Author: Osmund Agbo
Whether or not cryonics ultimately works remains to be seen. Who knows whether in the future and with the right amount of money, one might be able to purchase additional years of life. The hope is that these extended years will not be marred by pain and suffering typically associated with an aged body, for what joy is there in immortality without peace and happiness? Scientists have gone from crafting flying contraptions capable of moving massive payloads through unfriendly skies to exploring the vast expanse of the cosmos, affirming that the concept of impossibility is nothing. Yet, their ambition now…
Until we confront the scourge of poverty that plagues our nation, efforts to instill moral education in schools or embark on moral rejuvenation campaigns will amount to a Sisyphean task. As the Abami Eda, Fela Kuti aptly proclaimed, “Teacher, don’t teach me nonsense.” Without addressing the democracy of stomach, all other endeavors are rendered inconsequential. Nigeria stands as a sprawling crime landscape, where a myriad of criminal activities occur with alarming regularity, yet perpetrators are acutely aware of the severe consequences awaiting them if apprehended. From witnessing petty thieves being stoned to death to others meeting a fiery demise, one…
Financial strain significantly contributes to marital discord, with love, while crucial, often taking a backseat to the practical importance of financial stability. Love’s transformative power for sure enables acceptance of traits incongruent with core values, but this hinges on fulfilling basic needs, a significant portion of which involves financial stability. Settling on this title, I anticipated entering a delicate realm. Over the years, I’ve fervently professed my love to my wife, affirming that she is the most beautiful soul in my life and that our unbreakable bond rests on the strength of our love. While this holds truth, recent experiences…
In a world that often demands answers, the most profound wisdom lies in the simple act of singing our own song, irrespective of whether it holds the key to life’s mysteries. In a recent conversation, my good friend Joe posed what I believed was a thought-provoking question: “Why do you keep writing?” This interrogation, replete with profound connotations, subtly conveyed his conviction that expending substantial temporal resources on the lamentation of the world’s ostensibly insurmountable predicaments, stands as a notably futile pursuit. From his perspective, it becomes manifestly apparent that individuals like me, inclusive of those within the public intellectual…
Amidst systemic issues and a leadership vacuum, the public’s enthusiasm to embrace ostensible transformation underscores a collective craving for redemption. The applause extends beyond an individual’s professed reform to become an entreaty for a more luminous, virtuous future. The wearied public, acclimated to maladministration, proves a malleable audience, significantly lowering the threshold for commendable leadership The recent buzz in Nigerian news centers around the Betta Edu scandal – a 37-year-old doctor who, until her suspension, was the nation’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. She diverted a staggering 585 million Naira meant for the society’s most vulnerable into a…
Pope Francis is at the helm during this pivotal moment in the intricate history of the church, grappling with one of the most formidable challenges of his tenure. His task is Herculean – to maintain unity among the faithful while navigating the complex web between the liberal and conservative factions within the church, each exerting potent forces in opposing directions. Last Sunday, as my family and I were engrossed in the the solemn liturgy of the Holy Eucharist at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church and recited “The Confiteor”, my contemplations were dominated by reflections on the Supreme Pontiff and the…
Externally, the public may perceive these individuals as trim or even skinny. However, beneath the concealment of clothing lies the reality of sagging skin, evoking comparisons to a deflated balloon. A veil of embarrassment shrouds these individuals, preventing them from revealing their bodies even to their partners, compelling a perpetual need for cover. In a serendipitous encounter, I crossed paths with an old school mate of mine, whimsically dubbed Fluffy Carol, back in those days. Famous for her arresting charm and infectious smile during our shared medical residency, she was, in many ways, the life of the party, if we…
“A Christmas Carol” explores several enduring themes, including the consequences of greed and selfishness, the power of redemption and change, and the importance of compassion and generosity. Dickens uses the character of Scrooge to criticize societal injustices and advocate for a more compassionate approach to life, particularly during the holiday season. In a rare departure from the familiar warmth of celebrating Christmas surrounded by my wife and kids, I found myself immersed in the vibrant chaos of Lagos, Nigeria – a sprawling mega-city pulsating with life. This also marked my initial experience observing the most significant Christian holiday in a…
When you venture to Lagos or Kano, strive for success—that’s commendable. We applaud your pride in your hard-earned accomplishments after years of sacrificing comfort and pleasure. However, it’s counterproductive to boast about owning sixty-five percent of Lekki or Sabin-gari, an assertion that, frankly is ludicrous. But even if it were true, how does it serve you to alienate your host community, creating an impression of a hidden territorial agenda? Lagos is located in a geographical space that belongs to the Yorubas and not the exclusive domain of the Ezeigbo of Epe or Ikotun Nigerian Millennials and Gen Zs probably have…
A noteworthy accomplishment during Tambuwal’s tenure as Speaker was the comprehensive review of the flawed 1999 constitution. Currently serving as a senator and appointed as the chairman of the Senate committee on housing on August 8, 2023, Tambuwal continues to contribute to legislative initiatives. Yet, despite his formidable credentials and substantial influence in Nigeria’s socio-politico-cultural landscape for over two decades, Tambuwal cannot entirely divest himself from culpability in a nation beleaguered by visionless and reckless leadership. If there are traits I share with my late father, I believe one of them is that we both don’t suffer fools…