Na as goat stand for market dem dey price am. For Naija, make we yarn about correction, Wey dey needed for dis our nation. E go better make we face di truth, And tackle corruption wit strong resolution. From top to down, e don dey enta bone, Government people dey flex, dey chop alone. Money wey for develop, e dey disappear, Na so e dey happen year after year. Election time, na so we dey see, Politicians dey share money, dey do jamboree. But wen e reach to serve di people right, Dem dey vanish, dem no dey in…
Author: Prince Charles Dickson PhD
“When a people have suffered for too long, they will drink fairytales on fairylands with insatiable gullibility.” (Hamilton Ayuk). I will start this admonishment with a guest in whom many have found love…when we got promoted he was there, he has been there, for better for worse, in sickness and in health; for richer, for poorer he was there. That time when Ali woke up and found a text message on his partner’s phone and realized she was cheating, my guest was there to help him cry and lick his wounds. A brand that has been on the top for…
Strangely this essay had its foundations in 1968 and was in its original form published in the old Daily Times. Writing under the topic ‘THE EDUCATION WE WANT MUST HAVE TECHNICAL BIAS’ Tai Solarin said “I have been asked to say briefly what I think of our education now and in the future. Quite strange that we are already in that future and we still do not know what kind of education we want to run, is it Universal Basic, or Universal Primary, is it Unity Schools owned by government or the Unity schools owned by Businessmen that want to…
Any unauthorized exhibition, distribution, or copying of this play or any part thereof (including innuendos) will not result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious and taken to heart at your own risk. The scene is an Amala restaurant in the city centre of Lagos run by some very ebullient Hausa sisters. It is a melting point for a potpourri of scholars, creatives, and artisans, you meet everyone there, a miniature Nigeria Chris: How is it that those kidnapped children, over 100 of them had well measured clothes all sewed…
People often ask me, ‘Will, where do you get your jokes?’ I just tell ’em, ‘Well, I watch the government and report the facts, that is all I do, and I don’t even find it necessary to exaggerate. ~ Will Rogers On an average Nigeria is good, her people are a bunch of good Bananas, only a few rotten, gives the whole bunch a bad look and that particular rotten smell. Nigeria, ideally is one of the best places to live in, it is not a Police State like so-called Western Democracies.. In Nigeria you can urinate anywhere and not…
In Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape, there exists a phenomenon often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of political power and fame—the plight of the forgotten men. These individuals, once wielders of influence and authority, find themselves relegated to the sidelines of society’s collective memory once their time in the spotlight fades. This essay explores the fallacy of power, politics, and fame in Nigeria, emphasizing the transient nature of these constructs and the tendency of Nigerian politicians to fade into obscurity once they lose their grip on power. Power, in its various manifestations, is often perceived as the ultimate prize in…
Introduction: Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a key driver of social and economic development. Recognizing the importance of promoting gender equality, Plateau State has established the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (GEOC) to address gender disparities and promote equal opportunities for all individuals. This essay explores the significance of the GEOC to Plateau State, its journey under Olivia Dazyam’s leadership, perspectives and insights on GEO laws, basic concepts of gender, and the gender situation in Plateau. Additionally, it extends congratulations to the state governor for the establishment of the commission. Importance of the Plateau State Gender and…
It is a trap that the giant rat disdains that wrenches its testicles backwards. Dangers that one belittles are liable to cause great havoc. When Amy and I were first married, we purchased a really small home built in 1960. The only two closets in the entire house were shoebox size. We moved in and hung a few shirts and pants in each closet. That was it. No more room. We put a couple of pairs of shoes in each closet, which maxed out the floor space. Uh-oh. What about our big bag of dog food, board games, photo albums,…
If you have read the book, A History of Alternative Dispute Resolution, the work offers a comprehensive review of the various types of peaceful practices for resolving conflicts. Written by Jerome Barrett—a long time practitioner, innovator, and leading historian in the field of ADR—and his son Joseph Barrett, this volume traces the evolution of the ADR process and offers an overview of the precursors to ADR, including negotiation, arbitration, and mediation. The authors explore the colorful beginnings of ADR using illustrative examples from prehistoric Shaman through the European Law Merchant. In addition, the book offers the historical context for the…
Last week I wrote on “Is reciting the National Anthem by Force?”, and today this is the concluding part, also written some 18 years ago. I start this essay with the critics’ anthem, one that has always inspired me. It is by H.G. Wells and he says “we are going to write about it all. We are going to write about business and finance and politics and pretences and pretentiousness, and decorum and indecorum, until a thousand pretences and ten thousand impostors shrivel in the cold, …we are going to write about wasted opportunities and latent beauties, until a thousand…
