Underlying the definitions of bullying in dictionaries is power imbalance. To bully someone is to direct aggressive behaviour at them, to intimidate or threaten them, to act cruelly towards someone, or to coerce them. For one to do these, there must be a power dynamic that makes the person at the receiving end vulnerable. Such a tilt of strength can either be embodied by an individual with a disproportionate physical or social power or a group of individuals converging on a weaker party to diminish them. Since the word “cyber-” got appended to bullying in Nigeria, it has acquired a new meaning that has virtually subverted the logic of power that underlies it.

Now, and no thanks to the police’s tendency to meddle in every matter in which a “big man” cries about being inconvenienced with public embarrassment activated by a previously unknown entity, a supposed victim of bullying these days is frequently someone who can commandeer the resources of the state. If you have enough clout to send the police on your errands, can you really claim to be a victim of cyberbullying?

Let us begin with the now infamous case of the singer Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) at whose behest a singer cum comedian Darlington Okoye (Speed Darlington) has been reportedly incarcerated for months. As the story is told—and which Burna Boy has not denied—Speed Darlington is in jail because he taunted Burna Boy about his association with disgraced artiste Sean Combs (aka P Diddy). In December, the court ruled that his arrest and detention constituted “a gross violation” of his constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, expression, and movement. Despite a direct court order, the police have refused to release him. That makes you wonder, is Burna Boy really a “victim” if the police can sacrifice institutional integrity for his sake?

Meanwhile, the same insinuation Speed Darlington made about Burna Boy has been hurled at several US celebrities who as much as took a photograph with P Diddy. None has asked a man to be incarcerated indefinitely because they got butthurt. Please note that these are people whose reputation far outpaces that of an arriviste like Burna Boy. Yet, they will not take that track because they are self-assured enough to understand the price of celebrity. Unlike the quintessential African “big man”, they are also sensible enough to realise that power should have a more productive function than to abuse others cheaply.

Then, there is the case of Olamide Thomas, who was arrested and incarcerated for cursing the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu. This was another case of the police torturing logic just to satisfy a big man with small feelings. They claimed the curse “placed Seyi in fear of death, violence or bodily harm”. That would be hilarious if were not tragic. How does the law assess the effectiveness of a curse? If curses worked the way people who watch too many Nollywood films think they do, something should have happened to Seyi long ago, given that people have been cursing his father (and their family) since 1999! I am genuinely curious as to why Seyi would be so unsettled by curses that it would compel the police (and the court) to overreact to superstition.

Add to that the ongoing case of bloggers, Precious Eze, Olawale Olurotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa and Seun Odunlami, hauled before the Federal High Court in Lagos for “acts of cyberbullying” (some reports describe the allegation as “cyberstalking”) against the CEO of Guaranty Trust Holdings, Segun Agbaje, when they published uncomplimentary remarks about him. I am by no means defending those bloggers (who have long pulled down the publications anyway), but accusations of nepotism, power play, and self-enrichment are so commonplace in Nigeria that accusing a CEO will not elicit as much as a gasp. They certainly do not warrant holding people in custody for upward of three months. The police cannot fight cyberbullying with judicial bullying, sorry.

Even more laughable is the amended charge against them that states their alleged offence can potentially cause “a breakdown of law and order in the Nigerian banking system”? How can anyone cause a breakdown in law and order within the banking system when that sphere is not an extricable part of regular life? The officers who came up with that idea will surely have a profitable gig doing comedies in their police uniform. If they must know, the operational deficiencies and the decline of the high standards for which GTB used to be known (and renowned) will result in “a breakdown of law and order in the Nigerian banking system” faster than the opinion of a blogger no one would have otherwise read.

Add to the growing list of police overreach the case of Abraham Daniel, a former minister at Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Abuja. He was recently summoned for questioning regarding an “investigation” into “cyberbullying”’ following his accusations against his former principal, Pastor Paul Enenche, for reneging their “gentleman’s agreement.” While the police summons appeared civil enough, it is still intimidating, especially given that the issue at stake is a matter of personal differences between two individuals who should resolve their matter privately. If one party can get the police to act on his behalf even in a petty issue, can he still be “cyberbullied”?

These cases are worrisome because they show a growing pattern of judicial abuse that began under the previous administration and is becoming gradually routinised. Do not forget that under alleged civilian President, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), the DSS arraigned a man for treason in the courts for, among other spurious offences, insulting the President. Buhari’s wife also had a young man stalked, arrested, detained, and later charged to court for basically calling her “fat”. What astounded me most was that the police spent six months tracking the guy before they apprehended him. If they demonstrate a similar diligence toward their responsibilities to Nigeria, the country will not be so insecure.

