society
Africa’s Real Struggle: RELIGION, TRIBALISM and POLITICAL ROT. Our Greatest Enemies Are Within
Africa’s Real Struggle: RELIGION, TRIBALISM and POLITICAL ROT. Our Greatest Enemies Are Within. (Opinion)
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
In 2025, Africa continues to bleed not from the lashes of colonialism, but from self-inflicted wounds of religious fanaticism, tribal bigotry and unchecked political greed. While the continent has achieved independence from colonial rule decades ago, it remains mentally enslaved, economically pillage and socially disoriented by the very people who swore to liberate it. THE PAINFUL TRUTH IS: AFRICA’S BIGGEST PROBLEM IS NOT THE WEST. IT IS AFRICANS.
Religion Without Righteousness. Across Africa today, mega-churches rise like castles, even in the midst of HUNGER-STRICKEN and POVERTY-RAVAGED COMMUNITIES. The new “holy war” is not spiritual but economic. Factories are being converted into religious centers, while jobs vanish into thin air. Clergymen live in obscene opulence, flying private jets and owning fleets of luxury cars, while their followers sleep in makeshift shacks. Instead of producing goods, we now mass-produce prayers.
Nigeria, for example, has more churches per capita than most countries in the world, yet it ranks among the poorest nations globally. The 2024 World Bank data shows that over 71 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty. Contrast this with the net worth of some religious leaders who rank among Africa’s richest individuals. Pastor David Oyedepo is reportedly worth over $150 million, according to Forbes estimates, while many of his congregants survive on less than a dollar a day. This is not faith. This is fraud wrapped in holy garments.
Religious manipulation has replaced colonial indoctrination. Clergy no longer challenge power; they dine with politicians. They bless looters and prophesy victory for criminals in exchange for favors. As Professor Patrick Lumumba rightly said, “Africans have become so religious that they cannot question their religious leaders even when they are clearly wrong.” The pulpit is no longer a sacred place for the truth; it has become a political podium for lies, deception and control.
Tribalism is Africa’s Terminal Cancer. We chant unity in public and sow division in private. In every African election, tribal loyalty often supersedes competence. Nations like Nigeria, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo are fragmented along ethnic and tribal lines. Rwanda, once torn apart by the Hutu-Tutsi genocide of 1994, serves as a tragic reminder of what tribalism can cost.
Despite our education, tribal thinking remains deeply entrenched. In Nigeria, the “WE versus THEM” narrative has crippled national cohesion. In South Africa, xenophobia cloaked in tribal solidarity continues to target fellow Africans under the guise of nationalism. In Ethiopia, the Tigray conflict revealed how fragile the union is when tribal supremacy becomes weaponized.
As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once said, “We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.” Sadly, Africa has yet to internalize this.
Tribalism is not cultural pride, it is cultural ignorance when it becomes exclusionary. It stifles innovation, undermines meritocracy and empowers mediocrity. It fuels electoral violence, promotes nepotism, and discourages inter-ethnic cooperation.
Politics of Plunder, Not Progress. Perhaps the greatest tragedy in Africa is its breed of leaders who are GREEDY, SELFISH and UNAPOLOGETICALLY CORRUPT. From state houses to parliaments, political power has become a license to loot. The idea of public service is extinct; what remains is private enrichment under public titles.
Based on the Global Financial Integrity (GFI) report, Africa loses over $88.6 billion annually in illicit financial flows. Most of this money ends up in European banks, offshore tax havens and luxury real estate in Dubai, London and other parts of Europe. While hospitals rot and schools collapse, politicians siphon billions to buy yachts and castles overseas.
In Angola, former President José Eduardo dos Santos and his daughter Isabel reportedly siphoned over $2.1 billion of public wealth. In Nigeria, the late General Sani Abacha looted more than $5 billion, with billions still being recovered decades later. South Africa’s Jacob Zuma presided over what became globally known as “state capture,” a monumental abuse of power by private interests, notably the Gupta family.
These are not isolated incidents; they represent a continent-wide disease. From Zimbabwe’s Mugabe to Equatorial Guinea’s Obiang Nguema, Africa’s leaders have perfected the art of staying in power through manipulation, oppression and division.
As Chinua Achebe warned in his classic The Trouble with Nigeria, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” That statement remains painfully accurate across the entire continent.
