Nigeria: A Nation’s Planlessness Is Wasting Away Youth Lives

By Olugbenga Ogunmoyela

In recent months, it should have become very clear to every discerning mind that almost every family must be sharing in the present burden of our youths, many thousands of who have been “sitting at home” some for upwards of close to two years or more after graduation, without being able to mobilise for the National Youth Service Corps Scheme. There is seeming confusion in the land and no one seems to care; no one sees the social and health dangers that are looming in this national burden.

For example, I have seen a number of brilliant young minds idling away, waiting for NYSC mobilisation. I have a very brilliant nephew who studied Applied Mathematics with Statistics in one of our Universities and graduated with a First Class Honours and has not been called up for over one year for NYSC and yet cannot be gainfully engaged or employed because of the archaic law that prohibits our graduates from being employed without the NYSC Certificate.

Restructuring: Is Nigeria’s Problem The Constitution Or Its Operators?

By Olu Fasan

The commonest riposte by opponents of the call for political restructuring in Nigeria is that Nigeria’s problem is not its political system or its Constitution but the operators. I refer to this as the “culture versus structure” argument in my forthcoming book In The National Interest.

Put simply, those blaming the operators of the Constitution, and not the Constitution itself, subscribe to the “culture hypothesis”, which attributes a country’s poverty or prosperity to the culture and behaviour of its leaders and citizens, and not the kind of institutions it has. By contrast, adherents of the “structure hypothesis” posit that the nature of institutions, governance structures and political systems determines the success or failure of a nation. The nature/structure dichotomy is central to the restructuring debate in Nigeria.

Nigeria Trapped In Elite Capture

 By Dan Onwukwe

The halls of politics and power in today’s Nigeria are littered with the remains of politicians who had desperately sought and acquired power not to use it for what it ought to be: power for great purposes, that’s, to serve the people. Rather, they are deviously determined to make politics and government run like a money-spinning business.

*Akpabio and Tinubu

This is the reason our present democracy has failed to deliver the much-expected dividends because, serving the people is of secondary importance to our politicians. The problem here is that, without vision beyond their own advancement, Nigerian politicians are paralysed once that selfish interest is achieved. Our pain is their gain. Nigeria is trapped in an inescapable situation.

GEJ: Please, Don’t Go There!

 By Oseloka H. Obaze

Good day, President Jonathan.  In the local parlance of Otu Eke and Otu Nkwo, I come in peace.  Sir, may I ask a question you need to ponder deeply before you respond? Did you forget anything at the Aso Rock Villa?  Regardless of the answer, Sir, here is the generalized message. 

*Jonathan 
 Please do not under any circumstance be lured or swayed by any individual, group or political party into seriously considering running again for the Nigerian presidency, especially in 2027. GEJ, please, don’t go there.

The Enemies Of Warri’s Progress

 By Sunny Ikhioya

The vultures are gathering again. Those whose sources of income depend on the crises in Warri and environs have started beating the drums, and the zombie foot soldiers are going about destroying and scattering without caring about the consequences of their actions. They are not moved by the fact that Warri, a once bubbling and welcoming city, is now a shadow of its former self. 

They are not bothered by the facts that a city that was once the centre for commerce and industry now witnessed skilled and qualified hands migrating out in droves. They are contented by the activities of local warlords who lack wisdom and understanding. The other day, Saturday 23rd August 2025, I was with a group of friends when someone ran to us, telling us that some cutlass wielding youths are terrifying the whole area, attacking the procession of a happy people celebrating the anniversary of their king. 

GPAAN Decries Vote-Buying That Marred The Recent By-Elections

 The Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria (GPAAN ), the nation's foremost organization for public affairs analysts and political commentators has raised alarm over the recurring ugly decimal of both vote-selling – by some gullible electorate and buying by the corrupt politicians – which have become endemic in our political clime. 

The disturbing dimension to the electoral process marred the conduct of the recent by-elections across 12 affected states in the country. 

How To Stand Tall For An Independent Bar

 By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

In 1981, Chief Gani Fawehinmi was already 16 years at the Nigerian Bar and one of its brightest stars. Already a breakout litigator, Gani had also become a pioneer in the enterprise of legal publishing. One decade earlier, he had served the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as its national publicity secretary. Among the lawyers of his or, in fact, any other generation active at the Bar, there were few who could claim to be more accomplished.

*Fawehinmi

The hallmark of excellence in legal practice in Nigeria, the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was a mere six years old at the time. Then – as now – the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) was the statutory body established to consider and determine eligible applicants for the rank. As always, it was chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). By any measure, Gani Fawehinmi was more than eligible to take the rank in 1981.

