The Renata

07/08/2023

‘History is replete with political leaders in different continents of the world who have, at different points in time, demonstrated subversive and manipulative tendencies in order to remain in power.’

History is replete with political leaders in different continents of the world who have, at different points in time, demonstrated subversive and manipulative tendencies in order to remain in power…

22/07/2023

‘Over the years, the utilisation of various social media platforms such as Twitter and Tik Tok has gained prominence in the political sphere as many politicians seeking office use the platforms to reach a greater number of audiences and recruit supporters.’

Over the years, the utilisation of various social media platforms such as Twitter and Tik Tok has gained prominence in the political sphere as many politicians seeking office use the platforms to r…

03/07/2023

‘Several strategic margins can be utilised by political parties and candidates to change the outcome of an election to their advantage. These strategies are at the disposal of every political gladiator. However, understanding the prevailing electoral system and the behaviour of voters is imperative in choosing which strategy to adopt.’

Anything can happen in an election, it is a matter of how a political party or candidate chooses to act when there is not much time left.

02/07/2023

‘African states in the post-colonial period are often unable to assert their independence and sovereignty effectively, and this makes them vulnerable to the influence of external powers.’

African states in the post-colonial period are often unable to assert their independence and sovereignty effectively, and this makes them vulnerable to the influence of external powers.

27/06/2023

‘President Tinubu has made sweeping changes since taking office, including removing the petrol subsidy, enacting the student loan proposal, suspending the CBN governor and EFCC chairman, and retiring the service chiefs.’

President Tinubu has made sweeping changes since taking office, including removing the petrol subsidy, enacting the student loan proposal, suspending the CBN governor and EFCC chairman, and retirin…

19/06/2023

The Nigerian government's recent introduction of a student loan act has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a way to help young people afford higher education, while others believe it will only compound their hardship.

The Nigerian government’s recent introduction of a student loan act has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a way to help young people afford higher education, while others believe …

12/06/2023

‘Celebrating 12 June is akin to making a mockery of democracy. It actually indicates that we do not understand the tenets of democracy if a character like M.K.O. Abiola is our mascot for democracy.’

Celebrating 12 June is akin to making a mockery of democracy. It actually indicates that we do not understand the tenets of democracy if a character like M.K.O. Abiola is our mascot for democracy.

06/06/2023

‘Buhari's government failed to discharge the foremost duty of government: the protection of lives and property.’

Buhari’s government failed to discharge the foremost duty of government: the protection of lives and property.

05/06/2023

‘The completion and commissioning of the Dangote refinery is a defining moment for the Nigerian, African and, indeed, the global energy industry.’

The completion and commissioning of the Dangote refinery is a defining moment for the Nigerian, African and, indeed, the global energy industry.

03/06/2023

‘Can Tinubu's 'Renewed Hope' agenda salvage the economic woes wrought by the previous administration? Or will he follow the disastrous and horrible precedent set by his predecessor?’

Can Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda salvage the economic woes wrought by the previous administration? Or will he follow the disastrous and horrible precedent set by his predecessor…

02/06/2023

‘Nigeria, as a promising nation-state, is committed to achieving the SDGs by 2030. However, the country faced significant challenges in attaining the predecessor goals, the MDGs, due to issues such as poor leadership, insecurity and corruption.’

Despite the commitment of global leaders, international organisations and numerous donor agencies to Nigeria’s development, progress was limited.

30/05/2023

Announcing the Release of The Renata's Summer 2023 Print Issue: "Paddling Upstream: Navigating the Currents of Corruption"

I am thrilled to share that our summer edition of The Renata Magazine is now live! We've titled this issue "Paddling Upstream: Navigating the Currents of Corruption," as we delve into a critical examination of corruption in Nigeria and its far-reaching impact across Africa.

https://therenata.com/current-issue/

📚 In this edition, our authors dissect the pervasive nature of corruption, shedding light on its visible effects on infrastructure, public services, and economic growth. They address the murky world of government offices and bureaucratic institutions where bribery and nepotism thrive, and explore how corruption distorts markets, perpetuates inequality, and stifles progress.

Throughout this issue, the authors emphasise the pivotal role of transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in building a brighter future for the continent.

🔗 Read the latest issue here: https://therenata.com/current-issue/

24/05/2023

‘Tinubu's government cannot afford to give any excuse for not delivering on its campaign promises as this is a good chance to rewrite the wrongs of the outgoing administration.’

