Marriage age debate: A free-for-all

Also published in Daily Trust

The war of words that erupted among Nigerians over marriageable age is hardly understandable because the vast majority of the “warring parties” don’t seem to fully understand the bone of contention between them in the first place. And even though some few commentators have observed how the issue was right from the beginning misrepresented hence widely misunderstood, arguments and counter arguments of various quality levels continue to flow in the social media, blogs, websites and even newspapers.

Al-Mustapha: A twist of fate

Also published in Daily Trust

Though the aftermath of the sudden death of former Head of state, General Sani Abacha in 1998 was defined by a dramatic twist of fate that affected so many people in various ways and degrees, perhaps the case of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and that of former Chief Security Officer to Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha were particularly interesting in this regard.

Critical listening to preaching

Also published in Daily Trust

As usual towards the beginning and during the month of Ramadan, there have been calls on Muslim clerics to employ wisdom in delivering their Ramadan preaching, which further emphasize the need for government to, preferably in coordination with the Office of the Sultan, regulate preaching in the country as obtained elsewhere. This is in order to among other things address the unnecessary confusion that fuels disunity among Nigerian Muslim community, and indeed tackle the security implication of unregulated preaching, which is largely responsible for the current security crises particularly in the north.

Ramadan resolutions

Also published in Daily Trust

Towards the end of each year, many people conceive certain personal ambitions, which they intend to pursue and hope to achieve during the New Year. While some people intend to get rid of certain habits, which they believe to be hindering their efforts to achieve their goals, some others adopt some new habits or approach, which they believe would improve their chances of achieving their goals. In any case, these ambitions are commonly referred to as New Year’s resolutions, which some people write down while others simply keep them in their minds.