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Voice of Emancipation: Transformation Through Yoruba Nation (Pt. 5)

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4 years ago

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By Kayode Emola

In chemistry, when elements are added together and form a compound, we can observe that they bond together and start acting like a single material. In some cases, this chemical reaction is reversible and in others, it is not.

We may consider humans in this same manner. Having originated from one source, we have spread around the world and now show variations of features, languages, cultures, and so on. These differences mean that mixing one set of people with another is bound to result in a chemical reaction. This reaction brings forth a new product; some of these new compound people groups begin to behave as one entity. However, this is not always the outcome, especially in the case of Nigeria’s amalgamation.

Our disparate tribes clashed for centuries, yet the British attempted to fuse them together without any consideration as to how the mixture would react. The world has now been awakened to the failure of this experiment and, like many scientific mistakes, the question is now, how do we undo it? If a solution for reversal is found, will each constituent component revert to its original state, or will we see new components form? Your guess is as good as mine.

We all know Newton’s third law of motion: that for any action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Many people use this to describe two objects colliding with each other, although the law itself states that, when two objects interact, they exert equal and opposite forces on each other. It doesn’t state how each object will respond to the force it has experienced. Therefore, it is important to recognise that the two forces are acting on two potentially different objects.

Nigeria, like many other nation-states, was fused together to form one country. Some of these nations have reacted violently thus having to go their separate ways such as in the case of South Sudan/North Sudan, Eritrea/Ethiopia, former Yugoslavia (now Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Others have managed to not get themselves burnt but find a way to extricate themselves like Norway/Sweden, Czech/Slovakia etc.

The Nigeria situation is not dissimilar to all the previously mentioned nations above that have had to reverse their formation. All of those nations split because their cultural differences could not mix together to form a stable element (nation). Some reacted badly and many innocent people died in the process, whilst some reacted maturely and lives were spared. If the elders and elites in Nigeria realises that we have spent 60 years of independence hating ourselves whilst remaining as one nation, then the sooner we de-amalgamate the country, the better it will be for everyone rather than pretending that all will be well if we stick together.

There are many forces pulling Nigeria in different directions, meaning that the country will never reach a steady equilibrium. So often, each indigenous people group is quick to blame its woes on every other tribe apart from their own. The truth is, we are all culpable: from the Yoruba to Igbo, Ibibio, Igala, Hausa, Nupe etc. Every indigenous nation is to blame for where we find ourselves, but pointing the finger of accusation will not solve the problem. Resolution is predicated on diving deep into our past, to see where the foundations became faulty, as it is practiced in Nigeria, so that we can try to remedy it.

In an ideal world, every indigenous nation would sit down together to negotiate how they want to interact in a conglomerate. However, this discussion has not been permitted to take place. Instead, people continue to be pushed to the wall, a situation that will inevitably result in chaos and anarchy if measures are not implemented to avert this.

I am not writing today to argue that withdrawal from Nigeria is the only situation that will favour the Yoruba people. Instead, I would like to acknowledge that even an independent Yoruba nation will be replete with challenges. There is a high risk that the destructive elements of Nigerian culture might be readily transferred to the new Yoruba nation. Thus, we must ask, how do we avoid this?

Life in Nigeria has imbued nearly all its citizens with some degree of corruption. People are frequently willing to offer their opinion on how corruption can be tackled, but with a society that celebrates those who destroy good moral values and normalises of evil, none of these solutions will be able to completely change such people’s orientation.

One way to combat corruption is to create a permanent Ministry of Orientation. This Ministry will be charged with identifying deficiencies in our society, analysing the root causes and proposing strict interventions that will ensure such vices are eliminated from our society.

Currently, the societal celebration of people who have acquired wealth in a questionable manner has led to the widespread belief that defining aspect of a good life is making lots of money, without scrutiny as to whether that is legally or illegally acquired. Resultantly, many government officials steal state resources for their own personal use, and are supported in this by the civil servants. A Ministry of Orientation will deliver messages to the public at large that this is unacceptable and, indeed, reprehensible, thereby resensitising their consciences to what is right and wrong.

We, as citizens, must also recognise that we have responsibilities both to ourselves and to our nation. We must understand that when we give or accept bribes, we become part of the bigger problem. When we shirk our responsibility to turn up for work, or when the market person uses a false weight when selling their produce, we may think we are being smart, but the end result is decay that infects the entire system, undermining and extirpating even the most viable country.

We must also recognise the damage that religion as it is practiced in Nigeria has done to our society. Our people, rather than think critically for themselves, take as absolute truth whatever is declared by the preacher, the government or people in high office. We see people going to mosque on Friday or church on Sunday, still going out to commit atrocious crimes even the same day. We continue this cycle of immorality, yet expect a good nation to result from it.

The road to building a better nation is not merely wishing for it whilst continuing to do what is wrong. We need to be constantly evaluating whether what we are hearing and doing is aligned to the morally correct path.