Tinubu’s government cannot afford to give any excuse for not delivering on its campaign promises as this is a good chance to rewrite the wrongs of the outgoing administration.

12/05/2023

🚨 Call for submissions:

Shadows of power: Exploring organised crime in Africa

Deadline 30 July 2023

We are now accepting submissions for our Autumn 2023 print issue.

From human trafficking to arms trafficking and a sophisticated drug trafficking trade; from human smuggling to money laundering, and much more. Organised crime in Africa is a complex and multifaceted issue. In this print issue, we ask for writers to critically discuss the role of organised crime on the continent.

Writers can delve deeply into one of these forms of organised crime or take a more general view of organised crime. Some questions you may consider while writing your essay:

◆ What are the factors that have facilitated the growth of organised crime in Africa and what are the challenges to combatting it?

◆ What effect has organised crime had not just on Africa but on the world at large as organised crime becomes increasingly globalised? For example, In West Africa, drug trafficking is a significant problem, with the region serving as a major transit point for co***ne and he**in trafficked from Latin America to Europe. Or the prominence of s*x trafficking from Nigeria (primarily Edo State) to Italy.

◆ What connection does politics have with organised crime?

◆ How has organised crime evolved with the rise of terrorist groups and militias on the continent? For example arms dealers and the activities of terrorist groups such as Boko Haram in Nigeria and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in the Sahel. Or the relationship between kidnapping and modern slavery and child soldiers.

◆ What role has technology had on certain fields of organised crime?

◆ What effect does transnational organised crime have on foreign politics?

We are looking for analytical and engaging essays that can serve as authoritative reads for readers with limited knowledge of the issue.

We expect submissions in the range of 1,500 to 5,000 words. We will be accepting submissions until 30 July 2023. Submissions should be emailed in a Word document to [email protected].

Authors accepted for publication will receive a free digital copy of the issue.

10/05/2023

A nation without visionary leaders to unify and motivate its people towards shared values can become directionless and rudderless, hindering the positive advancement of society.

04/05/2023

In November, Soludo said: 'The brutal truth (and some will say, God forbid) is that there are two persons/parties seriously contesting for president: the rest is an exciting drama.'

In November, Soludo said: ‘The brutal truth (and some will say, God forbid) is that there are two persons/parties seriously contesting for president: the rest is an exciting drama.’

03/05/2023

‘It indicts Nigeria’s democracy and crime-fighting capabilities that every election year, Nigerians are killed with little or no consequences.’

It indicts Nigeria’s democracy and crime-fighting capabilities that every election year, Nigerians are killed with little or no consequences.

29/04/2023

‘The lack of political will on the part of the Nigerian government to tackle these cancerous issues will thwart the nation's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).’

The lack of political will on the part of the Nigerian government to tackle these cancerous issues will thwart the nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

24/04/2023

Adichie’s open letter to President Joe Biden engenders a timeless truth and an undeniable testimony about the political legitimacy and morality of the 2023 presidential election.

19/04/2023

‘The intensifying ‘Igbo-phobia’ in Lagos is an evil wind which will blow no good to anyone concerned. Societies grow and develop faster in heterogeneity when they embrace and accommodate others.’

The intensifying ‘Igbo-phobia’ in Lagos is an evil wind which will blow no good to anyone concerned. Societies grow and develop faster in heterogeneity when they embrace and accommodate others.

18/04/2023

‘Those who revolt against the demand for an interim government and yet turn blind eye to the electoral fraud witnessed during the last presidential election are hypocritical.’

Those who revolt against the demand for an interim government and yet turn blind eye to the electoral fraud witnessed during the last presidential election are hypocritical.

17/04/2023

‘Around the country, a wave of kidnapping and violent criminal attacks signal a return to the past, to further confirm that the recent lull was only a false sense of security.’

Around the country, a wave of kidnapping and violent criminal attacks signal a return to the past, to further confirm that the recent lull was only a false sense of security.

15/04/2023

'Nigeria has failed to live up to its title as the Giant of Africa and the Largest Oil producer in Africa. The country has missed out on oil earnings because of underperforming production capacity.'

Nigeria has failed to live up to its title as the Giant of Africa and the Largest Oil producer in Africa. The country has missed out on oil earnings because of underperforming production capacity.

