When Fiction Becomes Evidence: Nollywood (Both Christian and Secular) and the Production of Supernatural Belief

Nollywood does not merely reflect beliefs about witches, occult powers, emere, ogbanje, spiritual spouses and demonic manipulation; through repeated representation, it also helps produce, reinforce and legitimise those beliefs. A few years ago, we spent a pleasant evening with some friends, all Nigerians. At some point, the conversation turned to so-called “African power”: the activities… Continue reading When Fiction Becomes Evidence: Nollywood (Both Christian and Secular) and the Production of Supernatural Belief

Tinubu’s Baffling Northern Exclusion Strategy?

When you read a single article from an author, you get a perspective. However, when you read the article in the context of other written by the same author, you may see things in a different light. This is a response to "Tinubu's Baffling Northern Exclusion Strategy" by Faroog Kperogi. Kperogi's column is, as ever,… Continue reading Tinubu’s Baffling Northern Exclusion Strategy?

Nigeria, a Country That Turns on the Axis of Ethnic and Religious Identity

I just read Farooq Kperogi’s latest column on the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman. As always, it’s an engaging read – witty, historically rich and provocative. But I think it also suffers from the very thing it warns against: over-interpretation through the lens of ethnicity. Kperogi argues that Tinubu’s choice of Amupitan,… Continue reading Nigeria, a Country That Turns on the Axis of Ethnic and Religious Identity

GBP to Naira Rate Between May 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024

In this post, I take a very brief look at the plight of the Naira since May 2023. I will focus on comparing the official rate to the rate in the parallel market using a graph I drew this evening. One of the first executive actions that the president took was to remove subsidy from… Continue reading GBP to Naira Rate Between May 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024

To Hell With The Prophecy (Weep Not Child by James Ngugi)

This story comes from the second chapter of Weep Not Child by James Nguigi. I think it is pertinent to attitude of some Christians in Nigeria to voting in elections. As you read, please note I am angry abouta particular mindset. This post allows me to dissipate that anger so I don’t go to sleep… Continue reading To Hell With The Prophecy (Weep Not Child by James Ngugi)