A World of Wonders: Unveiling the Top Cultural Festivals Across Five Nations (2)

 

Brazil: Samba, Folklore, and Feasting

Brazil's festivals are renowned for their infectious energy, musicality, and grand scale, reflecting the nation's vibrant mix of indigenous, African, and European influences.

• Rio Carnival (Rio de Janeiro): Undoubtedly the most famous festival in Brazil, and arguably the world, Rio Carnival is a pre-Lenten spectacle of samba parades, elaborate costumes, and street parties (blocos). It's a non-stop celebration of life, music, and dance that draws millions.

• Parintins Folklore Festival (Amazonas): Held annually in late June, this three-day festival on Parintins Island is Brazil's second-largest. It celebrates the legend of Boi-Bumba, a resurrected ox, through elaborate theatrical performances, music, and dance, pitting two rival groups against each other in a colorful cultural competition.
• Festa Junina (Nationwide): Celebrated throughout June, Festa Junina commemorates Saint John the Baptist and rural life. Brazilians don straw hats and plaid shirts, enjoy corn-based delicacies, play traditional games, and dance the quadrilha, a form of square dance. The celebrations are particularly spirited in the countryside.

Mexico: Honoring Ancestors and Heritage

Mexican festivals are deeply rooted in indigenous traditions and Catholic beliefs, creating a captivating blend of solemnity and vibrant celebration.

• Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead - Nationwide): Observed on November 1st and 2nd, Día de Muertos is a profoundly meaningful celebration honoring deceased loved ones. Families create vibrant altars (ofrendas) with food, flowers, and photos, and participate in lively parades with intricate skull makeup and costumes, believing that the spirits of the dead return to visit their families.
• Guelaguetza (Oaxaca): Held in July in Oaxaca, Guelaguetza (meaning "offering") is an ancient festival showcasing the diverse indigenous cultures of the state. Delegations from various regions perform traditional dances in their unique costumes, offering their cultural gifts to the audience.
• Mexican Independence Day (Nationwide): On September 16th, Mexico erupts in patriotic fervor to commemorate its independence from Spain. The celebration begins on the evening of September 15th with "El Grito de Dolores" (The Cry of Dolores) led by the President, followed by fireworks, parades, and street parties across the country.

United States: A Tapestry of Cultures

The United States, a melting pot of cultures, hosts a wide array of festivals that reflect its diverse population and regional identities.

• Mardi Gras (New Orleans, Louisiana): This pre-Lenten carnival in New Orleans is a world-famous spectacle of parades, elaborate floats, masked revelers, and jazz music. It's a unique blend of French, African, and American traditions, creating an unforgettable party atmosphere.
• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (New Mexico): Held every October, this is the world's largest hot-air balloon festival. Hundreds of colorful balloons ascend into the sky, creating a breathtaking visual feast. It's a testament to human ingenuity and the beauty of the New Mexico landscape.
• National Cherry Blossom Festival (Washington, D.C.): Celebrating the gift of cherry trees from Japan, this festival in late March and early April transforms Washington D.C. into a sea of pink and white. It includes parades, cultural performances, and a focus on Japanese arts and traditions, symbolizing friendship and renewal.
• Jazz and Heritage Festival (New Orleans, Louisiana): Beyond Mardi Gras, New Orleans is also home to the iconic Jazz Fest in late April and early May. This massive event celebrates the city's rich musical heritage, showcasing various genres from jazz and blues to gospel and R&B, alongside delicious local cuisine and crafts.

Vietnam: Spiritual Rites and Festive Lights

Vietnamese festivals often blend ancient spiritual practices with vibrant community celebrations, offering insights into the country's profound cultural roots.

• Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year - Nationwide): The most important and widely celebrated festival in Vietnam, Tet marks the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar (usually late January or early February). It's a time for family reunions, ancestral worship, house cleaning, and exchanging wishes for good fortune.
• Hoi An Lantern Festival (Hoi An): Held monthly on the 14th day of the lunar month, this charming festival sees the ancient town of Hoi An transform as electric lights are turned off and thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets and Hoai River. It's a magical and serene experience.
• Perfume Pagoda Festival (Hanoi): This major Buddhist pilgrimage festival takes place in spring, attracting thousands of devotees to the Perfume Pagoda complex in Hanoi. Pilgrims journey by boat and on foot to visit temples nestled in limestone mountains, seeking blessings and spiritual merit.
• Hung King Temple Festival (Phu Tho Province): Celebrated annually on the 10th day of the third lunar month, this festival commemorates the mythical Hung Kings, the founders of the Vietnamese nation. It's a significant event for national identity, featuring rituals, cultural performances, and a grand procession to the Hung Temple.

