Mar 6, 2024

Why the Christian-Muslim Ticket Doesn’t Work in Plateau State

The Muslim-Muslim Ticket of Tinubu and Shettima

Nigerian is a nation where politics flows along religious and tribal canals. The sitting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a Muslim and picked a Muslim running mate during his election. This is something that is happening for the first time in the history of the democratic presidency in Nigeria. The issue has generated tons of conversations in favour of and against. The President, however, chose his running mate based on his calculation of how to secure victory.

I saw a video of an Islamic preacher from Kaduna State talking about why Kaffirs (referring to Christians) hate Mallam Nasiru El Rufai. He said that El Rufai is hated by Christians because he refused to take a Christian running mate and still won the election. The Sheik asked why it is expected of Kaduna when that doesn’t happen in Plateau State.

Well, I think he acted in ignorance.  There are three reasons why Muslims are not taken as running mates in Plateau State.

First reason is the fact that politicians work with numbers that will give them victory. In Plateau State, there are about forty tribes, but five stand out as majority. These are Berom, Taroh, Ngas, Mwaghavul, and Gomai. Since, our politics often follow tribal lines, a gubernatorial candidate would want to pick from any of these tribes to ensure victory.

Second reason is the fact that the Muslims consider it distasteful, giving their votes to a non-Muslim. In the decades since the coming of democracy in Nigeria, Plateau Muslims prefer bringing out a Muslim candidate and casting the bulk of their votes to him, despite knowing it wouldn’t be enough to secure victory. So, a gubernatorial candidate wouldn’t want to pick a Muslim running mate since it doesn’t change the opinion of his Muslim brothers. He would prefer picking from any of the five tribes.

The third reason why chances of a Muslim securing the seat of a running mate in Plateau State is difficult is the fact that Plateau people believe that, across this  country, a Plateau man has never been chosen as a running mate (and will never be)  in any of the remaining thirty-five states. So, why should it be different in Plateau State?

Dec 2, 2023

ChatGPT Admits it Can't Review My Book

I requested TRUEGPT to do a Review of my book, How to Become a Music Maestro. This is the result : Unfortunately, as an AI language model, I am not capable of performing a book review or providing an opinion about the quality of a book. However, I can provide general information about the book, "How to Become a Music Maestro" by Yiro Abari High.

Based on the title, the book appears to be a practical guide for aspiring music artists who want to improve their skills and succeed in the industry. The book is written by Yiro Abari High, who is likely an experienced musician or music teacher.

From the title and author name, it seems like the book may focus on classical music, as the term "maestro" is often used to describe a conductor or composer in this genre. However, without reading the book, it's difficult to know for sure what topics the author covers.

The book may include information on music theory, instrument technique, and composition, in addition to advice on how to develop one's musical skills, stage presence, or career as an artist. It's also possible that the author may offer personal anecdotes or case studies of successful artists to provide inspiration and guidance for readers.

Overall, "How to Become a Music Maestro" seems like it could be a helpful resource for aspiring musicians looking to improve their craft and succeed in the music industry. As with any guide or tutorial, the quality of the information and the style of the writing will ultimately determine how valuable the book is for individual readers.

Nov 28, 2023

The Threat Reggae Faces in Contemporary Times

             
       Credit : phys.org
Reggae music is a genre that originated in Jamaica in the 1960s and has since become a popular genre of music worldwide. Reggae music is known for its message of peace, love, and social justice, and has been instrumental in promoting social change and activism. However, despite its widespread popularity, reggae music is not without its challenges and dangers.

One of the main dangers facing reggae music is censorship. Reggae music has often been associated with controversial and subversive themes that challenge mainstream power structures. Subversive themes such as criticism of government policies or social injustices can be seen as a threat to the established order leading to censorship or outright banning of the music.

Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae music, has a long history of censorship and repression of music, particularly if it contains lyrics that are perceived as promoting violence or going against the cultural or religious values of the community. In 1985, for instance, the Jamaican government banned the music of influential reggae artist Peter Tosh, claiming that his lyrics were promoting violence and disrespect for authority.

Additionally, the worldwide popularity of reggae music has led to the commercialization and commodification of the genre. The corporatization of reggae music has led to a homogenization of the sound for the sake of wider appeal to consumers. This has led to a situation where the original meaning and purpose of the genre has been lost in the pursuit of commercial success.

The commercialization of reggae music has also led to cultural appropriation, where artists outside of Jamaica have taken on the reggae sound and style without understanding the culture and history behind it. This lack of understanding can trivialize the struggles of Jamaica that are reflected in reggae music and reduce it to a mere trend.

