24 GIU 2024 · There are drums beating for the creation of an additional state for the south east region of Nigeria.  One of such is from the member representing Ideato North/South federal constituency, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere who is advocating for the creation of Orlu State. In a similar vein, the Senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko is pushing for the creation of Anioma State.  For proper context, these drum beats stem from a need for equity and balance given that, out of the six geopolitical zones in the country, only the south east has five states while the rest have six states ,with the exception of the north west region which has seven states. Is the recent call for the creation of Orlu and Anioma States the solution to cries of marginalisation from the region or is it just an unecessary distraction.  Here, we look into all sides in this quest for Orlu and Anioma States, and the broader implications for Nigeria's political space.

24 GIU 2024 · It's no longer news that when it comes to human capital development indexes, Nigeria ranks very low. This reality was underscored on Democracy Day when Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, lamented the country's hunger index ranking, highlighting Nigeria's struggles with food insecurity and poverty. According to Mr. Obi, Nigeria ranks 109th out of 125 countries measured on the Global Hunger Index.  Given this data and other poor rankings, the resultant effect is telling. Street begging has emerged as a visible symptom of Nigeria's poverty crisis.  In our discussion here, we look into the complexities of street begging in Nigeria, exploring its causes, impact on communities, and potential strategies for curbing this societal challenge.

24 GIU 2024 · Last week, cholera cases were reported in 30 states across Nigeria. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), over 1,000 cases were documented, with fatalities numbering 30 since the outbreak started in January, 2024.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. In Nigeria, cholera outbreaks are unfortunately not uncommon, especially during the rainy season when flooding and compromised water systems facilitate the spread of the disease. Given the annual occurrence of cholera in Nigeria, how can we effectively combat it? Here, we look into the factors contributing to the current cholera outbreak across Nigeria. We also look at strategies for immediate containment and long-term prevention. 

17 GIU 2024 · Debates and controversies have been brewing following the approval of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for commercial cultivation in Nigeria.  The federal government of Nigeria in January 2024 approved the commercial release of four varieties of genetically modified maize known as Tela maize. These varieties, engineered for insect resistance and drought tolerance, aim to bolster agricultural productivity and address food security challenges across the country. Here, we discuss the multifaceted issues surrounding GMO adoption in Nigeria, weighing the promises of increased yields against the backdrop of health, environmental, and socio-economic concerns. 

17 GIU 2024 · A group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives is championing a series of constitutional alterations. The lawmakers led by Ikenga Ugochinyere, lawmaker representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency under the aegis of "The Reformers," while addressing a press conference argued that a Six-Year Single term will curb the politicking associated with reelection campaigns while enhancing administrative effectiveness. Here, we dig in into this occasional proposal of single Six-Year Term for Executives in Nigeria and other proposals brought forward by the lawmakers. 

12 GIU 2024 · Recently, the Nigerian Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, expressed deep concern over the vandalisation going on at the Second Niger Bridge. Umahi's remarks came in the wake of a discovery revealing the vandalization of rail fittings on the bridge. This discovery was brought to light through a viral video circulating on social media. In the video, an individual by name Lord Zeus narrated the wanton destruction of railings on the Bridge, cautioning drivers, particularly during night-time travel, about the potential hazards posed by the compromised structure. Regrettably, this is not the first instance of vandalism at the Second Niger Bridge. A similar incident occurred in 2023, with authorities promising a quick action. Unfortunately, this has continued.  The question is, why has the Second Niger Bridge been subjected to the activities of vandals.  In this discussion, we look into the reasons behind the continuous vandalization of the Second Niger Bridge and  potential solutions to the menace.

9 GIU 2024 · In March this year, a bill to enforce one month rent payment by tenants scaled first reading at the Senate The bill sponsored by the lawmaker representing Delta North,  Senator Ned Nwoko is titled"One-Month Rent Limitation and Landlord Registry Act".  This bill, is aimed at easing the financial burden on tenants, who have been subjected to the almost unsustainable traditional model of annual or biannual rent payments. Here, we discuss the multifaceted implications of transitioning to monthly rent payments, examining its potential impact on both tenants and landlords, the broader housing market, and the economy as a whole. 

9 GIU 2024 · Rural settings offer a sense of tranquility, close community ties, and a connection to nature that appeal to many individuals seeking a simpler way of life.  However, this is as far as the appeal or attractiveness of rural  settings go. This is because life in the rural community is often tempered by the lack of essential services and opportunities,  fewer amenities, limited infrastructure, and a slower pace of life, driving many residents, particularly young people, to migrate to urban areas in search of better prospects. The result is overcrowding, unemployment, and social tensions  in urban areas.  Here, we discuss strategies and challenges of making rural dwellings habitable, and the potential impact on curbing rural-urban migration. The aim was to foster vibrant rural economies, preserve cultural heritage, and mitigate the adverse effects of mass migration on both rural and urban areas.

2 GIU 2024 · Recent events in Nigeria have raised curious questions about whether we are truly practicing democracy. For instance, consider the events leading up to the signing of the old national anthem bill into law. On such an occasion, when the matter was considered for a vote in the House of Representatives, the gavel was hit in favor of those whose voices were drowned out by those opposed to the bill.  Here, we take a look at the new national anthem and measure the steps taken to revert to it vis-a-vis democratic ethos. 

2 GIU 2024 · With soldiers reportedly killed on Biafra Day in Abia State, we analyse all sides to the story.