The animated movie “Free Birds” is an eponym for the title of this article. However, whereas the movie covers the liberation of turkeys from Thanksgiving meals, this article highlights a form of pseudo-liberation that is in effect a form of bondage. Continue reading “Free Kids”
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Structures for Real Change
The first set of elections is about three weeks away. There is so much apprehension among Nigerians. The PDP has held the reins of power for 16 years. Within that time, they claim to have improved the lot of Nigerians. However, quite a number of Nigerians say the PDP has worsened the lot of the average Nigerian, largely benefiting the elites.
The APC have presented themselves as saviours of Nigeria. They have smoothly packaged themselves as the long wished-for knights in shining armour, asking Nigerians to ignore the fact that a large number of their members are former PDP cronies. Many Nigerians, desperately seeking a breath of fresh air are looking at the APC for a wind of change. However, can there be real change without the enabling structures for change? Continue reading “Structures for Real Change”
A Silent Killer
This week, in a peaceful community in Cross River State, an anomaly occurred. A vivacious young man committed suicide. It’s an anomaly because Nigerians are not known for suicides. Our propensity to hope is matchless. A recent poll ranked Nigeria as the “most positive country”. How then do we now have a suicide on our hands? Continue reading “A Silent Killer”
In Contempt of Stomach Infrastructure
This morning I picked my notebook, waiting for inspiration that would move the pen in my hand along the lines of the blank page staring at me. Inspiration did come, but from a different source. It came from the recesses of my stomach—a growling that dared me to disobey. Continue reading “In Contempt of Stomach Infrastructure”
Celebration of Intolerance
This article’s caption may appear at first sight to be a misnomer. However, a deeper look shows its validity in today’s world. Intolerance is not just accepted by many individuals. It has gone beyond mere acceptance to the point where it is celebrated. Taking a cue from the TV show, “Orange is the new black”, intolerance is the new political virtue. Continue reading “Celebration of Intolerance”
Politics of Absurd Support
Politics has been repeatedly described as a game of numbers. The person with the most supporters (or the least haters) carries the day. This explains the constant drive by politicians and their cronies to build broad support from stakeholders in order to actualize their ambitions.
Campaign seasons are like a huge gambling carnival. While a few remain neutral, the vast majority place their bet on one candidate or the other. Some make their bets hidden, going to sneaky lengths to ensure that the pot containing their bet never becomes public knowledge. Others, however, latch on to the campaign spirit, and publicise their bets via endorsements, advertisements, and any other means available to them. While some of these persons may have a genuine interest in their preferred candidate, others are pure sycophants, who like businesspersons, are attracted by the scent of profit.
Oliver Twist Loves Computers
Last weekend I visited one of my uncles. Ask any Nigerian, our filial culture provides us with an infinitesimal number of uncles. Among my uncles, this one stands out as my role model, and as one person instrumental to the vast computer knowledge, I have. Continue reading “Oliver Twist Loves Computers”
The Wars before the Fight
Today’s article was inspired by a real life e-battle between learned colleagues of mine. These individuals spent six years together, peacefully attending lectures as students of the same department. Suddenly, battle lines have been drawn, and if not for the electronic nature of WhatsApp, some persons would have suffered unwarranted facial redesign. Continue reading “The Wars before the Fight”
Authority without Responsibility
As an engineering undergraduate student, one of the requisite courses at my institution was a course on management. Industrial Law & Management introduced students to the ethos of management, our very own undergraduate “MBA” course. That little glimpse left a lasting impression on some of us.
The Third Leg is Broken
When two elephants fight, the grasses suffer. This statement could not have been truer in Rivers State. The judicial system in the state has been in a lockdown for some months now, all because of the combination of ego, selfishness, disregard and unrestrained clash of personal interests. Continue reading “The Third Leg is Broken”
Jilomes 