Angelus Pulse Nigeria

​A mother’s love is often described as unconditional, but what happens when blind sacrifice meets bitter betrayal? ​Ten years ago, Agnes lost her husband. He left her with four children - a son, Philip, and three daughters: Vera, Omodiaye, and Sakpoba along with a generous inheritance: a 13-room house with a parlour in the heart of Benin City, Edo State. ​The Great Sacrifice ​When Philip turned 25, he approached his mother with a grand plan: he wanted to travel to the UK in search of greener pastures. The catch? He needed ₦15 million for his visa, processing, and flight tickets. ​Agnes didn’t have that kind of money. In desperation, she decided to sell the 13-room family house, her only safety net and inheritance - to finance her son's dream, hoping he would rebuild the family's fortunes once established abroad. ​Her three daughters strongly objected. Vera, Omodiaye, and Sakpoba warned their mother against the risk, expressing fears that Philip might turn his back on the family...

                             Group picture of CYON Ota after their                            Car Wash activity on December 3. The Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), St. Peter's Catholic Church along Iganmode Road, Ota, Abeokuta Diocese held its biennial Youth Week from Sunday 3 to 10 December, 2023. The program tagged 'God is Love' was attended not only by members of the CYON, but also by youths from the parish and other parishes within the diocese. The activities that took place during the weeklong programme include: Car Wash, Praying and Fasting, Cultural Display, Cooking Competition, Quiz Competition, Sporting Activities, Health Talk and Praise Night,  According to the CYON President Mr. Edward Romanus Ozoemena, the Youth Week was organized in order to engage not just the members of the organization but also the youths o...

The choice is before us: listen to young people and deal with the problems early, or wait until frustration becomes another crisis. Youth restiveness has become impossible to ignore in Nigeria. From street protests to arguments that explode on social media, from community clashes to cultism and cybercrime, the signs are everywhere. Many young Nigerians are frustrated and no longer willing to stay quiet. Walk through the streets of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta or Edo and you will see young people of different backgrounds - graduates and artisans alike, holding plastic bottles that look like soft drinks. What is inside is often hard drugs. They loiter around hotels, clubs, drinking spots and motor parks. Some sleep in awkward positions from the effects of what they have taken. Girls are not left out. After taking the same substances, some of them behave in ways they would never do when sober - promiscuity, prostitution, suggestive dancing and smoking. The real question is not only why young p...

Walk through many Nigerian towns and cities and you will see the same sight: plastic sachets scattered on the ground, empty bottles blocking drains, and food wrappers lying along the roadside. These things have become so common that people hardly notice them anymore. Yet each careless act reveals something about how we treat the environment and the shared duty we have to protect it. On Sunday, 6 September 2026, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Ota, Abeokuta Diocese, Reverend Father Lawrence Ogundipe of the Society of Divine Vocations (sdv), preached a direct and searching homily on this issue. The occasion was the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, a day set aside to remind people of their responsibility toward the earth, God’s gift to all. Father Ogundipe began by describing a familiar contradiction: “ We buy pure (sachet) water, drink it and throw the nylon on the ground. We finish drinking a bottle of water and throw the bottle into the gutter. We are travelling in a bea...

  INTRODUCTION Nigeria is often described as a “mere geographical expression,” a phrase that captures the artificial nature of its colonial amalgamation in 1914. Over a century later, this description resonates deeply as the country grapples with persistent ethnic hostility and division. The question arises: Why is there so much hostility among Nigerians? Is it because of our different languages and cultures? More importantly, what can we do to rebuild trust, unity, and genuine love for one another? This article explores the roots of ethnic hostility in Nigeria, examines recent incidents that highlight these tensions, and proposes practical solutions to foster national unity. It delves into historical context, institutional challenges, and cultural dynamics, aiming to inspire hope and action toward a more united Nigeria. A recent incident along the Benin/Ore expressway vividly illustrates the fragile state of Nigerian unity. A police officer at a checkpoint stopped a vehicle driven...

  Sexual violence remains one of society's most devastating crimes, inflicting deep emotional, psychological, and social scars that long outlast physical trauma. Although people have worked hard for a long time to raise awareness and educate others, incorrect and harmful beliefs about sexual assault are still common. Among the most pervasive and damaging is the myth that a person's clothing can cause or invite rape.  According to the World Health Organization and the United Nations, the notion that "revealing" or "indecent" attire signals consent is not only entirely false, but it also dangerously shifts accountability away from perpetrators and places the blame squarely on victims.   Therefore, to dismantle rape culture, we must examine why clothing is completely irrelevant to sexual violence, expose the roots of victim-blaming, and shift our focus entirely toward consent, accountability, and systemic cultural change.    Understanding Rape:  According...

