Katsina, Nigeria- 6km away from the state capital, a remote village houses the most industrious business woman the village of Fadima has ever seen.

Fadima is a community of Hausa-Fulani located along Katsina-Kano road before Eka town. Their main occupation is farming and animal rearing.

On a Thursday morning, Cliqq Magazine visited Fadima village to have a chat with the most industrious and the largest creator of human labor in her local community.

Ramatu, a middle-aged married woman with no formal education, her primary occupation apart being a housewife is the business of making local traditional sweet known in the Hausa community as ‘Carbin Mallam’.

Ramatu has been into the business of making traditional sweets after her first marriage which did not last long, as she begin to narrate her success story sitting on the floor with her body against the wall as she speaks with so much calm regarding her million-naira business.

According to Ramatu” I was introduced to this business through my aunt, she taught me everything I know and the skills on how to make the traditional sweet”.
One can feel the authoritative euphoria once you entered Ramatu’s house with over 70 workers including both young girls & boys processing and packaging the sweets with speed and precision.

Carbin Mallam (Local Sweet) as popularly known, is made with sugar and coconut, wrapped & packaged into smaller bits for consumption especially for young children. Its consumption is very much common to people living in the rural areas. It is consumed in large quantity especially during market days.
After she has learnt the skills, Ramatu started her own business of traditional sweet making with N400 worth of sugar and a single piece of coconut. After every production, she takes it to the nearby local market for people to buy, a routine she continues to do until the business collapsed due to lack of sales and inadequate funds.

“I hardly make profit when I started, I was experiencing a very tough time, I am always running on lost but I was determined to succeed and I kept working so hard”.

With so much resentment in her voice, she told our reporter that “At a point in time my mother & grand mother refused to assist me with some cash as loan to revive my business”. Left with no other option, she sold her matrimonial furniture’s to raise some money which she used in reviving her dying business.

Five years later, Ramatu’s story has become a miracle of success upon success to those who knew how she started and to those who doubted her passion. She makes more money now from selling local sweet (Carbin Mallam) than her aunt who introduced her into the business.

” I make more money now that I can’t notice if there is a decline in my daily earning” she lamented with a bright smile.

When asked how much profit she made on daily basis from her sales, she replied “On daily basis I make the sum of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira)”.

She further stated that “I buy 13 bags of sugar daily at the cost of N13, 500 for each bag”.

This means Ramatu buys over 91 bags of sugar every week to run her business while she makes a profit of N1.4 million weeklies from sales of local sweet (Charbin mallam) that is now being sold across the 34 local government areas in Katsina state and beyond.

Katsina state has been ranked as the 2nd poorest state in Nigeria according to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics.

In Northern Nigeria, especially in rural areas, Girl child education is not given much priority due to factors ranging from economic deprivation, non-availability of schools and lack of enthusiasm by parents to ensure their children get the right education.

In her effort to engage and empower young men and women in her society, she has employed over 80 staff working for her while earning daily income. Majority of her workers are teenagers within the age of 14yr-25yr of age. As at now, she has expanded her market penetration to states like Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos state.

Yusuf Iro, a resident of Fadima told Cliqq Magazine that “Ramatu’s local sweets is being transported to the southern parts of Nigeria”.

Safiya, who works for Ramatu said “Ever since I started working with her, I no longer ask my parents for money, I use the income I get to pay for my school fees and that of my siblings”.

Aisha aged 20years old also added that she no longer disturbs her parents for money, from the income she gets, she provides food for her parents, pay her school fees as well”.

Due to her business of making sweets, young teenagers can now afford to go to school and get the necessary education from the income they earn from Ramatu.

Cliqq Magazine found out that on average, each worker gets a minimum of N500 to N3000 daily, but that depends on the quantity of bits one can make.

According to Ramatu, her dream is to empower young women with skills that will generate income for themselves.

Ramatu has become a role model not only to the people of her community but the entire northern Nigerian women that with hard work & perseverance, they can achieve success in whatever they put their minds into.
For Ramatu, her only challenge is the high price at which she buys bags of sugar and therefore appeal to government to provide subsidy, so she can be able to buy more bags of sugar, which will result to more profit and obviously create job opportunities for Ramatu to employ more people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLtLc2iiWnY&t=5s


'Women Making a Difference Series' focuses on Women who are making remarkable impact in our society in various aspect of life from Entrepreneurship, Cooperate & Social Enterprises. These Women are constantly adding value to our lives & equally providing solutions to our daily problems. New guest will be featured every week, New Episode will be released every Monday by 8pm on YouTube Channel 'Cliqq TV' & our Facebook page 'Cliqq TV'. Please endeavor to watch, share and comment as we tell our own stories to the world. Our Guest for the 1st episode was the CEO Red Ribbon Restaurant

Women Making a Difference Series' focuses on Women who are making remarkable impact in our society in various aspect of life from Entrepreneurship, Cooperate & Social Enterprises. These Women are constantly adding value to our lives & equally providing solutions to our daily problems. New guest will be featured every week, New Episode will be released every Monday by 8pm on YouTube Channel 'Cliqq TV' & our Facebook page 'Cliqq TV'. Please endeavor to watch, share and comment as we tell our own stories to the world. Our Guest for the 1st episode was the CEO Dja Unique Event Planner.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QB9fAsAc2s&feature=youtu.be

Biography & business type?

