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Hail Nigeria! Where National Anthem Is Priority Over People
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Ordinarily, Honourable Julius Ihonvbere, OON, Majority Leader, Nigeria’s House of Representatives, the man at the centre of the imbroglio over a “new national anthem”, should bear no lengthy introduction. But bear the ordinariness that the esteemed professor of politics has lowered himself to, for whatever reason.
A disagreement emerged Thursday on the floor of the House over the anthem that suited Nigeria better. Some wanted the current one, which rounds off its first stanza with this lie, “to serve with heart and mind, one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity”.
The old anthem that starts with, “Nigeria we hail thee, our dear native land, though tribe and may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” another lie, was the choice of others, who thought that the national song the British bequeathed was better. They were opposed by those who said a return to the 1960 anthem meant a preference for colonialism over our own 1978 home-made anthem.
Prof Ihonvbere, described on his website as, “A thinker of fresh ideas and a consistent community builder. An astute leader with a deep-seated passion to serve his people (Owan Federal Constituency, Edo State,” was the one who led the fast-forwarded bill for a new anthem.
The above description understates Ihonvbere, a political science scholar who taught in universities at home and abroad. He was an activist in the pro-democracy struggles under the military, fired his students out of intellectual laziness, and led ASUU, the university teachers’ group on protests over their conditions that have worsened since then.
He was a Special Adviser on Projects Monitoring when Olusegun Obasanjo was president. The ordinariness that has overtaken him as he makes the best of his political high office would worry those who knew him as a Democrat committed to politics that would elevate the well-being of his people.
Many voices were not allowed to contribute to the anthem debate as the furious drive to get the job done continued.
Their point was the bill was not on the day’s list of business. Some wondered why an anthem was so important.
Ihonvbere sponsored the bill that went through its first, second, and third readings on the same day. The bill was passed on the same day – a public hearing was not necessary.
“I believe that the old anthem, encompasses, contains, exudes the kind of energy, resourcefulness and a sense of vision that I believe is good for Nigeria,” Ihonvbere said.
He deserves applause from the quarters his Thursday’s enterprise served.
The Senate could apply more speed to pass it on Tuesday, on time for it to be used for Wednesday’s first anniversary of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Why is a new anthem so important in a country where millions are dying from hunger? Why would legislators be so passionate about a bill that would not create jobs, solve security challenges, enhance the chances that businesses would survive or improve infrastructure?
President Tinubu gets what he wants. He does not have to explain anything to anyone. The hurry to get the old anthem back now appears to be a condition for the safety of Nigerians, as if our security agencies would not fight enemies any longer until they get an anthem that inspires them.
Tinubu’s acolytes would also count this distraction as another example of how strategic and long-term planner their boss is. Tinubu hinted at his dislike of the old anthem 13 years ago.
“Abandoning the post-independence anthem, which arguably evoked a strong spirit of patriotism and brotherliness, to compose a very drab replacement, is far less inspirational,” Tinubu said during a 2011 speech at the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Jos.
Do you still ask why the killings in Plateau, Benue, Kebbi, and other parts of Nigeria get less attention than a national anthem? Why do we care more about meaningless words, made more meaningless by our leaders and their officials?
How many of our leaders stand in “brotherhood”? They can be counted in one hand with several fingers left. Are they not beneficiaries of “tribe and tongue” that differ? So, it is the current anthem that is responsible for the “labours of our heroes past” that are “in vain”? Should we agree that the revert to “Nigeria, we hail thee” will help us achieve “one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity”?
Nobody has considered the billions of Naira the project will consume. Rather, in fairness to the proponents of this major project, the importance of which is reflected in its speed through the National Assembly, the beneficiaries of this particular waste are waiting for their share of Nigeria’s shrinking resources.
The money that is about to be wasted could have been borrowed for priority projects. A new national anthem is a priority where uncertainty is the new order, where people feel so excluded from opportunities that their understanding of a nation deflates daily.
An old, new national anthem is one more charade that defines us as a country that delights in promoting nothingness to pronounced nothingness.
Whether we sing, “Arise, O compatriots”, or “Nigeria, we hail thee”, the verdict sounds like, “Nigeria, we hate thee”.
