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The Changes of Power, Turning of Seasons, and Flipping of Tables in the Digital Age

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6 months ago

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In the dynamic landscape of the 21st century, the digital age stands as a powerful force of transformation—overhauling power structures, redefining the rhythms of progress, and dismantling the enduring legacies of colonialism and post-colonialism. This moment transcends technological change for Nigeria and the Global South; it represents a decisive socio-political and economic reawakening.

Power: From Centralised Control to Distributed Influence

Throughout Nigeria’s history, power has frequently been concentrated in political capitals, economic hubs, and within elite groups. This has often left many feeling marginalised. However, the rise of the digital age brings with it a hopeful shift. With tools like social media, blockchain technology, and digital currencies, individuals and communities are finding their voices and challenging traditional power structures. This new era provides an opportunity for empowerment, allowing more people to participate in shaping their own destinies and fostering a more inclusive future.

In Nigeria, there has been a remarkable shift as tech-savvy youth movements gain momentum, catalysing a new wave of digital activism that challenges traditional structures of power. These young innovators are leveraging technology to foster social change, raising awareness on critical issues ranging from governance to human rights. Furthermore, the fintech landscape has experienced significant advancements, with mobile banking and cryptocurrency adoption becoming increasingly prevalent. These innovations empower individuals, particularly in underserved communities, by providing them with greater access to financial services and opportunities for economic growth.

The influence once monopolised by a select few is gradually being redistributed as smartphones and affordable data plans become more accessible to the general populace. This technological democratisation allows the digital citizen to shift from being a passive consumer of information to an engaged participant in public discourse. They are now equipped to voice their opinions, mobilise for causes, and hold those in power accountable, effectively transforming the way societal issues are addressed in the country. Through these dynamic changes, the fabric of Nigerian society is evolving, driven by the collective efforts of its digitally empowered youth.

Seasons: The Rhythms of Change in a Connected World

The evolution of development in the Global South has historically been heavily influenced by external factors, such as donor agendas, foreign direct investments, and fluctuations in global market trends. These influences often shape the priorities and paths of growth in these regions, limiting local agency and innovation. However, a significant transformation is taking place today.

Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is uniquely evolving, particularly in areas like Yaba, which has earned the nickname “Nigeria’s Silicon Valley.” This region is becoming a dynamic hub for startups and entrepreneurial activities. In the capital city of Abuja, there is also a rising number of innovation centres and incubators that promote creativity and drive technological progress.

The shift signifies an inspiring independence from traditional external influences, as Nigerian entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators boldly take the lead in shaping their local landscapes and steering their own developmental agendas. This dynamic change is set to redefine the development narrative in the region, celebrating local talent and solutions that directly address the unique needs of the Nigerian market.

We are experiencing a positive transformation towards self-determination. Local startups are actively addressing community challenges through agricultural technology that enhances food security or educational platforms that make learning accessible to all. This transitional phase marks a move from waiting to a proactive era of building and innovation.

Tables: Disruption and Reconfiguration of Norms

The metaphorical tables that represent power dynamics, social privilege, and established policies are undergoing a significant transformation. In this digital age, the nature of discourse is anything but courteous; it is fundamentally disruptive. This shift challenges long-standing norms and traditions that have persisted for years. The rapid advancement of technology is not merely an evolution but a revolution that brings to light various inefficiencies that have long gone unacknowledged.

The text highlights a rising demand for accountability among individuals and institutions in today’s society. As traditional structures come under scrutiny, there is an increasing expectation for transparency and responsibility, reflecting the evolving dynamics of our world.

In Nigeria, digital platforms’ impact is unmistakable; they have unveiled corruption, galvanised protests, and transformed the landscape of entrepreneurship. The youth are not merely seeking seats at the table but constructing entirely new ones. Through this bold action, they are reshaping the very definitions of leadership, innovation, and progress.

Challenges and Opportunities

This transformation comes with challenges, but we are more than capable of overcoming them. We can bridge digital divides, address cybersecurity threats, and reshape regulatory frameworks to match the pace of innovation. These challenges are not obstacles; they are our call to action to co-create an inclusive, secure, and locally relevant future.

Nigeria stands at an exciting crossroads, with a tremendous opportunity to boost its investments in crucial areas like digital literacy, technological infrastructure, and policy reform. By strongly emphasising digital literacy, we can equip our citizens with the essential skills to navigate today’s dynamic digital world, leading to a more informed and empowered workforce ready to tackle future challenges.

Enhancing our technological infrastructure is of paramount importance, as it involves developing reliable internet connectivity and providing access to the latest digital tools and technologies. We can create a more robust and efficient ecosystem that supports businesses, education, and communication by prioritising these upgrades. This transformation is expected to significantly drive economic growth by attracting both local and foreign investments.

