Opinions

1Jun By Rex AyodejiNo Comments

Opinions

IT Cadre Harmonisation: A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Digital Future

The recent circular issued on the 25th May, 2026 by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, Mni, following the approval of the harmonisation of the schemes of service for Information Communication Technology (IT) roles in the civil service by the National Council on Establishment at its 47th  meeting in Kano last year, marks a watershed moment in Nigeria's digital transformation journey. While the announcement may appear administrative on the surface, its implications extend far beyond the civil service. It represents a strategic recognition that technology is no longer a support function but a critical enabler of governance, economic growth, national security, and public service delivery. For decades, information technology professionals w...

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28Apr By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Oyedele Hakeem Alao: Meet The New Engineer Of Oyo’s Redemption

Here comes a leader who grasps the anguish of Oyo's people: crushed by rampant joblessness, dignity stripped bare, futures eclipsed in a state set adrift. Still, their craving for revival blazes undimmed. "Oyo State is due for redemption," declares Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao). Launching his APC governorship bid on April 21, 2026, at Ibadan's NUT Resource Centre, Samanda, he charts the path to Oyo 2027 redemption. In a speech brimming with humility and resolve, he launched the "Redemption Mission 2027" – a masterplan to catapult Oyo from stagnation to soaring prosperity. Engr. Alao is no armchair politician. He is a highly cerebral and distinguished engineer with a flawless record of executing transformative projects. He embodies integrity, honouring every pledge to...

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22Apr By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Hammed Muritala’s Fevered Fantasy: Dissecting The Calumny Of A Desperate APC Foot-Soldier By Alaba Abdulrazak

I have read with lively amusement Hammed Muritala’s latest effusion, masquerading as political analysis from a so-called APC member who, driven by visceral hatred for Sharafadeen Alli’s potential emergence as the party’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, has decided to commit political harakiri. Such ranting is nothing but a masterclass in calumny and political desperation of Muri and his paymasters. To me, Muri's insolence amounts to a desperate farrago of innuendo and gutter sniping from an APC foot-soldier whose purse strings are gripped more tightly by his paymasters than his hold on facts. People like Muri, who obviously need psychological evaluation, should be referred to the West West Grand of University College Hospital, Ibadan, or Yaba Left in Lagos State for proper eva...

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7Apr By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions, Top Stories

Iran War: Is Petrodollar Dominance Coming To An End? By Alaba Abdulrazak

The war now unfolding in and around Iran is doing far more than inflating oil prices and rattling global markets; it is quietly exposing the fragility of the petrodollar itself. For decades, the arrangement has been simple: oil flows out of the Middle East, and dollars flow back in, underpinned by an implicit bargain that the United States would guarantee security and stability for its regional allies. Yet as missiles fall closer to Gulf capitals and the Strait of Hormuz flickers on the edge of disruption, that bargain now looks increasingly outdated—and increasingly fragile. The cracks in the system are not just symbolic; they are structural. With the Strait effectively morphing into a militarised toll‑road, reports suggest that a portion of energy‑linked transactions and even congest...

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28Mar By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Senator Alli, Beaded Crown, And The Baseless Disqualification Charade By Alaba Abdulrazak

Since news of Senator Sharafadeen Alli's likely emergence as the Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for 2027 broke, it has struck like a hurricane, rattling politicians with rival ambitions. In the murky waters of Nigerian politics, where opportunists thrive on half-truths and brazen lies, rivals are now peddling a nasty narrative: that Alli's elevation to a beaded-crown Oba somehow disqualifies him from running for political office. This spurious claim is utter rubbish—a panicked ploy fuelled by envy and devoid of any legal foundation. Whilst this false narrative gains traction, let us cut through the noise with the facts. The recently amended and gazetted Oyo State Chieftaincy Law imposes no electoral ban on beaded chiefs; it is solely about stream...