These festivals are more than just events; they are living expressions of culture, history, and community spirit. Attending any of them promises an unforgettable experience and a deeper understanding of the world's incredible diversity. So, which cultural celebration will you add to your bucket list first?

A World of Wonders: Unveiling the Top Cultural Festivals Across Five Nations (1)

 

Yemi Olakitan

From vibrant street parties to ancient spiritual rites, cultural festivals are the beating heart of nations, offering a captivating glimpse into their unique traditions, histories, and shared identities. If you're a traveler seeking authentic experiences and a deeper connection to global cultures, mark your calendars! We're embarking on a journey to explore some of the most compelling cultural festivals in Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico, the United States, and Vietnam.

Nigeria: A Kaleidoscope of Traditions

Nigeria, a nation rich in diverse ethnic groups, boasts a multitude of festivals that celebrate its vibrant heritage.

• Calabar Carnival (Cross River State): Dubbed "Africa's Biggest Street Party," this month-long extravaganza in December is a sensory explosion of music, dance, and elaborate costumes. Expect grand parades, cultural displays, and a contagious atmosphere of joy and celebration.
• Durbar Festival (Northern Nigeria): Celebrated in several northern states like Kano and Kaduna, particularly during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the Durbar Festival is a spectacular display of horsemanship and pageantry. Emirs and chiefs ride adorned horses, paying homage and showcasing their traditional regalia in a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.
• Osun-Osogbo Festival (Osun State): An annual sacred festival held in August, this celebration honors Osun, the Yoruba goddess of fertility. Pilgrims and devotees gather at the sacred grove in Osogbo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for rituals, prayers, and cultural performances, offering a profound insight into Yoruba spirituality.
• New Yam Festival (Various Igbo Communities): Celebrated across many communities in southeastern Nigeria, this festival, also known as Iri Ji Ohuru or Iwa Ji, marks the annual harvest of yams. It's a time of thanksgiving, feasting, and cultural performances, symbolizing renewal and abundance.

·         Ojude Oba Festival: Among Nigeria's rich tapestry of cultural celebrations, the Ojude Oba Festival stands out as a vibrant and highly anticipated annual event. Held in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria, this festival is a profound expression of the Ijebu people's rich heritage, deep-rooted traditions, and enduring unity.

Meaning and Origin: "Ojude Oba" literally translates to "the King's Forecourt" in the Yoruba language. The festival's origins trace back over a century, beginning as a modest gathering where Muslim faithful in Ijebuland would pay homage to the Awujale, the traditional ruler of Ijebuland, after the Eid al-Kabir (Ileya) prayers. This gesture was a show of gratitude for the freedom to practice their religion peacefully. Over time, what started as a religious thanksgiving evolved into a grand cultural spectacle that embraces all Ijebu indigenes, regardless of faith.

A Celebration of Homage and Identity: The Ojude Oba Festival is typically held on the third day after Eid al-Kabir. At its core, it is a day for the people of Ijebu to pay homage and show respect to their paramount ruler, the Awujale of Ijebuland. Thousands of Ijebu indigenes, their friends, and associates from all walks of life, both within Nigeria and from the diaspora, converge at the Awujale's palace to partake in the festivities.

