The Bearing

Send a text The voting process does not start on the election day. It starts the day one registers to vote.  On August 18, a continued voter registration (CVR) exercise was kicked off by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but many Nigerians appear to be unaware. In this episode of The Bearing, we investigate how the exercise is ongoing and why it is important.

Send a text Marriage is often regarded as the beginning of a beautiful journey — and for many, it is.   For some women, the moment the wedding bells fade, a different kind of pressure sets in: the expectation to conceive immediately. But not every woman is ready. Not because she doesn’t want to be a mother, but because she is unsure of what lies ahead in her new marriage.  How does this decision a...

Send a text From the rhythms of ancient talking drums in Yoruba land, to enchanting Igbo highlife and the vibrant Hausa folk songs of the North — music in Nigeria is more than entertainment.  It’s a living archive, a way Nigerians tell their stories, preserve their heritage, and shape their identity. Join us on this episode of The Bearing to find out the role music plays in promoting culture and i...

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 voting process does not start on the election day. It starts the day one registers to vote.  On August 18, a continued voter registration (CVR) exercise was kicked off by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but many Nigerians appear to be unaware. In this episode of The Bearing, we investigate how the exercise is ongoing and why it is important.

Send a text Marriage is often regarded as the beginning of a beautiful journey — and for many, it is. For some women, the moment the wedding bells fade, a different kind of pressure sets in: the expectation to conceive immediately. But not every woman is ready. Not because she doesn’t want to be a mother, but because she is unsure of what lies ahead in her new marriage. How does this decision affe...

Send a text From physical side effects to emotional and social impact, women often suffer as a result of their use of contraceptives. Every woman is different, and what works for one may not work for another. So, how can a woman choose a contraceptive method that best suits her body and health needs? Join us on this episode of The Bearing to find out.

Send a text Many Nigerians, according to experst, are overusing artificial seasoning and, often, do not even realize it.   But how much seasoning is too much?  And what exactly are the dangers of using too many flavour enhancers in cooking? Join us on this episode of The Bearing to find out.

Send a text It is hard to find any politician—whether campaigning for office or already in power—who does not use young people as “digital foot soldiers”, more popularly known as "Data Boys". While some of these young people benefit from the relationship—either through recognition or opportunities—others are increasingly seen by the public as "attack dogs”. What is driving this digi...

Send a text In recent years, more communities across Northern Nigeria have embraced mandatory medical screening before marriage. This includes tests for genotype compatibility, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis. Interestingly, this shift is often supported by religious leaders: in many mosques and churches, Imams and pastors now encourage premarital testing during marriage counselling.  Why is this happenin...

Send a text In Nigeria, schools go on long breaks from July to September.  For some parents, it is the perfect time to "keep the child’s brain active” because, “if they stay at home, they’ll forget everything!” But experts seem to suggest otherwise. So what should the ideal holiday look like? Join us on this episode of The Bearing to find out.

Send a text The late former President Muhammadu Buhari symbolised a rare personification of austere nationalism. He was one of the very few Nigerians who commanded a cult-like following, especially among the masses in the North, and also influenced the trajectory of Nigeria’s development in many ways. Seven days after his passing, many are still reflecting on the impact of his towering figure on N...

Send a text Hope is not denial. It’s not pretending things are perfect. Hope is a decision — to believe in the possibility of change, even when the present looks dim. So, what does hope look like in Nigeria today? and how do Nigerians keep hope alive? As International Day of Hope is being celebrated worldwide, join us on this episode of The Bearing to find out.

Send a text Work is important—it gives us purpose, income, and identity. But it’s not everything. Without time to rest, connect, and just be, even the best job can turn into a source of burnout and resentment. But, how do you separate your work and personal time? and do you prioritize tasks when both work and personal life demand your attention? Join us on this episode of The Bearing to find out.

Send a text From the rhythms of ancient talking drums in Yoruba land, to enchanting Igbo highlife and the vibrant Hausa folk songs of the North, music in Nigeria is more than entertainment.  It’s a living archive, a way Nigerians tell their stories, preserve their heritage, and shape their identity. As the World Music Day is celebrated, join us on this episode of The Bearing to find out the role m...

Send a text In classrooms across Nigeria, students are increasingly relying on AI tools to complete assignments, raising concerns among teachers about a decline in critical thinking skills. While some view AI as a helpful learning aid, others worry that it is replacing genuine effort and problem-solving. Today on The Bearing, we investigate whether AI is empowering or hindering students, and how i...

Send a text Every year during Eid al-Adha, also known as Sallah, many Nigerian families are faced with the challenge of preserving large quantities of meat. While some rely on traditional methods or modern techniques to store the meat for weeks or even months, others end up wasting it due to lack of proper preservation.  In this episode of Nigeria Daily, we explore the best ways to preserve, share...

Send a text Historically, Niger Republic has been a major source of rams and cattle for Nigeria during the Sallah season.  But with the ban in cross-border movement of animals by the military government there, traders are facing supply chain disruptions, delayed deliveries, and fewer animals crossing into Nigeria legally. With Eid-el Kabir around the corner, this episode of The Bearing investigate...

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Send a text In the heart of Abuja, a silent trade thrives; illicit drugs change hands in broad daylight. From Marijuana to Tramadol, Ice and Crack cocaine.  Even with crackdown by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), dealers regroup, shift bases, and carry on with the illegal trade under the shadows of authorities. In this episode we are looking at How Drug Cartels Opera...

Send a text Every year, students at various levels and varying institutions sit for examinations .  For those at the final stage of their level of education, these exams often determine whether they can progress to the next stage. One such exam that Nigerian students take is the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which serves as a gateway into higher institutions. And, according to...

Send a text AI is evolving rapidly, although some of its most powerful tools are still very new.   We are still trying to figure out how AI will change communication, education, politics or even our sense of what is real. With the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated content, it is getting harder to tell fact from fiction.  And what happens when an AI-driven system hallucinates? Join us on this epis...

Send a text 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 kindness and bravery.   But, as the world evolves, the older generation – who are the guardians of oral tradition – are aging and few young people are inter...

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 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 today's world, it is not uncommon to find women who can look their husbands straight in the eye and call them by their given names. Join us on this episode of The Bear...