Opinion

Still On Nigeria At 54

Published

12 years ago

October 3, 2014

I f lipped through the pages of our national existence, I chuck
led, from our historical amalgamation towards the last page of our journey so far. I kept flipping through the pages and got my eyebrows raised and my mouth opened. With what my eyes met from the first page, I imagined my country, Nigeria, like an eagle that would spread her wings and soar far into the sky. The arable lands and huge mineral deposits were undoubtly conspicuous. These facts, I was not willing the contend. But while I flipped further, the pages soon became heavy, I got nervous and my eyes starved with so much passion. Suddenly, my eyes went cloudy and beads of perspiration clothed me as I saw the misfortune. I felt my country was doomed. The pages became troubled but while I went further I felt an elixir of hope. Then I went to the fifthy-fourth independence day page and I said to myself, what do we really celebrate? For it seems like the eagle’s claw has suddenly gone blurnt, that it can no longer fetch its prey”.
I once had a neigbour, a young Nigerian who lived with his parents. He was full of vision and had plausible insights. He had immense love for his country. He would always say “I am a Nigerian”, at any sheer opportunity. He was so patriotic that when others would anatagonise the Nigerian society he would rise like a lion to defend his country. His intellectual prowess were deeply convincing but his parent were unable to send him to a tertiary institution. His parents were very poor, so he resorted to scholarship hunt. For three years, he found none, kept applying, always surfing the net. He finally found one and he applied for it. The young Nigerian was so glad that his efforts had paid off as he scored impressively in the scholarship examination. Few days later, he almost went crozy after he learnt that he could not get the scholarship although his scores were astounding. The young Nigeria was not from one of the Education, less privileges states. An insider from the scholarship board revealed to him that his space had been bought. The young Nigerian was deeply broken. He gave up everything he stood for and lost hope in the Nigerian vision. He joined the local street thugs to terrorize the local community. What this demonstrates, is how favouritism and tribalism have destroyed the pillars of development of the Nigerian society; how it has destroyed the intellectual prowess of witty-unprivileged-young-Nigerians an has blurred the true image of the Nigerians dream and character.
Truly, the eagle would bleeds for the inconsistency in the Nigerian Educational System. Many a student has had more years added to their respective courses in their various Nigerian Universities. The Impact of the Last ASUU Strike that halted academic activities throughout the federation, is still enormously felt. And this is why most Nigerian parents would prefer to send their children to Ghana than to our inconsistent Nigerian universities.   And the unintended consequence is that it degrades the status of our universities and defiles the strength of our economy being ranked among the top 20 economy by 2020. And this further explained why the international community would not place any of our universities among the first 1000 universities in the world.
The eagle can no longer hold the pains from her wound. It weeps deeply as the insurgency in the North by the Boko Haram sect lingers. Linked to international Islamic Jihadist group, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram has crippled the economy of the North and has sent thousands of innocent Nigerians to their early graves through their orchestrated suicide bombings, gun attacks and the declaration of a caliphate. The sect has terrorized Nigerians and made our gallant military appear weak before the international community.
I might even decide to highlight the fact that while Egypt, Ghana, Benin among other African countries, can boast of adequate power supply. Nigeria still groans in perpetual darkness brought about by epileptic power supply. Or is it the fact that the common Nigerian has lost hope in our judicial system. This is because of the events that have evolved in recent years, exposing the weakness of our judicial system.
But at this juncture, I would like to ask, if all these maladies that have wounded the eagle, is the only single story we have after 54 years of Independence.
A single story of catastrophe, of cancerous tribalism, of epileptical power   supply, of dilapitated infrastructure and of a lost Nigerian vision. No, that should not be our single story after 54 years of independence. It is because we still have a lot to celebrate despite the odd. We must renegotiate the Nigerian Character.
We can still celebrate because despite the insurgence in the North. Our military has gallantly risen to quel the uprising. Our military has never been weak as they were perceived to be in these recent time. It is the same Nigerian Military that has been astounding in peacekeeping operation globally. Nigeria contributed her troops and funds to help bring peace to war-torn Africa countries such as Congo, Angola, Liberia, Sierra leone, (etc D’Ivor and Sudan. It is such feat as this, that made Nigeria to be dubbed: “Grant of Africa.” We can still celebrate. We must celebrate the resilience of our military.
We can still celebrate the strength of our educational system whom most persons had lost hope in. It is just recently that Port Harcourt was named as UNESCO World Book Capital. The city of Port Harcourt achieved these global feat despite all odds. The individual mental prowess of the Nigerian Student is conspicuous. I can recall the boys from the university of Ibadan whose mental fist dusted all other countries in the Africa Zain’s Scholar Challenges. These, we must celebrate.
We can still celebrate the work of our writers, Chinua Achebe, Chimamda Adichie etc. “Things Fall Apart”, by Chinua Achebe portrays who we are. The book decorates the British shelves   and that of all other countries globally. We must celebrate the Nigerian Wordsmiths.
We must celebrate our movie industry, Nollywood, which presents the greatest commodity produced by Nigerians and enormously consumed by them. The Nollywood showcases for the first time where Africans were able to tell African stories by themselves (Africans). The world was able to see African stories being told by Africans. The Nollywood movies are greatly watched by most African countries. We must celebrate this.
We must celebrate our unity. Although there is a strong uprising in the North but we must not fail to remember the civil war (1967-1970). If Nigeria did not disintegrate then, it means Nigeria remains one and can never be divided. We must celebrate what we all stand for. We must celebrate. This is what is deeply rooted in the Nigeria vision.
Finally, we must celebrate the clause, “I am a Nigerian.” For this is what holds us together. And if I turn over the next page after our filthy –fourth independence day, I will see the eagle, flying above all odds, flying above the single story of catastrophe. It can only be achieved by renegotiating the Nigerian character. It can only be achieved by not having a single story of our nation. We must rejuvenate the spirit of patriotism. In the word of Chiamamanda Adichie. “When we reject a single story, when we realise that there is never a single story about any place, we regain a kind of paradise”.
Clinton, a student, writes from Port Harcourt.

Ikechukwu Clinton

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

11 hours ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”

In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.

One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.

As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.

Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.

Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.

These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.

Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

11 hours ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”

Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.

Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.

Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.

Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.

Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.

The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.

By; Confidence Adoo

Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’ Prescription

Published

1 week ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”

The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.

Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,

when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.

Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?

Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.

Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi