Author: Osmund Agbo
By Osmund Agbo Imagine if our leaders could draw wisdom from history, recognising that the surefire way to avoid toppling and violence is to honour constitutionally mandated term limits, conduct transparent elections, and gracefully step aside. It’s not only the right path; it’s also the easier one. Somewhere in Central Africa, Western scientists and conservationists, entranced by the paradisiacal beauty of 270,000 square kilometers of space covered in lush rainforest and teeming with wildlife, found an earthly paradise. It is the country of Gabon, with a population estimated at 2.3 million people, featuring coastal plains, mountains (the Crystal Mountains and the…
Whether the reverberations of the Covid-19 pandemic dissipate eventually, or if life assimilates into a novel state of normalcy, the crux of this narrative remains: life and careers are in a perpetual state of evolution. Inevitable change necessitates our adaptation; failure to do so may result in succumbing to its relentless tide. Though often described as friendly and a great team player, I sometimes find myself harboring strong opinions. When pushed, my personality on occasion could veer towards the rebellious. I disdain formal meetings, struggle with office politics, and am poorly schooled in the art of kissing anyone’s behind. These…
Fela lived an anarchist lifestyle and was never a man of immense wealth, yet his stature remains unparalleled, transcending sports figures, music icons, academics, businessmen, and even past and present heads of state – both domestically and internationally. His enduring legacy serves as a potent reminder that our focus should be on noble ideals, rather than being ensnared by the allure of wealth and primitive acquisitions This month commemorates the 26th anniversary of the ascent to higher realms of Nigeria’s most recognizable cultural icon: a figure whose essence has ignited Broadway productions. Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the Abami Eda, revered high priest…
One of the personalities cleared to be a Minister is His Excellency Bello Muhammad Matawale, Governor of Zamfara State, for four years from 2019. I am not concerned here about the N70 billion corruption charges the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, levelled against him or his counter-allegation that then EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, allegedly demanded a $2 million bribe from him. Rather, I am concerned why Senior Secondly School final year students in Zamfara State have for some years not taken the basic West African School Certificate because as Governor, Matawalle, a professional teacher, refused to pay the examination…
So, when a people are electing their president, they must be reminded that they are also electing the commander-in-chief of their nation’s armed forces. When Mahmoud Yakubus and Festus Okoyes of INEC decide to rig presidential elections, they must know that they are not just fabricating an illegitimate president, but that they are also commissioning an illegitimate commander-in-chief who will not be able to command the respect and loyalty of the young men and women of the Nigerian armed forces. The unfolding drama in the West African nation of Niger Republic has got me thinking – as it should do…
War stands as a perpetually futile response to challenges. The culmination of one conflict frequently unfurls the prologue to yet another. Upon the US intervention in Iraq, extinguishing Saddam Hussein and unsettling not merely Iraq, but the vast expanse of the Middle East, a subsequent expedition ensued to counter a new group of barbarians recognized as Islamic State (ISIS) —unveiling the cyclic nature of armed struggles. This tempestuous cascade reverberated globally, manifesting through a kaleidoscope of terrorist entities in locales spanning from Libya and Yemen to the intricate tapestry of nations adorning Africa’s Sahel region. It’s often said that major…
In the realm of human achievement, the stories of world-famous autodidacts challenge the conventional notion of over-reliance on formal education as the sole path to wisdom and success. History is replete with examples of remarkable individuals who, despite lacking formal education, possessed extraordinary wisdom and made enduring contributions to society. “Dreams from My Father” is a poignant memoir by Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. In this compelling narrative, Obama reflects on his personal journey of self-discovery, identity, and the search for belonging. Spanning his early years in Hawaii to his travels to Africa, the book delves…
Editorial The destiny of the Labour Party as the liberating third force in Nigeria is at a crossroads. Only time will reveal if they will uphold their reputation or succumb to the allure of sharing the national cake like their major party counterparts. However, one thing remains certain: the LP, which garnered immense support from passionate Nigerian youths, who defended, campaigned, and voted for change, must not lose its distinct identity. Abandoning their mission for politics as usual would be a tragic letdown. It now falls on the shoulders of Peter Obi and the LP leadership to carry this…
By Osmund Agbo A fortnight ago while embarking on a condolence visit with a friend who lost his brother, I got sucked into a heated exchange with a couple of friends. Our commute took us to the old road that passes through the iconic Enugwu Ngwo Milken hill. That was the first time in almost three decades that I plied that route. It used to be a death valley that had cut down so many in their primes and upended the lives of a good number of families. Today, the road is neatly paved with needed guardrails, painstakingly installed in…