound satisfaction and pride. “I recall my arrival in Sokoto in the late 1970s.Back then, nobody was doing this pot business among the indigenous people of Sokoto,” the 67-year-old calls to mind. “So, we started the production of a local pot known as Tukuyan in the Hausa language.” The migrant is a…

Rakiya A. Muhammad Palm oil is a vital food source and trade commodity in Nigeria, serving as a key driver of local economies and livelihoods. The United States Department of Agriculture reported world palm oil production in 2021 at about 75.46 million metric tons. Nigeria ranks fifth with 1,280,000 metric tons. Oil palm plantations blanket Nigeria, especially the southern region. Cross River State, in the South-South, is a major oil palm-producing state in the country. Statistics from the State Chambers of Commerce, Mines, and Industry and Agriculture show that in 2018, Cross River produced over 200,000 metric tons of palm…

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, reiterated his government’s prioritisation of the development and progress of the teeming youths.

Many males in the Gagi Community have known the need for immunisation and gladly allow their wives to bring their children to the PHC for vaccination. However, some conservative spouses remain oblivious to the significance and, as a result, are uncooperative with the practice despite community-wide attempts to increase routine immunisation.

the communal wells in Sokoto communities now sit hauntingly silent. As melancholy reminders of a time when plenty flourished, the drained wells reflect the communities’ desperation in the face of the harsh weather.

By Rakiya A.Muhammad United Nigeria Airlines will begin scheduled flight operations to Kano and Sokoto, with the inaugural flight planned between December 1 and December 2, 2023. Chief Operating Officer (COO) of United Nigeria Airlines, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, who disclosed this, said support infrastructure was on the ground at the airports to facilitate the operations. According to him, the Kano and Sokoto offices of the airline would operate at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport and the Sultan Abubakar International Airport. He said the expansion of flight services to Kano and Sokoto, with a further vision for Edo, Plateau, and…

… Failed Promises, Dashed Hopes Increase Pains of Banditary Victims BY TUNDE OMOLEHIN, SOKOTO/NIGERIA Nigerian refugees and internally displaced persons including women and children across Sokoto border communities have continued to suffer hunger, malnutrition and rejection in the society while the Nigerian government looks aside.  In recent times, several Humanitarian bodies have alarmed the high rate of mortality among women and children while surviving refugees are facing an uncertain future as they have remained unproductive in many camps after fleeing from their communities. Stakeholders in the health emergency sector confirmed an extraordinarily high number of children under-five years with malnutrition…

Rakiya A.Muhammad Sokoto state government has confiscated over 1,200 jerrycans of cooking oil from the Sokoto Central Market and intercepted five trucks loaded with the commodity on their way to the state capital. Commissioner for Health, Sokoto State, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, who disclosed this in Sokoto, said the moves followed an intelligence report of health problems developed following the consumption of cooling oil suspected to be adulterated. She said the State Ministry of Health verified the report, which led to the confiscation and that the intercepted items were under the custody of the security agencies. “As a responsive administration, the…

… These initiatives are changing the narratives By Rakiya.Muhammad Khadija Ibrahim, a fifth grader at Wesley School Sagamu, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, possesses a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of maintaining a healthy diet and is familiar with several aspects of nutrition. “I’m glad I have the groundwork to make smarter, healthier decisions about my diet and lifestyle,” says an enthusiastic Khadija who came first in the Nestle for Healthier Kids Nutrition Competition. The triumphant pupil raves about the premium on “good nutrition and healthy lifestyles.” “I am enthusiastic about possessing the knowledge and understanding to facilitate informed decision-making around nutrition…