Some of the most enduring lessons of life emanate from our parents. As a child who was born and grew up in Jos, in the northern part of Nigeria, one of my childhood memories was the annual visit with my…
A Nigerian’s view of the US presidential election
With the U.S. presidential election now over and a winner declared, one thing people may need to do — particularly those whose candidate failed to win the election — however difficult, is to adjust to reality and learn to live…
My mum and I
I was recently forwarded, via WhatsApp, a video clip of my mother among some family members at a house opening ceremony in my hometown in Southern Nigeria. The video was shared by my beloved cousin, Vicki Egbo. Having not physically…
In an ironic twist, South Africa calls out Israel’s genocide
Yesterday marked the six-month anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. Still, we see the images of dead bodies wrapped in white sheets, women lamenting their fate, Gaza residents young and old with empty bowls and pots wondering when…
A war beyond borders: The rippling effect of the Ukraine war on Africa
When Russian President Vladimir Putin made good on his threat to invade and unleash war on Ukraine Feb. 24, 2022 — one year ago today — not many people in Africa, thousands of kilometers away, imagined they would pay a…
Hopes of peace dim in Congo as rebel fighters once again take up arms against the government
Barely a week after Pope Francis concluded his two-nation, six-day tour of Africa early this year, fighting broke out, engineered by rebel fighters in one of the two nations — the Democratic Republic of Congo. The situation contrasts with the…
African Anglican leaders criticize Church of England over same-sex marriage decision
The Church of England’s decision to allow same-sex couples to receive blessings in the church has drawn rebukes from church leaders in Africa. A majority of Church of England synod members, comprising bishops, clergy and laity, voted in favor of…
With pending return of Benin Bronzes, the Smithsonian approaches a more modern ethical standard
Since becoming king of the Benin kingdom in southern Nigeria, Eheneden Erediauwa has embarked on a vigorous campaign to retrieve many of the kingdom’s artworks, lost or looted from the royal palace over the past century and a half, and…
Another year, more conflict in Africa; where’s the off ramp?
In what may feel like a repeat of last year, large parts of Africa kicked off 2022 facing violence, political unrest, poverty and hunger. Demonstrations in Sudan and a crackdown on protesters by security forces made headlines in local and…