"The Offside Musings Podcast" Okey Ndibe with Emeka Onyeagwa The Driot Media, Inc
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- Society & Culture
A podcast with co-hosts Okey Ndibe (acclaimed Nigerian columnist and novelist) and Emeka Onyeagwa.
We offer deep and often entertaining insights into Nigerian current affairs and culture. In a style that is learned, penetrating and engaging, the podcast illuminates the major issues in Nigerian politics, culture, economics and social trends. This podcast offers fresh new ways of looking at Nigeria—and does it with aplomb and more than a sprinkle of lightheartedness, wit and humor.
Support us at offsidemusings@substack.com Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-offside-musings/support
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#80 - Nigeria's Labor Strike and The Current Economy Crisis
In this episode, we dive into the recent significant developments in Nigeria, including the successful general strike, the national anthem controversy, and the degradation of the civil service. We dissect the history and effectiveness of trade union leadership in Nigeria and the palpable impact of social misery exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies. The discussion also delves into the role of external influences in the 2012 protests and the current climate of dissatisfaction and hardship. The hosts critically examine former President Obasanjo's tenure, highlighting both his reforms and failures, particularly in addressing corruption and problems in the power sector. The episode further explores the removal of oil subsidies, the widespread suffering of Nigerians, and the divisive effects of tribalism and identity politics. Concluding with a reflection on the state of the civil service, the hosts ponder the prospects for meaningful change in Nigeria.
Chapters
00:00 - Developments in Nigeria: General Strike, National Anthem, and Civil Service
02:03 - Trade Union Leadership and the Effectiveness of Strikes in Nigeria
05:26 - The Impact of Social Misery and Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria
10:24 - Outside Forces and the 2012 Protests in Nigeria
14:35 - Assessing Former President Obasanjo's Leadership
35:08 - The Impact of Oil Subsidy Removal
50:03 - Debate Over the National Anthem
53:27 - Tribalism and Identity Politics
58:14 - Behavior of Political Leaders
01:06:50 - The State of the Civil Service
01:09:16 - Hope for Positive Change in Nigeria
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#79 - Wole Soyinka: The Public Intellectual in Nigerian Politics
In this engaging episode, we delve into the role of Wole Soyinka as a public intellectual within the political arena of Nigeria. The conversation scrutinizes his response to the 2023 elections and the broader societal disappointment over his silence on electoral malpractices. We explore the societal reverence for public figures and how poverty and hunger influence public opinion. The discussion extends to the complexities of the Nigerian political landscape, the pivotal role of youth, and the perspectives of Professor Wole Soyinka on various issues. Additionally, we touch upon the themes of hopelessness, the critical need for empathy, and the evolving nature of societal change, underscoring the profound challenges faced by the Nigerian youth today.
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Chapters
00:00 - Wole Soyinka: The Public Intellectual in Nigerian Politics
08:54 - Disappointment and Debate: Wole Soyinka's Response to the 2023 Elections
40:27 - Contextual Understanding: Analyzing the Views of Public Intellectuals
48:21 - Navigating the Political Landscape of Nigeria
59:19 - The Impact of Hopelessness on Nigerian Youth
01:20:31 - Empathy and Understanding in Societal Change
01:32:33 - The Evolving Nature of Societal Change and Political Influence
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Stay Connected:
Follow "The Offside Musings Podcast" on Substack for insightful articles accompanying our episodes: offsidemusings.substack.com
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Social Media:
YouTube: The Offside Musings Podcast
Facebook: TheoffsideMusingsPodcast
Instagram: @the_offside_musings
Twitter: @MusingsOffside
TikTok: @Theoffsidemusingspodcast
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-offside-musings/support -
#78 - Tinubu, the Art of Disappearance, and Nigeria’s Other Woes
In this insightful episode we delve into pressing issues currently facing Nigeria. The discussion opens with the puzzling disappearance of the president, creating a power vacuum and highlighting the recurring issue of absentee leadership during critical times. They examine the impact of such leadership failures on foreign investment and infrastructure. The episode further explores the case of Yahya Bello, the ongoing power sector crisis, and broader challenges such as corruption and economic instability. Focusing on the state of Rivers and the significant influence of godfathers in Nigerian politics, the hosts underscore the deep-seated corruption and power struggles that pervade the political landscape. The conversation also addresses societal issues like the prevalent culture of overeating and lack of exercise, emphasizing the urgent need for a transformative change in leadership and public mindset.
