Travelling on Nigeria’s many formerly smooth roads is quite an experience. While I enjoy the changing scenery as buses, cars and trucks deftly navigate through cities, towns, villages and uninhabited stretches, my knees and bum groan at the torture they are forced to endure for hours without end. In between bouts of sleep, I listen to discussions by fellow passengers. Here are a few things I learnt from a recent trip. Continue reading “Ramblings of a Newly-Informed Novice”
Articles
2015: A Review
How long is 365 days? If the year 2015 is a good example, then 365 days is very short. January 1, 2015 feels like yesterday. Yet, 2015 witnessed many events, some, whose influence will be felt in 2016. As we celebrate this New Year, here’s my review of the year we just left behind. Continue reading “2015: A Review”
Rwanda: Symbol of a Dark Continent
“The Dark Continent”. The colonialists made this Africa’s tag while it laid subservient to their interests. Years after the last colonial flag was lowered, many Africans are yet to experience real freedom. Self-styled, faux messianic rulers continue to provide reasons to retain Africa’s degrading tag. Rwanda’s latest referendum aptly shows why Africa may still be the Dark Continent. Continue reading “Rwanda: Symbol of a Dark Continent”
A Tale of Two Fortunes
When I started this blog, my creed was to describe “the world as I see it”. Looking at the over hundred posts since then, it appears that from my viewpoint, the world is political—very political. Most articles have been inspired by happenings in the political landscape. Today, I take an apolitical route. I write about two persons, or rather, two groups of persons, as each person represents more than one person’s experience. Continue reading “A Tale of Two Fortunes”
The 73rd Epistle to President Buhari
My President, today thou art filled with gladness as the Lord has made thee see three-score and thirteen years on this earth. Truly, the miracle of March 28 shewed thee the goodness of the Lord. While thy friends and foes talk about thee on social networks, pay attention to these words and hold on to them with all diligence.
All Hail the “New” Republic
In a continent richly blessed with a repertoire of military dictatorships, past and present, Africans are used to hearing military decrees announced by sit-tight leaders, preceded by a lengthy list of military titles. This custom has now transcended the military domain, as pseudo-democratic rulers have made the issuance of decrees a pastime. One of such leaders has just given the world its newest Islamic Republic. Continue reading “All Hail the “New” Republic”
The Bad Bad West
“How una dey na? Una hear about the katakata for Zaria?”
“O boy! I hear am oh. Heard that the Army went up against a Shia group”
“What are you guys talking about?
“See this bros oh! U no hear say some people get mind attack Chief of Army Staff. Now Army wan use them act Odi and Zaki-Biam. Wetin dey vex me na say some people say na the West cause this wahala, say them dey back the Shiites to fight Islam.” Continue reading “The Bad Bad West”
Nigeria’s Information Age
In a country where access to government data was once the exclusive preserve of a connected few, the tides have started to change. In recent years, new government policies and agitations by civil society groups have expanded the range of data available to the public. The issue right now is whether Nigerians are willing and ready to use the available tools to hold their government accountable. Continue reading “Nigeria’s Information Age”
Yet another Road Trip – Part 2
From Abuja, I headed to Keffi in Nasarawa State, hoping to reach Kaduna State via that route. Reaching Keffi just before 9pm, I considered staying there for the night, but decided to move on. Locating an Akwanga-bound vehicle, I sat in harmattan breeze-tempered amazement for the approximately one-hour journey to Nasarawa’s northern border. Continue reading “Yet another Road Trip – Part 2”
Yet another Road Trip – Part 1
A traveller leaves his home early for a cross-country trip. He has his day well planned out—be here by this time, and there by that time. Little does he know that this trip would be different from any of his previous trips. Continue reading “Yet another Road Trip – Part 1”
Jilomes 