Angelus Pulse Nigeria

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...