ELSEWHERE. David Nweze Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, who delights in wearing his engineering inexperience like an oversized toga, should have long announced his resignation. If anything, be sure that Umahi has qualified for higher office. All requests for Environmental Social Impact Assessment, ESIA, and Resettlement Action Plan, RAP, for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway were met with all types of ad hominem. After destroying businesses and creating more unemployment, Umahi tells Nigerians, with a straight face, that the project would revert to the old plan that would have saved those businesses.
How did the super engineering skills of Umahi fail to note the sub-sea cables in his revised plan of this road that leads to nowhere (apologies to Osita Chidoka)? Will reverting to the old plan save money or escalate the cost of the project?
THE police should rein in its officers. Their return to brutalities on the roads, though not fully reported, is on the increase. The trending video of a police officer choking a taxi driver, in motion, is simply unbelievable. He had no concerns about his life or that of the driver and a passenger. Is it a new practice for a single policeman to arrest a suspect? Police in another “sting operation” arrested Madu Onuorah, a journalist, in his Abuja home, with his wife and children wondering what their family head did. What happened to inviting journalists – and other accused – to police stations where complaints were made against them? Are we regressing?
MAY 29 should be a day of national sobriety. Hopes have been lost, and ambitions stalled. All we have left are annoying questions about how we got here. More annoying is the noise about billions borrowed to be spent for causes we would never understand. Happy handover day, Nigerians.
SUICIDE is not a solution. As we say so, we should be worried about the number of Nigerians taking their lives, including students. Families and friends should look out more for themselves. Suicide is not a business of governments, as if we know what their business is.
*Isiguzo is a major commentator on minor issues
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Lagos-based perfume merchant and founder of Dhamma Perfumes, makers of FAB-LAB and ARO-FAC fragrances, Obi Ubaka, has shared a detailed roadmap for thriving in the perfume industry. He emphasizes that success hinges on building a unique brand identity, mastering both the art and science of fragrance creation, and staying attuned to the ever-evolving market landscape.
Ubaka, who operates from Block 6 Above Plaza, Trade Fair Complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, explained that the fragrance business demands a rare blend of artistic vision, business acumen, integrity, and persistence.
He also described his brand as the type that helps people boost their confidence and stand out through fashion world, adding that his years of experience in the business of selling of designer perfumes for wholesale and retail customers has given him requisite knowledge and experience to speak as an authority within that business climate.
While fielding questions on navigating the scented landscape and essential strategies for perfume business success, Obi said; “The perfume industry, a multi-billion dollar global market, is fiercely competitive. To carve out a niche and thrive, aspiring perfumers and entrepreneurs need a strategic roadmap that encompasses creative prowess, market awareness, and operational efficiency. Let’s explore the core elements of this fragrant formula or let me say defining one’s niche and target audience, before embarking on scent business, a crucial first step is identifying your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? What are their aspirations, lifestyle, and scent preferences? Understanding these demographics allows you to invest in fragrances that resonate deeply.
In this business merchants must also be conversant about the raw materials used in producing them. Deep knowledge of fragrance ingredients, including natural essential oils, absolutes, and synthetic aroma chemicals must always be noted to ascertain the veracity of their quality and how long they can stay on the persons wearing them. Understanding the classification and composition of scents; citrus, floral, woody, oriental, etc. and how to blend them harmoniously to create a balanced and appealing fragrance profile should never be compromised. Mastering the techniques to create perfumes that have staying power (longevity) and a noticeable presence (projection) must be part of what should be appreciated in this very lucrative business.
On the issue of safety and regulations, Obi added, “well what I can say about this is that adhering to industry safety standards and regulations regarding fragrance ingredients and labeling is very important and of course every business owner must be law abiding and protect industry extant guidelines. One must also consider taking perfumery courses, working with experienced perfumers, or investing in resources that provide in-depth knowledge of fragrance formulation.”
In crafting a compelling brand story and identity, the founder of Dhamma Perfumes, makers of FAB-LAB and ARO-FAC fragrances added, “In a saturated market, a strong brand story differentiates you from the competition and moreover, you must have integrity. For example, this number, +234806 519 7515 has been my mobile for decades, since I have nothing to hide. The number has not changed. Besides that, your brand story should equally communicate your values, inspiration, and the unique philosophy behind your fragrances. You must develop a consistent and engaging marketing strategy that effectively communicates your brand story to your target audience through various channels.
