Author: wittyadmin

Autumn, 27th September 1848. The New York Daily Herald vividly depicted the ‘Extraordinary Condition of Affairs’ in California’s gold fields, where farmers abandoned ploughs, businessmen closed shops, and ordinary people risked everything for unimaginable wealth. Today, 176 years later, history repeats itself in Ghana’s Galamsey—illegal gold mining that promises similar riches and curses. As we journey from the Sierra Nevada to the Pra River, three reincarnated spirits guide us: The Investor (George Hearst), The Official (Thomas Butler King), and The Common Person (John D. Sloat). They iterate their destinies in Ghana’s hills and rivers with higher stakes and dire consequences. The Golden…

The telephone’s shrill cry at 2 a.m. jolted me awake. My mother’s name flashed on the screen, igniting instant panic. “Mum, what’s wrong?” I gasped. “Nii Nii,” she hissed, her voice a mixture of fury and concern, “Why is Nigeria Frankenstein?” For a moment, I was gobsmacked. Then it dawned on me – my latest article had reached her WhatsApp group. I suppressed a chuckle, remembering the day my eccentric uncle gifted me Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” for my 15th birthday. Mum had been convinced he’d lost his marbles, likely from that mango tree fall years ago where he banged his…

In Part I, we journeyed through Nigeria’s rich pre-colonial history, from the ancient Nok civilisation to the mighty empires that shaped the region. We witnessed the arrival of colonial powers and the forced birth of modern Nigeria. Let’s explore how this complex heritage has influenced Nigeria’s post-independence journey. Now, let’s dive into the rollercoaster ride of modern Nigeria. Buckle up 1960-1966: The First Republic As we journey through Nigeria’s post-independence history, remember that each twist and turn shape the nation we see today. Crisis strikes. Renewal follows. Each cycle scars the nation, shapes institutions, and moulds the collective psyche. Military…

Have you ever considered how remarkable Nigerians are nearly everywhere in the world? So why is Nigeria dysfunctional as a country? Why do we refer to her as the sleeping giant? Nigeria’s journey is not a national narrative. It’s a continental imperative. Why do I say that? Well, because Nigeria’s failure or success impacts every African. Nigeria sits between the Sahel and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a natural crossroads for trade, culture, and ideas across Africa. Nigeria’s giant status in Africa is not a metaphor: it’s the continent’s most populous nation, an economic powerhouse, and a cultural juggernaut. Imagine…

It is 2065, and a retired German couple strolls through an eerily quiet Berlin Park; the rusty swings creaking in the wind are not only eerier but scream of neglect. Meanwhile, in Accra, Ghana, the air thrums with the energy of tons of young people pouring into noisy streets and crowded universities. This stark contrast is the opening chapter of a new global era. Europe’s childless future and Africa’s population boom are set to redraw the world map. Consider Enyonam, a 28-year-old Ghanaian software engineer who splits her time between Keta and Berlin. In Keta, she navigates crowded streets teeming…

“A man who uses his teeth to cut pepper will surely eat it with tears”. This Hausa proverb is a powerful metaphor for the nation’s journey. The pepper symbolises Nigeria’s challenges, while tears represent the sacrifices and difficulties of pursuing progress. Delving into Nigeria’s complexities, this proverb is our guiding thread, illustrating how short-term pain can lead to long-term gain. The “Giant of Africa” stands at a crucial juncture. Nigeria’s potential is immense, and it is blessed with abundant natural resources, a booming youth population, and global cultural influence. The United Nations Population Fund reports that 70% of Nigerians are…

Once upon a time, at the turn of the 21st century, the wealthiest black person was a Hausa man. No, he was not an American, European, or Middle Eastern. He was African and Nigerian, specifically from Kano.However, like in many modern African folktales, Dangote faces numerous challenges that echo an age-old parable: the story of crabs in a bucket.As Dangote’s refinery project progresses, it serves as a powerful awakening force for Nigeria – often called the ‘sleeping giant’ of Africa. This venture can rouse the nation’s slumber, harnessing its vast resources and human capital. At the tail of it is…

A Dynasty’s Grip on Power “The hyena with a cub does not listen to the cry of a dog.” – An African Proverb. LOMÉ, Togo — In the tiny West African nation of Togo, the Gnassingbé family has held the reins of power for over half a century. Faure Gnassingbé succeeded his father, Eyadéma, in 2005. Recently, he orchestrated a constitutional overhaul that cemented his family’s control over the country’s political landscape. Shedding light on this sophisticated power play, the new constitution, approved by Togo’s parliament in 2024, transitions the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system. Under the…

Attention, world leaders! If you’re looking for a masterclass on how to run a country, book the next flight to West Africa. In an unexpected turn, Ghana and Nigeria have become the new gold standard for governance and economic success. Ghana is known as the gateway to Africa, while Nigeria is the undisputed giant of Africa. These two nations have cracked the code, transforming from challenges to champions faster than you can say “Yesu.” Buckle up because this rollercoaster of progress is about to leave the station! TWO OXY-(MORONS) While Kenya’s youth engage in so-called “successful” protests, West African economic…

Young Africans do not ever forget this: Freedom is NEVER Free! As it stands, Africa is a giant gaping hole filled with shit, and our incompetent leaders have held us hostage at the bottom of it. NB: Pardon my bluntness. This is the reason why I do not speak in public. I am a work in progress. Abstract The government’s proposed Finance Bill triggered the recent protest in Kenya. Think of it this way—the Kenyan government’s wallet is a giant Susu bank running low on coins. Therefore, they proposed a plan to collect more money from everyday purchases like bread,…