Her name may not ring any bell in the political chess boat of Nigeria’s polity. She is also not genealogically tied to either the super-rich clan or any royal dynasty in northern Nigeria. She is like any other imaginative young girls from the so called conservative north but with strong grassroots attribute.
However, divine providence has rewarded her enduring services to humanity with a ministerial slot. She is Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, one of the two ministerial nominees from Kano State successfully screened and confirmed by the Senate on Monday.
Dr. Bunkure was born to a middle class family from a moderately rustic Bunkure Local Government Areas of Kano. But, unlike many of her ilk in a rural northern Nigeria, she braced herself and successful navigated the doorsill of life to fame. This unwavering lady has today carved a niche for herself, her family and her community as an accomplished medical doctor and an advocate of women empowerment.
Her incredible credentials, fascinating achievements and grassroots tie could have been the rationale why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pencilled her down to serve in the Federal Executive Council. Surely, she is bringing to the table 18-year experience in medicine, administration, advocacy for women empowerment and girl-child education; variables needed to bring the traction for the successful implementation of the bold agenda of the new administration.
Indeed, her nomination is not because she is lonely highly competent and trustworthy feminine from Kano, but because of her strong connection with her community. Her footprints in her community and Kano State are incredibly remarkable.
The story of her life goes back four decades, having been born in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State in 1976; she attended Bunkure Gari Primary School, Girls Science College, Garko and subsequently obtained her MBBS from Bayero University, Kano in 2005. She was then deployed to Plateau State for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
True to a determined young girl with strong desire to reach the pinnacle of her chosen profession, she braced the storm to become a consultant in family medicine at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
Unknown to many, traces of her commitment and innovative skills at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital were covertly noticed and admired by the administration of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje and that earned her appointment as commissioner for Higher Education and she performed wonderfully well in reinvigorating the state’s tertiary education system which provided opportunity for many young people to continue with their education in the state.
In addition to her stint with the administration of Ganduje, who is by providence the newly elected National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), she ventured into politics at the grassroots and soon rose to become women leader and a model to many girls in Bunkure. 
Dr. Bunkure is a strong advocate for women empowerment and education. She is a member of several women organizations and has been an advocate for girl-child education. Her passion for girl-child education earned her enormous respect in Kano. This could be the reasons why her nomination elicited massive jubilation in Bunkure and Kano. 
The elation was extended to the red chamber where Dr Bunkure further proved her mettle before the 10th Senate thereby debasing doubting Thomases and merchants of lies whose stock in trade is to manufacture falsehood against rising stars from kinfolk other than theirs. Her sterling composure at the ministerial screening further reinforced her competence in assisting the President to deliver on his bold reform agenda. 
While praising her nomination, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), described the lady as one of Kano’s best who despite family socio-economic status was  able to become a doctor from the so-called conservative north.
He noted that Dr Bunkure earned the position due to her commitment to democracy at the grassroots and dedication to work. He also prayed for his children to emulate her and we all do.
In addition to the accolade, she has proved her worth and the hallowed chambers had no option on that fateful Monday but allow her take a bow and go into the Federal Executive Council. Congratulations!
Now with the unanimous confirmation as a minister designate, I urge our amazon to remain a good ambassador of Kano and north in general and should not rest on her oars for there would be more serious tasks ahead.
 Salisu Shehu wrote from Hotoro, Kano State via salisums@gmail.com , 08035988761.

There is no doubt that the Northern region, especially the people of Fulani ethnic stock share filial, cultural and religious affiliations with the Republic of Niger.
The attempt by some religious and political leaders from the North to make the current political impasse in Republic of Niger a President Tinubu and Nigeria vs Niger affair is a very wrong narrative. Nigeria is not starting a war with Niger. Nigeria as a member of ECOWAS is under obligation to stand by ECOWAS Resolutions on any member state and this is not the first time this will happen. ECOWAS passed similar Resolutions in Gambia not too long ago. That resolution in Gambia made it possible for President Adama Barrow to assume power in 2017.
It must be said again that this is not a Nigeria/Tinubu vs Republic of Niger matter. Like President Alassane Quattara of Ivory Coast said, this is purely an ECOWAS affairs and a subject of regional interest to the whole of West Africa.
ECOWAS, AU, and UN Protocols are against unconstitutional takeover of government in any country. Democracy is receding in West Africa with Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea under military usurpation. Peace, security, political and economic stability of West Africa will remain a pipe dream when soldiers can take power at will. And what is happening in Niger is not about a fight for good governance.
Like venerable journalist, Dan Agbese wrote in his Guardian Newspaper backpage column, “most of the nine countries in the Sahel region are not just poor; they are wretched. Military rule has not changed their economic and social circumstances and the attraction for it ought to have waned below remembrance. The sentiment that Military rule is a magic wand has repeatedly proved itself a sickening fiction. The Nigeriens need no one to tell them that khaki uniform carries no magic in political, and socio-economic management and development.”
If Military rule offers any silver bullet in social and economic transformation, we should have seen the magic in Mali and Burkina Faso in the last three years.