Look at all the spheres all the supposed victims of cyberbullying represent—popular culture, politics, industry, and religion—and understand why this pattern is worrisome. Figures representative of virtually every sphere of our socio-political life are one-trick ponies whose only recourse is to use their clout with the police to perpetrate abuse. That is not good for society by any measure. Even worse, at the rate the police are going with their trivialisation of the law by filing sensational charges over minor issues, they will turn every rabble-rouser into an anti-establishment hero. We should properly delineate what constitutes “cyberbullying” (or “cyberstalking”) so that it stops being exploited by anyone who has some money in their pocket and can purchase justice.

No matter what you think or how you feel about any of those people standing trial for cyberbullying, we should not be so numb that we fail to ask if the issue is about legal protections against malevolent speech or just an increasing pattern of intolerance for human rights. When people who have commensurate power say nasty things against each other on social media, the police never swoop in to “investigate”. Regardless of how vicious the exchange by the warring parties gets, the police never take sides to lament “injurious speech” that therefore warrants filing charges of cyberbullying, cyberstalking or even criminal defamation. It is when the matter becomes a case of the top dog vs an underdog that they become animated. Their conduct calls into question the whole idea of “bullying” as an act of aggression and intimidation. If bullying (cyber- or wherever else it takes place) is about a powerful person preying on a weaker party, what constitutes it when the supposed victim is the one who can afford to hire the police?

Punch

If you've ever had the unfortunate experience of saying the wrong thing at a staff meeting or a friend's housewarming party, you know just how easy it is to bungle small talk.

The commonplace interaction can be tricky to navigate, but is incredibly important to master. Small talk can help you bond with an evasive CEO or hard-to-please in-law.

This year, CNBC Make It interviewed dozens of experts about what to say, which questions to ask, and what key mistakes to avoid if you find yourself in a room of nonfriends.

Here are 12 of their best pieces of advice.

1. Don't try to be cool or deep

Every long-lasting connection, whether it be personal or professional, probably started with a benign comment, speech trainer John Bowe wrote for CNBC Make It.

Instead of focusing on saying something "deep" or "cool," just make an observation about your surroundings. Saying "Do you know anyone here? I thought I'd know more people" or "What do you think of the venue?" is a risk-free way to get the conversation started.

"None of these openers are likely to win you the Pulitzer, but exchanging pleasantries doesn't mean you're being shallow or false," he says. "You're putting yourself out there. If your words aren't wildly original, so what?"

2. Tweak the boring questions

Just because your question is low-risk doesn't mean it has to be boring. There are easy ways to transform seemingly canned questions into more interesting inquiries, says Nicholas Epley, a psychology professor from the University of Chicago.

"It might seem hard to reframe questions in a way that's vulnerable, but it's actually pretty easy once you start looking for it," she says.

Epley suggests the following swaps:

• Instead of "Are you married?" try, "Tell me about your family."
• Instead of "Do you have any hobbies?" ask, "If you could learn anything, what would it be?"
• Instead of "Where did you go to high school?" ask, "What advice would you give a high schooler?"
• Instead of "Where are you from?" ask, "What's the best thing about where you grew up?"

3. Focus on the other person

It's easy to get caught up thinking "Am I being awkward?" or "Does the other person like me?" These inner commentaries can distract from actually engaging with the other person Bowe says.

"You've asked this person for their attention; now give them yours," Bowe says. "Concentrate on what they're saying and try to intuit why they're saying it."

Concentrate on what they're saying and try to intuit why they're saying it.

4. Use 'support responses'

People who are good at small talk use "support responses," Matt Abrahams, a Stanford University lecturer and communications expert, wrote last year.

When someone is telling a story, a person adept at small talk will respond in a way that shows they want to know more. Let's say a co-worker is talking about their annoying roommate. The opposite of a support response is a "shift response" which is when you direct the conversation back to yourself.

A support response would be to ask about how they met their roommate or how long they've lived together. A shift response would be to talk about your own bad roommate experience.

5. Nod more

Being good at small talk usually means having a high emotional intelligence. One thing those with a high EQ understand is that body language is just as important as spoken words, Abrahams says.

"People who have a higher EQ are more open in their posture, they are nodding more," Abrahams says.

