COLUMNS

A British War Journalist’s Account of How January 15 Changed Nigeria

Daily Dispatch January 15, 2026

By Azu Ishiekwene Frederick Forsyth’s account of the Nigerian Civil War, mainly from the Biafran lens, is perhaps one of the most riveting you would find. Yet, it is remarkably deficient in its one-sidedness, for which the author made no pretences or apologies. As Nigeria marks the 60th

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What You Might Expect in 2026: A Valedictory Edition

Daily Dispatch January 8, 2026

By Azu Ishiekwene I forecast that by May 29 or earlier, the president will replace ministers, especially those who have since outlived their IOU value. As pressure mounts ahead of the pre-election year, no fewer than five of them will be replaced or reassigned by the end of 2025 – What You Might Expect in […]

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What’s the Cost of a Merry Christmas?

Daily Dispatch December 26, 2025

By Azu Ishiekwene I intended to write about something else, but changed my mind halfway through. Apart from making New Year’s resolutions a habit, which nearly half of adult Americans engage in, another common feature of this time of year in many parts of the world is making predictions. It’s as hazardous as knowing a […]

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A Troubling Message from Guinea-Bissau

Daily Dispatch December 4, 2025

By Azu Ishiekwene None of the three Guineas is thriving, but in Guinea-Bissau, the country that sits on Africa’s map like a tongue of fire, recent events are twisting that nation’s fate into profound misery. Guinea Conakry is in the grip of a military dictatorship with a messianic complex, while Equatorial Guinea is led by […]

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Editors and the Missing Part of Uzodimma’s Trust Story

Daily Dispatch November 21, 2025

By Azu Ishiekwene When I saw the programme for the 2025 Nigerian Guild of Editors annual conference listing Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as the keynote speaker, I wasn’t sure it was a good idea. Uzodimma has been in the press mainly for the wrong reasons. As one of Nigeria’s leading journalists and public intellectuals, […]

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Why Is the Promise of 60 Years Unravelling?

Daily Dispatch November 13, 2025

By Azu Ishiekwene If the name of the chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), its secretary, or convention date were the subject of a quiz, there would not be a correct answer because answers don’t exist. The best attempt would be an open-ended response: It depends. It either depends on who has the latest […]