My name is Almustapha Abdulkadir JA (Mustyja), I am 24years old, I am from Funtua, Katsina state, I came from a well-known and respected family, and we are financially secured Alhamdulillah. I am a graduate of BSc industrial chemistry from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University Katsina. I am an entrepreneur, CEO of majdesigns (shoes and clothing company).

What inspired you to start up your business?

Well, seeing young entrepreneurs striving to be successful inspired me to start this business and aim higher, also the stories of successful business men, such as Aliko Dangote, Bill Gate, Mark Zuckerberg and co really inspired me.

Can you describe your typical customers?

My customers are everywhere, both male and female benefit from products, because I sell different products, kaftan, shoes, customized t-shirts and baseball caps.

What is your Market outreach?

. I am a media man, so I use the opportunity to advertise my products online, through my social media accounts @majdesigns_ on twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

How did you get funded or what creative strategies did you use to execute on minimal cash flow?

I started my business with 20 thousand naira, I was funded by a strong and loving woman, my mother. She actually gave me the money as a loan in order to make me take the business serious (laughs). I started with only shoes, I dedicated myself to the business, working hard every day then gradually expanded by making customized products and kaftans and Alhamdulillah I’m now running a successful business.

What habits & mindset helped in shaping your core values as an entrepreneur?

Hard work and determination are the key to success, it’s only too late if you don’t start, you just need to start and dream big, the beginning doesn’t matter but the finish line.

How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?

Having competitors makes you want to perfect your products, to make them unique, so I make a difference in terms of brand name, quality and packaging, just to please my customers and make them want more from me.

What was your biggest mistake?

Sending my products to a customer I met online without him making payment, after he got them he never looked back. I hope I don’t encounter such problem in the future.

How can you describe the challenges you have faced & the experiences attached to it?

Well, I faced quite a lot of challenges when I started my business, one of which is not being able to deliver my products nationwide on time and in a cheaper way but as time goes on I came up with a solution to that and everything is going smoothly now. I experienced that with hard work and dedication you can achieve anything.

How did you deal with failure & how did you learn from failure?

Being unable to deliver on time was one of the major problems, due to less man-power but as time goes on I employed more people and got it solved.

So far what did you learn regarding becoming an entrepreneur?

I’ve learned that having your own business and money makes you financially independent, you may not need any financial assistance but rather be the one who help/assist others. In business you have to be patient and accept any challenge that’s comes your way, dedicate yourself to it and keep working hard.

What would you have done differently if you were to start again?

Emm, nothing really, I’m happy with the way I started, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have a lot of experience now, so Alhamdulillah.

What is your vision for your business & advice to upcoming entrepreneurs?

To see my business grow and be one of the best in the world, I don’t intend on stopping/slowing down, I’ll keep working hard, the goal is to be successful. The advice I can give to upcoming entrepreneur is, they can start with the little they have, nothing is too small, and they just need to dedicate themselves to it, be honest and do better. They should also make their products affordable to everyone, that’s how you attract customers and gain more profit.
http://www.cliqqmagazine.com/2018/09/personality-of-week-how-ceo-majidesigns.html

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old lady, Zinatu Abubakar, who is allegedly fond of drugging commercial motorcycle operators and snatching of motorcycles in the State.

In a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, S. P. Gambo Isa, and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Katsina it was said that the suspect belonged to a syndicate of notorious thieves operating in the state.

S. P. Isa said the suspect drugged a motorcyclist, Gide Wada, who was conveying her from Kofar-Kaura to Sokoto Rima Quarters in Katsina metropolis.

The police spokesman said Wada had to park his motorcycle when he started becoming drowsy after he ate a piece of chocolate the suspect gave to him as they were moving to her destination.

According to him, it was after the victim parked the motorcycle that he became unconscious and the suspects’ accomplices, one Abubakar and Chairman, now at large, attempted to snatch the motorcycle.

He explained that the accomplices ran into the bush when the condition of the motorcyclist attracted the attention of people nearby, who apprehended Zinatu and handed her over to the police.

Isa claimed that the suspect had confessed to having been committing such offenses in Kaduna and Kano states, adding that the police were on the trail of her accomplices.

