Fela Kuti: From Lagos Shrine to Grammy Glory: Fela's Historic Lifetime Achievement Award

 Fela Kuti: From Lagos Shrine to Grammy Glory: Fela's Historic Lifetime Achievement Award

Yemi Olakitan 

For nearly three decades since his death in 1997, Fela Anikulapo Kuti—affectionately called Abami Eda (the strange one) or the King of Afrobeat—has been celebrated by fans, activists, and musicians worldwide. Yet the global music establishment, embodied by the Grammys, long overlooked him. That changes in 2026: Fela will posthumously receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African, ever to earn this honor in the award's 63-year history.

This isn't just an award, it's a seismic shift. The Recording Academy's recognition places Fela alongside legends like Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Paul Simon, and others in this year's class. More importantly, it validates the revolutionary power of Afrobeat, a genre he co-created with drummer Tony Allen, blending highlife, jazz, funk, Yoruba rhythms, extended jams, and unapologetic political commentary.

Fela's life was defiance incarnate. Born Olufela Ransome-Kuti, he rejected colonial vestiges (dropping "Ransome" from his name), championed pan-Africanism, and used music to lambast corruption and military rule in Nigeria. 

His 1976 track Zombie mocked soldiers as mindless puppets, provoking a savage 1977 raid on his Kalakuta Republic compound. His mother, activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, died from injuries sustained. Undeterred, Fela turned tragedy into protest with Coffin for Head of State.

His Afrika Shrine performances weren't mere concerts, they were rallies, spiritual gatherings, and communal resistance spaces. Bare-chested, saxophone blazing, leading ensembles like Africa '70 and Egypt '80, Fela created music as mission. As longtime manager Rikki Stein recalls, audiences didn't applaud; they participated.

This Grammy nod arrives amid Afrobeats' global explosion—think Burna Boy's nomination and the Grammys' 2024 Best African Music Performance category. It's "better late than never," as Stein says, and a "double victory" per Seun Kuti, who notes it balances Fela's narrative.

Fela didn't seek awards; he sought free minds. Yet this honor cements his immortality. As album cover artist Lemi Ghariokwu declares, "Fela has been an ancestor for 28 years. His legacy is growing by the day. This is immortality."

In a world still grappling with injustice, Fela's sound—rhythmic, rebellious, rooted—remains a call to action. The Grammys' belated embrace doesn't diminish his independence; it amplifies how one man's fearless groove can reshape global music forever.

Long live Fela. The Shrine echoes on.

Africa’s Digital Gold Rush: How Nigeria and Emerging Hubs Are Powering a New Tech Economy

By Yemi Olakitan

Across Africa, a quiet but determined tech surge is rewriting old economic stories. From Lagos to Nairobi, Kigali to Accra, digital innovation is no longer a side conversation, it’s fast becoming a core driver of growth, jobs, and global relevance. At the center of this momentum sits Nigeria, whose startup ecosystem now acts as both a bellwether and a launchpad for the continent’s wider tech ambitions.

Nigeria’s rise as a tech heavyweight

Nigeria’s digital economy has grown on the back of necessity, creativity, and scale. With one of the world’s youngest populations and deep mobile penetration, the country became fertile ground for fintech, e-commerce, edtech, and health tech solutions. Startups like Flutterwave, Paystack, Andela, and Moniepoint showed that African companies could build globally competitive products while solving local problems.

What makes Nigeria stand out is demand. Millions remain underserved by traditional banking, logistics, and public services. Startups stepped into those gaps with mobile-first tools, creating platforms that feel native rather than imported. The result is an ecosystem driven by real usage, not hype.

Startup ecosystems beyond Lagos

While Lagos remains the continent’s most visible tech hub, Africa’s digital growth is increasingly decentralized. Nairobi continues to lead in climate tech and agritech, supported by strong research institutions and donor-backed innovation. Rwanda has positioned itself as a testbed for smart governance and health innovation, pairing policy clarity with infrastructure. Ghana’s Accra is emerging as a fintech and creative-tech hotspot, benefiting from political stability and cross-border collaboration.

This spread matters. It reduces risk, encourages specialization, and proves that Africa’s tech story isn’t tied to one city or country.

Funding shifts and local resilience

Venture capital flows into Africa cooled slightly after the global tech slowdown, but the ecosystem didn’t stall. Instead, startups adjusted, focusing on revenue, efficiency, and regional expansion rather than rapid burn. There’s also growing interest in local capital, corporate venture arms, and public-private partnerships, especially in Nigeria and Kenya.

Another notable shift is the rise of infrastructure startups: data centers, cloud services, payments rails, and logistics platforms. These may not grab flashy headlines, but they form the backbone that future innovation depends on.

Policy, talent, and the road ahead

Governments now play a bigger role than ever. Nigeria’s digital economy policies, startup acts in countries like Tunisia and Senegal, and continent-wide frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area are slowly reducing friction for founders. Talent, too, is a major export. African developers are in global demand, and many are now choosing to build from home rather than relocate.

