Angelus Blog

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...

Organizations and individuals establish businesses in environments they believe will foster growth, sustainability, and progress. While operating in these locations, these entities have the opportunity to contribute positively to the social and economic well-being of the surrounding communities. This practice is known as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), also referred to as Corporate Impact. In several African countries, particularly Nigeria, the contributions of many organizations to the economic and social development of their host communities often fall short of local expectations. This article highlights some critical areas that have been largely neglected, including road maintenance, rural and urban electrification, environmental sanitation, and scholarships for indigent students. Road Maintenance : Feeder roads, which organizations frequently use to transport raw materials and finished goods, often suffer from poor maintenance. Although it is not the direct responsibility...

Cure-all Drugs :  The concept of cure-all drugs, also known as panaceas, refers to medicines that claim to heal every human ailment—a universal solution to all health problems. This idea traces back to Greek mythology, where Panacea, the daughter of Asclepius and Epione, was believed to possess a potion capable of healing the sick. This myth gave rise to the medical notion of a panacea. Figuratively, the term "panacea" is used to describe something believed—often mistakenly—to solve all problems or cure a wide range of illnesses. According to the Collins Dictionary, a panacea is “something that is believed, usually wrongly, to be able to solve all the problems someone or something has, or to cure a wide range of illnesses.” Given these definitions, one might wonder if there truly exists a single drug capable of curing all ailments. If such a drug exists, does it appear in modern pharmaceutical medicine? The answer is almost certainly no. Unfortunately, in many parts of Africa...

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...