That is where the Ministry of Orientation will come in. There will always be people who do wrong; but when society as a whole strives to be correct, morally upright and decent, and celebrates these attitudes in its members, the mind of a nation can be changed. Then, and only then, may we have a chance at building a successful nation.

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Opinion

Leadership in Africa: Forging a New Era of Self-Reliance, Unity and Global Relevance (Pt. 3)

Published

2 days ago

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May 23, 2026

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By Tolulope A. Adegoke

“True leadership in Africa is not the pursuit of power, but the courage to serve — to turn the pain of yesterday into the promise of tomorrow, to bind broken hearts into one destiny, and to raise a continent where every son and daughter can stand tall, not by pulling others down, but by lifting one another higher.” – Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD

Building upon the foundational principles and practical pathways discussed in Parts 1 and 2, this continuation explores the deeper implementation strategies, institutional reforms, cultural shifts, and long-term vision required to translate African leadership into tangible, sustainable transformation. It addresses the realities on the ground while offering forward-looking, actionable recommendations that can help Africa move from potential to performance on both regional and global stages.

Institutional Reforms as the Backbone of Transformative Leadership

Visionary leadership without strong institutions is like a beautiful dream without a foundation. Africa’s progress depends on building institutions that are resilient, transparent, and people-centred.

Leaders must prioritise civil service reform, judicial independence, and anti-corruption mechanisms that are not only punitive but preventive. For example, Rwanda’s use of performance contracts (imihigo) for public officials has created a culture of accountability and results. Similarly, Ghana’s strong electoral commission and relatively independent judiciary have helped sustain democratic stability. These models show that when institutions are strengthened, leadership becomes less about individual charisma and more about systemic effectiveness.

Regional institutions such as the African Union, ECOWAS, SADC, and the East African Community must also be reformed. They need greater financial autonomy, faster decision-making processes, and clearer enforcement mechanisms. The African Union’s current efforts to reform its Peace and Security Council and operationalise the African Standby Force are steps in the right direction, but they require consistent political will and adequate funding from member states.

Cultural and Mindset Transformation

Leadership that builds Africa must also transform mindsets. Many of the continent’s challenges are rooted in colonial-era thinking, dependency syndromes, and a culture of short-termism.

Progressive leaders should invest in cultural renewal programmes that celebrate African excellence, innovation, and resilience. This includes supporting the creative industries — Nollywood in Nigeria, Afrobeats music, and contemporary African literature — which are already projecting positive African narratives globally. Educational systems must move beyond rote learning to foster critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Youth leadership development is particularly crucial. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the continent’s future depends on preparing young people not just for jobs, but for leadership. Initiatives like the African Union’s Youth Agenda and national youth service programmes should be expanded and made more impactful.

Economic Transformation and Self-Reliance in Practice

True self-reliance requires deliberate economic restructuring. Leaders must champion value addition in agriculture, mining, and natural resources. Instead of exporting raw cocoa, cotton, or crude oil, African countries should invest in processing facilities that create jobs and capture more value domestically.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers a historic opportunity. When fully implemented, it can boost intra-African trade, reduce dependence on external markets, and create new industries. Leaders who actively remove non-tariff barriers, harmonise standards, and invest in cross-border infrastructure will be remembered as the architects of Africa’s economic renaissance.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) should be strengthened, with clear frameworks that protect national interests while attracting responsible investment. Countries like Morocco and Ethiopia have shown how strategic industrial policies can attract foreign direct investment while building local capacity.

Global Relevance: Africa as a Solution Provider

Africa must stop seeing itself solely as a recipient of global solutions and begin positioning itself as a contributor. The continent’s vast renewable energy potential, youthful population, and rich biodiversity give it unique advantages in addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and digital innovation.

Leaders who understand this will invest in research and development, patent African innovations, and engage confidently in global forums. The success of African pharmaceutical companies during the COVID-19 pandemic and the growth of African tech unicorns demonstrate that the continent can compete and lead when given the right environment.

 

A Balanced and Hopeful Conclusion

Africa stands at a historic crossroads. The challenges — poverty, inequality, climate vulnerability, and governance gaps — are real and significant. Yet the opportunities — a youthful population, abundant natural resources, cultural richness, and growing regional integration — are even greater.

Leadership remains the decisive variable. When leaders rise above narrow interests to serve the collective good, Africa does not just survive — it thrives and offers the world new models of resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth.

The path forward requires a new covenant: between leaders and citizens, between nations and regions, and between Africa and the global community. This covenant must be rooted in trust, mutual accountability, and shared vision. With the right leadership — courageous, ethical, inclusive, and strategic — Africa can forge a new era of self-reliance, unity, and global relevance.

The question is not whether Africa can rise. The question is whether its leaders, supported by an awakened citizenry, will summon the will, wisdom, and courage to make that rise unstoppable. The world is watching, and history is waiting to record the choices made in this decisive decade.

Africa’s story is still being written. With visionary leadership, it can become one of triumph, dignity, and global excellence.

Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a globally recognized scholar-practitioner and thought leader at the nexus of security, governance, and strategic leadership. His mission is dedicated to advancing ethical governance, strategic human capital development, resilient nation building, and global peace. He can be reached via: tolulopeadegoke01@gmail.com, globalstageimpacts@gmail.com

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Opinion

A Familiar Kind of Tragedy by Adeoye Inioluwa

Published

3 days ago

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May 22, 2026

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The recent attacks on school communities in Oyo and Borno states have once again forced the country into a familiar emotional cycle — shock, grief, statements, and questions that briefly dominate public attention before gradually fading into silence.
What makes this cycle more unsettling each time is not only the incident itself, but the growing sense that it no longer feels entirely unexpected.
No society is completely free of insecurity. That much is understood. But what often defines public confidence is not the absence of incidents; it is the clarity, consistency, and visibility of response over time.
People do not only want to hear that action will be taken. They want to understand what has changed since the last time similar words were spoken.
Schools are supposed to represent safety at its most basic level. They are meant to be spaces where children are temporarily removed from the uncertainties of the outside world, not exposed to them. So when violence reaches those spaces, it does more than disrupt learning — it disrupts trust.
In the immediate aftermath, responses are often swift in tone. Condemnation is expressed. Sympathy is extended. Assurances are made. These reactions are necessary, but the challenge lies in what follows after the statements are made.
Because for those directly affected, the consequences do not end when public attention moves on.
There is also a broader national concern that emerges in moments like this: the increasing difficulty of distinguishing isolated incidents from a pattern. When similar events recur across different locations and times, they begin to reshape how communities perceive safety itself.
At that point, the issue is no longer only about response, but about prevention — and more importantly, about whether prevention is visibly evolving in a way that matches the scale of concern.
Citizens are not only listening for reassurance. They are watching for evidence that lessons from previous incidents have been fully translated into action. This includes how vulnerable spaces are secured, how intelligence is applied, and how quickly gaps are identified before they are exploited again.
Without that visible progression, reassurance risks becoming routine, and routine reassurance gradually weakens public confidence.
There is also a quiet emotional cost that is rarely acknowledged. Each new incident does not erase the memory of the previous one; it adds to it. Over time, this accumulation creates a national fatigue — a troubling adaptation to repeated distress.
In such a climate, the most important responsibility is not only to respond after events, but to reduce the conditions that allow them to repeat.
Because ultimately, the measure of any serious response is not how firmly it is stated in moments of crisis, but how clearly it reshapes what happens next.
And if that shift is not visible, then the unanswered questions will continue. Not out of impatience, but out of necessity.

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Opinion

DELE MOMODU: The Man Who Travels Roads Less Traveled

Published

7 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba

At 66, Dele Momodu remains one of the rare Nigerians who has consistently chosen conviction over convenience. In a society where tribe, religion, region and political loyalty often shape public positions, he has repeatedly taken the harder road, the road less traveled.

Despite his long and historic relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from the June 12 struggle, the MKO Abiola days and their exile years in London, Dele Momodu still chose to support what he believed was best for Nigeria rather than blindly follow friendship or political sentiment. In today’s Nigeria, that is uncommon. For him, country has always come before personal alliances.

One of the strongest proofs of this courage is his willingness to speak truth to power. From the military era to the present democratic dispensation, Dele Momodu has remained fearless in criticizing leaders whenever he believes Nigeria is drifting from justice, competence or democratic ideals. He challenged the governments of General Ibrahim Babangida and General Sani Abacha during the military years, a position that forced him into exile. Yet even in democracy, he has remained consistent criticizing administrations from Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan to Muhammadu Buhari and now Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a country where many only speak boldly when politically convenient, Dele Momodu has chosen principle over comfort.

Loyalty is another path he walks differently. In moments of tribulation, he stands by his friends when others disappear. Whether rich or poor, powerful or ordinary, young or old, he treats people with uncommon respect and humanity. As former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama once said, “Dele is a loyal friend. If he is your friend, he will never ever let you down.”

He is also a natural risk taker. The story of Ovation International remains one of the boldest media success stories in Africa. Starting a global magazine in exile with limited resources and enormous uncertainty required extraordinary courage. Where many saw impossibility, Dele Momodu saw opportunity.

Equally remarkable is his belief in freedom of speech and expression. He respects differing opinions and never imposes his politics on others. Whether you agree with him or not, he defends your right to your convictions. In a deeply polarized society, that democratic spirit is rare.

Perhaps what makes him most exceptional is his authenticity. In a world where many pretend publicly and live differently privately, Dele Momodu remains unapologetically himself. What you see is what you get. Friends and adversaries alike know he is genuine, and that sincerity continues to open doors for him across political, social and cultural divides.

From surviving exile to building one of Africa’s most recognizable media brands, from defending democracy to connecting influential voices across the continent, Dele Momodu has never followed the easy path.

At 66, he remains a symbol of courage, loyalty, patriotism, authenticity and fearless conviction.

Happy 66th Birthday to an exceptional Nigerian and African, Dele Momodu, truly The Man Who Travels Roads Less Traveled.

Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba writes from Kano, and can be reached via drssbaba@yahoo.com

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