He advised Okada riders and commercial drivers not to take food from people they know nothing about, so as not to become victims of robbery.

http://www.cliqqmagazine.com/2018/08/meet-zinatu-who-specializes-in.html

Katsina Sallah durbar is considered to be the Arewa carnival festival, it has been into existence for over 100 years.

Mostly the durbar is part of series of activities in celebrating sallah festivities.

http://www.cliqqmagazine.com/2018/08/exclusive-pictures-why-katsina-sallah.html

CliqqMagazine:
Cliqq Magazine had an exclusive interview with a security guard named Sani who is attached to Fatima Shema Estate who was brutally assaulted on Sunday 8th June, 2018 by officers of the Nigerian Security & Civil defense corps in Katsina causing great injuries.

Cliqq Magazine: Can you tell us your name & what do you do for a living?

My name is Sani, a resident of Dandagoro and I am a security (Vigilante) attached to Fatima Shame estate.

Cliqq Magazine: Can you tell us what happened between you and officers of the Nigerian Civil defense Corps on Sunday 8th of June 2018?
What happened was, there is a rule which mandated that after 10pm, tricycles & motorcycles should not be allowed entry into the estate for security purposes. So one of their officers wearing kaftan came back to the estate at around 11pm, when he arrived, I told him about the rule and that the stipulated time has passed, so he discharge the commercial motorcyclist and began abusing my parents which I couldn’t resist, so I abused him back. So he left threatening that he will take drastic measures against me. After a while, at around 12am midnight, he came back along with other officers including him. The names of the officers are Murtala Tambai, Yusuf Shafiu Shinkafi and Abdulmumini Modoji.

Cliqq Magazine: From where did he brought them?

The officers he brought were attached to a government official residence of one Special Adviser that resides within the estate.
But for the officer, he works at the Civil defense outpost attached to the estate, which he reports daily by 8pm for his night shift.
When they arrived, they asked me to follow them back to the estate office, which I told them I have to inform my superiors before I leave. After my response they began to hit me with their gun and boots, my colleagues seeing how desperate the officers were, quickly called our superior who resides within the estate to inform him on the situation regarding my situation, but despite all plea, they kept hitting me and began to drag me on the floor until we reached my boss residence which he immediately intervened and questioned them on why where they dragging and beating me like a criminal, I narrated the story to him on what exactly happened. Upon that, they also called their superior too, after his arrival, he expressed disappointment with the way they treated me and ordered them to take me to the hospital for immediate treatment which they did. But unfortunately I was left alone at the hospital to cater for my bills for the injuries they inflicted on me.

Cliqq Magazine: Have you taken any measures to report the incident to the police or any other relevant agency?

I was being told by the estate committee to be patient and that they will take all necessary action and steps to ensure justice is served. But as I speak to you now, I have not heard anything from them.

Cliqq Magazine reached out to the spokesperson of the Nigerian Civil defense corps for his comment on the issue but he told reporter that he was not aware of such matter.

Cliqq Magazine had an exclusive interview with a security guard named Sani who is attached to Fatima Shema Estate who was brutally assaulted on Sunday 8th June, 2018 by officers of the Nigerian Security & Civil defense corps in Katsina causing great injuries.

Cliqq Magazine: Can you tell us your name & what do you do for a living?

My name is Sani, a resident of Dandagoro and I am a security (Vigilante) attached to Fatima Shame estate.

Cliqq Magazine: Can you tell us what happened between you and officers of the Nigerian Civil defense Corps on Sunday 8th of June 2018?
What happened was, there is a rule which mandated that after 10pm, tricycles & motorcycles should not be allowed entry into the estate for security purposes. So one of their officers wearing kaftan came back to the estate at around 11pm, when he arrived, I told him about the rule and that the stipulated time has passed, so he discharge the commercial motorcyclist and began abusing my parents which I couldn’t resist, so I abused him back. So he left threatening that he will take drastic measures against me. After a while, at around 12am midnight, he came back along with other officers including him. The names of the officers are Murtala Tambai, Yusuf Shafiu Shinkafi and Abdulmumini Modoji.

Cliqq Magazine: From where did he brought them?

The officers he brought were attached to a government official residence of one Special Adviser that resides within the estate.
But for the officer, he works at the Civil defense outpost attached to the estate, which he reports daily by 8pm for his night shift.
When they arrived, they asked me to follow them back to the estate office, which I told them I have to inform my superiors before I leave. After my response they began to hit me with their gun and boots, my colleagues seeing how desperate the officers were, quickly called our superior who resides within the estate to inform him on the situation regarding my situation, but despite all plea, they kept hitting me and began to drag me on the floor until we reached my boss residence which he immediately intervened and questioned them on why where they dragging and beating me like a criminal, I narrated the story to him on what exactly happened. Upon that, they also called their superior too, after his arrival, he expressed disappointment with the way they treated me and ordered them to take me to the hospital for immediate treatment which they did. But unfortunately I was left alone at the hospital to cater for my bills for the injuries they inflicted on me.

