I have become accustomed to Sun Kira Ruwa’s track by Prince Mk Baagi. For this year’s Spotify Wrapped, it would not come as a surprise if it were listed as one of my top tracks.

A Nupe song released in May 2023, Google Search translates the Hausa term, Sun Kira Ruwa as “they called for rain, and the rain is now beating them.” Social media commentaries largely describe it as a mockery for political choices.

Sometimes, I link the lyrics to what went down in Zamfara politics. Anyone familiar with the 2023 political happenings would lean towards a similar direction.

I came across the sound on the current Governor, Dauda Lawal’s fan page last year, when he was still in the Peoples Democratic Party, and I play it almost weekly. I am a fan of the northern-side songs, particularly those used as audios for political outings.

Last month, Governor Dauda defected to the All Progressives Congress.

As the track played on my Spotify earlier this afternoon, I recalled one of my friends’ usual take. He always describe the APC as worse. He is pro-opposition and critique affiliations with the ruling party.

I argue that the current Naija politicking and the dividends for citizens are subject to political actors. Not parties.

From my perspective, political parties have evolved from what they used to be. Now, they largely serve as a vehicle for individuals to get the popular votes and win elections.

Previously, I shared the sentiment that parties’ practices were centered on ideologies. And membership was driven by the need to bring in like minds.

In my early teenage days, I was a huge fan of the Action Congress of Nigeria. The ACN largely dominated the Southwestern States. A party I would describe as characterised by elites, experienced individuals, and academics. The era of JKF 1.0 of Ekiti State and BRF of Lagos State.

As junior school students, we received Oxford dictionary with a compact disk, a motivation letter, and school bags from the Governor. My sister and other students in the senior classes two and three got Samsung laptops.

The Ekiti State Government delivered the PCs in partnership with Samsung. One of the programmes that I wish was better managed after the first rollout and outlived the period.

There was no WASSCE fee for students in public secondary schools. And the payable school fees were minimal. PHC workers got timely salaries before the state guber election. Children under five had a card to access free medical services and drugs at the Basic Health Centre.

Quite good, most are still in place in the current-day Ekiti State. Mr. Governor is working.

These offerings, to me as a teen, were the basics of governance. That spreads across the board and benefits the old and young, covering education, infrastructure, and health.

As far as I know, they were similar practices in some South West states. More like common objectives of the party. Plus, June 12 was observed only in ACN states before it was declared as a national and democracy day by Late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.

Opposition? I would not want to heavily criticize the then-PDP government that took over in Ekiti in 2014. The emergence led to the scrapping of free WAEC fee. No laptops. Salaries owed for some months — with reasons ascribed to road infrastructure.

What I happen to know is that the electioneering process that mostly brought in their candidates raised eyebrows. Like it now happens across party lines today. (Can be rebutted).

I have seen a couple of interviews and declarations lately ahead of the 2027 general elections. It is the election cycle — one of my most anticipated moments. I get tickled by the various events, and they catch my fancy. You’d ordinarily expect politicians to adorn themselves with new robes. Throw themselves subtle jabs on campaign grounds.

I have watched Seun Okinbaloye ask questions from officials both in the ruling party, APC, and the opposition. Their visions, achievements, and intentions. I have also looked up profiles of some individuals touted as consensus candidates.

I am quite enthusiastic about the choice of Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Ogun State. Dr Obafemi Hamzat has been reportedly endorsed as the Lagos APC gubernatorial candidate with consultations in full gear. No doubt, the Lagos APC will get its choice right.

Governor Seyi Makinde has done quite well in Oyo state — maybe not politically. I hope whoever succeeds him in any of the popular parties can build on the momentum and provide more deliverables.

As a student domiciled in Ife, I have seen Governor Adeleke construct a number of roads. Osun people can assess other developmental indices broadly and make their choice. Ondo? The current optics are not appealing.

Anyone who still generalizes performances based on party lines is still in the old era. He/she should be tapped; the bus has moved from where it used to be. A gale of cross-carpeting has happened lately, and will continue to take place.

