Opinion

When Power Changes Hand

Published

3 years ago

May 15, 2023

Nigerian First Lady, Aisha Buhari, last Tuesday, took the incoming first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on a tour of some strategic areas of the Aso Rock Presidential villa. The tour was intended to familiarise the incoming first lady with the official abode of her family in the next four years from May 29 when her husband, Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, takes over from the incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari As simply and ordinary as the exercise looked, it was a reminder of the transient nature of power. It called to mind the saying that power is evanescent, that no condition is permanent. History is replete with powerful leaders, some who behaved as if they had the world in their hands but had to give way through one way or the other when the time was up. Does it not seem like yesterday that Buhari assumed office as the president of Nigeria and Aisha by default became the first lady of Nigeria with the whole issue on whether she should be officially addressed as the wife of the president or the first lady with her husband opting for the latter?
Apparently, as a way of distancing himself from the abuse and overbearing tendencies of previous occupants of the “office” of First Lady as claimed by some people, and in a bid to yield to the clamour for the scrapping of the unconstitutional but conventional office, the then yet-to-be elected president said there was not going to be the office of the first lady and that his wife was going to be simply known as the wife of the president. Of course, that was not to be sustained as Aisha after going with the “wife of the president” title for a brief period had long switched to “first lady”. Today, she is warming up to vacate the office for Remi. Aware of this inherent nature of power and influence, should not leaders both political (elected or appointed), religious or in any sphere of influence learn to uphold the right concept of power which is for the good of society? Should not they remember that when the electorate and appointing authority entrust one with a mandate, it is expected to be converted to the common good, harnessed to provide leadership and stewardship that seek the good intent of the mandate of the voters?
It is not yet clear what Remi’s nomenclature would be. But one thing is sure, whether she adopts the title of first lady or prefers to be addressed as the wife of the president, she has a big role to play in ensuring that her husband delivers his mandate to Nigerians. As the mother of the nation, she is not just going to enjoy the paraphenalia of the office but to work for the benefit of Nigerians as she promised. As a 62-year old mother and grandmother, a former first lady of one of the most populous states in the country, Lagos State, there is no doubt that Mrs. Tinubu knows the importance of patience and tolerance in serving the public. Some months ago, a 24 -year old student of Federal University in Dutse, Jigawa State, Aminu Muhammad, was arrested and detained for more than two weeks after he allegedly defamed the current first lady, Aisha, on twitter. It took the wide condemnation of the arrest and alleged torture by Nigerians from different walks of life including social media users and rights campaigners for Aminu to be released after he apologised to the first lady and the authorities dropped the charges against him on “compassionate ground”.
Nigerians do not hope to hear of a similar story in the four years that Remi will wear the toga of first lady. As a mother she should have a large heart and be ready to accommodate different shades of opinion and criticisms. She will be a mother to the poor, the rich, the educated and uneducated, civilised and uncivilised Nigerians, people that reason differently. If there is one thing that the former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan would be remembered for, it is her ability to tolerate criticisms. At a point she was the target of comedy skits but was never reported to have arrested any of them. Of course, she had her drawbacks but you cannot help but give it to her when it comes to being accommodating, tolerant and patient. Maybe, it is in the name.
We will want to see in Remi, a caring mother who will go all out to protect the interest of her children and in ensuring a better future for them. It is a thing of joy that the incoming first lady is an educationist and an author with B.Sc in Education from the University of Ife and National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology from Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo. It is expected that the issue of girl-child education and other education related issues will receive due attention by her husband, the president-in-waiting. Reports have it that when her husband was the governor of Lagos State between 1999 to 2007, Oluremi held the office of the first lady with astute charisma and initiated life-touching programmes, especially for children and women. One is the New Era Foundation, which is responsible for the “all-round development of young ones and promotes public awareness of environmental health and community service.” Nigerians expect the same from her when she becomes the Nation’s first lady in a couple of days.
The history of the National Assembly cannot be complete without the mention of Oluremi Tinubu, the first female senator to serve in three consecutive parliaments, who stood out as an advocate for the creation of state police to tackle insecurity in the country. It is therefore expected that she will be handy in helping the president on ways out of the decades of insecurity in the country as well as reducing cost of governance, dealing with endemic corruption in the nation, so that there will be enough money for infrastructural development and other investment ventures that will provide employment for the teeming unemployed youth and thereby stem insecurity and other forms of vices. The summary of it is that to whom much is given, much is expected. In a few days, Oluremi Tinubu will be the first lady of Nigeria. She should not see it as a life ambition realised but as an opportunity to impact on the lives of Nigerians and write her name in gold. She should aim to be remembered as a mother hen who worked for the unity of Nigerians of different tribes and religions, bearing in mind that as Aisha is warming up to leave the Aso Rock villa, she too must hand over to another first lady in the next four or eight years as the case may be. Power must continue to change hands.
As it is with the incoming first lady, so it is with the president-elect, the governors-elect, elected lawmakers on both federal and states assembly and all the people that will have the privilege of serving in the next administration at any level. They should see it as rare opportunity to contribute their quota in solving the numerous problems in the country for a better future for our children and the children yet unborn. Continuing on the trajectory of “chop I chop”, obviously will continue to impede the progress of the nation and welfare of the citizens. The questions the incoming leaders should be asking themselves now are: how prepared are they for their job? What are they bringing on board so as to make whatever position they will occupy better than they will meet them? As a famous quote by the former President of South Africa goes, “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

2 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

2 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