When Will the Healing Begin?
Africa does not need pity. It needs action. We need to stop blaming colonialism for problems created and perpetuated by Africans. Yes, the colonial past was brutal and exploitative, but six decades after independence, the excuse has expired.
The healing begins when: We hold our religious leaders accountable.
The gospel is not a business model. Mosques and churches should be taxed if they become profit-making enterprises. Religious institutions must return to their roles as moral compasses not financial empires.
We dismantle tribal politics. The media, civil society and schools must lead the campaign to promote national identity over tribal loyalty. Young people must be taught to value competence, vision and ethics; not TRIBE or TONGUE.
We prosecute and shame corrupt leaders. Anti-corruption must go beyond political slogans. We must reform our judiciary, empower civil society and adopt technology to track public funds. Leaders must be treated as servants not kings.
We invest in education and critical thinking.
An INFORMED CITIZEN is a DANGEROUS CITIZEN to CORRUPT RULERS. Schools must teach civic responsibility, not just pass exams. As Thomas Jefferson said, “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.”
We must love Africa enough to stay and build.
The exodus of Africa’s best minds to Europe and America must be reversed. Brain drain is not just an economic issue but also a moral one. Who will fix Africa if everyone runs away?
The Time is Now. Africa has the youngest population in the world, with over 60% under the age of 25. This is our greatest hope and greatest risk. If empowered, this generation can rebuild the continent. If ignored, they can burn it down. As Nelson Mandela said, “Young people must take it upon themselves to ensure that they receive the highest education possible so that they can represent us well in the future as future leaders.”
The mirror does not lie. Africa’s true enemy is not COLONIALISM, EUROPE or AMERICA. The true enemy is the preacher selling lies for tithes, the tribal chief selling division for loyalty and the politician selling the future for foreign accounts.
It is time to stop praying for change and start acting for it. Let the healing start. Let the chains we placed on ourselves be broken; by us.
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
society
Trump Raises Alarm Over Iran’s Expanding Missile Arsenal Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump Raises Alarm Over Iran’s Expanding Missile Arsenal Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“U.S. president claims Tehran had more missiles than expected and was weeks away from launching attacks, sparking renewed global security concerns.”
United States President Donald Trump has intensified global debate over the growing crisis in the Middle East after claiming that Iran possesses significantly more missiles than American intelligence initially estimated and was allegedly preparing an imminent attack against U.S. interests. Trump made the assertion while commenting on the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, warning that Iranian military capabilities were far greater than previously understood.
Trump argued that new intelligence assessments revealed that Iran had rapidly expanded its ballistic missile stockpile and had developed the capacity to strike American forces and regional allies with little warning. According to him, Iranian military planners were “within a week” of launching coordinated attacks before preventive military measures were taken. The remarks have reignited international discussions about the scale of Iran’s missile program and the broader security implications for the Middle East.
The claims emerged amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran following military operations targeting Iranian facilities believed to be linked to weapons development and regional military coordination. Washington has maintained that such actions were necessary to prevent a potential escalation and to protect American personnel stationed across the region.
Security analysts, however, caution that the situation reflects a deeper geopolitical rivalry rather than a single imminent threat. Dr. Anthony H. Cordesman, a renowned military analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that Iran’s missile development has been expanding steadily for years as part of its broader deterrence strategy. According to Cordesman, “Iran relies heavily on missile capabilities because it cannot match the conventional military power of the United States or its regional partners. These weapons are central to its defensive posture and influence across the region.”
Similarly, Professor Vali Nasr, a Middle East expert at Johns Hopkins University, argued that the missile issue must be viewed within the wider strategic competition between Iran and Western powers. Nasr explained that “Iran’s missile program has long been a tool of strategic leverage. While it certainly raises legitimate security concerns, the rhetoric surrounding it often reflects political positioning as much as intelligence assessments.”
Iran has consistently maintained that its missile program is purely defensive and aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty against foreign intervention. Officials in Tehran have repeatedly denied planning any direct attacks on the United States, insisting that their military capabilities are intended to deter aggression rather than provoke conflict.
Despite these denials, regional tensions remain high. Analysts warn that heightened rhetoric from political leaders, combined with military deployments and intelligence claims, could fuel misunderstandings that might spiral into a broader confrontation.
