society
The Akara and Pap Paradox: Unity vs. Division in Nigeria’s Political Landscape
The Akara and Pap Paradox: Unity vs. Division in Nigeria’s Political Landscape.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a hostel of 100 individuals, breakfast was served daily: Akara and Pap. Out of the 100, 80 expressed dissatisfaction, yearning for variety. However, their discontent was fragmented:
18 voted for Bread and Tea
16 for Yam and Egg Sauce
14 for Jollof Rice
12 for Spaghetti
10 for Indomie
10 for Moi Moi and Pap
Meanwhile, the remaining 20, who favored Akara and Pap, voted unanimously for it. Despite the majority’s discontent, Akara and Pap continued to be served each morning. This scenario underscores a profound lesson: a united minority can dominate a divided majority.
The Parable’s Political Parallel.
This hostel story mirrors Nigeria’s political landscape. While a significant portion of the populace yearns for change, their efforts are often diluted due to internal divisions. These divisions (be it along ethnic lines, party affiliations or personal ambitions) prevent a cohesive opposition from forming, allowing the status quo to persist.
As political analyst Bashir Adefaka aptly noted, “As long as 80% or majority of the population is stiff, selfish, divided and egocentric and bias, the 20% who constitute a minority will continue to rule and exploit the majority because they stand together”.
Historical Context: The 1914 Amalgamation.
The roots of Nigeria’s divisions can be traced back to the 1914 amalgamation by the British colonialists. This forced union of diverse ethnic groups without regard for their distinct cultures and interests laid the foundation for the country’s current challenges. The lack of a shared identity and mutual respect among the various groups has perpetuated divisions, making collective progress difficult.
The Power of Unity.
Unity is a formidable force. As historian Will Durant observed, “The political machine triumphs because it is a united minority acting against a divided majority”. This sentiment is echoed by various leaders and thinkers who emphasize the importance of collective action over individual interests.
Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar highlighted the need for “ACCEPTANCE, not just TOLERANCE,” stating that true unity involves embracing differences rather than merely enduring them.
The Nigerian Dilemma.
Nigeria’s challenges are multifaceted:
Ethnic Divisions: With over 250 ethnic groups, there’s a lack of a unified national identity.
Political Fragmentation: Numerous parties and factions often prioritize personal gains over collective goals.
Economic Disparities: Vast differences in wealth and development across regions fuel discontent.
Corruption: A pervasive issue that hinders progress and erodes trust in institutions.
These factors contribute to a scenario where, despite a majority desiring change, the absence of unity allows the entrenched minority to maintain control.
Lessons from the Hostel.
The hostel’s breakfast dilemma offers several lessons:
Unity Amplifies Voice: A unified group, regardless of size, can have a significant impact.
Division Weakens Influence: Fragmented efforts lead to diluted outcomes.
Collective Action is Essential: Achieving common goals requires setting aside individual differences for the greater good.
Moving Forward: A Call for Unity.
For Nigeria to progress, there must be a concerted effort to bridge divides:
Promote Inclusivity: Ensure all ethnic and regional groups feel valued and heard.
Foster National Identity: Emphasize shared values and goals over individual affiliations.
Encourage Dialogue: Open channels of communication to address grievances and find common ground.
Prioritize Meritocracy: Appointments and decisions should be based on competence rather than nepotism.
Final Reflection.
The Akara and Pap story serves as a poignant reminder: without unity, even the majority can be sidelined. Nigeria stands at a crossroads. To break free from the cycle of division and stagnation, its people must come together, transcending differences for a common purpose. Only then can the country hope to achieve the progress and prosperity it rightfully deserves.

Note: This article is a fictional piece created for illustrative purposes and does not represent the views of any individual or organization.
society
Ramadan: Adron Homes Felicitates Muslims, Preaches Hope and Unity
Ramadan: Adron Homes Felicitates Muslims, Preaches Hope and Unity
Adron Homes & Properties Limited has congratulated Muslim faithful on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, urging Nigerians to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, discipline, and compassion that define the season.
In a statement made available to journalists, the company described Ramadan as a period of deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and strengthened devotion to faith and humanity.
According to the management, the holy month represents values that align with the organisation’s commitment to integrity, resilience, and community development.
“Ramadan is a time that teaches patience, generosity, and selflessness. As our Muslim customers and partners begin the fast, we pray that their sacrifices are accepted and that the season brings peace, joy, and renewed hope to their homes and the nation at large,” the statement read.
The firm reaffirmed its dedication to providing affordable and accessible housing solutions to Nigerians, noting that building homes goes beyond structures to creating environments where families can thrive.
Adron Homes further urged citizens to use the period to pray for national unity, economic stability, and sustainable growth.
It wished all Muslim faithful a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan.
Ramadan Mubarak.
society
Underfunding National Security: Envelope Budgeting Fails Nigeria’s Defence By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Underfunding National Security: Envelope Budgeting Fails Nigeria’s Defence
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“Fiscal Rigidity in a Time of Crisis: Lawmakers Say Fixed Budget Ceilings Are Crippling Nigeria’s Fight Against Insurgency, Banditry, and Organized Crime.”
