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Africa Featured Notes United States West Africa Wole Olaoye World

Coming From America

Ostensibly, it was meant to be a compliment of sorts. But it has backfired massively all over Africa. US President Donald Trump had invited five West African presidents to the White House to discuss “trade instead of aid”. While there were various speculations as regards the real reason behind the invitation— especially as the continental Read More…

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Featured Notes Vatican Wole Olaoye World

Papa Francesco è stato qui!

On Easter Sunday, I watched the expectant crowd at St Peter’s Square break into a spontaneous applause as Pope Francis’ head appeared on the most recognisable balcony in the world, the papal balcony. It was from that same loggia that the former Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was introduced to the world Read More…

Featured Nigeria Notes Politics Wole Olaoye

The Power of Soft Power

Every corridor of power is strewn with its own peculiar coterie of grovellers. They may come under various designations— Special Assistant, Press Secretary, Special Adviser, Commissioner or some other official nomenclature— what unites them is their blind and unthinking resort to extra-legal measures in defence of their principals. Some public officials who don’t know any Read More…