Beware the fury of a patient man. ~ John Dryden The Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) Chief Ajuri Ngelale sent out a state house press release, the summary being that the President was directing the MANDATORY RECITATION OF THE NATIONAL PLEDGE AFTER THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS. I wrote this piece in its original form in 2006…but I am rehearsing it again because (1) we don’t listen, (2) it is important that we listen, and (3) Cassandra in Greek legend, I recall, was condemned to know the future but to be disbelieved when she foretold it.…
Former President Muhammadu Buhari cannot stay in Daura without those big guns—Professor Usman Yusuf. One of the comments to this was; this is what happens when a leader stubbornly keeps the cubs of lions as pets. When the cubs grow, it will become a danger to both the owner and the villager… The original topic of this admonition was actually Arewa, chills, vibes, In Shaa Allah, and Masha Allah, but because we attach so much to religion and lack spirituality and equally do not have faith, I decided that I was not going to stir the hornet’s nest more than…
Last week, I had the honor of a deep dive conversation with very respected men and women of the press, from the traditional to the digital space, citizen journalists, bloggers and more. It is an interesting cohort, and I am sure that at the end of this initiative, the impacts would be felt. Let me quickly appreciate the Search For Common Ground’s Katlong, Daniel, Temisan, Emmanuela, Fatima Madaki, the Country Director, and all the wonderful souls and the work we all do in this space. My presentation was about the complex dynamics at the intersection of religion and human rights…
I will start my essay by extensively copying extracts from a public lecture that was given by Prof Sola Adeyeye… Alas, the average Nigerian mind has been buffeted and drowned by gales of superstition and supernaturalism. In my second year at Ilesa Grammar School, I was smitten by love for a girl who was at St. Margaret School, Ilesa. I felt that I had little chance of winning her hand in love. It occurred to me that I could become most popular if I could win the 100 yards race for junior students. I knew that St. Margaret girls would…
“In elementary school my parents told me it didn’t matter what I did when I grew up, so long as it made me happy. ‘Happiness is the whole point of life,’ my father said. ‘But it doesn’t always come easy. Your mother loves to help people in need, so she became a psychiatric nurse. I love reading, writing and poetry, so I became an English teacher. We both find happiness in the hard work we do each day.’ A few years later when I was in junior high, my sixth-grade homeroom teacher put me in detention for ‘being difficult.’ She…
Nigeria as a people and country, especially her leadership has commenced in this manner, as I outlined in the short flake below. The IRS decides to audit Grandpa, and summons him to the IRS office. The auditor was not surprised when Grandpa showed up with his attorney. The auditor said, “Well, sir, you have an extravagant lifestyle and no full-time employment, Which you explain by saying that you win money gambling. I’m not sure the IRS finds that believable.” “I’m a great gambler, and I can prove it,” says Grandpa. “How about a demonstration?” The auditor thinks for a moment…
Narrated by Elijah, the story follows Timi, a young man who excelled academically, spoke 16 languages and became the first African clergyman in the Church of England. After marrying Bridget and having a daughter, he returns to Nigeria, leading a fulfilling life until tragedy strikes. His family falls victim to Baby Fire, a local thug, leading to a series of tragic events that turn Timi into a recluse. The film later introduces Elijah, who changes Timi’s life and helps him rediscover his faith and purpose. Storylines concerning faith and religion often tread familiar paths in Nollywood, portraying clashes between clergies…
From time to time I engage in the ritual of going back to old time classic work by Nigerian authors and there are not many of them. Like our music, these days not many works of art could be classified as such…so as the year climaxes I picked up a work by the venerated Chinua Achebe. Man of the People” is a novel written by the renowned Nigerian author, Chinua Achebe. Published in 1966, it is a poignant exploration of post-colonial politics and the challenges faced by newly independent African nations. Set in an unnamed African country, the novel centers…
Let me state categorically without praise singing that the entire bar, and everyone associated with the Nigerian Bar Association, Jos Branch simply outdid themselves. First, hosting a ‘law week’ like many branches nationwide at a time the legal profession is receiving bashing from left, right and centre. At a time when clearly it is one law for the rich, another for the poor, when politicians have painfully robbed off their dirt regalia on the noble profession. Infact as I was about to deliver my lead paper titled, An Appraisal of Laws of Human Rights and Activities of Security Agencies in Nigeria, the…
Success isn’t magic or hocus-pocus. It is simply learning how to focus—Jack Canfield A group of engineering students and their teacher were given free airplane tickets to go on a holiday. Once on the plane, the captain announced that they were on the plane the students had built. Everyone freaked out and rushed out of the plane, except for the teacher who stayed there calmly. When the flight attendant asked why he hadn’t left, he responded: “I know the abilities of my students. This shit won’t even start” So, let us talk about wolves… Wolves are indeed known for their…
