Profiles International Human Rights Advocate

 The Alarming State of Hunger in Nigeria and the Imperative for Food Policy Reform By Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate  The recent scenes in Kaduna, where residents scavenged spilled spaghetti and noodles from an overturned trailer, highlight the distressing level of hunger that has gripped the nation. This incident, where people expressed gratitude for food mixed with dirt, serves as a tragic illustration of how deeply food insecurity has penetrated Nigerian society. Despite promises from various administrations, access to food remains a significant challenge, worsened by recent policy decisions that have pushed inflation and placed an unbearable burden on the poorest Nigerians. As inflation spikes in the wake of fuel subsidy removal and rising petrol prices, the cost of basic goods, including food, has soared. This surge is a direct hit to the common people, who, already grappling with poverty, now find even the simplest meals out of reach. The ...

 Disciplinary Measures for Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh Following Alleged Assault Incident By Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate In Nigeria, the principles of accountability and justice are the cornerstones of the nation’s legal system. Abuse of authority, especially by those in public office, is not only a disservice to the citizens they represent but also a direct violation of the trust placed in them. No one, regardless of their position or power, is above the law, and this tenet applies equally to every individual, including politicians. The recent incident involving Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a representative for Aba North & South Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, emphasizes the urgent need to reinforce this principle and ensure that public officials are held to high standards of conduct. On October 27, 2024, a video surfaced online showing Hon. Ikwechegh allegedly assaulting an Uber driver outside his Maitama, Abuja res...

 The Shift from Petrol to CNG in Nigeria: Balancing Innovation and Safety Concerns As fuel prices surge, Nigerian motorists are searching for sustainable, affordable alternatives to petrol. In Abuja, for example, fuel prices recently spiked to N1,150 per liter, compelling many to consider compressed natural gas (CNG) or electric options. Converting a petrol vehicle to CNG could be an attractive solution to reduce running costs, but the transition comes with challenges that deserve thorough scrutiny. This article explores the advantages and significant drawbacks of converting petrol vehicles to CNG, especially in light of recent tragic incidents and the need for stricter oversight of conversion practices. For those who drive fuel-intensive vehicles, like V8 engines, the cost of petrol has become prohibitive. Given limited options, motorists face tough decisions: continue to buy petrol at high prices, convert their vehicle to CNG, or consider electric alternatives if financially feas...

 Egg donation has become a hope for many struggling with infertility, but in Nigeria, the growing industry raises significant ethical, legal, and societal concerns. As infertility continues to affect millions globally, egg donation offers a potential solution, especially for women with diminished ovarian reserves or other fertility challenges. However, the lack of regulation and oversight in Nigeria has led to cases of exploitation, with some fertility clinics accused of pressuring vulnerable young women to donate eggs under unethical circumstances. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects approximately one in six people worldwide or about 17.5 percent of the population. Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, can be a source of significant emotional, psychological, and financial distress. In Nigeria, despite having one of the highest fertility rates globally, infertility remains a gr...

 Dr. Cally Terwase Ikpe is an undisputed broadcast journalist and an icon in Nigeria’s entertainment, renowned for his visionary influence on music, media, and youth advocacy. As a veteran broadcaster, culture activist, event manager, and a thought leader in nonviolence advocacy, Dr. Ikpe has spent more than three decades shaping and elevating the Nigerian music scene. His contributions extend beyond entertainment, serving as a platform for societal change, mentoring, and empowerment of youth across the country. Hailing from Benue State, Dr. Ikpe’s educational journey is as impressive as his professional accomplishments. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language from Lagos State University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, and an MSc in Media and Communication from the prestigious School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. Most recently, Dr. Ikpe defended his Ph.D. thesis titled Media Reportage & the Poli...

 Analyzing the Risks and Complexities of a Private Airstrip in Nigeria: The Case of Bishop David Oyedepo's Canaanland Project The recent announcement by Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), regarding the Federal Government’s approval for constructing a private airstrip at Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, has sparked significant discussions. While the idea of a private airstrip may seem convenient for personal travel, it raises critical questions surrounding its management, security risks, and the role of government agencies in regulating such facilities. An airstrip is typically a small, basic aircraft landing field with one runway and minimal facilities. It is often used for light aircraft and lacks the infrastructure of larger commercial airports. In contrast, an airport is a more complex airfield with multiple runways, passenger terminals, and extensive operational facilities, designed to accommodate both private and comm...

 Politics, at its core, involves individuals who are entrusted with the crucial responsibility of decision-making and policy formulation. Politicians play an essential role in shaping the future of nations, leading both domestically and internationally. These individuals can be active in party politics, officeholders, or even those seeking power or advancement. However, many are often seen not as statesmen or stateswomen but as individuals more concerned with self-interest. In extreme cases, I compare them to parasites like Cymothoa exigua—the tongue-eating louse, which enters a fish, detaches its tongue, and takes its place, symbolizing how some politicians devour and replace the very systems they are meant to serve. From a historical perspective, political systems have evolved from monarchies and self-governance to the complex democratic and authoritarian systems of today. Alongside these political developments, the once fluid borders of states have solidified into the defined na...