WHERE IS OUR HISTORY?
WHERE IS OUR HISTORY?
By: Dr. Austin Orette
We must teach our history. I cannot find any reason why Nigeria’s history is not being taught in Nigerian schools. This is a terrible mistake. What are we afraid of? Whose idea is it, that teaching Nigerian history will be unhealthy to our nation?
This must be one of the mediocre ideas of the mercenaries that imprisoned Nigeria for more than fifty years. Our history is who we are and why we are here and where we are going.
As a nation, we are not perfect. We have made mistakes and we have done some good things. Our history is the record of this journey as a nation. Our history should give us constant hindsight so that we don’t repeat mistakes. If we take the good and bad and give a proper account, it will be discovered we have made some great strides as a people.
We fought wars and we have managed to win the peace. Out of the cacophony of our existence, we have produced the Nigerian character. The Nigerian is the product from this blast furnace. It is this character that is under attack throughout the world. Nigeria does not have the monopoly of criminality. What the West is attacking is the virility of Nigeria. If we know this, it will give us the fortitude to persevere.
We cannot know who we are if our history is not made known to us. Knowing who we are will give us the ammunition to fight in a world that has become hostile to the Nigerian. We will be able to define ourselves instead of letting others define us. We must tell our story if not others will tell it and are unpalatable by using our least common denominator. We are Nigerians and we are not more corrupt than any other group of people.
The western press can make you hate your friends and make you love your enemies. At the end, it induces its audience into a state of celebrated ignorance.
As Africa is waking up from its doldrums, the west is beginning to recalibrate their positions. They have chosen Nigeria as the bogeyman because the Nigerian represents everything they fear about the awake African.
For centuries, they used their instrument of coercion and education to tell the lion that it can only survive by stealing food from the hyena. A few Africans and the Nigerian never accepted this. The lion, within was never slayed. It roamed without a purpose and it used its strength to attack its own kind and listen to the tails of the gazelle. It wandered in self-doubt. Every now and then, there is a glimpse of the glorious past which appeared as hallucinations. The dreams became more vivid and took on a reality of real life. He is the lion and must not wait for the meals provided by the hyena. He is the lion and must make his own kill and establish his pride. This is Nigeria from Slavery to Colonialism and Neo-colonialism. We lost our way. It is this awakening that the World is fighting. They have made the Nigerian a pariah because he wants to stand on his own two feet. The attack on the Nigerian is the attack on the manhood of Africa.
From wars, coups and disrespect, we have survived what the world has thrown at us. Out of this crucible, we have created a citizen who believes in himself and his people. This is what the world is attacking. Every one of these attacks tries to gain legitimacy by using our own against us. In South Africa, the black South Africans blamed the Nigerian for his problem. In West Africa, the Ghanaians blamed Nigeria for their problems. In America, the black America blamed Nigeria for their problems.
When Trump started his orgy of deportation, the black Americans were celebrating the deportation of Nigerians. When the world and our own are against us, we have to rely on each other and our history. Due to the lack of this history, we cannot tell the world what Nigeria has done for the freedom of all black people in the world. If we have history, we will tell the South African that we paid a heavy price to fight for their freedom. Western Companies like Shell, Barclays and others were nationalized due to their relationship with apartheid South Africa. Nigeria spearheaded and funded the anti-apartheid committee that negotiated the final phase of apartheid.
If we have history, we will tell the Ghanaian that the stability they enjoy in West Africa today was made possible by Nigeria. When Sierra Leone and Liberia caught fire, Nigeria became the fire fighters. America that created Liberia was nowhere to be found. People were dying in thousands and they were preaching human rights to those who were dying. Nigeria created the peace and did not ask for their land or their gold. Nigeria brought the soldiers who died in that war to be buried in Nigeria. We did not even ask for a place to bury our dead. We did not ask for their Diamond or their Gold. Nigeria did not impose any system of government on them. America or Britain will never give that kind of selfless service.
