OPINION
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Now that the Makoko floating school has fallen
The construction of the Makoko floating school in 2013 was some of the best news to emerge from the Lagos slum. Now that the school has collapsed, what is next for the community?
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When Dennis Kimetto broke the marathon world record in 2014, people started speculating about the possibility of running the distance in less than two hours. This sparked an ‘arms race’ among sports companies, vying for the top athletes to attempt that feat wearing their gear. On 6 May 2017, Nike’s three chosen athletes attempted the sub two-hour marathon.
When Nigeria’s State Security Service arrested Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the modern secessionist group Indigenous People of Biafra, many thought that agitation for the defunct Republic of Biafra would be silenced. Instead, the struggle has been re-awakened.
For some in Cameroon, you are either Anglophone or Francophone, either a victim or a benefactor of linguistic privilege. However, for Monique Kwachou and other ‘citizens of the 11th region’ who straddle the linguistic divide, the last several months have been a period of considering the complex colonial legacy of their identity.
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"In Christ there is no male or female," but in many churches across Africa gender inequality is the norm, which is often justified. The church has become a tool which engenders gender segregation, in support of patriarchy. Rape in marriages is hardly addressed, and women are taught to be submissive in marriage. Are churches guilty as charged? How should some of these teachings be challenged and changed? Let's hear your thoughts on this issue.
Thabo Mbeki is no hero. Neither is he the worst leader to emerge from the ranks of the African National Congress. A son of the liberation movement to a fault; an idealist who is romantic about Africa, and a vessel of complexity – now, that he is. Mbeki turned 75 on Sunday. As birthday wishes continue pouring in for the statesman, we reflect on his leadership. Will he cringe as he recalls some of his missteps or remain grandiose about his unfinished African Renaissance chapter?
South Africa: Western Cape Premier Helen Zille insists her latest apology over her colonialism tweets is genuine - and admits she shouldn't have continued to defend her comments. It looks that outside the DA, many South Africans, and indeed Africans are skeptical of the apology and the issue seems far from forgiven.
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Local aphrodisiac herbs have been around for a long time, but in 2016 a short documentary about a Lagos-based herb seller who invented hilarious names for her products went viral. While the industry continues to boom, the question of how effective and safe these herbal concoctions are remains unanswered.
In the pursuit of being ‘good sexual partners’ for men, many women abuse their vaginas. At best, the measures they resort to add little to their own personal pleasure; at worst, they place women in harm’s way, says Kagure Mugo.
Why LGBT organizations should give “pre-marital classes” to couples wanting to be in lifelong partnerships on a continent that does not allow for gay relationships.
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The link between the masculine ego and male erection is well known. What is less known is that pursuing sexual performance at all costs might be damaging to one’s health. Dami Ajayi weighs in on the numerous local practices that Lagos men resort to ensure that they satisfy themselves and their partners within the four corners of their privacy.
The most substantial sex advice most of us have ever had from our parents is ‘ do not get pregnant’ or ‘do not get Aids’. The conversation about safe and good sexual practices is never had. This can lead to bad sex or, worse, dangerous sex. A culture of chatting about coming needs to be fostered between the generations.
‘Like it or not, your dick will never compare to a good lick.’ This is the tag line that comes with a new app called Lickster, a cunnilingus training app available on Google Play.
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In Lagos, Nigeria, over 30 000 citizens living in the waterfront settlement of Otodo Gbame, Lekki, were rendered homeless when the state government’s task force demolished the settlement on 9 April 2017. Ever since, life has taken a turn for the worst for the evicted people. Most of them have found refuge in other slum settlements across Lagos state and are surviving on donations. This essay looks at the present living and economic situation of the Otodo Gbame evictees.
Corruption is at the root of what ends in angry commuter protests.- Thabo Mbeki is no hero. Neither is he the worst leader to emerge from the ranks of the African National Congress. A son of the liberation movement to a fault; an idealist who is romantic about Africa, and a vessel of complexity – now, that he is. Mbeki turned 75 on Sunday. As birthday wishes continue pouring in for the statesman, we reflect on his leadership. Will he cringe as he recalls some of his missteps or remain grandiose about his unfinished African Renaissance chapter?
