Converstion with Azu

A party for Nigeria’s latest abductors, by Azu Ishiekwene

A party for Nigeria’s latest abductors, by Azu Ishiekwene

Nigeria’s main political parties are in the thick of their primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. That politicians can still manage to hold primaries in the midst of a worsening wave of horrendous attacks on communities and kidnappings in parts of the country, not to mention the economic hardship, suggests we must be living in […]
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Trump, again…, by Azu Ishiekwene

Trump, again…, by Azu Ishiekwene

On the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 45th President of the U.S., on January 19, 2017, I wrote an article I could easily write now. It was entitled “A Memory of America on Obama’s Last Day.” With minor edits, it’s worth repeating as Trump happens again as the 47th President of the U.S.  Only […]

What you might expect in 2025, by Azu Ishiekwene

What you might expect in 2025, by Azu Ishiekwene

“Arsenal fans are currently over the moon, testosterone pumping – and why not? The story will not change in 2024… the odds are not in Arsenal’s favour… My forecast is that despite setting his ducks in a row, (Godwin) Obaseki’s candidate would lose in September. His biggest undoing would be the large army of political […]

A nation at war: Five days in Israel, by Azu Ishiekwene

A nation at war: Five days in Israel, by Azu Ishiekwene

Perhaps three will be the lucky number. After at least two previous failed attempts, a peace deal between Israel and Hamas might be reached by January 20 or in the early days of Donald Trump’s second term. Or… It’s a matter of perhaps, with a big P. Optimism is a rare commodity in a region with […]

Back story of Tinubu interview, by Azu Ishiekwene

Back story of Tinubu interview, by Azu Ishiekwene

Apart from General Sani Abacha, I have met one-on-one with every Nigerian leader since 1992, from General Ibrahim Babangida. However, I have only participated in one televised live group media chat with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. If you have met Obasanjo before – whether for an interview or anything else – you might agree that he’s a handful […]

Word of the Year 2024, by Azu Ishiekwene

Word of the Year 2024, by Azu Ishiekwene

I was watching the evening news on Monday night when two presenters used a word at different times that jolted me. I’ve heard and seen that word used often, especially by millennials and Gen Z, but I didn’t entirely pay heed because they were mostly in informal settings.  Anyways – I meant to write, anyway – […]