Witty Global blog

  New Book Children as the First Test' by Itoro Uwah Set to Ignite Global Conversation on Parenting, Purpose, and Legacy Abuja, Nigeria — Children as the First Test, the upcoming book by an African author, counsellor, and founder of BEFOCUS Children and Youth Foundation, Itoro Uwah, is stirring powerful anticipation across communities, institutions, and parenting networks worldwide. The book is a bold, deeply insightful call to reimagine parenting — not just as a personal responsibility but as the first test of human talent and value to the world. In a society overwhelmed by technological breakthroughs, shifting values, and rapid globalization, Uwah asks the central question: "What are we passing on to our children — and why?" > "Raising a child without the future in mind is more dangerous than the deadliest weapon ever designed," says Uwah in what has quickly become one of the book's most quoted lines. Drawing from real-life observations, spiritual and p...

The Book Every Generation Needs: “Children as the First Test” by Itoro Uwah Something powerful is coming. A book that doesn’t just ask questions — it demands answers. A book that will challenge how we raise children, how we pass on values, and how we shape the world of tomorrow. “Children as the First Test” is not just another book on parenting. It is a wake-up call. A revelation. A legacy. Written by Itoro Uwah — father, counselor, widower, and founder of the BEFOCUS Children and Youth Foundation — this book unveils a truth that many have felt but few have dared to say: “Raising a child without the future in mind is more dangerous than the deadliest weapon ever designed.” Why This Book Matters Now In a time where technology is evolving faster than values... Where culture celebrates instant success but forgets long-term impact... Where parents are overwhelmed, and children are exposed to more than they’re prepared for... This book is a lifeline. It explores the conce...

  Beyond Generations: How Valuing People Can Heal Workplaces and Humanity We often talk about generational differences in the workplace as though they’re obstacles—Baby Boomers are too rigid, Millennials too entitled, Gen Z too sensitive. But while these distinctions may stem from real historical and cultural shifts, our obsession with them distracts us from a deeper truth : People are not problems to manage. They are lives to understand. If you're leading a team and your management style—whether subtly or openly—signals that you don’t fully value certain individuals because of their age, you will encounter the symptoms: disengagement, quiet resistance, anger, or withdrawal. But there’s one thing every generation has in common: the deep, human need to be seen, heard, and valued. Lead with Human Curiosity Start by doing something simple—but powerful: engage in real conversation. Ask each person on your team thoughtful questions that go beyond the surface: “What motivates you right n...

  The Death of Conscience: A Nation's Fast-Track Decline in Values By: Itoro Uwah  In the past two decades, Nigeria has witnessed not just a shift, but a dangerous erosion in the very core of what defines a people — integrity, dignity, family values, posterity, gender pride, conscience, morals, ethics, and spiritual sincerity. What was once unthinkable has now become entertainment. What was sacred is now scoffed at. And the nonsense that should have remained at the margins of decency has been repackaged as content — celebrated, sold, and spread. This is not just a lamentation. It is a clarion call backed by cold data and burning reality. The Speed of Decay: 2000 to 2025 in Perspective From the turn of the millennium, Nigeria's cultural compass began to spin uncontrollably. A graph mapping the acceptance, adoption, and participation in trends that oppose traditional values tells a terrifying story: 2000–2005: Decline began slowly — roughly 15% acceptance of questionable moral s...

 South-East Under Siege: RULAAC, Civil Societies Slam FG Over Deadly Herdsmen Attacks ... "Innocent lives are being wasted while the government looks away," groups cry out A storm of outrage is sweeping through Nigeria's South-East as civil society groups, led by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), sound the alarm over what they describe as an epidemic of violence unleashed by suspected herdsmen. In a gripping report by Sahara Reporters, the coalition painted a chilling picture of life in the region—where communities are being ravaged by incessant killings, kidnappings, destruction of farmlands, and mass displacements. The most shocking part? According to them, the Nigerian security forces are doing little or nothing to stop it. "This is beyond a security lapse—it's a complete breakdown of protection for citizens," the coalition declared, citing the daily horrors rural dwellers face in states like Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Imo. Far...