Improved technology is set to drive innovation across multiple sectors in Nigeria, allowing both entrepreneurs and established businesses to introduce fresh ideas and solutions. By harnessing this potential, Nigeria can enhance its position in the global marketplace, becoming a competitive entity ready to embrace emerging trends and opportunities in the digital age.

Moreover, countries in the Global South have a remarkable opportunity to unite through cross-border collaboration! By sharing knowledge and best practices, we can bolster our resilience against global challenges while amplifying our collective voice in international tech governance.

This collaborative spirit enables us to formulate a comprehensive strategy that effectively addresses the diverse needs of local communities. By fostering open dialogue and partnership, we can ensure that the perspectives and experiences of the Global South play a crucial role in shaping global technological standards and policies. It’s essential that these voices are heard and considered in discussions that impact the future of technology. Together, through cooperation and shared vision, we can pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive technological future that benefits everyone, regardless of geographic or economic barriers.

The digital age is our current reality, giving Nigeria and the Global South an opportunity to shift from passive technology consumers to active creators of innovative solutions. This transformation is crucial for these regions to assert their place in global innovation.

Local entrepreneurs and startups must embrace digital tools to unlock their potential and create innovative solutions for their unique challenges. This proactive approach fosters economic growth and a strong culture of entrepreneurship and collaboration across education, business, and government.

Conclusion: A New Dawn

The time for the Global South to shine is now. These regions can drive social change and economic empowerment by creating local technologies that tackle local and global challenges. Nigeria and its counterparts must seize this moment to emerge as leaders in global innovation.

As the seasons change and the tables turn, we confidently embrace the transformations of power. The future is not just digital—it is unequivocally African, undeniably Southern, and ours to shape and define.

♦ Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is a Nigerian Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, and holds a Chartered Manager Status, and by extension, Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) by the highly Reputable Royal Chartered Management Institute. 

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Anthony Obi Ogbo

When Air Power Becomes a Christmas Performance: The Illusion of Success in Trump’s Nigerian Strike

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2 weeks ago

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December 28, 2025

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“Bombs alone do not defeat ideology. Precision without intelligence is noise.“ —Anthony Obi Ogbo

When President Trump announced his authorized United States air strike against ISIL (ISIS) fighters in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, there was an immediate burst of celebration on Nigerian social media. For a country exhausted by years of kidnappings, massacres, and territorial insecurity, the announcement sounded like long-awaited international support. Memes circulated, praise poured in, and some Nigerians hailed Trump as a decisive global sheriff finally willing to act where others hesitated.

But after the initial euphoria settled, a sobering assessment emerged: the strike appeared less like a strategic military intervention and more like a made-for-television spectacle designed to burnish Trump’s international strongman image.

This was not the first time the United States has launched air strikes in Africa or the Sahel under the banner of counterterrorism. From Libya to Somalia, from Syria to Yemen, U.S. “precision strikes” have often been announced with confidence and celebrated with press briefings—only for the targeted groups to regroup, mutate, and, in some cases, expand their reach. In Nigeria itself, years of foreign-backed security assistance have failed to decisively neutralize Boko Haram or its ISIS-affiliated offshoots. Instead, violence has fragmented, spread, and grown more complex.

No verifiable evidence has been produced to confirm high-value ISIS targets were eliminated

The Nigerian strike followed a familiar pattern. U.S. officials framed it as a blow against ISIS-West Africa Province (ISWAP), a group aligned with the global ISIS network. Trump’s language suggested a decisive intervention—an act of muscular diplomacy signaling that America still projects power where it chooses. Yet no verifiable evidence has been produced to confirm high-value ISIS targets were eliminated, leadership structures dismantled, or operational capacity degraded.

What followed was a digital smokescreen. Social media accounts, many anonymous and unverified, began circulating gruesome images of dead bodies and destroyed villages—photos long associated with banditry in Nigeria’s northwest. These images were quickly repurposed to “prove” the success of Trump’s strike. However, this is where the narrative falls apart under scrutiny.

Trump’s mission, as publicly stated, was to target ISIS. Not bandits. Not kidnappers. Not rural criminal gangs. ISIS is a transnational terrorist organization with ideological, financial, and operational links across continents. Bandits, by contrast, are primarily armed criminal groups—motivated by ransom, cattle theft, and territorial control, not global jihad. Conflating the two may be politically convenient, but it is analytically dishonest.

Killing or displacing bandits does not equate to dismantling ISIS. In fact, indiscriminate or poorly targeted air strikes often worsen the situation, pushing criminal groups to radicalize, splinter, or align with extremist factions for protection and legitimacy. This pattern has been observed repeatedly in conflict zones where military force substitutes for intelligence-driven strategy.