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18Jan By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions, Top Stories

Alaafin Owoade: Time To Shed Imperial Dreams For Oyo’s Revival By Alaba Abdulrazak

Once upon a time, Old Oyo stood as the unassailable colossus of Yorubaland, its influence rippling across vast territories like a thunderclap echoing through the savanna. From the 17th to the early 19th century, the Alaafin wielded power that shaped empires, commanding armies, tribute, and fealty from lesser kingdoms. Yet, hubris and internal strife felled this giant, much like the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan, which sprawled from the Pacific to the Caspian before fragmenting into warring khanates; the Roman Empire, whose overreach crumbled under barbarian incursions and decadent emperors; or the Ottoman behemoth, eroded by nationalist uprisings and European machinations until it vanished after World War I. Great powers rise and recede, history's inexorable tide spares no one. E...

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2Jan By Alaba AbdulrazakNo Comments

Opinions, Top Stories

Makinde And The Odds By Alaba Abdulrazak

In the treacherous arena of Nigerian politics, where self-interest inexorably shapes every stratagem and decision, the escalating supremacy battle between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lays bare the raw calculus of ambition. This is no mere factional squabble; it is a high-stakes rat race fuelled by clashing egos and divergent visions for the future of the party, which once crowned itself as the largest political party in Africa. Makinde, with unyielding tenacity, clings to the PDP's remnants, determined to salvage its viability amid national turbulence. Wike, by contrast, projects an insidious allegiance: his manoeuvres betray a fixation on the party's total annihilation, reducing it to rubble in serv...

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2Nov By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

How The U.S. Can Assist Nigeria Without Military Force By Alaba Abdulrazak

President Trump's recent statements hinting at a possible military intervention in Nigeria should alarm every Nigerian who cherishes sovereignty and peace. The brutal violence sweeping across Nigeria today cannot be entirely attributed to religion. In the web of Nigeria’s insecurity, both Christians and Muslims have suffered at the hands of Boko Haram, bandits, and other criminals tormenting innocent members of the public. It is reckless and misleading to interpret these atrocities through a religious prism. Indeed, many predominantly Muslim communities have endured some of the most savage and merciless massacres in the northeast and even some other states in the North. Those killing their kinsmen in the Southeast are not doing so because of religion but for agitation. Even in the S...

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1Oct By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Nigeria @ 65: The Unfulfilled Dream Of A Giant Amid Corruption And Leadership Failure By Alaba Abdulrazak

Today, October 1, 2025, Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence. On a day like this, Nigeria ought to be celebrating progress, unity, and nationhood. But alas, the reality is starkly different. Nigeria’s journey since 1960 is marked not by triumphs but by a colossal accumulation of corruption, fiscal mismanagement, and squandered potential. At independence, global analysts predicted four nations poised to emerge as giants among the developed world: China, Brazil, India, and Nigeria. Three of these countries have since defied expectations, achieving remarkable socio-economic transformations. Sadly, Nigeria remains the outlier, shackled by enduring systemic failures. The decisive factor underpinning Nigeria’s stagnation is its human capital deficit. While endowed with abundant nat...

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26Sep By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

The Ascension Of Oba Ladoja: A New Dawn Forged By Destiny In Ibadan By Alaba Abdulrazak

In the venerable chronicles of Ibadanland, few installations to the Olubadan throne have elicited as profound a wave of acceptance, affection, and commendation as the emergence of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. His ascension transcends a mere customary rite; it represents a significant cultural milestone that resonates deeply within the collective consciousness of the Ibadan people. This unprecedented embrace invites reflection on the forces underpinning such widespread veneration. Are we witnessing the fruition of fate, the invisible hand of destiny, or perhaps the confluence of historical karma and communal aspiration? The magnanimity bestowed upon Oba Ladoja extends beyond his regal lineage or political stature; it embodies the people's yearning for a royal father whose reign wil...

