Opinion

Christianity In Africa: Fantasy Or Reality?

Published

7 years ago

September 27, 2019

The first part of this article was published last Friday.

From the East to the West and from North to South, the presence of the various Christian missions were seen and felt in Nigeria and even beyond. They embarked on invaluable projects that impacted positively on the lives of the people, rather than embarking on meaningless projects and infrastructure. They had the interest and welfare of the people at heart. To them, the salvation of the souls of men was paramount, not money nor the worldly mundane things that would fizzle out when He will appear in His majesty and glory, with ten thousand of His saints according to the book of Jude. In places where the Christian missionaries lived and worked, schools, colleges and tertiary institutions were voluntarily and benevolently established. The schools were there for the asking, if you ask me.
In Calabar main town and at Itu, now in Cross River State for example, schools and skills acquisition centres were established by Saint Mary Slessor and the charismatic Hope Waddell of blessed memory. At Abeokuta and Badagry in the west where Gollmer, Henry Townsend and Samuel Ajayi Crowther – one of the early converts worked, schools and colleges were also established. The renowned CMS Grammar school in Lagos which, of course, was the first secondary school founded in Nigeria is a living witness to this assertion.
In order parts of Nigeria and Africa as a whole, the different Christian missions through their missionaries built free, affordable and magnet schools and colleges. For instance, the first University in West Africa called the Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone, established by the Anglican Church, served the whole of West Africa before the establishment of the premier University College, Ibadan in Nigeria. This gesture of goodwill by the Christian missionaries no doubt brought Western education and civilisation closer to the people and to other parts of Africa. So, anyone born between 1920 and 1960 whose alibi is that he never had the opportunity of going to school at this period should be asking himself a question and taken to the psychiatric hospital for autism and asperger’s syndrome, because Western civilization and education where made free and compulsory at this time. Essentially, this was the white man’s modus operandi in fulfilling their mission or vision in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
Thanks to Michael Crowder for much of what we know today about the dividends of planting of schools and colleges in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. According to him, “It is clear, therefore, that in Nigeria – as in other West African countries, the foundations and the early edifice of western education were the work of the Christian missions. It was from the early converts that the first African elites emerged to compete with the Europeans on their terms, who became the leaders of the Nigerian nationalist movements and helped to gain Independence for their countries from the colonial masters.”
Such educated Africans like – Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria, Dr. Caseley Hayford and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Sir Dauda Jawara of Gambia and Leopold Senghor of Senegal. Others include, Sekou Toure of Guinea, Felix Houphouet Boigny of Ivory Coast, Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Albert Luthuli and Nelson Mandela of South Africa respectively were produced.
Speaking further on the effect, Crowder wrote, “these revolutionary forces essentially had influence on the subsequent development of Nigeria, the emergence of the Nigerian nationalists who started with marked intensification to take the control of the government from the British administrators.”
The Christian missionaries continued to surge, soar and becoming complacent with the structure already put in place, charitable hospitals and clinics were built to cater for the sick and the wounded people. They prayerfully dedicated these hospitals to the service of God and humanity. In the Eastern parts of Nigeria and even in the North, leprosy colonies and units were built, which took care of lepers living pitiable and wretched lives, and living in misery and in isolation in areas where they may be found. Succinctly put, the missionaries took care of the disabled like the blind people, the cripple, the deaf and dumb and also built orphanage homes where fatherless and motherless babies were taken care of. Above all, scholarships were given to the early converts to study medicine and nursing overseas, since they needed able, capable and competent doctors and nurses to run the hospitals and clinics effectively.
Furthermore, the Christian missionaries helped to promote the study of Nigerian languages, especially the three major languages such as – Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and gave encouragement to the writing of these languages in order to enhance and promote Christianity. A million thanks to the early Christians and missionaries because through them and their works of charity, love and care and preaching of the word of God undiluted, many bad practices like the killing of twin babies, human sacrifices to appease gods and goddesses, the killing of slaves to accompany important chiefs and kings in their journey to the next world, and the secret cult brouhaha were suppressed and reduced to the barest minimum), if not totally eradicated in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
At this juncture, therefore, a perturbing and nagging question readily comes to mind – where is the love of God and his dear son Jesus Christ in our churches today? When church founders and leaders display lack of love and care for their members but are rather preoccupied with thoughts of how to acquire large hectares of land in major cities and suburbs for building magnificent, picturesque and breathtaking church auditoriums to the detriment of the teeming number of people who are apparently living on the breadline, wallowing and wobbling in abject poverty, cannot pay their children’s school fees let alone pay their house rent whenever it expires.
The pulpit and the pew as well should be careful. Christianity is a reality not a fantasy as projected and being portrayed by Christians in Nigeria. By the time we come to this realization and knowledge and stop converting the church into a cybercafe and a ballroom and begin to extol the virtues of love and care for one another like the early believers and Christians in Acts of the Apostles, stop being selfish and greedy, stop the aggressive tendency for power and title, emulate or follow the examples laid down by Jesus Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith and the way, the truth and the life and also toe the lines of the Christian missionaries who toiled, laboured and planted Christianity in Nigeria as beacons and crusaders of the Christian faith, otherwise, heaven would be an illusion and a mirage to so many irrespective of their religious inclination or persuasion, church, position they occupy, title they bear, or whatever they profess to be. Remember, God is not a respecter of any person or persons as much as we know. Heaven is for believers and Christians who have diligently kept and practised this new and of course the greatest commandment given by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ himself before his ascension into heaven, which says, “that ye love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another. Note the repetition and use of the intransitive verb Love, the object is you and I. Jesus did not say we should love money, prodigious church building or auditorium or transient worldly mundane things that would not stand the test of time at his appearing. This new and greatest Messianic injunction or message, therefore, calls for an immediate U-turn, spiritual rebirth and a spiritual check-up of all unbelievers and professing Christians in Nigeria and, by extension, in South Africa where at present there is a brute force and morbid fascination of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians before it is too late. Looking at Christianity more closely and critically, it is not a fantasy, but a reality, a way of life and the hope of eternal life for true believers when all about life here is over and our work on earth is perfectly done to be with Christ ad-infinitum.
Concluded.
Owhorji wrote in from Port Harcourt.

Christian Owhorji

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

3 weeks 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 weeks 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

4 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