6. Match the other person's energy

Another mark of a person with high emotional intelligence is they are able to read the vibe of a conversation and match that energy. This tool, called mirroring, can be helpful during small talk.

Take note of the other person's tone and facial expression. If they are excitedly telling you about their day, your response should reflect that sentiment.

7. Validate the other person

Small talk isn't the time to deliver hard truths. Regardless of whether you agree or relate to another person, you want to make them feel heard and seen.

You can do this by asking them more questions about themselves, Abrahams says, and giving more "backchannel" responses, like "uh-huh" and "I see."

8. Avoid controversial topics

Small talk is also not the time to solve the world's problems. Abortion, banned books, vaccines — all these topics are taboo and best avoided.

"If you gravitate towards those topics later on, great," Bowe says. "But for starters, aim for something simple and close at hand that you and the other person can observe together."

... for starters, aim for something simple and close at hand that you and the other person can observe together.

9. Prepackage some questions

Veteran TV journalist SuChin Pak has interviewed some of the biggest pop culture icons including Britney Spears and Oprah. It's rare, she says, to not know what to say to someone. When it happens, she has a "secret" for making small talk that anyone can use.

Her biggest tip for keeping a conversation going no matter the setting? "Always have a few questions in your back pocket that work for everyone," she told CNBC Make It.

Her top two favorite questions to ask new acquaintances are: "What do you want people to get out of what you're doing?" and "How did you start doing X?"

10. Ask for advice

An easy way to flatter someone while making small talk without offering up an outright compliment is to ask them for advice.

A series of studies from Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania found that we like people who ask for our guidance more than people who wish us well. This is we tend to think, "They were smart to ask for my advice because I am smart."

The topic doesn't have to be profound. Let's say you're moving apartments soon. An easy way to make conversation and flatter the other person is to ask someone "How did you decide on which movers to use?"

11. Don't interrupt an ongoing conversation

Don't hop into any conversation, Bowe says. If someone is telling a very animated story, it's best not to chime in. "First, wait for a lull," he says. "Then once you have someone's attention and, ideally, receive a non-verbal go-ahead, that's your chance."

12. Put your phone away

Phones are constantly notifying us with items that aren't very urgent. You can probably go an hour without checking who texted you or the latest breaking headline. It might be smart to silence your notifications before entering a situation where you need to be present or attentive.

"If you're talking to someone, talk to them," Bowe says. "Don't stare at the floor or look over their shoulder at another person. Put your phone away. Be present and give them your full attention."

CNBC

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has announced that Nigeria’s rebased gross domestic product (GDP) will include data on illegal economic activities such as prostitution, drug dealing, operations of illegal refineries, etc. The updated GDP figures, scheduled for release by the end of January, aim to provide a more comprehensive picture of the nation’s economy by capturing both formal and informal sectors.

Speaking during a sensitisation workshop on GDP and consumer price index (CPI) rebasing in Lagos, Moses Waniko, technical assistant to the statistician-general, explained that the exercise would reflect economic realities previously omitted from official records. “Illegal activities such as sex work and drug peddling are real contributors to income generation in society, even though they lack legal backing,” he said.

Waniko emphasized that GDP rebasing involves recalculating the economy’s size using updated prices and weights, a process critical for accurate economic planning. The year 2019 was chosen as the base year due to relative economic stability compared to the shocks experienced in 2020-2022.

Inclusion of Hidden Sectors

Aside from illegal activities, the rebasing exercise will also cover modular refineries, the digital economy, the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), domestic households employing labor, pension fund administrators, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and quarrying activities.

Waniko highlighted that these inclusions are essential for understanding the distribution and contributions of various sectors to the economy. “The size of the economy will be bigger after the rebasing,” he noted, adding that this could lead to changes in key economic indicators such as the tax-to-GDP ratio, debt-to-GDP ratio, and per-capita income.

Challenges in Measuring Illegal Activities

Baba Madhu, assistant director at the NBS, acknowledged the difficulties in capturing data on illegal economic activities. “For example, drug peddling and prostitution are illegal here, but they contribute significantly to incomes,” Madhu said. “The challenge lies in how to quantify and validate this data without legal frameworks supporting these activities.”

The NBS had previously announced plans to rebase the GDP to account for structural changes in the economy and align with international standards. The last rebasing was conducted in 2010, and moving forward, the exercise will occur every five years.

