Category: Columnist
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Afe Babalola and many things most Nigerians don’t know – By Owei Lakemfa
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammed Maigari Digyadi, does not appear to have any idea why the Ministry exists. It is also possible that the Tinubu administration that appointed him has no clue why we have a ministry that takes care of both labour and employment.
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An accidental Christmas story – By Azu Ishiekwene
If I’ve learned anything these past 35 years of journalism, it’s looking for a story in every situation. It wasn’t different when I left home for the airport on December 14, except that this time, the story found me. My Uber driver started the conversation: “Are you Mr. Azu of LEADERSHIP?” he asked.
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Prudence is a virtue – By Etim Etim
On Monday, Akwa Ibom State government commenced a three-day appraisal of its performance for fiscal 2024, bringing all MDAs one room to present their scorecards to a cross section of the people. In his opening statement, Gov. Umo Eno made a very curious remark.
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Prioritizing wellbeing of Nigerian children – By Carl Umegboro
The recurring strike action by primary school teachers in the public schools in the federal capital territory, the nation’s seat of power over wages is abysmal and repugnant.
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Army’s continuing war on Okuama – By Pius Mordi
More than nine months after 17 soldiers were killed at Okuama during a mission the Army is yet to explain to Nigerians, the revenge operation in the community which left the community completely devastated with the indigenes forced to seek refuge in surrounding forests is festering.
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State of the Nation Conversation (1) – By Hope Eghagha
Fake news about deaths. Fake news about the economy. Fake news about kidnappings. Fake news about EFCC. Fake news about the police. Fake news about the cost of PMS. Fake news about everything and anything!
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Still on state police – By Dakuku Peterside
When a policy fails to factor in public response to its benefits and drawbacks, success takes the backseat. Ignoring public behaviour often results in poor implementation and unintended consequences. In Nigeria, a nation grappling with complex and diverse security challenges, the limitations of centralised policing have become glaringly evident.
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Edo guber petitions: Thuggery may ‘replace’ evidence at tribunal – By Ehichioya Ezomon
The days, weeks and months ahead may witness further clashes, and severer bloodletting between alleged political thugs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, over petitions filed by dissatisfied seven parties to overturn the victory of the APC in the September 21, 2024, governorship…
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Postcard from Damascus – By Chidi Amuta
Unlike in the last twenty four years of his power and crushing majesty, Bashar al-Assad had a decision quickly made for him. The choice between flying out of Hmeimim air base in his super luxury presidential jet and a rugged military version of the Russian SU 35 duty jet was quickly made for him in…
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Somehow frog must jump, Merry Christmas – By Francis Ewherido
While growing up in my part of Bendel State (Delta State), if we encountered difficulty, we would say, “no how, no how, ogoro(frog) must jump,” meaning we’ll find a way to overcome the challenge. As we get close to Christmas, the saying came flooding back into my memory.