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 Sam Ekpa’s Arrest And Peace In Igboland

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2 years ago

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August 9 this year made it three years that the people in the South Eastern part of the country are mandated to remain at home every Monday. The sit-at-home was initially declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in protest against the arrest and imprisonment of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. For three years, people living in Enugu, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi and Anambra States, are prevented from going about their businesses every Monday.  Markets, schools, offices, banks, and so on remain closed. In some places, people are not even allowed to go to hospitals on “Ghost Mondays”. Reasons may have prevailed on the leadership of IPOB to put an indefinite end to the weekly exercise in 2023 as it had constantly resulted in killing and destruction of lives and property. In the statement titled, ‘Monday weekly sit-at-home: An ugly phase of a bygone history that must never be repeated as echoed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’, the spokesman of IPOB, Emma Powerful warned that any person or persons talking about sit-at-home in Igbo land again will be considered an enemy of the people and will be dealt with accordingly.
However, a young Finland-based, Nigerian, Simon Ekpa, refused to heed the call. The factional leader of the secessionist group decided to take the “agitation” to the next level by sometimes declaring a whole week as sit-at-home and wasting innocent lives within those days. He sits comfortably in Finland and dishes out orders on how to destroy his homeland. His calls for sit-at-home protests, often enforced with violence, have disrupted daily life, harmed economic activities, and deepened mistrust between residents and authorities. Many people have tales of woes to tell of how their loved ones and family members were butchered by Ekpa’s foot soldiers who are bent on forcing everybody to comply with the sit-at-home directives. Reports have it that some hoodlums have capitalised on the sit-at-home order to perpetrate all manners of crime in the zone – kidnapping, killing, maiming, etc. wearing the toga of IPOB and ESN and unknown gunmen. Many government buildings have been razed down with many policemen being killed.
So, the recent arrest and detention of Simon Ekpa by the Finnish authorities over terrorism charges was long overdue. It is high time the  young man and his co-travellers were put on the right track. Of course, the Constitution of the country grants the citizens the freedom of expression and the right to protest against any wrong in the system or make any demand from the government but when one oversteps his bounds by stepping on the rights of others and engaging in acts of terrorism, he should be called to order. But is Ekpa’s arrest enough to bring about the much-needed peace and security in the South-East? For a lot of people, the arrest of the Finland-based separatist, a divisive figure in the struggle for self-determination in Southeastern Nigeria, marks a significant development in the ongoing crisis in the region.  To others, it sends a strong message about the global community’s unwillingness to tolerate activities that incite violence and destabilisation.
However, it may not be uhuru yet until the root cause of the agitation is addressed. The region’s grievances extend beyond the actions of any single individual, and the movement for Biafra remains deeply rooted in historical and socio-political factors. The crisis in Igboland is primarily driven by demands for self-determination, economic, political marginalisation, and other grievances. Commenting on a recent controversy on whether or not non-indigenes are sold land to in Igboland, the Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, Prof. Okey Okechukwu, noted that contrary to the erroneous belief of some uninformed people, Igbos do sell land to non-indigenes but the problem is that land in the South-East are not attractive for non-Igbos to buy due to the limited absence of federal presence in the region. “Tell me, what federal establishment do you have in Enugu and all over the South East that will make me leave my place in Yorubaland to come and buy land?. Is it to be a villager? he asked.
“So, we must also see the connection between national infrastructure, national institutions, national political headquarters etc. the limited absence of that in the South East makes the land there totally unattractive for anyone to procure”, he continued. Therefore, it is high time the federal government engaged in meaningful dialogue with legitimate leaders from the Southeast, including traditional and religious rulers, political figures, and civil society organizations. Government should see Ekpa’s arrest  as a diplomatic victory and an opportunity to engage the region without the looming shadow of Ekpa’s rhetoric. Economic empowerment, infrastructural development, and justice for victims of violence on all sides are essential components of any sustainable solution. Very importantly, the federal government should, in the interest of peace and security in the South East Zone and the country at large, reconsider its position towards the release of the IPOB leader.
President Bola Tinubu should show that he is interested in peace and unity of the country by heeding to the call by south east governors and other people from the zone on the release of the IPOB leader. What about solving the matter politically as has been canvased by many groups and persons.  In the words of the founding Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, to Former President Muhammadu Buhari, “The time for President Muhammadu Buhari to show magnanimity and leadership in the vexed issue of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is now.” The same is being said to Tinubu today. On their own part, the governors of the South-East region must prioritize the welfare and security of their people.  The story of marginalisation of the South East by successive governments in the country is not strange but the political leaders in the zone are not making matters any better. They hardly make efforts towards employment creation for the youths.
A writer recently lamented the high number of political thugs in Enugu. He spoke with some of them who disclosed that they took to that line of “job” due to lack of meaningful employment opportunities years after their graduation from higher institutions. Many times, we have heard the spokesperson for IPOB, Emma Powerful, debunk the accusation that the group is responsible for the insecurity and the mayhem that have been going on in the region for years, saying that other people, some non-Igbos, masquerading as IPOB are taking advantage of the situation in the zone. IPOB should not stop at the disclaimer. They and other youths from the zone should join hands with the government to reveal the identities of the criminals and uproot them from the zone and the country at large. It is also high time IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN)took a look at their strategy for their agitation.
If the whole thing is causing untold hardship and pain to the region and the people they claim to be fighting for, why continue with it.  IPOB and its factions must reassess their strategies. The use of violence and coercion has alienated many who might otherwise sympathise with their cause. Advocacy for self-determination must align with democratic principles and respect for human rights. Ekpa’s arrest provides an opportunity for introspection and recalibration. It is a reminder that actions taken in the name of liberation must not perpetuate the suffering of the very people they aim to serve. While the arrest of Sam Ekpa is a notable step, it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Peace in Igboland requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address historical grievances, foster economic development, and create a platform for genuine dialogue.
this moment will not be another flashpoint but a turning point toward lasting peace and reconciliation in the region.

By: Calista Ezeaku

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Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship 

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1 month ago

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June 17, 2026

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Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”
In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.
One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.
As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.
 Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.
 Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.
These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.
Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

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1 month ago

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June 17, 2026

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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
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Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’  Prescription 

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2 months ago

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June 8, 2026

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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
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