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WHEN DOES LIFE TRULY BEGIN? A REFLECTION ON HUMAN EXISTENCE

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...

Nigeria’s Political Landscape and the #EndSARS Movement

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 Even promises of support can be withdrawn at the last moment if loyalty is questioned.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...

WHEN DUTY FALTERS: NSCDC OFFICER JOINS LOOTING AMID CRISIS IN ABUJA

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.

ON THE GROUND: PUBLIC SENTIMENT AMID #ENDSARS PROTESTS ACROSS NIGERIA

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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

A ROADBLOCK ENCOUNTER: A TALE OF BRIBERY AND HOPE FOR CHANGE

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.

THE HIGH COST OF EASY MONEY: WHY TURNING TO WITCH DOCTORS RARELY ENDS WELL

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A traditional African herbalist preparing remedies with herbs, gourds, and symbolic artifacts in a vibrant cultural setting. Source: Google  In moments of financial desperation, people often reach for the fastest solution they can find. Bills pile up, opportunities dry up, and the pressure to “make it” becomes overwhelming. For many, that search leads not to a bank, a mentor, or a legitimate side hustle, but to a witch doctor or Voodoo priest promising quick and lasting relief. The appeal is understandable.  When conventional paths feel slow or blocked, the promise of supernatural intervention can feel like the only remaining option. Yet what begins as a search for help frequently becomes a costly descent into manipulation, escalating demands, and lasting harm. The Allure of Instant Solutions Most people who visit these practitioners are not seeking spiritual enlightenment. They are looking for money, protection from creditors, business success, or an end to a run of bad luck....

BRIDGING LANGUAGE BARRIERS TO FOSTER INTERTRIBAL MARRIAGE AND NATIONAL UNITY IN NIGERIA

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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...