Cliqq Magazine: Have you taken any measures to report the incident to the police or any other relevant agency?

I was being told by the estate committee to be patient and that they will take all necessary action and steps to ensure justice is served. But as I speak to you now, I have not heard anything from them.

Cliqq Magazine reached out to the spokesperson of the Nigerian Civil defense corps for his comment on the issue but he told reporter that he was not aware of such matter.

http://www.cliqqmagazine.com/2018/08/investigation-how-officers-of-nscdc.html

CliqqMagazine:
Following the ban on Codeine cough syrup by the Nigerian government after a heart touching documentary ‘Sweet Sweet Codeine’ by BBC Africa that exposed companies involved in the business of illegal sales of codeine.

The documentary has sparked a lot of debate and agitation on both social media platforms and other media outlets across the country on how to fight the menace posed by massive consumption of the syrup.

Cliqq Magazine confirmed that the price of Codeine cough syrup has hiked to N3,500-N4, 500 per bottle in the city of Katsina (Katsina State), located in the north western part of the country. The level of its consumption according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is alarming in states the like Kano & Katsina which are ranked among the top states in the country with the highest level of codeine syrup consumption.

In a chart with one of the codeine retail sellers in the state, who spoke under condition of anonymity told Cliqq Magazine that it is now difficult for them to get their daily supply of the syrup, most of their shops and houses are under surveillance by security agents according to him.
“Before I sell up to 100-200 bottles a day to mostly students and women, but my stock has finished now, there is huge demand for the syrup, my customers are willing to pay any amount to get their syrup” he lamented.
Read full report here

http://www.cliqqmagazine.com/2018/05/alarming-codeine-syrup-sells-at-N4,000.html

Following the ban on Codeine cough syrup by the Nigerian government after a heart touching documentary ‘Sweet Sweet Codeine’ by BBC Africa that exposed companies involved in the business of illegal sales of codeine.

The documentary has sparked a lot of debate and agitation on both social media platforms and other media outlets across the country on how to fight the menace posed by massive consumption of the syrup.

Cliqq Magazine confirmed that the price of Codeine cough syrup has hiked to N3,500-N4, 500 per bottle in the city of Katsina (Katsina State), located in the north western part of the country. The level of its consumption according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is alarming in states the like Kano & Katsina which are ranked among the top states in the country with the highest level of codeine syrup consumption.

In a chart with one of the codeine retail sellers in the state, who spoke under condition of anonymity told Cliqq Magazine that it is now difficult for them to get their daily supply of the syrup, most of their shops and houses are under surveillance by security agents according to him.
“Before I sell up to 100-200 bottles a day to mostly students and women, but my stock has finished now, there is huge demand for the syrup, my customers are willing to pay any amount to get their syrup” he lamented.
Read full report here

http://www.cliqqmagazine.com/2018/05/alarming-codeine-syrup-sells-at-N4000.html

KATSINA—Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, yesterday, said civil servants in the state have become lazy and failed to tap available opportunities through retraining and updating their knowledge, hence the government resorted to engaging consultants.

Governor Masari spoke while swearing in the new Head of Service, Idris Tune, at the General Muhammadu Buhari Government House. He stressed that retraining through workshops, seminars and related avenues, enable civil servants to compete favourably at the national level.

According to him, “the cooperation from the middle and most senior civil servants in the government is not as we expect. “We try to improve the quality so that we remove a lot of these consultancy businesses in the service.

But really, what we found out is that it appears some sections of the civil service are not keen or interested, or have lost touch, because lack of training or exposure makes someone lazy.

“Most of our senior civil servants have basic qualifications to go higher even to become more knowledgeable, but they have become lazy.

“Unless you do catch-up, how can you participate at the national level when you don’t improve yourself?” Masari, called on the new Head of Service to make training and retraining of civil servants a priority to enable them become competitive nationally, urging him to treat people with justice and fairness, and work for the transformation of the state civil service.

Speaking, the new Head of Service said staff development is his priority and watchword.

One person died, as dozen in severe injury carrying supporters of Hon. Ahmed Babba Kaita during his campaign rally along Charanchi-Bindawa LG axis.

Cliqq Magazine was told that the deceased died at the spot of the accident scene while others are currently receiving treatment at Katsina General Hospital.
If you could recall Cliqq Magazine reported that the APC flag bearer for the upcoming Daura zone senatorial election Hon. Ahmed Babba Kaita Flag off his campaign in Daura few days ago.
Among his fierce contender and ace rival is his blood brother from the opposition party Kabiru Babba Kaita from People’s Democratic Party (PDP).