Key Highlights and Spectacle:

• Regberegbe (Age Grades): One of the most captivating aspects of Ojude Oba is the parade of the regberegbe, or cultural age-grade groups. These groups, meticulously organized and often distinguished by their age, don elaborate, matching, and often expensive traditional attires. Each group strives to outshine the others in terms of fashion, dance, and coordinated displays, creating a stunning visual feast. The attire choices, from rich fabrics like Aso Oke, Adire, and lace, to intricate designs and accessories, are a powerful statement of class, identity, and economic status.
• Horse Riding by Balogun Families: Another show-stopping element is the thrilling display of horsemanship by descendants of Ijebu war heroes, known as the Balogun families. Dressed in magnificent regalia, they gallop majestically on exquisitely adorned horses, often accompanied by intermittent gunshots and enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. This segment evokes the martial history of the Ijebu people and adds a dynamic flair to the celebration.
• Cultural Performances: Beyond the parades, the festival features a variety of traditional music, dances, and artistic expressions. The air is filled with the sounds of talking drums, flutes, and local melodies, creating an intoxicating atmosphere of joy and celebration.
• Unity and Inclusivity: Despite its Muslim origins, Ojude Oba is a testament to religious tolerance and unity. Christians, traditional worshippers, and visitors from diverse backgrounds all participate enthusiastically, making it a truly inclusive event that reinforces the collective identity of the Ijebu people.

Economic and Social Impact: The Ojude Oba Festival has a significant impact on the local economy. Hotels in Ijebu Ode are typically booked solid weeks in advance, and local businesses, from fashion designers and food vendors to transporters and artisans, experience a surge in activity. The festival also serves as a vital platform for community development, inter-generational bonding, and the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage to younger generations. Its growing global recognition has also attracted corporate sponsorships, further boosting its economic footprint.

In recent years, the festival has garnered increased international attention, thanks in part to viral social media content showcasing its unique blend of tradition, fashion, and vibrant energy. The Ojude Oba Festival is not just a cultural event; it is a living archive of Yoruba history, a powerful engine for local development, and a true spectacle that showcases the enduring spirit and grandeur of the Ijebu people.

 

Esu: The Unyielding Enforcer of Cosmic Justice

 

 

By Ifagbade Faroye

In the intricate tapestry of Yoruba cosmology, few deities evoke as much complexity, fascination, and occasional apprehension as Esu. Often misunderstood or unfairly equated with negative Western archetypes, Esu is, in essence, a pivotal force for balance, an impartial arbiter, and crucially, the enforcer of karma.

 Far from being a malevolent entity, Esu serves as the cosmic police force, ensuring that the delicate scales of justice remain perfectly calibrated.

To truly grasp Esu’s role as an enforcer of karma, one must first shed preconceived notions and delve into the nuanced understanding of his nature. Esu is not good or evil; he is the principle of dynamism, the messenger of the Orisa, and the divine provocateur who tests humanity's resolve and reveals its true character. He stands at the crossroads – literal and metaphorical – where decisions are made, and consequences are born.

 

In Yoruba spiritual thought, karma, or iwa pele (good character) and iwa buruku (bad character), is not merely a philosophical concept but an active, ever-present force. Every action, thought, and word creates ripples in the fabric of existence, and these ripples inevitably return to their source. This is where Esu's role becomes paramount. He is the one who ensures that these ripples reach their destination.

Esu acts as the divine mechanism that brings about the consequences of one's deeds, both positive and negative.

 When offerings are not made, when oaths are broken, when injustice is perpetrated, or when good deeds are performed, Esu is the one who transmits these actions to the appropriate Orisa and, more importantly, facilitates the manifestation of their natural repercussions. He orchestrates the circumstances, opens the doors, or creates the obstacles that align with the karmic trajectory of an individual.

 

Consider a person who consistently acts with malice and deceit. Esu, in his role, doesn't punish out of anger but rather facilitates the unfolding of events that reflect the energy put forth. This might manifest as unforeseen setbacks, strained relationships, or a general sense of unease. Conversely, for someone who consistently demonstrates generosity and integrity, Esu ensures that opportunities arise, blessings manifest, and positive connections are fostered. He is the impartial mirror reflecting the true nature of one's actions back to them.

 

It is precisely this impartial nature that makes Esu so vital to the cosmic order. Without him, the universe would descend into chaos, with no accountability for actions. He is the principle that ensures cause and effect are inextricably linked, preventing a free-for-all where individuals can escape the repercussions of their choices. He compels individuals to confront the outcomes of their decisions, thus fostering growth, self-awareness, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of universal laws.

In initiation ceremonies, Esu is always propitiated first, acknowledging his role as the opener of pathways and the gatekeeper of destiny. By honoring Esu, one acknowledges the fundamental truth of cause and effect and seeks his guidance in navigating the complexities of life with integrity and awareness.

