The Bearing
In-depth analysis and critical discussion on important issues, how they affect people, their potential to change lives, and what needs to be done to influence outcomes.
Episodes
179 episodes
Why Women Still Wear Facemasks Long After COVID-19
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...
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23:35
Why Some Parents Give Their Children “Meaningless” names.
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 ...
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29:51
Why Today’s Women Monetize Love
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 ...
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25:30
Why Do People Change When They Assume Position Of Power?
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...
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26:34
How To Have The Best Of Christmas Amidst Rising Costs
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...
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31:16
Why Are Nigerians More Ethnocentric Than Patriotic?
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 ...
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28:30
Ghanaian Election: Will Religion Play A Role?
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 ...
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29:52
Why Marriages Of Yesteryears Lasted Longer Than Those Of Nowadays.
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...
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25:46
How The ‘Tsangaya’ System Of Education Can Be Reformed
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...
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31:20
How The ‘Almajiri’ Became A Beggar
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.
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25:03
How The ‘Almajiri System’ Produced The Best In Society
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...
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29:20
How High Costs Of Marriage Rites Are Restricting Men From Tying The Knot
In Nigeria, marriage is a deeply rooted cultural union that extends beyond two individuals. However, rising costs of living are making it increasingly difficult for men to fulfill the marriage requirements, be they “lefe” in...
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30:30
Are Givers Starting To Lack As The Economy Bites Harder?
In Nigeria, communal solidarity is deeply embedded in cultural values. One of the most visible expressions of this is charitable giving, where compassionate individuals share food, clothing, and resources with those in need. ...
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30:56
Why Parents Are Wrong Sometimes
The saying, “Parents are always right” has been passed down through generations, deeply woven into cultural and societal fabric. But in today’s world, is this long-standing notion still valid? While parents often hav...
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31:26
Why Elders Are Losing Their Voices In Some Families
Traditionally, Nigerian culture holds elders in high esteem, valuing their wisdom and leadership in maintaining family order and passing down cultural values. However, as society progresses and modernizes, the authority of e...
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30:51
A Guide To Living A Debt-Free Life In Nigeria
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...
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30:46
Why "Soft Life” Is The New Success
The idea of the “soft life” has ignited a wave of conversations, challenging how we traditionally define success, hard work, and personal fulfillment. In an era dominated by hustle culture, more people are turning toward a lifestyle that pri...
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30:51
Smart Work Strategies For Nigerians
Hustle culture refers to the mentality that glorifies constant work, where productivity and financial success are seen as the ultimate goals. It’s the “no-days-off” mindset that encourages individuals to always be working on...
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30:44
The Unspoken Truth About Being A Firstborn
Being a firstborn child is a unique role, one that is often laced with both pride and pressure. Across different cultures, firstborns are expected to be natural leaders, responsible caretakers, and, at times, trailblazers for their younger s...
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30:41
Why the Hausa Language Will Never Disappear
In a time when globalization threatens cultural identities and indigenous languages are fading away, the Hausa language remains a powerful symbol of resilience. Spoken by millions, Hausa is more than just a language; it connects ...
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30:43
Why Common Sense Isn’t As Common As You Think
“Use your common sense!” It’s a phrase that gets thrown around in everyday conversations, scoldings, and bits of advice across Nigeria, implying that there’s a shared, obvious understanding everyone should have. But here’s the qu...
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29:22
Dating: Old School Vs New Rules
In a world where connections are often fleeting, the timeless dance of dating and courting holds a unique allure. It's a period filled with excitement, anticipation, and the intoxicating thrill of discovering another person experiencing thei...
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29:59
How Sibling Rivalry Affects Family Bond
Sibling rivalry is a natural part of family life, but when left unchecked, it can have serious consequences for both individuals and the family as a whole. It manifests as competition, jealousy, and conflict between brothers and ...
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29:32