In every society, power, privilege, and governance form the tripod upon which leadership is exercised and societal progress or decline is determined. These three elements are deeply interconnected.
Power confers the ability to influence decisions, Privilege often determines access to power, and Governance dictates how power is applied for the common good.

In Nigeria and other developing democracies, the conversation around these concepts is especially crucial, as the abuse or mismanagement of any of them can have far-reaching implications for justice, development, and social equity.

Power, in itself, is neutral. It is neither good nor bad until it is exercised. The quality of leadership, therefore, is not determined merely by the possession of power, but by how it is used. Those who wield public office are entrusted with the mandate of the people, and such power must be exercised with wisdom, humility, and accountability. It is not for personal aggrandizement, neither is it a tool for oppression.
True power in governance lies in service, serving the people with integrity, making decisions that benefit the masses, and defending the voiceless.

Privilege, on the other hand, is often the gateway to power. It includes social status, access to education, wealth, political networks, or even ethnic and religious affiliations that give certain individuals an advantage in the political arena.
While privilege in itself is not evil, the danger arises when it becomes an exclusive gatekeeper, preventing competent, visionary, and patriotic individuals from ascending to leadership. When privilege replaces meritocracy, the result is a governance structure that is disconnected from the people and unresponsive to their needs.

Governance is the ultimate expression of how power and privilege are managed.
Good governance promotes transparency, equity, justice, and inclusive development. It is rooted in constitutionalism, the rule of law, and democratic accountability.
In Nigeria’s context, our democracy can only thrive when leaders see governance not as a means to enrich themselves but as a sacred trust to build a better society. Governance must be people-centered, participatory, and guided by clear moral values that place the welfare of citizens above all else.

As a legislator, I am continually reminded that our constituents do not just elect us to occupy positions; they expect us to act, to speak up, to legislate in their interest, and to defend their rights.
Governance begins with responsiveness, listening to the needs of the people, understanding their struggles, and translating those concerns into concrete policies and programs. The dignity of leadership lies not in titles or ceremonies but in the impact we make in the lives of ordinary people.

It is also important to dismantle the dangerous entitlement mentality that often accompanies political privilege. Leadership is not a birthright, nor is it the domain of a few elite families or regions.
Every citizen, regardless of their background, must have an equal opportunity to participate in governance. We must actively work to create a system where leadership is earned through competence, vision, and character, not simply inherited or purchased through wealth and connections.

In conclusion, our collective progress as a nation hinges on how we manage power, privilege, and governance.
Let us use power to serve, use privilege to open doors for others, and embrace governance as a moral responsibility, not a transactional enterprise. Only then can we build a Nigeria where leadership uplifts the people, institutions are strong, and the future is secured for generations to come.
I remain committed to these ideals as your representative, working tirelessly to ensure that governance becomes a force for transformation and hope.

 Hon Obi Aguocha is the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South.

In a resplendent, glitzy and well-attended ceremony at the Convention Centre of the upscale Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday April 11, 2025, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, added another merited accolade to his growing list of honours, clinching the ‘Vanguard Good Governance Award 2024’, presented by Vanguard Newspapers.

The event, which celebrated Nigeria’s most impactful leaders, served not only as a recognition of excellence but also as a reaffirmation of Governor Soludo’s transformational three-year tenure in Anambra, a tenure that has redefined governance as a vehicle for pragmatic solutions and inclusive growth.

Indeed, it was a night of shine and substance. Celebrating outstanding achievements, as affirmed in the brief welcome remarks by Editor Eze Anaba, the Vanguard Awards brought together Nigeria’s political, business, royal and cultural elite.

Mr. Atedo Peterside, Chairman of the occasion, captured the mood succinctly: “The gathering is awesome, a convergence of those rewriting Nigeria’s story.” Truly, the evening was as much about legacy as it was about laurels.

While successful businessmen, education investors, and billionaires, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke took home the Personality of the Year award, the spotlight equally beamed on exceptional governors like Soludo, whose policies have turned subnational governance into a laboratory of innovation in their respective states.

