Author: Emporium Reporters

I died one bright day in 1969 – yes, died; crushed by a motorcyclist. It happened on Ileya Day (Eid el Kabir) in my hometown. I did not know, and still do not know, how it happened. All I know is that I was following my father to the eid praying ground in the morning, then I followed a crowd of other children to cross the road to the other side,…then I woke up in the afternoon, medics all over me, stitching and cleaning. Where I was turned out to…

There is this hullabaloo that has enveloped the country, with debates all over, in some instances threatening to degenerate into fisticuffs. It is all about the Tax Reform Bills.   Even though, after all is said and done, it may end up as an issue that signifies nothing but being blown out of proportion, it made me recall Macbeth’s speech in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth.   In his speech, he surmised that there is no meaning or purpose in life. Understandably, with his wife dead and armies marching against him, he…

On December 18, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled the 2025 Budget of Restoration, a ₦47.9 trillion spending plan designed to secure peace, rebuild prosperity, and set the country on a path toward sustainable growth. While the budget reflects a bold vision for Nigeria’s future, it raises critical questions about the feasibility of its ambitious goals, the risks involved, and the capacity to effectively implement such a vast plan.   A Record-Breaking Budget   With a 36.8% increase from the previous year, the 2025 budget sets the stage for significant…

In the span of one week, Nigeria has witnessed three heart-wrenching stampedes at events meant to bring relief and joy. The Ibadan Funfair, organized by Queen Naomi, former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, aimed to provide scholarships and incentives to 5,000 children but turned tragic as crowds overwhelmed the event.   On December 21, 2024, two more incidents followed: one at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, during a food distribution for the less privileged, and another in Anambra, where palliatives were being shared to ease the burdens…