society
History Is Knocking: Memory as Weapon; Will Nigeria Lift the Shield or March Blind into Repetition?
History Is Knocking: Memory as Weapon; Will Nigeria Lift the Shield or March Blind into Repetition?
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“REMEMBER or REPEAT; Nigeria’s future depends on whether we choose MEMORY over AMNESIA.”
Nigeria lives in the long shadow of its past. The country that emerged on October 1, 1960 (radiant with promise, vast in diversity and rich in human and natural resources) has been repeatedly battered by choices made in the present that forget the LESSONS of HISTORY. To treat history as a dusty archive is to hand the future to forces that thrive on collective amnesia. Corruption, impunity, ethnic manipulation and policy myopia. If memory is indeed a weapon, Nigeria’s survival depends on whether its citizens and leaders are brave enough to wield it. {Independence – Oct 1, 1960; sources on Nigeria’s founding and constitutional arc.}
We must first admit a simple fact, MEMORY is POLITICAL. Who remembers and how we remember shapes power. Chinua Achebe’s blunt admonition remains essential: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” That line is not mere literary flourish (it is a diagnosis. When state narratives elevate rulers and erase victims, justice withers and policy becomes propaganda. The Nigerian story has repeatedly seen official versions triumph over inconvenient truths, coups sanitised as necessary correctives; economic mismanagement repackaged as temporary sacrifice; violence rationalised as inevitable. Reclaiming national memory means restoring the histories of those sidelined) the poor farmer whose land was drained by a policy he never consented to, the activists whose warnings were ignored, the communities displaced by avoidable violence.
Concrete reminders of what happens when memory is abandoned are stark. The Nigerian Civil War -1967/1970- (a human catastrophe that cost hundreds of thousands, possibly millions, of lives) was not simply a regional conflict but a national wound born of ethnic fear, political exclusion and resource competition. Its lessons (the cruelty of blockades; the human cost of political exclusion; the fragility of a federation without trust) must be institutionalized (memorials, properly funded history curricula, and truth-telling commissions) lest the CYCLE REPEAT. The facts are not negotiable, the war’s dates and the scale of the suffering remain foundational to any honest national narrative.
Similarly, the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election (a moment that exposed the rot of military patronage and elite collusion) should be taught, commemorated and used as a political touchstone. The denial of that mandate left a generational scar on civic trust that still influences political behaviour. Commemoration is not mere ritual; it is a political act that says to society that WE REMEMBER INJUSTICE and we will not let it be normalized.
The cost of forgetting is measurable. Recent independent assessments show Nigeria wrestling with alarming socio-economic indicators and poverty levels that remain staggeringly high and a public sector reputation stained by pervasive corruption. The World Bank has documented deep and growing numbers of people pushed into poverty in the last decade; Transparency International places Nigeria low on its Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating that impunity remains a major structural problem. When governance is short-term and amnesic (leaders failing to heed past policy failures) outcomes weaken and ordinary citizens pay with hunger, displacement and lost opportunity. These are not abstract metrics; they are human lives.
Memory must therefore be institutional, not episodic. Plaques and occasional speeches are insufficient. Real memory requires three pillars: TRUTHFUL EDUCATION, TRANSPARENT ARCHIVES and CIVIC RITUALS that bind people across ethnicity and region. Our schools must teach the hard chapters honestly and not only triumphs but THE BETRAYALS, THE CORRUPTION SCANDALS, THE PROTEST MOVEMENTS and THE POLICY MISTAKES. National archives must be accessible; public records preserved and digitized; commissions set up to investigate and publish findings on major national failures. Finally, CIVIC RITUALS (memorial days, inclusive commemorations of struggle, and public dialogue) will stitch individual memory into national consciousness. Without these pillars, memory remains a private act rather than a public defence. (On curriculum and archival reform: see international best practice and calls from civil-society scholars.)
Of course, memory alone is not a magic cure. It is useful only insofar as it leads to accountability and reform. Remembering the Civil War without addressing the economic and political grievances that fuelled it is a hollow exercise. Honouring June 12 without institutional safeguards for electoral integrity is symbolic theatre. Therefore, memory must feed mechanisms of justice: judicial independence, anti-corruption agencies that work, robust investigative journalism and empowered parliaments that exercise meaningful oversight. Where memory prompts policy changes (land reform, fiscal transparency, inclusive governance) it becomes a true weapon of collective defence.
Voices from Nigeria’s intellectual tradition demand no less. Wole Soyinka has repeatedly insisted that nations must “CONFRONT HISTORY HONESTLY”, a call that is both MORAL and STRATEGIC. Honest confrontation means naming perpetrators, acknowledging errors and creating institutional constraints that prevent recurrence. It also means cultivating a civic culture where criticism is not criminalized but welcomed as necessary oxygen for democracy. These are not soft ideals; they are practical steps proven in democracies that have moved from trauma to stability.
