By Qaloon Muazu
For the past five years, since 2016, one thing I have been known for on WhatsApp is my frequent release of a post titled “DUNIYA MAKARANTA” on whatsapp story. This has been followed by many for a long time. However, very few people have an idea as to where I regularly get these quotations, which are actually from a book authored by a renowned Islamic Scholar and author, Professor Mansur Sokoto. The book DUNIYA MAKARANTA contains words of wisdom summarised in short paragraphs of religious and worldly benefit to the reader.
A lot of people have expressed to me how grateful they use to be for the posts and how much they benefit from those WhatsApp story posts.
These people would always be waiting to check my story for a new nugget of wisdom from DUNIYA MAKARANTA. I remember a colleague back in school, Rahima Hamidu who would narrate to me how her Mom enjoys the post so much. This is in addition to a mother in-law of mine who has to send an apology to me for always viewing my status, even though she considered that as a heavy thing to do – viewing her son’s in-law WhatsApp story, but cannot let go of the nuggets of wisdom contained in my DUNIYA MAKARANTA posts.
This write-up will end up being excessively lengthy if I insist on mentioning events and people in an attempt to show the so many benefits derived from such posts. One comment that sticked to my mind till date however, is that of my junior colleague Pharmacist Darasimi who graduated from the same College of Pharmacy as I did.
Pharmacist Dara who does not even understand Hausa language very well, follows my DUNIYA MAKARANTA posts so much that he one day told me in utmost appreciation that viewing my DUNUYA MAKARANTA posts has become enough inspiration and motivation for him.
However, the real Champion of my relationship with DUNIYA MAKARANTA and the man behind the scene is barely known to many. This is no other person but my immediate elder brother, Muhammad Sani Muazu. This is a person that has been sending these posts to me, as far back as 2016. He is the person that takes the pain to get the book, type and send the post every single day for us to simply forward to our whatsapp story. But we have been enjoying the glory all along. No one deserves all the recognition and the praise more than this humble gentleman.
Muhammad Sani did not stop there. Despite being a postgraduate student of Animal Production at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) where he obtained his bachelors degree in the same field, he has for long had a strong passion for journalism practice. That is why even after becoming a Lecturer with the Department of Animal Health and Production at the Bauchi State College of Agriculture, he still pursues his interest in broadcasting as an adhoc staff with Albarka Radio, the first indigenous private Radio Station in Bauchi State.
At Albarka Radio, he facilitated the introduction of a program titled “DUNIYA MAKARANTA” during the Ramadan period of 2020.
The program which was initially billed to run for only Ramadan of that year, had later attracted large listenership, so much so that the Management of the Radio Station and the sponsors of the program saw to it that it became a daily program even after then.
Muhammad Sani would prepare the script and present this spectacular program in his unique voice that becomes a very popular program across Bauchi metropolis and the neighborhood.
His passion for journalism and Islam became obvious soon afterwards that he was asked to take over another Islamic Program titled “Matambayi baya bata” where prominent Islamic Scholars, including Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Disina, Dr. Usman Giade, Sheikh Shaya’u Yusha’u among others are invited to answer questions across a range of issues.
This program would also become a huge success due to the combination of passion for both Islam and journalism displayed by the presenter Muhammad Sani.
Another Islamic program he was made to host in addition to these is ADDINI DA RAYUWA. All these programs have become so popular that they attracted the attention of the religious and political leaders of Bauchi State. This is nothing but a story of passion and consistency.
The passion, hard work, dedication and consistency of Muhammad Sani has been recognized by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, Bauchi State Chapter at its Inauguration of New Executive Council and Award Presentation on 10th October, 2021 at Command Guest House, Bauchi. Muhammad Sani was nominated alongside thirteen others by the Forum. They include, The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Muhammad, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Alhaji Garba Noma, Jarman Bauchi, Alhaji Bello Kirfi, Wazirin Bauchi, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, and The Late Chief Imam of Bauchi, Malam Ahmad Baban Inna.
Others include Late Malam Yalwaji Azare, Malam Mustapha Baba Ilelah, Chairman of the Bauchi State Sharia Commission, Malam Turaki Aliyu Isa Misau, Hajiya Jummai Shall, Sheikh Ibrahim Idris, Sheikh Salihu Sulaiman Ningi and Malam Dalhat Hamid Bello of BRC Bauchi. Crystally clear from the above is the fact that Muhammad Sani is obviously the youngest of the awardees and the least in terms of experience and position.
However, he has been able to make the list due to his hard work, determination and dedication.
I feel so happy for this award and recognition, not only because it was given to my elder brother but because it is a testimony that sincerity, passion, determination and hard work always pay. I pray that many more and bigger recognitions would come his way in sha Allah.
Qaloon Muazu is the Bauchi State Coordinator for Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria – Young Pharmacists’ Group and can be reached via muazuqaloon@gmail.com