For Governor Soludo, the Vanguard honour arrives just months after being named SUN Newspaper’s Governor of the Year 2024, and this dual media recognition now underscores his unique blend of technocratic rigour and pragmatic leadership.

In Soludo’s Anambra, it has been a story of from Promise to Progress. Since assuming office in March 2022, Governor Soludo, a former Central Bank Governor and economist, has pursued what he terms a “people’s agenda” with relentless focus.

His administration’s pillars, anchored on security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, urban renewal, economic diversification and more, have become more than slogans. The multidimensional impact, often achieved amidst fiscal constraints, reflect Governor Soludo’s philosophy that development is not about grand announcements; it is about granular execution. It is also about doing more with less and without borrowing!

In his remarks, Vanguard Editor Eze Anaba emphasized that the awards were not merely for popularity but for verifiable impact. For Governor Soludo, this rings true and through. Yet, three years on, his results speak louder than rhetoric. The impact is verifiable.

No wonder, the SUN and Vanguard awards, both decided by rigorous verifications of development projects prioritising data over dazzle, validate the Soludo approach. One can say that Governor Soludo treats governance like a serious business: iterative, agile, and user-centric. Anambra is his MVP, and it is scaling fast.

Yet, while the awards celebrate past and ongoing achievements, Governor Soludo’s eyes remain fixed on the future. Challenges will always exist, but his administration’s methodical pace suggests confidence rather than complacency.

As the governor would have remarked after receiving the award, every honour is a debt owed to the people and the good work in Anambra has just begun. Now with his recent ratification as APGA candidate for a second term and overwhelming nonpartisan endorsements for Anambra’s November 2025 election, Governor Soludo is poised to turn Anambra into a blueprint for Nigeria’s subnational revival.

While Nigeria keeps contending with its own national questions, Governor Soludo’s story, of a professor-turned-politician delivering functional solutions and measurable progress, may well become a case study in award-winning leadership. For now, Anambra’s renaissance continues, one solution at a time.

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed hearty congratulations to Mr. Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, on the occasion of his birthday today, April 12, 2025.

In his goodwill message, Governor Soludo proudly lauded Mr. Iyiegbu, a distinguished son of Anambra State, as a dynamic personality who has consistently embodied the ingenuity, resilience, and entrepreneurial excellence for which Ndi Anambra are renowned.

As an ebullient entrepreneur, his ventures have not only created opportunities for countless Nigerians but have also placed Anambra on the national map of commerce and innovation. His philanthropic endeavours, particularly in youth empowerment and community development, also reflect a deep commitment to uplifting lives and fostering societal progress.

The Governor further stated that beyond his business acumen, Obi Cubana’s role as a cultural ambassador and socialite has celebrated the richness of Igbo heritage, strengthening our collective pride and unity.

On this occasion of his birthday, Governor Soludo wishes Mr. Iyiegbu enduring success and prayed that his new age be filled with greater achievements and the fulfilment of his noble aspirations.

Signed:

Christian Aburime
Press Secretary to the Governor

Toke Makinwa says she doesn’t mind being a second, third, fourth, or even fifth wife.

The media personality tied the knot with Maje Ayida, her longtime partner, in 2014.

However, their union was short-lived due to infidelity allegations in 2015, leading to their divorce in 2017.

In an interview on her podcast Toke Moments, Makinwa said she would consider becoming a co-wife if the opportunity arises.

She revealed that constantly being in charge can be exhausting, and she now desires a partner who can ease some of that pressure and allow her to unwind.

She added that while she used to judge others for certain choices, her perspective has changed and she now understands.

“I won’t lie, at this point in my life if I have the opportunity to marry as a 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th wife, I will think about it,” she said.

“I’m the boss everywhere, and that can be tiring.

“There are certain things you would be like this could never be me, could never be this, and you see people do some certain things, and you would be the biggest judge.

“Right now, I understand.”

Recently, Makinwa reflected on being 40, single, and childless while admitting that it once made her feel bad but no longer does.

She also said that if she had remarried, she would likely have gotten divorced again because the “lessons never stop”.