Nigeria’s legislature has issued a stark warning: the envelope budgeting system; a fiscal model that caps spending for ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) is inadequate to meet the country’s escalating security challenges. Lawmakers and budget analysts argue that rigid fiscal ceilings are undermining the nation’s ability to confront insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist violence, oil theft and maritime insecurity.
The warning emerged during the 2026 budget defence session for the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) at the National Assembly in Abuja. Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (APC‑Kebbi North), chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, decried the envelope system, noting that security agencies “have been subject to the vagaries of the envelope system rather than to genuine needs and requirements.” The committee highlighted non-release or partial release of capital funds from previous budgets, which has hindered procurement, intelligence and operational capacity.
Nigeria faces a multi‑front security crisis: persistent insurgency in the North‑East, banditry and kidnappings across the North‑West and North‑Central, separatist tensions in the South‑East, and piracy affecting Niger Delta oil production. Despite declarations of a national security emergency by President Bola Tinubu, lawmakers point to a “disconnect” between rhetoric and the actual fiscal support for agencies tasked with enforcement.
Experts warn that security operations demand flexibility and rapid resource allocation. Dr. Amina Bello, a public finance specialist, said: “A static budget in a dynamic threat environment is like sending firefighters with water jugs to a forest fire. You need flexibility, not fixed ceilings, to adapt to unforeseen developments.”
The Permanent Secretary of Special Services at ONSA, Mohammed Sanusi, detailed operational consequences: irregular overhead releases, unfulfilled capital appropriations, and constrained foreign service funds. These fiscal constraints have weakened intelligence and covert units, hampering surveillance, cyber‑security, counter‑terrorism and intelligence sharing.
Delayed capital releases have stalled critical projects, including infrastructure upgrades and surveillance systems. Professor Kolawole Adeyemi, a governance expert, emphasized that “budgeting for security must allow for rapid reallocation in response to threats that move faster than political cycles. Envelope budgeting lacks this essential flexibility.”
While the National Assembly advocates fiscal discipline, lawmakers stress that security funding requires strategic responsiveness. Speaker Abbas Ibrahim underscored that security deserves “prominent and sustained attention” in the 2026 budget, balancing oversight with operational needs.
In response, the Senate committee plans to pursue reforms, including collaboration with the executive to restructure funding, explore supplementary budgets and ensure predictable and sufficient resources for security agencies. Experts warn that without reform, criminal networks will exploit these gaps, eroding public trust.
As one policy analyst summarized: “A nation declares a security emergency; but if its budget does not follow with real resources and oversight, the emergency remains rhetorical.” Nigeria’s debate over envelope budgeting is more than an accounting dispute; it is a contest over the nation’s security priorities and its commitment to safeguarding citizens.
society
Rev. Mother Kehinde Osoba (Eritosin) Celebrates as She Marks Her Birthday
Rev. Mother Kehinde Osoba (Eritosin) Celebrates as She Marks Her Birthday
Today, the world and the body of Christ rise in celebration of a rare vessel of honour, Rev. Mother Kehinde Osoba, fondly known as Eritosin, as she marks her birthday.
Born a special child with a divine mark of grace, Rev. Mother Eritosin’s journey in God’s vineyard spans several decades of steadfast service, spiritual depth, and undeniable impact. Those who know her closely describe her as a prophetess with a heart of gold — a woman whose calling is not worn as a title, but lived daily through compassion, discipline, humility, and unwavering faith.
From her early days in ministry, she has touched lives across communities, offering spiritual guidance, prophetic insight, and motherly counsel. Many testify that through her prayers and teachings, they encountered God in a deeply personal and transformative way. Near and far, her influence continues to echo — not only within church walls, but in homes, families, and destinies reshaped through her mentorship.
A mother in every sense of the word, Rev. Mother Kehinde Osoba embodies nurture and correction in equal measure. As a grandmother, she remains energetic in purpose — accommodating the wayward, embracing the rejected, and holding firmly to the belief that no soul is beyond redemption. Her life’s mission has remained consistent: to lead many to Christ and guide them into the light of a new beginning.
Deeply rooted within the C&S Unification, she stands tall as a spiritual pillar in the Cherubim and Seraphim Church globally. Her dedication to holiness, unity, and prophetic service has earned her widespread respect as a spiritual matriarch whose voice carries both authority and humility.
As she celebrates another year today, tributes continue to pour in from spiritual sons and daughters, church leaders, and admirers who see in her a living reflection of grace in action.
Prayer for Rev. Mother Kehinde Osoba (Eritosin)
May the Almighty God, who called you from birth and anointed you for His service, continually strengthen you with divine health and renewed vigour.
May your oil never run dry, and may your prophetic mantle grow heavier with greater glory.
May the lives you have nurtured rise to call you blessed.
May your latter years be greater than the former, filled with peace, honour, and the visible rewards of your labour in God’s vineyard.
May heaven continually back your prayers, and may your light shine brighter across nations.
Happy Birthday to a true Mother in Israel — Rev. Mother Kehinde Osoba (Eritosin).
More years.
More anointing.
More impact.
If you want this adapted for a newspaper page, church bulletin, Facebook post, or birthday flyer, just tell me the format and tone.
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