Challenges remain, power supply, broadband access, regulatory uncertainty, but the trajectory is clear. Africa is no longer just adopting technology; it’s shaping it to fit its realities.

Why this moment matters

The growth of regional tech economies in Africa signals something deeper than startup success stories. It points to a future where innovation is not imported, where solutions are built by those who understand the problems firsthand, and where digital tools become engines of inclusion.

For Nigeria and its peers, the next chapter isn’t about catching up. It’s about setting their own pace, and inviting the world to pay attention.

When the Ancestors Speak: Ooni, Oshoosi and the Moral Call of the 2026 World Obatala Festival

As dusk settled over Ile-Ife on Friday, the ancient city once again reminded the world why it is regarded as the spiritual heart of the Yoruba people. Beneath the soft glow of sacred lamps at the Obatala Holy Temple, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, stepped into his role not just as a monarch, but as a bridge between the living, the ancestors and the future of a nation.

The occasion was Oshoosi Day, one of the most spiritually charged moments of the ongoing 2026 World Obatala Festival. Clad in immaculate white regalia, a symbol of purity and moral authority, the Ooni led ancestral rites steeped in centuries-old Yoruba tradition. Prayers, libations and invocations rose into the night, calling on Olodumare, the Supreme Being, and the spirits of revered forebears to bless Nigeria with peace, renewal and moral clarity.

At the heart of the observance was Oshoosi, the Orisa of precision, focus and righteous victory. In Yoruba cosmology, Oshoosi never loses his way, never misses his target. By invoking his spirit, the Ooni was making a profound statement about Nigeria’s present struggles and future direction. This was not ritual for ritual’s sake. It was a deliberate spiritual appeal for clarity of purpose, justice in leadership and triumph over forces that threaten unity and stability.

Symbolic items associated with Oshoosi were presented at the altar, each representing discipline, provision and purposeful pursuit. Traditional chants and sacred incantations followed, rendered by chief priests to invite ancestral presence and intervention. In those moments, the Obatala Temple became more than a place of worship; it became a space of national introspection.

Through the rites, prayers were offered for farmers, hunters, artisans and all whose livelihoods depend on the land. There were also pointed supplications for Nigeria’s leaders, security institutions and young people. The message was clear: a society loses its way when it loses its moral compass. Reconnecting with ancestral values, the Ooni stressed, is a pathway to restoring balance.

Obatala, the spiritual centrepiece of the festival, embodies purity, fairness, wisdom and uprightness. As the Orisa of creation, believed to have moulded humanity on behalf of Olodumare, Obatala represents the ethical foundation upon which society should stand. The Ooni’s call for Nigerians of all backgrounds to embrace these values was both inclusive and urgent. It was an appeal that transcended religion, ethnicity and politics, pointing instead to shared human virtues.

The World Obatala Festival, running from January 14 to 27, has grown far beyond a local sacred observance. Today, it is a global gathering that attracts devotees, scholars, traditional custodians and members of the Yoruba diaspora from across continents. From the initiation rites of Osan to intellectual exchanges at the International Colloquium, from processions and exhibitions to communal worship, the festival functions as a living archive of Yoruba civilisation.

Throughout Ile-Ife, white garments dominate the streets, drums echo through ancient quarters, and chants weave together the past and the present. The city itself becomes a canvas of memory, identity and spiritual reflection. In this sense, the festival is not frozen in time. It speaks to contemporary concerns about leadership, ethics and communal responsibility in a rapidly changing world.

Beyond spirituality, the festival has also emerged as a tool of cultural diplomacy, reaffirming Ile-Ife’s place as a centre of tradition, scholarship and moral dialogue. It offers a space where ancient wisdom engages modern realities, where culture becomes a guide rather than a relic.

For the Yoruba people and their descendants worldwide, the World Obatala Festival is more than an annual gathering. It is a reaffirmation of who they are and what they stand for. And on Oshoosi Day, under the guidance of the Ooni of Ife, that reaffirmation took on a national tone, echoing a simple but powerful prayer: that Nigeria, like Oshoosi, may find the right path again, guided by conscience, justice and enduring wisdom.

The World Ọbàtálá Festival 2026: Ile-Ife as a Living Archive of Yoruba Purity and Justice

In 2026, Ile-Ife will once again stand at the spiritual centre of the Yoruba world as devotees, scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and visitors from across the globe gather for the World Ọbàtálá Festival. More than a ceremonial gathering, the festival is a profound cultural statement—one that positions Ile-Ife not as a relic of the past, but as a living archive where Yoruba identity is preserved, renewed, and actively lived.

Ọbàtálá, revered as the Oríṣà of creation, purity, wisdom, and justice, occupies a unique place in Yoruba cosmology. As the custodian of moral clarity and ethical balance, Ọbàtálá represents the ideal of a just society—one anchored in truth, restraint, and respect for human dignity. The annual celebration in Ile-Ife, regarded as the cradle of Yoruba civilization, reconnects the people to these foundational values in ways no written record ever could.

