# The Volume Pod  - Global Video Podcasts on Politics, Leadership, Advocacy and Entertainment

> Speaks Volume


## Posts

- [Dementia Is Quietly Rising in Nigeria — And the Country Isn't Ready](https://thevolumepod.com/dementia-is-quietly-rising-in-nigeria-and-the-country-isnt-ready/): Dr Chi Udeh-Momoh tells FemiDlive that dementia is coming for Nigeria — and with energy drinks, chronic stress and absent government policy, even 30-year-olds are at risk.
- [Why Millions of Nigerians Are Choosing to Stay Home on Election Day](https://thevolumepod.com/why-millions-of-nigerians-are-choosing-to-stay-home-on-election-day/): Amara Nwankpa of the Yar'Adua Foundation tells FemiDlive that low voter turnout is not apathy — it is a rational withdrawal of labour by citizens the state has failed.
- [Why Nigeria’s Security Failures Are Intertwined with 2027](https://thevolumepod.com/why-nigerias-security-failures-are-intertwined-with-2027/): The Political Capital of Chaos: Why Nigeria’s Security Failures Are Intertwined with 2027 ABUJA, Nigeria — In the theatre of Nigerian politics, state failure is rarely just an accident of governance; often, it is a currency. As the nation grapples with a compounding crisis of mass abductions, unchecked banditry, and rural displacement, an uncomfortable consensus is emerging among state observers: the premium placed on instability may be rising as political actors eye the 2027 general elections. The mechanics of this crisis extend far beyond tactical military deficits. Instead, they expose a deeper structural rot within Nigeria’s defense and political architectures—one where the preservation of insecurity increasingly aligns with the preservation of power. The Illusion of Restorative Justice For years, the federal government’s approach to counter-terrorism has relied heavily on a contentious pillar: the “repentance” and rehabilitation programs for captured or surrendered insurgents. Touted as a non-kinetic strategy to deplete enemy ranks, the policy has instead created a dangerous moral hazard. “You cannot negotiate from a position of systemic weakness, nor can you incentivize rehabilitation while the victims of terror remain languishing in displaced persons camps,” notes James Ugochukwu, Regional General Secretary of the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF). Speaking on a recent episode of the political broadcast Volume with FemiDlive, Ugochukwu argued that the state’s continued indulgence in these programs amounts to a surrender of sovereign authority. When the state treats terrorism as a negotiable grievance rather than an existential breach of the social contract, it signals to criminal syndicates that violence yields diplomatic leverage. The persistence of amnesty frameworks has effectively institutionalized a revolving door, allowing actors to cycle between active insurgency and state-funded rehabilitation without ever facing transitional justice. Porous Borders and the Identity Vacuum This policy failure is further aggravated by a fundamental collapse in domestic intelligence infrastructure. While international partners frequently pledge advanced hardware and technical training to the Nigerian Armed Forces, these tools are rendered largely impotent when deployed against a landscape of “ghosts.” Modern precision warfare and counter-insurgency operations are entirely dependent on robust data states. In Nigeria, however, the intersection between tracking biometric data and the national identity infrastructure—primarily the National Identification Number (NIN)—remains profoundly broken. Security Deficit Operational Impact Strategic Consequence Flawed NIN Database Inability to map domestic networks or trace terror financing streams. Insurgents operate with functional anonymity within urban and rural fringes. Porous Regional Borders Unchecked flow of foreign mercenaries across Niger, Chad, and Cameroon borders. Localized conflicts are continuously militarized by external actors. Kinetic Over-Reliance Heavy deployment of troops without hyper-localized tactical intelligence. Military forces exhaust resources holding territory rather than neutralizing threats. Without a reliable domestic tracking apparatus, advanced military tech is merely a costly cosmetic fix. The state cannot target an adversary it cannot identify, leaving vast swathes of the country vulnerable to actors who cross international boundaries completely unrecorded. The Road to 2027: Security as an Electoral Weapon Perhaps the most cynical dimension of the current security landscape is its geographic drift. Historically concentrated within the Northeast and Northwest zones, organized violence and high-profile abductions have increasingly encroached upon the South-West and North-Central regions. This shifting geography is not random expansion; it possesses a distinct electoral calculus. In Nigeria, widespread regional insecurity serves as a highly effective tool for voter suppression and geopolitical engineering. By engineering or permitting instability in specific electoral strongholds, political networks can artificially depress voter turnout, displace unfavorable demographics, and justify hyper-militarized polling environments that lend themselves to manipulation. Furthermore, the deliberate foot-dragging on constitutional reforms—most notably the implementation of State Police—highlights a resistance to decentralizing security architecture. The centralization of police commands allows the federal executive to retain absolute control over domestic coercion mechanisms, a critical asset when managing highly contested regional transitions. Ultimately, political parties in Nigeria have historically functioned not as ideological institutions, but as transactional vehicles designed for power acquisition. When instability serves the immediate strategic interests of those negotiating for 2027, the political will required to reform the defense sector evaporates. Until the structural incentives change, security will remain less a public good and more an electoral commodity. To watch the complete broadcast analysis on how institutional inertia and regional instability shape Nigeria’s governance landscape, watch the full interview on Stop Negotiating on Security Failure, State Police | James Ugochukwu | Volume with FemiDlive. This video provides crucial context regarding the lack of political will behind defense architecture reforms and the ideological vacuum within contemporary Nigerian political parties.