Another danger facing reggae music is the marginalization of female artists. Reggae music has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, with very few female artists being promoted or given equal opportunities. Women in reggae music have often been dismissed or relegated into the background, with their contributions not being recognized fully.

Moreover, the very nature of the music industry means that many reggae artists live difficult lives of poverty and struggle for recognition and pay. This struggle is particularly acute for those artists who have not aligned themselves with the mainstream and are more susceptible to market forces that can limit their reach and potential.

In conclusion, reggae music has been a powerful contributor to change and revolution in society. However, its significance continues to face challenges from censorship and commodification to cultural appropriation and marginalization of female artists. These difficulties require that steps be taken to preserve the integrity and meaning of the genre both to those who have loved it for decades as well as to those who are newly discovering it. While individual artists can use their voice to push back against commercialization and marginalization and continue to advocate for social justice, it will take a collective commitment to keep the roots of reggae alive while also ensuring it grows to reach a wider audience.

Nov 27, 2023

AI Tools for Photo Editing

There are several artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can be used to edit photos. Here are some popular options:

1. Adobe Sensei: Adobe Sensei is an AI-powered image editing tool that is built into applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro. Adobe Sensei can be used for a variety of tasks, including image enhancement, object removal, and image compositing.

2. NVIDIA GauGAN: NVIDIA GauGAN is an AI-powered tool that can be used to create photo-realistic landscapes or scenes. It uses deep learning algorithms to analyze and combine different elements from photos to create new, highly detailed images.

3. Canva: Canva is a graphic design tool that uses AI to suggest different design elements and layouts based on the user's input. The tool can be used to edit images and create custom designs with minimal effort.

4. Prisma: Prisma is a mobile app that uses AI-powered filters to edit photos and transform them into works of art. The app uses deep learning algorithms to analyze and enhance photos and applies artistic styles to create unique visual effects.

5. Fotor: Fotor is a powerful online photo editor that uses AI technology to enhance images and remove blemishes, background, and unwanted objects. It has an easy-to-use interface and can be used to create collages, photo cards, and other personalized designs.

In conclusion, there are several AI-powered tools available that can be used to edit photos and enhance their visual quality. Each tool has its unique features and strengths, and selecting the most suitable option ultimately depends on your specific editing needs.

Do Contraceptives Cause Infertility in Women?


The Relationship Between Contraceptives and Barrenness

Contraceptives are a widely used form of birth control that provides individuals and couples with an option to plan and space their pregnancies according to their needs. While contraceptives have been effective in reducing the number of unplanned pregnancies, there is a common misconception that they may cause barrenness or infertility. In this article, we explore the relationship between contraceptives and barrenness.

1. Contraceptives do not cause barrenness.

It is a common misconception that the use of contraceptives can lead to infertility or barrenness. However, studies have shown that there is no evidence to support this claim. The use of contraceptives does not cause permanent infertility or damage to reproductive organs. Instead, contraceptives provide individuals with a temporary form of birth control that ceases once the contraceptive is no longer being used.

2. Discontinuation of contraceptive use and temporary infertility.

While contraceptives do not cause barrenness, discontinuing the use of contraceptives can result in temporary infertility. This occurs because most contraceptives regulate the menstrual cycle by preventing ovulation. When contraceptive use is stopped, it can take a few months for the menstrual cycle to regulate, and ovulation to resume. Therefore, it is possible for conception to be delayed after discontinuing the use of contraceptives, but it does not cause permanent infertility.

3. Fertility can be restored after discontinuing contraceptive use.

When contraceptives are discontinued, fertility is typically restored within a few months, and conception is possible. In some cases, fertility may return immediately after stopping the use of contraceptives. Therefore, the use of contraceptives does not negatively impact an individual's fertility in the long run.

4. Exceptions to contraception use and fertility.

There are some situations where contraceptives may not be suitable for an individual or couple, and fertility may be affected. These situations include pre-existing medical conditions or a history of infertility. If an individual or couple has concerns about their fertility regarding the use of contraceptives, it is important to consult with a doctor or fertility specialist to discuss their options.

In conclusion, there is no evidence to support the claim that the use of contraceptives causes barrenness or infertility. Contraceptives provide safe and effective temporary birth control options and do not cause permanent damage to reproductive organs. While it is possible for the use of contraceptives to delay conception temporarily, fertility typically returns after discontinuing its use. If an individual or couple has concerns about their fertility regarding contraceptive use, they should seek advice from a medical professional.