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16Sep By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Charlie Kirk: The Tragedy Of Political Violence And The Danger Of Idolising Hate By Alaba Abdulrazak 

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is no doubt a grave tragedy that must be unequivocally condemned. Political violence, regardless of its target or motivation, is an abhorrent affront to the rule of law and civility. No human life should be extinguished as a consequence of ideological disputes or partisan animosities. Our society must begin by firmly rejecting violence as a form of political expression, standing united against all acts that undermine peace and public safety. Yet, while condemning this senseless act, it is imperative to resist the seductive impulse to elevate Charlie Kirk into a heroic or sanctified political figure. To do so would be a disservice to truth and historical accuracy. Kirk’s public career was characterized by a relentless propagation of racial animus ...

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12Sep By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Dangote, NUPENG, And The Unyielding Tug Of Corporate Survival And Union Rights By Alaba Abdulrazak

The unfolding conflict between Dangote Group and NUPENG epitomizes a broader struggle at the crossroads of corporate survival and workers’ rights within Nigeria’s petroleum sector. Dangote’s strategic acquisition of thousands of CNG trucks to autonomously manage transport of refined products is no doubt a calculated manoeuvre to circumvent union-induced disruptions that have historically crippled fuel supply stability. This tactic, while ostensibly draconian, underscores the harsh realities faced by large corporations contending with the often uncompromising demands of entrenched unions like NUPENG. From Dangote’s vantage point, the decision to restrict his drivers from joining NUPENG is a defensive bulwark designed to shield his sprawling refinery operations from potential paral...

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29Aug By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Chief (Dr) Kolawole Adewoyin At 65: A Visionary Entrepreneur, Compassionate Philanthropist, And Pillar Of Leadership

By Alaba AbdulrazakIn the world of leadership, few possess both the innate brilliance and the relentless drive to forge lasting legacies. Chief (Dr) Kolawole Adewoyin stands tall among these rare individuals—an exemplary natural-born leader whose journey is a testament to faith, hard work, and unwavering determination. At 65 years, he embodies the rare fusion of intellect, entrepreneurial spirit, and a heart devoted to uplifting others. Born with leadership in his DNA, Chief Adewoyin has not rested on his laurels; rather, he has meticulously honed his talents through decades of experience and steadfast dedication. Today, his influence spans far beyond his native Oyo Empire, with a thriving network of successful enterprises operating across Ibadan, Oyo, Lagos, Abuja, and other key...

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19Aug By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Alaafin Vs Ooni: Why Yoruba Traditional Rulers Must Transcend Archaic Rivalries and Embrace Progressive Leadership By Alaba Abdulrazak

The recent ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, demanding that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, rescind the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland bestowed upon businessman Dotun Sanusi, regrettably exemplifies a disquieting pattern among certain traditional rulers in Yorubaland. This unnecessary and antiquated contest for supremacy not only diminishes the stature and unity of Yoruba people but also reveals a profound misalignment of priorities, one that is wholly anachronistic in today's world. At a time when Yoruba land faces severe socio-economic challenges and escalating insecurity, it is both dispiriting and indefensible that those entrusted with safeguarding our rich cultural heritage expend their energies on trivial disputes ove...

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15Aug By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Exposing Atrocity, Paying The Ultimate Price: The Fate Of Al Jazeera’s Anas Al Sharif Amid Gaza’s Genocide By Alaba Abdulrazak

In a world that prides itself on justice and human dignity, the cold-blooded killing of Anas Al Sharif, a courageous Palestinian journalist, and his colleagues by an Israeli airstrike near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza is a brutal testament to the depths of calculated cruelty and deliberate erasure faced by Palestinians. Anas Al Sharif was not only a voice of truth but a beacon of resilience for millions following the apartheid-like oppression and violent siege of Gaza. His assassination, alongside four fellow Al Jazeera journalists and others, was no tragic accident but a targeted strike on men who bore witness to the harrowing realities of occupation and war crimes. This execution epitomizes a systematic policy of terror aimed at silencing the truth and obliterating Palestinian existe...