With this comprehensive rebasing, Nigeria seeks to reflect its true economic size, including contributions from previously untracked sectors. The results are expected to support better policy formulation and more accurate development planning.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the growing hardships faced by Nigerians, asserting that the administration’s policies are not delivering the desired results.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of Islamic scholars led by Sani Yahaya Jingir, Mohammed expressed concern over the impact of federal policies on both citizens and state governments.

“I am not here to insult anyone or act arrogantly, but as leaders, we have a duty to speak the truth to one another,” he said. “Nigerians are suffering, and we governors are also struggling due to the president’s policies, which are clearly not working. The president must listen to the people and correct his mistakes.”

The governor pointed specifically to the federal government’s tax reforms, stating that while revenue generation is essential for governance, the current approach is exacerbating challenges for ordinary citizens and the economy.

“No government can survive without revenue, but blocking critical revenue sources and implementing poorly designed policies is unsustainable,” Mohammed explained.

A Call for Dialogue and Solutions

Mohammed also admitted to tensions between state governors and the presidency, adding that disagreements have arisen from the federal government’s perceived indifference to the plight of citizens.

“You’ve probably heard that we’re at odds with the president. It’s true. Our people are suffering, and the president has not been receptive to our concerns,” he said.

Addressing Jingir, the governor appealed for intervention, noting the scholar’s influence with the president. “You are one of the few individuals the president listens to. I was planning to meet with you personally to seek your assistance in conveying this message to him,” Mohammed said.

US House votes to sanction International Criminal Court over Israel

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Thursday to sanction the International Criminal Court to protest its issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister over Israel's campaign in Gaza.

The vote was 243 to 140 in favor of the "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act," which would sanction any foreigner who investigates, arrests, detains or prosecutes U.S. citizens or those of an allied country, including Israel, who are not members of the court.

Forty-five Democrats joined 198 Republicans in backing the bill. No Republican voted against it.

“America is passing this law because a kangaroo court is seeking to arrest the prime minister of our great ally, Israel,” Representative Brian Mast, Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a House speech before the vote.

The House vote, one of the first since the new Congress was seated last week, underscored strong support among President-elect Donald Trump'sfellow Republicans for Israel's government, now that they control both chambers in Congress.

Trump will be sworn in on Jan. 20 for a second term as president.

The Senate's newly appointed Republican majority leader, John Thune, has promised swift consideration of the act in his chamber so Trump can sign it into law shortly after taking office.

The ICC is a permanent court that can prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression in member states or by their nationals.

The court has said its decision to pursue warrants against the Israeli officials was in line with its approach in all cases, based on an assessment by the prosecutor that there was enough evidence to proceed, and the view that seeking arrest warrants immediately could prevent ongoing crimes.

Congressional Republicans have been denouncing the ICC since it issuedarrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense chief Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the 15-month-long Gaza conflict. Israel rejects the allegations.

The Republican-led House passed the act seeking to sanction the ICC in June, but the measure was never taken up in the Senate, which at the time was controlled by a Democratic majority.

Reuters

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Kremlin ‘would welcome’ contact from Trump

Moscow would be willing to talk to US President-elect Donald Trump if he sticks to his plan of restoring contacts, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Thursday. It has not received any specific requests from Washington in this regard, he added.

Trump has promised on several occasions that he could achieve a negotiated settlement of the Ukraine conflict in just one day. In December, he also said that he would wait for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to the hostilities.

Moscow has repeatedly said that it is ready for a dialogue about a potential peace settlement and accused Kiev of refusing to engage in negotiations.

On Thursday, Peskov said that Putin “would only welcome” a situation in which Trump would “retain his political will to restore contacts at the highest level” after his inauguration on January 20. The Russian president “has repeatedly spoken about his readiness for a dialogue” and the need for it, the spokesman added.

According to Peskov, Moscow has not received any specific requests from the US on the issue.

He suggested that “for obvious reasons” it would be prudent to wait until Trump assumes office.

Speaking to journalists at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida earlier this week, Trump said that he might need up to six months after taking office to help Moscow and Kiev reach a deal. His special envoy on the Ukraine conflict, retired US Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, told Fox News that he would like to set a 100-day timeline to end the conflict.

According to some media reports, Trump’s team is considering a freeze of the conflict along the current front line. Moscow has repeatedly stated that it seeks to end the conflict, not freeze it.

