Opinion

Mr Project Comes To Abuja

Published

3 years ago

August 25, 2023

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is indeed an action taker, so bold in his speech and action. His last Monday’s announcement of his short, medium, and long-term plans to overhaul the FCT so as to restore its master plan and reposition it among the best cities in Africa surely unrattled many residents of the FCT, particularly estate developers and those unsure of the status of their property. According to the minister, “It is not going to be business as usual. Those distorting Abuja Master Plan: if you build where you are not supposed to, the building will go down. “If you build on a green area, sorry, it will go down. Those who were allocated land and refused to develop them, we will revoke such lands and re-allocate them to those who are ready to develop them. “Those who don’t pay ground rent, we will not notify them to do so, but I will not be tired of signing revocation notices. “Uncompleted buildings that have become a haven for criminals will be reclaimed by the government and put them to good use.
“He went further to announce that the government would no longer tolerate the indiscriminate operation of markets and motor parks by the roadside and that people selling goods and wares under the umbrella by roadside, illegal motor parks and bus stops would no longer be tolerated, as they constitute part of the security challenge in the FCT. He said there will be no hiding place for land speculators and warned land allottees in the FCT, who are yet to develop them, to do so or risk having their allocations revoked. Motorcycle and tricycle operators would be banned from the city and an end be put to open grazing within the capital city, he further announced. The press conference was hardly over when the video clip went viral on the WhatsApp platforms of so many estates with messages like, “The Chief Landlord of Abuja has spoken. Let us regularise as soon as possible; the new FCT minister has passed a very important message to us in the FCT. Let us do the needful oo,” and so on.
While some people were happy about the audacious pronouncements of the new sheriff in town and looked for a rapid infrastructural development during his administration, others claimed that his speech lacked the mention of his vision for the FCT and that he was existing on the error of the past leader of the FCT. Some others found fault with the delivery of the message, saying it lacked decorum and civility. One thing that cannot be taken away from the immediate past governor of Rivers State is his knack for infrastructural development. The infrastructural development of Port Harcourt during his government says it all. And many believe that that must have played a role in his emergence as the FCT minister. Restoration of the master plan of the nation’s capital is a must task if we must have a well-organised, functional, and aesthetically pleasing city as was designed by the International Planning Associates (IPA) and the renowned Japanese architect, Kenzo Tange.
A beautifully planned cosmopolitan capital city it is, but deviations from the masterplan due to rapid urbanisation, improper zoning, and unauthorised construction and many others are taking the shine off it. The rapid growth of Abuja’s population is alarming. The insecurity across the country and other factors have led to the daily influx of people in the city. This has led to increased demand for housing, infrastructure, and services. This has resulted in unplanned and haphazard development that disregards the original masterplan. The insufficient infrastructure to cater for the rising population, coupled with the high cost of the existing ones must have contributed to the proliferation of informal settlements. Ordinarily, the several regulatory bodies like the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), should have ensured that the property developers sticked to the original master plan and that the defacing of the capital city did not occur but corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies within the governmental bodies often resulted in inconsistent decision-making and the approval of projects that did not adhere to the masterplan.
Inadequate enforcement of zoning laws, building codes, and urban planning regulations has allowed unauthorised construction and illegal developments to take over the city, contributing to the chaotic urban sprawl. A place like Gwarinpa which is meant to be a residential area with a few shops to cater for the needs of the residents, has been practically turned to business area, with many former residential buildings being turned to plazas.Land speculation, as pointed out by the minister is a very big issue in Abuja. This encourages developers to prioritise construction speed and profit over adherence to the masterplan’s guidelines. Abuja is a place where virtually everybody is into land business. Many of these racketeers, constantly defraud innocent people seeking to own houses of their own.
Two months ago, there was a newspaper report of how a land grabber and Managing Director of Zoe New Dawn Nigeria Limited, Stephen Achama, allegedly connived with top officials of the Development Control, Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS) and police officers to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians to the tune of N5 billion in Abuja, the nation’s capital. So, restoring Abuja to its masterplan is inevitable, but it goes beyond pulling down buildings and chasing away road side sellers. It requires a comprehensive approach that involves strengthening regulations, improving enforcement mechanisms, raising public awareness, investing in infrastructure, promoting sustainable development practices, and involving the community in urban planning decisions. Reacting to Wike’s announcement, someone said that some retired and dead top civil servants must be brought to account for the monies they collected from people and gave them approvals to build at unapproved places. That is true These unapproved buildings and estates did not spring up overnight. The authorities saw them being developed and did nothing or probably collected some bribe and looked the other way until they got completed and have been in use for several years. It takes two to tango. So, if the buildings must go down, the approving, monitoring and supervising authorities must be punished as well.
The legal framework should be strengthened to enforce adherence to the masterplan in accordance with the rule of law. This might involve updating zoning laws, building codes, and regulations to ensure that any new development aligned with the original vision and ensure strict adherence to the zoning regulations specified in the masterplan. Ensure that different areas of the city were designated for their intended purposes, such as residential, commercial, recreational, and governmental zones. The FCT administration under Wike should focus on developing and maintaining the necessary infrastructure and services, including roads, public transportation, utilities, green spaces, and public facilities, in accordance with the masterplan. They must be intentional about implementing strategies to manage urban growth and prevent unplanned expansion. This could include controlling population density, regulating building heights, and preserving open spaces, not forgetting provision of necessary amenities and infrastructure to the satellite towns.
Urban growth management can further be achieved through establishment of mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and enforcement of the masterplan. This may involve regular assessments, inspections, and penalties for violations. Most importantly, there must be a reorientation of the civil servants that will drive this change to toe the line of honesty and integrity instead of seeing their duties as a way to enrich themselves.Most importantly, the FCT administration should develop a long-term vision for the continued development of Abuja that aligns with the original masterplan, including regular revisit and update of the plan to accommodate changing needs and circumstances. A fire brigade approach to the issue may not produce the desired result. It is also important to note that without a deliberate effort by both states and the federal government to tackle insecurity challenges across the country, the infrastructural deficit in many states, more people will continue to relocate to the FCT, which is considered to be relatively secured and can boast of some standard infrastructure. The efforts at restoring the Abuja masterplan and preserving the original vision might therefore bear no lasting result.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

1 month 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

1 month 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

1 month 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