Grandparents hold a unique place in our hearts and families. They are often the quiet yet steady pillars who have shaped our parents' lives and, by extension, our own. In many ways, they carry history and wisdom, bridging generations with stories, values, and traditions that might otherwise be forgotten. Growing up, many of us have cherished memories of our grandparents' love, guidance, and kindness. They are often the storytellers, sharing tales of their own childhoods and the world as they knew it, helping us understand our heritage and where we come from. Whether it’s the cozy scent of a grandparent’s home, their favorite recipes, or the lessons learned through their advice, these memories shape our lives profoundly. Grandparents also play an invaluable role in the development of their grandchildren. Research suggests that children who have strong bonds with their grandparents tend to be more emotionally resilient and well-adjusted. This bond provides a sense of ...

Every Monday, life in southeastern Nigeria takes a pause as the "sit-at-home" directive from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leads to widespread shutdowns. This movement, spanning the states of Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia, has become a significant act of civil resistance, aiming to pressurize the Nigerian government to address IPOB’s concerns over regional autonomy and the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. However, this weekly halt is affecting not only the socio-economic health of the region but also reverberates across Nigeria's broader economy. The Southeast, a vital trading and industrial hub, loses significant revenue every Monday, with market closures, transport standstills, and halted government and educational services.  According to various economic estimates, this stoppage results in financial losses ranging from 700 billion to 3 trillion Naira weekly. For many traders, particularly those in the bustling cities like O...

In a significant statement underscoring Africa's potential for economic independence, President Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso recently declared that Africa does not need the financial support of institutions like the IMF, World Bank, or Western powers to build its economy.  This stance, announced during an address in Ouagadougou, reflects Traore's vision for an Africa free from what he describes as "financial slavery," driven instead by self-sufficiency and local resources. Traore's decision comes amid offers of support from the IMF, specifically an Extended Credit Facility aimed at helping Burkina Faso stabilize its economy and address poverty.  However, Traore and his administration declined, citing a desire to avoid the dependency and external influence that often accompany international financial aid. This reflects a wider sentiment growing among some African leaders, who argue that reliance on foreign aid perpetuates cycles of debt and dependency...

The Nigeria Guild of Editors with support from the Imo State Government and The United Nations Children's educational fund (UNICEF) held a two days workshop at the Bon Tripod Hotel Owerri,on the 23rd to the 24th of October 2024. This workshop had in attendance editor's from different news paper companies, media outlets and mass media organisations. In attendance was Prof.Chinyere Okunna, a communication development expert and the first female professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria and currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor at Paul University Awka, Anambra State. Prof. Chinyere talked about communication for development and how the media is the centre for development. According to her, development journalism is an approach where journalists focus on stories that promote social and economic progress, development journalism is about reporting issues with depth, aiming to highlight solutions, raise awareness, and drive change in communities. She mentioned ...

Whisper to Humanity, a dedicated nonprofit organization focused on social change, organized a two-day workshop on October 25th and 26th, 2024, at Kelvic Suites, Owerri.  The workshop, with title Empowering Educators and Learners for Transformative Education, aimed to enhance the capacity of both teachers and students across Imo State by providing tools and strategies that go beyond traditional classroom teaching. This transformative event featured notable education stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Education, Prof. John Cliff, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Chinyere Ibeh. During her address, Mrs. Ibeh underscored the Imo State government’s commitment to advancing education, expressing hope that this initiative would mark the beginning of more collaborations geared toward uplifting the quality of education in the state. On the second day of the workshop, Hon. Amb. Uju Onwudiwe, former representative of the Nja...