[TheCable]

Disorder, confusion and despondency! These three words capture the basic prevailing air across the land. Not just here in Nigeria, but all over the world. Nations, big and small organizations, advocacy groups, communities and individuals are all busy trying to solve one problem or the other. Many are looking forward to solutions of various types. But they do not really know what the problems are, or might be; for which they are seeking solutions. They may just finish celebrating one solution before they realize that the solution they just celebrated has not addressed the original problem, or that it has created new ones.

Sad, is it not?

No one can recognize the solution to a problem when he does not know, or understand, the nature of the problem itself. That is part of the issue on the table all over the world today. The climate, the cosmic environment, the political space, the regulatory environment for businesses, the moral landscape, our spirituality, the religiosity of a morally bankrupt world, the gender crisis, the decay of values are all in the line of fire. Why? Yes, why? Just why is it that everyone, and everything, seems to be going bonkers on the double?

Bedlam on steroids, and going strong!

Consider the apparently mundane matter of some of the most important decisions of President Donald Trump of the US. His most far-reaching decisions seem to have been taken without recourse to the very institutions set up to uphold what the American Dream is presumed to represent. Trump signed some 220 Executive Orders during his first term, between January 2017 and January 2021. In 2025 alone, in this his Second Coming, he is recorded to have signed 112 Executive Orders, from EO 14147 through EO 14528.

And he did all that without consulting with, or obtaining clearance and approval from, those elected by the people to speak for them in the matter of what they want the president to do, or not do.

And, lest we forget, Trump is the head of a democratic nation. His country is also the much-vaunted global defender of democracy, inclusivity, human rights and world peace through an attitude of mutual accommodation. He is clearly serious with the Providential business of dismantling the pretensions that have held up a world that can best be described as a living fraud. It has served true humanity in the breach.

Recall that an unusual interplanetary alignment occurred shortly before and around the time Trump was sworn in. It was at about that time that a Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Mercury “lined up” in the Elliptic, in a way that they had not done for a long time now. First there was the alignment of Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn one of January 21, before the Main Event of January 25. Then came the one of February 28, before the morning alignment of Neptune, Mercury, Saturn and Venus this month. And the August 11 morning alignment of Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn is yet to come.

If both scientific and quasi scientific circles are saying that “The alignment of several planets is believed to amplify the energies of these planets, prompting changes, introspection, opportunity, and transformation across the globe and across all zodiac signs”, it may well follow that this year has quite a few things up its sleeves. A look at history shows that interplanetary alignments have been associated with major energy shifts that impact political, social and environmental changes upheavals that impact nature and create global changes.

Because our world is part of a universe and comic environment that has long since been scientifically confirmed to be a network of interconnected radiations, no one can say for sure what the effects of the alignments of heavenly bodies and their magnetic fields might be. When we consider that astrologers have always considered interplanetary alignments to be moments of amplified energy in our cosmic environment, when we also consider that significant interplanetary alignments had coincided in the past with some major global or cultural shifts, scientific breakthroughs and artistic renaissances, then we must also consider the thought that we may be standing amidst heralds of change we do not know enough about.

The disorder, confusion and despondency in our world today is accentuated by the fact that we now have more wars, with others threatening to break out. Natural disasters are tumbling in on all sides. One hundred and ninety-one areas of tornado damage were recorded between March 14 and 16 in the US. That was less than a month ago. Within the same period 115 twisters were confirmed in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Other forms of natural and manmade disaster are being distributed all round the world. Economic pressures, environmental and climatic changes, distress of nations, strange and incurable diseases are all on rampage today. 

The 2025 US wildfires had more than passing impact on Los Angeles, where it led to significant loss of life and property. The fires came, swept its initial areas of impact and then keep spreading rapidly and unpredictably. California, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura all had sad stories to tell from the fires. So did Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.

So, attempt to put some thoughts on the table regarding where it all this may be leading up to. The first is the fact that our world of Volatile possibilities, Uncertain realities, Confusing demands and expectations and Ambiguous values (VUCA) has come with new developments that portend dangers for all. It is a world that is rapidly altering expectations, rules and the way so many things are done; and in which many will find themselves at a disadvantage in one way or the other

Another possible fact is that national economies will suffer and so will larger sections of the global population. We have all been living with many unquestioned assumptions about our lives and about international affairs for far too long. As the US is becoming more protectionist and almost trying to shut off the world, the counter measures other nations are being forced to take will become major triggers for new economic events that would affect us all.

