On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
In Gaza, the simple act of searching for food can now be fatal. Since the launch of a new Israeli-backed aid system last month, local health officials report that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed near distribution points, especially in southern Gaza.
The new aid centers, operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, have been described as “death traps” by Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the United Nations humanitarian office.
“Gaza is the hungriest place on earth,” Laerke said. “Whatever little we manage to bring in is immediately swarmed and plundered. That’s the level of desperation we’re dealing with.”
Chaos has also gripped other relief operations. In northern Gaza, where only a trickle of humanitarian aid manages to get through, U.N. and international aid trucks are being ransacked within minutes of entry, often before they can reach designated drop-off sites, according to eyewitnesses. Flour, rice, and basic supplies vanish in moments as starving residents descend on the convoys.
The new aid system, which consists of just a few operational hubs in the south, was established after Israel halted most aid deliveries for nearly three months, accusing Hamas of seizing humanitarian supplies. The U.S. has pledged $30 million to support the effort through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, though critics argue it has done little to stabilize the worsening crisis.
Elsewhere: In a stark reminder of overlapping global conflicts, five members of a Ukrainian family were killed in Israel by an Iranian missile strike — a tragic convergence of two separate wars.
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