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Is The North Bleeding?

Published

5 years ago

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The common news in town currently is that the North is bleeding, which is not a cheering situation, because the unity and oneness of life mean that an injury to one is an injury to all. It was pathetic to hear the voice of a distraught woman, on a radio, confess to regretting voting for “Baba”. It is in the nature of humans to be carried away by sentiments, such that wrong decisions and choices can be made, whose consequence becomes irreparable. It is also in the character of humans that present realities are rarely appreciated until when they are past and gone.
It is futile to argue whether one regime was better or worse than the other, or make comparative analysis when the situation at hand demands a total paradigm shift. Even the alleged statement of a former President that the present one has nothing better to offer than what we have already had, represents what is common with humans. Dancers rarely see their back while they are on stage, neither would praise singers stop giving accolades while the dancer is still dancing. Rather, we see and assess performances better usually when the show is over and actors off the stage.
Obviously, the current situation in Nigeria did not start with the current regime; rather, what is sad is any “would-be-saviour” coming on stage without a proper grasp of the reality on ground, before taking on such task. Those who know how creation is ordered and regulated do know that every situation or effect has an underlying cause, nor can wine be squeezed out of rock or stone. Apart from some known errors made by departing colonial masters, first batch of Nigerian politicians had different world views, orientations, aspirations and affiliations, exposed in 1966.
The cry of “araba” or separation by some lynching mob in 1966 was quickly suppressed by those who knew what would be missed if such agendum was pursued. The idea of wanting to eat our cake and still try to have it, what we call corruption. That faulty mindset is expressed in the current assertion that Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable. Yes, unity is an ideal state to cherish, but where such professed unity becomes a cover for injustices and other malpractices, then such marriage of convenience and lechery would rarely endure. Protests would arise!
Specifically, a second or revenge military coup of July 1966, brought to light a number of issues which many Nigerians would not want to be brought to light. Before the event of July 1966, one had the opportunity of being assigned to some foreign intelligence officers and one priest from Cyprus, on a tour of some towns in Northern Nigeria. One sad experience which the team witnessed was the action of a lynching mob in Kaduna, where a baby was ripped out of the womb of a pregnant woman. Before dying, the woman placed curses on the perpetrators of the act and the region which they represented.
The orgy was so barbaric that those who sought to help were in danger of being lynched as well. The curses and dying declarations of the woman killed in labour, made in Igbo language, did obviously not go in vain. Why did some highly placed Nigerians insist that no public enquiry must be made of what took place in Northern Nigeria between July 1966 and March 1967? Neither was any individual or group spared that tried to keep or preserve any record or picture of what took place in various parts of the North. Such sad events account partly for what we experience now.
It was suggested long ago that those who have a practice of hiring and inviting diviners and marabout from Sudan to do some exorcism as an official engagement, should also do a similar thing to pacify the soul of the woman lynched in labour in 1966. There were certainly many such acts of barbarism across the entire Northern Nigeria, which gave rise to Easterners declaring a state of Biafra which failed to stand. It cannot be that Nigerians have forgotten that ugly episode of our history so quickly, neither should a flashback on that episode be seen as a hate speech. The idea is to stress that we are usually visited by our past.
The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) provided opportunity not only for a lopsided representation, but also for placing certain parts of the country in a position of gross disadvantage. Without talking about a war indemnity, it became obvious that the oil and gas resources of the Niger Delta region of the country quelled some vexation. From a revelation by Senator Ita Enang and records of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), it became known that over 83 per cent of the ownership of Nigeria’s oil blocks are in the hands of Northerners. It is also factual that the gang-up against Goodluck Jonathan’s second-term presidency was based on possible reversal of oil blocks allocation, which is shrouded in secrecy.
There is no quarrel between different ethnic groups in Nigeria, but some disadvantaged Nigerians have serious quarrels with the Nigerian political economy. Many Nigerians rarely know the parasitic and predatory nature of the nation’s political economy, and, the few who know, fear being intimidated by various strategies. But now as the true nature of Nigeria’s political economy begins to bite her citizens there is a growing awareness; South and North!
Hardly is any crime perfect, no matter how perfectly and craftily it may be planned and executed. Nigerians became suspicious when political parties were formed and 1999 election held without anyone knowing or seeing the constitution crafted by the military but because of the desire to get rid of the military, no issue was raised. Now the truth has come to light that the Nigerian political economy must be restructured if the survival of the nation can be guaranteed. But those who have everything to hide with regards to secret deals in oil block allocations, would stand against restructuring, as they earlier ganged up against Jonathan.
While over 80 per cent of Nigerians are poor, hungry and jobless, why are Nigerian lawmakers taking millions of Naira every month as remunerations? Why are protesters visited with utmost venom by law enforcement agents? Can the custodians of the toxic political economy be the appropriate agents to restructure the predatory system being operated in Nigeria? There is a limit to the survival of an oligopoly which is a system of political economy in which 80 per cent of a nation’s resources are controlled and enjoyed by less than 20 per cent of the citizens. It breeds protests!
There is also a limit to the suppression of legitimate protests arising from mass hunger and disappointment with an unimpressive management of affairs that touch the lives of millions of citizens. Despite the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), it cannot be said that the shenanigans of the oil and gas resources of the Niger Delta communities have been resolved. Where justice and transparency reign, neither the North nor the South of Nigeria would bleed. The Nigerian situation calls for immediate, appropriate action, using the language of Justice!