Dem Dey Go Once upon a time Some people come together Made a plan, took a chance Agreement between one another Dem dey go Dem dey go Dem dey go Dem dey fight Dem dey quarrel Dem dey go One silly the other sneaky the other sleazy I tell dem if them no wan gree make dem scatter Go their separate ways We are born And then we’re gone Nobody lives forever It’s alright and then it’s not Freedom is a kind of prison I can see the future Oh, I can see Where the people…
I can’t hide myself I don’t expect you to understand I just hope I can explain What it’s like to be a man It’s a lonely road And they don’t care ’bout what you know It’s not ’bout how you feel But what you provide inside that home Yeah, I know this life can really beat you down, uh You wanna scream but you won’t make a sound, uh Got so much weight that you’ve been holdin’ But won’t show any emotion, as a man, that goes unspoken That we can’t cry when life gets hard Unconditional love for women,…
More than 10,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli armed forces in Gaza since 7 October, nearly half of them children, according to the most recent report by spokesperson for the Gaza Ministry of Health Dr Ashraf Al-Qudra. Over 25,000 others have been injured, with thousands still buried under the rubble. Meanwhile, Israeli tanks have begun to encircle Gaza City, whose population was 600,000 a month ago but whose neighborhoods are now largely vacant due to the desperate flight of its inhabitants to Gaza’s southern shelters and due to Israel’s killing of thousands of Palestinian civilians in their homes. Israel…
Introduction Nigeria, a diverse nation with a rich tapestry of religions, has witnessed periods of religious tension and conflict. In such a complex social landscape, interfaith dialogue and religious freedom play pivotal roles in nurturing harmony, tolerance, and social cohesion. This essay delves into the significance of interfaith dialogue and religious freedom in Nigeria, highlighting their worth in fostering a peaceful and inclusive society. Understanding Nigeria’s Religious Diversity Nigeria is often described as a religiously pluralistic society, with a significant population of both Muslims and Christians, alongside various indigenous religious practices. This diversity has the potential to be a source…
Verse 1) Dis December… We no go chop rice, e scarce for pot, For dis Naija, e don dey too hot, Hardship dey bite, we don chop pepper, For dis economy, e be like say na suffer. (Chorus) We no go chop rice, we dey hustle every day, I hope say tomorrow go bring better pay, Naija people strong, we sabi survive, Even when life tough, we dey stay alive. (Verse 2) Election promises, we don hear many, But for our pockets, penny no dey, No light, no water, roads dey spoil, We dey hope say one day,…
Is life a freak accident, with no explanation, no reason, and no one to blame? Is it random? Reminds me of an elderly couple, who were childless, but fond of their neighbor’s daughter and used to take her to the beach every Sunday to have fun. December, 26th 2004. A tsunami occurred, it was the last they were seen of. The young girl was sick that Sunday and couldn’t go. Was it her fortune or misfortune that she got ill that day? One can only realize the outcome of a situation in the future. Is everything part of the design,…
In the ever-evolving realm of public service, the true measure of leadership lies not in words but in actions. It is indeed a rarity to find an individual whose tenure at the helm of an institution leaves an indelible mark, one that turns it into a powerhouse of growth and development. Sir Joseph Ntung Ari is one such extraordinary leader, whose remarkable journey as the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has been marked by colossal achievements and an unwavering commitment to national development. Taking the reins of ITF in 2016, Sir Joseph Ari embarked on a path…
The person with the crossbow thinks that the monkey is not clever; the monkey is clever, but it is following its strategy. (It matters nothing if one is derided, as long as one knows what one is doing and why.) Over the years certain key issues have confronted the Nigerian state, its government, the governed, and the structures itself, from a seeming lack of system to a lack of will and direction from those saddled with the responsibility to steer the ship of governance. Such is the fundamental nature of the problems that they have become part of us. However,…
The original title of this musing is How do you stop manufacturing poverty in Nigeria, I got the kicker from conversations with HRM Sanusi in his take on relationships with China and our leadership Humpty Dumpty with a crazy idle population. I, however, will not exactly tow that line, and this is not about China but also about China. So, I will tell us a true story in a Chinese manner of a man who wants to be boss, but cannot be, he trains, struggles, and tries to do everything but all to no avail. He lives the illusion that…
The affection distorts the perception. The Master used to talk about it often. One day his students got an amazing example, proving those words. They heard the Master talking to one mother. “How is your daughter living?” “My dear daughter! She is so happy. She has a wonderful husband! He gave her a car, bought her jewelry that she dreamed about, and hired servants for her. They serve her breakfast in bed, and she stays in bed until noon. He’s not a husband, but a prize!” “And how’s your son?” “My poor boy! He married a real grouch! He gave her everything…