Energy markets and global security observers are also closely monitoring the situation because instability in the Middle East (one of the world’s most critical energy corridors) can have far-reaching economic consequences. Economist Paul Krugman emphasized that geopolitical shocks in the region often reverberate through global markets. “Any serious escalation involving Iran can disrupt oil supply expectations, unsettle financial markets and affect economic stability far beyond the region,” he said.
Diplomatic experts say sustained dialogue remains the most viable path to preventing further escalation. Former U.S. diplomat Ryan Crocker stressed that “military pressure alone rarely resolves deeply rooted geopolitical disputes. Long-term stability requires negotiations, trust-building measures and regional cooperation.”
As the standoff continues, governments, security institutions and international observers remain alert to developments that could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Trump’s comments have added another layer of tension to an already volatile environment, reinforcing fears that the region could face renewed instability if diplomatic efforts fail to gain traction.
While policymakers debate the scale of the threat posed by Iran’s missile arsenal, experts agree that the stakes remain extremely high; not only for the United States and Iran but also for the broader international community seeking to prevent another major conflict in the Middle East.
Empowered Women, Stronger Nation: Building Futures Through Property Ownership
As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, attention rightly turns to the extraordinary role women play in shaping families, communities, and national economies. Beyond nurturing homes and leading in boardrooms, women are increasingly emerging as powerful drivers of nation-building through one of the most transformative assets of all, property ownership.
Across Nigeria, women are steadily breaking long-standing barriers in business, governance, technology, education, and entrepreneurship. Their expanding economic influence is uplifting households, strengthening institutions, and reinforcing the nation’s financial foundation. The evidence is clear: when women earn, communities prosper; when women invest, societies advance.
One of the most visible expressions of this progress is in real estate acquisition. Property ownership empowers women with security, stability, and the ability to build generational wealth. A home is more than a structure of concrete and steel, it is a platform for legacy, enterprise, social mobility, and long-term influence.
From young professionals purchasing their first plots of land to seasoned executives expanding diversified investment portfolios, Nigerian women are redefining wealth creation and strategic future planning. Their growing presence in the property market signals a cultural and economic shift toward asset-backed empowerment.
Real estate remains one of the safest and most rewarding investment paths, and women are embracing the opportunity with confidence. Their participation is reshaping urban development patterns, influencing housing demand, and stimulating construction, infrastructure growth, and employment value chains nationwide.
At Adron Homes and Properties, empowering women through property ownership is seen as a direct investment in national progress. Every woman who secures land or a home strengthens family stability, fuels economic growth, and inspires future generations to dream bigger and aim higher.
This International Women’s Day, women are celebrated not only for who they are, but for what they build:
* Builders of families
* Drivers of economic growth
* Investors in the future
* Architects of generational wealth
To honor their impact, Adron Homes is expanding access to ownership through flexible payment plans, inclusive investment opportunities, and customer-friendly support services designed to make property acquisition simple, transparent, and rewarding.
Because when women rise, nations thrive. And when women own property, the future is secured.
society
PALESH KENYA 2026 Ends in Grand Style as UNIPGC African Continental Chapter Honors Prof. Patrick Lumumba (PLO) as PATRON
*PALESH KENYA 2026 Ends in Grand Style as UNIPGC African Continental Chapter Honors Prof. Patrick Lumumba (PLO) as PATRON*
The 15th Edition of the *UNIPGC PAN AFRICAN LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM and HONORS (PALESH) Kenya 2026* concluded in grand style as the African Continental Chapter of the *United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC Africa)* honored renowned Pan-Africanist, *Prof. Patrick Lumumba (PLO)* as its *PATRON* alongside other distinguished personalities.
This honor bestowed on Prof. Lumumba is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to leadership, governance advocacy, and Pan-African development.
This prestigious event which took place on *Friday, March 6, 2026*, at the *KCB Leadership Institute, Karen, Nairobi, Republic of Kenya*, attracted prominent leaders, diplomats, and professionals from across Africa.
It may be recalled that in the previous year, *Liberia’s immediate past Vice President, H.E. Jewel Howard Taylor*, was honored as MATRON UNIPGC AFRICA by the organization. H.E. Jewel Taylor served as *Vice President of Liberia from 2018 to 2024 under President George Weah and was also First Lady of Liberia from 1997 to 2003*during the presidency of her former Husband , Charles Taylor.