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8Aug By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

KWAM 1: The Perils Of Fame And The Rise Of Arrogance By Alaba Abdulrazak

Wasiu Ayinde’s unruly conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport—marked by his refusal to comply with security protocols, spilling of liquid on officials, and obstructing flight operations—was an affront to the rule of law and public order. This deplorable display, though alarming on its own, is only the surface of a more entrenched hubris. In the days following the incident, Ayinde’s demeanor has been equally disconcerting. His interaction with President Bola Tinubu, who extended condolences for his mother’s passing, was notably lacking in the decorum and respect befitting such an occasion and position. Even more disheartening was KWAM 1’s derogatory comments directed at uninvited Islamic scholars who sought to offer sympathies—a move that reflects not just disrespect, but...

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28Jul By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Gaza: When Conscience Is Shackled And Humanity Roars In Defiance By Alaba Abdulrazak

What does it reveal about our collective conscience when the agony of millions in Gaza unfolds not in hushed whispers but under the brutal glare of a world’s indifference, met with deafening silence and moral abdication? The Gaza Strip has become a stark monument to human suffering and resilience, demanding that we confront the unbearable failures of justice, compassion, and international accountability. Today, Gaza is not merely a geopolitical flashpoint; it is a crucible exposing the abyss of global indifference. Israel’s ironclad blockade, coupled with an unrelenting refusal to allow sustained humanitarian aid, has transmogrified this densely packed enclave into a sprawling theatre of devastation and despair. Each day’s horrific toll—innocent lives buried under rubble, children w...

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25Jul By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

When Will Tinubu End the Charade of Medical Tourism and Use Buhari’s N21 Billion Aso Rock Clinic? By Alaba Abdulrazak

Following the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari in a London hospital—an episode that cast a long shadow on Nigeria’s dignity and exposed the fragility of its health infrastructure—the nation watched, chastened, as his successor inherited not just the presidency but also the unenviable legacy of presidential medical tourism. Nigeria’s predicament is encapsulated by a glaring paradox: its leadership, entrusted with the nation’s welfare, continues to seek healing beyond its borders, even as a N21 billion presidential clinic stands idle at the seat of power. President Bola Tinubu has reportedly made numerous trips abroad—most notably to France—for medical consultations, with at least four such visits occurring between January 2024 and April 2025. While the Presidency maintains...

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21Jul By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Buhari: A Tale Of Two Deaths By Lasisi Olagunju

June 2015, freshly minted President Muhammadu Buhari hosted General Olusegun Obasanjo at the Villa. “Whatever anyone might have done to you in the past, please forgive and forget,” Obasanjo advised the new president. Buhari looked up, surprised. His countenance changed. “Including Ibro?” “Yes, especially Ibro,” Obasanjo answered very quickly and curtly. The two leaders exchanged glances. Silence. The 'Ibro' in that discussion is General Ibrahim Babangida. The question on whether Ibro should be forgiven was a surprise to Obasanjo because twice, Buhari was in IBB's home seeking his endorsement ahead of the 2015 election. And his host supported him all through, publicly. But there was no overt commitment to 'peace' from the new president. Old soldiers they were, host and gu...

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21Jul By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Once Upon Kemi Badenoch: A Modern Fable Of Self-Denial By Alaba Abdulrazak

There is, in the annals of human history, a peculiar breed of souls who, out of an anguished craving to assimilate, go to great lengths—often ignoble ones—to disavow the cradle of their birth. Such is the spectacle of Kemi Badenoch, whose recent pronouncements have mutated from the merely unfortunate to the outright self-lacerating. Here is a woman who, despite her Nigerian provenance, has weaponized her voice not for bridge-building but for bulldozing, deploying rhetoric that bristles with contempt for the very soil and society that sculpted her. In her interview with Fareed Zakaria on CNN, Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, declared that immigrants from cultures "that do not align with UK values" should be denied entry. The implications, though couche...

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