Hausa folk tales (tatsuniyoyi; sing: tatsuniya) wasn't just a form of entertainment – it was a tool for education.The tales taught moral lessons and cultural values, warning against greed, pride, and other vices and exhorting kin...

In the past, marriages seemed to last longer, even though if contract was usually entered into without prolonged courtship.On the contrary, the wedding nowadays is preceded by a lot of expressions of love and prolonged courtship.

Traditionally, a typical Hausa woman does not look her husband in the eyes, let alone call him by his given name. In many cases, even a young woman in a relationship avoids mentioning her fiancé’s name. However, in t...

Living debt-free in Nigeria may appear like an elusive goal for many due to the country’s economic challenges. Rising inflation, unemployment, fluctuating exchange rates, and the increasing cost of living have pushed many Ni...

Whenever festive seasons approach in Nigeria, changes are observed in all aspects of people's lives.One of these changes is in the price of consumer goods.At times, the prices of such goods rise, while at other times the opposit...

Handicrafts play an important role in boosting the economy of society. Many people, especially in this era, have increasingly realized the benefits of learning a trade for self-reliance, rather than relying on government or company jobs....

In Hausa communities, there are age-old traditions associated with the month of Ramadan, one of which is called “tashe”.It is a form of dramatic entertainment that involves storytelling, singing, dancing, and acting, which beg...

In many parts of the world, women are still fighting for equal opportunity – but Nigerian women are fighting on a different level.Whether in bustling cities or remote villages, Nigerian women have learned to carve out a niche for...

In Nigeria, ritual killings and practices involving human sacrifice are not new. These acts, commonly linked to witchcraft, black magic, and greed, have been happening for years. But over time, there seems to be a consistent pattern in which...

There’s no denying the appeal of cupping therapy’s mainstream success. It’s accessible, often marketed as a way to treat multiple ailments at once. But the practice of Hausa Kaho is unique. It’s embedded in a deep understanding of the local ...

Facial mark is a long-standing history in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Hausaland.However, this ancient tradition is disappearing, as it is now rare to find people practicing it.In this episode of The Bearing, we will ...

In the past, weddings among Hausa speaking communities were celebrated over a period of at least seven days, starting with kamu, followed by sa-lalle, yinin biki, zaman ajo, budar kai and, finally, sayen baki.However, these custo...

The desire for male children as against female children continues to dominate the thoughts of people; sometimes, this even leads to clear discrimination.In some communities, having a male child is considered a source o...

Teaching has always been regarded as a noble profession – teachers shape the future, impact lives, and play a vital role in the development of any nation. But in many Nigerian communities, teaching is no longer viewed as a p...

Many people will remember the days when wearing facemasks was mandatory.Years later, many women are still holding onto the facemask as a constant companion. Join us on this episode of The Bearing as we look benea...

The Hausa people, one of West Africa's largest ethnic groups, have a rich tradition of naming children.These names carry meanings that often reflect a connection to family, character, or nature. But recently, there's been a ...

In this age, many women sell an idealized version of themselves – from their physical appearance to the emotional availability they offer in a relationship. Dating apps have commodified human connection, where swiping right ...

 Why does the person you used to call and chat with no more pick your calls or seldom do? Why does the person you used to know now talks and acts differently, sometimes with arrogance and sometimes with a behavioral pattern that suggest...

Christmas, a season of joy and sharing, feels different this year as soaring prices of goods like chicken, rice, and tomatoes strain the pockets of Nigerians. Markets, once buzzing with festive excitement, now groan unde...

There are growing concerns that Nigerians are more loyal to their ethnic groups than the country.How true is this?What could be the cause, and how could it be solved?Join us on this episode of The Bearing to find ...

 For the first time in Ghana’s electoral history, a Muslim is on the ballot as the candidate of one of the major parties.It is also the first time the two major political parties – NDC and NPP – are fielding candidates from ...

In the past, marriages seemed to last longer, even though if contract was usually entered into without prolonged courtship.On the contrary, the wedding nowadays is preceded by a lot of expressions of love and prolonged courts...

Young boys, barefoot, roaming the streets, begging to survive—these are the faces of a system crying out for reform.And governments at different levels have, at different times, attempted to reform the ‘tsangaya’ education system...

In Northern Nigeria, the sight of young children roaming the streets, begging for food, is all too familiar. What was once an esteemed educational journey has turned into a cycle of poverty, vulnerability, and stigma. 

In the past, the ‘Almajiri system’ was a respected method of education, a way for young boys to gain both religious and practical knowledge under the care of Islamic scholars. But today, the image of the ‘almajiri’ has c...