Ajayi is senior special assistant to President Bola Tinubu (media and publicity)

In the intricate tapestry of human interactions, trust is the cornerstone upon which societies are built, nations flourish, and progress thrives. It is a beacon that guides our collective endeavours, shaping the dynamics of national unity and development. In our country Nigeria, a nation rich in diversity and history, trust has played a pivotal role in the past. It possesses the potential to pave the way for a brighter future. As we navigate the complex landscape of the present world, it becomes evident that the implications of eroding trust are profound and far-reaching. The lack of trust casts shadows of conflict, misunderstandings, and insecurity, undermining the essence of societal cohesion among the various components of Nigerian society. However, beyond these ominous clouds lies the promise of enhanced national unity, harmony, and prosperity if we have trust and understanding.
Trust, a cornerstone of societal harmony, economic progress, and national solidarity, serves as the adhesive that binds diverse individuals into a cohesive whole. It encompasses the belief in reliability, honesty, and effectiveness, a shared faith that empowers cooperative efforts towards shared goals. Today, Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture, facing both the ravages of mistrust and boundless unity opportunities. In this context, nurturing trust emerges as a solution to the current conflicts and misunderstandings and as a vital catalyst for security, prosperity, and global relevance.
A glance into history reveals a Nigeria adorned with interwoven bonds of trust. Tradespeople entrusting their goods and children to business associates across regions has been a hallmark of cross-cultural partnerships and mutual reliance over the past few decades. Communities embraced the values of accommodation and hospitality, fostering an environment where trust was the currency of interaction. However, contemporary times find us on a different path. Amidst rumours, suspicions, and the deluge of misinformation, the erosion of trust has been palpable. The fraying of these essential bonds is evident in the swift resort to religion and ethnicity in national debates, eclipsing the broader perspectives that should unite us.
The ramifications of this deficit in trust are dire. Once harmonious under a banner of unity, the discordant chords of ethnicity and religion now resound with disharmony. The aftermath of the EndSARS movement and the last general elections highlighted the fractures within the national fabric, exposing a landscape marred by primordial sentiments, selfish inclinations, and a loss of collective identity. This critical moment demands reevaluating our societal values and an introspective journey towards rebuilding the trust that underpins our progress as a nation.
But why has trust waned, and who is responsible? Due to the unchecked spread of false information and fake news on social media, politics, religion, and cultural biases play a part. To navigate our diversity, we must champion the shared values that transcend our differences. Examples abound of countries embracing their diversity to forge national unity. Their successes underscore the state’s and its citizens’ pivotal role in sculpting a harmonious narrative. The state must not merely govern but also inspire trust through transparent governance, unbiased justice, and inclusive policies. In tandem, citizens are entrusted with nurturing a culture of empathy, openness, and cooperation.
To transform our trajectory, concerted efforts are indispensable. National orientation, public education, and enlightenment campaigns will serve as the lodestars that guide our collective ethos. Reviving neglected sports as a binding force is imperative, as is strengthening institutions like the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). By promoting cultural exchange programmes and inter-ethnic marriages, we lay the foundation for an inclusive Nigeria.
Government ministries, departments, and agencies, notably information and culture, youth, sports, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), civil society organisations, and other professional bodies, are pivotal in spearheading initiatives to engender a sense of belonging and unity. Good governance, complemented by incentives for inter-ethnic marriages, will facilitate a tapestry where diversity is celebrated rather than vilified. Our media should play a transformative role by amplifying cultural practices that foster unity rather than those that divide us.
Yet, the path to restored trust is full of obstacles. The communication gap between citizens and authorities needs bridging, requiring timely, truthful, and transparent information dissemination. The government can nurture a culture of responsiveness that fortifies trust by leveraging modern communication channels such as mainstream d social media and credible non-partisan organisations and associations. Although this project may be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable—a united Nigeria built on integrity and trust.
In the mosaic of our nation, trust is the luminous thread that stitches hearts and minds together. By embracing the collective heritage bestowed by our founding fathers and the shared values that bind us, Nigeria can transcend its current challenges and emerge as a beacon of unity, strength, and progress on the global stage. With trust as our cornerstone, we can mould a future where national development and security thrive, prosperity is shared, and our collective identity stands resolute against the tides of discord.
In the end, trust will unite us, and in unity, we shall thrive.
Usman Kukasheka, is an Abuja-based public analyst, strategic communication expert, and security expert. He can be reached at usmanusk@yahoo.com or on his Twitter handle, @skusman.