Haidar's Corner

"Technology is not just [gadgets], widgets, or software, but is also a social and cultural activity, and thus can be inhibited or encouraged by different cultural patterns." Technological, Social, and Sustainable Systems Arizona State University Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) The above quotation highlights a very interesting issue especially as it concerns development in emerging countries like Nigeria. In today’s world - though not unlike other epochs - the most pervasive element in our day to day lives is technology; especially information technology. Yet despite the ubiquity of technology we still grapple with trying to take advantage of its seemingly limitless potentials. Despite the lightening speed at which development is moving we seem to not only be static, but actually in geometric retrogression. This avoidable underperformance seems to lay credence to theories that link our situation to certain socio-cultural practices that inhibits o...

Today, media is a veritable weapon that is used for offensive as well as defensive strategy both at a personal and institutional level. Any person who understands the workings of managing and interfacing the public especially in this our highly 'over-connected' world, will recognize the need to 'control the narrative'. . Handing over the initiative of 'controlling the narrative' is akin to leaving your rear unguarded which exposes you to attacks from the enemy that would seriously render you disabled and in the long-run might eventually lead to your demise. . Therefore, do not let your story be told and do not be silent in this age of 'borderlessness' where a Chinese man can tell the story of America without stepping out of Guangzhou! . "Kukan kurciya jawabi ne...mai hankali shi ke ganewa" (A word is enough for the wise.) Haidarwali 201610201050hrs

Many a fellow have you hosted and you have been worn and weathered by unending stream of footfalls that have struck your backside. . Tell me. Tell me the stories you've heard. Recount the anguish and joys, the silent fall of invisible crumbs from hearts' crusts that are continuously strewn upon you. . Teach me patience, you've gathered from the cycle of seasons, and endurance that is proven by your unwavering presence whenever we need you to transport us to our destinations. . I know how sad it must be to be unacknowledged by all; how insignificant you figure in the scheme of things; how every rubbish is dumped upon you and when you are no longer of use, discarded for another. . O Pathway! Know that there are those who care and we celebrate you and champion your emancipation! For in this world of senseless loss, to avoid derail, one must grasp on trail so as not to fail. . Haidarwali 201610201009hrs

Today, more than ever before literacy is the key to unlocking the latent potential of the human capacity that demography gives. Unfortunately,  the Northern part of Nigeria has failed to leverage this 'advantage' of numbers. Illiteracy is one of the main challenges that needs to be tackled and over the years a number of feeble efforts have been made to raise the literacy levels in Northern Nigeria with unimpressive results. It is why I feel there is a need to stop doing the same thing over and over again with no result and rather try something different - radical. Basically, when it comes to literacy the target is the use of a medium that optimally brings the most number of masses on board such that information is disseminated to the public in ways that there will be feedback. In a democracy, the ideal mechanism is via representation with regular consultations between the constituency and their representatives. Unfortunately, due to low level of literacy, entrenched by povert...