Angelus Blog

Ordinarily, life for humans begins at conception; similarly, for animals, life also starts at conception. In contrast, for inorganic matter, life begins at the moment of creation. In this discussion, however, our focus will be on human life. To explore this topic clearly, let us first consider the meaning of the word "life." According to Google, life is defined as "the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death." If we accept this definition, why then do we often argue that life begins at a specific age different from the day a person is born? To deepen this perspective, let us examine the purpose of an individual’s existence. Does the Creator send humans into the world without a purpose? Or do humans come into the world randomly, without any plan? The answer is likely no. We believe that every living person has a purpose for existin...

Since gaining independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, Nigeria’s leadership has largely been dominated by the capitalist elite. These individuals have accumulated immense wealth, with some possessing assets that rival the nation’s own. In this system, educational achievement alone rarely secures political leadership—whether at the presidential, legislative, or even local government level—without strong connections to the ruling class. Political “godfathers” wield enormous influence, determining who rises or falls within the political hierarchy. Even promises of support can be withdrawn at the last moment if loyalty is questioned. This entrenched arrangement has widened the gap between rich and poor, creating a deeply unbalanced society. Efforts by citizens, particularly the youth, to challenge the status quo through elections have often failed, as the ruling elite manipulate outcomes through vote-buying or collusion with corrupt officials. Nigeria’s youth, who make up the majority...

Under normal circumstances, law enforcement officers—whether military or paramilitary—are expected to uphold law and order and maintain strict discipline at all times. However, a recent video reveals a disturbing deviation from this norm. An officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) was caught participating in the looting of a palliatives warehouse in Gwagwalada, within the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, Nigeria, alongside angry and hungry citizens. This incident raises a critical question: why would an officer, entrusted with safeguarding vital assets such as oil pipelines and government facilities, abandon their duty to join in looting? Is this behavior driven by desperation from hunger, frustration from anger, or a combination of both? The situation underscores a troubling breach of trust and highlights deeper socio-economic issues that may be influencing such actions.

Virtually all the states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria are currently witnessing protests tagged #ENDSARS. In Ota, Ogun State, South West, the protest started on October 19, 2020. We went out this morning to feel the pulse of the people and their reactions to the protest. The clips here explain our findings

Some time ago, before my employer finally paid my two months' overdue salary, I had to travel out of town to withdraw some money from the bank. On the way, I came across a police checkpoint where a formidable roadblock was set up. Because my vehicle license had expired, I dreaded the usual “friendly chat” with the officers, knowing I was short on the oil to “grease their palms.” At the checkpoint, a lean, hungry-looking constable greeted me with, “Oga, how weather?” while stretching out his hand, clearly expecting a bribe. I discreetly squeezed a crumpled red bread label into his palm. Satisfied, the officer gave me a respectful eye salute, and I quickly drove away. Note : This story humorously highlights the unfortunate reality of some African police officers accepting bribes from motorists. It is our sincere hope that bribery and corruption will end in Africa and beyond, paving the way for a just and decent society.

A traditional African herbalist preparing remedies with herbs, gourds, and symbolic artifacts in a vibrant cultural setting. In a desperate search for fast solutions to predominantly financial problems, many individuals turn from one witch doctor to another. Each promises an immediate and lasting remedy, despite the clear absence of any spiritual cause for their troubles. Among the various practitioners, some Voodoo priests offer a glimmer of hope, enticing the desperate with assurances of relief. During these consultations, clients are often required to provide animals such as goats, rams, fowls, or tortoises for sacrifice to the witch doctor’s gods. These offerings are typically presented as blood sacrifices to idols—wooden or metal figures adorned with red, black, or white cloth, depending on the setting where the artifact is kept. More often than not, these visits lead the unsuspecting and gullible into a systematic and ignorant initiation into the occult world of witch doctors. Dr...

Intertribal Marriage in Nigeria  - Federal Character  Nigeria, a diverse country in West Africa, is home to people of many cultures and traditions. Each region boasts unique languages, and the people take great pride in communicating with one another in their native tongues. Although English, a legacy of British colonial rule, serves as the country’s lingua franca, indigenous languages remain a powerful bond that unites communities in numerous ways. The pride in native languages is so strong that those who cannot speak the local language often find it difficult to fully integrate, especially among indigenes who prefer to converse exclusively in their mother tongue. This language barrier has extended beyond everyday communication and has become a significant obstacle in other areas of life, notably intertribal marriage—the focus of this discussion. Differences in language between prospective couples have frequently hindered successful intertribal unions in Nigeria, though exc...

