Opinion

Infrastructure Blitz: Putting The Horse Before The Cart

Published

4 years ago

April 13, 2022

Here they go again. African Development Bank President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has been in the news celebrating a $58 billion loan package for construction projects in the East and West of the African continent, the Abidjan/Lagos highway and a rail corridor connecting Tanzania, Burundi, DR Congo and Rwanda. On the drawing board are other mega infrastructure projects such as the Mambilla dam that will require humongous quantities of construction materials. Should we proceed by putting the cart before the horse?
These projects are foreign loan-financed and creditors gladly give Africa these loans because they benefit more despite the projects being sited in Africa. A cost-benefit analysis reveals why they can’t lose. Usually, factories located in countries where the loans are sourced provide cement, iron rods and steel. They provide the bitumen and asphalt plants and, until lately, the cement. Engineers, pseudo-engineers, technicians and upgraded low-skilled builders from these countries will be engaged for years executing these projects. That is of the $60 billion fee, $55 billion will remain in the creditor country. Interest payments over a number of years in foreign currency is another benefit to the provider country. Meanwhile, the capital remains outstanding and must be paid in cash or in-kind, meaning long term expropriation of natural resources.
This writer is not anti-infrastructure, rather there are certain fundamentals that should be in place and there are questions to be answered before glossy projects are foisted on any country or continent. Questions as to how much trade is going on along the West African coast to justify a $15 billion expenditure? This leads to the egg-chicken question: should the trade come first, moving from potential trade to actual, or are proponents of the road saying the road will energise and stimulate the trade? Would the highway be tolled and would the payment be in convertible currency?
We should go to the ants and learn, the Chinese being the ANTS. How has China done so well for itself in delivering infrastructure so much that apart from being manufacturers to the world they have become preferred builders to the world? To throw light on the Chinese way, let us inquire into how they have moved from no bullet train 15 years ago to the nation with the widest high-speed train network. France commissioned its first high-speed train into service in 1964. Japan followed in 1983; for 30 years China hardly had any. However, beginning in the 2000s and 2008 to be precise, China began and in 15 years had surpassed Japan and France in operational bullet trains! What was happening in those lag years?
The Chinese did not go high speed till they perfected creating wealth and moved hundreds of millions into the middle class. The middle class use the trains and pay economic fees, no need for much subsidy like the Abuja-Kaduna route. We, in Africa, are yet to acquire the skills to lift hundreds of millions out of poverty into the middle class. In China it wasn’t infrastructure first, it was double-digit gross domestic product growth first, then massive infrastructure acquisition followed.
In the lag years, China also acquired in-country, the technology for building the rail tracks and building the bullet trains themselves. They now lead in the highest speeds obtained by bullet trains. They learned, and probably stole, patents from the forerunners, adding their own flavour. They don’t depend on the Japanese or French to proceed further. We in Africa and Nigeria are forever dependent on foreigners for building, maintaining and running mediaeval infrastructure.
Infrastructure projects require humongous quantities of heavy materials that cost a lot to ship so the Chinese produced them in large quantities and are the leading producers of steel and cement by more than a mile. China produces 2.5 billion tonnes of cement, followed by India with 330 million tonnes. Nigeria, thanks to the likes of Dangote and Samad Rabiu, produces about 40 million tonnes and should do more. Any country or continent that ships in these heavy materials for infrastructure ends up with more expensive infrastructure delivered at a slower pace. However, once production of these construction materials is in place then an infrastructure blitz can begin.
China has gone on a worldwide infrastructure blitz to consume excesses from its steel and cement plants. To further mop up and create demand, they have engaged in extensive investments in real estate, building several new towns and cities. They are pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative to re-enact the old silk trade routes to Europe. Yes, let’s go to the ants and learn.
The Chinese are making an impact in software provision for soft infrastructure as well. Chinese brands are taking over the haulage of goods over long distances in Nigeria, we are seeing fewer traditional brands like Mack and Volvo. Same will apply to the rolling stock and cabins for the rail tracks and haulage along Abidjan/Lagos coastal road. Who is winning the cost-benefit analysis?
History has something to teach us about this lopsided development. The Chinese have a millennia-long history of undertaking large scale construction projects. They never stopped after the construction of the Great Wall. Before the Great Wall, they also constructed networks of water canals for transportation across the middle kingdom. Africans stopped building after the pyramids and we seem to have lost the desire to build megastructures ourselves.
We have to address this lack of propensity to build. We invite the Chinese to build stadiums and label them national stadiums or national theatres. Until our nationals build our monuments, let us name them for what they are—Chinese National Stadium or Austrian National Theatre.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has in the pipeline a N15 trillion Infrastructure fund, specifically for infrastructure acquisition. Much of its modus operandi is unknown. Is it going to provide seed money or bulk money for AfDB type projects or is it addressing matters differently? Is the InfraCorp fund going to help put the horse before the cart or do we continue to have the cart pull the horse?
The Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria Limited should channel much of its initial investments not in finished infrastructure projects like Abidjan/Lagos highway but have in-country production of steel for rail tracks, iron rods, cement, quarries by investing in plants. Making bitumen for asphalt readily available locally. Each of these plants should be ready to engage in global trade from the onset, a good example set by Dangote Fertiliser. With only these in place will the infrastructure blitz begin in Nigeria and Africa. Only with this approach will infrastructure acquisition become a wealth creation vehicle rather than a wealth depletion vehicle as explained by John Perkins in his revealing book, Confessions of an Economic Hitman.

By: Olugbenga Jaiyesimi

Jaiyesimi writes for News Agency of Nigeria (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