- [The 2027 Calculus: Character, Competence, and the Battle for Nigeria’s Political Soul](https://thevolumepod.com/can-nigerias-free/): The road to Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is already being paved with familiar anxieties, shifting alliances, and an overarching question: can a nation fractured by systemic insecurity and economic distress find its way back to functional governance? In a recent, deeply revealing episode of Volume with FemiDlive, host Femi D Amele sat down with public health physician and seasoned political advocate Dr. Laz Eze. What unfolded was a sharp, uncompromising look into the realities of Nigerian politics—a masterclass in analyzing the structural deficits of the current administration, the anatomy of opposition coalitions, and the enduring resonance of the “Obidient” movement. The Security Paradox: Governance as a ‘Colossal Failure’ The conversation opened where every honest assessment of contemporary Nigeria must begin: the fundamental safety of its citizens. For Dr. Laz Eze, evaluating the administration’s performance on national security yields a grim verdict. “As long as there is insecurity anywhere in this country, there’s insecurity everywhere.” This isn’t hyperbole; it is a systemic reality. The primary purpose of any sovereign government is the protection of lives and property. When children are being shuffled away from schools by armed bandits, and families are left frozen in silent trauma, the state has defaulted on its social contract. THE STATE OF THE NATION │ ┌───────────────────────┴───────────────────────┐ ▼ ▼ [ Systemic Insecurity ] [ Economic Distortion ] • Selective Law Enforcement • Altered Macroeconomic Metrics • Grassroots Trauma • Real-World Purchasing Power Loss • Deterioration of Social Contract • Production-to-Consumption Deficit The paradox lies in the execution of state power. Dr. Eze pointed out a glaring double standard that puzzles the national conscience: the swift, surgical precision with which security apparatuses track down online critics and political dissenters contrasts sharply with the apparent impunity enjoyed by armed actors who broadcast their exploits and display illicit wealth on social media. It reveals a crisis not of capability, but of political will. Beyond the Logos: Character Over Party Clothes As the political machinery gears up for 2027, the landscape is witnessing a familiar dance: veteran politicians hopping across newly minted party lines. Femi Amele aptly likened this phenomenon to changing primary school uniforms—the colors flip from green-and-yellow to yellow-and-green, but the actors remain entirely the same. In Nigeria, political parties are rarely ideological bastions; they function primarily as vehicles for political capture. Because party structures are fluid and easily compromised, Dr. Eze argues that the electorate must look past the banners and focus squarely on the individual. The five pillars of leadership that must dominate the 2027 discourse are clear: Competence: The technical ability to manage complex state systems. Character: Monolithic moral consistency when facing institutional rot. Capacity: A proven track record of converting policy blueprints into human outcomes. Credibility: Trust built on historical antecedents rather than electoral performance art. Compassion: A humanist, empathetic approach to public administration. The Audacity of Hope: Scrutinizing the Peter Obi Strategy A central pillar of the discussion focused heavily on the political strategy and enduring appeal of Peter Obi. Critics often tag Obi as a political wanderer who exits party structures whenever internal friction peaks—moving from APGA to PDP, Labor Party, and through the evolving opposition coalitions of the ADC and NDC. However, from the perspective of the Obidient movement, this movement isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an absolute refusal to compromise on foundational values. THE CORE DILEMMA OF THE NIGERIAN OPPOSITION ┌───────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Maintain Purity of Political Values │ └───────────────────┬───────────────────┘ ▼ Is it possible to scale this inside a compromised, transactional system? │ ┌────────────────────────┴────────────────────────┐ ▼ ▼ [ The Purist Approach ] [ The Realist Approach ] • Exit compromised structures. • Build wide-tented coalitions. • Maintain distinct moral brand. • Accept structural friction. • Risk institutional isolation. • Risk ideological dilution. The challenge for any transformative leader in Nigeria is navigating an environment where structural compromise is the native language of politics. Obi’s political record in Anambra State is frequently cited as the blueprint: a leader who managed a hostile, 100% opposition House of Assembly without weaponizing state autocracy, relying instead on interpersonal diplomacy and strict adherence to developmental benchmarks. The Economic Illusion vs. The Human Metric While current macroeconomic numbers are often presented on paper as stabilizing factors, the real-world metric remains the purchasing power of the average household. Dr. Eze, leveraging his background in data and analytics, warned against the manipulation of calculation formulas that make ledger sheets look pristine while the streets starve. A budget that allocates billions to the health sector on paper but releases mere fractions in capital expenditure is a budget of illusions. The ultimate metric is simple: Are the people safer, and can they afford to eat? When the domestic space fails to provide these baseline realities, the phenomenon of Jakpa (migration) intensifies. Yet, as international borders tighten from Europe to South Africa, the systemic truth becomes undeniable: migration is a finite escape hatch. The ultimate solution is to make Nigeria work. What’s Your Take? The road to 2027 will require more than electoral optimism; it demands intense institutional scrutiny and civic resilience. How should opposition leaders navigate the deeply compromised terrain of political party structures without losing their core values? What structural changes are most critical to ensure the integrity of the next electoral process? Join the conversation and leave your thoughts below. https://youtu.be/YiGgG4DzTF0
- [The 2027 Rescue Mission: Why Institutional Reform and Grassroots Ideology Must Outpace "Big Name" Politics in Nigeria](https://thevolumepod.com/the-2027-rescue-mission/): The conversation surrounding Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 electoral cycle is rapidly shifting. For everyday citizens, civil society groups, and political strategists, the focus is moving past standard campaign promises and landing squarely on a critical reality: structural accountability, electoral integrity, and institutional reform are the only real mechanisms that can stabilize the nation. In a recent episode of Volume with FemiDlive, hosted by award-winning broadcaster Femi D. Amele on The Volume Pod, these systemic challenges were pulled apart. Featuring Dr. Chinedu Obi—National Chairman of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) and Director General of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)—the discussion provided a transparent, data-driven look at how the country’s multi-party ecosystem functions behind the headlines. Instead of focusing on sensational top-tier Abuja politics, the conversation offered a strategic roadmap for political realignment before 2027. 