Rethinking School Celebrations And Tackling Out-Of-School Challenges

By Olasunkanmi Arowolo

Education policy often involves striking a delicate balance between cultural traditions, financial realities, and long-term learning outcomes. Two recent interventions in Nigeria highlight this challenge: the Imo State government’s ban on nursery and JSS3 graduation ceremonies, and the Federal Government’s new literacy drive with cash transfers to mothers. Both have generated strong reactions, but each offers lessons worth deeper reflection.

The graduation ban: Beyond social fanfare
I recalled I was on a short weekend visit to a family where one of the persons in the gathering showed me a viral video of glamorous graduation ceremonies by nursery pupils; so, even featuring red carpets, grand arrivals like prom events in the western part of the world, asking what my thoughts were about it. I simply said: “this is an indicator of misplaced priorities.” 

Root Causes Of Child Trafficking And Panacea

 By Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko

Amongst the many socio-economic afflictions of Nigeria of the 21st century, is the menace of trafficking in children by persons who have since made child trafficking and trafficking of persons billions’ dollars business franchise.  

The problem became hydra-headed so much so that Nigerian state, under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, set up the anti human trafficking agency known as NAPTIP to tackle the menace which, incidentally, is a global criminal network. But NAPTIP is a ghost of its old self and is almost dysfunctional. But the crimes of child trafficking is a crime that offends our national psyche and sensibilities. 

The Pressure To Appear Rich In Harsh Economy

 By Timi Olubiyi

In Lagos, Nigeria, like other African cities, Johannesburg, Cairo, Nairobi among others the pressure to appear rich has reached disturbing heights. Amid a backdrop of rapid urbanisation and economic uncertainty, social media platforms have only intensified this pressure, making it feel as though success is synonymous with material wealth. From sleek cars on the streets of Lekki, Victoria Island, or Ikeja and flashy social media posts make it hard to ignore the overwhelming desire to flaunt wealth in Lagos Nigeria.

In recent time the extravagant parties and designer clothes, the pursuit of outwardly projecting affluence has become an obsession, leaving many trapped in a cycle of debt and despair. The unfortunate paradox here is that it’s difficult for a broke person to keep up the appearance of affluence for long, while a rich person, paradoxically, can play broke every day of the week without breaking a sweat.

Free Nnamdi Kanu…

 By Obi Nwakanma

As at this morning, dear reader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) remains a political prisoner, and a prisoner of conscience in Nigeria. Kanu continues to be held, against his will, and against the laws of the federation of Nigeria, whose courts have declared that he has broken no laws, and has no case to answer over the matter on which he is being held. 

*Kanu

Kanu’s continued detention is now no longer a personal matter between Nnamdi Kanu and the Federal Government of Nigeria, it is now an insult to the Igbo. I will come to this in a minute. But let me quickly outline the Nnamdi Kanu story, for those who do not know, or who may have forgotten, or who have been absorbed by too much flux of time, and who may now be extremely fatigued by the drag of this case.

Canadian Court’s Verdict On Nigeria’s Democracy

 By Ebuka Ukoh

Last week, the Federal Court of Canada, presided over by Justice Sébastien Grammond, gave a ruling that has shaken more than one man—it has shaken the image of an entire nation.

Douglas Egharevba, a Nigerian who once belonged to both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), was denied permanent residency in Canada. The court concluded that his association with PDP disqualified him, citing the party’s longstanding record of undermining democratic principles. Ironically, his more recent membership in APC did not redeem him. (APC ex-chair, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, must hear this!)

Tackling Antibiotic Abuse: A Call For Action

 By Sylvester Ojenagbon

I sat down recently in a popular community pharmacy, waiting to be attended to. Then came a fairly educated middle-aged man who seemed to be a familiar face to the pharmacist on duty. “Give me that drug I bought that day,” he requested, pointing to a particular medication on the shelf. The pharmacist hesitated for a moment, then asked, “What do you want to use it for?” 

Without thinking about it, the man gave a response I thought was the most ridiculous I had ever heard: he wanted to use it for typhoid, which he did not have at that point. He said he just wanted to take it as a preventive measure since he worked hard and did not want to start having body pains. The pharmacist had to explain to him the dangers of taking antibiotics without a proper diagnosis and prescription. Although the man left without the drug, the pharmacist confided that he was certain he would come back when someone else was on duty or go somewhere else to buy it.

Prioritising Leaders' Greed Over Basic Welfare, By Peter Obi

 

The recent proposal by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to increase the salaries of Political Leaders is causing widespread anger and bitterness among Nigerians, and we share the concerns of many Nigerians who question the necessity and timing of this proposal. 

Such thinking in the face of faster-eroding living standards of the people not only portrays the insensitivity of leaders but also exposes their greed. 

