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Showing posts from May, 2023

Impact of Media Coverage on Public Opinion and the Role of Journalists in Shaping the News

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  By: Chongdah Ishaku Williams Media coverage wields a significant influence on public opinion, with journalists playing a pivotal role in shaping the news. The news media bears the responsibility of conveying crucial information to the public, and how they report on events can profoundly impact people's perceptions. One of the most notable ways media coverage affects public opinion is through agenda setting. The news media determines which stories to cover and the degree of attention given to them, which can shape what the public deems important. For instance, if the media heavily focuses on a specific issue, such as climate change or immigration, the public is more likely to perceive it as an urgent concern. Another avenue through which media coverage can shape public opinion is framing. Framing refers to the manner in which the media presents information, influencing how people interpret it. For example, if a news story accentuates the weaknesses of a political candidate, indivi...

As President Muhammadu Buhari farewell speech Marks Peaceful Transition of Power and Highlights Achievements for Nigeria's Future

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In a poignant and reflective farewell speech, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian people and celebrated the successful transition of power to a newly elected government. Speaking as his term came to an end, President Buhari emphasized the importance of sustaining and improving Nigeria's democracy, urging the nation to continue striving for progress. President Buhari acknowledged the fiercely contested nature of the recent Presidential Elections, hailing it as evidence of Nigeria's evolving and strengthened democratic system. He stressed the need for incremental improvements in the electoral process to solidify Nigeria's rightful place among the world's nations. Recognizing the significance of seeking justice within the democratic framework, President Buhari called on all parties involved in the election disputes to accept the decisions of the courts and unite in...

Women Empowerment: A Panacea for Nigeria's Development

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  By: Ibrahim Ishaq Yakubu Women have been the ones doing a significant amount of work behind the scenes, often without receiving due credit. They are the epitome of wealth and power, playing crucial roles in both society and their families' daily activities. Simultaneously, they fulfill various roles such as mother, wife, homemaker, cook, teacher, friend, and nurse, catering to the needs of everyone around them. Women empowerment is an essential economic process aimed at reducing poverty by empowering Nigerian women. It involves the development of women in terms of education, politics, and economic strength, contributing to the overall development of the nation. Unfortunately, in today's contemporary world, women in Nigeria are undervalued in terms of employment opportunities. They are often mistreated and not given a fair chance to compete. Many societies subject women to torture by their life partners and burden them with most household responsibilities. In some cases, women...

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Elected Chairman of Northern States Governors' Forum

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Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has been elected as the chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF). The decision was made unanimously by the 19 northern governors during a forum meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday. Governor Inuwa will assume the position on 29th May 2023, taking over from Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State. In his In his acceptance speech, Governor Inuwa expressed his commitment to justifying the confidence placed in him by his colleagues across party lines. He vowed to uphold the forum's positive legacy and work towards a better future for the people of the northern region. The newly elected chairman emphasized the importance of economic development as the driving force behind the NSGF's agenda during his tenure. Governor Inuwa acknowledged the challenges faced by the region, including insurgency in the North East, ethnic and religious conflicts in the North Central, and farmers/herders clashe...

The Effects of Violent Movies on Students: Exploring the Impact and Implications

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By: Albashir Shehu Violence in movies has been a prominent aspect of the entertainment industry for decades. As students are exposed to various forms of media, including violent movies, it becomes essential to understand the potential effects they may have on young minds. This article aims to explore the impact of violent movies on students, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects, and discussing the implications for their psychological well-being, behavior, and academic performance. Desensitization to Violence: One of the primary concerns associated with exposure to violent movies is desensitization. Continuous exposure to violent content can lead to reduced sensitivity and emotional response towards real-life acts of aggression. Students may become desensitized to violence, making it harder for them to distinguish between fictional scenarios and real-life consequences. This desensitization may potentially contribute to an increased tolerance for violence, leading to aggre...

Sex-for-Grade: A Disturbing Issue in Higher Education

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šŸ“·Bulama cartoon  By: Margret Michael Manyar "Sex-for-grade" has deeply infiltrated the hearts and minds of many higher education lecturers. Undoubtedly, young women today are subjected to sexual abuse and harassment by their lecturers in exchange for favorable grades. This problem has inflicted significant harm on both our young girls and the academic standards of our country. Consider a situation where a female student fails to meet the requirements of a course and seeks assistance from her lecturer. Instead of providing genuine help, the lecturer attempts to take advantage of her sexually to secure her passing grade. Similarly, some female students, faced with financial difficulties, may approach a lecturer for support, only to be exploited and threatened into silence, fearing the consequences of speaking out. It is disheartening that Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges have failed to take decisive action to eradicate this menace. Even the bodies responsible for addre...

The Power of Tutorials and Group Discussions Among Students: Fostering Learning and Collaboration.

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By: Huwaila Adamu In the realm of education, tutorials and group discussions have emerged as powerful tools for enhancing learning outcomes and promoting collaboration among students. While traditional classroom lectures have their place, tutorials and group discussions provide a unique environment where students actively engage with course material, exchange ideas, and deepen their understanding through interaction and collective problem-solving. To explores the benefits of tutorials and group discussions, highlighting their role in fostering learning, critical thinking, communication skills, and personal growth we embark the following. Active Engagement and Deeper Understanding: Tutorials and group discussions create an active learning environment that encourages students to participate actively in their own education. Rather than passively receiving information, students become active contributors to the learning process. Through the exchange of ideas, explanations, and perspectives...

