By Hassan Gimba

This was first written on March 17, 2024, with a different headline. Perhaps we may still find it relevant in these trying times.

Last week, we read how the signs are not looking good for a nation like ours that wants to be reckoned with internationally. We concluded by asking the federal government to look at ways to reduce the cost of governance and the unimaginable take-home pay of political leaders and redirect the excess towards production. And we emphasised that we must become a productive nation that eats, drives and wears what it produces.

By Akpandem James

Ever since the Dangote Refinery began production late last year, it has faced numerous challenges. It has been in conflict with many major players in the oil and gas industry, including the national oil company, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), as well as the two industry regulators: the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream/Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The management of the facility has accused these entities of either directly sabotaging the refinery or attempting to do so by limiting its access to the required crude supply and penetration of the local markets.

By Chimenu Amadi

The name "Ikwerre" is an IGBO word meaning "We have agreed" it has no similarity in Benin language

By Steve Osuji

Journalism in retreat?: In the 60s and 70s, a Donald Trump would never have dared to show up anywhere near the Republican National Committee headquarters, not to mention the White House. The Republicans would have given him a short shrift; Americans as one, would have turned their noses up and taken him for what he is: a comic relieve from a travelling circus.

By Phillip Obiakor

In the late 1960s when the vicious war between India and Pakistan ended, India faced a severe drought. A grave food crisis became its lot. The country depended on international philanthropy to feed its citizens. An exasperated Indira Gandhi who was then the prime minister vowed that never again would India rely on international charity for the survival of hundreds of millions of its citizens. The country embarked on various aggressive agricultural programmes and projects. India has since become a food superpower. It produces more rice than any other nation, and most Basmati Rice, popular in Nigeria because of the popular belief that it is for diabetic patients, is from India. India's 1.4 billion people are today respected across the globe.

By Bola Bolawole

The story you are about to read is an abridged version of the true life experience of Yusuph Olaniyonu, communications strategist, journalist, lawyer, public affairs analyst and former Information Commissioner in Ogun State. I say without equivocation that Yusuph was one of the finest writers that Nigerian journalism has produced in this epoch - until we “lost” him to the politicians! I was moved to tears reading what he went through in the hands of our lousy health system. My wife nearly fell victim when we were about to have our second baby 24 years ago. I, too, nearly fell victim two years ago. There is the need to declare an emergency in the health sector. Read on: