Dear readers, I salute you. What else could I possibly begin with during these harsh times of super-expensive petrol? Because the new price regime has literally exhausted me (physically and financially), the only energy I have left is to rummage through my inbox and share with you some recent emails from readers who feel strongly about some topics I covered. As usual, I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did. – Abdulkareem.
Re: As Tinubu steps in, here’s what Nigerians should do
I really enjoyed how you phrased it, that the main trouble with Nigerians is, quite simply, our own darned selves. You pointed out that yes, we are a passionate and colourful lot, especially when it comes to religion, football and politics. I also agree that sometimes the passion invested in these three sectors is positive, even yielding results that are beneficiary to all. But I think you were being nice when you pointed out all of these. You see, the simple truth about us Nigerians is we tend to be stupid when we need to be smart, and smart when we should really just let things take their natural flow. Watch, as the weeks go by, that no-one who opposes Tinubu’s presidency will give a sensible, rational rationale. Likewise, nobody who supports Tinubu will give you a sensible reason for their blind love. And that right there is the real Nigerian problem, our reliable failure for applying reason in love or hate.
Hassan J. Mamman, Fagge, Kano.
Re: From a celebrity chef, a recipe for Nigeria’s unity
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Of all the topics you could have written on, you chose the most banal, pointless one like Chef Hilda Baci’s bid for the Guinness Book of World Records. I was disappointed, to say the least. Apart from your usual crisp and enjoyable writing style, it was a total waste of my time, because I do not see any value in the rise of celebrity culture in Nigeria. For God’s sake can’t we bid for more reasonable records to break in the fields of Health, Finance, Literature, et cetera? Look at our youths today, the so-called Gen Z, and their totally out-of-control ways. Then now your column, which I had a lot of respect for, is now glorifying generational excess and irresponsibility? Please try and correct your direction before you lose me as a reader. Thanks.
Godwin Omale, Gaki, Abuja.
Re: From a celebrity chef, a recipe for Nigeria’s unity
Thanks so much, and God bless you for spotlighting one of the most inspirational Nigerians in a long time, Chef Hilda Baci. Like you, I had no idea who she was prior to her bid at breaking the world record for ‘longest cooking time by an individual’, but as soon as she broke onto social media, I fell in love with her drive, passion, and can-do spirit, which I consider to be the epitome of Nigerian-ness. I also fully agree with you that she was a breath of fresh air we all needed after an election that was ridiculously divisive, and which polarized an already divided nation. I also agree with you one hundred per cent that there are lessons somewhere within her win, waiting to be learnt by all those who need to. May God help us learn them, amen.
Wendy Bitrus-Ponfa, Barnawa, Kaduna.
Re: Reading this book will make you healthier
Like you, I don’t like ‘self-help’ books, but I found your article on the book ‘How to Keep Fit, Be Healthy and Stay Young Author’ to be quite intriguing. Firstly, the fact that it is written by a military officer (Brigadier-General SS Tilawan) had me interested, as most officers write about their careers or motivation, or even poetry. Based on my observations, I will track down a copy of the book and buy it. But I’m still wondering, though. Why do our military officers not write books about their careers, their jobs, and their experiences? Granted, there are some. But to be honest, none come to mind. For a field as crucial and as interesting as the military, we need to up the ante and write more.
Malam Umar Sagir, Kaduna.
Re: Binta Mshelia-Uba, one year after
First of all, please accept my condolences for your loss of your friend Binta Mshelia-Uba. I don’t know her, and I doubt if I immediately know anyone who did. But reading your beautifully written and touching tribute made one thing clear: she was special to all of you who loved her. However, she reminds me of a friend I lost some years back, and now I wish I had the chance to tell her all the beautiful things I said at a memorial service for her. But the most important thing, like you pointed out, is to pray for our loved ones who pass on before us. And like you so eloquently put it, sometimes it is more befitting to allow a majority of grief to be felt. Even after one has come to terms with a loved one’s demise, it is possible to use the memories left behind to calm the heart down somewhat.
Salamatu S. Abubakar, Abuja.
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