1. Dismantling the Myth of “Big Parties” vs. “Small Parties” A dominant narrative in Nigerian media is that elections are exclusively a two- or three-horse race between giant political structures. However, as Dr. Obi pointed out, Nigeria currently features a diverse landscape of 22 registered political parties. The perceived strength of a party often depends on its members’ access to public funds rather than structural superiority. [Access to Public Funds] ──> [Media Focus & Bloated Visibility] ──> [Perceived "Big Party" Status] When prominent political figures switch platforms—such as Peter Obi’s historic move to the Labour Party or more recent migrations to the ADC and NNPP—the destination party suddenly experiences a massive spike in public visibility. Real systemic change, however, requires moving away from individual star power and focusing on deep-rooted party ideologies. For alternative platforms like the NRM, the goal is to shift the country from a culture of personality worship to sustainable, process-driven governance. 2. Institutional Strength Over Strongmen: Setting a Leadership Precedent If alternative political movements want to present themselves as viable rescue options for the nation, they must practice internal accountability. A fascinating case study emerged during the interview regarding the internal discipline of political platforms. “When you want to rescue a country, you need to rescue yourself first. It requires a bold step to demonstrate to citizens that leadership must be by example.” When the NRM suspended its own founding chairman due to internal process violations, it set a rare example in Nigerian politics. Rather than shielding an elite founder, the party prioritized institutional rules over individual status. This stands in sharp contrast to the internal power struggles plaguing larger establishments like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), where personal networks regularly bypass formal rules. For 2027, the primary test for any political party will be its willingness to stick to the rule of law over personal convenience. 3. Electoral Integrity: The Independent Referee Conundrum A central element of the 2027 planning process involves reforming the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Under current constitutional guidelines, the executive branch holds the power to appoint the electoral umpire. This framework introduces a clear structural conflict of interest. To guarantee transparency and protect the voter mandate across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), IPAC’s committee on electoral reforms has pushed for a multi-sectoral approach to appointments. Proposed Reform Component Current System The Multi-Sectoral Alternative Umpire Selection Unilateral executive appointment A collaborative selection committee featuring political parties, judicial bodies, and civil society. Vetting Process Internal political clearance Open, public application screening supported by state security documentation. Oversight Composition Centralized administrative control Balanced civil society representation alongside trusted domestic monitoring groups. Without these institutional adjustments, technological tools like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) will continue to face implementation bottlenecks. 4. Shifting Metrics: Measuring the Grassroots Economy While macro-economic figures like GDP growth and reserve allocations look great in policy papers, they often fail to align with the financial realities of ordinary citizens. The true health of the Nigerian economy is felt at the micro-level—through purchasing power, transportation costs, and basic food security. For instance, comparing the utility of a 70,000 Naira minimum wage against previous 30,000 Naira standards reveals a simple truth: if a citizen cannot buy a basic bag of rice or afford daily transport to work, the macro-economic policies are missing their target. True socio-economic recovery requires moving away from top-down rhetoric and focusing on community-level development, budget tracking, and social welfare infrastructure. The Path to 2027 Nigeria’s political future depends heavily on whether the country can transition from a culture of political entitlement to one of clear, measurable accountability. For young voters, policy analysts, and engaged citizens seeking an alternative to standard media narratives, keeping tabs on these foundational shifts is critical. Platforms like The Volume Pod (Volume Pod LLC) continue to serve as essential media hubs, bringing in diverse political voices and civil society leaders to break down complex policy issues and analyze their real-world impact. The coming months will reveal whether alternative parties can successfully build out their local networks and offer a disciplined, rule-of-law-driven alternative to the status quo.
- [Nigeria's Digital Double Life: How AI and Data Harvesting Will Shape the 2027 Vote](https://thevolumepod.com/nigerias-digital-double-life-how-ai-and-data-harvesting-will-shape-the-2027-vote/): Alhassan Ibrahim warns FemiDlive that Nigerians' data will be weaponised in 2027 — from Cambridge Analytica's legacy to AI-powered political bots.
- [Nigeria's Ballots Are Broken. So Is the Economy Behind Them.](https://thevolumepod.com/nigerias-ballots-are-broken-so-is-the-economy-behind-them/): Dr. James Okoroafor tells Volume with FemiDlive that Nigeria's voting crisis and economic crisis are one and the same — and only systemic reform can fix either before 2027.
- [Crisis of Values: Rethinking Nigeria’s Democracy and Judicial Integrity](https://thevolumepod.com/crisis-of-values-rethinking-nigerias-democracy-and-judicial-integrity/): In a compelling dialogue at the National Conference on the Future of Democracy in Nigeria, Honorable Dr. Gbenga Olawepo Hashim provided a sobering assessment of the nation’s current political and judicial landscape. His insights challenge the common narrative that Nigeria’s problems are purely economic, suggesting instead that the country is grappling with a profound “poverty of values” that threatens the very foundation of its democratic institutions. The Problem with Institutional Recruitment Dr. Hashim highlighted a critical flaw in the formation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While some recommendations for independence—such as funding via a first-line charge—were accepted during the transition from military rule, the method of recruiting leadership remains a point of contention. He argues that the current system allows the executive to maintain too much control by appointing “dodgy” individuals who are easily manipulated. “When you have a transparent process of recruitment and the person that is being appointed is subjected to public debate, he will hold his loyalty to society rather than to few people who appoint him in government.” [04:46] Material Poverty vs. Poverty of Values One of the most striking parts of the discussion centered on the phenomenon of vote-buying. While many attribute this to the economic hardship facing Nigerians, Dr. Hashim drew a historical parallel to the 1950s to illustrate that integrity is not dictated by wealth. He noted that even when Nigerians were materially poorer, they held their political leaders to higher standards. “It’s not a question of material poverty; it’s about poverty in values. We have to go back and strengthen our value system because it is these intangible things—values, culture—that build society.” [06:01] He further emphasized this point by contrasting the past and present: “In the 50s, if you give them a bag of rice, they will