Although I do not watch football, I am conversant with players completing medical checks to verify their fitness for a new club. In political clime, it is about permutations and negotiations. As such, I cannot help but giggle when Sen. Ajibola Bashiru, during last week’s APC media parley, referenced the factions arising in an opposition party as due to the accommodation of those termed as a virus. Lol.

A coalition of Atiku, Amaechi, and El-Rufai, who all formed and held executive positions in the previous APC-led government, does not seem extraordinary. It also does not condemn the party entirely. There are fresh minds who want to explore alternative political platforms.

The ADC appears more fixated on regaining power at the national level. I have not seen more of their efforts and focus on the grassroots. Maybe there is some work done up North. But it is not visible here in the South.

The ripples should ordinarily trickle from the lowest cadre to the top. Not the other way round. My thoughts.

With the current state of events, I doubt if there would be a clear distinction among party objectives like they were before. The current trend tends towards getting tickets on the most viable platform for electoral contests just to draw from a part of the largesse. Mostly, no new practice.

The Continuous Voter Registration exercise was concluded recently. It is gladdening to see that the notice was widely circulated. I saw a couple of students who registered and shared their pictures on X. Some went in groups and tagged it as a CVR date.

There will be some who will stay at their usual place, waiting to criticize and offer think pieces after the general election without having a PVC. Some would attribute their non-registration on the basis that votes do not count.

I have frequented my polling unit in the past years. I cast my vote always since the first in June 2022 and would wait for the counting unless there are pockets of disruptions. Both the PDP and APC have won on different occasions.

Then there are individuals who would paint electoral victories as solely the result of bought voters. Anyone who is well-grounded would know vote buying is not peculiar to a state. It is more like the last form of campaign. Now ingrained in local and national elections, extending from south to north.

Voters who know what is right do the right, still. Cashed or not.

Politics will always remain local. Whether it is the elite or non-literates, farmers or blue-collars, it is the number of participants that counts — not the category of individuals involved.

Columns, media interviews, and grammars will not count as votes. And criticising an outcome of a process you ought to be part of, especially matters of national importance, is a needless afterthought.

Overall, life is always about different choices. Whether perceived as good or bad, it is subjective. Some, you have control over them. Others, we don’t. We will not always sleep facing the same direction.

Arguably, one could say March is a unique month in the year. Three Sundays ago, the International Women’s Day was celebrated globally. It was largely a day to reel out expressions and accolades for women — with the theme, “Give to Gain.”

About two weeks ago, Mother’s Day was commemorated. Even though it came with the usual Mothering and Mother’s Day argument. A conversation that surfaces only annually. Some even go as far as writing thinkpieces to showcasetheir knowledge on the subject.

For me, I am largely disinterested. Whether it is accurate or not, mothers deserve to be celebrated everyday. For their role at home and support for the family. Plus, my mum celebrates her day on the 30th of March. So there’s barely the need to wade in on which is which.

It is worth noting that I have not written extensively in recent times. The past weeks have been a huge deal of writing final year exams, dwindling gigs, and interstate trips. But amidst these moments, it takes a lot to overlook the affection I have received from my parents — from their calls to concerns and cash.

As kids, it’s natural to raise the question of who is your favorite among parents. Certainly, the response will be subject to certain metrics. There is the likelihood of selecting who avails you of the freedom to explore as a young one whose mind wanders around the world. Looking to be a free bird.

Growing up, my parents had slightly different dispositions. While my Dad could be described as rigid, he is averse to extreme punishment. Mum, on the other hand, was a bit flexible but did the most of the floggings.

I would be largely right if I say my Dad beat me a few times in a year. I try as much as possible not to get into his bad books.

His policy was simple and quite strict — do not lurk around others’ houses. Stay at home, play with your sisters, and read. As long as these laws were adhered to, there were no issues.

On days he found out that I sneaked out to play football, I got punished. Most times, the maximum punishment was to kneel and face the wall for hours.

When the KACHIO radio sets or any other home appliances got damaged, it came with real caning. Of course, if any gadget stopped functioning unusually at home, I was definitely the cause. I was always curious to know what works and does not.

