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Showing posts from July, 2025

Religion as a tool for national development (1) | adekkatv

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  By abiodun KOMOLAFE The primary focus of every known religion is to lead carnal-minded people to become spiritually minded. It is to enable mortals to rise from their lowest ebb to a transformative stage, where they can connect with the divine. This spiritual growth gives rise to morality and essential values, which in turn fosters economic and national development. On the other hand, a more critical examination reveals that religion has also been used as a tool for colonialism and systematic enslavement, stressing the complexities of its role in society. Basically, Nigeria today is confused about how to define religion and whether it should be a tool in the process of conquering poverty and attaining sustainable development. This confusion may be rooted in a deeper historical issue, as Nigeria has always had a disadvantage, as people like India’s post-Independence-era Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru pointed out by neglecting its indigenous religions. For people like Nehru, this ...

Much ado about Governor Adeleke’s rumoured defection | adekkatv

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  By abiodun KOMOLAFE  The main thing about Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State is that there will be questions about whatever decisions he makes or does not make. Of course, there has always been a sword of Damocles hanging over Adeleke’s head for a long time. The patriarch of the family and financier, Deji Adeleke, who is a very astute businessman, has to weigh his own personal options beyond the governorship incursion of a younger brother. For instance, will the older brother secure a sovereign guarantee to facilitate a consortium of international financiers in funding the $2 billion Omotosho Power Plant project? The Omotosho Power Plant is a significant driver of the Nigerian economy. It is capable of generating an additional 1,000 megawatts of electricity. As we know, Nigeria is a developing country, where economic decisions are inextricably linked to political actions. Moreover, there’s no significant ideological divide driving political decisions among the elite. So,...

Buhari: Tributes and reflections | adekkatv

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  By abiodun KOMOLAFE Nigeria’s former Head of State and two-term democratically-elected president, Muhammadu Buhari, has passed away at the age of 82. May Allah (SWT) rest his soul! As tributes pour in and the nation pauses to reflect on Buhari’s complex legacy, it is an opportune moment to examine the multifaceted nature of his leadership and the enduring impact of his presidency on Nigeria’s trajectory. The British Broadcasting Corporation’s summary of the late former president captures the complexities of his life and career: ‘As a military ruler and civilian president, Buhari launched campaigns against indiscipline and corruption, but his regime was also marked by human rights abuses, including the imprisonment of journalists and musicians like Fela Kuti. ‘During his presidency, Buhari emphasized his personal integrity, declaring his wealth and pledging to combat corruption. However, his administration faced significant hurdles, including plummeting global oil prices, economic...

A word for Governor Oyebanji | adekkatv

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By abiodun KOMOLAFE With the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election date set, the stage is now ready. The key issue is that incumbent Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, aka BAO, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears poised to win unopposed. It is much like a candidate in a parliamentary system who is “returned unopposed” due to a lack of challengers. Currently, Ekiti State lacks a discernible opposition, which is unfortunate, given its longstanding and much-admired focus on human capital development. It would be an astonishing feat if any discernible opposition could coalesce in the coming months to give the governor a close run. While politics is notoriously unpredictable, with events capable of shifting the landscape rapidly, the current outlook suggests that a game-changer is unlikely. In the thrilling game of Ekiti governance, all the chips are, as of today’s diagnostics, firmly in Oyebanji’s hands. Many people think that this is deservedly so, and those who think so includ...

Tola Adeniyi: A life of words and wisdom | adekkatv

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  By abiodun KOMOLAFE   “Wisdom is the supreme virtue, for it is the source of all other virtues.” Epicurus. As we reflect on the life and legacy of Tola Adeniyi, a man whose words have inspired and challenged generations, we are reminded of the power of journalism and literature to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. On the occasion of his 80th birthday, we honour not only his remarkable life but also the enduring impact of his work on our collective consciousness. Adeniyi’s life story, if adapted into a biopic, would be a blockbuster. His journey as a proven professional encapsulates and reflects the social history of Nigerian journalism’s evolution from rudimentary beginnings to a sophisticated analytical framework. Complimenting this development, any history of the transformation of journalism in Nigeria must focus on the intervention of people like Tola Adeniyi. His analysis enthused tens of thousands and became a must-read. The Akogun I of ...

Middle East: When will the wars end? | adekkatv

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  By abiodun KOMOLAFE   The Middle East has been a hotbed of conflict for decades, with wars and skirmishes erupting over issues like land, borders and rights. Over the decades, the region has become a complex web of alliances, rivalries, and power struggles, with global powers like the United States, the UK, France, China and Russia pursuing their own interests and agendas. Regional players like Qatar and Turkey have also been vying for influence, with some making efforts to broker peace deals. The recent escalation between Israel and Iran has only brought the region to a boiling point, again drawing in global powers. In this volatile landscape, the question of when the wars will end is complex; it is rooted in deep-seated historical and cultural tensions shaped by colonialism, imperialism and arbitrary borders drawn by Western powers. To understand the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, it’s essential to examine their historical origins. A historical analysis is necessary...