The third fact is that the world, and all of us, are being forced to do a re-valuation of values, a reassessment of hitherto accepted paradigms and a recalibration of expectations. Moving in leaps and bounds from the rule-governed global village of only a few months ago to a world where all hitherto accepted norms are being revised without the usual consultations is something no one bargained for.

The other fact is that ours is now a New World order that is forcing a fundamentally pretentious world with well-dressed predatory nations to remove its gloves and boldly bare hitherto concealed teeth. Arbitrariness will very likely be on the upswing. Free trade will suffer, if the trend being orchestrated by Trump continues – and it is likely to. So, welcome to a more deadly period of blind protectionist tendencies and say goodbye to free markets, open skies for aviation watchers, and dangerous national insularity…

Another fact to consider is the possibility that questions must be raised about the world’s multilateral trading system, which had been hitherto projected as resting on clear rules, mandatory concessions and criteria that all countries welcomed because it had something for everyone. The stabilizing and custodian roles we all once attributed to the World Trade Organization (WTO), complete with its unquestioned template and platform, can no longer be vouched for.

That system certainly did not favour developing countries in more ways than one. It only helped maintain an illusion that Trump is now resolutely unmasking, dismantling and inviting us to dismiss.

Had there been any really honest attempt to reform the system over time, we probably won’t be where we are today. But with Donal Trump as the official demolition man, we are living with the irony today of having the US doing its best to destroy a system it did its everything to bring about and sustain. It would seem that rather than reform the system it is now being destroyed, and for good. Which is hardly surprising.

Let us calmly admit that everything false is collapsing on all fronts. We cannot say that the US approach to international relations, international trade and global politics under Trump will lead to a more peaceful, more prosperous and more stable world. The ongoing retaliatory tariff impositions and counter impositions from various countries, in reaction to Trump’s rampaging moves, will only fuel the comprehensive jettisoning of the presumably hallowed WTO template, paradigms and framework.

Thus, matters are not only likely to get worse, but also get out of hand. And the reason is simple:  The limited actions of the most dominant actors in the global economic space will ignite reactions that would lead to the total abandonment of all the false trappings we have all lived with for so long in international relations. As more countries adopt and deploy the same approach as the US, trading and transacting on their own terms, it would be absolute bedlam across board. But can they all see it coming?

Can Africa impose retaliatory tariffs on anyone? I think not. Can Africa escape the effects of the looming trade war? Again, I think not. As faith in international investments wavers, totters and probably falls dramatically, there will be greater uncertainly in international economics and economic relations. Unpredictability will blossom. The result would be a new world order wherein global economic growth will be slow and international trade will boil down to tariff wars and piracy.

Probably no other continent would be worse hit than Africa, largely because of the continents import dependence. To speculate on a possible magical transformation of African economies, in response to the ongoing global drama, is to prance off on a reprehensible exercise in self delusion. As we enter an era where all global institutions that once guaranteed the Rules of Engagement are on all fours, no one can say how the current situation will unfold in the coming months or years. But we must be clear-eyed about the dangers that are building up in the world.

In sum, all international Standard Operating Procedures are on retreat. There is a greater leaning towards selfish considerations by nations. What can we hold unto, or strengthen? Can Africa present a common, or fighting front, of any sort? Just asking. Prepare for the worst, I’d say! But what is the worst, really? Hunger, poverty, balance of trade issues? None of the above, I dare say.  It can only get worse if you take time to think about is.

It is about a world on a tail spin, for a new era to be born. The problems are more spiritual than material, as we wonder what world events are saying today.

Bitcoin has staged an impressive recovery, surging towards $84,000 on Saturday as it rebounds from losses sustained earlier in the week.

This recovery follows a 90-day pause on most tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, a move that has momentarily eased investor concerns amidst ongoing trade tensions with China.

As of the time of writing this article, Bitcoin was trading around $83,800, reflecting a 5.1% increase in the past 24 hours, according to data from CoinGecko.

