There’s a peculiar sickness that has gripped our dear Nigeria, and Africa in general, one that doesn’t cause fever or headache but swells the ego faster than garri in hot water.

Somewhere in this jungle of academic aspirations, we have turned “in view” into a permanent residence. You cannot just be “Mr. Okoro.” God forbid! You must be “Dr. Okoro (in view).” Even if the view is still in the far horizon, like the Mambilla Plateau seen from Wukari.

The road to the doctorate, which should be a lonely and rigorous journey of research and reflection, has become an expressway of certificates for sale. Somewhere in the crevices of our educational system, PhDs are being awarded at a rate faster than sachet water. For the right price, you can get your “Doctorate in Leadership and Transformational Strategic Governance” from a mushroom university that doesn’t even have a functioning website.

We judge competence by the length of titles on letterheads. You can’t be appointed a consultant unless you have a Ph.D. Even if your field experience could fill ten libraries. We are quick to say, “We need qualified people,” when what we really mean is “We need titled people.”

The recent revelations concerning diplomatic passports, alleged drug trafficking connections in Turkey, and the deafening silence from our government compel us to speak truth to power with unwavering clarity.

Let us begin with a question that haunts the conscience of every honest Sierra Leonean: How does a man who accepted three brand-new jeeps as gifts become the guardian of our nation's drug enforcement efforts? This is not merely a matter of poor judgment; it is a betrayal of the public trust so profound that it 'shakes the very foundations of institutional integrity.'

When the Parliamentary Select Committee approved this appointment despite such glaring ethical concerns, they did not simply make an error. They made a choice. They chose expediency over excellence, personal loyalty over public service, and in doing so, they opened wide the floodgates through which corruption now flows freely across our land.

An Editorial: Culled ©️

I was staying with my guardian, Mama Gbassay, a tough old lady. She took care of us from Warima, teaching us to always give thanks, no matter how little you had. One Saturday, she came back from a trip to some village, carrying a bunch of bananas so ripe and golden they looked like they belonged in a painting. As she set them on our rickety table, I got this crazy idea.

“Mama,” I said, my heart racing, “we should give these bananas to Mr. Macauley.”

She stopped, gave me that look like I’d lost my mind.

“Macauley? The man who hands out rice like it’s nothing? What’s he gonna do with our bananas?”

“He’s always giving to Songo, Mama….”

Steal it now, so history may close its book on us, and carve in its final epitaph: Here lies the remains of a nation that mistook plunder for democracy, and perished applauding its thieves.

For centuries, mankind has wrestled between two extremes—capitalism’s unrestrained appetite and socialism’s heavy-handed redistribution. Both began as attempts to solve human need, yet both, when unbalanced, drift away from the moral rhythm that sustains life.

Sociocapitalism is the bridge—a system rooted in divine reciprocity. It accepts that profit is not evil, but it refuses to allow profit to be purposeless. It recognizes individual ambition but anchors it in collective responsibility.

By: Chez Winakabs; Founder of Sociocapitalism

Maclean Neville of the Sierra Leone Grammar School (SLGS) has clinched the star prize at the 2025 Chevron Engineers Leaders Program (ELP), held at the African Leadership Academy in South Africa.

Neville emerged as the overall winner among a competitive group of young aspiring engineers from across the continent, earning praise for his innovation, leadership, and problem-solving skills during the intensive program.

The Chevron ELP is a prestigious leadership and engineering development initiative that brings together Africa’s brightest secondary school students to build skills in STEM, teamwork, and ethical leadership.

I would first take my mental flight to April 6, 1925, when the school was officially inaugurated by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales. A school intended to serve as a model for a balanced and high-quality secondary education. And in my company are Ernest French, Sanusi Mustapha, Sylvanus Juxon-Smith, Cyril Rogers-Wright, Harry Sawyerr, Amadu Cole, Faltihu Iscandri, and 114 other legendary figures who form the class of 1925.

But I will not stop there, I will take my mental flight to 1964 when I lined up with other young, eager boys for “Kennedy,” a cup of warm milk, some bulgur with stew, and the occasional pancake. 

Even then, I will not stop there, I will then take my mental flight to Pa Willie at the woodwork building, where the English language was shabby and if made fun of, will get you to visit Pa Gabbidon’s office, where a chair and some well-preserved canes will tantalize your buttocks.

Brother J. Reynold Weeks delivered the sermon during the Thanksgiving service.

We celebrate more than just a graduation — we celebrate a journey filled with late nights, early mornings, countless challenges, and unwavering determination. The Class of 2025 has not only reached a milestone but has done so with courage, heart, and an unbreakable spirit.