Mum seldom spares the rod. I was a handful in my childhood. Though she gave me the flexibility to interact with neighbours and play football, when I went beyond the edge, I got the real beating — a number of times weekly. Most times, extras when I disrespected my elder sisters.

I could remember days she scolded me at midnight when I managed to get to bed without getting the due strokes. At one time, I told my Dad that I wanted to leave home for another place. Then, I had the notion that my sisters and her were too harsh.

Earlier in the week, I read an article where the writer’s younger version felt his mum did too much. He ran errands, and his private space was always invaded. However, his older self highlighted that he better understood those moments as an adult. I could relate. The reality of my Mum’s doings dawned when I moved to Ife in 2020.

One of my least favorite activities is cooking. I got banned from the kitchen when I was young. There were always issues when I joined my sisters there — I was impatient with the process.

So returning from class to cook is a lot for me. It is a chunk of work that I find hard to deal with to date. All thanks to bread that comes to the rescue.

Then, there was my mum, who would return from work. And prepare the meal for a family of five. I cannot help but wonder how she managed the exhaustion at work and kitchen chores when we were young. Still, we ate quite early. Breakfast by 8:00AM, dinner by 7PM.

Although I am still a fair fan of the kitchen, I now understand what it takes and help by staying at her shop to attend to customers during cooking hours. I also do the dishwashing after meals.

Away from kitchen duties, my mum firmly believes in me, and it is one of the urges that makes me do extras. It is evident in her words and gestures.

While I was troublesome, Mum rarely missed the July traditions. The end-of-the-session celebration during my Basic Education was more like a trifold. In addition to prizes received as one of the top students, July was the transition time to a new class. And it often coincides with my birthdays. Sometimes, a few days before or after. You could say, those were days I ate real good at home and got more than a few pats in the back.

Life has, however, become so busy lately that I really do not feel tickled about birthdays.

We all have mothers, but there are some who would go the extra mile and motivate the same. While mine may not be all perfect — like every other human — she’s at the forefront of dreams and aspirations. And contributes immensely.

When it comes to politics, she is a firm supporter of my Dad. And I can only say my Dad is lucky to have her on the side. Particularly, at this time. For my recent political-like ventures, she’s also largely funded them.

I have mentioned in various fora and talked about my soft spot for med students. It is only natural and ideal. All through my days before uni, mum was largely responsible for my health and wellbeing. Talk about the days I sprained my toes and the debilitating illness during my WASSCE, the effects were minimal, courtesy of her profession.

Quite fair, we have some traits in common. We are both dark-skinned, although my acts and appearance are more of my Dad. When it comes to being a fashionista, there are only a few things to try out. I grew to know her adorning herself with white powder and simple fashion materials. That hasn’t changed.

Life is naturally in stages, and I have become more conscious that I am no longer a kid. That’d want to run away from being punished. Or get shielded from the realities of life.

Sometimes, I soliloquize on how she now relates with me and would want me to put my younger brother through. There are days she calls to seek my opinion on issues. The tell-tale signs of adulthood.

But then, I wouldn’t outgrow my status as her child. I remember one late night we spoke and she transferred all she had in her account after I mentioned that I had no funds for feeding and transport to school.

I can only pray that God grants her a long life to witness more of my exploits. There is no amount of gifts today that will equal her love and support. Maybe it’d fill in as a token of appreciation.

May God enrich me to do more. And keep her to eat the fruit of her labour.

Happy Birthday, Mum.

Weeks ago, I intended to have a recorded session. Discussing past years, the present, and the outlook for the future. My ọgá had said we should do something different — someone I would have loved to have as the host. It could have, perhaps, been unusual for my WhatsApp viewers. Away from the conventional e-flyers and students’ union updates.

But life and uni had other plans. I have been so occupied — my next examination is billed to be held 24 hours from now. Also, I have been tracking countdowns, calculations, et al. These are all combined with my not-too-deep interest in arranged camera clicks.