In December, Putin told a press conference that he was ready to meet and talk with Trump. Earlier, he also outlined conditions for a peaceful resolution, including an immediate ceasefire and readiness for negotiations, if Ukrainian forces withdraw from all Russian territory, including the regions that joined the country following referendums in autumn 2022. Putin has also called on Kiev to abandon its NATO ambitions and adopt a neutral and nuclear weapon-free status.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Four dead in shelling incidents in Ukraine, officials say

Four people were killed on Thursday in instances of shelling in Ukraine, one blamed on Russia's military, the other on Ukrainian forces, regional officials said.

In Donetsk region, the focal point of Russia's slow advance westward along the front line, regional governor Vadym Filaskhin said on Telegram that two people were killed when Russian forces shelled the town of Siversk.

Further south, in a Russian-controlled area of Zaporizhzhia region, two people were killed when the town of Kamyanka-Dniprovska came under Ukrainian fire, the Russia-appointed governor, Yevgeny Belitsky wrote on Telegram.

The town is located on a large reservoir along the Dnipro River, which bisects Ukraine, not far from the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.

Reuters could not independently confirm battlefield accounts from either side.

RT/Reuters

“Arsenal fans are currently over the moon, testosterone pumping – and why not? The story will not change in 2024… the odds are not in Arsenal’s favour… My forecast is that despite setting his ducks in a row, (Godwin)Obaseki’s candidate would lose in September. His biggest undoing would be the large army of political enemies he has created in the last eight years – some inevitably from the reforms he introduced, but others, and in a far larger number, avoidably from his mean-spirited, opportunistic politics.”

- What You Might Expect in 2024, December 29, 2023

This is the fifth in my series of annual forecasts. For a part-time Nostradamus, my record has been above average. The forecasts usually come earlier, in the last week of December. Yet, the potency of this edition is not diminished by the delay.

I made a particularly catastrophic forecast for last year, which has left a puree of tomatoes on my face and those of a significant segment of the liberal press in the US, led by CNN: that President Joe Biden would defeat Donald Trump. That didn’t happen—not because Biden didn’t beat Trump, but because Biden was not in the race.

There were a few other misses, but on the whole, whether it was about Arsenal, the value of the exchange rate by year-end, or when Dangote and the public refineries would start production, I was bang on the money.

A word for ministers

Let me start with some unsolicited advice for politicians, especially President Bola Tinubu’s ministers. Their biggest mistake this year would be to take the President’s statement during the December media chat that he won’t replace them at face value.

He said he wouldn’t replace them, not that he would keep them at any cost. I forecast that by May 29 or earlier, the president will replace ministers, especially those who have since outlived their IOU value. As pressure mounts ahead of the pre-election year, no fewer than five of them will be replaced or reassigned by the end of 2025.

Fighting Tinubu

It's 2025, but it feels like 2027. It has been this way since the end of last year. Leading politicians from the North, notably former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, spent much of 2024 regretting that the region supported Tinubu and swooning over how to stop his reelection. The schemes will reach a fever pitch this year as the government presses ahead with the Tax Reform Bills,which are perceived as anti-North.

The tax bills won’t be the only thing over which Northern politicians would raise a battle cry, even though it’s unlikely that they will stop the passage of a watered-down version.

When the government’s deadline against keeping dollars outside the banking system expires in July, those saving the greenback for the next election will cry foul and demand an extension, if not an outright rejection of the policy. They will argue that 1) the government has no right to tell them what to do with their money and 2) it targets Northerners, who are dominant operators in Bureaus de Change.

In the same way, the census, as planned, is unlikely to be held this year. Some states, especially those in the opposition, would declare it an ingenious attempt at gerrymandering ahead of 2027. If the federal government goes ahead, they might repeat what happened in Lagos in 2006, when Tinubu was governor: mount a legal challenge, failing which the states would conduct their separate “census” and declare their figures valid.

Opposition in disarray

Yet, this is the year of the ultimate scramble for presidential favours, especially among politicians who can’t afford to wait for another four years in the cold. They’ve been joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in trickles. As the shambles of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) becomes a ruinous heapand the Labour Party produces more heat than fire, more and more will flock to the APC.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will remain the PDP's albatross despite his efforts to act as its best card. Those hoping for an opposition coalition to challenge the APC in 2027 will be disappointed. The likely arrowheads of such a coalition—Atiku, NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and political strategist-in-a-limbo Nasir El-Rufai—would be unable to find a common ground.

Ambition, ego, and a perennial distrust of one anotherwill ruin these strange bedfellows. Whatever is left of their political remains will be buried by their heartbroken followers. The new exiting class of second-term governors, likely from the South West and the North East,with money, ambition and a desire for fresh conquests,particularly Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, will overplay their reach.

