Author: Owei Lakemfa
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Ayo Olukanni: The People’s Ambassador, steps forward – By Owei Lakemfa
I was a teenager when I first met Ayoola Lawrence Oluwole Olukanni, one of the most politically conscious, perceptive, charismatic and efficient African ambassadors I have ever known. I had joined a radical student organisation, the Alliance of Progressive Students, ALPS in the then University
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The alpha males of South Sudan and Sudan in bloodbath – By Owei Lakemfa
The African labour centre, the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity, OATUU, in April 2013, marked its 40th Anniversary. The anniversary lecture was delivered by then African Union Commission Chair, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. The trade union centre of the newest country in the world, the South Sudan Workers Trade Union Federation
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The march of Nigerians in march – By Owei Lakemfa
March has been a celebratory month as President Bola Tinubu turned 73. As the celebrations began, Nigerian Shiites were simultaneously being shot for marching on the streets. March 2025 has also seen an escalation
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In a world of shifting alliances, Cuba stands on principles – By Owei Lakemfa
I walked into the Casa de Africa or Africa House in Havana. I wanted to find out what made it uniquely African. But I was in for a surprise. I had not realised that it also housed a unique class for children learning basic subjects like history, geography and African languages, including Yoruba.
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Nigerian journalists: Walking from yesterday towards tomorrow – By Owei Lakemfa
Nigerian journalists, wearing medals of bravery in fights against colonialists and politicians and, bearing the scars of battles against military dictatorship, are marking the 70th anniversary of their union. No, journalism in the country did not start seven decades ago. It was the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ,
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Visiting Fidel Castro in Havana – Owei Lakemfa
I never personally met Fidel Castro Ruz, one of the iconic figures of the 20th Century. I only saw him once in the streets of Havana while he drove and the crowds cheered. On November 25, 2016, this African-Latin American ancestor joined the pantheon.
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May Zelensky not happen to us – By Owei Lakemfa
The world is in a mess and this is not just about Donald Trump, but a confused Europe causing disorder and then deploying falsehood and propaganda to camouflage its real intentions. For instance, there are a lot of attacks against Trump for allegedly trying to force Ukraine
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Trumpian complexities and Nigeria’s options on the global highway – By Owei Lakemfa
President Donald Trump of the United States, US is driving an articulated truck at high speed on the global highway. His truck has neither a rear view mirror nor side view mirrors. He relies on his assistants like James David Vance and Elon Musk to do the work of the mirrors.
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Sam Nujoma, enthusiastically celebrated in Nigeria – By Owei Lakemfa
Samuel Shafiishuna Daniel Nujoma was on the verge of an historic victory on November 11, 1989. The votes for the first democratic elections in Namibia, his long suffering country, were being counted. The colonial South African Apartheid regime was billed to grant independence in March 1990.
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Babangida’s journey in self-service: Pathetic attempts to rewrite history – By Owei Lakemfa
Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, the retired General and head of the 1985-93 military junta who styled himself ‘President’ has again intruded into our national consciousness. On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the General who was disgraced out of office 32 years ago, unleashed an unguided missile he called an autobiography.