By: Bright Amirize
Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

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Opinion

Making the Out-of-School Children Survey Count 

Published

6 days ago

on

July 27, 2026

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Quote: “Reliable data may reveal the scale of Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, but only sustained political will and practical action can ensure that every child is given the opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute to national development.”

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, recently announced that the Federal Government, in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), will conduct a nationwide household survey to determine the actual number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. The exercise is intended to provide reliable data for evidence-based education policies and targeted interventions. Current estimates put the number of out-of-school children at between 15 million and 20 million, placing Nigeria among the countries with the highest number of children excluded from formal education. At first glance, this is a commendable initiative. One of Nigeria’s greatest developmental challenges has been the absence of accurate and reliable data. Without dependable statistics, planning becomes difficult, implementation inefficient, and evaluation of government programmes almost impossible.

The nation’s actual population also remains uncertain because of the absence of an up-to-date national census. Estimates range from below 200 million to over 250 million, making effective planning a daunting task. Sound policies on education, healthcare, housing, employment and infrastructure all depend on credible population statistics. Against this backdrop, the proposed survey deserves commendation. If government succeeds in generating reliable figures, it will be better positioned to allocate resources equitably, identify areas of greatest need and design interventions based on facts rather than assumptions. Accurate data will also make it easier to monitor progress and assess whether efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children are achieving the desired results.

However, beyond the good intentions lie important questions. Will state governments provide the enabling environment for an objective and transparent survey? Since education is on the concurrent legislative list, the cooperation of state governments will largely determine the credibility of the exercise. Politics could easily influence the process. States with higher numbers of out-of-school children may qualify for greater intervention funds from the Federal Government and development partners. Would this tempt some states to inflate their figures? On the other hand, high numbers could portray a state government as performing poorly in the education sector. Would some governors therefore seek to understate the figures to protect their image? These concerns are legitimate because whenever statistics are tied to political interests or financial benefits, the temptation to manipulate them cannot be ignored.

Equally important are questions about the survey itself. When will it begin? How long will it last? What methodology will be adopted? Will every household be covered, including those in remote rural communities and areas plagued by insecurity? Does the government have the manpower, funding, technology and security arrangements needed for such a nationwide exercise? Nigeria has witnessed several well-intentioned national programmes that fell short because of poor planning and inadequate logistics. Many Nigerians will remember that the proposed national population census scheduled a few years ago was postponed despite extensive preparations. Funding constraints and logistical challenges contributed to its suspension. What guarantees are there that this survey will not suffer a similar fate? More importantly, what becomes of the findings after the exercise? Nigeria is not short of reports or data collection initiatives.

The recurring challenge has been the lack of political will to translate findings into concrete policies and sustained action. The survey must not become another document gathering dust on government shelves. Instead, it should serve as the basis for measurable interventions, continuous monitoring and improved educational outcomes. Beyond producing accurate figures, the survey must also uncover the reasons children remain outside the classroom. Addressing the crisis requires more than counting affected children. It demands an understanding of the social, economic and cultural factors responsible for the problem. Issues such as the Almajiri system and other practices that discourage formal education should be carefully examined while respecting cultural values and protecting every child’s right to quality education. Poverty remains a major barrier, as many parents cannot afford school-related expenses, forcing children into street trading or child labour

Insecurity has also led to the closure of schools in several communities, depriving thousands of children of learning opportunities.Government must therefore complement the survey with practical measures. Strengthening social protection for vulnerable families, improving school infrastructure, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, enhancing security around schools and enforcing compulsory basic education are all essential. Equally important is sustained collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to address the root causes of school exclusion. The proposed survey presents an opportunity to replace guesswork with credible evidence. However, its true value will not be measured by the number of households visited or questionnaires completed. Its success will depend on whether the findings inspire bold policies, adequate funding and sustained action that ensure every Nigerian child, regardless of location or background, has access to quality education. Only then will the exercise move beyond statistics to become a genuine instrument for national development.