This performance highlights Bitcoin’s appeal as an asset capable of weathering economic uncertainties.

In addition to Bitcoin’s gains, other cryptocurrencies have also experienced upward momentum: Solana has risen by 8.3% to $120, while Ethereum has climbed 3% to $1,550.

Trump’s trade war 

The price of Bitcoin dipped as low as $74,700 on Monday, fueled by concerns over the economic impact of Trump’s month-long trade war.

• However, the announcement of a temporary tariff pause two days later catalyzed a sharp turnaround.
• Over the past few weeks, Bitcoin has demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining a trading range between $75,000 and $85,000 despite significant price fluctuations triggered by shifting trade policies.
• This stability reflects strong buying interest, particularly from institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, commonly referred to as crypto “whales.”

These groups have returned to the market after months of cautious withdrawals, recognizing Bitcoin’s potential to serve as a hedge against economic uncertainty.

Chief Investment Officer at crypto asset manager Hashdex, Samir Kerbage, highlighted Bitcoin’s outperformance compared to traditional risk assets during the week’s turbulence.

“This week will be remembered for its volatility and uncertainty,” Kerbage told Decrypt. “Bitcoin has been behaving better than most risk assets in recent days, showcasing its resilience amidst market turmoil.” 

An overall eventful week 

The week has also been eventful on Wall Street, where stocks experienced some of the strongest swings in recent history.

• Despite the temporary tariff pause, Trump escalated the trade war with China, raising the total tariff rate on Chinese goods exported to the U.S. to a record 145%. U.S. equity markets responded positively to the tariff pause: the S&P 500 climbed 5.6% for the week, the Nasdaq jumped 7.3%, and the Dow rose 5%, according to Yahoo Finance.
• Despite these gains, analysts caution that the unpredictability of Trump’s trade policies continues to weigh on investor sentiment.

While the tariff pause provided temporary relief, market participants remain wary of the broader implications of escalating trade tensions, particularly as they pertain to global economic stability.

What you should know 

Bitcoin’s ability to recover and maintain stability indicates its growing reputation as a reliable store of value and a hedge against macroeconomic uncertainty.

• The cryptocurrency market’s resilience, driven by institutional interest, highlights the increasing role of digital assets in a diversified investment portfolio.

• As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, investors are closely monitoring the implications of trade policies, especially in relation to traditional and alternative assets like Bitcoin.

The unfolding dynamics of the U.S.-China trade war remain a key driver for market sentiment and could significantly impact the trajectory of both global markets and cryptocurrency valuations in the months to come.

[Nairametrics]

The blood of 16 Nigerians, reportedly hunters, spilled on the soil of Uromi in Edo State is yet another grim reminder of the violent times we live in. Their deaths, gruesome and senseless, have sparked waves of emotions across the country. Condolences have poured in, anger has surged, and outrage has been expressed from various quarters. Yet, beneath the emotive outbursts lies a dangerously ignored truth, the unchecked proliferation and parading of guns in our communities by both herdsmen and hunters alike is a ticking time bomb. And that bomb has just exploded in Uromi.

It is one thing to mourn the dead, which is appropriate. It is another to prevent future deaths, which is urgent. While the Uromi massacre has received the headlines it deserves, what may not have received equal attention is the frightening normalization of civilians wielding firearms across Southern Nigeria under the pretense of hunting, self-defense, or in the case of herders, “protecting their livestock.” This trend, if left unchecked, will only breed more mass graves, more sorrow, and an erosion of the very meaning of community safety.

Let us not mince words, no one outside the security forces should be allowed to openly carry weapons in a supposedly civil society. Whether you call yourself a hunter, vigilante, or herdsman, the law must not turn a blind eye. The forested parts of the South have become unofficial battlegrounds, not only for farmers and herders but between different groups armed to the teeth with locally fabricated and imported weapons, and even to a large extent posing as threats to travelers who usually stop by to ease themselves. The result? Deaths like those in Uromi.