Twice lucky

Governor Charles Soludo will likely be returned for a second term in November despite snippers from his party, APGA, and outside.

Where’s the money?

On the national stage, I worry about the economy. My advice is to view government officials' rose-tinted forecasts with caution. The coming onstream of the Dangote Refinery, especially, and the partial production from the Port Harcourt Refinery helped ease pressure on foreign exchange demand, mainly because crude was purchased in naira. It would be interesting to see how this naira-for-crude arrangement will hold, especially as Dangote Refinery expands its markets outside Nigeria.

Prices would likely be more stable, with marginal improvements in the macroeconomic outlook. However, with the relatively high debt level, more borrowing crowding out private sector credit, and 2,604 uncompleted projects inherited from previous governments, it will be hard to find cash.

Feeding the cash cow

Revenue will continue to be a problem for at least two reasons: First, the government’s main cash cow, crude oil earnings, is unlikely to reach the anticipated 2m bpd, and the benchmark oil price of $75 pb might prove overambitious.

Multiple sources told me that current production levels are around 1.4-1.5m bpd, discounting for condensate. However, unless the government radically restructures the NNPCL, the weak and heavily politicised structure will underperform.

Shell’s $5 billion investment in Bonga is good news but will not crystalise until 2028/29. There are no new investments in the country’s mineral mining leases that NNPCL incompetently manages to inspire confidence or significantly relieve the current budget cycle.

Second, the government’s effort to improve farm output and moderate food inflation—currently the most severe threat to social security—is still in its early stages. Food inflation will remain relatively high this year, likely around the five-year average of 35 percent. Retooling the value chain to deliver results beyond the current subsistence levels will require radical steps for at least another cycle to bear fruit.

Managing discontent

To stave off social discontent from hardship, governments at all levels must invest more in the weak and vulnerable, especially the growing army of urban youths who will drift more into cybercrimes in significant numbers this year. As for security, the final piece of the puzzle for establishing the state police will likely be completed this year, leaving only the paperwork for its implementation.

Between Arsenal and Trump

Is this finally the year broken Red Hearts will mend, the Year of Arsenal? It would be easier for Trump to take Canada as the 51st State of the US than for Arsenal to win the Premier League in May. If the club is exactly where it was this time last year (40 points after 20 games), the odds are that it will end up where it did in 2024: nearly there. The crown in 2025 is Liverpool’s to lose.

Trump 2.0’s pledge to execute the most extensive mass deportation in US history, just like his dubious promise in his first term to build a wall at Mexico’s expense, will be mired in litigation, logistics, and obstacles by some states and other institutions. It will hardly take off. However, he would have much greater leeway with his protectionist trade policies, potentially sparking retaliation from major US trading partners.

The great thing about Trump is that he won despite evidence that he would be the most unguarded US president in recent history. Nothing he does will surprise.

** Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book Writing for Media and Monetising It.

It’s a world of endless parties and sleepless nights. A relentless celebration that turns West Africa – and especially Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos – into one of the hottest destinations on the continent, if not the planet, right in the middle of winter.

Detty December is a magical time between December and early January when diaspora communities and tourists flock to Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa for an unforgettable experience filled with flavourful food, soulful African music and sunshine.

Beach parties, festivals and top-tier performances fuel the energy, while fashion takes center stage, with everyone dressing to impress.

Nearly two-thirds of Nigeria’s population is under 25, according to the United Nations Population Fund, making this one of the world’s youngest countries.

Internationally renowned Afrobeats performers and foreign artists make surprise appearances. DJs take to the streets, blasting powerful beats from consoles mounted atop bright yellow minibuses.

At times it’s all-consuming. Good luck getting hair salon appointments, affordable air tickets or navigating Lagos’ already notorious traffic when the party crowds are in town.

Detty December (“detty” is a playful corruption of “dirty”) is a triumphant celebration of culture, music and good vibes that has evolved in recent years during the traditional holidays influx of diaspora returnees, which heightened in 2018 when Ghana ran a launched a successful “Year of Return” campaign actively encouraging people to visit their ancestral homelands.

It’s gathered pace over the past five years, gaining an international reputation, as IJGBs (“I Just Got Backs”) and their friends arrive in batches, eager to unwind and blow off steam after the fast-paced, hard-working year they’ve had overseas.

For many in the vast Nigerian diaspora, it is a deeply personal homecoming, a chance to reconnect with their heritage, traditions and families while immersing themselves in the lively energy of Nigerian life.

