Innocent Ojefia Blog

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...

Nigeria is a paradox—a country governed by its own people but fractured by tribal loyalties. Despite the challenges, I love Nigeria. Not because I have a choice, but because it’s who we are: resilient, extraordinary, and perpetually on the brink of self-destruction, yet miraculously never tipping over. We live on the edge of chaos, hovering at 11:59, but midnight never strikes. But here’s the bitter truth: Nigeria is not a country of citizens; it is a country of indigenes. Your rights, privileges, and opportunities hinge on your "indigeneship"—your tribe, not your nationality. Loyalty to Nigeria is almost nonexistent because tribal allegiance overshadows national identity. Everyone is a tribal lord, fighting for their ethnic group, not the nation. Even national institutions like the Army reflect this divide. A child born in Kaduna to parents from Abeokuta or Potiskum is not seen as Nigerian but as an outsider in their place of birth. If they apply to join the Army, they must ...

In the past two weeks, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, embarked on an extensive tour across the eight local government areas of Delta Central Senatorial District. This strategic outreach provided a platform to reconnect with party leaders, members, and the broader community after the elections, fostering unity and celebrating the party’s achievements. Delta Central has long been a stronghold of the APC, and Omo-Agege emphasized the party’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its base. Throughout the tour, he highlighted the need to consolidate on past successes and build a more robust and united APC in Delta Central and beyond. The meetings featured interactive sessions where party members and leaders shared insights and engaged in meaningful discussions about the future of the party. The engagements also offered an opportunity to express gratitude to ...

The internal dynamics of the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) present a perplexing scenario that raises important questions about leadership and the purpose of political contestations. For a neutral observer, the ongoing infighting—marked by power struggles and seemingly endless squabbles—begs the question: what exactly is at stake? Is it resources, authority, influence, or power? Despite the intensity of these internal conflicts, the battle lines and key players remain ambiguous, and the constant refrain of “control of structure” seems devoid of clarity. One must ask, to what end is this "structure" being contested amid such disorder? To contextualize this struggle, one might draw an allegory to the 1884 Berlin Conference—a historic gathering where the European powers came together to partition Africa. While the Berlin Conference was undoubtedly exploitative and left devastating consequences for Africa, it was nevertheless a structured and goal-orie...

The President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Davidson Alaribe, in an interview with Punch correspondent Johnson Idowu, shared his thoughts on the state of Nigeria’s judicial system and other pressing issues affecting the country. Alaribe stated: “Our judicial system, particularly regarding punishment for fraud and corruption, is very loose. All one needs to do is steal billions of naira and use a fraction of the stolen funds to hire a legal defense team. If we reform the system and establish a special court to handle fraud cases, corruption will significantly reduce, if not disappear entirely. “In China, individuals caught in acts of corruption face the death penalty, and we are advocating for similarly strict measures. Even if we do not adopt the death penalty, sentencing corrupt individuals to life imprisonment through a specialized anti-corruption court is essential. This should be separate from the regular courts, where cases are often struck out on te...

Nigerians have, for far too long, remained tethered to stale ideas that perpetuate the chains of oppression. These ideas have not only stifled growth but have created a system where mediocrity thrives, leaving the people in a constant cycle of suffering. This tragic acceptance of a broken system must end if we are to reclaim our dignity and build a society that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. Take Kemi, for instance. She is currently in Nigeria, not out of disdain for her people or her homeland, but driven by a deep-seated frustration with the system that has reduced her country to a haven for political thieves and thugs. She despises a system that enables corruption, rewards incompetence, and oppresses the very people it is meant to serve. Her frustration, however, extends beyond the political elite. It includes the countless citizens who idolize these oppressors or choose silence in the face of gross injustice and the blatant disregard for their right to a decent standard...