Ultimately, Esu is not a force to be feared, but a profound teacher and an indispensable part of the cosmic balance. He is the unyielding enforcer of karma, a constant reminder that our actions have consequences, and that true justice, in the Yoruba worldview, is not about arbitrary punishment but about the inherent unfolding of destiny shaped by our own choices. Embracing this understanding of Esu allows for a deeper appreciation of the intricate and just nature of the universe.

Esu: The Complex and Misunderstood Orisha in Yoruba Isese Spirituality

 

By Yemi Olakitan

In the vibrant tapestry of Yoruba traditional religion, a multitude of Orisha embody various forces of nature, human endeavors, and spiritual principles. Among these, few are as complex, ubiquitous, and frequently misunderstood as Esu (also known as Elegba or Elegbara).

Often erroneously equated with the Devil in Abrahamic faiths due to colonial influences and a misinterpretation of his role, Esu is, in fact, a pivotal and multifaceted Orisha, embodying principles of divine messenger, enforcer of divine law, and the dynamic force of creation and chaos.

Esu's Essential Nature: The Divine Messenger and Enforcer of Ashe

At his core, Esu serves as the divine intermediary between the Orisha and humanity, and among the Orisha themselves. He is the keeper of ashe (a divine power, authority, and life force) and the one who ensures its proper flow and manifestation in the world. No sacrifice, offering, or prayer can reach the Orisha without Esu's permission and facilitation. He opens and closes the pathways, ensuring that communication flows freely between the earthly realm (Aye) and the spiritual realm (Orun).

This role as divine messenger is why Esu is typically honored first in any ritual or ceremony. Neglecting Esu can lead to blockages, misunderstandings, and ineffective supplications. He is the gatekeeper, the one who determines whether our intentions and offerings are received and acted upon by the other Orisha.

The Crossroads: Esu as the Embodiment of Choice and Consequence

Esu is inextricably linked with the crossroads – both literally and metaphorically. The physical crossroads represent a point of decision, a place where paths diverge, offering multiple possibilities. Spiritually, Esu embodies the crossroads of life, where individuals face choices that determine their destiny and the consequences that follow.

He challenges individuals to confront their responsibilities and the ramifications of their actions. Esu is not inherently good or evil; rather, he reflects the moral quality of the choices made. If one acts with integrity and respect for divine principles, Esu can be a benevolent guide, opening doors and creating opportunities. However, if one acts with malice, disrespect, or negligence, Esu can become a formidable force of correction, bringing about challenges, obstacles, and even misfortune to ensure balance is restored. This dynamic aspect is often what leads to his mischaracterization as a purely malevolent entity.

Trickster, Catalyst, and Bringer of Balance

Esu is often portrayed as a trickster, but his trickery is not arbitrary. It serves a higher purpose: to expose hypocrisy, reveal hidden truths, and force individuals to evolve. His playful yet potent interventions can disrupt complacency, break stagnation, and instigate necessary change. He is the catalyst that stirs the pot, ensuring that life remains dynamic and that individuals are constantly learning and adapting.

Furthermore, Esu is the ultimate embodiment of balance. He represents the inherent duality of existence: creation and destruction, order and chaos, good and bad. He understands that these seemingly opposing forces are necessary for the universe to maintain equilibrium and for growth to occur. By bringing both positive and negative experiences into our lives, Esu teaches us resilience, wisdom, and the importance of navigating the complexities of the human experience.

Beyond the Misconception: A Deeply Revered Orisha

Despite the historical misinterpretations, within Yoruba traditional religion, Esu is deeply revered and understood as a vital force for progress and justice. He is not worshipped out of fear, but out of respect for his indispensable role in maintaining cosmic order and facilitating human interaction with the divine.

Shrines to Esu, often marked by a mound of laterite or concrete with eyes and a mouth, are ubiquitous in Yoruba lands. Offerings of palm oil, kola nuts, and even alcohol are made to him regularly to honor his presence and ensure his benevolent influence.

In conclusion, Esu is far more than a simple devil figure. He is a profound and intricate Orisha who challenges our perceptions, enforces divine will, and ultimately guides us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe. To truly comprehend the richness of Yoruba traditional religion, one must move beyond simplistic caricatures and embrace the complex, dynamic, and ultimately indispensable role of Esu.