A truly successful counterterrorism raid is not measured by dramatic announcements or viral images. It is measured by clear, verifiable outcomes, including the confirmed elimination of high-ranking commanders, disruption of recruitment and financing networks, seizure of weapons caches, and—most importantly—sustained reductions in civilian attacks. None of these benchmarks has been credibly demonstrated in the aftermath of Trump’s Nigerian air strike.

Instead, Nigeria wakes up to the same grim reality: villages remain vulnerable, highways unsafe, and communities terrorized. The strike did not change the security equation. It did not empower Nigerian forces. It did not restore civilian confidence. And it certainly did not neutralize ISIS as a strategic threat.

This air strike offered Nigerians symbolism, not security.

In that sense, the air strike was not merely ineffective—it was a failure dressed in the language of strength, executed for optics, and amplified for political gain. It offered Nigerians symbolism, not security.

If the goal is truly to eliminate ISIS and its affiliates in West Africa, the path is neither theatrical nor unilateral. It requires robust intelligence sharing, sustained training, and real-time coordination with Nigerian and regional forces. It demands targeted arms assistance, logistical support, and investments in surveillance capabilities that allow local militaries to act decisively and lawfully. Above all, it requires a long-term commitment to strengthening state capacity—not fleeting air shows announced from afar.

Bombs alone do not defeat ideology. Precision without intelligence is noise. And celebration without results is self-deception. Trump’s Nigerian air strike may have produced headlines, but history will remember it for what it was: a failed mission masquerading as success.

♦ Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, Ph.D., is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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Trump’s Nigeria Strike: Bombs, Boasts, and the Illusion of Victory

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2 weeks ago

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December 26, 2025

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“With Obama, Al-Qaeda was not eliminated by noise; it was suffocated by intelligence.“ —Anthony Obi Ogbo

It has now been confirmed that the United States acted in collaboration with Nigeria in the recent strike on Islamic State elements in northwest Nigeria. That cooperation deserves recognition. Intelligence-sharing between Washington and Abuja is necessary, overdue, and welcome. Terrorism is transnational; defeating it requires allies, not isolation.

But let us be clear: bombs alone do not defeat terror. And Donald Trump’s strike—trumpeted loudly on social media before facts, casualties, or strategy were disclosed—was less a turning point than a performance.

Trump’s announcement was a classic spectacle: “powerful,” “deadly,” “perfect strikes.” No numbers. No clarity. No accountability. Just noise. It was the same choreography America has deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia—places where U.S. airpower landed hard, headlines screamed victory, and instability deepened afterward. Violence escalated. Militancy adapted. Civilians paid the price.

History is unkind to airstrikes sold as solutions.

Nigeria knows this better than anyone. Long before Trump’s tweet, the Nigerian military had already conducted multiple operations in the same terror corridor. At least five major strikes and offensives stand out:

  • First, Operation Hadarin Daji, launched to dismantle bandit and terror camps across Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto, involving sustained air and ground assaults.
  • Second, Operation Tsaftan Daji, which targeted terrorist hideouts in the Kamuku and Sububu forests—precisely the terrain now in the headlines.
  • Third, repeated Nigerian Air Force precision strikes in the Zurmi–Shinkafi axis, neutralizing commanders and destroying logistics hubs.
  • Fourth, joint operations with Nigerien forces, disrupting cross-border supply routes used by ISIS-linked groups.
  • Fifth, recent coordinated offensives involving intelligence-led raids, special forces insertions, and follow-up ground clearing in the northwest.

These were not symbolic gestures. They were Nigerian-led, Nigerian-funded, Nigerian-executed. And yet, there were no fireworks on social media. No flag-waving hysteria. No intoxicated praise of Nigerian commanders as saviors of civilization.

Why? Because there is a dangerous segment of Nigerians who suffer from what can only be called the American Wonder mentality—a colonial hangover that applauds anything louder simply because it comes from Washington. The same Nigerians who ignore their own soldiers dying in silence suddenly abandon Christmas meals to celebrate Trump’s tweets, typing incoherent praise, mangling grammar, and mistaking spectacle for substance.

It is embarrassing. And it is intellectually lazy.

Terrorism is not defeated by volume or virality. It is defeated by intelligence—quiet, patient, unglamorous work. The United States knows this. Barack Obama understood it. Al-Qaeda was not dismantled through social media theatrics or chest-thumping declarations. It was weakened through intelligence fusion, financial disruption, targeted operations, local partnerships, and relentless pressure on leadership networks—mostly without fanfare.

Obama did not tweet. He acted. So what actually works against groups like ISIS in Nigeria?