15/04/2023

The Albatross Of Africa’s Anti-Corruption Crusades by Star Arinbomen:
https://therenata.com/the-albatross-of-africas-anti-corruption-crusades/

The African continent has struggled to overcome corruption despite the fact that it has an abundance of natural and human resources, and favourable climatic conditions. Corruption remains pervasive across Africa and hampers the continent's development. Although African governments have established anti-graft agencies, the fight against corruption is compromised by the fact that corrupt public office holders and their cronies collude to loot resources. Furthermore, the fight against corruption is hindered by partisanship among African police forces and the breakdown of checks and balances between the executive and the legislative arms of government.

Read the article here: https://therenata.com/the-albatross-of-africas-anti-corruption-crusades/

15/04/2023

‘It does not matter to these elitist groups how many kids are orphaned, how many women are widowed, how much treasure is pillaged or destroyed’, writes Sunday Onyemaechi Eze:
https://therenata.com/murder-in-the-north-and-the-conspiracy-of-elitist-silence/

The northern region of Nigeria has been suffering from violent extremism for over a decade, with the area hosting Boko Haram, ISIS West Africa Province, and now terrorist bandit groups. Kidnappings, killings, and destruction have become part of everyday life in the region. The government has been criticised for its lack of response, but political elites have also failed to speak out against the insecurity, as tribal sentiments have overwhelmed the majority. The capacity of the north to engage in farming activities has been endangered, resulting in food insecurity.

Read the article here: https://therenata.com/murder-in-the-north-and-the-conspiracy-of-elitist-silence/

15/04/2023

‘Social media enhances participation, promotes democratic struggle, and is instrumental to political change.’

Social media enhances participation, promotes democratic struggle, and is instrumental to political change

15/04/2023

Nigeria’s Identity by Liasu Nafiu Adedibu:
https://therenata.com/nigerias-identity/

The article discusses the issues of tribalism, jingoism, and the absence of a social contract among Nigerians, which have deterred the nation from fulfilling its potential since its inception. The author argues that Nigeria is a tribal potpourri nation with over two hundred ethnic groups merged by the colonial master, and the fault should be attributed to the colonial master for forcing different ethnicities to live together in an arbitrarily drawn geographical entity called a nation. The author also discusses the failure of the people and politics in Nigeria for not deciding on the kind of nation and politics they want. The article emphasizes the need for Nigerians to redefine and re-evaluate themselves, learning from the past and taking their future into their hands, to become a leading and reckoned political force in the continent.

Read the article here: https://therenata.com/nigerias-identity/

15/04/2023

'OBJ treasures being the cynosure of all eyes in his spheres of contact, and he will do whatever it takes to ensure that', writes Star Arinbomen:
https://therenata.com/obj-the-nigerian-elder-statesman-with-a-penchant-for-the-limelight/

The article discusses the life and influence of Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, an influential elder statesman in Nigeria, and his eccentricities, particularly his penchant for the limelight. The article explores his political and military career and highlights how he has demonstrated his proclivity for playing to the gallery, such as his 2018 open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari and the launch of his political party, Coalition for Nigerian Movement (CNM). The author argues that Obasanjo's withdrawal of support for the All Progressive Party (APC) was due to his intolerance of someone sharing the limelight with him on the same platform, among other reasons. The author emphasizes that while Obasanjo has made significant contributions to some of Nigeria's positive strides, he should reflect on his choices and decisions before translating them into actions.

Read the article here: https://therenata.com/obj-the-nigerian-elder-statesman-with-a-penchant-for-the-limelight/

14/04/2023

‘The obsequies must now continue for it has become glaringly clear that unless Nigeria can inter all those who have plundered the country, ghosts will continue to haunt a prodigiously gifted country.’

‘The obsequies must now continue for it has become glaringly clear that unless Nigeria can inter all those who have plundered the country, ghosts will continue to haunt a prodigiously gifted …

14/04/2023

Becoming Poverty Champions: How We Did It by Olugbenga Jaiyesimi:
https://therenata.com/becoming-poverty-champions-how-we-did-it/

The article discusses how Nigeria, despite being the 26th largest economy in the world, has become the world poverty champion, and the Nigerian state is directly responsible for impoverishing its people. The government policies, such as driving off Okada riders, destroying kiosks and sheds, and dispossessing people of their lands, are contributing to the increase in poverty rates. The author argues that the Nigerian State, in connivance with the people, is to blame for the country's poverty problems. They suggest that rather than viewing the population's growth as a liability, Nigeria should incentivize its youth bulge to turn the Afghanistan North into an asset and prevent the South from spiralling into a liability.

Read the article here: https://therenata.com/becoming-poverty-champions-how-we-did-it/