News
The Value Of Nigerian Editors And Writers In The Modern Digital Age
In a world fueled by digital content, the contributions of Nigerian editors and writers have become more vital than ever.
Gone are the days when words were confined to print; now, they dominate the internet, shaping opinions, driving businesses, and informing the masses.
Nigerian editors and writers, often overlooked, are the unsung heroes of this digital era.
Yet, a perplexing trend persists—many individuals expect them to offer their skills for free.
Imagine asking a doctor for free medical treatment or a lawyer for a pro bono legal defense. It’s unheard of, and the same should apply to writers and editors.
This expectation stems from what scholar Andrew Ross labels the “cultural discount.”
Creative minds often find satisfaction in their craft and are willing to accept non-monetary rewards as compensation.
However, this cultural discount undermines the true value of their labor.
Once, I edited for countless Nigerians out of a sense of community service, but more often than not, my efforts went unacknowledged.
In contrast, my American counterparts recognize the value of professional editing.
Friends in the U.S. inquire about my rates per word and always express gratitude for my services.
This shift in perspective led me to establish FAMEK Global Consulting, LLC, a small business born from the demand for quality editing and rewriting services.
American scholars appreciate the significance of professional editing, and this appreciation translates into fair compensation for our work.
Nowadays, when random Nigerians approach me for free editing, I provide them with a link to my professional rates.
Surprisingly, they seldom return. This approach ensures that my time is dedicated to projects that value my expertise.
Notably, a few months ago, I was asked to edit a book containing the speeches of a serving governor—for free.
Instead, I presented my rates, leaving room for negotiation, but I received no response.
This experience highlights the need for fairness and respect in our professional relationships.
As a full-time professor, researcher, and father, my days are already stretched thin. Running a small business further consumes my time.
It’s crucial to recognize the limited availability of Nigerian editors and writers and respect their commitments.
I speak not only for myself but for countless Nigerian editors and writers who, like me, have invested time and effort to acquire their skills.
It’s high time that our learning and expertise are no longer taken for granted.
A coalition of civil society organisations in Zamfara Central has publicly called on philanthropist Yazeed Danfulani to contest for the senatorial seat in the National Assembly in the 2027 elections, citing his extensive humanitarian contributions and commitment to community development.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Nuraddeen Garba Gusau, emphasised that the growing support for Danfulani transcends mere political sentiment.
“This is about Yazeed Danfulani’s proven dedication to the welfare of our people, demonstrated consistently without ever holding elected office,” Gusau said.
Danfulani, a prominent figure in Zamfara Central, has earned widespread admiration for his charitable initiatives.
He has funded the education of numerous children, offering opportunities to those who previously faced bleak prospects.
” His generosity also extends to providing financial and material aid to the less fortunate, helping families meet their basic needs.”
He said “Beyond individual support, Danfulani has bolstered small-scale entrepreneurs by distributing cars, tricycles, and financial capital, enabling many to achieve self-reliance.
“His efforts have significantly improved livelihoods across the region. Additionally, as a key supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, Danfulani has played a vital role in strengthening the party’s unity and presence in the state.
The coalition believes Danfulani’s track record as a private citizen is a testament to his potential as a legislator.
“His selfless contributions are merely a glimpse of what he could achieve with the authority to legislate and attract development at the national level,” Gusau added.
News
Kaduna: Group calls EFCC, National Assembly, Kaduna state government’s intervention on alleged diversion of public funds
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), Mr Daniel Ejembi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and Kaduna state government to intervene on alleged hijacking of a federal constituency project intended for public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Executive Director described the alleged diversion of the public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a.
According to him, “This diversion of public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a. We demand swift intervention by the Kaduna State Government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Assembly to recover misused funds and prioritize education for all.”
The statement stated that investigation reveals that a federal project sponsored by Yakubu Umar Barde, former member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, was alleged to have been unlawfully diverted to Fatima Academy, a private school owned by Abdulhadi Abubakar.
Ejembi explained, “The project, initially earmarked for constructing a public school, was instead executed at Fatima Academy, which lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
He added that the contractor, Amrah Farms Nigeria Limited (RC-1523474), with directors including Abdulyekin Bello Tahir and Bello Halimat Sadiq, executed the project in violation of its original mandate, lamenting that public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a faced severe deficits, including dilapidated classrooms, lack of sanitation facilities, and inadequate learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The Executive Director called for immediate probe into the alleged diversion of funds by relevant anti-corruption agencies and also called for urgent construction and renovation of classrooms, toilets, and perimeter fencing in the public schools.
He also appealed for the provision of desks, learning materials, and safe water systems for students and advised for legal action against unregistered institutions like Fatima Academy and accountability for involved parties.
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday morning.
Late Pope had been in and out of hospital in the last few weeks. He made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service at Vatican on Sunday.
Details Later…