Column No 6: Out of the (in)box once more

This column debuted six months ago. While that’s just half of a year, I still find it worthy of a retrospective look, via readers’ e-mails. As I’ve done twice before, I have again rummaged through my inbox, to share some of them with you. Like before, it wasn’t easy sifting through and editing the messages to curate the ones you’re about to read, but I hope you find them as interesting as I did. So, here’s to hoping you stick around for the next six months. Thank you.
– Abdulkareem

Re: Why kidnappers still hold Abuja-Kaduna road hostage
While I became a reader of yours from day one of your column, I became a regular due to the topics you choose to write on. I also enjoy it when you take seemingly mundane subjects and write about them with such wit that I can’t drop the paper. When you wrote about the above subject though, I could sense it was a bit personal for you, being someone from Kaduna. I always look out for updates on that road in the papers anytime I buy, most times Daily Trust on Saturday. I’ll just say I’m surprised that the Kaduna State governor, as courageous as he is, still hasn’t taken a major stand on this problem. Maybe he needs to be prodded? Thank you, and more power to your pen.
– Sunkanmi Smith, Ilorin.

Re: Now that Covid-19 is back in Nigeria
While I don’t believe the issue of Covid-19 isn’t as serious as global powers are making it sound, I also find it unfair when people like me are called ‘covidiots’. Why must we be insulted for having views? It’s a basic human right to have an opinion, and one shouldn’t be crucified and insulted for it.
– Salman Usman Rano, Kano.

Re: Now that Covid-19 is back in Nigeria
I recently lost a beloved relative to Covid-19, and my whole family is still mourning. The saddest part is that the relative in question was elderly, and didn’t go out at all, especially since the coronavirus came up. It means younger visitors brought it to her. I’m writing because I’ve noticed that you’re a big advocate for sensitization on the currently raging pandemic. First if all, God bless you for that. Secondly, please do not tire of it, and continue to use your platform to shed light on it. Finally, I love the way you write. It’s unique and punchy.
– Achimugu Oguche, Abuja.

Re: 2020’s best books
After I read your list of the best books you read in 2020, I cut out the page and it is now my shopping list for books in 2021. Thank you very much for sharing what’s personaland making it very usefully public. May we see that of 2021. Amen.
– Samaila Jimoh, Kaduna.

Re: A very Nigerian welcome to 2021
Your own perspective of the major things that happened to Nigerians in 2021 via the end of the year was quite thought-provoking. Some of it was funny, and even cheeky. Some of it was even disrespectful, in my opinion. But I must say it was all useful. I wish the people who are mentioned in these articles would read them and see what others think of them, or the organisations they head. But I guess, it’s like they say, a tall order. Also, I wish you had written more. But all the same, I’d like to thank you.
– Maryam Hussaini-Bukar, Abuja.

Re: Nigerians, and the stories on our faces
I only wish the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, can see the story on my face. It is one of joblessness, despair, and fear for my own safety. My face will show to him that I’m hungry, tired, and losing hope fast. But you know what? Maybe one day I should write a letter to him, for you to publish here.
– Chukwuka Harrison Eze, Abuja.

Re: Remembering those who served and protected us
It goes without saying that we are the least appreciative nation on earth when it comes to how we relate to our armed forces. Your article did a fine job of tracing the possible reasons, even though it couldn’t have possibly shown everything. I still think whatever problem we have with our soldiers and their conduct, owes to the fact that that’s how we are as a people. And these men and women come from us. Anyway, the point of this email is to add my voice to those who are showing solidarity with our protectors, and to remember the ones who fell in the line of duty. May God bless you, and may your sacrifice never be in vain. Thank you for your service.
– Rahman Shehu, Abuja.

Re: Review of ‘The Milmaid’
I read your review of the new, controversial film called ‘The Milkmaid’, and it was very helpful for someone like me who wants to watch it at some point when I can. I still don’t understand why works of art that tell the Nigerian truth tend to attract the wrong kind of attention all the time. Kudos to filmmakers like Ovbiaghele who use their God-given gifts to tell the stories Nigerians need to hear for themselves and the rest of the world. You also didn’t mention a release date of any kind. Thank you sir.
– Eugene Chukwukadibia, Gwarinpa, Abuja.