The *15th Edition of PALESH Kenya 2026* commenced with the *Morning Session*, which featured guest accreditation and red carpet interviews with distinguished dignitaries and participants who attended the event.
The symposium marked a significant moment in the advancement of diplomacy and leadership discourse in Africa, bringing together notable leaders from different parts of the continent.
The *Leadership Symposium* featured prominent African leaders who delivered keynote addresses centered on the theme:
*Governance for Sustainable Development: Challenges and Prospects in Africa.*
Among the distinguished keynote speakers were:
* *His Excellency Mike Mbuvi Sonko*, Former Governor of Nairobi City, Republic of Kenya.
* *His Excellency Prof. Dhadho Godhana*, Executive Governor of Tana River County, Republic of Kenya, and Chairman of the UNIPGC Advisory Council on Democracy and Governance.
* *H.E. Bishop Dr. Sinzohagera Emmanuel*, Former Senate President of the Republic of Burundi.
The event also featured the Inauguration Ceremony of Hon. Dr. Joshua Kaputa, whose oath-taking and investiture were conducted by the *UNIPGC Global President , His Excellency Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, GCOP*
The second Panel discussions and sessions were moderated by *Isabel Brenda* Founder and President of *Governance Hub Africa, Kenya*
Key speakers and topics presented during the symposium included:
* *Bishop Amb. Dr. John C. W*— *“Youth Activism and Political Participation: Shaping Africa’s Democratic Future.”*
* *Dr. Olubusola Oluwaferanmi* Founder/CEO, **FerFis Holistic Wellness (Nigeria/USA)** — *“Strengthening Democratic Governance Through Preventative Health Systems.”*
* *Mrs. Godelieve Manirakiza* (Republic of Burundi) — *“The Role of Civil Society in Sustainable Peace Building.”*
* *Maj. (Rtd) Odha* — *“Emerging Military Threats in Africa: Causes and Consequences.”*
The event also witnessed the *inauguration of several UNIPGC executives*, including:
1. *Amb. Dr. Rosaline Adedoyin Amangbo Adedoyin*– Continental Vice President, UNIPGC Africa
2. *Chief Amb. (Dr.) Gbenro Oladipupo*– Secretary General, UNIPGC Africa
3. *Amb. Dr. John C. W*– Member Advisory Committee on Leadership & Governance
4. *Amb. Dr. Joshua Kitaro Kaputa* – Country Director, UNIPGC Kenya
5. *Amb. Apostle Jane Wanja Kamau* – Country Director, UNIPGC Burundi
6. *Dr. Essien Essien Abel* – Advisory Member, UNIPGC Global Economic Council (GEC)
7. *Dr. Obie Otti Valerie Bassey* – Regional Director, UNIPGC West Africa
8. *Mr. Chukwuemeka Iheanacho Okereke* – UNIPGC Member, Special Envoy (Imo State Coordinator)
9. *Group Capt. Kalgo Sani* – Member, Advisory Council on Security & Sustainable Peace Building
Certificates of recognition were presented by **Dr. Carlos Sousa*, Member of the *UNIPGC Supreme Council* and Secretary General, UNIPGC CANADA .
The event concluded with an elegant Evening Session , highlighted by a glamorous *All-White Peace Ambassadors Gala Dinner and Award Reception*, celebrating diplomacy, leadership, and African excellence.
UNIPGC is a diplomatic civil society organization dedicated to promoting *sustainable peace, good governance advocacy, and poverty eradication* across the globe. The organization advances its mission through education, seminars, conferences, conflict resolution initiatives, mediation, publications, lectures, and the deployment of peace emissaries where necessary.
UNIPGC has also established educational capacity-building institutions such as the Chartered Institute of Peace and Governance (CIPG) and the American University of Peace and Governance (AUPG), which serve as platforms for training diplomats, leaders, and peace ambassadors worldwide.
Through its educational programs, UNIPGC seeks to develop the capacity of global leaders, with a focus on promoting the principles that foster good governance and peaceful coexistence among societies.
The organization further aims to collaborate with governments, United Nations agencies, and diplomatic missions worldwide to support the mandates of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to the organization:
*”We are working closely with UN organs in various countries to strengthen the relationship between the United Nations and the people of member states, while also creating public awareness about the activities and initiatives of the UN.”*
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