‘Everyone is on a vibe of happiness’

Cynthia Eniola Oyeneyin, who moved from Nigeria to the UK at the age of nine, is a Detty December regular. Despite living abroad for most of her life, she returns to Nigeria every year to reunite with family and friends.

“It’s always important for me to go back to my roots and to go back to my culture,” she says. “Nigeria, for me, will always be home, so when I go back, I’m happiest. And mainly because, especially in December, everyone is on a vibe of happiness.”

Many locals also look forward to joining the party.

“I also look forward to attending Christmas parties and family Christmas gatherings which is a cultural thing in Nigeria where we cook and host each other and it’s always a good time,” says Ademidun Akindele. “This December was really good. Lagos is extremely populated during this time of the year but I can’t complain because it’s good for the economy and it’s amazing to see people.”

What makes the Nigerian Detty December unique?

For starters, Nigeria’s entertainment scene is buzzing during Detty December, offering an abundance of performances headlined by some of the biggest Afrobeats stars, like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Ayra Starr and Tems.

Festivals such as the Calabar Carnival in Cross River State, referred to as “Africa’s biggest street party,” and the Flytime Fest music festival in Lagos provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences, drawing massive crowds eager to immerse themselves in the culture.

Many events are organized by Cultur FM, an influential brand that boasts a large global presence and serves as a unique platform celebrating the richness of African music. It aims to spotlight the often-overlooked talent in the genre, shifting focus from Western DJs who have embraced these sounds to the African artists and DJs who define them.

During the latest Detty December, Cultur FM staged a series of creative events in Lagos. Collaborating with brands like Air Peace, Pepsi Nigeria and Hennessy Nigeria on gatherings that celebrated African pride while connecting deeply with local communities.

‘Back where it all started’

“We wanted to go back to where it all started,” a Cultur FM founder told CNN Travel. He didn’t want his name revealed in line with the organization’s brand anonymity.

“It was essential to involve local people and celebrate the vibrant creativity of these streets.”

He said the standout from the 2024 lineup was an unforgettable block party in Surulere, the iconic Lagos neighborhood that birthed music legends like Wizkid and Oxlade.

Departing from the typical glitzy beach club scene, this free community event aimed to honor its roots. DJ booths were set up on yellow mini-buses, Oxlade delivered an electrifying performance, and brands distributed free merchandise and drinks.

As Detty December gains prominence each year, so does Cultur FM’s influence. The group plans to expand into Ghana and South Africa, continuing to disrupt the music scene, inspire pride in African heritage and connect the diaspora with its roots.

But it’s not just the events — FOMO (fear of missing out) is real!

Lagos during Detty December is bustling with energy, and even if you’re not there, social media feeds will be packed with pictures and videos of people’s highlight reels from their vacations.

From glamorous weddings — because, lest we forget, December is peak wedding season in Nigeria — to house parties, beach day parties and long-awaited family reunions, there’s never a dull moment.

For most tourists and the Nigerian diaspora, the trip feels worth every penny. The favorable currency conversion for travelers from countries such as the UK, the US and Canada makes luxury experiences and indulgences more accessible.

This affordability, combined with the promise of unforgettable memories, makes it hard to resist hopping on a plane for the ultimate holiday. And that’s not all: Local businesses thrive during this period, with vendors, restaurants, and hotels reaping the rewards, in turn providing a boost to the Nigerian economy.

“One of the things I’ve observed the most is the positive economic impact this December has on Nigeria,” says Cynthia. “People are coming to Nigeria to have fun and pumping money into the economy, bringing in more jobs for, you know, the less fortunate as well, and it’s so beautiful to watch.”

Of course, no good thing comes without challenges. While Detty December feels like a haven of fun, there are certainly drawbacks. Flights to Lagos from the UK, US, and Canada become expensive, especially during this period, prompting IJGBs and frequent visitors to book within the first three months of the year to avoid sky-high costs.

Additionally, as an emerging market, Nigeria’s infrastructure often struggles to handle the influx of visitors during Detty December, leading to severe traffic jams that are a nightmare to navigate.

“Lagos is already populated, but come December, you know most people in the diaspora come to Nigeria,” says Ademidun. “This year, I even noticed more people who aren’t even of Nigerian heritage coming into the country to participate in the events, which was interesting, but it just meant everywhere was packed. So, getting a nail appointment, or a hair appointment wasn’t impossible but it was tricky. There is also a lot of traffic, which we expected but traffic jams are a major hindrance of enjoyment.”