not vote for you. They will still vote for their trusted political leaders. But Nigerians today, some of them who eat rice every day, if you give them a cup of rice, they are ready to vote for you.” [05:51] The Independence of the Judiciary The conversation also turned to the judiciary, an institution often seen as the last hope for the common man. Dr. Hashim expressed concern that while judges are now better compensated than ever before, their independence seems more compromised than it was even under military dictatorship. He suggests that financial corruption has achieved what brute force could not. “What military dictatorship could not do, money corruption is doing now. Judges are now more paid than they have ever been paid… they have no reason not to stand for justice and equity.” [07:21] Looking Toward 2027 As Nigeria looks toward the 2027 elections, the fear of widespread vote-buying looms large. However, Dr. Hashim offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that collective will can override financial manipulation. He believes that if the majority of the population is truly committed to change, the sheer volume of voters will make individual bribes inconsequential. “There will be vote buying, but it’s not going to be consequential if majority of people are ready really to vote for change. You can’t buy millions of people when they are out to really vote.” [06:34] Ultimately, Dr. Hashim’s message is a call to action for all Nigerians to reclaim their cultural and moral values. Without a foundation of integrity, material achievements and institutional structures will continue to crumble under the weight of corruption. Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/Csh7n_qacKE
- [No One will Vote for Tinubu in 2027 Elections if...](https://thevolumepod.com/no-one-will-vote-for-tinubu-in-2027-elections-if/): In a recent hard-hitting interview on Volume with FemiDlive, political activist and commentator Henry Shield delivered a blistering critique of the current Nigerian administration under President Bola Tinubu. The conversation, titled “No One will Vote for Tinubu in 2027 Elections if…”, paints a grim picture of a nation grappling with economic hardship, a perceived decline in democratic values, and a fragmented opposition. The “Emperor” and the Vanishing Rule of Law Shield did not mince words when describing the current state of governance, suggesting that Nigeria is drifting away from democratic ideals toward what he termed an “imperial” style of leadership. He cited recent incidents involving the harassment of journalists and citizens at court premises as evidence of a “non-existent” rule of law. “You are calling him president; I see him as an emperor—His Royal Majesty King Tinubu.” [31:28] The Economic Toll on the Common Citizen The heart of Shield’s grievance lies in the skyrocketing cost of living. He pointed to the dramatic leap in fuel prices—from approximately 145 Naira to 1,000 Naira—as a “shock” that no citizenry should be expected to absorb without significant government accountability. He criticized the government’s focus on paper indices and “theory” while the average Nigerian struggles to afford basic necessities like rice, which has surged toward the 100,000 Naira mark. “The only indices that count in the economy of any nation, the only factor that matters, is the improvement in the lives of the people. Any other thing is paper discussion.” [10:14] A Call for Opposition Sacrifice Looking toward the 2027 elections, Shield expressed deep frustration with the current opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. He argued that their personal ambitions are currently standing in the way of a unified front that could challenge the APC. Shield, who campaigned vigorously for the Atiku-Obi ticket in 2019, lamented their split in 2023 and urged them to prioritize the “larger good” over individual goals. “There is no ambition that is big enough for you, or that is bigger than the interest of the country… they first of all need to save Nigeria from the APC.” [14:42] The Burden of Taxation and Transparency The activist also took aim at proposed new tax policies, arguing that the government has yet to prove it can be a responsible steward of existing resources. He highlighted the lack of transparency in high-profile expenditures, such as the presidential jet and yacht, as reasons why citizens are hesitant to give more. “Taxing is not the first thing. First thing is system… A system that makes it impossible for you to take my money because it’s my tax.” [28:03] The “Defeated” Citizenry Perhaps the most poignant part of the interview was Shield’s reflection on the state of Nigerian activism. He expressed a sense of fatigue, noting that while he is willing to stand his ground, he often finds himself part of a very small group actually willing to “hit the streets.” “I have actually decided to just slow down because I am yet to find Nigerians who reason like citizens. What I see are people who now reason like defeated and conquered citizens.” [06:08] Conclusion Henry Shield’s message is a clarion call for both the leadership and the populace. For the government, it is a warning that economic “baby steps” are resulting in giant leaps of pain for the poor. For the opposition, it is a demand for unity. And for the citizens, it is an invitation to reclaim their voice in a democracy that Shield fears is quickly slipping away. Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/C9a5AgX1jx8
- ["Nigerian Opposition Figure Slams Tinubu Leadership as ‘Disgraceful’"](https://thevolumepod.com/nigerian-opposition-figure-slams-tinubu-leadership-as-disgraceful/): For decades, the relationship between the Nigerian state and its citizens has been defined by a precarious silence: the government provides little, and the people expect even less. But that silence is being shattered by a sweeping new tax reform that critics warn could turn a standard fiscal tool into a “weapon of oppression” in a nation already reeling from record inflation and a crumbling social contract. In a blistering assessment of the country’s economic direction, Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, says the government’s push for increased tax revenue is fundamentally flawed because it ignores the reality of life for the average Nigerian. “Taxation is a tool of oppression when there is no service,” Yakubu said during an interview on Volume with FemiDlive. “If I provide my own security, my own water, my own electricity, and you still come to ask me for tax, what are you taxing? You are taxing my survival”. A Social Contract in Tatters The debate centers on a series of tax bills currently moving through Nigeria’s National Assembly, championed by a reform committee led by Taiwo Oyedele. While the administration of President Bola Tinubu argues these reforms are necessary to move Nigeria away from its “petrodollar” addiction and toward a sustainable revenue base, Yakubu argues the timing and the target are wrong. He points to a massive “trust deficit” between the governed and the governors. In developed economies like the United Kingdom or Scandinavian nations, Yakubu notes, citizens see their taxes reflected in the National Health Service or public infrastructure. In Nigeria, those services are largely non-existent for the poor, who are now being asked to pay more while the political elite maintain lavish lifestyles. “We have a situation where 0.1% of the population controls the wealth, yet they are the ones who pay the least in taxes through various