Perilous Proximity: Why Gas Stations Near Nigerian Homes Spell Trouble

Perilous Proximity: Why Gas Stations Near Nigerian Homes Spell Trouble

ByDara

Living in close proximity to fuel facilities such as petrol stations is risky https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-it-safe-to-live-near-gas-station/. Filling stations are inherently hazardous environments as highly flammable, volatile substances such as gasoline, diesel, and other fuels are stored and dispensed at filling stations. When situated near residential areas, these risks are exacerbated, posing threats of explosions, fires, and environmental…

The potential for musical tourism in Lagos state

The potential for musical tourism in Lagos state

ByDara Alegbeleye

For all its woes and doom, Nigeria is excelling at one thing: entertainment. The music industry in particular has evolved into a global phenomenon, with people all around the world grooving to Nigerian songs. For whatever reason, Nigerian songs have gained widespread popularity globally. A few years ago, I was returning to Sao Paulo after…

Nigeria must be prepared to mitigate environmental hazards arising from widespread use of solar panels and other alternative sources of energy.
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Nigeria must be prepared to mitigate environmental hazards arising from widespread use of solar panels and other alternative sources of energy.

ByDara Alegbeleye

Solar panels, inverters, deep cycle batteries, and so on, have saved the day for many Nigerians, especially those who can afford them. The rise in the use of solar panels, may however, pose environmental health risks especially in the long term. Solar panels as used throughout this article refers to all other alternative sources of…

Stop talking about crude oil prices, please
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Stop talking about crude oil prices, please

ByDara Alegbeleye

Most people have a fair idea of what the roles of finance ministers are; managing government finances, formulating and overseeing economic policies, financial regulation amongst many other important roles. While I think we currently do not have the political infrastructure for a finance minister, any finance minister to optimally deliver on core expectations, at the…

We shun the intelligentsia at our own peril
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We shun the intelligentsia at our own peril

ByDara Alegbeleye

Of the several conceptual errors plaguing my generation, the complete disregard for quality journalism is irksome. Shall we take a test? If you are reading this and you are aged 25 – 45, please ask your friends and associates if they know of and read/listen to the following seasoned political pundits: Idowu Akinlotan, Sonala Olumhense,…

Know your oppressors 101

Know your oppressors 101

ByDara Alegbeleye

The unfortunate circumstances that led up to George Floyd’s death elicited outrage throughout the world. George Floyd’s death saddened me deeply, but then, Nigerians started to passionately chant the Black Lives Matter mantra and I became distracted. I have a stiff reflex for online civility; in fact, I often wonder how total strangers can exchange…

We need improved National Statistics, urgently.
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We need improved National Statistics, urgently.

ByDara Alegbeleye

Despite good empirical evidence demonstrating the perils of basing policy on untested ideas, our Government continue to initiate and implement shallow, obnoxious and thoroughly flawed policies. Some recently enacted policies are more disruptive and horrid than others, but I have found myself persistently wondering: what exactly is the how of the formulation of these pea…