Opinion

By AZU ISHIEKWENE US President Donald Trump may be getting ahead of himself with the encouraging signs that, following the ceasefire in Gaza, the world might have another opportunity to end the Middle East crisis, one of the world’s longest-running conflicts. It was a conflict in which Trump took sides with Israel – vetoing resolutions at the UN, supporting Israeli attacks on sovereign states, including Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, and feigning ignorance of the attack on Qatar. It seemed no price was too high to “cleanse” Gaza and relocate Gazans away from their homeland to create a nice piece of…

By FUNKE EGBEMODE She was popularly called Mama Iyabo. Her husband threw her out of their matrimonial home 15 years ago, along with her three children, after 15 years of marriage. “I had earlier heard rumours about my husband and another woman. I knew he had girlfriends. He was doing well and living it up, though he took care of the home front. But one day, like a man in a trance or one in the firm grip of a spell, he threw me and my children out. He said he was done with me and my ‘bush ways’. He said…

By Stanley Sylvester Following the recent resignation of Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, and the laudable transition of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State into the Chief (Dr.) Ben Nwoye-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, attention has been turned to finding a competent, loyal, and service-driven individual to fill the vacant federal ministerial slot allocated to Enugu State. Among other names worthy of serious national consideration is that of Hon. (Mrs.) Juliet Egbo, a proven leader, well educated, a community builder, and staunch loyalist of Governor Mbah. A former APC House of Representatives…

FESTUS ADEDAYO The earliest example of personal rule gone awry in the world was given in the biblical account of Eli, the prophet. Personal rule has become prevalent in Africa and other Third World countries. In the account, Eli was High Priest and Judge of Israel in the city of Shiloh. Kind-hearted to the troubled and oppressed, the prophet’s renown for kindness became weightier in the narrative of his comforting words to Hannah, one of the hitherto barren wives of Elkanah. When Hannah eventually gave birth to a son named Samuel, Eli extended his affable disposition to Samuel’s upbringing at…

By PAULYN OWHIEVBIE UGBODAGA The tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, the vibrant young Arise News anchor, has once again exposed a grave fault line in Nigeria’s healthcare system: the reluctance to treat emergency cases involving gunshot wounds without first demanding identification or police clearance.According to reports, Somtochukwu was shot during a robbery in Abuja and rushed to a hospital. Instead of immediate care, hospital staff allegedly insisted on some form of identification before attending to her. She died before help could come. Sadly, her case is not an isolated one. Over the years, countless Nigerians have lost their lives…

By OREVA GODWIN A lot of us have had traumatic childhoods. Some have healed, while others still carry the scars. Trauma comes in different forms, from our parents, siblings, relatives, childhood friends, teachers, and even religious leaders. Many of you know that when I write, I do so with passion, straight from the heart. I try to paint clear pictures that play in the minds of my readers as they read through each story. This is mine. I started school at age two. I remember everything like it was yesterday. You see, I have what is known as hyperthymesia. I…

By Kehinde Olaosebikan Today, Ibadan is abuzz with history as the world converges on one of Africa's largest traditional cities for the coronation of H.E. Senator Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The momentous occasion is of great importance not only to Ibadan people or Oyo State, but also represents a milestone, an altitude in traditional institutions across Nigeria. As a trailblazer - the first former governor, former senator and a sitting king to be made a King, the coronation of the new Olubadan marks a new height in traditional institution and royal matters. The expected…