What makes the World Ọbàtálá Festival especially significant is its role as a living archive. Songs, chants, rituals, white garments, sacred processions, and ancient rites passed down through generations are not merely performed; they are remembered in motion. Elders transmit knowledge to younger devotees not through textbooks, but through participation. In this sense, history is not stored on shelves—it walks the streets of Ile-Ife, breathes through its shrines, and speaks through its priests and priestesses.

The festival also serves as a powerful re-affirmation of Yoruba identity in a rapidly globalising world. At a time when indigenous cultures face erosion and misrepresentation, the World Ọbàtálá Festival offers a counter-narrative. It asserts that Yoruba spirituality is not outdated folklore but a sophisticated moral and philosophical system with global relevance. The gathering of Yoruba descendants from the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and other parts of Africa underscores this truth, transforming Ile-Ife into a meeting point of memory, belonging, and reconnection.

Purity, a central attribute of Ọbàtálá, is symbolised throughout the festival by the dominant use of white, white clothing, white offerings, and rites emphasising inner cleansing. Yet this purity goes beyond aesthetics. It speaks to clarity of intention, ethical living, and accountability, reminding participants that spirituality is inseparable from daily conduct. In celebrating Ọbàtálá, devotees are called to live justly, speak truthfully, and act with compassion.

Justice, another defining principle of Ọbàtálá, resonates strongly in contemporary times. The festival subtly but firmly reinforces the idea that leadership, whether spiritual or political, must be rooted in fairness and humility. In a society grappling with inequality and moral uncertainty, the rituals and narratives surrounding Ọbàtálá offer a timeless moral compass.

The World Ọbàtálá Festival 2026 is therefore more than a cultural event, it is a living declaration. It declares that Ile-Ife remains the spiritual heartbeat of the Yoruba people. It declares that Yoruba identity is resilient, dynamic, and self-defined. And it declares that purity and justice, as embodied by Ọbàtálá, are not abstract ideals but living values meant to shape the world.

As drums sound and white-clad devotees move through the ancient city, the message is clear: the past is not gone. In Ile-Ife, it lives, and through the World Ọbàtálá Festival, it continues to guide the present and future of the Yoruba world.

Questions Trail Joshua’s Mental Readiness as $1bn Usyk Showdown Is Announced

Anthony Joshua’s reported agreement to face Oleksandr Usyk in a final, winner-takes-all heavyweight showdown has ignited global excitement, and concern, following the recent loss of two of the British boxer’s close friends.

According to reports circulating on Tuesday, Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has signed a contract to fight Joshua one last time in a blockbuster bout valued at an astonishing $1 billion. The winner is expected to walk away with $700 million, while the loser earns $300 million. The fight is scheduled to take place at the Banger Boys Arena, a venue yet to officially confirm the event.

Joshua, a former unified heavyweight champion, has also reportedly accepted the fight and dedicated it to the memory of his late friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Latz, who died in a recent accident. The dedication has drawn emotional reactions from fans and analysts, many of whom are now asking whether the boxer is in the right mental state to prepare for a contest of such magnitude.

The proposed bout would mark the third meeting between Joshua and Usyk. Usyk won the first two encounters, outclassing Joshua on points in 2021 before retaining his titles in a rematch the following year. A third fight, if confirmed, would offer Joshua a chance at redemption and a definitive end to one of the most compelling rivalries in modern heavyweight boxing.

However, beyond the sporting stakes, attention has shifted to Joshua’s emotional wellbeing. The loss of close friends so close to a potential career-defining fight has raised questions about how grief might affect his focus, preparation, and performance inside the ring.

Neither Joshua’s camp nor Usyk’s team has issued an official statement confirming the contract details, while boxing promoters and sanctioning bodies are yet to publicly endorse the figures being reported. Still, the news has sparked intense debate within the boxing community.

If the fight goes ahead as planned, it would not only be one of the most lucrative bouts in boxing history but also one of the most emotionally charged, with Joshua carrying personal loss into a high-pressure battle for legacy, pride, and supremacy in the heavyweight division.

Seun Kuti, Stop Bragging About Fela: Some Legacies Don’t Need Loud Defender

 Open Letter to Seun Kuti

Dear Seun Kuti, 

There are names that do not need validation. Fela Anikulapo Kuti is one of them.

Across Nigeria, Africa, and far beyond our borders, Fela is not just admired; he is revered. His music, activism, and defiance of power have secured him a permanent place in global history. Long before social media, long before online debates and viral arguments, Fela had already become a symbol. That status does not rise or fall based on who praises him the loudest online.

This is why the constant online bragging about Fela feels unnecessary and, frankly, counterproductive.

When people come online to boast about Fela as if his greatness needs defending, it cheapens something that should stand on its own. Fela’s legacy does not require social media muscle-flexing. It does not need reminders packaged with arrogance or pride. His music speaks. His courage speaks. His sacrifices speak. History speaks.

What is more troubling is the unintended effect of this posture. Excessive bragging has provoked backlash, especially among younger, restless voices online. Some now throw insults at Fela, not because they understand or reject his work, but simply as a way to provoke those who act as self-appointed gatekeepers of his legacy. In trying to defend Fela loudly, his admirers end up dragging his name into needless online mud fights.

