By Wole Olujobi “Okonkwo is the conscience of an embattled race in the dialectic of history, discuss,” screamed Professor Adebayo Williams to us his Literary Studies students at the University of Ife in a class test to dissect the psychological appraisal of the protagonist, Okonkwo, in Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’. Achebe’s classic explores the conflict between tradition and the forces of change within which Okonkwo seeks his personal destiny to represent the collective destiny of all the people of his Umuofia clan. To achieve his aim, Okonkwo deploys coercion and other strong arms tactics to whip his people into…
Author: Soffiyyah Olamide
By Seun Oloketuyi When Zacch Adedeji assumed office as Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in September 2023, he was stepping into one of the toughest economic assignments in Nigeria. The country’s revenue base was narrow, its tax-to-GDP ratio stood among the lowest in Africa, and an entrenched culture of inefficiency had left the tax system weak and underperforming. For many, it was uncertain whether he could deliver. Two years later, the results are telling a different story — one of vision, reform, and measurable progress. From the outset, Adedeji made it clear that his ambition went…
By Azuh Arinze As Governor Simi Fubara of Rivers State steps back into office after a period of suspension, all eyes – within the state and across Nigeria – are fixed on how he will navigate this delicate new chapter. His return is both a political reprieve and a formidable test of leadership. To consolidate his position and restore stability, the governor must act decisively on several fronts. 1. Mend Fences and Build Alliances The political turbulence that led to his suspension underscores the need for broad-based reconciliation. Governor Fubara must therefore reach out to critical stakeholders: political heavyweights, members…
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Rivers United in a hard-fought NPFL Matchday 4 encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt. Both sides started with attacking intent, but Shooting Stars looked the brighter of the two early on. The Oluyole Warriors matched Rivers United in intensity, with skipper Gali Falke marshalling the midfield and linking well with Ismail Ayodele to push the team forward. Goalkeeper Godgift El-Kanah produced excellent saves to keep the score level, including a sharp stop from a first-half free kick. After the restart, 3SC nearly took the lead when…
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the commitment of his administration to promoting maternal healthcare, stating that: “There is no greater test of a nation’s character than the care it extends to its women.” The President gave the commitment at the unveiling of the Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative, Renew Health Equity and Reform (RenewHER). The President, who was represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima at the Launch of the Initiative, noted that: “Maternal health is the heartbeat of every family, the compass of social stability, and the truest index of national welfare.” He insisted that: “A society that neglects…
World record holder, Tobi Amusan made Nigeria proud on Monday, 15 September, 2025, winning a silver medal in the final of the Women 100m Hurdles at the ongoing World Athletic Championship in Tokyo, Japan, reports thegazellenews.com It was a very competitive race with Tobi coasting home in an impressive time of 12.29 seconds behind the winner Diraji Kambundji who clocked 12.24 to win the gold medal. Grace Stark of the United States of America won the Bronze medal in a time of 12.34s while Masai Russell finished 4th in 12.44s. Thegazellenews.com reports further that Amusan had made her intention known…
The United Nations Women (UN Women) has supported the staging of a musical stage play, “Bunk Talk: The Musical” in Abuja to raise awareness on sexual and gender-based violence, disability inclusion, mental health, and climate justice. The production, put together by the Girl Child Value Support Initiative with support from the UN Women used drama, music, and dance to spotlight social issues through the nostalgic setting of Nigerian boarding school life. The performance also employed the interactive Touch Tag method, encouraging audience members to actively engage and co-create solutions. The Producer and Executive Director of the Girl Child Value Support…
The Federal Government has announced plans to demolish the iconic Carter Bridge, which links Iddo on the mainland to Idumota and CMS on Lagos Island, declaring the over-a-century-old structure beyond repair. Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Wednesday, September 10, during an inspection of the bridge’s underdeck. He revealed that reports from engineers, Julius Berger Plc, and other consultants all pointed to the same conclusion: the bridge can no longer be salvaged. “What we did today is to see whether we can salvage the ramps so that we cut down the cost of construction and the time…
By Segun Adewale, Bauchi A delegation of journalists from Bauchi State led by state Commissioner of Information and Communications, Usman Shehu Usman, accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, senior officials, and media practitioners were on an official inspection visit to Toro Local Government Area (LGA) to assess completed and ongoing projects executed by the State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed within the area in the last six years. The visit also formed part of the state government’s policy of promoting transparency, accountability, and public awareness on developmental initiatives. Our Correspondent who…
For Julius Rone, boss of UTM Offshore Limited, UTMOL, the past 13 years have been most exciting as an active player in the nation’s oil and gas industry. Since he ventured into the sector with a clear vision, he has achieved several feats that have made him the envy of his competitors. The Delta State- born oil guru is known to have consolidated his preeminence in the industry when he floated the first liquid natural gas facility in the country. Unlike some others, Rone believed in the power of dreams and the relentless pursuit to make them a reality. He …