By Misbahu El-Hamza
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in Katsina last week for a two-day visit, and two major events took place during his stay:
1. Project Launch and Security Speech
The President commissioned the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, showcasing 400 new tractors and equipment.
He also announced the second phase of the Katsina – Kano Road project and reaffirmed his commitment to completing the Kano – Jigawa – Katsina – Maradi railway by 2026.
At Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport, he spoke firmly, like a military commander, I’ll say😅, urging security forces to end banditry and terrorism.
2. The Governor’s Daughter’s Wedding
Before returning to Abuja, the President attended the wedding of Governor Dikko Radda’s daughter. Popular praise singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara performed his latest track, ‘Omo Ologo’ (Child of Glory). He delighted guests with praise songs for the bride and the governor’s wives. And within minutes, the performance video went viral on social media and conversation sparked.
The Reaction
Many well-meaning Nigerians expressed disappointment at the public’s reaction to Rarara’s songs.
They felt more attention should have gone to the president’s security message and infrastructure launches and announcements, but not Rarara’s performance.
Some even went as far as accusing fellow citizens of being unserious, as they went as far as comparing Rarara to the late music legend Mamman Shata, instead of engaging in more “important” discussions.
This morning, I saw a Facebook post from a friend recounting an argument with someone over this. He was upset that while Boko Haram and bandits are there killing people, his friend was busy translating the Omo Ologo lyrics. The disagreement escalated between them, and from all indication, that the end of the road for them. One blocked the other.
But Here’s What I Think
We should be civil in the exchange between us about this Rarara’s new song and the reactions to it, or whatever topic it is.
The reality is: we can’t dictate what people choose to discuss, especially online. People will continue choose to talk about entertainment, politics, religion, culture, or security. No one can police those choices.
Even tech giants like Meta and X, who attempt to moderate content, often get criticized for stifling free expression. Many of us have joined those criticisms.
If we want to influence what people focus on, I think the best way to achieve that is to model the behavior. We should instead be seen minding our business, focusing on those topics, rather than simply preaching it.
And let’s be honest. Those of us saying people should talk only about insecurity and hunger may not have posted consistently about those issues themselves in recent months. You can do that reality check for yourself, if you’re one of the ‘serious’ Nigerians accusing others of unseriousness.
The buzz around Omo Ologo will soon die down in a few days, just like past trends. And new topics will surface. Life will move on. With or without Rarara’s songs, or any of us.
There’s no point in allowing something this small to harm our friendships or “make enemies out of allies.”