My country Nigeria did that. If we have that history, we will tell the black Americans that during the oil embargo of the 1970, a certain American president visited Nigeria to request for energy. The price of energy was prohibitive .Americans were losing their homes and could not afford to mitigate the brutal winters. Nigeria helped America by supplying them fuel at a very reasonable price, and also donated fuel to various foundations in America who were helping the poor to survive those brutal winters.
To top it all, Nigeria took an unprecedented step to assist Historical Black Colleges in America who were in danger of closing due to a serious financial crisis. Nigeria seized this opportunity. Nigeria awarded scholarships to many Nigerians to further their education at these Historical Black Colleges.
This is the beginning of Nigerians moving to the United States for education. The presence of Nigerians in those colleges brought a new lease of life to them. Today the Black American and the South African and the rest have joined the league of those who hate Nigeria with passion. Out of our difficulties, we have created a unique individual we call the Nigerian. He may be beaten but his head is unbowed. He is not bound by geography. His identity is justice, enterprise and fair play. We may tear at each other from North to South, East to West, let us never forget that the strength of our fabric will stand the test of time if we learn to understand that we are one people bound by a common identity that seeks justice and fair play in our common struggles. This struggles, created this individual we call the Nigerian.
When the World tugs at us, we remember that we are more than the sum of our differences. The Nigerian is not bound by geography or race. The Nigerian has a keen sense of justice. and knows that we are more than the sum total of our differences. He is indefatigable. The Nigerian is the hope of the African renaissance. The World is beginning to recognize this Nigerian and they all want to be members of this tribe. All that is needed to be members of this tribe is a keen sense of justice, agape love and fair play. Indeed, love of service and enterprise. Let us be this Nigerian. The world is waiting.
DR AUSTIN ORETTE WRITES FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS, USA
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2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Eagles land in Bloemfontein, SA with massive Welcome
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Eagles land in Bloemfontein, SA with massive Welcome
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Tope Ajayi and the Senior Special Assistant to Mr. President on Grassroots Sports Development, Sir Adeyinka Adeboye led a team of top officials of the Mission, the National Sports Commission and members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to a massively welcome the Super Eagles to Bloemfontein Sunday evening.
The chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft that conveyed the Nigeria delegation touched down at the Bloemfontein Airport at 6.25pm South Africa time, after a three-and-half hour flight from Luanda, Angola. The aircraft had flown two-and-half hours from Uyo to Luanda to refuel.
There were also top officials of the National Sports Commission, including Alhaji Salihu Abubakar, Barr. Musa Amadu, Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, Mr. Ebidowei Owiefie and Mr. Seyi Johnson.
Members of the Nigeria community in South Africa, propelled by their president, Mr. Smart Nwobi, turned out in impressive numbers in Nigerian traditional attire, dancing, singing and drumming.
The delegation was led by President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and included the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, some NFF Executive Committee members, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, former Nigeria captains Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba, a couple of NFF Management and Staff, a couple of stakeholders and a few media representatives.
There were 22 players and the technical and administrative staff, with forward Victor Osimhen, who copped an injury in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat of Rwanda in Uyo, the only absentee from the ensemble that was invited.
The Super Eagles will have the official training at the Toyota Stadium by 6pm on Monday (5pm Nigeria time).
Directors of Sports Forum Honour Immediate Past Bayelsa Sports Director
Directors of Sports Forum Honour Immediate Past Bayelsa Sports Director
The immediate past Director of Sports of the Bayelsa State Sports Council and Public Relations Officer of the union, Sir Braveman Wodi has been honored by the Directors of Sports Forum with an award and gift after serving meritoriously as Director of Sports in Bayelsa.
The presentation was done at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba by the chairman of the Forum, Mr. Utobo Emmanuel, Ebonyi State Director of Sports, alongside other Sports Directors in the country.
The laudable gesture by the Directors of Sports Forum is coming a week after his nomination as “Visionary Administrator of the Year” award by the Bayelsa Media Network Award (BMNA) slated for later this year.
The chairman of the Directors of Sports Forum, Mr Otubo Emmanuel in a remark, who noted that Sir Wodi deserved the honour, said that the former Director of Sports was instrumental to the forum’s progress, describing him as the body’s archive.