Saving the Baby in the Bathwater: President Tinubu’s Quiet Wins in a Storm of Criticism

 

 AS PUBLISHED IN The Journal Nigeria  June 2, 2025 

Yemi Olakitan

Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, the public conversation has largely revolved around the harsh economic climate, controversial policy decisions, and a general sense of discontent among citizens. From petrol subsidy removal to the floating of the naira, criticisms have come thick and fast. And yet, buried beneath the rubble of angry headlines and social media negativity, there are achievements—real ones—that deserve to be acknowledged. Ignoring them doesn’t only warp public memory; it erodes a balanced understanding of governance.

It’s no secret that Tinubu’s presidency began with interruptions. His inaugural announcement to end the fuel subsidy sent reactions through the economy. Overnight, transport costs surged, inflation galloped, and Nigerians were left reeling. The anger was, and remains, understandable. But to judge his administration purely through the lens of short-term pain misses the broader picture—and perhaps, the long game he’s trying to play.

One of the core pillars of Tinubu’s reform agenda is economic deregulation. The fuel subsidy, which had long been a sinkhole for public funds, cost Nigeria trillions annually, benefitting a select few while draining national resources. Removing it was politically risky but economically necessary. The impact has been bruising, but the rationale was sound: to redirect public funds into sectors that can spur long-term growth, such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

A similar argument applies to the unification of the exchange rate. While the move introduced volatility and widened inequality in the short term, it tackled the long-standing issue of currency arbitrage, where a few privileged actors profited from opaque and multiple exchange windows. It’s an unpopular reform, but one that international economic observers and investors see as a sign of fiscal seriousness.

Even more quietly, Tinubu’s administration has taken steps toward improving federal infrastructure. The continued focus on road and rail development—projects inherited but accelerated—suggests a government aware of Nigeria’s logistical bottlenecks. These may not be as headline-grabbing as fuel prices, but they are the arteries through which economic rejuvenation will eventually flow.

Perhaps most underreported is his effort to revamp the tax system. Through the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, the administration is trying to widen the tax net without overburdening already-stretched Nigerians. Simplifying taxes, closing loopholes, and digitizing systems are technocratic fixes, not political fireworks—but they’re essential for national growth.

Of course, no one should pretend that Tinubu’s record is spotless. Nigerians are suffering, and no amount of macroeconomic explanation should dismiss the lived reality of hardship. The administration’s communication has been poor, often failing to explain not just what it is doing, but why. Trust deficits remain a major obstacle, and valid questions about corruption, insecurity, and transparency must persist.

But we must learn to hold two truths at once: that a government can be faltering in its empathy and delivery, yet still be planting seeds for reform that may bear fruit. The rush to condemn everything as a failure is as unhelpful as blind praise. What’s needed is a vigilant but fair-minded citizenry—one that can criticize without erasing progress.

President Tinubu’s tenure may yet be judged a success or a failure. But the debate must be honest, not convenient. There is a baby in the bathwater, and if we’re not careful, we’ll throw it out with our rage.

What often gets lost in the noise is that beyond the major headline reforms and symbolic mega-projects, President Tinubu’s administration has also posted tangible economic milestones—ones that reflect a level of fiscal discipline and economic rebalancing not seen in decades.

Nigeria’s trade surplus surged to the highest on record under President Bola Tinubu as exports grew at a faster pace than imports. According to reports, the country posted a trade surplus of N16.9 trillion in 2024, up from N6.09 trillion in the previous year, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

For a country long plagued by a chronic trade deficit and overdependence on imports, this surplus signals a shift, however early, toward a more balanced and self-reliant economy. It’s a sign that despite inflation, the underlying structure of trade may be slowly stabilizing.

In 2024, Nigeria recorded a GDP growth rate of 3.4 percent, the second-highest in the last decade, according to the World Bank. While growth remains uneven and not yet deeply felt by the average citizen, the uptick suggests that some of the tough reforms—currency unification, subsidy removal, and investment in production—are beginning to nudge the economy back on track.

