By Oseloka H. Obaze Nigeria is 65. She struggled for her independence, but never fought for it. That has made all the difference in her appreciation of her nationalism, unity and democracy. Also, Nigeria fought a civil war to stay united, but because the agonizing consequences of that war were not equally felt, the appreciation … [Read more…]
By Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, Ph.D. On the first of October 1960, Nigeria became an independent state and adopted the Independence Constitution, discarding the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954, which had earlier established federalism in the country. Prior to independence, Nigeria had operated under five other constitutions: Sir Frederick Lugard’s Constitution of 1914, the Clifford Constitution of … [Read more…]
In commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, PACESETTER spoke to some people on the call to patriotism. The opinion poll forms a part of the 65th independence anniversary issues of the magazine. OPINION POLL A Call to Patriotism: What does it mean to you as Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence? RESPONSES To me, I … [Read more…]
By Johnpaul Anih, Ph.D If you ask around in Nkanu West today, one name comes up with surprising ease and warmth “Hon. John Ogbodo”. Not because he’s making noise or buying headlines, but because he’s quietly and consistently doing the work. For a local government area that had grown used to the politics of promise … [Read more…]
-By Abdul Mahmud They dress it up as negotiation and baptise it as dialogue, but it is nothing more than doublespeak. A masquerade of words. Behind the velvet of their language lies deceit. To call surrender by another name does not change its essence. To dignify capitulation with the vocabulary of peace is to mock … [Read more…]
By Nneamaka Uchendu Dr George Moghalu, Labour Party’s candidate for Anambra’s November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election, champions a “Collaboration Over Politics” philosophy, leveraging his experience as former NIWA Managing Director to unite professionals, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society and the diaspora. His non-partisan approach aims to address insecurity, economic stagnation and infrastructure decay, by … [Read more…]
Ahead of the Anambra governorship election billed for November 8, 2025, insecurity has once more returned to the front burner. The latest fatalities include promising Anambra businessman, Ifesinachi Onyekesi, popularly known as fishing magnet, killed in July and the Chairman of Nri Security, Rev. Mark Okonkwo, who was gunned down by assailants early in August. … [Read more…]
-By Abdul Mahmud A few States have announced the ban on graduation ceremonies in public and private schools. Ekiti State, in particular, the ban affects pupils in kindergarten, nursery, primary, and secondary schools. These states say the practice is unnecessary, costly, and distracting. They insist that schools should focus on learning rather than ceremonies. On … [Read more…]
By Dr. Okelue David Ugwunta Africa’s mounting debt crisis reveals a troubling paradox: a continent rich in natural wealth yet burdened by rising liabilities, infrastructure gaps, persistent poverty, and weak institutions. From Ghana’s prolonged debt distress to Nigeria’s liabilities consuming 75% of revenue alongside $24.14 billion in external borrowing—the pattern is clear: borrowing without transformation. … [Read more…]
By Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, Ph.D According to Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This implies that this sector should be seen as very important, owing to how crucial it is in the development of a country. In Nigeria, we have primary, secondary, and tertiary education, … [Read more…]
By Omoniyi Ibietan “Honourable Minister, where is the next port of call for you after the ministership?” I asked my principal in January 2007, as we commenced the final phase of his tenure at Radio House. “Niyi, I am going back to school.”, he responded with full metacommunication and paralinguistics, with a tincture of jocular … [Read more…]
-By Abdul Mahmud Last week, my phone rang. The voice on the other end was familiar. It was Mike Igini, the former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission and my old comrade from the student movement. “Comrade Mahmud, how you dey na?” he asked with a chuckle. His call was brief, yet … [Read more…]