Photo: Priest Giving Holy Communion  WHY DOES THE CATHOLIC CHURCH RESTRICT HOLY COMMUNION? Amara Blessing Nwosu once asked: “Why does the Roman Catholic Church stop non-Catholics from partaking in Holy Communion? My father is a Pentecostal pastor, and from childhood till now, I have never heard him stop non-Pentecostals from receiving communion. The only warning he gives is against taking it without first confessing your sins and making peace with God. Is the Catholic Church suggesting that the body of Christ is divided? Did Christ shed His blood for Catholics alone? Are non-Catholics all going to hell?” (Facebook, January 24, 2013). The Catholic Church teaches that Holy Communion is not simply a symbolic act but the actual reception of the Body and Blood of Christ. Because of this, the Church sets specific conditions for who may receive it: - Non-Catholics and even baptized Catholics who have not yet made their First Holy Communion or who are not in a state of grace are not permi...

A SUV driving through a bad road   Over the years, many analysts—both foreign and local—have attributed Nigeria’s persistent underdevelopment primarily to corruption. They argue that financial crimes committed by corrupt individuals, regardless of their status or age, have stifled the nation’s economic, social, and political progress. However, we contend that corruption alone is not the root cause of Nigeria’s challenges. Rather, it is the collective foolishness of the people that has long hindered the country’s advancement. The following points illustrate this perspective: When a Nigerian acquires wealth illegally, they often squander it on luxury items such as expensive SUVs, which they drive on poorly maintained, pothole-ridden roads. This behavior exemplifies extreme folly—not only because the wealth was stolen in the first place, but also because it is selfishly used to the detriment of the broader society. Consider a Nigerian who embezzles funds intended for improving the cou...

Should The Catholic Church Accept Women Into Priesthood? The above question came up recently in a forum and this is my opinion. No. Women have their defined roles in the Church. God created man for specific functions while women are designed for particular roles. If you say ‘there is no man or woman in Christ’, you are invariably saying that Adam is the same thing as Eve. Women can help in the distribution of holy Communion and in some parish administration duties. Note that women are CONSECRATED and not ORDAINED in the Roman Catholic Church. This is not a question of gender inequality; it is about following standard procedures – a fair division of Labour if you like. Consider this fact for instance; can a woman impregnate herself? No. Hence, some one else - a man has to undertake that role of impregnating a woman. In the same way, a man cannot and does not have the capacity to carry pregnancy. In this case, man plays a defined role, while woman carries out her own function. The...

The focus of this piece is the lingering Boko Haram crisis in the Northern part of Nigeria. The crisis, which started like a child's play has consumed millions of people, both Nigerians and none Nigerians alike. . Up till now, no one can say for sure, the originator of this deadly group, which has over time, built connections across the country. Abubakar Shekau, who was touted to be the commander of the terrorist group has reportedly died and resurrected several times. The real leader of the group remains an enigma up till this day. The Nigerian government and other African countries have spent huge resources, both human and material to fight this scourge, yet, it remains a festering wound, which keeps inflicting excruciating pain on the victim.  The big question then is: what do these people want; what are  their grievances? How can the country assuage their yearnings and  ensure that they lay down their arms genuinely and do not  go back to their old ways? Well, pe...

The bible tells us that when Jesus commissioned the twelve apostles, he gave them the foremost task of preaching the Good News to everyone irrespective of religious, social or economic affiliation. The aim of this evangelical duty was to ensure the salvation of humanity. This onerous task that was hung on the shoulders of the apostles several centuries ago is still far from being accomplished till this day. Hence, many people, particularly here in Nigeria have offered to help carry out this herculean task. In this article, we shall discuss the quality of people involved in this business and the rationale behind it. As a matter of fact,  it is not uncommon these days to find people in different categories of employment such as teachers, electricians, peasant farmers, masons, carpenters, etc., abandoning their jobs to embrace church business in the name of being called to Jesus’ service. Some of them claim to have received the signal in a dream while others will not hesitate to tell ...