Birthdays as a teen were quite different and largely flexible. July 27 fell in place almost all through my basic education years. Often, a triple-like celebration.

It was marked by graduating from one class to the next. Many times, coinciding with valedictory sessions. It was a trifold of passing to the next grade, slicing birthday cakes, and receiving encomiums as a top student.

Well, these could have been the norm to date if OAU hadn’t happened. Lol. However, change is constant. Sometimes, swiftly. At other times, a gradual deviation from the status quo.

Life itself has its twists and turns, upsides and downsides. I have had my fair share, like every other human. For most events, it’s shaped my resolve. That is, adjusting to new realities that I have finite control over and keying to the promising instances.

Today, I do not just celebrate my birthday and another year. I do with a reflection — thankful for existence, grace, and the continuity of life. With appreciation to God, who has kept things running. And helped prevail over minor and major hurdles.

Though this may not be peculiar, God’s input cannot be over-emphasised every year. Positives, favours, and growth. It is personal and evident.

From spanks for decoupling radio sets and DVDs as a curious kid to beta testing for software and smartphone projects. Off of keeping tabs on political columnists to active involvement at the baseline. And from writing stories in exercise books to submitting invoices for articles, it’s been a steady progress, year-to-year.

While these are precursors for greater strides, they are worth mentioning. God’s been faithful. It is a thing to have interests and innate abilities. It is grace to steadily grow on the path over time, and as envisioned. Even in low moments.

There are days I soak my thoughts in Enya’s tracks, “Book of Days, Flora’s Secrets, How Can I Keep from Singing, and China Roses.” Other days, vibing to KWAM 1 and BNXN’s hits. Life will always have its highs and lows. It was never promised that it would be a smooth sail.

In all, I remain thankful and humbled. For the love from family, friends, and individuals who have contributed to my growth over the past year.

As I journey through another year, I’m revved up and enthusiastic. Optimistic for every move. Because it will work. The days ahead are laced with brighter light, bigger things, and more of God’s blessings.

It’s the year to sign out from the uni thingy — hopefully, days before the next birthday. And also take a break from the stress of student unionism to fully focus on unlocking other milestones and novelties.

I hope I will grow a strip of facial hair on my chin and cheeks. Maybe a few or multiples and be at par with these Gen Zs who label me as a boy. While I do not intend to change my Afro low-cut hairstyle and my signature line, I suppose little beards can better posture the change in age. Naturally. Lol.

Also, I hope my folks understand that the usual “busy” term does not solely revolve on exploring avenues for fiscal gains. It involves getting things done to become better. And constantly striving to help others in the little way possible.

I am a man of letters (apologies to Mr. Jack on X). Hardly would there be a day that I wouldn’t put down words indoors for myself or others. It’s been my culture/custom/way of life for as long as I can remember.

Maybe this year, I will be more social and finally try out new things. Like, have more time to catch up with what is trending beyond smartphones updates, writing, and politics. See football matches at viewing centres. Reciprocate gestures and extend my drinks forte beyond Nutri-C and H-Yoghurt. And perhaps, cut my first teeth in the dating pool to garner experience and update my CV. Lol.

Away from the trivial, I hope I will stay true to my ideas, deal a final blow on last-minute moves, and win alongside my guys. Also, I look forward to becoming a better chef without constantly resorting to Agape bread as a daily meal.

Most importantly, I pray my moves remains guided and guarded by God.

Happy Birthday, OO.

Joe and I talked about a one-off contest branded with juicy perks and cash rewards last week. It involved his expertise and a little tone of mine.

We went through the terms and I forwarded my input to him. He did the rest of the work and submitted his entry to join the waiting list of other contestants. I had high hopes of a win, owing to our combined experiences. It will turn out well, I concluded.

Days after, the list was out after organizers received multiple entries. I checked the names. He didn’t make the cut of awardees.

The released list coincided with a gig I was working on. The work had also returned negative with lengthy feedback twice — a bolt from the blue. Both Ls felt odd and were hard to bottle in. Somewhat like a bitter pill to swallow.