That helps no one. Certainly not Fela.

Yes, Fela may be a biological father to some. But symbolically, he belongs to millions. He is the father of Afrobeat, the conscience of a generation, and a voice for oppressed Africans everywhere. His life transcended family ties. Once a man becomes a symbol, he no longer belongs to a single household or surname.

That is why humility matters when invoking his name.

Fela lived loudly, but his legacy is quiet in its strength. It does not beg for attention. It does not compete for relevance. It does not need to be used as a weapon in online ego battles. Those who truly understand Fela honour him by engaging his ideas, playing his music, and learning from his courage, not by turning his name into a badge of superiority.

At this point, the most respectful thing we can do is simple: let Fela rest.

Let his music breathe. Let his story stand. Let history do its work.

Regards,

Yemi Olakitan 

Getting Started with Notion: Your Guide to Organizing Work, Life, and Everything In Between

 

Yemi Olakitan

If you’ve heard about Notion but feel overwhelmed by its blank pages and endless possibilities, you’re not alone. Notion is more than just a note-taking app—it’s an all-in-one workspace where you can write, plan, collaborate, and organize. Think of it as a digital playground for your thoughts, tasks, and projects.

This guide will help you cut through the noise and get started with confidence.

What Is Notion, Really?

At its core, Notion is a flexible workspace that combines:

Notes & Docs: Like Google Docs or Evernote.

Task & Project Management: Like Trello or Asana.

Databases: Like Airtable or a simple spreadsheet.

Wikis & Knowledge Bases: Like Confluence.

The magic is that all these live together in one app, connected and searchable.

Step 1: Sign Up and Set Up Your First Workspace

 

1. Create Your Account: Head to [notion.so](https://www.notion.so). Sign up with your email, Google, or Apple account. The free personal plan is incredibly powerful and will be enough for most beginners.

2. Choose Your Initial Templates: Notion will offer you templates. For now, select a simple one like “Personal Home” or “Getting Started.” You can change everything later.

3. Meet the Interface: You’ll see a sidebar on the left (your navigation), a main content area in the center, and a block-based editor. Don’t worry about the icons yet, just know you can click and type anywhere.

Step 2: Understand the Building Blocks: Pages and Blocks

This is the key to understanding Notion.

Pages: Everything in Notion is a page. A page can be a simple note, a to-do list, or an entire project dashboard with sub-pages inside.

Blocks: Every piece of content you add to a page is a block. A paragraph is a text block. A heading is a block. A to-do list, an image, a video, a database—they’re all blocks.

Try it now: On a new page, type `/` on your keyboard. This opens the block menu, your toolbox for everything. Type `/todo` to add a checkbox, `/head` for a heading, `/image` to upload a picture. Play with this—it’s how you build.

 

 Step 3: Start Simple: Your First Project Hub

Instead of trying to build a perfect system, start with one practical project.

1. Create a New Page: Click `+ New Page` in your sidebar.

2. Give it a name: “Learn Spanish,” “Home Renovation,” or “Blog Ideas.”

3. Add Content with Blocks:

    - Use a `Heading` for main sections.

    - Add a `/to-do` list for tasks.

    - Embed a `/table` to track resources or links.

    - Use `/callout` for important notes.

4. Make it pretty: Click the `⋮⋮` next to any block to drag and rearrange. Hover over text to change its style. Click `Add cover` or `Add icon` at the top to give your page personality.

Step 4: Supercharge with Databases (The Game Changer)

Databases are where Notion’s power truly shines. A database is a structured collection of pages (like rows in a spreadsheet). You can view it in multiple ways.

 

 

Simple Starter Database: A Personal Task Manager

 

1. Type `/table - inline` to create a new database.

2. Rename the default properties:

    - `Name` becomes `Task`.

    - Add a new property: Click `+`, select `Select`, name it `Status`. Add options: `Not Started`, `In Progress`, `Done`.

    - Add another: `Date` property called `Due Date`.

3. Switch Views: Click `+ Add a view` above the table. Choose `Board` and group by `Status`. Now you have a Kanban board (like Trello)! Choose `Calendar` to see tasks by due date.

You’ve just created a multi-view project tracker in two minutes.

Step 5: Explore and Adapt Templates

Don’t build from scratch yet. Notion’s Template Gallery is a treasure trove.

For Personal Use: Try “Habit Tracker,” “Reading List,” or “Life Wiki.”

For Work/Study: Try “Meeting Notes,” “Project Wiki,” or “Class Notes.”

 

To use one: Click `Templates` in your sidebar or type `/template` on a page. Add it, then reverse-engineer it. Click into the databases to see how they’re built. This is the fastest way to learn.

Pro-Tips for Beginners

1. Keyboard Shortcuts Are Your Friend: `Ctrl/Cmd + N` for a new page, `Ctrl/Cmd + /` for block options, `Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + L` to toggle dark mode.

