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Notes on Visit to Saudi Arabia

 Notes on Visit to Saudi Arabia By Prof MK Othman To date, I have visited Saudi Arabia four times, beginning with my first trip in 2010 and twice this year, in March and November 2025. During each of my last three visits, I was consistently amazed and stunned by the incredible and supersonic level of infrastructural development.  I believe the Saudi Arabian authorities are fully aware of the enormous spiritual responsibilities placed on the country, being the world center for Muslims. Every Muslim around the world wishes to perform one of the five required acts of the Islamic faith. For a Muslim, performing Hajj, which is performed only in Makkah and Medina, is not just a personal choice but an obligatory duty for those who are able. The nostalgia of being in front of the Holy Ka’aba, the divine house of the Almighty Allah, is so powerful that one can't help but raise their hands in prayer for the return of that moment. Yes, whenever you're saying goodbye to Saudi Arabia, one ...
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Salamatu-WOFAN on Carbon Financing: Turning Adversity into Prosperity

 Salamatu-WOFAN on Carbon Financing: Turning Adversity into Prosperity By Prof. M.K. Othman This is a follow-up to my article published on August 20th, 2025, with a slightly different title, “Salamatu-WOFAN on Climate Change: Turning Adversity into Prosperity,” featured in this column. WOFAN, under the ICON 2 project funded by the Mastercard Foundation, organized a high-level training workshop for selected key stakeholders at the Hyatt Place Hotel on Whitechapel Road, East London, United Kingdom, from 18th to 21st November 2025. The training was conducted by Prospects Development Services, a well-regarded UK-based capacity-building and educational consultancy firm, proudly owned by Nigerian Dr. Bayode T. Hambolu.  The stakeholders from the private and public sectors in Nigeria, China, the UK, and India included academia- and university-based experts, legal and financial specialists, agriculturalists, interns, and a leading media expert. The theme of the training was “Strategic...
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Readers Comments on Nigeria @ 65 and ABU @ 63

 Readers Comments on Nigeria @ 65 and ABU @ 63 Prof MK Othman My two-piece article on nominations for national awards for a few individuals who work tirelessly every day to serve humanity drew a strong response from my large readership. The article was written as a tribute to Nigeria at 65. Previously, I composed another tribute to my alma mater, the great ABU, at 63. I am combining readers' comments on these tributes to broaden the discussion and enhance understanding. Happy reading.  Dear Prof. Othman, your nomination of Dr. Salamatu Garba, the Founder of WOFAN, for a national award is commendable, as she is truly an unsung hero. The impact of her programs on the lives of the vulnerable in society can't be explained by mere words. Dr. Salamatu Garba has done so much for people from all walks of life, thereby improving their livelihoods and helping them to stand on their feet. Engr Benedict Andrew   Prof. Othman, well done for a fantastic piece on well-deserving people. ...
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Nigeria @ 65: Nominations for National Awards to Unsung Heroes 2

 Nigeria @ 65: Nominations for National Awards to Unsung Heroes 2 By Prof MK Othman The unsung heroes working tirelessly to serve Nigeria with all their strength are present in every part of the country. Their contribution to nation-building depends on their capacity and resources. Still, the common thread among them is serving the nation and humanity without expecting dividends for their toil, deriving joy from putting smiles on the faces of those uplifted, and their readiness and zeal to do more.   In my last article, I discussed two remarkable personalities—Coach OBJ and Hajia Dr. Salamatu Garba of WOFAN—and promised to highlight more unsung heroes deserving national recognition. One such distinguished individual is Dr. Hassan Ahmed Gimba, the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Neptune Prime, a reputable and well-known online newspaper based in Abuja. Dr. Hassan Ahmed Gimba is a distinguished Nigerian journalist, editor, author, and public affairs commentator whose work has greatly...
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Nigeria @ 65: Nominations for National Awards to Unsung Heroes

 Nigeria @ 65: Nominations for National Awards to Unsung Heroes By Prof MK Othman In Nigeria, ironically, some heroes who work tirelessly to develop their country often go unnoticed, unsung, and unappreciated outside their immediate communities and the people directly benefiting from their efforts. These individuals have a passion for serving humanity with their talents and hearts, regardless of bigotry or selfishness, and without expecting anything in return. Ideally, society should recognize these people with support and rewards to motivate them and inspire others to follow their example. However, they often remain unrecognized and receive little acknowledgment for their lasting impact. When I encounter such people, I look up their names, hoping to see titles like OFR, OON, MFR, etc., as national honors reflecting their contributions, but I often find no such recognition.  The National Honors Awards were established in 1963 to recognize patriotism and achievement by individu...
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Re: The Great ABU Zaria @63- Forward Ever 2

 Re: The Great ABU Zaria @63- Forward Ever 2 By Prof. MK Othman    To ABU Alumni and friends, news about Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria — the great ABU — is always unfolding, as it sparks joyful memories among those united by intellectual pursuits and hopes for a bright future. My tribute to ABU Zaria received reactions, praise, and suggestions on how the university can maintain its greatness amid challenges. I want to share a few readers’ comments with the university and its leaders so they can note them and take appropriate action. We, the ABUSITES, hope to continue witnessing the majestic progress of the great ABU in the right direction.   Happy reading.   Yes, indeed! Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sakkwato, had a clear vision, mission, goals, objectives, and tasks of how knowledge and wisdom could conquer bigotry, extremism, and bad governance. Allah ya jiƙansa (May Allah grant him Aljanna Firdausi, amen.) Prof Şule Ignio   Thank you, Sir, for this write...
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The Great ABU Zaria @63: Forward Ever 2

 The Great ABU Zaria @63: Forward Ever 2 By Prof. MK Othman   As mentioned in this column last week, no university in Nigeria has as many professors as ABU Zaria today. Certainly, ABU Zaria experienced significant intellectual growth as a hub of learning. Thanks to the tenurial progressiveness of Prof. Garba, who placed the university on autopilot, surmounting obstacles, to reach its goals. Have his legacies continued? What are its current challenges and prospects? What is the situation at ABU Zaria today? Is the university achieving the vision of its founding fathers? How can Abusites and their friends support ABU Zaria in its continued advancement? Prof. Kabiru Bala, a former DVC, former Dean of the Postgraduate School, and former Director of Academic Planning, took on leadership on 30th April, 2020. The process that led to Prof. Bala’s appointment left much to be desired, prompting the university council to form a committee to investigate alleged infractions. The first thre...
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