Angelus Blog

Recently, I spoke with a fresh Nigerian university graduate who expressed a startling preference: he would rather live in a prison overseas than reside in a two-bedroom apartment in any African country. When I reminded him that prison meant losing his freedom, he argued that life in many African countries already felt like a prison. This young man, in his early twenties, confessed he would do anything to leave the country—even if it meant committing a crime that would land him in prison, whether at home or abroad. He lamented the difficulty of finding a job since graduating two years prior. Three years later, I learned that this same young man was caught at an American international airport with several kilograms of cocaine and was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. This tragic outcome reflects the harsh reality faced by many young people desperate to succeed in life. Hearing about his incarceration raised many questions in my mind: As a fresh graduate, were there truly no jobs he c...

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...

Life sometimes places us in situations where suspicion becomes the lens through which we view our surroundings, compelling us to rely on uncertainty when making critical decisions. Instead of confronting the reality of the problem and seeking practical solutions, people often find themselves caught between difficult choices, unable to move forward clearly. Such circumstances frequently lead to costly and avoidable errors. Yet, at times, they provide emotional relief to those involved, offering a temporary sense of comfort. Whether this relief truly resolves the underlying issue remains uncertain. Consider this example: A family experienced an alarming series of deaths—ten members passing away within ten months, each about a month apart. The pattern was hard to accept, especially since all but one died following a brief illness. This raised deep suspicions that something beyond ordinary causes was at play. In search of answers, the family turned to a medium reputed to communicate wit...

Death is the ultimate price which every human must pay. Most of the time, it comes unannounced. At other times, it appears to give signs of it's arrival. Yet, no mortal has been able to accurately predict the actual time it would come to take it's victim. When death strikes in unfamiliar circumstances, the bereaved are  often left in bewilderment; they appear  powerless because they cannot change the situation, yet they question God and the gods for answers to the inevitability of death. If  you like, cry till eternity; death, which is like an autocratic government decides when to strike and who to strike on. 'Please, take heart', 'accept my condolences', ' may the soul of the departed rest in peace', etc, are some expressions to comfort the bereaved. If you've lost a dear one, pick any of the above sympathy expressions and stop crying, otherwise, you will be doing yourself more harm than the dead. 

Nigeria’s primary source of revenue is oil, supplemented by sectors such as agriculture, tourism, entertainment, hospitality, commerce, and industry. Despite its wealth in crude oil, the country exports this resource in its raw form and imports refined petroleum products like petrol, diesel, kerosene, lubricating oils, asphalt, and feedstock. This paradox exists because Nigeria’s refineries, which should process crude oil domestically, remain largely nonfunctional despite numerous turnaround maintenance efforts by successive governments. The failure of these refineries has contributed significantly to the persistent decline in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the years. Beyond oil, Nigeria has unfortunately neglected other vital revenue-generating industries. The once-thriving textile sector, which flourished in the 1980s and mid-1990s, has all but disappeared. States like Zamfara and Delta hosted major textile mills such as ZAMTEXT in Gusau and ASABA TEXTILE MILL in Asaba, ...

The growing divide between Northern and Southern Nigeria is fueled by escalating tensions rooted in agricultural conflicts involving individuals and groups across the country. This dangerous trend must be halted to preserve the fragile peace that has existed among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups since independence in 1960. Cattle rearing, a significant aspect of animal husbandry, is predominantly practiced by peasant farmers and businesspeople in Northern Nigeria. While cattle rearing occurs in other regions, the scale of the trade is far greater in the North. The Fulani nomads, primarily among the Hausa, dominate this sector, moving their herds across the country in search of quality grazing land. Unfortunately, as these animals roam, they often stray into farmlands, consuming and destroying crops. This destruction has frequently sparked violent clashes between farmers and herdsmen, sometimes resulting in fatalities among those directly or indirectly involved. Some have proposed desig...

Success undeniably stems from hard work. However, when a family member achieves notable success in their career, they often face unique and intense pressures from relatives. How this individual manages such pressures can either strengthen or weaken their position within the family. In many African families, whether nuclear or extended, when one member attains greater wealth than others, there is a common expectation that this person will provide material and financial support to the rest. This expectation persists regardless of whether the family head—often the father—is still alive. The successful individual frequently assumes the role of family provider, even while managing their own household responsibilities. In families grounded in love and trust, this dynamic tends to function smoothly. The successful member’s support encourages others to strive for their own success, fostering motivation rather than dependence. This cycle helps break the chains of reliance on the prosperous indi...