2. Use the Quick Find (`Ctrl/Cmd + P`): Instantly search and jump to any page.

3. Share and Collaborate: Click `Share` top-right to invite others. You can share whole workspaces or individual pages.

4. Get the Apps: Install Notion on your phone and desktop for a seamless experience.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don’t Over-Engineer at First: Your system will evolve. Start with what you need today.

You Can’t Break Anything: Everything can be deleted, moved, or recovered. Be bold.

Sync Isn’t Instant: Notion is online-first. For critical offline notes, have a backup.

 

Your First Week with Notion: A Challenge

Day 1-2: Set up your personal home page. Add a simple to-do list for the week.

Day 3-4: Create one project page using a template. Add a small database.

Day 5-7: Create a “Notes” database to capture ideas, articles, and meeting notes.

 Embrace the Iteration

Notion is less about getting it perfect on day one and more about creating a workspace that grows with you. Start small, solve one problem, and gradually connect the dots. In a few weeks, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore Notion’s official guides and community forums when you’re ready for databases, relations, and formulas. But for now, just open a page and type `/`.

What will you build first? Share your starter Notion pages in the comments below!

Aje: The Yoruba Spirit of Wealth, Prosperity, and Divine Balance

Yemi Olakitan

                            

Among the revered deities in Yoruba spirituality, Aje occupies a cherished place as the Orisha of wealth, markets, prosperity, and abundance. In a culture where commerce, craftsmanship, and communal exchange are central to daily life, Aje represents both the material and spiritual forces that allow individuals and societies to thrive.

Aje is often described as a powerful feminine energy, though her presence transcends gender. She embodies the principles that make prosperity possible, diligence, fairness, creativity, and the mystical forces that open pathways to success. Traders, artisans, farmers, entrepreneurs, and even rulers seek her blessings, believing that wealth reaches its highest purpose only when aligned with responsibility and harmony.

Traditionally, Aje is honoured at marketplaces, sacred groves, and family shrines. Early in the morning, especially on market days, devotees offer prayers, water, kola nut, honey, cowries, and other symbolic gifts. These rituals are not mere transactions but acts of gratitude and alignment, acknowledging the unseen hands that guide fortune.

 

In Yoruba thought, Aje is not just about money. She represents ase, the spiritual power that draws opportunities, strengthens intuition, and nurtures ventures. Her presence teaches that wealth must circulate, just as markets depend on movement and exchange. A hoarded fortune stagnates, but shared prosperity multiplies. This philosophy shapes community life, where generosity is celebrated and success is a collective pride.

Folktales portray Aje as both compassionate and exacting. She rewards honesty and hard work but withdraws her favour when greed or injustice takes root. In this way, she becomes a moral compass, reminding people that true wealth emerges from balance ,between giving and receiving, ambition and humility, personal gain and communal wellbeing.

Today, Aje remains deeply relevant. Entrepreneurs invoke her guidance when launching new ventures. Families pray for abundance and stability. Artists and creatives seek inspiration from her flowing energy. Across the diaspora, she is honoured in various forms, symbolising resilience, enterprise, and the eternal connection between the spiritual and material worlds.

To embrace Aje is to recognise prosperity as a sacred force, one that demands respect, intention, and a heart open to both effort and blessing. She reminds her followers that wealth is not a destination but a living current, sustained by wisdom, integrity, and the invisible grace that shapes every journey.

Why Nigeria Needs Community-Based Anti-Terror Squads Now!

 

Tinubu

Yemi Olakitan

 

For too long, the narrative of terrorism in Nigeria has been one of distant threats,     centralized responses, and communities left vulnerable in the agonizing gap between a distress call and military arrival. Our gallant armed forces are stretched thin, fighting a hydra-headed enemy across vast terrains. It is time for a paradigm shift. It is time to weave a security fabric so tight that terrorists have no room to operate. The solution lies in the creation of a federally and state-funded, military-trained.

 

Community-Based Anti-Terror Response Squad (CBARS).

The current model, while brave, is reactive. We need a proactive, pervasive system that places the power of security directly into the hands of the people, backed by the training and firepower of the state.

The Intelligence Chasm: Winning the War of Information

Terrorism do not emerge from vacuums; they live and plan within and among communities. They rely on the fear and silence of the populace. A centralized security apparatus often struggles to penetrate this wall of silence due to distance, distrust, and cultural barriers.

A CBARS unit, composed of vetted and trusted members of the community, shatters this dynamic. These individuals know the landscape, the families, and the subtle changes that signal danger, a new face asking suspicious questions, unusual movements at odd hours, or a sudden change in local dynamics. They become the eyes and ears on the ground, providing real-time, actionable intelligence to the military. This transforms the fight from a game of catch-up to one of pre-emption, dismantling terror cells before they can strike.

The Golden Minutes: The Need for Rapid Response

In a terror attack, every second is a lifetime. The delay between an attack in a remote village in Niger State or a market in Borno and the arrival of army reinforcements can be the difference between a contained incident and a mass casualty event.