Diseases that are Difficult to Diagnose

There are several microbial infections that can be difficult to diagnose, either because they have nonspecific symptoms or because conventional diagnostic techniques may not be reliable. Here are some examples:

1. Lyme disease: A bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites, Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms (fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and a bull's-eye rash) are similar to those of other illnesses. Additionally, the standard diagnostic test for Lyme disease (ELISA) can produce false-negative results in its early stages.

2. Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. Its symptoms (cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats) can be nonspecific and resemble those of other respiratory infections, making it difficult to diagnose. Additionally, the current diagnostic test for TB (skin test or chest X-ray) may not detect all cases, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.

3. HIV: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a viral infection that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Early signs of HIV may be mild and can be mistaken for other infections. The definitive diagnosis can only be made through specific blood tests that detect HIV antibodies or viral RNA.

4. Hepatitis B and C: Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that affect the liver and can cause chronic liver disease. Symptoms may be absent or mild, making it difficult to diagnose. In some cases, standard tests for hepatitis may not detect the virus, or the virus may initially remain dormant in the liver for years before causing symptoms.

5. Malaria: Malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Its symptoms (fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain) can be similar to those of other illnesses such as the flu. There are several diagnostic tests available, but they may not be 100% reliable, particularly in cases of low-level infections.

In conclusion, some microbial infections are difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms or unreliable diagnostic techniques. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms and to inform your doctor of any recent travel or exposure to infectious agents.

Kizz Daniel: Why a Grammy Nomination Remains Difficult

.            Kizz Daniel. Sourced from Artist's Instagram page. 

Why Kizz Daniel Was Not Nominated For A Grammy Award: Possible Reasons

In Nigeria's music industry, Kizz Daniel is undoubtedly one of the most talented and unique musicians. He is known for his distinct voice, catchy tunes, and meaningful lyrics. Despite his talent and consistent growth as an artist, Kizz Daniel has not yet been nominated for a Grammy award. This has been a source of disappointment for his numerous fans and supporters. In this article, we explore some possible reasons why Kizz Daniel has not been nominated for a Grammy award.

1. The Grammys don't have an Afrobeat category.

Kizz Daniel's music is a blend of various genres, including Afrobeat, Afro-pop, and highlife. Although Afrobeat has been growing in popularity around the world, the Grammy awards do not have a specific category for the genre. This has made it challenging for African artists to be recognized in their respective genres. Therefore, it could be that Kizz Daniel's music has not been properly classified by the Grammy awards committee.

2. Lack of exposure in the USA.

Another possible reason why Kizz Daniel has not been nominated for a Grammy award could be attributed to his limited exposure in the US music market. The Grammy awards are largely dominated by American artists, and it is rare for an artist from outside the US to get nominated, except they have significant recognition and visibility in the US. Although Kizz Daniel has a significant following in Africa and other parts of the world, his music may not have received significant attention and recognition in the United States.

3. Lack of campaigns for a Grammy nomination.

It is possible that Kizz Daniel's team has not been actively campaigning for a Grammy nomination. The Grammy awards are highly competitive, and the nominees are selected through a rigorous process that considers various factors, including an artist's achievements, their record sales, and industry recognition. Kizz Daniel's team may not have been putting in the effort to position him to be in the running for a Grammy nomination.

4. Competition from other African artists.

There are many other talented African artists who may have a better chance at getting nominated for a Grammy award. Some of these artists include Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, who have had significant success in their music careers and have been recognized on the global stage. Kizz Daniel may be overshadowed by these artists in terms of recognition and exposure.

5. The Grammy award nomination process is selective.

The Grammy awards committee has a specific criterion for selecting nominees, and being nominated for a Grammy award is a highly selective process. It is possible that Kizz Daniel's music may not have met the Grammy awards committee's standards or fits within their specific guidelines for nominations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kizz Daniel's lack of a Grammy nomination can be attributed to various factors, including the absence of an Afrobeat category, lack of exposure in the US music market, the absence of active campaigns for a Grammy nomination by his team, competition from other African artists, and the highly selective nature of the Grammy awards nomination process. Nevertheless, Kizz Daniel has continued to thrive and achieve great success in his music career, and his fans will continue to support him.

Why the Christian-Muslim Ticket Doesn’t Work in Plateau State

The Muslim-Muslim Ticket of Tinubu and Shettima Nigerian is a nation where politics flows along religious and tribal canals. The sitting Pre...