There is also resistance. ELITES BENEFIT WHEN THE PAST IS BLURRED. For them, selective memory is a shield. They confect myths of inevitability (that corruption is the price of unity, that emergency decrees are love letters to stability) hoping citizens will forget the alternatives. Combatting this requires an active civil society and media that refuse co-option. Independent journalism, civic education programs and grassroots truth-telling gatherings must be supported. Funding channels that promote investigative reporting and community-based history projects are investments that pay dividends in accountability. Recent reporting and investigations have already exposed the consequences of policy amnesia; food crises compounded by poor planning, infrastructure projects announced without follow-through, fiscal policies that punish the poor. These reports must be amplified, protected and acted upon.
Finally, memory is a democratic practice. It invites ordinary citizens into the national conversation and makes them custodians of truth. The young, who form a majority of Nigeria’s population, must be handed accessible narratives; not SACCHARINE PATRIOTISM, but GRITTY STORIES of how institutions failed and how citizens fought back. When young people inherit a robust, critical memory, they will be less likely to accept cynical elites and easier to mobilize for honest reform. When elders pass down TRUTHFUL, PLURALISTIC HISTORIES rather than PAROCHIAL MYTHS, the nation’s shield grows stronger.
History is knocking. Will Nigeria lift the shield or continue marching blind into repetition? The answer depends on whether we choose to remember with courage and act with conviction. Memory without action is nostalgia; action without memory is recklessness (together and through honest education, open archives, public commemoration and accountable institutions) Nigeria can turn memory into a lasting defence. The choice is ours. If we embrace it, the next generation may finally inherit more than rhetoric: a nation that remembers, reforms and rises.
– George Omagbemi Sylvester
society
From Broadcast to Spiritual Renaissance: The Journey of Alọba A. Orisabimbola Ifatomi, Creator of ÒRÌṢÀTV
From Broadcast to Spiritual Renaissance:
The Journey of Alọba A. Orisabimbola Ifatomi, Creator of ÒRÌṢÀTV
In a time when African stories are often misrepresented or diluted, a seasoned voice in Nigeria’s media and creative industry is stepping forward with a bold vision to reclaim, preserve and project the depth of African spirituality through a new wave of cinematic storytelling powered by technology.
Alọba Adewunmi, a respected broadcaster, journalist and creative professional, is the mind behind ÒRÌṢÀTV a groundbreaking platform using Artificial Intelligence (AI) cinematic production to tell authentic Yoruba stories rooted in cosmology, spirituality and cultural heritage.
ÒRÌṢÀTV is not just a channel it is a destination to experience “The Beginning”, a Yoruba cosmology-based AI cinematic series that explores the origin of life and existence through an African lens.
A Career Built on Media Excellence
With years of experience across broadcast and print media, Alọba Adewunmi has established himself as a dynamic storyteller and cultural voice.
He has worked with several notable platforms including OSBC, Orisun FM, Yotomi Cable, Okin FM, Midland FM, Delta Cable, Akede Oodua Publications and Akede Africa.
His professional journey includes:
– Reporter at Alariya Oodua
– Editor at Gbajumo Online Magazine
– General Editor at Akede Africa ( a bilingual news magazine)
Through these roles, he has contributed significantly to journalism, cultural reporting, politics, crime and entertainment.
A Multifaceted Creative Force
Beyond journalism, Alọba Adewunmi’s creative footprint extends deeply into film and storytelling.
He is not just a performer, but a creative architect behind the scenes, serving as:
– A Continuity Director
– Continuity Director of the home video “Tobi (Forgiveness)”, produced by Kola Adeyemo
– A Story Writer and Dialogue Director
– A Scriptwriter
He has also contributed to several home video productions from the late 1990s through the early 2000s, reflecting a long-standing presence in Yoruba film storytelling.
A Spiritual Path and Cultural Mission
Beyond media and film, his journey is rooted in a deeper spiritual calling.
Alọba Adewunmi is a traditional priest, teacher and herbal medicine practitioner, dedicated to the preservation and practice of Yoruba spirituality.
His temple, Obàtálá Alábãlàse Temple of Purity, stands as a sacred center for purity, healing and spiritual guidance.
The Vision Behind ÒRÌṢÀTV
ÒRÌṢÀTV is more than a content platform, it is a cultural revival movement powered by AI-driven cinematic storytelling.
Through this innovative approach, the platform explores:
– The origin of existence
– The roles of divinities
– The structure of human destiny
– The spiritual laws governing life
The debut episode, “The Birth of Ilẹ̀ Àwọn Alààyè”,( Command of Creation ) marks the beginning of the series “The Beginning”.