exemptions and waivers,” Yakubu said. Meanwhile, the burden of consumption taxes like VAT falls disproportionately on the millions of Nigerians living below the poverty line. The ‘Missing’ Billions The most controversial aspect of Yakubu’s critique involves the 63 Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs)—agencies like the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that generate trillions of naira in revenue. Yakubu argues that before the government looks to the pockets of the poor, it must first address the “black hole” within these agencies. He claims that many of these institutions operate with zero transparency, keeping a vast majority of the funds they generate for “administrative costs” and “personnel expenses” that are never fully audited. “Why are we putting pressure on a man selling tomatoes in the market when you have 63 institutions that generate billions and nobody knows exactly how that money is spent?” Yakubu asked. He suggested that if the government simply enforced efficiency and transparency in these 63 agencies, the need for aggressive new taxes on the public would vanish. The Efficiency Crisis The government’s reform efforts have been described as an attempt to “broaden the tax base.” However, Yakubu warns that without a corresponding increase in government efficiency, more revenue will simply lead to more waste. He cited the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023 as a prime example. The move saved the government trillions of naira, yet for the average Nigerian, the only result has been a 300% increase in transportation costs and a surge in food prices. “The people were told to make sacrifices, but where is the evidence of that sacrifice in the government’s own spending?” Yakubu said. The strategist argues that Nigeria is currently “over-governed and under-served.” He notes that the cost of maintaining the National Assembly and the various layers of the federal bureaucracy consumes a staggering percentage of the national budget, leaving little for the actual development of the people. A Warning for 2027 As Nigeria moves toward the next election cycle in 2027, the tax issue is becoming a political lightning rod. Critics argue that the government is using tax reforms as a way to satisfy international lenders like the IMF and World Bank, rather than focusing on the needs of the domestic population. Yakubu’s warning is clear: a government that taxes its people without providing security or basic services is a government in peril. “The day the Nigerian people realize that they are paying for a government that gives them nothing in return is the day the social contract officially expires,” he said. For now, as the tax bills navigate the legislative process, millions of Nigerians are left watching the cost of living rise, wondering if their meager earnings are the next target for a state that many feel has already taken enough. Watch the full interview: https://youtu.be/-4mbQb7HLj4
- [Nigerian Opposition Figure Slams ‘Disgraceful’ Leadership](https://thevolumepod.com/nigerian-opposition-figure-slams-disgraceful-leadership-warns-of-national-siege/): ABUJA — Nigeria is facing a systemic failure of leadership and remains “under siege” from a worsening security crisis that the current administration has failed to address, a prominent opposition figure said in a wide-ranging interview. Anthony Ehilebo, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a legal practitioner, characterized the administration of President Bola Tinubu as being more focused on political survival for the 2027 elections than on the immediate safety and economic well-being of the population. “I am totally disappointed in his application of democratic norms and his application of good governance,” Ehilebo said during an interview on Volume with FemiDlive. “His financial intervention in Nigeria has failed Nigerians woefully. We have gone further deeper into poverty.” [22:36] Security Crisis and ‘International Invasions’ Ehilebo described Nigeria as a patient with “multiple cancers,” arguing that the security situation has deteriorated significantly since 2015. He noted that while the insurgency was once localized to the northeast with Boko Haram, it has now morphed into a nationwide crisis involving bandits, kidnappers, and international incursions. [11:32] He alleged that the country is facing an “invasion” from foreign elements on motorbikes entering from the Sahel region, a situation he claimed the government has refused to define accurately. [09:53] “Nigeria is under siege,” Ehilebo said. “You can see even the U.S. Congress and the U.S. State Department have put in more effort in two months than our entire National Assembly, the Federal Executive, and the Judiciary have combined in the last 10 years.” [12:43] He called for the immediate convocation of a National Security Conference to provide an emergency roadmap, warning that the president has only a narrow window before the country enters a full campaign cycle that often compromises governance. [13:08] Economic Criticism and ‘Oppressive’ Taxation The PDP official also targeted the government’s fiscal policies, specifically the removal of fuel subsidies and a new tax regime. He accused the administration of being a “Father Christmas” to state governors by distributing subsidy savings to them without ensuring transparent reinvestment in public infrastructure. [14:53] Ehilebo expressed concern that a proposed tax regime could be used as a “tool of oppression” against the political opposition. He argued that the state has no moral right to levy further taxes when citizens are already providing their own electricity, water, and security. [50:54] “What gives them the right to tax me when they are not providing governance?” he asked, citing constitutional requirements for the state to provide security. “I’m a local government unto myself. I provided power for myself; I provided water for myself.” [52:10] He further criticized the lack of frugality in government, citing the 30-billion-naira expenditure on the Vice President’s residence and the president’s large convoys as evidence of a leadership disconnected from the financial struggles of the citizenry. [53:28] Political Friction and the ‘Destruction’ of the PDP Turning to internal politics, Ehilebo launched a sharp critique of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of undermining the PDP and exerting undue influence over the Rivers State House of Assembly. He alleged that the 17 pro-Wike lawmakers in Rivers “cannot even breathe” without the minister’s authorization, a dynamic he said is destroying the democratic fabric of the state. [21:20] Ehilebo also raised alarms about judicial bias, claiming that certain judges are repeatedly assigned to cases involving the FCT Minister and the PDP, which he said “makes a mockery of our judicial system.” [32:12] In a surprising claim, Ehilebo asserted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had left the PDP for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating that the elder politician should have “stayed and fought for the party.” [38:26] Geopolitical Concerns The interview also touched on Nigeria’s role in West Africa. Ehilebo expressed suspicion regarding President Tinubu’s close relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron, suggesting that France may be seeking a new “foothold” in Nigeria after being expelled from other Sahelian nations. [57:36] He warned that Nigeria must be careful not to become a staging ground for “recolonization” or a pawn in a larger propaganda war involving Russia, the United States, and France. [01:00:32] Ehilebo concluded by urging Nigerians to demand more from their representatives. “If everybody starts telling lies, how far are we going to go?” he said. “The truth is what it is.” [37:56] Video Source: Disgraceful Leaders Everywhere in Nigeria even Tinubu | Anthony Ehilebo | Volume w FemiDlive  
