🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Former President Obasanjo's reaction to a book on Nigeria's Fourth Republic sparks debate with ex-Governor Osoba
via Punch Nigeria7 min read
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo reportedly reacted strongly to Eniola Bello’s book, "Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country 1999–2023," particularly its discussion of the 'Third Term' bid. This incident was followed by a critical letter from Obasanjo to Chief Olusegun Osoba, the former governor of Ogun State. The core of their disagreement stems from the 2003 elections, where Osoba, in his memoir "Battlelines: Adventures in Journalism and Politics," claims Obasanjo deceived Alliance for Democracy AD governors with promises of restructuring and fiscal federalism to secure their support, only to betray them. Osoba recounts how AD governors were lured into a pact that proved to be a political trap, with allegations of election rigging in Ogun State supported by an Appeal Court judgment. Bishop Emmanuel Gbonigi had also raised concerns about potential election manipulation at the time, which Obasanjo denied. Obasanjo's recent response dismisses the AD's struggles as a "tribal cul-de-sac" and condescendingly suggests Osoba lacked understanding of the issues. The article highlights other figures who have criticized Obasanjo, including the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who called him a "Judas," and Chief Abraham Adesanya, who warned against betrayal. The 'Third Term' bid, which involved alleged bribes and subversion of the Constitution, is presented as a zenith of democratic 'madness.' The author contrasts Obasanjo's military-influenced wo
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Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo reported that $700 was stolen from her wallet at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, where the team was preparing for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Okoronkwo, who plays for AFC Toronto, made the allegations on Snapchat, stating that several teammates also had money stolen from their wallets while they were away from their rooms. She initially claimed $500 was taken but later corrected the amount to $700 after recounting. Okoronkwo accused the hotel's housekeeping staff of the theft, alleging they waited for the players to be out of their rooms. She also stated that the players confronted hotel staff but were dissatisfied with the response, describing it as disrespectful. Despite this incident, the Super Falcons continued their WAFCON preparations, securing a 2-1 friendly victory against Tanzania, with Okoronkwo scoring the winning goal. The team is set to begin their WAFCON title defense against Malawi on Tuesday, followed by matches against Zambia and Egypt in Group C, as they aim for their 11th WAFCON title.
Obstetricians and gynaecologists have warned pregnant women about the dangers of excessive caffeine consumption, citing increased risks of miscarriage, hypertension, and poor fetal growth. Dr. Joseph Akinde, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, and former Chairman of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, advised avoiding coffee due to its stimulant effects, which can cause restlessness and interfere with the essential eight hours of daily rest needed during pregnancy. He also noted that excessive caffeine can lead to high blood pressure and negatively impact fetal development. Consultant gynaecologist Dr. Stanley Egbogu echoed these concerns, stating that high doses of coffee are linked to complications such as miscarriage, early delivery, and fetal growth restriction. He explained that caffeine crosses the placenta to the baby, who lacks the capacity to metabolize it, leading to accumulation and potential interference with development. Dr. Egbogu also highlighted that caffeine can overstimulate the mother's body, increasing heart rate, causing restlessness, and affecting sleep quality, all of which can contribute to pregnancy complications. Both experts emphasized that caffeine is present in various sources beyond coffee, including some teas, soft drinks, and chocolate, making it easy for pregnant women to unknowingly exceed recommended limits. The World Health Organization and the United Kingdom’s National Health Service advise limiting ca
Tech billionaire and investor Prateek Suri has encouraged investors to focus on Africa's long-term economic potential, despite ongoing currency fluctuations. He stated that exchange rate volatility, a common feature in emerging markets, should not deter investment. Suri, Chairman of Maser Group and founder of MDR Investments, emphasized that successful investors prioritize economic fundamentals, productive assets, and long-term value creation over temporary currency movements. He highlighted that Africa should not be viewed as a single market, noting varying fiscal management, export growth, and foreign investment across different countries. Suri identified infrastructure, logistics, mining, technology, and industrial development as sectors poised for sustained growth. He advised investors to adopt a long-term approach, paying attention to government reforms, regulatory stability, infrastructure development, and local industry strength. Suri, recently named among Gulf Business magazine's Top 50 CEOs and Leaders of 2026, believes Africa's strong economic fundamentals, youthful population, and expanding consumer market continue to attract international capital.