The issue of gender inequality between male and female children is complex, deeply rooted in cultural, social, and historical contexts. Is there genuine inequality between boys and girls? Did the Creator make a mistake by designing only two sexes—male and female? Is one sex inherently superior? Or are the sexes assigned different but equally vital, complementary roles in reproduction and the sustenance of life? If the answers lean toward equality and complementarity, why do many cultural practices—especially across Africa— nay, Nigeria- continue to discriminate against the female child? This article examines these questions by exploring biological realities, cultural influences, and the persistent challenges girls face. Biological Foundations: Two Sexes, Complementary Roles Biologically, the existence of two sexes is essential for human reproduction and species survival. Males produce sperm and females produce eggs; together, they make conception and new life possible. This duality is ...

For many years in Nigeria, the ability to speak English fluently was regarded as the definitive measure of literacy and educational success. This perception was especially prevalent in primary and secondary schools, where students who could not communicate effectively in English were often unfairly labeled as illiterate or less intelligent. The use of indigenous languages—often referred to dismissively as vernaculars—was actively discouraged within educational settings. Students who spoke their native tongues risked facing social stigma, ridicule from their peers, and even disciplinary actions from teachers. This attitude reflected a broader colonial legacy that elevated English as the language of power, prestige, and upward mobility, while marginalizing Nigeria’s rich tapestry of indigenous languages. However, over the past forty years, there has been a remarkable and encouraging shift in how language is perceived and valued in Nigeria. Increasingly, educators, parents, and policymake...

Do parents truly know what’s best for your love life? From teething to teenage awkwardness, they’ve watched you grow and believe they hold the ultimate “data set” on who you are. Naturally, they assume they’re qualified to vet your future partner.   But while their intentions may stem from love—or a not-so-subtle desire for grandchildren—parental matchmaking often causes more harm than good.   The Illusion of the Perfect Candidate Someone can look flawless on paper—a “10/10” in your parents’ eyes—yet feel lifeless in conversation. Parents tend to emphasize background, education, and cultural or religious compatibility. These matter, but they don’t create chemistry. Stability may be their priority, but connection is yours. And no spark can be forced just because two résumés align.   The Burden of Obligation When matchmaking involves family friends or community ties, a casual date can feel like a diplomatic summit. If things go badly, relationships with famil...

Why should a man wait to be told to work with his wife before he takes responsibility for the home? Bathing the children, putting them to bed, or cooking a meal are not “women’s duties”—they are family duties. A wise man understands that stepping into the kitchen or helping with chores does not strip him of his masculinity. On the contrary, it shows maturity, love, and leadership. Even a titled man is not diminished by service to his family; he is elevated by it. Yet, some men cling to outdated beliefs. One man famously declared he would never enter the kitchen because “that is not a married man’s place.” He believed that as long as he provided money, the kitchen belonged solely to his wife. He even burdened her with impossible standards, warning that food must be prepared with “utmost precision” or else disaster would follow. His wife lived in constant fear, punished whenever she failed to meet his rigid expectations. This is not strength—it is oppression disguised as tradition. The s...

Toll Gate is a well-known landmark in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The area got its name from the toll gate that once existed there during the democratic presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007. It is strategically located at the boundary between Lagos State and Ogun State along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway. In addition to generating revenue for road maintenance and infrastructure development, the toll gate also helped regulate and monitor traffic moving between the two states. In 2012, during the administration of Ibikunle Amosun, the construction of the Ilo Awela Road was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria. The project was aimed at linking Ota with inner parts of the city, including Oju Ore, Osi, Command, Ogba Ayo, AIT, and Iyana Iyesi. The road was rehabilitated and expanded into a dual carriageway to ease movement and improve connectivity within the city. However, the topography of the area presents a serious safety challenge. The road was constructed in such a way that it sl...

At their father’s burial, James—the youngest of five siblings—shouldered most of the financial responsibility, contributing ₦8 million out of the ₦10 million budget. His elder brother, Cletus, 50 years old and financially strained, managed only ₦300,000. Samson, the 47-year-old teacher, gave ₦1 million, while Veronica, their divorced sister, offered ₦300,000. Jacob, a taxi driver, added ₦400,000.   Despite the uneven contributions, the burial was unexpectedly harmonious. But the fragile peace dissolved when the time came to divide their father’s estate. Custom dictated that the firstborn son, Cletus, should inherit the family house, along with a share of the remaining assets—five plots of land, six houses, clothes, and furniture.   Veronica, however, challenged this tradition. She argued that Cletus’s meager contribution to the burial should disqualify him from receiving the largest share. Aligning with Samson, she petitioned the village head. James stood firmly by t...

