TUBALI

Book Complete Document

Writing by

A’isha Garkuwa

DESCRIPTION BOOK

Kano State.

The conference hall at the Arewa 24 TV station in the city of Kano was silent, as the employees sat on elegant chairs surrounding a large table with over fifty seats. In front of each person was a chilled Faro water bottle, Nutrimilk, Maltina, and Chii Exotic juice. Glass cheers cups were neatly placed on the side, along with individual microphones. The senior employees sat on the right, their associates on the left, and the junior employees at the back. Their chief executive was briefing them on the upcoming changes they planned to implement for the beginning of the year.

• He adjusted his posture and glanced to his right, cleared his throat, and asked, “Where is the host for Baƙon Mako?”

Jannart Idris Saleh Dakata raised her head and responded in her soft, composed voice, “I’m here, Sir.”

• Her captivating voice made many people in the room turn to look at her. Her calm demeanor was one reason she had been entrusted with this program. Since the show often invited renowned individuals, it needed someone poised to handle esteemed guests with respect. The CEO continued, “The *Baƙon Mako* program has a significant mission: to bring in prominent individuals, discuss their accomplishments, and highlight the challenges they faced so that our youth can see role models and build the foundation of their lives in a way that promotes dignity, education, and responsibility. This is to ensure they can become models for others in the future.” He paused to take a sip of his Exotic juice.

Meanwhile, Jannart was gently tracing her fingers up and down the microphone in front of her as the room fell silent again. The CEO resumed, saying, “But now, I’m sorry to say, Jannart, the show has weakened considerably. Due to the level of security you maintain, you’re not able to engage freely to bring in distinguished, reputable guests. That’s why the program has faltered; in most episodes, we’re just re-airing old interviews. This is why we received instructions from above, and we’ve been given two options.”

• Jannart lowered her gaze, already sensing where his words were leading. She realized she was on the verge of losing the only job that brought her joy, where she could freely express herself and relax without the presence of bodyguards or her older brother, Junaidu. She anxiously adjusted the earpiece in her ear, lightly biting her lip, which revealed her dimples as her lips glistened. A’isha Lawal, who was sitting next to her, gently squeezed her hand in support. Salman, sitting across from her, closed his eyes, visibly tense.

Their chief continued, “Our first option: This time, we have a specific name. We’re tasked with bringing in a particular individual for an interview because he alone will raise the prestige of the program. But if you can’t, Jannart, or if you can’t ease the security around you to engage him, then we’ll have to let you go from the program and find someone else who can.”

Jannart looked up at him calmly and, despite her fear of losing her job, replied, “Insha’Allah, I can do it.” He looked at her intently, and she nodded, “Yes, I can.”

He nodded back and continued, “Our final instruction is that this guest must be secured, and the interview conducted in two weeks’ time. That means, as of today, you have ten days left.”

Asiya, who was eager to take over the program from Jannart, shifted in her seat and asked, “Sir, who is it? Where can we find him?”

• In a slightly louder tone, he answered, “*Dr. Rayyern Bashir Muhammad Mai-Nasara*.”

Immediately, everyone exchanged glances, stunned. A’isha Lawal, slightly flustered, said, “Sir, Rayyern Bashir Muhammad Mai-Nasara, he…”

The CEO raised his hand to quiet her and said, “I know. He is not just anyone. His reputation precedes him. Even the BBC has never succeeded in getting an interview with him, right?”

Everyone nodded, “Yes! Yes!”

He sighed and continued, “Well, that is our challenge. If we succeed, it will be our first-ever magazine to feature his interview and photo, and Arewa 24 TV will be the first to broadcast his face and image, after his name has become famous throughout Africa. This will elevate the prestige of our program. Now, Jannart, can you manage it, or should we assign it directly to Asiya?”

• Asiya immediately said, “Sir, I can handle it. I don’t have any security restrictions, nor do I need to claim, ‘I am the daughter of so-and-so,’ my work speaks for itself.”