The Uromi killings should compel us to ask harder questions. “Why is it so easy for individuals in rural communities to possess high-grade firearms?” “Why is the state either unwilling or unable to enforce existing firearms laws?” And why has the government; both at the state and federal levels, continued to respond to these incidents with mere condolence messages which are mostly political rhetoric meant to boost their electoral values rather than action?

In many communities, hunting has gone from a traditional and cultural activity to a pretext for militarization. While hunters used to carry dane guns and bows, today, many are armed with automatic rifles. Similarly, many herdsmen, once known only for their walking sticks and herding tools, now brandish AK-47s as they move across communities. This escalation is no longer anecdotal; it is visual, real, and present.

The consequences are dire. Whenever conflict breaks out, be it over grazing routes, farmland, or community disagreements, these weapons come out, and blood is spilled. The killings in Uromi are only the latest example of what has become a disturbing pattern across Nigeria.

Government silence in the face of repeated arms display by non-state actors is not just cowardice; it is complicity. You cannot claim to be upholding law and order when those outside the law are more armed than those tasked with enforcing it. Criminalizing gun possession without a license is already in the Nigerian Firearms Act, but enforcement is selective, inconsistent, and at best, ineffective.

If the Nigerian government can spend billions chasing “illegal refineries” in the Niger Delta or demolishing “illegal structures” in Lagos, why can it not commit itself to flushing out illegal weapons from civilian hands, especially in rural communities? Why is there no coordinated national disarmament campaign targeted at these groups masquerading as protectors but functioning as threats?

The Uromi tragedy should now serve as a turning point. We cannot afford to move on from it without drawing a line in the sand. The government must immediately commence a review of the presence and use of firearms by hunters and herders, with a clear intention to disarm and punish. It is no longer enough to say, “We are investigating.” We need laws that bite and enforcement that works.

One of the arguments often advanced by those defending hunters’ right to bear arms is cultural. “It is our tradition,” they say. That may be true. But in this modern context, cultural sentiment must never undermine public security. Traditions must evolve with time, especially when they threaten lives and properties. The role of hunters can be preserved without arming them with lethal weapons. Communities can deploy hunters for surveillance, bush tracking, or community watch functions, but arming them like militias turns them into another problem instead of a solution.

In the same vein, herdsmen cannot continue to use the excuse of self-defense to justify carrying firearms. Their livestock cannot be more valuable than human lives. If herding requires weapons for protection, then it is high time the government regulated the herding business just like any other security-sensitive occupation. This might include requiring registration, approval for arms use, and GPS-tracked movement. Anything less is dangerous leniency.

Let’s be honest. The reason the issue has persisted this long is because of a lack of political will. Many politicians fear that clamping down on armed herders or hunters will lose them rural votes or inflame ethnic tensions. That is an irresponsible excuse. Security cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political correctness. Whether the gun is carried by a Fulani herdsman or an Esan hunter, the law must be applied with equal firmness.

The state government, especially in Edo, must show leadership by launching a full-scale investigation not just into the killings but into how many weapons are currently circulating in rural areas under the guise of hunting. Governor Obaseki and security agencies must move beyond press releases. Community leaders must be summoned, hunter associations regulated, and herders monitored.

To move forward, Nigeria needs a national disarmament framework, not just for the Niger Delta or Boko Haram insurgents, but for all unauthorized individuals in possession of firearms. This should include, Community Amnesty Windows, which allows voluntary submission of illegal weapons with a short grace period.

Also, from the perspective of registration and licensing review, government overhaul the current system to ensure only vetted persons can access hunting or farming defense licenses.

Another is mobile weapon search task forces which entails deploying mobile security units to periodically search forests and rural areas.

In a similar vein is technology deployment, which requires use of drones and surveillance to monitor known hotspots.

Also of importance is community sensitization, which allows the engagement of traditional rulers and community heads to discourage arms possession.

The time to act is now. We cannot afford another Uromi. The longer we delay, the more we normalize this madness, and the more deaths we will have to mourn. Guns in the hands of civilians, whatever their profession or excuse, are a menace. Until the government rises to the challenge, these senseless killings will continue to punctuate our national life like a recurring nightmare.

