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Thursday, October 22, 2015

Vision 2023: @obyezeks, the best option for the south east! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi



Have you ever thought of Nigeria giving the south east the opportunity to produce the next president? If no, why?
Have you ever thought of Nigeria giving a woman the opportunity to become the president, especially after 55 years of men dominance? If no, why?
Following the attempt of secession by Biafra in 1967, which brought about the infamous and highly criticized Nigeria-Biafra civil war (July 1967- Jan 1970) and its disastrous effects on the stability on the country, given the bitterness of the war, the restoration of peace and the reintegration of the Igbos into Nigerian life were pertinent. However, since the war was over in 1970, either knowingly or unknowingly, intentionally or by coincidence, no one from the south eastern part of the country has held the highest position of the land.
Nigeria, divided into 6 geopolitical regions; North East, North West, North Central, South South, South East and South West, has after the civil war produced at least one president from each of the region except from South East and North East. The North generally has had more chances so this piece is about the South East.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Nigeria @ 55: I Choose To Remain Hopeful! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi



On Thursday, 1st October, 2015, Nigeria turns 55. That is quite a milestone, in terms of age. But in terms of achievements, she falls far below her peers with Malaysia (1963) and Singapore (1965) miles ahead of her.

Just imagine Nigeria as a 55 year old human being, with only 10 years left before retirement, the situation will be dire if not bleak. What does she have to show for the many years of running round in circles?  It means the only investments she can boast of; are the many times she spent at the bar on alcoholic beverages, getting drunk and eating away her beauty. Ending up in a bad shape, like a malnourished child in an abandoned displaced refugee camp.

Nigeria gained her independence from the United Kingdom in the year 1960. 1960, is referred to as the Year of Africa, because of a series of events that took place during the year, especially the independence of seventeen African nations that highlighted the growing Pan-African sentiments in the continent. The year brought about the culmination of African independence movements and the subsequent emergence of Africa as a major force in the United Nations. These rapid political developments led to speculation and hope about the future of Africa as a whole.