Opinion

I Need Endorsements, Please

Published

4 years ago

November 8, 2022

The lingering row between two prominent Yoruba elder statesmen over the endorsement of candidates for the forthcoming Presidential election in the country and the leadership of Pan-Yoruba Socio-Political organisation, Afenifere, has raised some questions in the minds of some concerned Nigerians. Weeks after the acting leader of Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo and the leadership of the group endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, a move which he said was based on the principle of equity, justice, peace and inclusiveness, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who had resigned as the President of the group, endorsed the All Progressives Congress, APC standard bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since then, there have been accusations and counter accusations, some denials of published statements, tantrums from supporters of both notable leaders and all that.
A particular group that has thrown its weight behind Fasoranti’s endorsement of Tinubu is the Ogun State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Their reason is simple, “This is not the time for Yoruba to be divided. Election is around the corner and as a leading region in the country, we must unite and all work for the success of our own in the election.”
“We are not tribalistic, neither are we whipping up ethnic sentiment, but for equity and justice’s sake, we firmly believe that this is the turn of the Yorubas.
“We must not allow our sentiment against Tinubu to prevent us from reclaiming power. We, therefore, appeal to the foremost Yoruba leader, Pa Adebanjo, to set aside his grudge or hatred and embrace the APC candidate for the sake of peace, unity and progress of Yorubaland.”
Across the country, the story is the same. As the general election draws near, events have started unfolding. The political atmosphere is becoming more tense. There is a lot of political alignment – defection from one political party to another, politicians desperately looking for the endorsement from one individual, group or another.
Curiously enough, one thing is that when one group kicks off the endorsement propaganda, every other group in the State, constituency or nation as the case may be, will be falling over themselves to register their loyalty and support to the aspirants. Some of the endorsers, we heard, are paid and cajoled into taking the action. All kinds of encomiums are poured on the persons vying for the seats even when these praise-singers do not believe in them.
The other day a story made the rounds about the Traditional rulers from Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, endorsing the current governor of the state, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for Senate, presenting him with “Ofo” – the Igbo traditional symbol of truth and justice, a move that had since been described by some people as abominable. They believe that no Nigerian politician is worthy of holding the “ofo” since they do not work to behold truth and justice.
A similar scenario played out in the recent past when some past governors literally turned government houses across the nation to political rally grounds as mobilised people from all walks of life trooped to the government houses to “beg” the governors to re-contest. We have not forgotten the one million-man-march organised by Daniel Kanu and co, clamouring for the transmutation of Late Gen. Sani Abacha to a civilian president. Traditional rulers and tribal leaders mobilised their followers for Abacha. Religious title holders prophesied that he was God-ordained.
The question then is, what is the big deal about endorsement? Is endorsement an assurance for victory in an election? Is it enough to sway voters? What should be the criteria for endorsing a candidate for a political office? A political endorsement according to Wikipedia is a public declaration of one’s personal or group’s support for a candidate for elected office. It is a potent tool to persuade many people to vote for a political candidate. You endorse a candidate because you think he is the best person to hold that particular political office. You have gone through his manifesto, thought through about the personality of the candidate, what he stands for, his values and policies. Does he/she have the capacity, in all ramifications, to occupy the position he is seeking for?
Do the legion of endorsers in this political dispensation factor all these in taking their decisions or are they driven by what they stand to gain personally or because the candidate is of the same faith, political party or tribe with them as the young NANS members said? Let truth be told, how many of these politicians clamouring for endorsement deserve it? What have they done for their people to make the people willingly recommend them for either a second term or higher position?
Many of them during the last electioneering campaigns promised the people heaven and earth if elected only to dump all the promises and pursue their selfish interest as soon as they assumed office. Some of them have held public offices in the past and there are records of their greedy, selfish and corrupt practices while occupying those positions. There is growing hunger in the land, the rate of unemployment soars by the day, our communities lack basic amenities –no water, no road, no electricity. The states and nation face serious insecurity challenges with the crime rate on the increase, our currency depreciates rapidly everyday yet all our leaders talk about is the 2023 elections.
Not a few people have asked how our governors, lawmakers and even the President have time to govern when they use their first two years in office to settle down and the remaining two years to seek re-election or election into higher positions? One therefore thinks that our leaders should concentrate on good governance. They should make life better for the people instead of wasting public funds on lobbying and sponsoring groups to organise endorsement.
Likewise, all the people seeking to take over from the incumbent political office holders come 2023. Their major preoccupation now should be selling themselves to the people, coming up with practicable plans on how they will pick up Nigeria from the depth it has fallen. Let them publicise how they intend to make our refineries come back to life so that the senseless practice of exporting our crude oil and importing refined products will stop.
The candidates, particularly the presidential candidates should show Nigerians their convincing plans of dealing with crude oil theft, fuel subsidy, insecurity, corruption and other challenges facing the country. A golden fish has no hiding place, they say. So, a leader who merits endorsement or re-election does not need to sponsor people to champion that cause. His good works, his reputation, his impeccable track record will definitely speak for him. And for the traditional/ religious/political and other leaders, groups and organisations in the country, who usually see electioneering periods as a period of “harvest” and would go on endorsement spree irrespective of whether the candidates merit the endorsement or not, is it not time they began to place the good of the nation and the generality of the citizens above their selfish gains?
Nigeria continues to sink deeper into a somewhat bottomless pit by the day and if we the citizens fail to set religious, political, tribal and other selfish sentiments aside; if we fail to put the moneybag, sweet-tongued, selfish, corrupt politicians in their place and take back our country next year, then we should not have any reason to complain or yell when they chastise us.
If truly we Nigerians are tired of decades of poor governance in the country, our consideration for who we should choose to take up mantles of leadership at various levels of governance next years should go beyond which candidate has the highest endorsement, who was endorsed by who, who has the most worded manifesto. We must ask ourselves who among the candidates is ready to walk the talk. It is also important to state that if nothing is done about the wave of endorsement which is turning our politics to that of hatred, anger and animosity, peace, unity and love that we clamour for will be far-fetched and our democracy will be worse off for it.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

1 day 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 day 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 week 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