By: Calista Ezeaku

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Opinion

African Women: Beyond the Stereotypes 

Published

6 days ago

on

July 27, 2026

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Quote:”The story of the Tuareg women reminds us that Africa is not defined by a single narrative. Across the continent are cultures where women have long enjoyed dignity, influence and authority, proving that Africa’s history is far richer and more diverse than stereotypes suggest.”

For generations, Africa has often been portrayed through a single, narrow lens. News headlines, documentaries and social media feeds have tended to focus on poverty, conflict, disease and political instability, creating the impression that the continent has only one story to tell. While these challenges are real and deserve attention, they represent only a fraction of Africa’s rich history and cultural diversity. Reducing a continent of over a billion people and thousands of ethnic groups to one narrative does a great disservice to its people and heritage. One striking example of Africa’s diversity can be found among the Tuareg people of the Sahara Desert. Spread across Mali, Niger, Algeria, Libya and Burkina Faso, the Tuareg have preserved unique customs for centuries despite the harsh desert environment. Their society challenges many of the assumptions people hold about gender roles, particularly in African and Islamic communities.

Unlike many patriarchal societies where inheritance and authority are passed mainly through men, Tuareg tradition gives women a remarkable degree of respect, influence and autonomy. Family lineage is traced through the mother’s line, making women central to the identity and continuity of the family. This matrilineal system has helped shape a culture where women enjoy privileges that are uncommon in many parts of the world. Traditionally, Tuareg women own the family tents, which symbolise the household itself. They may also possess livestock, jewellery and other valuable property. In many families, women exercise considerable control over household wealth and inherit important possessions from their mothers. These rights are not viewed as extraordinary but as a natural part of their social structure. Marriage customs among the Tuareg are equally fascinating.

Women generally have a significant voice in choosing whom they marry, and divorce carries far less social stigma than it does in many other societies. If a marriage fails, a woman often returns to her family with her property and continues to enjoy the respect of her community. Rather than being treated as outcasts, divorced women frequently remarry if they choose. Such practices demonstrate a long-standing recognition of women’s dignity and independence. Perhaps even more intriguing is the value placed on female education and literacy. Historically, Tuareg women have often been more literate than the men. They preserve ancient poetry, songs and oral traditions that define the identity of their people. Through storytelling and cultural instruction, they pass history and values from one generation to another, ensuring that their heritage survives despite changing times.

Ironically, in Tuareg culture, it is often the men who wear the famous indigo veils that have become synonymous with the “Blue People of the Sahara.” The veil is worn for cultural and spiritual reasons and has become a symbol of maturity and honour among Tuareg men. This reversal of what many outsiders expect further illustrates how dangerous it is to judge societies using stereotypes. However, it is important to avoid replacing one stereotype with another. While Tuareg women enjoy rights that are impressive by many standards, their lives are not without challenges. Modern conflicts, climate change, economic hardship, displacement and political instability have affected Tuareg communities across the Sahara. Like many women worldwide, they continue to navigate social, economic and security concerns. Their story is therefore one of resilience rather than perfection.

The experience of the Tuareg also reminds us that Africa has never been culturally uniform. Across the continent are societies with widely varying traditions concerning leadership, inheritance, marriage and gender relations. Some communities are patriarchal, others matrilineal, while many combine elements of both. Understanding this diversity is essential if we are to appreciate Africa beyond simplistic generalisations. The colonial partition of Africa further complicated many indigenous institutions. European powers drew borders that divided ethnic groups and disrupted long-established systems of governance and social organisation. In some places, colonial administrations replaced or weakened traditional practices that had evolved over centuries. Yet many communities, including the Tuareg, have managed to preserve important aspects of their cultural identity despite these disruptions.

There is an important lesson here for Africans themselves. Too often, people accept narratives about their continent that are written entirely by outsiders. While criticism of Africa’s problems is necessary, celebrating its strengths is equally important. Indigenous knowledge, cultural diversity and historical achievements deserve the same attention as stories of crisis. Doing so creates a more balanced understanding of the continent and inspires confidence among younger generations. The story of the Tuareg women is not merely about female empowerment; it is about the richness of African civilisation. It reminds us that leadership, dignity and freedom can take different forms across cultures. Their example challenges long-held assumptions and encourages a more thoughtful appreciation of Africa’s complexity.

Ultimately, Africa cannot be understood through a single story. Its peoples, languages, traditions and histories are too vast and varied for such reduction. The Tuareg women of the Sahara stand as living proof that beneath the sweeping sands of the desert lies a civilisation whose values continue to surprise and inspire the world. As we seek to understand Africa better, we must move beyond stereotypes and embrace the many stories that together form the true identity of the continent

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi  

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Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship 

Published

2 months ago

on

June 17, 2026

By

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
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