Opinion

Should Nigeria Celebrate 100 Yrs Of Amalgamation?

Published

13 years ago

February 18, 2013

Come 2014, Nigeria would have clocked 100 years since the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protecterates by British colonialists. In view of our chequered history so far, is Nigeria’s 100 years of existence worth celebrating? Our correspondent Calista Ezeaku and photographer, Dele Obinna sought the veiws of Nigerians. Excerpts:

Mr Madume Nixom – Civil Servant

What is the achievement in this 100 years? Is it good road, electricity? We have so many issues at hand. Fine, celebrating 100 years is good but on what basis are we celebrating? A man of 100 years is expected to have achieved at lot but to me as a nation we have a lot of challenges facing us- no good roads, no electricity, insecurity and so on.

So for me, if we must celebrate 100 years of amalgamation, let it be a low key celebration. Let us just thank God that at least we’ve clocked 100 years. Let it not be an elaborate celebration where a lot of money will be lavished on things that have nothing to do with Nigerians. I want our leaders to use this 100 years celebration to think of how to move this nation forward. Let them look at the issue of job creation for the youth. Let them improve on power supply. We have been suffering of power failure for a long time. If they had at least, achieved adequate power supply in the country, every Nigerian will be happy when you talk of celebrating 100 years. To me, the only reason we should celebrate is that Nigeria has continued to be one nation. But on the other way round, I don’t see any reason for that. Is it an avenue for people to enrich themselves through the celebration?

Mr. Ime Ita _ Business man

I think it is good to celebrate the 100 years of amalgamation of Southern and Northern Nigeria but as we do that, let us think of how to improve our economy. Our economy is not stable, there is serious inequality in the country. So we should think of how to develop and sustain our economy.

So far, I think we have tried but we are supposed to do more. We are not developing the way we are supposed to because of corruption and inequality in Nigeria. So I will like our leaders to find ways of tackling corruption in Nigeria. Let them improve internal security in the country and also invest on programmes and projects that will be beneficial to every citizen of Nigeria.

Nnaebuka Ezeonugo – Banker

I will say yes and no. Yes in the sense that it is not easy for a country to mark its N100 years of amalgamation. It’s a laudable achievement. However, what I don’t support is lavishing so much money on the celebration rather than trashing the real issues that need our attention at this time. The best we have achieved is trying to have a civilian government which we are currently enjoying and I believe that with time, we are going to get better.

But I think that for us to be one of the great nations in future, we really have to enact policies that will actually support the youth in a lot of ways. If you look at the educational system in Nigeria, you wonder where the country is heading to. The decadence in the tertiary institutions is really very worrisome. What about the quality of graduates we produce now, people that can’t defend themselves. That is really an indication that the educational system has been defective, I believe we are supposed to be improving by the day not going down. In our time, it was a thing of joy for parents to say my son, my daughter is in federal university. But I don’t think that is the case any longer. Every body wants to send his children abroad or to private universities.

So I don’t think we’ve really achieved much in education. They keep saying we should be self employed but they don’t encourage these young graduates to actually bring out what they have in them. The process of securing loan is so difficult. So there is little or nothing that will really favour the youth and the young graduates, and it really calls for concern. If 50 years before now, these people that are at the helm of affairs did not get quality education and other necessary things that have kept them where they are, I doubt if they would have been in the positions they occupy now.

So if we don’t invest on today’s youth, if we don’t cater for them, in the next 50 years or 100 years, what will become of this nation?

And for us to continue to exist as one country, we should forget about ethnicity and come together to work for the common good of the nation. Every geo-political zone in this country is endowed with one thing or the other. We need to pull these resources together for the development of the country. Government on the other hand should try and provide the basic needs of the citizens both in the urban and rural areas – good education, adequate power supply, good healthcare system, that is all we ask for.

Mr Achebe Chigozie – Transporter

It is worth while celebrating the 100 years of amalgamation because this is a great nation that cannot be compared with any other nation in the African sub region. That is why we are called giant of Africa. When we think of all the challenges that the country had passed through and still remains one country for 100 years, it calls for celebration. I know that politically we are not yet matured as should be expected but gradually we can mature.

Some people have been clamouring for the division of the country due to series of challenges facing us but for me, that is not a solution to our problem. We should continue to forge ahead as one nation.

People like late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe preached one Nigeria and that is where I stand. United we stand, divided we fall.

My only advice is that we should pray to God to give us a leader, the person could be Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Efik, or what have you, it doesn’t really matter, provided he is someone that can rule us in the fear of God. Let us unite and make Nigeria strong.

Mrs Onuigbo Comfort – Business Woman

I think we should celebrate the centenary of Nigeria’s amalgamation because at least Nigeria is still one country. We have not divided. Although we have lost so many souls in the recent past, we that are living ought to celebrate and give thanks to God for the gift of life. We should celebrate, future Nigeria should be better. However, with all that we’ve lost and bearing in mind that Nigeria is not where it is supposed to be educationally, economically, politically and all that. The celebration should not be an elaborate one. And for this country to move forward, our leaders should be sincere in the fight against corruption. Let them invest in education and youth empowerment.

Perri Tamuno – Owunari – Public Servant / Environmentalist

Eeem! Some will say it’s worth it you see how far the country has gone, pieces of development, you know how we went into civil war and still remain one entity, then you can say let’s celebrate. But for the present age, I believe they’ll say it is not worthwhile, seeing the crisis in the country now.

If the British took cognizance of the different tribes in the country, they would have laid down some conditions for us to live peacefully, forecasting how Nigeria would look like in the next 50, 100 years. But those things were not taken into consideration and that is why we see ethnic and religious crisis every now and then. That is why some people say that coming together as one entity has done us more harm than good. You see, the South South people, Ndigbo, the Arewa people, the Yorubas saying they need to go their ways. That is to say that the foundation was not right.

But as individuals, I think we need to celebrate because it’s not easy. You’ll see some countries that have stayed for 30 to 40 years being into deep crisis. If you see what is going on in Mali, you will know that it is worthwhile celebrating our existence as one country. And we pray that the so-called Sovereign National Conference will be called for every tribe, every region to discuss how we can continue to exist as one. We still need Nigeria as one. No region can stay as a separate entity for now. We need each other as a body.

However, in the past 100 years. I don’t think we have done well developmentally. We have disabused the principle of sustainable development. There is no equal distribution of wealth. You see high rate of marginalization. Resources from one area being used to develop another area without commensurate development of where that resources is coming from. You see decay of infrastructure everywhere.

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

2 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

2 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