- [Nigeria’s Economic Pivot Hits ‘Wits’ End’ as Political Opposition Vanishes](https://thevolumepod.com/nigerias-economic-pivot-hits-wits-end-as-political-opposition-vanishes/): Nigeria’s attempt to transition toward a market-driven economy has reached a state of exhaustion, undermined by a “tactical rollback” of reforms and a political vacuum where a viable opposition no longer exists, according to Majeed Dahiru, a prominent Nigerian political strategist and public affairs analyst. In an expansive year-end assessment on the podcast Volume with FemiDlive, Dahiru argued that the nation’s democratic architecture is currently operating on only one of its two necessary pillars. While the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) struggles with the fallout of its fiscal policies, the primary opposition—the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)—has descended into “post-Buhari oblivion,” leaving the electorate without a credible alternative framework for governance. “Nigeria is not only suffering from failure of governance,” Dahiru said. “Nigeria has a problem of failure of opposition”. He noted that for the first time in the country’s 25-year democratic journey, there is no organized political force offering a rigorous policy counter-narrative to the government’s controversial moves, such as the removal of fuel subsidies or the floating of the local currency. The ‘Tactical Rollback’ of Reforms The central economic thesis of President Bola Tinubu’s administration—the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the Naira’s exchange rate—is being quietly dismantled to prevent a total social collapse, Dahiru contended. He described the current state of the Naira as “floating aimlessly” toward the 2,000-per-dollar mark before the central bank was forced to intervene. Dahiru pointed to audited financial statements suggesting that the government is still spending trillions of Naira on “energy security,” which he characterized as a euphemism for the very subsidies the administration claimed to have abolished. This “tactical rollback,” he argued, proves that the neoliberal orthodoxies currently being tested in Nigeria are ill-suited for its unique developmental stage. “There is no alternative to government intervention in energy,” Dahiru stated, suggesting that the administration’s initial “shock therapy” was more a result of ideological pressure than practical economic planning. He warned that the government’s failure is not the principle of intervention itself, but the “meritocracy” and integrity of the officials managing those interventions. The ‘E-Lock’ Metaphor for Institutional Decay The social consequences of these economic shifts are perhaps most visible in the hallowed halls of the National Assembly. In a striking anecdote illustrating the deepening chasm between the ruling class and the public, Dahiru revealed that lawmakers from Northern Nigeria have begun installing electronic locks on their office doors to barricade themselves against constituents seeking financial aid. “They can no longer cater for the number of people coming to see them,” Dahiru said, explaining that the traditional patronage networks of the North have been shattered by skyrocketing inflation. The “e-lock” has become the new symbol of a representative democracy where the representatives are now in hiding from the represented. Security and the ‘Genocide’ Debate The interview also touched on the worsening security situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, specifically in Plateau and Benue states. Dahiru criticized the semantic debates regarding whether the killings of agrarian communities should be labeled a “Christian genocide,” arguing that the focus on terminology distracts from the catastrophic failure of the state to protect its citizens. Noting that Nigeria has been designated a “country of particular concern” by international observers, Dahiru called for a “shock therapy” approach to national security. He made a poignant appeal for religious empathy, urging the Northern Muslim elite to take greater responsibility for addressing the “banditry” and “herdsmen” violence that emanates from within their demographic fold. “The people that are responsible for both the killing of members of our own family and our Christian brethren come from our family,” Dahiru said. The Road to 2027 Looking ahead to the 2027 election cycle, Dahiru was skeptical of the opposition’s ability to regroup. He blamed the PDP’s current “oblivion” on its decision to ignore the geographic zoning traditions in the 2023 election, which fractured its southern base and birthed the “Obidient” movement under Peter Obi. Without a “valid framework” for the future and an opposition capable of intellectual engagement, Dahiru warned that Nigeria risks remaining in a state of political and economic stasis, where policies are “aimlessly” floated and institutional doors remain electronically locked against the masses. Watch the full interview:
- [Nigeria Graft Advocate Urges Treason Charges for Billions Stolen](https://thevolumepod.com/nigeria-graft-advocate-urges-treason-charges-for-billions-stolen/): Nigeria should redefine its legal framework to treat high-level public sector corruption as a crime against the state equivalent to treason, a move that could significantly alter the risk-reward calculus for a political class accused of “scavenging” the nation’s wealth. Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, argued that the traditional definition of treason—historically tied to selling state secrets or supporting foreign enemies—is obsolete in an era where illicit financial flows pose a greater existential threat to the nation than external invasion. “We need to transit from making corrupt offenses to become treasonable offenses,” Yakubu said in an interview with Volume with FemiDlive. “If you take money meant for a hospital… and you take it to another country, killing your own country, that is the context of why I feel we need to redefine treason” [15:45]. The proposal comes as Nigeria continues to bleed an estimated $15 billion annually in illicit financial flows [18:47]. For a nation grappling with a debt-servicing crisis and crumbling infrastructure, Yakubu contends that the $9 billion P&ID judgment saga—which Nigeria narrowly escaped—highlights how “treasonable acts” by officials can nearly bankrupt the state through fraudulent contracts and bribery [27:52]. The ‘Scavenging’ of Election Financing A central pillar of Yakubu’s critique is the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He argues that INEC’s failure to enforce regulations on political party financing is the primary driver of public sector graft [43:06]. “The most important institution to solve the corruption problem is actually INEC,” Yakubu said, noting that the agency focuses almost exclusively on logistics while ignoring its powerful regulatory mandate over campaign spending [39:23]. The astronomical cost of seeking office in Africa’s most populous nation—where a gubernatorial run can cost tens of billions of naira—forces candidates to “scavenge” from government parastatals to recoup investments [42:51]. This creates a cycle where lawmakers and chief executives prioritize “recovering” their election funds over governance, leading to a system where “political interest comes first before national interest” [18:13]. Real Estate: The ‘Dumbest’ Money Laundering Yakubu also pointed to the decoupling of Nigeria’s real estate market from its actual economic productivity. In the capital of Abuja, where luxury mansions are priced between 1 billion and 2 billion naira ($620,000 to $1.2 million), the advocate describes the sector as a massive, inefficient money-laundering machine for the political elite [36:28]. “The dumbest thing to do is to buy real estate… because they can’t even think of what to do” with stolen funds, Yakubu said [01:04]. He argued that because most Nigerian politicians lack backgrounds in wealth creation or industry, they simply “lock up capital” in property rather than investing in productive enterprises like pure water factories or studios, which require actual management and innovation [35:17], [36:11]. Transparency Gaps and the Religious Paradox The Center for Fiscal Transparency’s recent “Transparency and Integrity Index” revealed a startling lack of openness among the country’s most powerful financial institutions. Agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Accountant General’s Office have frequently landed in the “red zone” for failing to publish basic fiscal data [45:04]. Yakubu’s methodology is blunt: “The least transparent you are, the more corrupt you are” [45:50]. He notes that the 63 government-owned enterprises (GOEs) that generate their own revenue often operate as “fiefdoms,” spending billions on cars and fuel while the general population is told to endure the removal of fuel subsidies [47:38], [51:30]. The interview also addressed the paradox of Nigeria’s high religiosity—where 95% of the population professes a faith—and its pervasive corruption. Yakubu attributed this to an “externalization of religion” where ritual practices like leading prayers or attending church on Sundays are disconnected from internal morality [11:19]. The Path Forward While President Bola Tinubu has focused on aggressive tax reforms and subsidy removals, Yakubu suggests the administration’s “political will” to fight corruption remains invisible [52:42]. He estimated that if just 10% of the energy used for tax reform was applied to fighting public sector corruption in the top 63 institutions, “corruption would drop by 90%” [54:07]. Until the cost of graft outweighs the benefit—potentially through the threat of the death penalty or life imprisonment associated with treason—Nigeria’s “shadow economy” will continue to outpace its formal one, leaving the state in a perpetual state of “bleeding” [18:39]. Watch the full interview  
- [Nigeria Governance Being ‘Privatized’ by Political Class](https://thevolumepod.com/nigeria-governance-being-privatized-by-political-class-watchdog-says/): Nigeria’s political landscape is undergoing a “total colonization and privatization” by a ruling class that is actively rewriting legal frameworks to shield itself from criminal prosecution, according to one of the country’s leading anti-corruption advocates. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and representative of Transparency International in Nigeria, said in an interview with Volume with FemiDlive that the nation’s democratic institutions are being systematically hollowed out. The trend, he warned, poses a fundamental threat to the rule of law and Nigeria’s standing in the global economy. “Thieves don’t make laws that will catch them,” Rafsanjani said, describing a legislative environment where individuals with questionable backgrounds have secured seats in the National Assembly to ensure immunity from accountability. “When you have political corruption, the very people who are supposed to be punished are the ones who have taken over the legislature, they have taken over the judiciary, and they have taken over the executive.” Executive Overreach and the ‘Pardon’ Culture The critique comes at a sensitive time for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has sought to attract foreign direct investment by promising structural reforms. However, Rafsanjani argued that recent executive actions—specifically the granting of presidential pardons to high-profile convicts—undercut these efforts and signal a lack of commitment to judicial independence. Rafsanjani alleged that the current administration has granted pardons to individuals previously jailed for offenses ranging from corruption and murder to drug trafficking. He questioned the economic logic of spending significant taxpayer resources on years of prosecution only for the results to be vacated by executive fiat without transparent consultation. “Tinubu has even done the worst,” Rafsanjani said, comparing the current administration’s record to its predecessors. He noted that such moves demoralize law enforcement agencies and suggest that political loyalty carries more weight than legal compliance. The ‘Ghana Warning’ and Global Isolation For investors and regional partners, the most startling portion of Rafsanjani’s assessment concerned Nigeria’s deteriorating international reputation. He warned that Nigeria’s failure to implement robust identity authentication systems and its culture of impunity for criminals could lead to unprecedented regional isolation. Specifically, Rafsanjani suggested that even neighboring West African nations, such as Ghana, may eventually feel compelled to bar Nigerians from entry to protect their own internal security. He pointed to a growing global trend where Nigerian citizens face increased scrutiny and “disrespect” at international borders due to the perceived integrity deficit of the country’s leadership. “If we do not have a system where we can verify who is who… even Ghana will one day say Nigerians cannot come in,” he said, citing the lack of a centralized, credible database for criminal records and identity management. Institutional Capture The interview also highlighted the breakdown of public procurement and the “personalization” of state resources. Rafsanjani detailed how chief executives across various government tiers often bypass formal bidding processes to award lucrative contracts to personal associates, family members, and “girlfriends”. This “street-level” corruption, he argued, is a direct byproduct of the “capture” of the state by a narrow interest group. He described a system where the police and judiciary are often used as tools for political intimidation rather than as impartial arbiters of justice. A History of Defiance Rafsanjani’s perspective is informed by decades of activism, beginning during Nigeria’s era of military rule. He recounted a 1989 incident at Bayero University Kano (BUK) where he was targeted for assassination by a mob due to his student leadership. He credited his survival to a group of both Muslim and Christian women who formed a human shield to protect him. That history of survival, he suggested, underscores the resilience required to challenge what he describes as an increasingly entrenched “plutocracy.” As Nigeria continues to navigate a complex economic recovery marked by high inflation and currency volatility, Rafsanjani’s warnings suggest that the “institutional risk” remains a primary hurdle. Without a decoupling of criminal interests from the lawmaking process, he concluded, the “Volume” of Nigeria’s potential will remain muffled by its own governance structures. Watch the full interview: https://youtu.be/QnUGGIVJRn8