A CBARS unit, stationed within its Local Government Area and equipped with arms, communication gear, and rapid-response vehicles, can be mobilized in minutes. Their primary mission is not to engage in prolonged firefights but to provide an immediate, organized response to secure the area, protect civilians, and frustrate the attackers until the military arrives. This "first responder" capability will save countless lives and deny terrorists the time to execute their plans unchallenged.

A Unified, Nationwide Front: Equipment and Readiness

For this to work, the CBARS cannot be a poorly equipped vigilante group. It must be a standardized, professional force.

Training: The Nigerian Military will be responsible for a rigorous training regimen in counter-terrorism tactics, intelligence gathering, civil relations, and the rule of law.

Funding: A joint funding mechanism from the Federal and State Governments will ensure uniformity in equipment, salaries, and logistics, preventing the squads from becoming politicized or under-resourced.

Structure: Each of the 774 Local Government Areas would host a CBARS unit, linked to a central command at the state level, which in turn is integrated with military operations. This creates a seamless, nationwide security network.

Terror Prevention through Omnipresence

The mere existence of a vigilant, officially-sanctioned security unit in every community is a powerful deterrent. Knowing that every community is a hardened target, with trained personnel ready to raise an alarm and respond, makes the country a significantly less attractive operating ground for terrorists. This strategy shifts our posture from defense to active denial, preventing attacks before they are even conceived.

 Reclaiming Our Territory

The war on terror cannot be won by the military alone. It is a national struggle that requires a whole-of-society approach. By empowering our communities, leveraging local knowledge, and creating a rapid-response infrastructure that covers the entire nation, we can finally turn the tide.

The Community-Based Anti-Terror Response Squad is not just a security strategy; it is a statement of national resolve. It is the embodiment of the truth that the people are the ultimate guardians of their own peace. Let us equip them, train them, and integrate them into our national security architecture. It is time to build a Nigeria where no community is left waiting for help, and where terror finds no sanctuary.

Let's discuss this! Share your thoughts in the comments below on how we can advocate for this initiative.

The Place of Osanyin in Yoruba Spiritual Life: Guardian of Leaves and Hidden Cures

Among the many divinities honoured in Yoruba tradition, Osanyin stands out as the keeper of secrets tucked away in roots, leaves, and bark. He is the Orisha of herbal medicine, the patron of healers, and the spirit believed to whisper knowledge of nature’s pharmacy to those chosen to wield it.

 

Osanyin is often depicted as a one-legged, one-eyed, one-armed figure, an image that symbolises his unmatched focus and mastery. Nothing distracts him from the mysteries growing in the wild. In Yoruba cosmology, these physical features do not denote weakness; they highlight the divine intensity with which he guards the powers of the forest.

 

Herbalists, known as oníṣègùn or babaláwo, often invoke Osanyin before gathering medicinal plants. They believe every leaf has a spirit, and only the Orisha’s blessing ensures the medicine works as intended. His staff, the Opa Osanyin, decorated with birds perched at its crown, represents spiritual surveillance and the ability to perceive unseen dangers. The birds symbolise witches, forces of nature, and invisible energies that interact with human life.

His worship is rooted in respect for the environment. Devotees see the forest not as wilderness to be tamed, but as a living library. Rituals dedicated to Osanyin emphasise balance—taking only what is needed and offering prayers in return. His shrines, often placed under large trees, are reminders of the bond between humans and the earth.

Osanyin’s story also teaches about humility. Though he holds the deepest knowledge of herbs, Yoruba myths say that no single Orisha can solve every problem alone. Even Osanyin’s medicine reaches its full potential when guided by wisdom, character, and cooperation among the divinities.

In today’s world, where modern medicine and traditional healing often intersect, Osanyin’s legacy continues to thrive. From rural herbalists to urban spiritual practitioners, many still honour the Orisha whose domain is the life hidden in leaves. His place in Yoruba belief remains a testament to the enduring respect for nature, ancestral knowledge, and the unseen forces that sustain welleing.

 

Yoruba: Most Influential African Ethnic Group in the World

Yemi Olakitan

The Yoruba people are among the most influential and widely dispersed ethnic groups in Africa and the global diaspora. Known for their rich culture, sophisticated traditions, and far-reaching history, the Yoruba have shaped art, religion, and philosophy far beyond the borders of Nigeria.

With an estimated population of over 50 million, the Yoruba are often regarded as the largest ethnic group of African origin in the world, with communities spread across West Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.

This article explores who the Yoruba are, where they come from, and how their culture continues to shape the world today.

Origins and Homeland

The Yoruba homeland is located in Southwestern Nigeria, covering major states such as Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti, and extending into parts of Kogi and Kwara. Yoruba communities can also be found in Benin Republic and Togo, making them a major cultural group in West Africa.

 

According to Yoruba oral tradition, the ethnic group traces its origins to Ile-Ife, the ancient city regarded as the spiritual and historical cradle of the Yoruba civilization. It is believed that the world was created in Ile-Ife by Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba people. From there, his descendants founded several kingdoms and empires, such as Oyo, Ijebu, Ife, and Ekiti, Egba and Awori, each developing distinct but related traditions.