Let Uromi be the last straw. Not just for sympathy. But for systemic, sweeping, and urgent action. The souls of those 16 men demand justice, not just in courtrooms, but in policies that prevent such bloodshed from ever happening again.

Zeb Ejiro, the legendary filmmaker and “Sheik of Nollywood,” is a man on a mission. Despite his monumental contributions to the Nigerian movie industry, he’s frustrated by the lack of support from his home state, Delta. He’s passionate about grooming his successors and developing the entertainment industry in the state. Ejiro’s vision is to transform Delta into the entertainment hub of Nigeria, but successive governments in the state have failed to recognize his efforts.

Sharing his sad experience with our reporter in a recent chat, Ejiro stated that despite the treatment meted to him, he’s still willing to mentor the Delta youths in the art of film making and acting before he passes on.

His words: “I am tired of these disappointments. They are denying the youths the opportunity to tap from my wealth of knowledge. I want to mentor them now that I’m still strong, fit and getting better in terms of my creativity,”

Ejiro said past administrations, including those led by Emmanuel Uduaghan and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, failed to support his initiatives. Despite his expertise, Ejiro was denied a professional appointment in the entertainment sector. The current governor, Sheriff OborevworiI, has been inaccessible, leaving Ejiro’s proposals unaddressed.

Narrating his ordeal, Ejiro said “I am one of the people that built the movie industry in this country. That’s why in 2005, former President Olusegun Obasanjo bestowed the national honour of OON (Officer of the Order of Niger) on me. There are not more than five people in the movie industry that hold that award.

“I returned home to establish a film school, Film and Broadcast Academy, where aspiring filmmakers and actors are training in the art of film making and acting. I did that to take our unemployed youths off the streets. I established the school under the administration of Emmanuel Uduaghan even though I faced a lot of challenges. I was also involved in the campaign of Dr Ifeanyi Okawa. I headed the electronic sub-committee of Okwa’s campaign, traversing the entire Delta State campaigning with him. At the end of the day, my effort was not recognized.

“I told him that I didn’t want a political appointment but a professional appointment where I can contribute my own quota to the development of the entertainment sector in the state. I submitted a proposal to the government to that effect. But I was ignored and till date, I feel highly disappointed.

“Now, we have a new governor, Sheriff OborevworiI, I sent a new proposal with my colleagues to organize a unique film festival to attract billions of naira in investments. Unfortunately, I have been trying to see my governor for the past one year without success,” he added.

[Opinion Nigeria]

In the rich proverbial wisdom of the African people, there is a saying: “If you keep hitting a palm kernel that is jumping and flying, you’ll eventually be blinded.” This proverb is not just a quaint cultural expression; it is a warning, a mirror to reflect on the dangers of relentless pursuit, especially when that pursuit becomes counterproductive and even self-destructive.

It is in the context of this ancestral wisdom that we must examine the growing and unrelenting attacks on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. These attacks have become a political ritual of bitterness, hate, and desperation. It is time to call it for what it is: a vendetta wrapped in hypocrisy and seasoned with envy. It is time her traducers took a break, because this palm kernel is flying, and the more they keep swinging, the more likely they are to end up punching themselves in the face.

Let’s begin with a blunt question: “Who exactly is afraid of Natasha, and why does she remain a lightning rod of controversy and attack?”

Natasha is not a typical politician. She is a disruptor in a male-dominated system designed to suppress women of ambition. A lawyer, social entrepreneur, humanitarian, and now a senator, Natasha has consistently shown that she is not afraid to step on the toes of established interests. But her greatest crime, in the eyes of her haters, is that she has refused to play by their rules. She has refused to keep quiet. She has refused to kneel to godfathers. She has refused to back down. And that, in a warped society where obedience to oppressive power structures is mistaken for humility, is enough to make you a target.

Her traducers, mostly partisan politicians who are opposed to her political triumphs, have turned her political journey into a battlefield. Every move she makes is met with cynicism. Every achievement is questioned. Every initiative is discredited. But the question remains: “Why are they so obsessed with her?”

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Nigeria’s political climate is openly hostile to women who dare to challenge the norm. The political structure is wired to intimidate, frustrate, and ultimately silence women who exhibit independence and strength. And when these tactics fail, the system resorts to a more dangerous method: character assassination.