“E-commerce Website is another important tool to expand the frontiers of perfume business from market research and product development to packaging design, branding, marketing, and choosing the right sales channels. A user-friendly website with high-quality product images, detailed descriptions, and secure online ordering will also be an advantage, while also building a sound and symbiotic relationship with logistics companies and others who are in the business dispatch services. Similarly, engaging with your target audience on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Whatsapp, and Pinterest, showcasing your brand, and building a community around your fragrances must also be accommodated and considered.”
When asked about the unique role of packaging in the success of a perfume brand he said, “Packaging plays a critical role in conveying brand identity and influencing purchase decisions. We always advise stakeholders in the perfume business value chain about high-quality packaging that reflects the brand’s aesthetics and protects the fragrance. Consider sustainable packaging options to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
“Beyond that a serious minded merchant must also think about staying ahead of trends in the ever-evolving fragrance industry; this includes continuous learning and market research, these are very essential. You must also follow industry publications, attend trade shows, monitor social media trends, and engage with customers to understand their evolving preferences. Adaptability and innovation are key to long-term success,” Obi stated.
News
Trump Admin orders Nigerians, other green card applicants to return home for residency processing
The United States has directed Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking green cards to return to their home countries to complete the application process.
The directive was announced on Friday in a press statement issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The agency explained that the policy was intended to restore what it described as the “original intent” of US immigration law.
USCIS spokesman, Zach Kahler, stated that the new policy would help reduce the number of migrants who remain illegally in the United States after unsuccessful residency applications.
According to the statement, except under extraordinary circumstances, foreigners seeking adjustment of status will now be required to process their residency applications through US consular offices abroad under the supervision of the United States Department of State.
The agency stated: “We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly. From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.”
Kahler added: “This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivising loopholes. When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the U.S. illegally after being denied residency.”
USCIS explained that the new directive would mainly affect temporary visitors, including students, tourists and workers who entered the United States on nonimmigrant visas.
“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over. Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process,” the statement added.
The agency further stated that processing residency applications through consular offices abroad would help free up limited agency resources for other immigration priorities.
According to USCIS, the policy would enable the agency to focus more on applications involving victims of violent crimes, human trafficking cases, naturalisation requests and other immigration services within its jurisdiction.
“The law was written this way for a reason, and despite the fact that it has been ignored for years, following it will help make our system fairer and more efficient,” the statement noted.
In December 2025, former US President Donald Trump temporarily suspended the processing of green card and citizenship applications filed by Nigerians and nationals of other countries newly added to the US travel ban, according to a CBS News report.
The suspension affected legal immigration applications handled by USCIS and mainly targeted immigrants from selected African and Asian countries.
Many of those affected were already living legally in the United States and were seeking to adjust their immigration status or become American citizens.
The Trump administration also directed USCIS to freeze all immigration petitions, including applications for permanent residency and citizenship, from nationals of 19 countries covered by the travel ban announced in June.
Hon. Dr. Akpodiete Olotu JP, Executive Director of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, chaired the 3rd Annual Inter-House Athletics Competition and Send Forth Ceremony at Iwhreko Primary School on May 21, 2026. The event took place at the school premises and brought together students, staff, parents, and guests for a day of sports and celebration.
Dr. Olotu Akpodiete was accompanied by Amb. Comr. Kpohraror Emmanuel, an old boy of Iwhreko Primary School. His presence highlighted the importance of alumni giving back and supporting the growth of their former school and the younger generation.
In her welcome address, Headteacher Chief Mrs. Eyamu welcomed guests, parents, and participants. She encouraged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education, stating that parental support strengthens students’ sense of belonging and motivates them to excel. She also expressed appreciation to the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation for its continued support to the school.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete thanked the headteacher and students for the warm reception. He commended the school for organizing the event to promote talent, discipline, and unity among pupils. He assured that the foundation would continue to support the students and the school to drive development and growth.
The 3rd Annual Inter-House Athletics Competition and Send Forth served as both a platform to showcase student talent and a send-off for graduating pupils. The ceremony reinforced the role of community-driven initiatives in advancing education and youth development in Ughelli.
Imo North chooses experience: Araraume’s primary election win and what it means, By Sufuyan Ojeifo
Dhamma Perfumes, CEO, Obi Ubaka Explains How To Succeed In Fragrance Business
Trump Admin orders Nigerians, other green card applicants to return home for residency processing
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