Opinion

2022: A Red-Letter Year

Published

3 years ago

January 11, 2023

The year 2022 was like no other year for the average Nigerian, particularly for fixed-salary earners like civil and public servants. It was a year when the combination of inflation, insecurity, volatile foreign exchange, and a spiralling energy cost created a hellish cocktail that unleashed a cost of living crisis, comparable only to the austerity measure Nigerians saw during Buhari’s first advent. Painfully for most families, the traditional 3-square meal was a major casualty.

As I reflect on the travails of the average Nigerian in the outgone year, I shuddered at the thought that, while I might complain of my inability to meet some of the basic needs of my family, 133 million Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor (a whopping 66.5 percent of the population) – grappling with the lack of access to food, health care, shelter, education, and other necessities of life. By contrast, President Buhari is healthier today than ever, and Bishop Kuka brought the stark difference home during a homily late last year when he said: “We know that you are healthier now than you were before. We can see it in the spring in your steps, the thousands of miles you have continued to cover as you travel abroad. However, I also wish that millions of our citizens had a chance to enjoy just a fraction of their own health by a measurable improvement in the quality of health care in our country.” To add salt to injury, available data from almost every respectable source show that the health sector is on the brink of collapse due to the Japa syndrome.

Unfortunately, it is not yet over, because in the UK alone there is currently a gap of about 46000 health workers according to the NHS; and going by data from previous years Nigeria might end up contributing a third of that number. According to a UK immigration report released in 2022, more than 13000 Nigerian medical professionals were recruited by various health Institutions in the UK between 2021 and 2022. In October 2022, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) National President, Dr. Rowland Ojinmah, reported that 50 medical doctors leave Nigeria weekly, creating a shortage of doctors in most hospitals across the country. The impact of this labour migration has started to hit home, as major hospitals in big cities, like Port Harcourt are now finding it difficult to hire doctors. In fact, a doctor told me that most private hospitals in Port Harcourt stop seeing our patients after 5:00 pm due to a lack of manpower; but a consultant radiologist at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, painted a grim picture of the current state of healthcare delivery in the country by explaining that soon, the only option for the sick in Nigeria might be the ‘Babalawo’.

On the economy, energy costs did huge damage to the economy in 2022 second only to the impact of high forex. There was a continual marginal increase of electricity tariff, but no regular supply in most parts of the country. And as a result, the cost of diesel was particularly responsible for the very low-profit margins among most manufacturing firms in the country. It was also the reason why most banks in Port Harcourt and other major cities reduced their operating hours. On a personal level, skyrocketing energy costs ensured my diesel generator remained under lock and key since March 2022. Painfully, the price of the alternative source of fuel, petrol, is now almost at par with the price of diesel. My major regret is not riding the solar train when the dollar was reasonable.

2022, was also a year when ASUU stood its ground in what morphed into the mother of all industrial strikes in our recent memory. The strike action which started on a warning note on February 14, 2022, ended on October 14, 2022, without a clear-cut resolution, or a winner; but the students and their parents are clearly the losers. The long industrial action gave the private universities an undue advantage against public universities, and their students, in the sense that the eight-month-long strike upended the 2021/2022 academic session. But our loss as a nation was a gain in terms of foreign direct investment to countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ghana. As of June 2022, Nigeria spent as much as $882 million on education-related expenditures, showing a 34 percent increase when compared to the $667 million spent in the same period in 2021. Notably, there was no foreign direct investment in the opposite direction for the same purpose.

On security, 2022 was really a long night for the devil. Only a few states including Lagos and Rivers had a breather. It was so bad that even the seat of power was threatened. Kuje Prisons was attacked, while the Abuja – Kaduna Road was a killing field, and the rail was not spared. In fact, the Abuja – Kaduna Train attack will forever remain a scar on our national consciousness. But that is not all, because Kaduna was actually Nigeria’s security waterloo in 2022; and for the most fortified state in the country, Nigeria was shamed without measure when the Nigerian Defence Academy in Zaria and the Kaduna Airport were attacked. Sadly, every other attack in Kaduna pales in comparison to the ongoing slaughter of the Indigenous People of Southern Kaduna. Also, the South-East witnessed unprecedented security challenges caused by unknown gunmen, kidnappers, Fulani herdsmen, and the militant wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

Lastly, the flood returned in 2022 to a nation as unprepared as it was in 2012. In some areas in Benue and Anambra States especially, new developments have blocked natural waterways; while towns and villages along flood planes in nearly 30 states were submerged under water. Most families would never recover because they lost everything, but the politicians who managed the procurement and distribution of relief are set for life. The East-West Road along the Bayelsa axis was submerged for nearly three weeks, displacing millions of people at the peak; but as usual, the issue of the flood has receded to the back burner until the next flood. This is Nigeria, where lessons learned are never applied.

Sadly, any search for a single indicator trending in the green immediately becomes a fruitless endeavour. With a budget deficit of 5 percent of GDP as against the threshold of 3 percent recommended by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007. Headline Inflation is hovering around 21 percent, while food inflation stood at 22 percent; and due to multi-sectoral dislocations in the economy, the unemployment rate is currently at 33 percent, essentially increasing the number of the Nigerian poor by 35 million. Tellingly, youth unemployment stood at 43 percent at the end of 2022.

Many pundits have attributed the state of the economy in 2022 to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global headwinds, especially the war in Ukraine. However, in truth, we witnessed in 2022 a full-blown case of what happens when unpatriotic, corrupt, and incompetent people wield power. For instance, what effect do the Covid-19 Pandemic and the war in Ukraine have on our daily crude production or the security architecture of the country? Also, is there any correlation between the aforementioned factors and the ASUU strike that destroyed a whole school year? The answer is clearly no.

Interestingly, just before the end of the year, Nigerians were surprised to hear that the Federal Government was working on a review that would be announced most likely in the first quarter of 2023. According to the Minister for Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, the review is intended to ameliorate the impact of inflation on the cost of living. Ordinarily, it sounds like a kind gesture, however, would it not have been better, fixing the economy in the first place? Because, if the economy continues on the current trajectory no amount of salary adjustment would make any meaning. On the flip side, it has the visage of vote buying. It is certain, that the APC cannot campaign with a Buhari Scorecard, therefore they have to come up with a mega vote-buying scheme.

In all, the supposedly incompetence of Buharai, his soft-glove handling of non-state actors, and the general corrupt disposition of his government culminated in setting 2022 apart as a red-letter year; and I join millions of Nigerians to pray that our children may never see another year like the year “2022”.

By: Raphael Pepple

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