To the family and friends who stood by their side: Your love, support, and encouragement have been the foundation that helped them soar. This achievement is as much yours as it is theirs. 

Guzmán Lopez is one of the brothers left running a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel after notorious capo Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán was imprisoned in the U.S. Video showed the family members walking across the border from Tijuana with their suitcases to waiting U.S. agents.

Rumors had circulated last week that the younger Guzmán would plead guilty to avoid trial for several drug trafficking charges in the U.S. after being extradited in 2023.

The confirmation by García Harfuch comes the same day that the U.S. Attorney General's Office announced it was charging several top cartel leaders with “narcoterrorism” for the first time since the Trump administration declared several cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Walmart Implements Unusual Anti-Theft Measures by Locking Meat in Metal Cages Due to Rising Beef Crime. Each package was fastened with a locking clasp that requires store staff to unlock it using a special device. If not removed, the device triggers alarms at the store’s exits, prompting users on social media to troll Walmart with memes.

"Instead of making food affordable, they make it imprisoned," a user noted.

Another, identifying as Canadian, said: "I think you guys have lost your way."

A new phenomenon has emerged in Freetown — The School Thanksgiving Celebration.

“Sierra Leone will thrive when we care for her as much as we care for our alma mater” — Basita Michael.

The concept of "outdoing each other in good works" will continue encouraging them to consider how they can stimulate one another toward love and good deeds. They will continue with selfless service and unwavering commitment to the well-being of students in these schools.

Long may these celebrations continue, and let us as Sierra Leoneans endeavor to emulate these associations in our deeds in other spheres of life, especially the political sphere. Basita is right to note that “Sierra Leone will thrive when we care for her as much as we care for our alma mater.”

The Prince of Wales School in Freetown, Sierra Leone, was inaugurated by the then Prince of Wales on April 6, 1925. This prestigious institution was the first government secondary school in Freetown and the first in Sierra Leone to emphasize the teaching of Science and Mathematics. It attracted students not only from Sierra Leone but also from other West African countries.

Because of the calendar, Social Security recipients who get Supplemental Security Income benefits get one check in April, but two payments in May.

Sierra Leone's enduring struggles are rooted in a long and troubled history that stretches back centuries. From the oppressive grip of colonialism to the challenges of post-independence, leaders have continuously twisted the truth to advance their agendas. This betrayal has not only persisted but has become entrenched within the very institutions of the country. Each institution—be it political, judicial, or administrative—harbors its own set of moles that undermine the system.

The entanglement of political figures, security forces, and administrative officials with narcotics traffickers has not only facilitated the cartel’s operations but has also eroded public trust in democratic governance and jeopardized both national and international security.

Oh, Sierra Leone, your children cry tonight, Through the echoes of war, we’ve lost our guiding light. Trafficking and drugs, tearing us apart, Where's the hope we had once, strong in every heart? They promised us a future, of peace and prosperity, But instead, they brought us chaos and misery. The streets once full of laughter, now shadowed with despair, Little ones are falling, does anybody care?

Oh Salone | Franklyn Bonnie Johnson-Williams

In a postelection depressive haze, I ventured to Las Vegas searching for something that would lift my spirits — The gift of music. Trigger's many sense memories reflect the soundtrack of our past lives and present. I had long been an admirer of Sting, from his days with The Police as a prolific and talented musician. In addition, Billy Joel's catalog is equally impressive. The moment both these two mega artists took the stage, we were transfixed.

Ola George for YAME Digital

Most retirees understand Social Security isn’t recommended as their sole form of income in their golden years. It’s important to start saving early for retirement in accounts like a Roth IRA and 401(k) plan. For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed every state to find how much money you’ll need to supplement your Social Security Income.

Heather Taylor | Fri, December 13, 2024 at 8:00 AM EST

The Guardian newspaper reported that actor Idris Elba is working with his childhood friend to develop Sherbro Island, roughly the size of the Isle of Man. The West African nation [Sierra Leone] government gave the island enough autonomy to allow the work to advance as 'Dream City in Sierra Leone.'

By Chernoh Alpha M. Bah | Africanist Press

I came here [Sierra Leone] as a prideful, immature, and insecure boy. I left a confident, humble, and purpose-driven man. So, for those who know me as Krio Borbor, this is where it all started ~ Nick Wood aka. Krio Borbor.

The key criteria for a system of governance that people will trust are whether it provides adequate accountability, balance, and a mechanism for peaceful succession. A fully functioning, robust democracy can provide all these things, but even the oldies (like the UK or the US) can find it difficult. Many other countries, not just in Africa, are still searching for their formula to meet these criteria.