It’s funny how an eighteen‑year‑old boy can look at his sixty‑five‑year‑old father and think, “I’m smarter than him.” He forgets that his father was once eighteen too, with the same energy, the same boldness, and probably the same mistakes.   The same goes for the eleven‑year‑old girl who tries every trick in the book, convinced she’s outsmarting her fifty‑eight‑year‑old mother. What she doesn’t realize is that her mother once played those same games—and knows them better than anyone.   Sometimes it feels like kids today believe their parents just fell from the sky, instantly becoming “Mom” and “Dad.” They don’t see that every lie, every little scheme, is something their parents have already lived through.   Take the fourteen‑year‑old who tells her mother she’s off to see a girlfriend, but ends up under a mango tree with a boy, pretending to play house. She thinks she’s clever, but her mother knows exactly what’s going on—because she’s been there before....

  Parent-child relationships are traditionally built on respect. Parents devote themselves to providing for their children’s basic needs—food, clothing, and shelter—while children, in turn, support their parents in whatever ways they can.   African parents, in particular, are known for their diligence in raising children, ensuring they are not spoiled and correcting inappropriate behaviour, especially when it involves disrespect.   Recently, an online video sparked debate: a boy, estimated to be between 12 and 14 years old, openly disrespected his mother. Many questioned why she chose to record and share the incident instead of disciplining him, as is customary in African households.   In Western cultures, such behaviour may be tolerated or explained away, but in Africa—especially Nigeria—it is far less acceptable. Physical discipline remains common, rooted in the biblical principle, “spare the rod, spoil the child” (Proverbs 13:24).   Observ...

In certain regions of Africa, notably Nigeria, there exists a cultural belief that a man may suffer illness as a consequence of his wife’s wrongdoing. For example, if a married woman commits adultery, it is believed that her husband may fall ill. To restore the man’s health, the community often requires the woman to publicly confess her infidelity. This confession is seen as a necessary act to alleviate the husband’s sickness. Once she admits her fault, the man is believed to recover. This longstanding tradition is widely accepted and practiced, with many asserting that it plays a crucial role in promoting faithfulness within marriages and maintaining social order. Another traditional practice involves the suspicion cast upon a wife when her prominent husband dies under mysterious circumstances. In such cases, the wife may be subjected to spiritual trials to prove her innocence. These tests might include drinking the deceased husband’s bath water or performing ritualistic movements aro...

Photo Credit: Plateau Watch   Dialogue is often hailed as the most effective path to conflict resolution. Yet, the idea of negotiating peace with bandits in a sovereign nation remains deeply controversial.   Since the Boko Haram sect—formally known as Jama'at Ahl al-Sunna Li al-Da'wa wa al-Jihad—emerged in northeastern Nigeria in 2003, the country has suffered the loss of thousands of lives to their violent campaigns, particularly in the northern regions. Despite repeated efforts by federal, state, and local governments to suppress the group, military offensives have yielded little success. In fact, the harder the military pushes, the more destruction these insurgents unleash. They raid military bases, seize vehicles and weapons, and turn those same resources against the nation.   Beyond direct assaults, the bandits frequently bomb government facilities, kidnap citizens and foreigners, and extort massive ransoms—sometimes killing their victims even after payment...

Photo credit: freepik.com In Africa, particularly in Nigeria, the color black is often negatively associated with witchcraft. Despite black symbolizing power, authority, and elegance, many Nigerians—especially in rural areas—frequently label elderly, dark-skinned women as witches. This perception is unjust and harmful. It is rare to find a fair-skinned woman suspected or accused of witchcraft in Africa. This is largely because fair complexions are often associated with innocence and harmlessness. I recall an incident years ago when a spirit was consulted to identify the witch or wizard responsible for the death of a two-month-old baby boy. To the surprise of many, a fair-skinned woman was accused of being behind the tragedy. In many African cultures, colors carry profound symbolic meanings connected to nature, spirituality, and societal values. The symbolism of black and white is far more complex than a simple good-versus-evil contrast often seen in Western cultures. Black frequently r...