Ademidun’s experience highlights the strain on everyday life during Detty December. But beyond the inconvenience, there’s a deeper issue at play – the impact the celebration has on locals.

Many would like to experience the festivities in full but are met with soaring prices driven up by tourists with deep pockets. This effectively excludessome from enjoying simple pleasures like food, events, beach clubs, and getaways in their own country.

Despite these challenges, Detty December has elevated Nigeria’s global profile, drawing visitors eager to immerse themselves in the festivities. The rich culture, nonstop entertainment, and viral #DettyDecember posts have transformed the country into an even more sought-after vacation destination.

Beyond the partying, it serves as a stage for cultural exports, from authentic traditional cuisine to Afrobeats and the resurgence of Y2K fashion, infused with fashions inspired by Nigeria’s “Nollywood” movie scene, turning every moment of Detty December into a celebration of Nigeria’s cultural richness.

Detty December is no ordinary festive season, it’s a movement that unites people from all walks of life in a celebration of African excellence. It places West Africa in the spotlight and as Lagos shines brightly for the world to see, it’s evident that this isn’t merely a homecoming for the diaspora or a festive holiday destination — it’s an ode to Nigeria’s unyielding spirit and its ever-growing influence on the global cultural stage.

CNN

A groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine reveals that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) cause approximately 340,000 deaths annually from Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease worldwide.

The research, conducted by Tufts University's School of Nutrition Science and Policy, analyzed data from 184 countries over three decades. In 2020 alone, SSBs were associated with 2.2 million new Type 2 diabetes cases and 1.2 million cardiovascular disease cases, with developing regions bearing the heaviest burden.

Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America show particularly alarming trends. SSBs account for over 20% of new diabetes cases in Sub-Saharan Africa and nearly 24% in Latin America and the Caribbean. The impact is most severe in countries like Colombia, where sugary drinks are linked to 48% of new diabetes cases and 23% of cardiovascular disease cases.

Dariush Mozaffarian, the study's senior author, highlights how SSBs are aggressively marketed in low- and middle-income nations, where healthcare systems are often ill-equipped to handle the resulting health crisis. Young men appear especially vulnerable to these health impacts.

The researchers advocate for immediate action, including public health campaigns, advertising regulations, and taxation of sugary drinks. Some countries, like Mexico, have already implemented such measures.

In Africa, Nigeria stands out as the continent's largest soft drink consumer, with an annual consumption of 40 million litres. The country ranks fourth globally in soft drink consumption, following the United States, China, and Mexico. In response, Nigeria introduced a N10 per litre tax on sweetened drinks in 2021, with potential plans to double this rate.

SSBs include any liquid containing natural or added sweeteners, from soft drinks and juices to sweetened coffee, tea, energy drinks, and flavored dairy products. The study's findings underscore the urgent need for global intervention to address this growing public health crisis.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its collection with 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update, reflecting the growing global influence of Nigerian English and Pidgin. Among the newly added entries are “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” “abi,” “suya,” and “yahoo boy.” These words capture diverse aspects of Nigerian culture, daily life, and street slang, further cementing Nigeria’s unique contribution to the English language.

“Japa,” for instance, is defined as the act of fleeing or emigrating, particularly in search of better opportunities abroad, and is listed as both a noun and a verb. Similarly, “agbero” refers to touts or transport workers commonly found at bus stops, while “eba” denotes a staple Nigerian food made from cassava flour. “419,” a term rooted in Nigeria’s penal code, describes fraud, often internet-based.

Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant who played a pivotal role in this update, expressed his excitement on LinkedIn. He revealed that he not only drafted many of the entries but also recorded their pronunciations for the dictionary. “This milestone reflects Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and unique ways of expression,” he wrote, encouraging Nigerians to share and suggest more words for future updates.

This update builds on a similar addition in 2020, when 29 Nigerian words like “okada” and “mama put” were included. It underscores the OED’s recognition of Nigeria’s linguistic diversity, with over 57 Nigerian words now officially part of its database.

The OED described Nigerian Pidgin as a rich source of new English words, with many terms originating from the 1970s and 1980s. The update highlights the global appeal of Nigerian expressions, as seen in the rising use of terms like “Naija” (a nickname for Nigeria) and “yahoo boy” (a term for internet scammers).

With this recognition, the OED continues to celebrate Nigeria’s vibrant culture and the evolving nature of the English language.