We have seen this play out again and again. The late Dora Akunyili was constantly maligned. Oby Ezekwesili was labeled a loudmouth. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was accused of everything under the sun. Even Aisha Yesufu, a private citizen and activist, is not spared. And now, Natasha is the newest name on the hit list.

It seems the Nigerian establishment cannot stand a woman who thinks for herself, speaks without fear, and moves without permission. She must be torn down. She must be dragged through the mud. She must be made to suffer for daring to shine.

Let us talk about hypocrisy. Many of the people attacking Natasha have never contributed anything meaningful to their communities. They are the same politicians who hide during crises, loot during opportunities, and speak only when there is a brown envelope involved.

They say she is too outspoken, yet celebrate men who spew nonsense every other week. They say she is controversial, yet worship male politicians who have mastered the art of chaos and confusion. They say she is not a saint, yet defend known criminals because they share party affiliations.

This double standard is sickening. It reeks of desperation. And more than anything else, it exposes the true motives of her attackers: fear, envy, and panic.

Make no mistake, what Natasha is facing is not politics as usual. It is a targeted campaign of vendetta orchestrated by those who cannot bear the thought of her influence expanding. This is not opposition based on principle or ideology. It is a witch-hunt dressed in political clothing.

Some of her enemies are politicians who feel humiliated by her victories. Others are power brokers who fear she is too independent to control. Some are just bitter individuals who cannot stand to see a woman rise. But all of them are unified by one thing: they underestimated her. And now that she has proven her strength, they are scrambling to destroy her before she becomes unstoppable.

But as the African proverb warns, their desperation is blinding them. The more they strike, the more their own image suffers. The people are watching. The public is listening. The voters are taking notes.

Let us be clear: Natasha is not perfect. No one is. She is not above critique. But criticism must be constructive, fair, and based on facts, not lies, gossip, and coordinated attacks.

She is a human being. She has made mistakes. She has taken risks. But unlike most of her critics, she has done something meaningful with her life. She has fought for her community. She has built businesses. She has empowered women. She has spoken truth to power. She has refused to be anyone’s puppet.

What have her critics done? Apart from hiding behind keyboards, issuing anonymous threats, and amplifying fake news, what exactly have they achieved?

We must get to a point in this country where we learn to differentiate between genuine accountability and bitter envy. We cannot build a better Nigeria by tearing down our best and brightest.

Here’s the good news: the masses are not as gullible as the haters believe. People see what is going on. They may not all shout on social media, but they are quietly observing. They know who is real and who is fake. They know who is fighting for them and who is fighting for their own pockets.

Natasha’s connection with ordinary people is not manufactured. It is real. It is earned. And it is growing. Her victory at the polls was not a fluke, it was a message. The people are tired of recycled leaders. They are tired of empty promises. They are tired of being insulted.

What they want now are leaders who are bold, sincere, and visionary. Natasha fits that bill. And no amount of character assassination will change that.

To her traducers, let this be a final word of caution: “If you keep hitting a palm kernel that is jumping and flying, you will eventually be blinded.” That is not just folklore, it is prophecy. It is the voice of ancestral wisdom reminding you that your actions have consequences.

There is still time to retreat, to refocus your energies on meaningful issues, to stop the bitterness and do better. Because if you continue down this path of hate and sabotage, you may find that you have destroyed your own credibility while Natasha continues to rise.

Nigeria needs all hands on deck. We cannot afford to keep fighting shadows while the nation burns. Let Natasha be. Leave her alone. Let her work. Let her serve. And if you must criticize her, do so with facts, not venom.

Nigeria is at a critical juncture. We need leaders who are bold, innovative, and resilient. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan embodies these qualities. She is not perfect, but she is trying. She is serving. And she is leading.

Instead of wasting energy trying to tear her down, let us channel that energy into fixing our broken systems. Let us amplify the voices doing the work. Let us support women in leadership instead of vilifying them.

Enough is enough. Let the palm kernel fly. And if you cannot catch it, at least do not blind yourself trying.

Leave Natasha alone. The future is watching.