THE FUTURE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE : OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

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By: Suchong Mbishida  Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed various industries, including healthcare, finance, and transportation. As technology continues to advance at a breakneck pace, AI is poised to become even more ubiquitous, with new opportunities and challenges emerging. In this article, we will examine the future of AI, including the opportunities it presents and the challenges it poses. OPPORTUNITIES Improved Healthcare: AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, with the ability to analyze vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns and improve patient outcomes. AI-powered tools can assist in diagnosing diseases, predicting patient outcomes, and even developing personalized treatment plans. Enhanced Customer Service: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide customers with personalized support and assistance 24/7, improving the customer experience and reducing costs for businesses. Increased Efficiency: AI can automate repetitive ...

Gender-based stereotype in Nigeria

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By: Maryam Amin Modibbo Gender-based stereotypes are common in Nigeria, and they often have negative effects on both men and women. In Nigeria, gender roles are traditionally defined, with men being seen as the breadwinners and the heads of households, while women are expected to be homemakers and caretakers. One of the most common gender-based stereotypes in Nigeria is the belief that women are inferior to men. This stereotype is reflected in many aspects of Nigerian society, including in the workplace, where women are often paid less than men for doing the same job, and in politics, where women are underrepresented in positions of power. Another gender-based stereotype in Nigeria is the idea that men should be strong and aggressive, while women should be weak and submissive. This stereotype can have negative effects on men, who may feel pressure to conform to traditional masculine roles, which can lead to toxic behavior such as aggression and violence. For women, this stereotype can ...

The increasing rate of out of school children in Nigeria

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  By: Muhammad Samaila The increasing rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria is a major issue that has persisted for several years. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10 million children out of school. This alarming figure has continued to raise concerns amongst educationists, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the country. Several factors are responsible for the high rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Poverty is a major factor as many parents cannot afford to send their children to school. In some cases, parents withdraw their children from school to help with domestic work or engage in other forms of economic activities to contribute to the family's income. Other factors include the lack of access to quality education, inadequate infrastructure, and insecurity in some parts of the country. The consequences of the increasing rate of out-of-school children are...

Nigeria: a moment of putting hands on deck

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  By: Zuhuriyya Yusuf Jibrin Nigeria is a country with a rich history and a diverse population, but it has faced numerous challenges in recent years. From political instability to economic struggles, Nigeria has been grappling with a range of issues that have hindered its progress and development. However, there is hope that this moment can be a turning point for the country, and that with the right approach, Nigerians can work together to address these challenges and build a brighter future. One of the key areas where Nigeria needs to put hands on deck is in its political system. Nigeria has a long history of political corruption and nepotism, which has led to a lack of accountability and transparency in government. This has resulted in a system that is not responsive to the needs of the people, and that has failed to deliver the basic services that citizens deserve. To address this challenge, Nigerians need to come together and demand a more accountable and transparent political ...

Child trafficking in Nigeria

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By: Mustapha AbdulRazaq Human trafficking is a widespread and lucrative problem in Nigeria, particularly concerning the trafficking of children for domestic service, sex work, and forced surrogacy. An instance occurred where a girl was told by her uncle's wife that they wanted to take her to Lagos, promising to take care of her and send her to university. Excited by these promises, the girl, who was 16 years old and living in a rural village about 350 kilometers (210 miles) from Kaduna, Nigeria's commercial capital, agreed to go with them. Her life at home was hard, with her parents struggling to provide enough food for her and her ten siblings, and they were quick to agree to her move. The girl falls silent for a long time before she starts talking again, with her words tumbling over each other in an effort to get them out. She reveals that what has happened since was nothing like what she was promised. Instead of attending school, she wakes up at 3 a.m., spends her days doing...

Africa: a continent with history of oppression

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  By: Mustapha Abdullahi Africa is a continent blessed with abundant mineral resources like crude oil, gold, diamonds, and other natural resources. Every African country has its own rules, regulations, norms, and values that vary across the continent. However, Africans faced difficulties and oppression from European countries before gaining independence. Before the arrival of Europeans, Africa was in a relatively good state, but there was still much work to be done in various areas such as farming, architecture, and other activities. European countries maltreated African countries during colonization, and even after independence, they continued to hinder progress by cheating and exploiting them. The history of Africans reveals that they suffered greatly at the hands of Europeans. Christian missionaries came to Africa for the slave trade, and foreigners took Africans as slaves. The British transported about two hundred million Africans through the Sahara and Atlantic, resulting in m...

Six fasts for blessings after the month of Ramadan

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  Muhammad Yusuf Hussain The month of Ramadan is a time of peace, mercy, and great rewards in the sight of Allah. As Muslims, it is our duty to follow the practice of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions and observe Ramadan in the best possible manner. Allah has given us the opportunity to earn numerous rewards during this month, as He has mentioned in many verses of the Holy Quran. After Ramadan, Allah has given us another opportunity to increase our rewards by observing six fasts in the month of Shawwal. Although it is not compulsory, it is highly recommend and comes with abundant blessings and rewards. Allah promises to reward those who observe these six fasts as if they have fasted for an entire year. These fasts are known as "Sitta Shawwal," and they hold significant importance for Muslims all over the world who practice Islam. Although some may consider them less important, in reality, they hold great value and importance. Whatever we do in our lives, w...