by Diyaulhaq Bin Usman The one-year mandatory scheme  scheme has been in existence since 1975, when it was created by the government. The dual purpose of the scheme is to inculcate in Nigerian youths the spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasise the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of …

“Ghosts in the National Youth Service scheme” Read More »

Possible ways out of the economic crisis in Russia range from monetary policy to structural changes, writes Enitan Damilola Temidayo, 23, a Correspondent from Nigeria now studying in Moscow, as he looks at the short and long-term views. Talking about short-term solutions to economic crisis, economists always turn to monetary policy, fiscal policy and devaluation. Monetary …

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Colonialism is an indelible blight that blemishes the racial evolution of the peoples and cultures of Africa, writes Ope Adetayo, 19, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos, Nigeria. The debasement of dignity it entailed now exists in a new form. The pure evil of colonialism and slavery involved predatory interruption of African histories and the debasement of …

“Modern day slave trade a blight on Africa” Read More »

An overheard conversation leads Abasifreke Godwin Edem, 22, a Correspondent from Uyo in Nigeria, to speak up about the need to work for reconciliation and peace. Sitting back on a cushion seat of a mini bus right behind the driver’s seat and looking through the glass window, I was trying to meditate on what was …

“We should have learned from the first one” Read More »

Illegal migration has been an issue for eons in Africa, writes Oluwapelumi Francis Salako, 19, a Correspondent from Oyo State in Nigeria, who argues for a united stand to oust the perpetrators and protect human rights. Young Africans, male and female alike, and even the elders, view the Libyan route as leading to an aisle of wealth …

“The Libya situation and the rest of us” Read More »

The New Year has arrived and with it the estimate that 80 per cent of youths all over the world have a New Year resolution. Aïdêè Amba, 22, a Correspondent from Calabar in Nigeria, offers some tips on keeping those resolutions. The reason for New Year’s resolutions is that we have definitely learnt from the past …

“Working to keep your New Year’s resolution” Read More »

Crossing into the new year, many people become tuned to past failures and the desire for turn around in the coming year. Olawole Olakunle, 24, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, has some observations on avoiding common financial pitfalls. Many make a last minute prayer that they hope will transform the new year into a failure …

“Keeping the resolution to stop being broke” Read More »

Societies are defined by beliefs that are intrinsic to the people, writes Ope Adetayo, 19, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos, Nigeria. Because human existence cannot be isolated from religious influence, the question is how differing beliefs influence law and co-exist within society.  Every society tends to preserve the absolutes of its beliefs. Since a country is …

“Society includes a plurality of beliefs” Read More »

Connections are being made between climate change and a resurgence in viral disease, but Oghenekevwe Oghenechovwen, 19, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Warri in Nigeria, argues the impact on public health has yet to be assessed. Beautiful, patterned white lines and detailed symbols traced the walls of the room. Inside that room in Gbolaka-Ta village, the …

“Why dreadful viral diseases are now upon us” Read More »

Despite being outlawed in May 2015, the advocacy to end female genital cutting in Nigeria may take longer than anticipated, writes Sola Abe, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria. Female Genital Cutting in Nigeria is an age-long tradition that is rooted in deep cultural beliefs. It is still being done in many societies, …

“Why FGM may be difficult to end in Nigeria” Read More »