The only Nigerian who doesn’t know that the naira is falling (“rising”) is the Nigerian who has no business whatsoever with anything imported with dollars, nor derived from something imported with dollars, nor used by other Nigerians who provide goods or services used by this person. Such a person surely lives in a cave, ostracized from human contact. Everyone knows that the naira is in a mess—even the yam tubers in Benue are aware. Continue reading “The Exchange Rate Debacle”
Articles
Rushing to Nowhere
At the end of every academic session, primary and secondary school students look forward to moving a step upwards—to the next class. Except for those whose performance recommends that they stay put for another year, most students move one step up the academic ladder. However, for some, the increase is double, as they move from Class M to Class O. Continue reading “Rushing to Nowhere”
The Rightness of Name Calling
Last week, while many Nigerians continued in the struggles of this economic era, the Nigerian internet alley went agog with reactions to an article by The Economist. The reputable magazine had referred to former President, Goodluck Jonathan, as “an ineffectual buffoon”. This name-calling set the stage for the week’s fireworks.
Continue reading “The Rightness of Name Calling”
Troublers of Nigeria: A Different View
In the first article, I said the Association of Nigerian Troublers has many “unusual” members in its fold. A certain reader did not like my expanded list, which included most Nigerians. This person engaged me in a debate about the “real troublers”, and made me pledge to write another article addressing his views. This is it! Continue reading “Troublers of Nigeria: A Different View”
Troublers of Nigeria
Nigeria is troubled on every side, and very distressed. Events have severely perplexed Africa’s Giant, yet it tries not to despair. The numerous troubles and the troublers behind them continue to hold back Nigeria’s potential. When we hear “troublers of Nigeria”, our minds usually head towards the usual suspects, a “cabal”, or towards some violent groups. Unfortunately, the Association of Nigerian Troublers has many “unusual” members in its fold. Continue reading “Troublers of Nigeria”
Jammed by JAMB
This year, over the course of a specified timeframe, over one million expectant students will sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, popularly called JAMB after the agency in charge. When the results start rolling in, some will have cause for joy, while for some others, JAMB will “jam” them for yet another year. For the latter group, JAMB is a yearly story of wasted funds and unfulfilled dreams. Continue reading “Jammed by JAMB”
Minister of Religious Security
This is one of such articles that I write while hoping that my mind would go blank and stop me from writing. This is because I have observed the emotions involved whenever religion is on the table. Before I proceed, let me clearly state that I am neither Islamophobic nor disrespectful. I’m just writing in the interest of national religious security. Continue reading “Minister of Religious Security”
Kudos and Knocks for the Military
Yesterday, January 15, was Nigeria’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day set aside to remember the roles played by the armed forces in various aspects of the Nigerian polity. Whereas the commemoration ceremonies centred on praise, I think a blend of kudos with knocks is better—kudos for the good, and knocks to correct some wrong sectors in the military’s head. Continue reading “Kudos and Knocks for the Military”
In Pursuit of Safety
When we hear the word “safety”, what comes to mind are the things we ought to do to “stay out of trouble”. In the civilized world of engineering, safety is a very serious concept, so serious that it has produced a burgeoning set of rules, regulations and standards, inside a billion-dollar industry populated by safety experts. However, many persons and organisations in Nigeria are yet to imbibe safety consciousness into their psyche. Continue reading “In Pursuit of Safety”
Much Ado about Cars
Someone once said that leadership involves leaders making sacrifices for the greater good of the organization, just as many parents deny themselves of certain rights and privileges in order to make a better life for their families. That someone obviously had no inkling of Nigerian leadership. In Nigeria, sacrifices are the exclusive preserve of the followers. Continue reading “Much Ado about Cars”
Jilomes 