Author: Prince Charles Dickson PhD

Our habits, when we buy groceries, we question what we buy. Is this flour pure, are there stones in the rice, does the soap lather well? If you buy a motorbike, or a fairly used car, you ask about the mileage, is the after sales good. Even when you buy a pencil you fuse over it and nothing. You question each and everything all the time. Except for one thing. When you chose your government. You ask so many questions over a mosquito coil that last five hours, does it give too much smoke or give out smell, will it…

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“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” –Socrates. One of the greatest preachers who ever lived, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, called the “prince of preachers,” loved to tell this story: It seems there was a Duke who once boarded a galley ship and went below to talk to the convicts manning the oars. When he asked several of them what their crimes were, almost every man claimed that he was innocent, blaming someone else, or even accused the judge of taking a bribe. There was one young…

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It was in 2002 when the Obasanjo-Rufai group moved to auction NITEL and sold it to the International London Limited (ILL) for $1.2 billion. But, it turned out that the company was hastily put together by a gang and was just an emergency vehicle later discovered to be unqualified in all ramifications – ILL had no such fund and sourced the money locally, most of it from the First Bank, and only raised 10%. When the deal fell through, the BPE (led by Nasir el-Rufai), handed over NITEL to a company to manage it. It was called PENTASCOPE. Pentascope was registered on January 1,…

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Color TV transmission was introduced first at Benue Plateau Television, Jos, in July 1974 and in India it was introduced in 1979 In October 2022, I penned the essay Nigeria, the floods and the ‘we never ready culture’ in that admonition and at that time— The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) had stated that over 1.5 million children in Nigeria were at an increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition, as a result of the severe flooding in many parts of the country. According to the statement released by the UN body at the time, the flood which had affected over 2.5million…

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I’m on a train that has been standing in the middle of the fields for a while. The driver eventually comes on the intercom. Driver: “Ladies and gentlemen, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that the engine of the train has stopped, and I cannot get it restarted. The good news is that you’re not on an airplane.” The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has long been a symbol of potential gone awry. Once an essential part of Nigeria’s transportation network, the NRC has slowly deteriorated into a state of dysfunction. The hopes of connecting Nigeria’s vast…

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The easiest and most attractive national pastime remains buck passing especially with the bunch of leaders that we have, that can hardly peel a banana nor wash an already white handkerchief. Not many of us want to take responsibility for anything, from personal, to family or national life. The blame is on the system. We do not need to create demons out of our leaders because they are already specimens of demons, so we hang our sins on them appropriately and inappropriately too. And unfortunately, their behaviour has made it easy for the critic to descend on them. We at…

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The economy of organised crime thrives because kidnap for ransom has become the oil well of bandits. From all indications, the more ransom government pays, the more criminals are emboldened to unleash mayhem on hungry, neglected and vulnerable populations across the country—Chris Kwaja No truth can cure the sorrow we feel from losing a loved one. No truth, no sincerity, no strength, no kindness can cure that sorrow. All we can do is see it through to the end and learn something from it, but what we learn will be no help in facing the next sorrow that comes to…

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The Nigerian affinity for titles is a fascinating and deeply entrenched phenomenon that offers a lens into the country’s cultural values, social dynamics, and individual aspirations. In Nigeria, titles are far more than mere labels; they are imbued with significance and serve as symbols of status, respect, and achievement. These titles, which are often accumulated over a lifetime, are a reflection of personal success and social recognition, and they play a vital role in defining an individual’s place within the community. One striking manifestation of this phenomenon is the common practice of accumulating multiple titles. It is not unusual to…

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…when a leader stubbornly keeps the cubs of lions as pets. When the cubs grow, it will become a danger to both the owner and the villager… Let me quickly state that this admonition will step on toes, it will step on even legs, arms, and possibly shoulders; and this is because while I am not crediting myself with all the knowledge and expertise on the subject matter and issues around it, most of what I am about to share with us are largely true, in public space and thus do it hurts, I am not sure if it will…

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“Ọkụkọ bụ isi ọrụ, ọ bụla ọrụ na-eme, ọ na-eme ya n’ọnụ.” “The hen is the head of the work, whatever work it is doing, it is doing it with its mouth.” Ponfa Kachi With all things Nigerian, it is only a trend, vibes, steeze and In shaa Allah, and we just move on, like currently a bandit is doing giveaway on social media and nothing will happen…So, a clip trended last month, that was largely on the phenomenon of abandoned projects. But like the projects it discussed, the video has been abandoned. Abandoned projects have long been a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with numerous…

