I was Editor of the Vanguard Newspapers in 1985 when General Ibrahim Babangida popularly known as IBB became the nation’s Head of State. The goodwill that attended his succession was indescribable, in part because of the harsh rule of his predecessor, but in the main because of his own persona. At the time, I often met people […]

By divine providence, this year turns out to be one of those years that Muslim Ramadan and Christian Lent start about the same time. This March should then mean a Holy Month for the nation called Nigeria given the importance – and influence – of these two major religions in the country. Many Nigerians, including their leaders, […]

‘A witch chanted yesterday and a child dies today; who does not know that the witch that chanted was responsible for the death of the child’ is a rough translation of a Yoruba adage. In other words, there should be a connection between a chanting witch and a dead child. This popular adage came to […]

One of my fondest memories as a four/five year-old growing up in Ilesha, was sharing time with someone I considered a kind, loving old man. He would tease me about my girlfriends and I would protest vehemently that I had none. He would mention a few female names and I would protest more vehemently. This would […]

Last weekend found me in Ondo town for the funeral of a friend. People close to me know I do not like to travel so it was not an easy decision to make. But I felt a compelling urge to pay my last respects to someone I had been friends with for over four decades. […]