Lagos, Agberos and Politics

Lagos, Nigeria's mega city, is synonymous with thugs. These thugs are locally called agberos by the Yoruba folks in Nigeria. The agberos are authorities in the commercial sector of the coastal city. Under the auspices of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), they control the transportation sector of the city - by merely sitting at bus stops and forcefully collecting (extorting) money from commercial bus drivers.

Anyone may be quick to ask why the money is paid, but for commercial drivers in Lagos, such question is unnecessary. Daring to ask such question could result into the vandalisation of your bus and other personal valuables. It could also result in physical assault or even death. No one - even the Police - can question their methods and decisions. And this simply shows the depth of authority exercised by a 'legalised' set of hoodlums in a supposed developed Lagos

You might be asking, how can hoodlums and touts be legalised in a society like Lagos? Well, that's where politics come in. Politicians have great need for these agberos as they are utilised during electoral periods - either to run campaigns or to manipulate election results. When these politicians eventually come into power, it becomes difficult to oust these thugs. But rather than employ them directly, our leaders allow these agberos excess liberty to raise money for themselves - using any method. The thugs - in turn - exploit the commoners to satisfy their whims. Even if a death case is recorded during extortion, the government turns a blind eye to it. This is why it is said that in Nigeria, playing politics with security isn't frowned upon.  Continue...

Popular Manhood and its Effects on Africa

In an era dominated by men who want to lead a life void of ennui, the true meaning of the term 'manhood' has been generally abused. Most African men are quick to refer to the word manhood - when speaking about matters of less relevance - without actually thinking of its ideal use.

Although an ambiguous term, the best definition of 'manhood' ought to be shrouded by the assumption of the full responsibilities of a man. This would mean that when referring to manhood, a person should be quick to think of responsibilities - and how to assume them.

However, most men of our society today have mistaken manhood for the sexual organ alone. Those in this school of thought think they are "real men" when they can impregnate every woman and leave them in a 'womanhood' state. Continue....