 

Population and Global Spread

Today, Yoruba people make up one of Africa’s largest ethnic populations. Nigeria alone is home to over 40 million Yoruba, but millions more can be found across the world due to migration, trade, and the transatlantic slave trade.

Significant Yoruba-descended populations exist in:

Benin and Togo, traditional Yoruba settlements like Ketu and Sakété.

Brazil, where Yoruba religion influenced Candomblé

Cuba and the Caribbean, shaping Santería  and Lucumí practices.

Trinidad and Haiti: where Yoruba spirituality and drumming live on through Orisha worship.

The United States and United Kingdom: where Yoruba descendants are active in academia, music, and art.

 

This global presence makes the Yoruba not just an ethnic group, but a cultural powerhouse, connecting Africa with its diaspora communities.

Language and Communication

 

The Yoruba language (Èdè Yorùbá) is spoken by millions of people and serves as a major unifying factor among Yoruba communities worldwide. It belongs to the Niger-Congo language family, and it has many dialects, including Oyo, Ijebu, Ekiti, Egbado, Akoko,  Awori and Egba.

Yoruba is also widely taught in universities around the world, and in Nigeria, it is one of the three major languages used in education, media, and literature.

 

Beyond its linguistic richness, Yoruba is tonal, meaning that pitch and intonation can completely change the meaning of a word. This gives the language its rhythmic, musical quality, often reflected in Yoruba poetry and songs.

 

Traditional Religion and Spirituality

Before the spread of Christianity and Islam, the Yoruba practiced a highly organized traditional religion centered on Olodumare (the Supreme Being) and hundreds of Orishas (deities or divine manifestations)

 

Some of the most revered Orishas include:

Sango – god of thunder and lightning.

Ogun– god of iron and war.

Osun – goddess of fertility, love, and the river.

Obatala– god of creation and purity.

Orunmila (Ifa)– deity of wisdom and divination.

 

Yoruba spirituality emphasizes balance, destiny (ayanmo), and moral living (iwa pele). The religion’s influence extends far beyond Nigeria,  through the African diaspora, Yoruba deities and rituals have merged with local traditions, forming religions like  Santería (Cuba), Candomblé (Brazil), and Ifá worship,  across the Americas.

Political Systems and Kingship

The Yoruba are known for their well-structured systems of governance, built around kingdoms ruled by traditional monarchs known as Obas. The Oba is both a political and spiritual leader, supported by a council of chiefs (Ijoye) and community elders.

Famous Yoruba kingdoms include:

Oyo Empire – once one of the most powerful pre-colonial empires in West Africa.

Ife Kingdom – the spiritual heart of Yoruba civilization.

Ijebu and Egba kingdoms– known for trade, wealth, and diplomacy.

 

Even today, the traditional rulers, such as the Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, and Awujale of Ijebu, continue to play important cultural and social roles in modern Nigeria.

Art, Culture, and Identity

Yoruba art is deeply symbolic and spiritual, often serving as a bridge between the physical and metaphysical worlds. From the ancient bronze sculptures of Ife to modern wood carvings, beadwork, and textiles, Yoruba artistry reflects a deep understanding of beauty, divinity, and identity.

Cultural expressions like drumming, chanting, and dance are integral to Yoruba life,  used in festivals, worship, and ceremonies. The Yoruba are also known for their proverbs, poetry (ewì)and  oral storytelling, which preserve wisdom and moral values across generations.

Complete Guide to Yoruba Festivals

  Yemi Olakitan

From the sacred groves of Osogbo to the royal courtyards of Ijebu-Ode, Yoruba festivals offer a deep journey into one of Africa’s most enduring cultures. Whether you’re a traveler, researcher, or cultural enthusiast, these festivals open a window into a world where tradition, spirituality, and celebration coexist in perfect harmony.

 

The Yoruba people of Nigeria are known for their vibrant culture, deep spirituality, and colorful festivals that celebrate everything from harvests to deities, kingship, and ancestry. These festivals are not mere spectacles, they are living traditions that connect the past with the present, the spiritual with the earthly, and the people with their gods and community.

If you have ever wanted to explore Yoruba culture in its truest form, attending a festival is the best way to experience its rhythm, music, and meaning. In this guide, we’ll take you through the most important Yoruba festivals, their origins, what they symbolize, and what to expect when you attend.

 

1. Eyo Festival (Adamu Orisha Play) –Lagos

The Eyo Festival is one of the most famous Yoruba cultural events, celebrated in Lagos Island. It features masqueraders known as Eyo dressed in white flowing robes and wide-brimmed hats (Aga), carrying staffs called Opambata.

 

Originally, the festival was held to honor the passing of an Oba (king) or a high chief, but today it also celebrates Lagos’ heritage and unity. Streets come alive with music, chants, and dancing, as thousands of people gather to witness the spectacle.

When: Dates vary, but often held between February and May.

Where: Lagos Island.

Highlights:Procession of Eyo masqueraders, drumming, street parades, and traditional chants.