The events brought to the fore memories of the 8–6 pm days at the telecoms cubicle. After several months of working, college exam days drew near, and I felt it was time to exit. I proceeded to withdraw from the job and went on to write my papers.

Once I was through, I began my cold outreach — pitching for jobs — to secure another income. The first four prospects’ responses returned positive. Got prepared for two, and the onboarding process was seamless.

Employers said the letters were impressive for a high school grad. Both presented their offers without referrals after we had a few talks. I was happy, and their remarks felt hooge. It wasn’t a minor thing for me at that time. Resigning from work to write exams and then back to securing a well-paying job away from home in just a week as planned. A big win for a teen, I’d say.

Three quick months in, I was going to quit again to prepare for resumption and further up my pay. I had a few gigs on the side and saw no point in staying. School fees were on the way. It was only a matter of time before payment slips surfaced on my checklist.

The urge to leave and replicate the previous wins elsewhere continued to come to bear. I didn’t develop cold feet for my postulations. The new venture would turn out to be an easy transition and a soft landing like the other, I thought. Then, I left.

In the ensuing days, job hunting became a departure from the norms. Multiple cold emails prolly got ditched in the trash bin. Rejections from prospects stared as texts in the inbox. Surfing between bills and books, it didn’t turn out to be easy.

Hopes to find a spot in someone’s good book and be back to the winning ways — the steady pay and hit — took a few tolls. Shege bounced. And it took a while to cover the grounds.

Yes, life can be swaying, even if it does(n’t) fit with our present plans. Maybe to a side where we’re looking to evolve? Or even to the brinks where we have a little recourse? It may or may not always follow the same pattern as rhymes.

But then the world has its norms. It is inherent to put human ability to test and at times make us question our capabilities. It tends to change who we were or dash hopes of what we aspire to be. Leaving us with a frail light to see the good sides.

If only then we soul-search in-depth, we may not find the swings so extreme. The pains may seem like lashing whips, albeit, a phase to get through to victories.

But is a leap of faith enough to push on? Maybe or maybe not. We’re here to press on regardless of our introspections. A sprinkle of Godfidence? Enough to gird our loins and shore up our minds to conquer every burden.

There will always be good times, just like the bad — momentary troubles that becloud the ray of hope. Perhaps the intervals may differ and extend beyond the short term? The darkest hour is just before dawn. And as overcomers, ours is to rise above trials.

John 16:33 gave a further clue.

The SpaceX Starlink satellite has finally found its way through to the most populous country in the African continent. “Starlink approved by Nigeria & Mozambique” Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, announced the regulatory approval for its operations in a sensational tweet — citing a significant step forward in the company expansion.

With over 80 million active internet users, Starlink’s presence promises to improve cyber operations while creating relief for scores of Nigerian cybernauts. Besides the potential to curb urban areas’ connection lapses through mini RVs, the SI high-speed rate will amount to the anticipated eco-balance for rural dwellers when it becomes operative.

Amidst these possibilities, techies, startups, and SMEs are ecstatic with high hopes. Starlink’s entry into the Nigerian telecommunications market poses a new era, especially for those whose livelihoods rely on the internet. For netizens and Twitterati, it represents the pass to stay updated on happenings in the media.

However, given the nature of the country’s business environments, there are emerging concerns about possible competition with existing ISPs. Some analysts project that Starlink’s presence will alter the rate of internet users. Or even disrupt the telecoms market with its propositions.

This article aims to review how Starlink arrived in Nigeria, analyze its prospects, and discuss what may lie ahead in the coming months. Wouldn’t you love to learn?

Briefs on Starlink

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, a company located in Washington DC, United States. The Space-based Satellite was launched and licensed in 2019 to provide internet services globally. After more than three years of operation, the Space Exploration Technologies Corps constellation accounts for internet coverage in not less than 30 countries.

In May 2021, a team of Starlink innovators met with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to intimate the telecoms officials of their intentions. Believed to conform to its National Broadband plan 2022–2025, the NCC approved six operational licenses for its commencement almost a year after.