The underdevelopment of Nigeria, a nation blessed with abundant natural and human resources, can be largely attributed to the actions and inactions of its political class. Since independence in 1960, the country has experienced numerous challenges stemming from poor governance, corruption, and self-serving leadership, which have hindered its progress. This piece explores the various ways politicians have contributed to Nigeria's underdevelopment, focusing on corruption, poor policy implementation, ethnic and religious manipulation, neglect of critical sectors, and the prioritization of personal gains over national interests. 1. Corruption as the Core of Underdevelopment Corruption is perhaps the most significant factor in Nigeria's underdevelopment. Politicians in Nigeria have institutionalized corruption, diverting public funds meant for development into personal coffers. This culture of impunity has led to the mismanagement of billions of dollars from oil revenues, internatio...

TEXT OF THE GOODWILL MESSAGE DELIVERED TO THE URHOBO PROGRESS UNION (UPU) BY PROF. BENJAMIN OGELE OKABA, PRESIDENT OF THE IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC) WORLDWIDE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 93RD URHOBO NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION AT THE URHOBO HOUSE, UVWIAMUGE AGBARHO, DELTA STATE, ON DECEMBER 6, 2024 1. I respectfully acknowledge the presence of esteemed dignitaries at this momentous occasion and commend the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) for inviting the Ijaw Nation to celebrate this milestone. On behalf of the 40 million Ijaw people under the Ijaw National Congress (INC), I congratulate the Urhobo Nation and the UPU for 93 years of impactful leadership and advocacy. 2. The Ijaw Nation sees its participation here as both a privilege and an obligation, reflecting shared histories, challenges, and aspirations for greatness. Our deep socio-economic and biological ties underscore the bond between the Urhobo and Ijaw, evident in our mutual presence in each other’s communities and s...

Delta State, Nigeria – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has received a significant boost as Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the Honourable Member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, officially joined the party. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy President of the 9th Senate and Leader of Delta State APC, made the disclosure in a statement, describing Ibori-Suenu’s move as a game-changer for the party’s influence and development agenda in the state. “I am thrilled to welcome Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu to the APC,” Omo-Agege said. “Her decision to join us marks a monumental boost to the party’s growing strength in Delta State. Beyond being a valuable addition, she is a trusted ally and long-time friend, whose leadership skills, dedication, and commitment to the welfare of our people are exceptional.” Omo-Agege highlighted the shared vision between the APC and Ibori-Suenu, emphasizing her wealth of experience as a crucial asset in driving the party’s goals for growth and s...

In a revelation that underscores the depth of corruption in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently disclosed that 753 duplexes have been seized from a single former public official. Yes, 753 properties, all acquired through the theft of public funds meant to serve millions. This shocking figure is a glaring testament to the unchecked greed and impunity that have eroded the very foundations of governance and development in Nigeria. And this is merely the tip of the iceberg. For every thief caught or exposed, there are thousands more who remain in the shadows. These looters have siphoned billions of naira and foreign currencies to build empires of stolen wealth, both within Nigeria and abroad. From Abuja to Dubai, Lagos to London, and Port Harcourt to Paris, the map of Nigerian corruption is global. Their ill-gotten gains fund luxurious lifestyles, private jets, opulent mansions, and offshore accounts, while the people they were supposed to serve are left w...

On Sunday, President Joe Biden issued a sweeping and unprecedented “Full and Unconditional Pardon” to his son, Hunter Biden, covering all offenses he may have committed or participated in between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. This controversial decision, following years of Democratic criticism of Donald Trump’s alleged disregard for norms and ethics, has ignited fierce debate about morality, governance, and the credibility of American institutions. For much of Trump’s presidency, Democrats positioned themselves as the guardians of truth, the rule of law, and institutional integrity, contrasting their values against the scandals and norm-breaking behaviors attributed to the former president. Biden’s decision, however, has prompted critics—including some within his own party—to question whether he has abandoned this moral high ground. By pardoning Hunter for gun and tax offenses, and potentially broader crimes, Biden risks undermining the very principles that his party champione...