Chapters:
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00:00 - Introduction and Overview
02:22 - The Disappearing President and the Vacuum of Power
05:51 - The Power Sector Crisis in Nigeria
26:55 - Challenges Faced by Nigerians
36:08 - The Need for Accountable Leadership
39:01 - The Role of Godfathers in Nigerian Politics
44:48 - The Dire Economic Situation in Nigeria
51:02 - The Culture of Overeating and Lack of Exercise in Nigeria
01:06:16 - The Need for a Change in Mindset and Leadership in Nigeria
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Thank you for tuning in and supporting our show!
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The Offside Musings Podcast is a production of The Droit Media. We're excited to announce that our podcast has been featured in Feedspot's Top 35 Nigeria Podcasts! Check out the list here: https://blog.feedspot.com/nigeria_podcasts/
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Thank you for tuning in and we hope you enjoy the show!
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-offside-musings/support -
#77 - The Lessons of Air Peace’s Isiagu Brouhaha
In this episode, we delve into the growing appeal of ethnic sentiments in Nigeria, centering on the recent controversy surrounding Air Peace Airlines. They discuss the significance of terminologies such as 'tribalism' and 'ethnicity' and advocate for the avoidance of divisive language. The hosts highlight Air Peace's positive impact in providing affordable flights and combating discrimination against Nigerians. They address the unwarranted backlash regarding the airline's choice of uniform, emphasizing the importance of individual choice and the need to confront foolishness. Additionally, the conversation explores the political motivations behind the controversy and its role as a distraction from pressing issues in the country. Unity and investment in Nigeria's potential are emphasized, along with the necessity for principled positions grounded in logic and rationality. The hosts also touch upon societal distractions, government failures such as the collapse of the national grid and high unemployment rates, and the imperative for open dialogue and engagement to tackle Nigeria's challenges.
Chapters:
00:00: Introduction: Exploring Ethnic Sentiments in Nigeria
03:26: The Impact of Air Peace: Challenging Discrimination
07:45: Calling Out Foolishness: The Importance of Individual Choice
40:56: Investing in Nigeria: Belief in Unity and Potential
46:08: Societal Distractions: Hindering Progress and Productivity
49:42: Government Failures: The Collapse of the National Grid and High Unemployment
Stay Connected:
Follow "The Offside Musings Podcast" on Substack for insightful articles accompanying our episodes: offsidemusings.substack.com
Listen to all episodes of "The Offside Musings Podcast" on your favorite podcast platforms.
Social Media:
YouTube: The Offside Musings Podcast
Facebook: TheoffsideMusingsPodcast
Instagram: @the_offside_musings
Twitter: @MusingsOffside
TikTok: @Theoffsidemusingspodcast
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-offside-musings/support -
#76 - Nigeria’s Akpabio Curse
In "Echoes of Misery: Navigating Nigeria's Turbulent Waters," we dissect the labyrinth of challenges plaguing Nigeria, from budget padding scandals to a distressing upsurge in violence. The episode weaves through the narratives of personal loss, shining a light on the grim reality of death's frequency and the societal neglect towards planning for the inevitable. It critiques the extravagant and often performative nature of funerals, juxtaposed with the tone-deafness of political leadership, exemplified by controversial actions and statements from high-ranking officials. This discussion extends into the grandiosity of Nigerian politicians, the endemic poverty of leadership, and the state's seeming incapacity to curb violence and kidnappings, especially in educational institutions. By delving into the media portrayal of Nigeria and the systemic roots of the nation's woes, the episode calls for a structural overhaul and a reevaluation of leadership selection by the populace.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Overview
00:29 - Controversies in Nigeria: Budget Padding and Rising Violence
01:27 - Rising Misery and Personal Stories
06:25 - The Frequency of Deaths
08:19 - The Emotional Toll of Death
09:18 - The Financial Burden of Funerals
12:17 - The Disconnect Between Death and Financial Planning
20:29 - The Tone-Deaf Politics of Nigerian Leaders
22:20 - Controversial Actions of the Nigerian Senate President
26:04 - Leadership Alienation from the Lives of Nigerians
29:12 - The Responsibility of the People in Choosing Leaders
30:42 - Discussion on Nigerian politicians and their grandiosity
36:04 - Leadership and the poverty of the mind
38:39 - The helplessness of the Nigerian state in addressing violence and kidnappings
43:48 - The spike in violence and abductions in schools
46:31 - The systemic nature of Nigeria's problems
53:44 - The portrayal of Nigeria in media and the need for change
56:34 - The comical nature of Nigeria's portrayal
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Stay Connected:
Follow "The Offside Musings Podcast" on Substack for insightful articles accompanying our episodes: offsidemusings.substack.com
Listen to all episodes of "The Offside Musings Podcast" on your favorite podcast platforms.