According to Starlink.com, Starlink Satellite delivers high-speed internet at low latency with multiple constellations in low orbits closer to the earth. With or without the hindrances of topographies and hilly terrain, it provides reliable internet coverage to all areas having poor or no networks.

At an average speed performance of 50Mbps — 150Mbps, Starlink’s satellite supports online gaming services, streaming, and video calls. With connection support for more than 100 users on its RVs at a time, the SpaceX satellite signals a new phase in telecommunications.

While SpaceX’s report estimates US$5 — US$10 billion for existing Satellite coverage, it will cost US$30 billion to make the services available globally, including in Nigeria. However, the telecom company has continued to work towards launching more low-earth orbiting (LOE) constellations of satellites. With an increased service resulting from satellite expansion, revenues will also rise in the coming months.

Pricing

Satellite Internet Access (SIA) services have been available for several years but are accessible upon paying agreeable subscription fees. In the same vein, Starlink aims to operate its services for prospective users in Nigeria on existing pricing standards. Analysts, however, speculate that the proposed prices may only be affordable for organizations, schools, and SMEs.

According to published prices on the company website, Starlink installation for new subscribers costs $599. With a one-time order fee of US$110 for installation, intending users are to pay monthly subscription fees of $110.

Amidst these, there are expectations of price reduction to encourage competition with the existing ISPs in Nigeria. However, Starlink is yet to indicate a price review different from its global price even as it begins pre-orders. As such, assumptions of price cuts upon commencement of operation remain non-feasible.

New Changes and Order?

Satellite internet has a history of high latency and slow download speeds. In contrast, Starlink’s latency records as low as 20ms plus a remarkable download speed. With projections at about 50–150Mbps, the SpaceX-owned satellites appear ready to bypass existing fiber broadband connection rates even in remote areas.

“Starlink coming to Nigeria means a kid in Ohafia will have the same or faster internet access than a kid in Ikoyi,” @Kalu Aja tweeted while commenting on the advantages of Starlink’s presence in Nigeria. Also, Elon Musk confirms Starlink connects aboard an airplane, signifying an improvement for local airline travelers.

Upon commencing operations, Starlink will rapidly increase the rates of active internet users in both urban and rural areas. For business enterprises experiencing internet downtime, the SI is bound to serve as a lasting alternative. Schools with extensive ICT infrastructure can also adopt its installation and benefit from the service.

But with the 5G network set to launch in Q4 2022, hopes of massive market penetration may wane. Starlink’s arrival in Nigeria at the same time as the launch of 5G Broadband may result in stiff competition from indigenous telecoms. However, the SI remains a viable option for Nigerians who can afford both services.

Pros and Cons

While its several prospects outweigh the disadvantages, here are a few pros and cons of the SpaceX-owned layers.

Universal and Mobile

“Starlink provides service and is ideal for camping in rural or remote locations where internet access has been unreliable or completely unavailable,” SpaceX said recently.

With a Starlink RV, traders can move from one region to another while maintaining a stable Internet connection. And for hikers who love to visit remote areas, the satellite internet appears more promising. By simply having a solar panel and a clear sky view, Starlink can provide a static connection anywhere.

Constant Power

Nigeria has one of the lowest power indices in the world, and only a few telecoms benefit from a constant power supply to support their operations. With the high cost of electricity, Starlink appears more ready to change the narrative with its solar-powered satellites.

“No base stations, no generators or diesel, Boko Haram can’t blow up Starlink ‘’ an enthusiastic Kalu Aja tweeted to react to the unveiling of the solar-powered Starlink.

Cost

Considering the cost of a kit at $599 and subscription prices pegged at $110, Starlink may become too costly for an average Nigerian. With existing ISPs such as MTN and Airtel having lesser prices, Starlink could contend with its cost before being integrated widely into the Nigerian telecom market.

When will Starlink be Available?

Starlink will be available for intending users starting from Q3 2022. Interested subscribers can make pre-orders through the SpaceX website, Starlink.com. However, Starlink orders will only be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Coverage areas include but are not limited to Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan.