ELVIRA’S PEN

When people talk about Nigeria's greatest achievers, the spotlight often falls on men. But throughout our history, Nigerian women have been breaking barriers, challenging traditions, and changing lives. Let's begin with  Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti . Long before women's rights became a global conversation, Funmilayo was already leading the charge in Nigeria. In the 1940s, she organized thousands of women to protest unfair taxation and discrimination. She became one of Nigeria's most influential activists and helped pave the way for greater political participation by women. Then there was  Margaret Ekpo . At a time when politics was largely dominated by men, Margaret stepped forward and demanded representation for women. She became a leading nationalist and politician who fought for independence and equal opportunities. Her contributions inspired generations of women to participate in leadership. Another remarkable woman was  Queen Amina of Zazzau , one of the most celebrated...

A TEST OF THE PAST - Elvira Jordan Good Morning Beloved! 😍 Although the word “past” may have a regular meaning, it sure would have a different interpretation for all of us. My past is a place of slow growth, silent learning and tough lessons, so it’s not a place I want to be or go back to. As much as I acknowledged my past and the role it played in my growth, it carries little or no significance. As right as this may sound, there are people who relive the lost glories of their past and wish they can be there…not me. No past glory is worth returning to old ways of learning and crude coping mechanisms. I recently had a brush with my past and it was such a moment of enlightenment. I was awakened to the realization of how much I have grown, how different I am now from who I used to be, and how much I never want to ever be in the past or come across it. I’ll tell you why. I am a strong believer of life progression and the mindset that nothing is ever a coincidence. People, places, situatio...

The ancient Benin Kingdom amazed Europeans with its bronze art and organized government. The Oyo Empire dominated the west with military strength. In the north, the Sokoto Caliphate became one of the largest Islamic empires in Africa. And across the east, communities thrived through trade, farming, and local leadership systems. Nigeria was never an empty land waiting to be discovered. It was already alive, already powerful and thriving. But in the 1800s, everything began to change. Europe was hungry for resources, territory, and control. During the period known as the “Scramble for Africa,” European nations raced to claim African lands. Britain set its eyes on the region that would later become Nigeria. At first, the British came as traders. Palm oil, ivory, and other goods flowed through the ports. But trade slowly turned into influence and influence turned into control. In 1884, European powers met at the Berlin Conference, where Africa was divided among foreign nations without a sin...

by EBEN ENASCO As insecurity continues to challenge communities across the country, including Edo State, one often-overlooked solution is keeping proper records of newcomers moving into towns and villages. Kidnapping has become a recurring problem in many local communities across the state.  Areas such as Akoko Edo, Auchi, Ekpoma, Uhromi, Ovia, Orhionmwon, and Uhunmwonde have reported frequent incidents. Most kidnapping exploits in local communities are often reportedly spearheaded by Fulani extract who have been reported to have occupied various forests armed with sophisticated weapons down southern Nigeria. This development has caused the escalation of mistrusts and a further tension around farming villages who are mostly vunelrable to attacks. The few people living in their communities have either abandoned farming practices, or relocated permanently fearing the worst attacks. Food shortage has ravaged the already downward sliding economy and is clearly reflecting on both low an...