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![When does consensual sex become rape. Photo by Kate Holt [760 x 445]](https://thisisafrica.me/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2014/07/When-does-consensual-sex-become-rape.-Photo-by-Kate-Holt-760-x-445-150x150.jpg "When does consensual sex become rape. Photo by Kate Holt [760 x 445]")
Many Nigerians have only a vague idea of what sexual consent and sexual abuse are. This, says Lucia Eguono, as well as the widespread culture of silence and shame, is contributing to the rising incidence of rape in the country.
Politics in Nigeria can be as sweet as honey, at least for those who wind up as presidents, governors, lawmakers, ministers, commissioners and, more recently, the growing army of political ‘sons’ called special assistants or advisers, writes Linus Unah.- The disease of forging education certificates has infected every sphere of public life in Nigeria, including politics. In fact, several politicians have been embroiled in scandals involving fake certificates.
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After 93 days of a government-imposed Internet ban, access was restored in April to the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. While the country’s crisis is far from resolved, time without the distraction of the Internet has helped Monique Kwachou see several things differently.
The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) is a bit of a slouch at taking credit for its achievements. But those in the know appreciate that the world would be much poorer without ITM’s input, particularly in the fight against diseases like HIV and Ebola. Indeed, ITM has been making valuable contributions to global health for the last century. Veteran Kenyan journalist Wycliffe Muga recently interviewed Roeland Scholtalbers, the Head of Communications at ITM, on the research institution’s work in Africa.
Arguably one of the most high profile cases for freedom of creative expression to occur during 2016 involved the performance artist Jelili Atiku, a prominent member of the Lagos art community, a Prince Claus Award winner and a member of Arterial Network Nigeria. Atiku was arrested as a result of a public performance held in January 2016.
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The year 2016 was full of surprises. The biggest ones (Brexit, Trump’s election, Jammeh’s exit) were delivered via the ballot box. Democracy may yet have more surprises in store for us in 2017. As the Director of the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute at the University of Gothenburg, few people on the planet study democracy and its effect more closely than Professor Staffan I. Lindberg. He spoke to Wycliffe Muga, a Kenyan journalist and political commentator, on what V-Dem’s work reveals about democracy in Africa, why people are now more open to “I can fix this” politicians and much more.
The AU Commission chairperson candidates talk about their vision and priorities for the continent.
How has the relationship between civil society and the government developed? Nuba Reports weighs in on the relationship and argues that the honeymoon is definitely over.
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Posing in a headpiece from Nike's first hijab collection, the 19-year-old trailblazer Halima Aden looked luminescent on July’s issue cover of the top American women’s beauty magazine Allure titled: "This is American Beauty.” Somali trailblazer Halima is the first hijab-wearing model on cover of Allure magazine.
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and fastest growing airline in Africa, has achieved yet another remarkable feat, winning the SKYTRAX World Airline Award for The Best Airlines in Africa at the Paris Air Show on June 20, 2017. A hearty congratulations on the award.
Small to medium enterprises are the backbone of most developing economies particularly #Africa where most young people are developing the entrepreneurial spirit as a mitigation measure against the high unemployment rates.
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Is a punishment of two years to seven years imprisonment a harsh penalty for exam cheating? Egypt's new law expresses the seriousness with which its president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is taking examination cheating. Other African countries are facing similar problems tackling examination malpractice.
The abuse of drugs among young people on the continent is a major concern. The social, economic and psychological ramifications can be catastrophic for families and communities. Today we observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a day in which we should come together to showcase and strengthen our efforts to end the abuse of drugs.
Botswana lost its former president Sir Quett Ketumile Joni Masire yesterday. Sir Ketumile Masire was Botswana's second president and is credited for leading Botswana towards economic stability. He voluntarily stepped down in 1998 and went on to engage in diplomatic initiatives. Condolences for the statesman are pouring in, remembering his good governance and exemplary leadership. Rest In Power Sir QKJ Masire.
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