Opinion

As Nigeria Searches For Peace

Published

13 years ago

January 21, 2013

I want Nigerians to pause and ponder over this. “Those
who may feel that the problems of the oil producing areas are not in their
backyard and feel a safe distance from
the oil communities should be reminded that Nigeria is an entity moving in one
direction. Decay in one part will ultimately affect the rest of the nation. The
fate of the mineral producing communities should be a concern for all.” The
Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, admonishing Nigerians and especially the
leaders to feel for the oil producing communities in the country.

Like
a vicious circle, the decay is going round. The Igbo nation had tasted serious
human losses during the Civil War. Niger Delta had taken its own of the
national pains. When the Sardauna spoke
at the time, oil was first struck in Nigeria in commercial quantity, he might
have been speaking in parables. Now the drama is unfolding. Boko Haram
is the security challenge of the North today, leaving perhaps only the South
West.

Let
us pause and think about this. Why is Nigeria – the most populous black nation
on earth and the economic stronghold of Africa always in search for peace?
Every time, there is one crisis this or the other – each strongly interwoven
into the political string of the nation. Count them since Independence on
October 1, 1960. Military coups. Biafra War. Niger Delta insurgency. Religious
misunderstandings and killings. Electoral violence.

In
the hard search for peace and stability, two major security chiefs, the
National Security Adviser to the President and the Minister of Defence have
been relieved of their appointments. Although Sahara Reporters posted a story
indicating that a secret army report allegedly indicted some security chiefs
during the Niger Delta insurgency, it is quite unarguable that the present
greatest challenge for Nigeria is insecurity in these two chiefs whose
responsibilities were primarily to restore peace had proved ineffective.

Other
security chiefs in the country are Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Chief of Army
Staff (CAS), Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Inspector
General of Police (IGP). But for the fact that the Acting Inspector General of
Police is new, there would be no justification for leaving him unrelieved. His
predecessor had proved unsafe to safeguard Nigerians. So, the new National
Security adviser, Colonel Sambo
Dasuki (rtd), should coordinate all the
security apparatuses in the country and quickly swoop into action to forestall
further insurgency and rebellion against constituted authorities in Nigeria.

Given
his pedigree at a scion of the Sokoto caliphate and cousin to the Sultan of
Sokoto, Dasuki served as ADC to the former Head of State, General Ibrahim
Badamasi Babangida. The new NSA should be familiar with the security set-up and
administration in the country.

However,
many people have been thrilled by the twist in search for peace and stability; the passionate acknowledgements, confessions,
proposals and solutions made by many Nigerians including those in authorities
on the Boko Haram insurgency. Nearly all responsible citizens of the
nation have made their stand very clear.

President
Goodluck Jonathan has not only expressed his sadness over the ugly happenings
and made calls for God’s intervention to restore peace in the nation, he has
also initiated a new strategy by the shake-up in the security circle. “I have
the hope that God will intervene in the situation in Nigeria and heal the
nation”, he said.

In
his address to the people of Kaduna State on the crisis that recently rocked
the state, Kaduna Governor, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa also appealed to Imams
and pastors to admonish their adherents on the
need for ensure peaceful coexistence and tolerance for one another and
to be our bother’s keepers, while also advising the people to shun rumour mongering and ignore
mischievous texts messages that are meant to cause further chaos in the state.

National
Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, argues
that it was clear that the present government cannot tackle the Boko Haram
alone, saying, “The government should not shy away from inviting peace loving
political and community leaders to brainstorm. Nigeria is sliding and we must
act now. Our country is going through a trying period. We must all join hands
to say no to religious violence. No
religion can eliminate the other”.

National
Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh,
is full of hope that Nigeria will overcome the situation. “We survived the
civil war. We survived the military dictatorship and we have over the years
overcome several challenges which would have brought a weaker country to its
knees. Nigeria will remain strong and united until this too passes”.

The
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, says, “Our country is at a very difficult situation and
there is enough blame passed around but I have said it over again that
President Goodluck Jonathan may not be responsible for the problems but today,
he is holding the Nigerian nation and that key has been entrusted to him”.

Bishop
Kukah describes the situation in the North as pathetic for which everyone should
work towards bringing a lasting solution to it. “I am ashamed about what
happened in Zaria and Kaduna recently. We need to be brutally sincere to
ourselves; running and looking for water is not the solution. Without finding
the cause of the problem, we cannot quench the fire. We have to ask ourselves:
how did we get here? What is happening now does not reflect who we are, whether
as Christians or Moslems”, he said, adding that “If we have a country where
Christians are talking to themselves while Moslems are talking to themselves,
it won’t work. I make bold to say, about
90 per cent of Nigerians are not happy because members of the political class
have not been able to deliver on the promises they made”.

The
Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) alleges that most of the ugly incidents
are part of a ploy to destabilize the region by whittling down its economy and
setting its people against one another. NSGF’s Chairman and Governor of Niger
State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu speaking through his Chief Press Secretary,
Malam Danladi Ndayebo believes that given the level of sophistication involved
in the activities of the perpetrators of the bombings, it is easy to conclude
that some oblique forces are behind the violence in the North and not Boko
Haram alone as widely believed.

“If
progress must be made, security agencies must deal decisively with all those
arrested in connection with terrorist acts, particularly bombing of churches
and schools claimed by Boko Haram, to serve as deterrent to others”, NSGF proffered.

The
secretary General of Jamatu Nasril Islam (JNI), Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu is
much worried of the mishandling of the crisis. “The pervasive way security
upheavals are being handled in Nigeria needs serious introspection. While
calling on the security agencies to curtail the violence, we call on them to be
guided by the rules of engagement of the
military by not using excessive force on the citizenry. Equally, the
security should make public the arrests of non-Muslims disguising as Muslims to
perpetrate the dastardly acts of bombings and the motives behind such”.

The
President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor is
also much worried over the management of crisis by the presidency as
conflicting signals about strategy and approaches are ditched out by officials
at the highest levels of government.

Oritsejafor
through his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Kenny Ashaka, calls
on the president to introduce an element
of surprise by acting contrary to form because what emerges now, according to
him, is the picture of a president who has been held hostage by conflicting
intrigues woven around the matter of Boko Haram.

Former
minister of defence and secretary to the government of the federation (SGF),
Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, calls for a central, responsible and committed leadership
to salvage the north from its very precarious situation. “It is an attempt to
acknowledge that the north is on fire, and that the north must redeem itself.
One must not go outside the northern region to look for the reasons why we are
in this problem.

Ajah
writes for NAN.

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”

In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.

One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.

As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.

Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.

Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.

These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.

Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”

Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.

Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.

Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.

Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.

Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.

The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.

By; Confidence Adoo

Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’ Prescription

Published

2 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”

The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.

Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,

when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.

Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?

Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.

Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi