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Opinion

Verbal Condemnation, Punishment For Terrorism?

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4 years ago

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With last Sunday’s attack on St Francis’s Catholic Church in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, condemnation of the gruesome act has been pouring in from all quarters. The citizens are condemning it,  traditional, political and religious leaders are condemning it. Those in power, whose primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property of the citizens, are not left out in the condemnation galore.
Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who is from Owo, termed the day, “a black Sunday in Owo.” He said it was a personal loss, an attack to the state, an unexpected, shocking development, declaring that, “We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolve to rid our state of criminals.” President Muhammadu Buhari on the other hand, lamented in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, that “only fiends from the nether region could have conceived and carried out such a dastardly act.” Adding that “no matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people and darkness will never overcome the light. Nigeria will eventually win.”
This is a road we have travelled severally in the past and you will be so disappointed if you take these words to the bank and wait to see the government, particularly the federal government, who is in charge of the police and the military swing into action immediately to rid our communities and forests of terrorists because that may not happen. Just a few more days the outburst and resentment will be over and the Owo massacre will be forgotten, just like other similar ugly incidents before it and life goes on as usual.
Apart from the families of some of the victims of March 28, Kaduna – bound train attack, who intermittently carry out protests to remind Nigerians that their loved ones are still in the hands of their abductors and appeal for the authority’s expeditious actions towards their release, who else remembers the attack? We have since moved on as if nothing happened.
Unfortunately, when the issue with killer herdsmen, farmers/herdsmen clashes started, some governors in the South and Middlebelt tried to get the killers out of the forest and to put an end to their criminal activities.  I recall the Southern Governors forum banning open grazing of cattle in their states. What did the federal government do? Through the Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, they were asked not to dare it, claiming that the ban contravenes the constitutional right of the herders to freedom and liberty of movement.
Rather than yielding to calls by well meaning citizens for an end to open grazing and that those in the business of cattle rearing should adopt other modern ways of doing the business which will be less injurious to the harmonious relationship between herders and farmers as well as the local populace, the government announced that it was going to embark on the recovery of about 415 grazing routes across the country and has already adamantly commenced the exercise, according to reports.
Each time people spoke against these killer herdsmen, the federal government officials, particularly, the “presidency” rose in their defence and you would see some people or groups challenging the governors for challenging them and going against their members.
Having allowed all these to go on all these years, what do we expect to be the effect?  It is clear knowledge that the consequences to an action determines whether it will happen again or not. Therefore, when a group of people indulges  in negative acts and there are no reactions in terms of punishing them for what they did, of course, they will be emboldened to do more.
We have fed these criminals to this point where they have become monsters. Remember, it is not the day you take your goat to the marketplace to sell it that you start feeding it. The process must have started long before then. Right now, we are stuck.  These killers are in our forests, they have migrated to different parts of the country. Nowhere is safe anymore. You are not safe in your home. You are not safe to travel by land, rail or air. The children are not safe in their schools. Even in your worship place you are not safe. Haba! We are losing Nigerians gruesomely every day in horrific manners that are difficult to comprehend. We have written, we have condemned, we have screamed, shouted and the situation instead of improving gets worse by the day. Some security experts have even told the populace to braze up for more security challenging days as next year’s elections draw  nearer.  Now we want to beg the president and the governors to do all they can to ensure that the people are protected. The political parties are done with the election of their flag bearers for the 2023 election, can we now begin to see more effort channelled to the solving of the numerous problems facing the country?
During the just concluded party primaries, we heard the contestants, including those from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) revealing what they would do to make Nigeria a promised land, if elected. The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, in particular called out the potentials of various regions and states of the country and promised that if elected, he would turn things around for the better in the country.  And the question many people have not stopped asking is why the ruling party had not unveiled all these potentials in the past seven years they have been in power instead of constantly blaming the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the nation’s woes. The elections are here, what is being done to protect the people and forestall a repeat of the Owo incident in any other part of the country?
Are there plans to better equip the police to enable them discharge their duties effectively? Is it not high time the issue of State Police that has been discussed in different fora is considered since it is obvious the federal government cannot fund the Nigerian Police? There is no doubt that if the police are well equipped and working as expected,  people would not come into a church, kill scores of people during Mass and fade into thin air. And almost a week after the incident, we cannot say for sure who the masterminds and perpetrators were, because no arrest has been made.
A few days ago, following the Owo attack, a group, the Committee on Charter of Protocol (CCOP) asked south-west governors to launch “Operation Sweep Terrorism out of Yorubaland”. They demanded for arrest and diligent prosecution of the suspects, ban of commercial motor cycles, residency registration programme of all security personnel in the south-west states among others. While the courageous move of this group must be applauded, it is advisable that rather than a regional or state approach to insecurity challenges in the country, there should be a holistic approach where no state or region is left out.
No state or region exists in isolation. They are usually bordered by other states and regions. And if a particular state or region is safe, there is the tendency of criminals from other unsafe places migrating to those areas and causing havoc.
It is also pertinent that the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria be reviewed with the aim of reducing the numerous items in the exclusive list so as to give the state governors more powers to administer the states better. We cannot continue to have a huge federal budget for security, transportation and other things year in, year out, yet there is nothing to show for it. Similarly, the state governors and local government chairmen should begin to make use of their huge security votes which are hardly accounted for, for the right purpose of ensuring security in their domains.
Traditional leaders, youth leaders and other members of our communities need not be reminded that they all have roles to play in ensuring a secured society. After all, security is everybody’s business. How proactive the people and the leaders are to the security intels at their disposal will go a long way in determining whether there shall be a repeat of the Owo massacre or not. And the way the criminals will be handled if they are ever arrested will send a big signal to other criminals out there.

By: Calista Ezeaku

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Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship 

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1 week 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 week 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 

Published

3 weeks 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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