First, intelligence supremacy. Human intelligence from local communities, defectors, and infiltrators matters more than bombs. Terror groups survive on secrecy. Break that, and they collapse.

Second, financial and logistical strangulation. Terrorists run on money, fuel, arms, and food. Cut access to smuggling routes, illicit mining, ransom flows, and cross-border trade, and their operational capacity withers.

Third, community stabilization and governance. Terrorism thrives where the state is absent. Roads, schools, policing, and justice systems matter. People who trust the state do not shelter terrorists.

Fourth, regional coordination, not episodic strikes. Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso must sustain joint pressure, not reactive operations driven by headlines.

Airstrikes can support these strategies—but only as tools, never as substitutes.

Trump’s strike may have killed militants. It may have disrupted camps. That is commendable. But it is not a solution. It is a moment. And moments, without strategy, fade.

If Nigerians truly want terror defeated, they should stop worshiping foreign loudness and start demanding disciplined intelligence, consistent policy, and respect for the men and women already fighting on the ground.

Real victories are quiet. Real security is built, not tweeted.

♦ Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, Ph.D., is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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Texas’ 18th Congressional District Runoff: Amanda Edwards Deserves This Seat

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3 weeks ago

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December 18, 2025

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“Her persistence and long-term investment make a clear case: she has earned this opportunity.“ —Anthony Obi Ogbo

In the special election to fill Texas’s 18th Congressional District, no candidate won a majority on November 4, 2025, leading to a January 31, 2026, runoff between Democratic frontrunners Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards. Menefee, Harris County Attorney, led the field with roughly 29% of the vote, while former Houston City Council member Edwards finished second with about 26%. Both are vying to represent a district left vacant after the death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner.

The 18th Congressional District is far more than a geographic area. Anchored in Houston’s historic Black communities, it is a political and cultural stronghold shaped by civil rights history, faith institutions, and grassroots activism. Sheila Jackson Lee represented this district for nearly three decades (1995–2024), becoming more than a legislator—she was a constant presence at churches, funerals, protests, and community milestones. For residents, her leadership carried spiritual weight, reflecting stewardship, protection, and a deep, almost pastoral guardianship of the district. Her tenure symbolized continuity, cultural pride, and a profound connection with the people she served.

Houstonians watched as Jackson Lee entered the 2023 Houston mayoral race, attempting to transition from Congress to city leadership. Despite high-profile endorsements, including outgoing Mayor Sylvester Turner and national Democratic figures, she lost the December 9, 2023, runoff to State Senator John Whitmire by a wide margin. Following that defeat, Jackson Lee filed to run for re-election to her U.S. House seat, even as Edwards—who had briefly joined the mayoral race before withdrawing—remained in the congressional primary.

At that time, Jackson Lee’s health was visibly declining, yet voters still supported her, honoring decades of service. She defeated Edwards in the 2024 Democratic primary before announcing her battle with pancreatic cancer. Her passing in July 2024 left the seat vacant.

Edwards, already a candidate, sought to fill the seat, but timing and party rules intervened. Because Jackson Lee died too late for a regular primary, Harris County Democratic Party precinct chairs selected a replacement nominee. Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a retired but widely respected figure, narrowly edged out Edwards for the nomination, effectively blocking her despite her prior campaigning efforts. Turner won the general election but died in March 2025, triggering a special election in 2025, in which Edwards advanced to a runoff.

The January 31, 2026, runoff will hinge on turnout, coalition-building, and key endorsements. Both candidates led a crowded November field but fell short of a majority, with Menefee narrowly ahead. Endorsements such as State Rep. Jolanda Jones’ support for Edwards could consolidate key Democratic blocs, particularly among Black women and progressive voters. In a heavily Democratic district where voter confusion and turnout patterns have been inconsistent, the candidate who best mobilizes supporters and unites constituencies is likely to prevail.

Amanda Edwards’ case is compelling. Although both candidates share similar values and qualifications, her claim rests on dedication, consistency, and timing that have been repeatedly denied. She pursued this seat with focus and purpose, maintaining a steady commitment to the district and its future. Her path was interrupted by the prolonged political ambitions of Jackson Lee and Turner—figures whose stature reshaped the race but delayed generational transition. Edwards did not step aside; she remained visible, engaged, and prepared. In a moment demanding both continuity and renewal, her persistence and long-term investment make a clear case: she has earned this opportunity.

This race comes down to trust, perseverance, and demonstrated commitment. Amanda Edwards has consistently shown up for the district, even when political circumstances repeatedly delayed her chance. Her dedication reflects readiness, respect for the electorate, and an unwavering commitment to service. Voting for Amanda Edwards is not only justified—it is the right choice for Houston’s 18th Congressional District.

♦Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, Ph.D., is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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