According to him, the forum holds the former Director of Sports in high esteem due to his sincerity and professionalism towards addressing issues and their prayer is for the Almighty God to continue to protect him and as well lift him to greater heights.
An elated Sir Wodi in an interview, expressed gratitude to the Forum for the show of love towards him even after his retirement from service, stressing that he would continue to render support to the Forum, maintaining that the gesture by the group means a lot to him.
He asserted that he was overwhelmed with joy, that he never knew his little contributions towards the group was being noticed, urging younger generation of administrators to be professional in the discharge of their duties.
Sir Wodi explained that he was at Asaba to honour the Forum’s invitation and not on a rescue mission at the just-concluded National Youth Games as being whispered in some quarters, describing it as fake and untrue.
Present at the ceremony were Mr. Tunde Ajibeke, Secretary/General Manager Oyo, Alhaji Ibrahim Bako, Treasurer and Director of Sports Kwara, Frank Egwudiuzor, Public Relations Officer/Director of Sports, Delta State
Crazy American Politics
Crazy American Politics
By: Dr Austin Orette
The prize of democracy is eternal vigilance. It will be reckless and the failure of democratic norms to leave a bull in a China shop. America has seen this kind of presidency before. Andrew Jackson was known for being crude and lawless when he rose to the presidency through populist campaigns in 1824.
American presidents have always genuflected to the caprice of land-owning white men. The demand for land by this group led to the Indian Removal Act of 1830. This was when America was a frontier nation. All Indians living in the east of the Mississippi were forcibly removed. This led to the trail of tears.
His presidency was just as erratic as Donald Trump’s presidency. He was censured by the US congress for firing the treasury secretary and trying to turn the American treasury to a private depository. He had slaves but was not outwardly hostile to blacks. But his statements on black slaves were telling: They should remain slaves or sent abroad. When asked whether he owned slaves, he said he has not bought or sold more than one or two slaves and he believes he was more or less the slave in the relationship.
He suppressed any movement for abolition of slavery during his presidency. He was a southern plantation owner with a lot of slaves who testified to his cruelty. What he is known for is his erratic nature, cruelty towards non-white peoples and lawlessness like Donald Trump.
Thomas Jefferson was so alarmed that he wrote of Andrew Jackson “He is one of the most unfit men for the place, he has no respect for law, his passions are terrible, and he is dangerous “.
Some of his actions supporting nullification of federal laws increased tension between North and South that led to the American civil war. It appears Donald Trump is copying a lot from Andrew Jackson.
The pardon of the rioters of Jan 6 has left a sour taste in the mouth of most Americans including a lot of his supporters. At this moment, Republicans are in the majority, and they are too scared to say no. There is no one to bell the cat.
Some of his policies are beginning to be seen as cruel to those who have no voice. He started with undocumented persons, now he is moving to cut care for elderly and disabled. This is why the opposition is growing.
The answer to Trump is not escapism for black people. Black Americans are the conscience of America. Democracy in America today is the result of black struggles. In fighting for their freedom, they freed everyone to enjoy the promises of America. They are the only group who has consistently spoken the truth to Pharaoh. A lot of immigrants who don’t understand this history always think they are succeeding until they meet the impediments of irrational white people who want to claim back their lost glory and make America white again.
Trump is the result. During the elections, you can see this irrationality in immigrant voters, descendants of Palestinian and Mexican and probably Nigerians too. The Palestinians mocked Kamala as being in the pocket of Netanyahu. They called her genocide Kamala. They gave victory to Donald Trump in democratic strongholds of Michigan. White women have also started crying. I don’t care.
They proudly cast their vote for Trump without knowing some basic history of Netanyahu and American politics. American politics is always crazy. The constant is Israel. The Democrats tried to moderate the behavior of Israel, while the Republicans are in support of anything Israel wants. For a Palestinian to look to a Republican president for some relief against Israel is like looking for water in the Sahara.
