Perspectives
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Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun: Don’t let the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature die, by Bode Opeseitan
Shock, then tears of joy gently rolled down my cheeks earlier today as I heard President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confer Nigeria’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on Professor Wole Soyinka—Nigeria’s only Nobel Laureate to this day. That honour, which is primarily to celebrate his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle, came 39 long…
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An employer as a father: my 11-year sojourn in Vanguard, by Kehinde Olaosebikan
My father, the late Alhaji Yisau Bello Olaosebikan was shocked when I informed him of my travelling to Lagos from my home town Ibadan, the second day after I returned from Minna, Niger State where I just completed service in the National Youth Service Corps NYSC. After being away for almost a year for the compulsory service, he couldn’t understand…
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Sixty-two versus twenty-six, by Bisi Fayemi
I visited my mother recently, and for the first time, I was scared when I hugged her to say hello. She hadn’t been ill, but she seemed frail. I asked her if she had been eating okay and she said she was fine. I couldn’t help but worry, and I told her so. She smiled and said, ‘You know I…
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LAWMA: Pioneering sustainable waste management and public enlightenment in Lagos, by Babajide Fadoju
Waste management remains one of the most critical challenges facing mega cities across the globe, and Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic nerve center, is no exception. However, in recent years, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has emerged as a formidable force in transforming the city’s sanitation landscape through innovative initiatives, proactive enforcement, and dynamic public enlightenment campaigns. Under the leadership…
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Can President Tinubu’s twin economic policies save Nigeria amid rising inequality? by Ishaka Shitu
Nigeria has never witnessed the full removal of subsidy and devaluation of the local currency—the naira—in recent years. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu implemented both during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023. Though former President Buhari excluded subsidy provisions from his final budget, causing concern for the incoming administration, Nigerians have seen petrol prices quadruple over the past two…
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Chaos and the broken parts of Ojude Oba, by Folorunso Adisa
There’s something about Ojúdé Ọba that tugs at the soul like an ancestral drumbeat. A riot of colours, a communion of culture, a festival where the past pirouettes in the present, horses adorned like warriors of legend, age-grade groups parading in garments stitched from prestige and poetry. Yes, I love the event. I love the people. I love the story.…
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Oyebamiji: The man, his philanthropic gestures, by Ismail Omipidan
Electioneering often comes with a flurry of activities, among them being the distribution of food items and cash gifts by politicians to their supporters and the electorate. However, while some individuals deliberately target festive and election periods to carry out their philanthropic gestures, there are others who engage in philanthropy from time to time, regardless of political seasons. One such…
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President Tinubu, FRSC needs your further intervention, by Kayode Olagunju
I just took another look at the picture of the then Governor Bola Tinubu at the helm of affairs in Lagos proudly donning the uniforms of Special Marshals, the volunteer arm of the Federal Road Safety Corps. The salute and smiles were indicative of his love for road safety, preservation of lives and property. He proudly affirmed that, as I…
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The day I met Gwo Gwo Gwo crooner, Mike Ejeagha, by Azuh Arinze
Yes, I met the legendary folklorist and guitarist, Mike Ejeagha. But just once. I can’t recall the exact date anymore, but the occasion remains etched in my memory. It was in 1999, during the burial of the flamboyant and controversial businessman, Victor Nnamdi Okafor – popularly known as Ezego – in Uzoakwa, Ihiala, Anambra State. Ejeagha was already an elder…
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Of mean and foul spirits, by Simbo Olorunfemi
Last Saturday, Prof Wole Soyinka was at the 60th Birthday celebration of Mr Rotimi Amaechi in Abuja. The timing was not exactly convenient for him as he was only able to be there for a short while as a ‘fidihe’ Chairman, leaving the substantive duty to Cardinal Onayekana, as he took his leave to catch a plane. It would become…
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