AS Catholic cardinals begin the process to elect a new Pope who will succeed Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a sex abuse victims’ network has named a “Dirty Dozen” of cardinals who are contenders for the role of next pope.

CARDINALS started last Monday (4/3/2013) what was termed as General Congregations — which are preliminary discussions to get to know each other and most importantly to decide when to start the conclave that would elect the new pontiff.

Inspite of the touch of civilization in the lives of many villagers, tradition and customs still remain intact. While some remain passionate about it, some show a lot of disregard to it just as others especially the human rights activists consider some aspects of it as infringement on the rights of individuals. But what is the gain of any tradition or custom which is inimical to the life of individual?

Not many African traditional burial rites are unique, with pomp and grace as that of the Itsekiri people in Warri, Delta State of Nigeria.

If education is both the nursery and bedrock of the future, the place where the intellect and character of the men and women to lead a society, shape its political vision, and engage in its productive work are trained, then there is good cause for the nervous anxiety we all feel with literally every report that comes these days from the schools, in particular – and only because of our topic today – the universities and other tertiary institutions.