President Bola Tinubu also increased Federal Government revenue to N21.63 trillion, while reducing the budget deficit to 4.127%, from 6.2%, in 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. That’s not just a technical win—it’s a foundational one.

A lower budget deficit means less borrowing, a reduced debt burden, though borrowing may not be completely abolished, since money is an instrument of growth. However, Nigeria’s fiscal policy was built on the fragile promise of borrowing to stay afloat, this cannot be all a nation depends on. Reversing that trajectory is no small feat.

Across the country, over 70 highways are under construction simultaneously, a scale of development that speaks to a serious commitment to physical transformation. These include long-stalled projects, new expressways, and rural access roads—each with the potential to cut travel time, open markets, and connect regions long neglected.

Yes, these projects must be tracked for quality, transparency, and timely delivery. But their scale alone is unprecedented in recent memory. In a country where infrastructure is often a campaign promise more than a national priority, Tinubu’s government has, at the very least, shifted that narrative into action.

Of course, numbers do not cancel out suffering. Growth does not automatically mean prosperity for all. And progress, however impressive on paper, must be matched by a commitment to social inclusion, good governance, and accountability.

Still, we must give credit where it is due. In an age of cynicism and quick condemnations, it’s easier to mock than to measure, easier to dismiss than to debate. But serious governance deserves serious engagement. The Tinubu administration is not beyond criticism—but neither should it be denied acknowledgment when it takes bold, measurable steps toward economic and infrastructural renewal.

The path Nigeria is on remains steep, but not without direction. There is a baby in the bathwater—clear signs of reform, results, and ambition. Our job as citizens isn’t just to protest the temperature of the water. It’s to ensure the baby grows strong.

Yet perhaps the most visible sign of President Tinubu’s ambition lies in his bold infrastructural push—most notably, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. It’s a project of monumental scale and symbolic importance, not just because of its potential to transform transportation and trade across southern Nigeria, but also because it speaks to a broader vision of national connectivity.

The highway, stretching over 700 kilometers along the southern coastline, aims to link Lagos to Calabar through key cities like Warri, Port Harcourt, and Uyo. Beyond improving travel time and opening up coastal communities, it promises a surge in job creation, private investment, and tourism. It’s the kind of project that, if completed as envisioned, could reframe the narrative around Tinubu’s presidency—from one focused solely on austerity to one that includes ambition and legacy-building.

Critics have pointed out the high cost, the displacement of businesses and homes along the right of way, and concerns over transparency in contracting. These are fair issues and should not be dismissed. But focusing solely on these concerns without acknowledging the project’s long-term economic and social potential misses the larger point. Infrastructure—particularly of this scale—is never painless. It always comes with trade-offs. The question is whether the government is mitigating those trade-offs transparently and equitably, and whether the future benefits will outweigh the current disruptions. That’s where sustained public scrutiny should focus—not on stopping development, but on shaping it responsibly.

Beyond the coastal highway, the administration is pushing forward with other transport corridors, bridge constructions, and airport upgrades. There’s renewed energy around completing legacy rail projects and improving electricity distribution infrastructure, particularly through partnerships with private sector actors. These projects, often technical and underreported, are crucial for unlocking productivity, lowering costs of doing business, and improving quality of life.

None of this is to suggest that infrastructure alone can rescue a presidency or an economy. But it is an important marker of seriousness—an attempt to lay down physical assets that can support the nation’s future. And if done right, it’s a domain where government action leaves a visible, measurable imprint on everyday life.
What President Tinubu needs now is not less scrutiny, but smarter scrutiny. Nigerians should challenge the opacity of contracts, demand inclusive urban planning, and press for environmental responsibility. But we should also recognize when leadership attempts something structurally meaningful. In a country where “nothing works” has become a tired national slogan, projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway dare to imagine that something can.
In all, President Tinubu’s administration is a contradiction of urgency and upheaval, reform and resentment. The criticism it faces is legitimate—but if we’re being honest, so are some of its efforts.

His achievements are numerous for this space; in the area of education, the poor, for the first time in the nation’s history, are able to access students’ loans. Technical education is now free in Nigeria while students of technical colleges can now receive N45,000 Naira stipends.
To throw away the baby in the bathwater is easy. To clean the water, hold on to the baby, and still demand better? That’s the harder task. But it’s the one that leads us forward