Author: Osmund Agbo
The relationship between Israel, the Jewish state, and Iran hasn’t always been as hostile as it is today. In fact, under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran and Israel maintained a pragmatic relationship. The two nations engaged in economic and military cooperation, sharing concerns about the rise of Arab nationalism and Soviet influence in the region. However, the 1979 Iranian Revolution dramatically altered this dynamic. In the land where the Zag rod Mountains meet the horizon and vast deserts tell tales of ancient times lies a country historically known as Persia. Its history weaves the rich mosaic of human civilization. From…
The prevailing narrative suggests that Northern politicians largely resist this idea, which is true; however, past Southern presidents, from Obasanjo to Jonathan, exhibited little to no interest in genuine power devolution, fearing a diminishment of their executive authority. Jonathan convened the 2014 confab, but when it came to implementing its recommendations, he demurred, prioritizing his political survival. Before assuming the presidency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) exuded confidence in his capacity to rescue Nigeria from its dire circumstances. Those were the days of big dreams and great visions. Today, BAT confronts the harsh realities of leadership, realizing that the complexities of…
When faced with the choice between understanding how the world should work in theory versus how it actually operates in practice, prioritize the latter. Historian Will Durant aptly put it: “Logic is an invention of man and may be ignored by the universe.” Embracing this perspective allows us to navigate the complexities of human behavior more effectively and achieve more realistic and impactful outcomes. If anyone is in doubt that stupidity is winning globally, look no further than the United States of America. Recently, the land of Lincoln, Franklin, and Hamilton, once a crucible where inspiring leaders are forged, has…
Fact is, the controversy surrounding Wole Soyinka’s recent comments isn’t solely about his critique of Peter Obi. The deeper issue lies in the perceived shift of a man long seen as a symbol of resistance, morality, and sanity—a stalwart against military dictators and political deceit—now seeming reluctant to criticize Bola Tinubu. Despite the opacity and controversies surrounding Tinubu’s rise, Soyinka’s stance appears tempered by his long-standing personal relationship with him. This implicit bias has complicated matters for Soyinka. On October 2, 1996, the world-renowned American cyclist Lance Armstrong faced a devastating blow: a diagnosis of testicular cancer. Just as his…
For me, if I could ask God for anything, it would be to bring back my parents and give me even a single opportunity to show my love and appreciation for their sacrifices. I long to offer them the little luxuries they denied themselves so we could have a better life. This desire is a sentiment I hold deeply and cherish profoundly. When Luther Vandross released “Dance with My Father” in May 2003, he was hospitalized, recovering from a stroke. Despite his condition and minimal promotion, the song quickly became one of the most requested tracks of the time. Its…
“It takes extraordinary courage to stand up for the sake of all in a world where most choose to play it safe, while the rest hope to be rewarded for their silence.”-Osmund Agbo This piece is inspired by my recent patient encounter here in the United States. Within the past week, I received a call from the Emergency Room to admit a 29-year-old African-American female whom, for the sake of this essay, I will call Keisha. Keisha presented with severe lower abdominal pain and was found to have a ridiculously high blood pressure, the type that will cause you to…
Because of Isreal, America is making a mockery of itself by claiming to be a bastion of Democracy. Israel’s war in Gaza, fought with money from American taxpayers, has led to the loss of around 32,000 lives, predominantly women and children. The infrastructure in Gaza lies in ruins, fueling widespread famine and disease. Despite the U.S. airlifting aid to Gaza, it paradoxically persists in furnishing Israel with sophisticated weaponry, a stance that defies logic. In March 2014, about two years prior to the 2016 United States presidential election, all roads led to the Venetian, a 5-star resort in the heart…
The motivation behind the case against Bobrisky remains unclear. Whether he was merely a convenient scapegoat to appease certain aggrieved parties who are unhappy with his boldness in embracing his queer lifestyle, or not, selective punishment is unjustifiable, even for a flamboyant cross-dresser. Earlier this week, Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, a prominent Nigerian celebrity cross-dresser, received a six-month jail term without the option of a fine following a legal proceeding initiated by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bobrisky was indicted on four counts of currency abuse, specifically for publicly dispersing Naira notes, an act contravening Section…
Prof. Odinkalu speaks with the sagacity of a revered elder, drawing you into his counsel as if you were sitting across from your venerable grandfather. An intellectual endowed with a radical edge, his discourse instills a profound sense of introspection, leaving even the most influential figures apprehensive of his insights. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly. On August 5, 2005, the observatory team representing a coalition of the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) raised a matter of urgent concerns. Agents of the State Security Service (SSS), acting on orders from above, were searching…
It’s my contention that there exists a proclivity among humans to excessively lean on innate intelligence and inherent abilities, while simultaneously underestimating the pivotal role of hard work, unwavering determination, relentless perseverance, and the invaluable insights gleaned from traversing through disappointments along the challenging path of personal and professional advancement. “Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” In this famous quote, Stephen King, an American author known for his prolific work in the horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, and fantasy genres reflected through his own journey,…