“Children are a heritage of the Lord”. So says a verse in the Bible. Every day, countless babies are born in various places around the world. The little baby’s tiny cries after exiting the womb bring joy to all around. The baby is the cynosure of its parents’ eyes. Who would even consider that some years down the line, there would be no love lost between them? Continue reading “Clash of the Titans”
Articles
So We Become Otondos
At some important events, the National anthem is sung, with the pledge usually following soon after. The third line of the national pledge is a promise to serve Nigeria diligently. Over the course of a Nigerian’s lifetime, many opportunities would arise where national service is required. None is as organised nor as glamorous as the National Youth Service Corps.
Workers or Slaves?
Today is being celebrated in many countries as a day to remember workers, the proletariat, that drive the economy of any country. In Nigeria, it’s “Workers’ Day”. In some other countries, it’s “Labour Day”. The devotion of a day to workers seems to suggest that workers are highly considered. Is this really the case? Continue reading “Workers or Slaves?”
Hondred and Tweenty
One, two, three, …, nineteen, tweenty, …, hondred.
In case you’re wondering, there’s no typographical error (by me) above. This is not an example of my fallibility. A serving national youth corps member actually used those spellings while entering results in the results’ sheet of a recent election. Continue reading “Hondred and Tweenty”
South Africa’s Sad Export
The past week has added more entries to the infamous gallery of human injustices resulting from perceived grievances. In what appears to be a spontaneous reaction, irate mobs in South Africa turned their ill-advised fury to foreigners in that country. This is similar to the time when Jews were blamed for the bubonic plague, illustrating a common human trait of blaming others for problems. Continue reading “South Africa’s Sad Export”
Contest of Best Riggers
If the 2015 Elections have shown us anything, it is that although we are closer to free and fair elections, we are still a long way from a democracy where votes are guaranteed to count. Forget all the hype about the free-ness of the elections. In many places, it was essentially a contest between opposing rigging strategies. Continue reading “Contest of Best Riggers”
Foolish Trust
During the past week, in the midst of the election frenzy, Nigerians had their ears filled with a sad story—a newly hired nanny had abducted the little kids she was supposed to take care of. A similar incident had occurred about four months ago. It’s a sad reminder of a generation where trust appears to command very little value. Continue reading “Foolish Trust”
I Have Upgraded!
A colleague visited my blog, and wondered why I had not purchased a domain name since I use “Jilomes” almost everywhere. After a series of discussions on the issue, I decided to take his advice. Continue reading “I Have Upgraded!”
Tribalocracy
In every society, there are usually some persons who are viewed as role models or mentors. These persons are usually paragons of leadership. They are elders, statesmen, expected to show the light to the rest of society. Their words and actions can easily influence events in society. Decorum and wisdom is therefore expected to be their watchword. Hence, it is a thing of sadness when a statesman makes a gaffe and utters statements unbecoming of his status. Continue reading “Tribalocracy”
It’s Time to Move Forward
I must begin by congratulating General Muhammadu Buhari for his victory at the presidential election. For a long time, America’s Abraham Lincoln has been projected as an example of repeated failures not signalling defeat. Today, Buhari has made history, and people would say, “Don’t give up on your dream. Like Buhari, if you fail the first time, try again. Keep trying until you succeed.” As Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo would say, “It is not over until you win!” Continue reading “It’s Time to Move Forward”
