A couple of weeks ago, the Sunday Vanguard lamented the mass exodus of the country’s medical doctors in its front page story. The article talked of a medical workforce so depleted that retired doctors had to be coerced back to save our hospitals and offer a semblance of professional service to the people. These days, […]

The Universal Church, otherwise known as the Catholic Church in many parts of the world including ours, designates the month of October as the month of Mother Mary. It is the month during which praying the Rosary by the faithful is encouraged every day to ask for Mary’s intervention in the affairs of man especially […]

First, let me start with my own Libyan experience. I was billed to do a professional tour of some Middle-East countries and Libya was one of them. My destination was Tripoli. My goal was to get a firsthand view of the developments that had taken place in this oil rich country. I was hoping my […]

Last week, someone I have a great deal of respect for summarised the current electricity tariff so beautifully on a platform we both belong to when he said ‘A short while ago, we had air conditioners we couldn’t use because there was no NEPA (electricity). Today, we dare not use these air conditioners because of […]

These days, the phrase, ‘Tales by moonlight’ is used for wild conspiracy theories, conjectures and outlandish narrations that barely touch reality. In other words, fairy tales that even fools would find difficult to believe and therefore, to be dismissed outright. They are right, except for the dismissive cynicism. Growing up in a rural town, I […]

The patio in Ikoyi Club is about the best place to stay if you want to kill time at the club. Most people going to other sections pass through the place. And when they are done with whatever has brought them to the club, they have to  pass through the patio again. This to and […]

A young, very pretty lady found herself in a dilemma. It was the kind of dilemma most ladies her age would not mind having. Two dashing, eligible bachelors were seeking her hand in marriage. One was richer and more vivacious. He was also better looking. The other was a quiet, studious type. Her heart naturally […]

The hard fought Edo State gubernatorial election has come and gone. A winner has emerged – until the courts state otherwise. Unfortunately, all those negative things that are usually said about politics came to the fore during this very bitter campaign – the emotions, the dirt, the fake promises, the lies bordering on character assassinations, […]

My social media involvement really doesn’t pass WhatsApp. Looks like it is enough. I get a laugh when I want and some serious stuff when I want. All in small doses. All with a pinch of salt. Try as I want, the journalist in me will not allow me believe unverified stories or conspiracy theories. […]

Some forty years ago, the state of our hospitals was one of the reasons given for the coup which toppled the Shagari government. Nigerian hospitals, declared the spokesman for the coup plotters, had become mere consulting clinics. Many of those who planned that coup are gone. Some however, are still alive. If they thought things […]

Many countries, including those that are richer than Nigeria, don’t have a Presidential fleet. Only a foolish businessman borrows money for consumption

Playing squash was for me, a passion. It was also, for several decades, my major source of exercise. Then Covid19 disrupted my rhythm, as it did for so many people. My need to exercise pushed me into walking. It is a solitary sport which suited one of the Covid19 requirements at the time. Now, post […]

A classmate and friend left our shores for America over five decades ago. He sees himself more as an American now and rightly so. America has done well by him and he has done well by America. Besides, he hasn’t been home more than a couple of times in the fifty-odd years he has been […]

They are happiest wherever there is a crowd and preferably activities – at construction sites where they help in lifting the heavy stuff; at event and worship centers where they help with parking cars; at the markets when you need a helping hand. They can come in handy during disasters as well. They are, for […]

It was not a pretty sight. A facility specifically meant for youths was being destroyed before our eyes by the same youths in Kano. Computers were carted away by youths who probably don’t know how to use a computer – they probably have never even touched one before. Swivel chairs were carried by those who […]