Social Media:
YouTube: The Offside Musings Podcast
Facebook: TheoffsideMusingsPodcast
Instagram: @the_offside_musings
Twitter: @MusingsOffside
TikTok: @Theoffsidemusingspodcast
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-offside-musings/support -
#75 - Suffering, But Not Smiling Anymore
We dive into the heart of Nigeria's economic woes. Hosts Okey Ndibe and Emeka Onyeagwa as they dissect the critical state of affairs in "Suffering, But Not Smiling Anymore." This episode uncovers the grim reality of living through Nigeria's economic crisis, from skyrocketing prices and the Naira's devaluation to the challenges facing the middle class and the unreliability of power supply. The discussion also ventures into the realm of cryptocurrency, examining the government's stance, the impact of regulatory fines on Binance, and the broader implications for Nigeria's economy and the value of the Naira. With insight into the scarcity of foreign currency, rising living costs, and the psychological impact on Nigerian society's aspirations for luxury and prestige, this episode is a critical examination of the need for effective leadership and a call to action for sustainable economic reform.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:59 - Dire Economic Situation in Nigeria
04:11 - Global Economic Crisis
06:33 - Economic Challenges in Nigeria
09:26 - Government's Lack of Solutions
10:24 - Devaluation of the Naira
11:51 - Impact on Daily Meals
13:35 - Financial Struggles of Middle Class
16:03 - Rising Prices of Goods
19:24 - Minimum Wage and Inflation
20:20 - Fitful Power Supply
21:49 - Government's Blame on Cryptocurrency
27:51 - Misunderstanding of Cryptocurrency
34:48 - Regulatory Fines and Binance's Operations
36:02 - Regulators in the US and New York
37:02 - Cryptocurrency Functionality and Coin Offerings
38:00 - Crypto as a Solution and Traditional Banking
39:00 - Government Control and Threats to Traditional Systems
40:22 - Government Actions Against Binance
41:04 - Crypto as Securities and Legal Authority
42:28 - Dark Web and Crypto Reputation
43:20 - Bitcoin and Deflationary Cryptos
46:04 - Crypto as Stock or Security
47:11 - Binance and Crypto in Nigeria
48:28 - Binance Allegations and Crypto Exchange
50:49 - Crypto Exchange and Peer-to-Peer Trading
53:16 - Value Determination and Market Sets
55:12 - Naira Value and Binance's Influence
56:14 - Printing Money and Inflation
57:31 - The Scarcity of Foreign Currency
58:28 - Impact on Nigerians Living Abroad
59:25 - Loss of Value of Naira
01:00:22 - Comparison of Prices in Nigeria and America
01:01:59 - Nutritional Value of Nigerian Meals
01:04:08 - The Cost of Burial vs. Feeding a Family
01:05:03 - Surviving on Low Incomes
01:06:34 - Living as Beggars
01:07:20 - Managing on Low Incomes
01:09:01 - The Role of Leadership
01:10:25 - The Value of Currency
01:11:19 - Buhari Administration's Financial Policies
01:13:22 - The Importance of Supply and Demand
01:15:07 - Nigeria's Geographical Challenges
01:16:33 - Questionable Legitimacy of Leaders
01:17:39 - The Flawed Election Process
01:19:15 - Improving the Nigerian Economy
01:21:26 - The Nigerian Psyche
01:22:25 - Desire for Luxury and Prestige
01:23:00 - Closing Remarks
Stay Connected:
Follow "The Offside Musings Podcast" on Substack for insightful articles accompanying our episodes: offsidemusings.substack.com
Listen to all episodes of "The Offside Musings Podcast" on your favorite podcast platforms.
Social Media:
YouTube: The Offside Musings Podcast
Facebook: TheoffsideMusingsPodcast
Instagram: @the_offside_musings
Twitter: @MusingsOffside
TikTok: @Theoffsidemusingspodcast
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-offside-musings/support