 

2. Osun-Osogbo Festival – Osogbo, Osun State

 

The Osun-Osogbo Festival is one of the most sacred Yoruba festivals, held in honor of Osun, the river goddess of fertility, purity, and love. Devotees, traditional worshippers, and tourists gather at the Osun Sacred Grove,  a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to offer prayers, songs, and sacrifices.

 

The festival reaffirms the bond between the goddess and the people of Osogbo, especially during the annual procession led by the Arugba (a virgin girl who carries sacrificial items on her head).

When: Every August.

Where: Osogbo, Osun State.

Highlights: Procession to the Osun River, cultural performances, drumming, and blessings for fertility and prosperity.

 

3. Olojo Festival – Ile-Ife, Osun State

 

The Olojo Festival is one of the oldest Yoruba festivals, celebrated in Ile-Ife, and regarded as the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba people. The festival honors Ogun, the god of iron and war, and commemorates the creation of the world according to Yoruba cosmology.

During the festival, the Ooni of Ife (the traditional ruler) appears wearing the sacred Aare Crown, believed to possess spiritual powers. It’s a deeply symbolic event that attracts thousands from across Nigeria and beyond.

 

When: September or October.

Where: Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Highlights: Appearance of the Ooni, rituals to Ogun, drumming, and cultural displays.

 

4. Ojude Oba Festival – Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State

 

The Ojude Oba Festival (meaning “The King’s Forecourt”) is a grand celebration of unity and loyalty among the Ijebu people. It is held every third day after the Islamic festival of Eid-el-Kabir.

 

Different age groups (regberegbe) parade in colorful traditional attire, accompanied by music, horse riders, and performances in front of the Awujale’s palace. The event showcases Ijebu pride and cultural heritage.

When: Two days after Eid-el-Kabir (usually around July–August).

Where: Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Highlights: Horse parades, drumming, regberegbe displays, and royal reception.

 

5. Egungun Festival – Across Yoruba Towns

The Egungun Festival honors the ancestors, who are believed to return from the spirit world to bless and guide their descendants. The festival is marked by colorful masquerades representing ancestral spirits, drumming, dancing, and communal feasts.

It’s both a spiritual and social event — a time to remember the dead and to renew family and community bonds.

When: Varies across communities.

Where: Ibadan, Oyo, Ede, and other Yoruba towns.

Highlights: Masquerade displays, drumming, and traditional dances.

 

6. Sango Festival – Oyo Town, Oyo State

 

The Sango Festival celebrates Sango, the Yoruba god of thunder and lightning. Sango was once a powerful Alaafin (king) of Oyo who later became deified.

The festival features fire displays, drumming, chants, and rituals performed by devotees dressed in red, Sango’s sacred color. It’s one of the most energetic and visually striking festivals in Yoruba land.

When: August.

Where: Oyo Town, Oyo State.

Highlights: Fire-spinning performances, rituals at the Sango shrine, and royal parades.

Red is the prefered colour of Sango

7. Ogun Festival, Across Yoruba Land

Ogun, the god of iron, war, and technology, is highly revered among the Yoruba. The Ogun Festival celebrates his strength and protection, especially among hunters, drivers, blacksmiths, and warriors.

Animals are sacrificed, palm wine is poured on iron tools, and prayers are offered for safety and prosperity.

When: Varies (often in August or September).

Where: Ire-Ekiti, Ondo, and many other towns.

Highlights: Processions, sacrifices, drumming, and feasting.

8. Edi Festival – Ile-Ife

 

The Edi Festival celebrates the defeat of Moremi Ajasoro, a legendary heroine of Ile-Ife, who sacrificed herself to save her people. The festival features dramatic reenactments of her story, traditional songs, and rituals of thanksgiving.

It’s a celebration of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism, virtues highly valued in Yoruba culture.

When: November.

Where: Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Highlights: Reenactment of Moremi’s legend, processions, and cultural dances.

 

9. Ifa Festival – Ile-Ife

 

The Ifa Festival honors Orunmila, the deity of wisdom, divination, and knowledge. Priests of Ifa (Babalawos) gather to perform rituals and offer prophecies for the coming year.

It’s a time of deep spiritual reflection and renewal for devotees of traditional Yoruba religion.

When: June or July.

Where: Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Highlights: Ifa divination ceremonies, prayers, drumming, and sacrifices.

Why Yoruba Festivals Matter

Yoruba festivals are not just cultural performances, they are powerful expressions of faith, identity, and community. Each event tells a story, honors the ancestors, and keeps the traditions alive in an ever-modernizing world.

For visitors, they offer an unforgettable glimpse into Africa’s rich spiritual and artistic heritage. For the Yoruba people, they reaffirm who they are and where they come from.

 

 

Tips for Attending Yoruba Festivals

 

Dress modestly and traditionally, if possible, wearing, Adire, Ankara or Aso Oke shows respect for the culture.

Respect sacred sites; avoid taking photos in restricted areas.

Go with a local guide, who understands the rituals and language.

Be open-minded: Yoruba spirituality is symbolic and layered with meaning.

Relax and enjoy yourself

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