  Nile University Takes the Lead in Developing Nigeria's First National Hydrogen Policy Abuja, Nigeria — In a significant step toward energy transformation, Nile University of Nigeria is spearheading the development of a national hydrogen policy to guide the country's adoption and utilization of hydrogen energy. The initiative, led by Professor Abdullahi Gimba, Head of the Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, is being undertaken in collaboration with the Nigerian government. During the institution's fourth inaugural lecture in Abuja, Prof. Gimba emphasized that the hydrogen policy aims to position Nigeria as a key player in the global hydrogen economy. He said the policy will drive investment, catalyze industrial transformation, create jobs, and support the country's energy mix diversification. "I attended the first international conference on hydrogen earlier this year, representing our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dilli Dogo, and realized that Nigeria curre...

  An exclusive look inside the facility turning Jaguar EVs into robotaxis with the AI-driven fleet’s custom computing system, cameras, lidar, and radar reveals a significant leap towards the future of transportation. Soon, tens of thousands of robotaxis will be rolling off the line annually, marking a transformative moment in urban mobility.  The Waymo Factory in Mesa, Arizona Located about 20 minutes from Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport, Waymo's new 239,000-square-foot factory in Mesa is at the forefront of this innovation. Opened in October 2024, the facility is dedicated to converting Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs into autonomous robotaxis. Each vehicle is equipped with a custom-designed computing system, cameras, radar, and laser lidar sensors, essential for navigating urban environments safely and efficiently. Kent Yiu, Waymo’s head of vehicle manufacturing, emphasized the factory's capacity to scale production significantly. "We looked at our five-year projection and ...

 In a groundbreaking move towards environmental sustainability and economic diversification, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the development of a bamboo processing factory in Kogi State. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at providing sustainable alternatives to tree felling, thereby addressing pressing ecological concerns while simultaneously promoting the bamboo and rattan economy. As the world grapples with the consequences of deforestation and climate change, Nigeria’s commitment to bamboo cultivation represents a significant step in the right direction. At the seventh edition of the 2025 ministerial press briefing held in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, articulated the government's vision for this project, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of bamboo. He explained that bamboo, often regarded merely as a type of grass, can grow to tree-like proportions and serve many functions traditionally fulfilled by trees. ...

Reflections on the Telecoms Colloquium: Beyond Holding Talks In the recent Telecoms Colloquium held in Lagos under the aegis of the House Committee on Communications, one couldn’t help but reflect on the parallels with Prof. Ola Rotimi’s play, Holding Talks. Much like the endless dialogue between two characters in the play, the discussions we often witness in such gatherings can sometimes seem devoid of real direction or meaningful outcomes. However, this colloquium, held last week, presented a scenario that hinted at potential change, particularly in Nigeria's telecommunications landscape. Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that while the propensity to engage in dialogue can feel Sisyphean, the context of this colloquium was notably charged. Two major developments unfolded concurrently with the discussions: a trade dispute between telecommunications giant MTN and Kogi State, resulting in service interruptions in parts of the state, and MTN's turn towards profitability afte...

  Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona in a thrilling UEFA Champions League semifinal, edging the Spanish giants 7–6 on aggregate after a dramatic 4–3 victory in extra time at the San Siro on May 6, 2025. This match has now entered the record books as one of the highest-scoring knockout ties in Champions League history, featuring a staggering total of 13 goals. Match Overview The first leg of the semifinal, held at Camp Nou, ended in a 3–3 draw, setting the stage for an intense second leg. Inter Milan took an early lead in the return match, scoring twice in the first half to establish a 5–3 aggregate advantage. However, Barcelona responded fiercely after the break, netting two quick goals within seven minutes to level the aggregate score at 5–5. Just when it seemed Barcelona would secure their place in the final with an 87th-minute goal from Raphinha, Inter's Francesco Acerbi equalized in stoppage time, forcing the match into extra time. In the additional 30 minutes, substitute Dav...

  Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has announced that the Nigerian Senate will prioritize several critical issues as it resumes plenary on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The agenda includes addressing the political crisis in Rivers State, tackling insecurity across the nation, and advancing the Tax Reform Bills 2024. This announcement comes after a six-week recess that included the Easter and Eid-el-Fitr holidays, during which the Senate was largely inactive  Key Legislative Priorities: Tax Reform Bills 2024: Bamidele emphasized that the first order of business will be the consideration of the Tax Reform Bills 2024. He described these reforms as essential for overhauling Nigeria's tax system and increasing national revenue. The proposed legislation aims to adjust the Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenue-sharing formula and introduce tax exemptions for low-income earners. Bamidele stated, “The reforms will support governments at all levels to fund projects and deliver the benefits of democracy t...

  The recent decision by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate 27 judges and suspend three for misconduct is not merely a regulatory update; it signifies a profound crisis within the judicial system of Nigeria. This situation reflects a tragic irony: those who are meant to uphold justice are now themselves facing allegations of misconduct. This development raises critical questions about the integrity of the judicial system and the implications for justice in the country. The phrase "If the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" resonates deeply in this context. It highlights the concern that if the very individuals entrusted with administering justice are found wanting, the entire system may be compromised. The NJC's actions serve as a reminder that accountability is essential, even among those in positions of power. Way Forward: Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms: There is a need for robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that judges are held a...

T he leadership of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has expressed deep concern over the escalating hardship Nigerians face, particularly regarding security issues, during its recent 72nd General Church Council (GCC) meeting held in Jos, Plateau State. The Church's leadership has called on the government at all levels to prioritize the safety of citizens and to take decisive action against the rising tide of violence and insecurity across the nation. Key Concerns Raised by ECWA : Security Prioritization: The Church emphasized the urgent need for the government to prioritize the security of all Nigerians. In a communique by ECWA President Rev. Job Bagat, the council noted the persistent and escalating violence, particularly in states such as Borno, Benue, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Plateau. While commending the efforts of government and security agencies, the council highlighted that attacks and killings continue unabated, necessitating more robust measures to address these issues...

  As prices of school bags soar, parents now turn to locally made backpacks . Every day in Nigeria, unsettling news of rising prices for essential goods and services comes to the fore, and the latest spike has hit parents particularly hard. The cost of children's school bags has skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford quality backpacks for their children to carry books, food, and water to school. Soaring Prices of School Bags Previously, a standard school backpack could be purchased for less than N5,000. However, prices have surged dramatically, with many bags costing around N35,000 or more. This steep increase and rising school fees create a financial burden that many parents find unbearable. For instance, the cost of school fees has also seen significant hikes, with reports indicating increases of up to 86% in some institutions. Parents are now faced with the painful reality of managing these escalating costs, which are compounded by the overall infla...

  The lending landscape in Nigeria's banking sector is undergoing significant changes as banks increasingly withdraw from financing the real sector. This shift comes amid rising threats to the business environment, including insecurity, supply chain disruptions, inflation, and declining purchasing power. As a result, banks' deposits with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) surged to N17.83 trillion in April 2025, marking a staggering 243% increase from N5.2 trillion in March 2025. Key Developments Surge in Deposits: Financial data from the CBN indicates that banks and merchant banks deposited a total of N37.05 trillion with the central bank in the first four months of 2025. This represents a dramatic year-on-year increase of 1549% compared to N2.25 trillion during the same period in 2024. The increase in deposits reflects a growing trend among banks to prioritize liquidity over lending amid economic uncertainty. Monetary Policy Impact: The CBN's Standing Deposit Facility (SDF...