The Bearing

Send a text 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 Nigerians toward borrowing.  Whether it’s securing loans for education, medical bills, or just making ends meet, debt has become a part of daily life for most.  But...

Send a text 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 opposite occurs. What is the affordability of the basic food commodities for those preparing for the Sallah festivals during this time? Join us on this episode...

Send a text 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. However, some artisans are suspected of not keeping their promises when it comes to their work. These artisans include tailors, who are often accused...

Send a text 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 begins with the onset of the second ten days of Ramadan. Boys and girls and, sometimes, young men move from one house to another or one market stall to another, wea...

Send a text 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 themselves, even as the odds are often stacked against them. As the International Women's Day is celebrated today, we are looking into the lives of some...

Send a text 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 women are predominantly the victims. Why is this the case? What makes women the most vulnerable targets? Let’s unpack this. Join us on this episod...

Send a text 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 context and personalized treatment. But, with the global spotlight now on cupping therapy – is this new trend slowly overshadowing the rich, tradit...

Send a text 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 examine the tradition and the reasons behind its decline.

Send a text 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 customs have been gradually fading away. What is the reason for this change? Join us on this episode of The Bearing to find out.

Send a text 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 of pride and indicates the continued survival of the family.  Why do some people prefer having male children to having female children? Join us on this episode of The Bea...

Send a text 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 prestigious profession. Why is this the case? Join us on this episode of The Bearing to find out.

Send a text 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 beneath the mask to find out why.

Send a text 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 noticeable shift with some parents giving their children Arabic sounding names that often betray a lack of clear understanding of the meaning behind them...

Send a text 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 or left is an exchange, and the promise of “love” is the ultimate prize. Why is this happening? Why do women sell their love, attention, and affection? Join us on...

Send a text   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 suggests you need favour from them?  Why does the person you used to know and relate with freely now seem a bit or fully withdrawn after assuming a position o...

Send a text 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 under the harsh economic reality. Will this Christmas be as fun as previous years or overshadowed by financial struggles?  In this episode of The Bearing, we visit some m...

Send a text 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 out.

Send a text   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 the country's North. What do these firsts mean for the country, for its people and for its democracy? Join us on this episode of The Bearing to find out.

Send a text 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. In this episode of The Bearing we are looking into the factors that sustained marriages of the past and the lessons those of today can learn therefrom.

Send a text 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 but have failed to succeed. Stay with us on this week's episode of The Bearing as we uncover the reasons for a system in crisis and chart the path forwa...

Send a text 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.  What went wrong? Join us on this episode of The Bearing to find out.

Send a text 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 changed – we see children roaming the streets, hungry and without the hope that this system once promised. How did we get here? How did the system work and what were i...

Send a text 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 the Northwest, 'Owo ori' in the Southwest, or 'Ihu Isi Nwanyi' in the Southeast.  This episode of The Bearing will explore perspectives from...

Send a text 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. Another widespread form of support, known as “black tax,” places the financial burden on family members with stable incomes, who often assist extended family membe...

Send a text 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 have their children’s best interests at heart, does that guarantee they are always right? Join us in this week’s episode of The Bearing as we dive into this thought-provoking...