Blending mythology, spirituality and AI-powered visuals, ÒRÌṢÀTV offers a unique experience that is both educational and deeply immersive.
A Mission Beyond Entertainment
For Alọba Adewunmi, this project goes far beyond entertainment.
It is a mission to preserve indigenous knowledge, educate future generations, correct misconceptions about African spirituality and restore pride in African identity.
The Man Behind the Vision
Despite his wide experience and creative influence, Alọba Adewunmi remains a naturally private and introverted individual.
He is known more for his work than for public appearances moving quietly between his professional responsibilities and personal space.
Rather than seeking the spotlight, he has consistently chosen to let his talent, creativity and impact speak for him.
Those who encounter his work or collaborate with him understand the depth he brings a reminder that true substance is not always loud and presence is not always public.
Looking Ahead
With Episode 1 now released, anticipation continues to build as “THE BEGINNING” prepares to explore deeper aspects of creation, human destiny and spiritual alignment.
This is not just a project it is a legacy unfolding through culture, spirituality, and innovation.
Watch Now
THE BEGINNING
Episode 1
The Birth of Ilẹ̀ Àwọn” Command of Creation)
Available on YouTube.
Media & Contact
For interviews, features and collaborations:
08125883088
© 2026 ÒRÌṢÀTV
All Rights Reserved
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION COMMENDS GOVERNOR ZULUM FOR HELPING MILITARY FAMILIES
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has commended Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his generous donation of ₦150 million to the families of three military officers who were tragically killed in recent attacks. Each family received ₦50 million as part of the state’s continued commitment to supporting fallen heroes and wounded personnel involved in counter-insurgency operations.
The commendation was contained in a statement signed by the foundation’s chairman, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
The foundation expressed gratitude for the governor’s compassionate gesture, which included personal visits to the families of the late Lieutenant Colonels Umar Farouq, Salihu Iliyasu, and Aliyu Saidu Paiko in Abuja, Niger, and Kano States. During the visits, Governor Zulum offered his condolences and praised the service, sacrifice, and patriotism of the fallen officers.
The foundation’s Grand Patron, His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR (Rtd), personally commended the governor’s dedication to improving the lives of Borno State residents. He also extended his condolences to the families of the officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
During his visits, Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting bereaved families, which includes offering scholarships to the orphaned children of fallen personnel. He pledged to extend similar visits to other affected families, underscoring a compassionate approach to addressing the needs of those who have suffered in the line of duty.
society
Queen Amb Dr. Nwamaka Cordelia Anyatonwu Appointed Minister of Humanitarian, Culture, and Kingdom Affairs, United Kingdom of Atlantis
*Queen Amb Dr. Nwamaka Cordelia Anyatonwu Appointed Minister of Humanitarian, Culture, and Kingdom Affairs, United Kingdom of Atlantis
Her Majesty Queen Amb Dr. Nwamaka Cordelia Anyatonwu, Queen of the Aches Empire under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), has been appointed as the Minister of Humanitarian, Culture, and Kingdom Affairs, effective immediately.
This appointment comes as the UKA takes decisive steps to strengthen its humanitarian efforts and protect its citizens from unauthorized activities. In light of recent developments, the UKA has issued an official public disclaimer cautioning citizens, followers, and the general public about the activities of individuals promoting and operating a coin or platform not officially recognized by the Atlantian Gold Coin (ATC). This follows the hijacking of the 5 billion humanitarian project, a move that has been met with concern and condemnation from the international community.
As the newly appointed Minister, Queen Amb Dr. Anyatonwu has announced that all matters pertaining to the 5 billion humanitarian project in UKA should be directed to her office. This includes the newly captured NGOs, which are now required to report to the Office of Humanitarian Affairs, ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of humanitarian resources.
“We are committed to transparency and accountability in our humanitarian efforts,” said Queen Amb Dr. Anyatonwu. “We urge all stakeholders to work with us to ensure the success of our initiatives and protect our citizens from unauthorized activities. We will not tolerate any form of exploitation or mismanagement of humanitarian funds, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
The UKA has assured its citizens and the international community that it is taking all necessary measures to recover the hijacked funds and bring the perpetrators to justice. The appointment of Queen Amb Dr. Anyatonwu is seen as a significant step towards achieving this goal and ensuring that humanitarian efforts are aligned with the UKA’s values and principles.
For more information. Please contact the Office of the Minister of Humanitarian, Culture and Kingdom Affairs.
*About the United Kingdom of Atlantis*
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation committed to promoting peace, prosperity, and humanitarian values. The UKA is dedicated to working with international partners to address global challenges and improve the lives of its citizens and people around the world.
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