Netanyahu is also a special case. In his first year in office, Clinton was fuming after he had a meeting with Netanyahu. He asked his staff who he thinks he is, talking to the President of the United States that way. His staff replied. That is Netanyahu, Sir, he thinks he is the President of the United States, and you are his chief of Staff. That was then.
Bibi Netanyahu is all American. He grew up and studied in the United States. He knows the ways of Washington more than Donald Trump and Donald has surrendered the driver seat to him. Now the Palestinians and Mexicans are calling on black America to help them fight back. Black Americans say: we are looking forward to going on vacation at the new holiday resort that Donald Trump is constructing in Palestine. We have fought so much, we deserve a break. See you guys in four years if you have not been deported for protesting Israel occupation and Trump’s New Jerusalem: A place where all the angels of the choir are well paid by ELON MUSK. The angels are all white not Jews.
God bless Donald Trump. He has concentrated his energies on immigrants and the police have forgotten about black people. That is freedom!
All these folks voted against their personal interests and are supposed that Donald Trump will do Donald Trump. Now that the chickens are coming home to roost, they are crying ignorance. This is a democracy. It is your responsibility to know.
Dr. Austin Orette Writes From Houston, Texas, USA.
Late William Cheke was a Hero to Ugbodede Community – Engr. Uwatse
**As Community Celebrates Life and Times of Immediate Past Community Trust Chairman
By: Celestinee Ukah
The Unit Coordinator of renowned Security Company in the Niger Delta, TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited, Engr. Samson Uwatse, has described the demise of the immediate past Trust Chairman of Ugbodede Community, Mr. William Cheke, as a hero to Ugbodede Community and other areas of leadership.
Engr. Uwatse stated this on Friday, September 5, at Ugbodede Community while paying tribute to the late Mr. Cheke, who was the supervisor of the leading Oil and Gas pipeline Security Company, TANTITA Security Services. Ugbodede Community described him as a courageous leader, mentor, and bridge-builder who worked tirelessly for the progress of the community.
Engr. Uwatse added that late Cheke’s colleagues remembered him as disciplined, committed, and dependable, and that his contributions will never be forgotten, encouraging his children to do better than their father so that they can be remembered for good like their father.
The burial ceremony, graciously supported by TANTITA Security Services Limited, reflected the deep respect the company and the community had for the late Mr. Cheke. The representatives of the organization joined the community in celebrating a man who gave his leadership, service, and the pursuit of peace and security.
In their separate tributes to the late Mr. Cheke, his senior son, Princewill Cheke, described his father as his number one man and that he will surely miss his mentorship, advice, and love.
Mr. Fred Olomuro, Chairman of the Okere Community Management Committee, said William Cheke was an active member of the Okere Community Management Committee. He has left a good legacy and contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of Okere Community.
Others who expressed their encomium on Mr. Cheke included Lucky Ogbolomor, former Youth Chairman of Okere Community, who said he has done well and that he was a man who had the heart of the people.
They noted that Cheke’s transition leaves a deep void, and his legacy of honesty, service, and dedication will forever remain a source of inspiration to the Ugbodede Community and beyond.
Asaba 2025: Lagos Dethrones Delta to Emerge Champions of 9th National Youth Games
Asaba 2025: Lagos Dethrones Delta to Emerge Champions of 9th National Youth Games
The curtains fell on the 9th edition of the National Youth Games with pomp and pageantry at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on Saturday, as Team Lagos emerged overall champions, ending Delta State’s longstanding dominance of the Games.
In a thrilling display of youthful talent and competitive spirit, Lagos clinch the top spot with 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze medals. Delta finished second with 37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze, while Edo State secured third place with 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze. Bayelsa placed fourth with 18 gold, 12 silver, and 25 bronze, and Kwara State completed the top five with 15 gold, 10 silver, and 19 bronze.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the President lauded the Games as a shining example of Nigeria’s future.
“What we have witnessed here in Asaba is the triumph of unity, resilience, and youthful potential. These young athletes are the heartbeat of our nation’s future, and the Federal Government remains committed to nurturing their dreams and investing in grassroots sports development.”
The Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in his closing remarks, expressed pride at Delta’s role as host and praised the athletes for their commitment and discipline. He stated that Delta State is proud to have hosted the 9th National Youth Games, where the nation once again witnessed the strength of the Nigerian youth and the power of sports to unite the nation.
The Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee and Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended all stakeholders, athletes, and officials for the success of the Games:
“This year’s Games have set a new standard, both in organization and competition. On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I thank the Delta State Government, our partners, and the Nigerian people for their unwavering support. We will continue to build on this momentum as we prepare for future editions, ensuring that the National Youth Games remain the bedrock of talent discovery in Nigeria.”
The closing ceremony was a colorful spectacle, featuring cultural performances, musical displays, and a parade of athletes, marking a memorable end to a historic Games that signaled the rise of Lagos as the new powerhouse of youth sports in Nigeria.
21- Day of Blessing: The Blessing of Fruitfulness is the mystery of enjoying life in its fullest – Dr. Bright reveals
21- Day of Blessing: The Blessing of Fruitfulness is the mystery of enjoying life in its fullest – Dr. Bright reveals
By: Celestine Ukah
The Minister in charge of Shalom Baptist Church of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC, Ekpan off Pipeline Road Ekpan in Delta State, Nigeria, PST. Dr. Opate Bright has revealed that the Blessing of Fruitfulness is the mystery of enjoying life to its fullest.
Dr. Bright made the revelation known Saturday, September 6, during Day 6 of the ongoing 21 Days of Blessing at the Church, where he focused on the topic: The Blessing of Fruitfulness and took his text from Deuteronomy 28:4 with different biblical reflections.
PST. Dr. Bright explained that the Blessing of Fruitfulness qualifies one for a life of usefulness (Genesis 1:28; 9:7), a life of success, a life of plentifulness (Joel 2:23), and a life of resourcefulness.
Other qualifications that the Blessing of Fruitfulness can attract, according to Dr. Bright, are as follows: It qualifies you for a life of resultfulness, it qualifies you for a life of colorfulness (Isaiah 65:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18), it qualifies you for a life of gainfulness (Galatians 6:7), as well as a life of fatness (Psalm 92:12-14).
The program continues tomorrow with Sunday service through 21st September daily from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. The general public is cordially invited to come hear God’s word like never before as well as pray for yourself.
LOBI STARS UNLEASH GOAL STORM IN TEST MATCH WIN
LOBI STARS UNLEASH GOAL STORM IN TEST MATCH WIN
Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi lit up the McCarthy Stadium on Friday, 5th August 2025, with a dazzling 5-1 demolition of Freedom FC in yet another commanding pre-season test match.
The fireworks began early as defender Francis Tochukwu struck a spectacular long-range free kick that sailed beyond the keeper to open the scoring.
Freedom FC responded swiftly, earning a penalty after Emeka John Pen was brought down inside the box. The striker stepped up and slotted home to level the tie.
But that was as close as Freedom FC would get.
Lobi Stars kicked into overdrive, with Emmanuel Afem restoring the lead through a powerful strike that deflected off a defender and into the net.
The Makurdi side continued to swarm forward with purpose as Dominic Foga, Stephen Eneji, and Barnabas Imenger Jr. each found the back of the net with beautifully executed finishes.
All five goals came in a blistering first-half performance that left Freedom FC reeling.
In the second half, Coach Abubakar Bala introduced fresh legs to consolidate the lead. While the intensity remained high, no further goals were added as Lobi Stars saw out the match with maturity and control.
Speaking after the game, Technical Adviser Abubakar Bala said:
“It’s encouraging to see the work we’re putting in reflect on the pitch. There’s still a long way to go, but performances like this give us something solid to build on.”
From defence to attack, Lobi Stars looked organised, purposeful, and sharp, a performance that underlined the steady progress of the team in pre-season preparations.
Lobi Stars Media Team.
Asaba 2025: Lagos State Outpaces, Delta, Edo in Medal Rush at National Youth Games
