Innocent Ojefia Blog

In a nation of contrasts, where citizens often lament their country's challenges, Dr. Yusuf Bangura, a foreigner, aptly captured Nigeria's resilience, evident in its thriving food industry, burgeoning cashless economy, and the global rise of Afrobeats. After a two-week visit to Nigeria—the first in 14 years—I was struck by three remarkable transformations that are reshaping the country: the rise of a thriving local food processing industry, the rapid adoption of a cashless economy, and the overwhelming dominance of afrobeats in public spaces. Thriving Local Food Processing Industry Nigeria’s food processing sector has experienced a remarkable evolution. Foods once sold informally and in unprocessed forms are now available in supermarkets, beautifully packaged and ready for consumption. From processed grains like amala and fufu to innovative ready-to-eat meals like moi moi mix and pepper soup, local manufacturers are adding value to Nigeria's abundant natural resources. This...

Kemi Badenoch’s identification of her heritage as “Yoruba, not Nigerian” is a profound assertion that challenges the imposed narratives of African identity shaped by colonial constructs. Her statement underscores a broader truth about the complexities of African identity and the arbitrary nature of colonial boundaries that fragmented cohesive ethnic groups into incompatible political entities. Colonial Constructs and Gerrymandered Nations The creation of countries like Nigeria was not grounded in cultural or historical realities but rather in the economic and political interests of colonial powers. For example, the Hausa people, whose cultural and linguistic influence extends across Niger, Chad, and the Sahel, represent a cohesive unit. Yet, they were divided into separate nations alongside other ethnic groups, diluting their historical and cultural identity. This artificial segmentation of African peoples into "complete packages" such as Nigeria was based on the erroneous as...

As 2025 unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that political salvations will not come through passive expectations. The proverbial "Godot" as written in 1953 play by Samuel Beckett will not arrive to fix our political system. Instead, the responsibility falls on individuals and parties to organize, strategize, and act. This realization is especially urgent for the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party in opposition that seems lost in chaos, acrimony, and disunity. Rather than focusing on strategic planning to challenge the well-entrenched People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Delta APC platforms are plagued by bitterness and infighting. This internal dysfunction betrays a lack of understanding of the essential principles that define the purpose, functions, and roles of political parties. What is a Political Party? A political party is an organized entity that seeks to gain and wield political power through elections. Members of a party are united...

There was a time when being Nigerian was synonymous with pride, resilience, and ingenuity. Unfortunately, that pride is increasingly being overshadowed by a harsh reality: Nigerians may not be as smart, brave, or capable as we often portray ourselves to be. Our historical and contemporary experiences seem to suggest a troubling dependency on external supervision to thrive. Nigeria flourished under colonial administration, not because of its imposed nature but due to the structured systems the colonial masters left behind. Today, we find success abroad under the structured governance of foreign lands, but we fail to replicate this success in our homeland. This discrepancy raises uncomfortable questions about our national character and capability. The phenomenon of "japa," the mass emigration of Nigerians seeking greener pastures abroad, is often celebrated as an act of ambition. Yet, upon closer scrutiny, it reveals itself as an act of cowardice and resignation. It symbolizes ...

The day I choose to tell the truth will be the day some people claim I am against them. Yet, truth must be spoken, for power in the hands of a foolish person is dangerous and often destructive. What is the value of owning a brand-new car if the roads are riddled with potholes? What joy is there in building a mansion if it stands in the midst of a sprawling slum? These questions remind us that personal blessings, while valuable, cannot replace the need for social transformation. True progress is not about individual success but collective growth and development. Why strive to be the only shining light in the midst of darkness? True greatness lies in creating an environment where everyone can shine. Nations thrive when success is widespread, when there are millions of success stories, not just one. I don’t want to be the lone success story; I want success to become so common that it no longer draws envy or attention. When success is normalized, jealousy fades, and society grows in harm...

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has been glorified as the "Minister of the Year." By what criteria? By which credible awarding platform? Frankly, I don't care. I will not join the hysteria his cheerleaders are creating, nor will I be swayed by the exaggerated value they ascribe to this petty, self-glorifying recognition. Call me a tribalist Urhobo man if you wish, but I will only start paying attention when Keyamo's stewardship begins to manifest significant progress in Urhoboland. Keyamo boasted, just weeks after his ministerial appointment, that President Bola Tinubu had approved N2 billion for the expansion of the Osubi-Warri Airport runway. While we acknowledged at the time that N2 billion was grossly inadequate to satisfactorily upgrade the Osubi facility, we also urged that it was better than nothing. Keyamo was advised to waste no time activating the presidential approval and mobilizing contractors to execute the project within the approved budget. Now, as we a...