iPostThisWeek

The language we use to describe mass violence is never neutral. Words like genocide and pogrom carry immense historical, legal, and moral weight. In Nigeria, where Christian communities have endured repeated waves of violence, the debate over terminology is not merely academic; it shapes international responses, frames justice claims, and influences whether the world recognizes the urgency of intervention. To understand Nigeria’s situation, we must situate it within the long arc of history, comparing past pogroms and genocides, and examining how international law defines these crimes. Pogroms: Episodic Violence with Historical Roots The term pogrom emerged in Tsarist Russia in the late 19th century, describing mob attacks against Jewish communities. These pogroms were often tolerated or encouraged by authorities, leaving homes destroyed, synagogues desecrated, and thousands displaced. Example:   The Kishinev Pogrom of 1903 killed dozens of Jews, injured hundreds, and shock...

Taciturn describes someone who speaks very little, often by choice. It’s not mere shyness or social awkwardness, it’s a cultivated quietness, a preference for silence over speech. In design and technology, taciturnity manifests as a quiet intelligence, a presence that knows when to speak and when to hold back. It appears in minimal interfaces that communicate only when necessary, allowing users to breathe and orient themselves without pressure. It shapes feedback loops with poetic pacing, where silence is not a gap but part of the emotional rhythm, a pause that affirms rather than interrupts. It guides session-aware systems that practice restraint, gently inviting rather than overwhelming. Taciturn design is emotionally intelligent. It doesn’t shout. It waits. It listens. It honours the user’s tempo. Before we enter the realm of taciturn design, a principle rooted in sacred restraint, we must first trace the contours of taciturnity itself: as spiritual gesture, as leadership postur...

Introduction Igbo society, rich in cultural heritage and deeply rooted in communal values, places a significant emphasis on family, lineage, and the interconnectedness of its members. The proverb "Onye aghala nwanne ya" (one should not abandon their sibling) encapsulates this core principle of mutual support and responsibility within the extended family system. However, understanding how individuals with disabilities, specifically Down syndrome, were traditionally perceived and integrated within this framework requires careful consideration, as direct historical accounts focusing on specific developmental conditions may be limited. The Backdrop A wealthy Igbo family, deeply committed to their Catholic faith, had only one son, who lived with Down Syndrome. While they loved and cared for him deeply, they also strongly desired the continuation of their family lineage, a significant cultural value. When their son turned 19, they arranged a marriage for him with a beautiful...

Overview I chose the phrases "my culture" and "culture by me" to illustrate how inclusion can transform through different agents. “My culture” is contextually understood here as referring to the cultural background, practices, traditions, and values an individual personally associate with. It’s about the culture you identify with, whether it’s shaped by nationality, ethnicity, region, religion, or personal upbringing. In Igbo culture for example, they have a term called “Ogbenye”, meaning “poverty.” But literary, it means “the community gives or provides.” Therefore, for the Igbos: "My culture emphasizes provision for the poor by all." In the same culture, there’s no clear line between the poor and those with disabilities. Often, those with disabilities are categorized as the poor because some of them ask for alms by the street corners, marketplaces, places of worships and townhalls. Contrary, the phrase “culture by me” has a different connotation...

Introduction In a world where diversity and inclusivity are increasingly recognized as essential values, the need for accessible and supportive environments has never been more pressing. The concept of “The Green Path to Accessibility" emerges as a powerful symbol of commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in all aspects of life. The Green Path to Accessibility epitomizes an innovative approach that intertwines environmental sustainability with inclusivity. This concept suggests that much like a leaf, which is both a symbol of growth and a vital component of the ecosystem, accessibility should be an integral and organic part of our societal fabric. This paradigm seeks to create built environments and digital spaces that are not only accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, but are also designed with ecological mindfulness. It emphasizes the use of sustainable materials, energy-eff...