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As I mourn the loss of my father, I am reminded of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the present. The politics of his burial and the lavishness that follows are a stark contrast to the simplicity and sobriety that I believe should accompany death. This experience has led me to reflect not only on mortality but also on leadership and the current state of our nation, particularly in light of the ongoing #EndHungerProtests. Never say it cannot happen to you, and yes it happened to me. My father and I had our misunderstandings, we…

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Jos Plateau, Nigeria – Today, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the complexities of human security and development. As citizens demand change, it is essential to acknowledge the fundamental questions posed by British Economist, Dudley Seers: What is happening to poverty? What is happening to inequality? What is happening to unemployment? These pressing concerns are the heart of the matter, and it is the primary duty of the government to address them. However, as citizens exercise their right to protest, it is equally important to recognize the government’s responsibility to protect lives and property. “We urge all stakeholders…

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“Ka ana achu aja, ka ikpe n’ amah ndi mmuo.” Let’s keep sacrificing, let the gods take the blame. (Igbo Proverb) Nigeria is a nation known for its diversity, vibrancy, and complexity. Yet, one thing that stands out starkly is our inability to collectively agree on a single path. This is reflected in our politics, policies, and even daily interactions. Despite this, there are few areas where unity shines through, namely in music, sports, and entertainment. The recent resurgence of the song “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” by Pa Mike Ejeagha exemplifies this phenomenon, highlighting both the nostalgic yearning for the…

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“A community that does not tolerate the pigeon and the cock, what kind of bird will wake them from their sleep?” Let me thank my brother and friend, Chris Kwaja, scholar and policy analyst who is USIP’s Country Director, Nigeria for the awakening some two weeks back. This admonition is again to reinforce the conversations in his presser, and to add my voice to what I refer to as a call to action for the private sector to act. In an ever-evolving world where peace and security are increasingly critical, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The United States Institute of Peace…

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First, let me thank tosyne2much who helped with the heart of the mocking post explanation, I only added a few edits and did the comparative. Nigeria is one of the countries in the world that are passionate about football. Both young and old people from this part of the world love football and can go through physical stress to show their undying love for it. When growing up as a kid, we used to play street football which we call “monkey post”. I know many of us have no idea what Monkey Post is all about, so let me introduce you to…

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I like the way an Economist Special report on Nigerians abroad as Secret weapon on June 18th 2015 introduced agbo jedi jedi.. AGBO JEDI JEDI is a Nigerian herbal preparation that claims to treat just about anything from back pain and haemorrhoids to impotence, for a bargain £4 ($6). It is on sale in the shops of south London’s “little Lagos”.  Agbo Jedi Jedi is an herbal concoction used to treat a disease commonly known as Jedi Jedi. Derived from natural ingredients like scented leaves, grapefruit, juice extracts, bitter leaf, sorghum leaves, naphthalene tablets, and garlic. Agbo Jedi Jedi is part of a long-standing tradition of herbal…

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One boasts only about things proper to boast about; whoever heard of the boast, “By this time yesterday I had given my parent-in-law the beating of his life.”? When I speak, I am not ill-informed, I speak the truth, they are not unjustified: it’s the basic fact. They are not exaggerated, biased or an unresearched portrayal of our Nigeria, it is the bitter pill called truth often bitter to swallow. I do not speak or write outside the geography of the law and civility, and when I err, I publicly state so… So, before I tell you about that Muslim/Muslim ticket…

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These days when one wakes up, the first thing I do is to call colleagues, friends and foes alike to find out if we are still safe, if our politicians have not sold us back into slavery. I try to find out if we are still Nigeria and Nigerians, after all we are changing and reverting back to old anthems, we may as well, change the country name, or flag… You do not want to blame me for that. The opposition is trying to put up front and yet then swim in the same mistakes of those they want to change. The…

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The Economic Financial Crimes Commission acting Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Command, Effa Okim, says the anti- graft agency is unable to arrest ex-Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello because he is being protected by the ‘system’ Nigeria’s inability to consistently stay on issues until closure has since 1840 been part of our many nemesis. For, a nation rich in cultural diversity, natural resources, and human capital, we have continued to struggle with the consistent and sustained resolution of pressing national issues. grappling with a myriad of unresolved national issues that span various sectors, including governance, security, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. This…

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The Zamfara State Governor and chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara has said it was extremely necessary for the state governors, the presidency and the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC to negotiate over the N18K minimum wage. The governor said that the dwindling oil prices has drastically affected the revenue generation of most States which can no longer pay salaries of workers. He stated that therefore no need living under pretense when in reality, the revenues were not coming. Yari who fielded questions from State House Correspondents after a private meeting with president Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday at…

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It is 2040, his name is Tanko Ishaya, for the purpose of this conversation, he is just an ordinary man, but with academics are there really ordinary men. He is a professor, what you would call an expert professing knowledge in today’s AI world, the only difference is that, this is actually 2024, he is vice chancellor of the prestigious university of Jos. The University of Jos, a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and progress, stands poised on the threshold of a transformative journey into the future. In envisioning the University of Jos of tomorrow, we embark on a bold…

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Ideology is like breath: you never smell your own.—Joan Robinson You can imprison a man, but not an idea. You can exile a man, but not an idea.You can kill a man, but not an idea—Benazir Bhutto Introduction President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda took a bold swipe at world leaders during his speech at the World Bank’s International Development Association summit for African Heads of state, held in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday. The Meat In his remarks, Museveni opined that most of Africa’s problems predicted over 60 years ago were a result of philosophical, ideological, and strategic economic mistakes. He…

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Even devil sef dey wear white… Today’s paper is an absolute mess, there are mistakes all up and down, who edited it? Ed did, Eid edited it. Ed edited it? Alright? So I edited it, I did edit it, but it wasn’t my column. Well, whose column was it? Colin. It was Colin’s column. It was Colin’s column? Yeah, Colin’s column. Well, where is Colin? He called in! Call Colin about his column. Colin? Says he didn’t write it. Rita. Rita wrote Colin’s column. Well, where’s Rita? Here. Yeah, I wrote it, but I didn’t proofread it. Well, who proofread…

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Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength and wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been In the annals of Nigeria’s history, within the tapestry of her yesterday’s men, stands the narrative of Olorogun London Omokiniovo-Okuwhere (JP), a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and community service. Born on May 15th, 1947, to the Late Pa. and Mrs. Okuwhere Orephu, esteemed members of the Edjebo family in Ujovwre-Agbarha Otor, London Omokiniovo-Okuwhere’s lineage intertwines with the rich heritage of Delta State. His mother, Ighorido Ogbogbo, hailed from Ovara Unukpo, Orogun, adding depth to his familial roots.…

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“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.” – Mark Twain’s Own Autobiography: The Chapters from the North American Review. From airports to roads, from hospitals to schools, we call it elephant projects, they are dead horses for me, national embarrassments. If you’ve ever worked in government or the private sector, you may be all too familiar with similar projects running on life support In Nigeria, it is not just about airports, after all we were recently told that a whole airport in Abia state only existed in the figment of someone’s imagination, money gone, no airport…

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“Instead of politicians, let the monkeys govern the countries; at least they will steal only the bananas!” Have you ever encountered someone who staunchly defends a politician, leader or public figure regardless of the controversial statements they make? I am sure we have seen those devotees who passionately praise their chosen idols despite obvious flaws, in logic and judgement. Let me ask you this, have you ever been baffled by why an otherwise intelligent friend follows a pundit who routinely argues against public interests or why someone routinely excuses a callous wealthy businessman’s policy by pointing to their wealth as…

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Na as goat stand for market dem dey price am. For Naija, make we yarn about correction, Wey dey needed for dis our nation. E go better make we face di truth, And tackle corruption wit strong resolution. From top to down, e don dey enta bone, Government people dey flex, dey chop alone. Money wey for develop, e dey disappear, Na so e dey happen year after year. Election time, na so we dey see, Politicians dey share money, dey do jamboree. But wen e reach to serve di people right, Dem dey vanish, dem no dey in…

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“When a people have suffered for too long, they will drink fairytales on fairylands with insatiable gullibility.” (Hamilton Ayuk). I will start this admonishment with a guest in whom many have found love…when we got promoted he was there, he has been there, for better for worse, in sickness and in health; for richer, for poorer he was there. That time when Ali woke up and found a text message on his partner’s phone and realized she was cheating, my guest was there to help him cry and lick his wounds. A brand that has been on the top for…

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Strangely this essay had its foundations in 1968 and was in its original form published in the old Daily Times. Writing under the topic ‘THE EDUCATION WE WANT MUST HAVE TECHNICAL BIAS’ Tai Solarin said “I have been asked to say briefly what I think of our education now and in the future. Quite strange that we are already in that future and we still do not know what kind of education we want to run, is it Universal Basic, or Universal Primary, is it Unity Schools owned by government or the Unity schools owned by Businessmen that want to…

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Any unauthorized exhibition, distribution, or copying of this play or any part thereof (including innuendos) will not result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious and taken to heart at your own risk. The scene is an Amala restaurant in the city centre of Lagos run by some very ebullient Hausa sisters. It is a melting point for a potpourri of scholars, creatives, and artisans, you meet everyone there, a miniature Nigeria Chris: How is it that those kidnapped children, over 100 of them had well measured clothes all sewed…

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