Beyond Yakubu Mohammed’s Expectations

 By Ikechukwu Amaechi

I have always known Yakubu Mohammed by reputation. But we met physically in 2018 when the League of Nigerian Columnists berthed. Initiated by syndicated columnists, Akogun Tola Adeniyi and Professor Anthony Kila, the league paraded industry giants such as Dan Agbese, Ray Ekpu, Reuben Abati, the late Henry Boyo, Ben Lawrence, the late Jimanze Ego-Alowes, Dare Babarinsa, Martins Oloja, Akin Osuntokun and yours sincerely as inaugural members.

*Yakubu Mohammed's book 

Attending meetings and sharing ideas with these great men, an assemblage of people whose encyclopedic knowledge of Nigeria is deep, was invaluable. Whether it is Ekpu, Mohammed or Adeniyi or the urbane economist, Boyo, you couldn’t but marvel at what they knew, not from hearsay but firsthand information.

Letter To President Goodluck Jonathan

 By Amanze Obi

His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan. I address you today with utmost sense of respect. My choice of this open medium is deliberate. It is aimed at ensuring that others who feel as concerned as I do help in calling you to order. Our dear former President, information reaching us has it that you are considering standing for election in the 2027 presidential race.

*Jonathan 

We hear that you are being propelled into this project by those who feel that what the North needs in 2027 is a southerner who will serve only one term to complete the turn of the South at the Presidency. Since President Bola Tinubu is not an option for the North, or for any Nigerian for that matter, the North, which claims to have the numbers, is shopping seriously for a credible southerner that will spend only four years in office.

How Desperation Turns Nigerian Job Seekers Into Scam Targets

By Tahir Ahmad

“Hear this: recruitment is not conducted on social media. If you see a post on Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp claiming to offer Customs jobs, it’s fake."

That was one of the striking lines from an AI-generated video I stumbled upon last weekend. That was while browsing the internet. It came from the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, speaking directly and in plain language to Nigerians about its recruitment process.

But while the video itself was clear and timely, it points to something much bigger than Customs’ recruitment alone. It reflects a national problem that is being fuelled by unemployment, exploited by scammers, and made worse by communication gaps in government.

Nigeria: Homelands Under Siege!

 By Sunny Awhefeada

Homeland holds significance in many ways. It embodies the phys­ical, psychological and spiritual essence of man. Homeland could be a birthplace or an adopted place of origin. Both ways, a homeland has an endearing and enduring impact on people. It has a pull that is difficult to ignore or avoid. Before modernity and globalization came with displacement and tendency to see everywhere as home, the idea of the homeland carried with it a romantic allure that it became a motif in po­etry and music.

 The enduring impact of the homeland magic and mystic finds eternal resonance in Evi Edna Ogholi’s “No Place like Home”. Her scribal brothers, Gabriel Okara, Tanure Ojaide, Ibiwari Ikoriko, Joe Ushie, Ogaga Ifowodo, Ebi Yeibo, Obari Gom­ba, Peter Omoko and Stephen Kekeghe, in their poetry romanticized an idyllic home­land that was lost to capitalist rapacity em­bodied in oil multinationals and insensitive successive governments under the firm grip of comprador bourgeoisie. People had gone to war to defend their homeland. No matter how far people sojourned in the distant past they always made attempt to return to their homeland.

Lessons From Obi’s One-Tenure Proposition

 By Dan Onwukwe

The emergence of Mr. Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential race and the profound impact he made in that election has been driving Nigerian politics in astonishing manner. He’s defining public agenda, and speaking up – articulately and emphatically – on the urgent need to fix a broken Nigeria, clean up the mess, cut the cost and size of governance.

*Peter Obi
Like no other politician in the present dispensation, Obi is also marshaling out the challenges of immediate sort confronting the country and the citizens and proffering solutions to them. These are leadership lessons.           

Mr. Obi never fails to remind anyone who cares to listen that part of his vision for a better Nigeria is not for personal gains but to dismantle the present structure of criminality in the country, not by violent means, but through active participation of the citizenry in the democratic process.

Warri: A Distressed And Dying City

 By Michael Owhoko

Who will restore Warri back to its glorious days? A city that was once the pride of all Wafarians is now a shadow of itself, rusty and reeking with aroma of poverty occa­sioned by systemic decline with peo­ple cocooned in deprivation and squa­lor. Warri is allusively known as Wafi, making the people and residents of the city identified as Wafarians. 

I was close to tears during my re­cent visit where I toured the length and breadth of Warri, covering Deco Road, Okumagba Avenue, Okere Road, McCiver, Odion Road, Market Road, Cemetery Road, Iyara, McDer­mott Road, Warri-Sapele Road, Upper and Lower Erejuwa, Ajamogha, Esi­si, and Warri Port. I stayed for over two months, the longest since my relocation to Lagos in 1984.