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- [INEC Never Promised Electronic Transmission of Results](https://thevolumepod.com/inec-never-promised-electronic-transmission-of-results-festus-okoye-volume-with-femidlive/): Nigeria’s Electoral Law and the FCT: Roles, Realities, and Reform — A Practical Guide for 2025 Nigeria’s electoral landscape is complex, shaped by a dense web of constitutional provisions, institutional structures, and on-the-ground realities. In this post, we unpack the role of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) within the electoral framework, reflect on the 2023 experience, and explore practical reforms and ongoing challenges. We’ll also clarify key terms, outline the procedural realities of transmission and collation, and offer a candid look at how political actors, institutions, and citizens can contribute to a healthier democratic process. The FCT in the Nigerian federation: status, not a superior state Core point: The FCT is not a “special state” with elevated electoral status. Constitutionally, it is treated as a state within the federation, without superior electoral prerogatives over the 36 states. Supreme Court affirmation: The judiciary has affirmed that the FCT’s status should not elevate it above other states in the administration of elections. This matters for intergovernmental coordination, funding, and the application of electoral law across the federation. Practical implication: While the FCT has unique administrative and security considerations (as Nigeria’s capital and a major urban center), its electoral process must align with the same constitutional and legal framework that governs all states. This emphasizes uniformity in rules, procurement, voter registration, and the management of polling units and collation. Electoral process and terminology: transparency, practice, and clarity Transparency vs. practice: There is a necessary tension between the ideal of transparent processes and the practical realities on the ground. Nigeria increasingly emphasizes transparency—especially through digital tools and timely information—but traditional, manual elements (like results collation) remain part of the system. Transmission vs. collation: Electronic transmission is used to promote transparency and real-time visibility of results, but it is not always the basis for final collation at national or local levels. The official collation still occurs through established procedures, which can involve multiple checks and balances. Clarity on terms to combat misinformation: Beavers: The biometric voter verification system used to authenticate voters at the polls. By-elections: Elections held to fill vacancies that arise between general elections. Reruns: Additional electoral rounds prompted by specific legal or constitutional triggers (e.g., unresolved results). Supplementary elections: Elections conducted to fill remaining vacancies or to address specific electoral contingencies. Inconclusive elections: Outcomes where no candidate meets the required threshold or where other procedural issues necessitate further action. Why this matters: Clear definitions help counter misinformation and ensure the public understands why certain actions—like postponements, reruns, or supplementary elections—occur. Reflecting on the 2023 elections: transmission debates and results handling Transmission debates: The 2023 cycle highlighted ongoing debates about how results should be transmitted and compiled, and how to balance speed, accuracy, and security. Explaining processes: The path forward involves consistent, accessible explanations of how results are generated, transmitted, and verified to prevent false narratives. Practical takeaway: Strengthening public communication about electoral processes, including timelines for results, the role of INEC and state bodies, and how collation works at local, state, and national levels, is essential to building trust. Institutional structure and reforms: INEC, SIECs, and integration INEC vs. SIECs: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the national body responsible for federal elections, while State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) handle local government elections in some states. Integration and independence: Calls for stronger integration between INEC and SIECs aim to reduce gubernatorial influence over state electoral bodies, minimize political interference, and promote consistent standards across levels. Reform proposals (longer-term independence): Prohibiting recent party membership for key appointees to reduce conflicts of interest. Independent shortlists for appointments to electoral bodies, reducing political gatekeeping. Robust oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability without compromising operational independence. Practical impact: These reforms would ideally strengthen impartial administration, reduce incentives for partisan capture, and improve public confidence in electoral outcomes. Practical challenges in Nigeria’s elections Logistical complexity: Thousands of polling units, collation centers, and ad hoc staffing create a heavy logistical burden. The practice of using lecturers and vice-chancellors as collators highlights a reliance on often highly skilled professionals outside the core electoral workforce. Security, transportation, and environment: Remote and rural areas pose challenges for voter access, ballot security, and timely vote counting. Weather, terrain, and security considerations affect logistics and safety. Voter registers and turnout: Ensuring accurate voter registers, facilitating PVC (Permanent Voter Card) registration, and maintaining safe, high-turnout elections remain central concerns. Periodic purges or updates to voter rolls after multiple electoral cycles are proposed to improve accuracy, while balancing inclusivity. Practical takeaway: Any reform must carefully weigh the need for accuracy and integrity against the risk of disenfranchisement or exclusion, especially for marginalized communities or transient populations. Election timing and constitutional constraints Single-day nationwide voting debate: Arguments against a single-day, nationwide vote often center on constitutional tenure limits, potential emergencies, and regional disparities in readiness. Staggered elections and emergencies: A staggered approach can accommodate varied local contexts but requires clear constitutional rules for handling emergencies, extensions, or suspensions, and guarantees to avoid a governance vacuum. Practical takeaway: Any change to timing must be anchored in constitutional provisions, with contingency plans for emergencies and a transparent framework for extending or adjusting timelines. Role of political actors and civic engagement The reality of political pressure and manipulation risks: Elections occur within a political environment where actors may attempt to influence outcomes. A democratic culture among elites and citizens is essential to resist manipulation and uphold the integrity of the process. Civic engagement: Encouraging people to register and participate remains critical. Combating cynicism requires constructive discourse, accessible education about how elections work, and visible accountability for breaches of rules or abuse of office. Practical takeaway: Citizens should be empowered with information, protected by transparent processes, and encouraged to participate through credible, non-discriminatory registration and voting opportunities. Campaigns, pre-election activities, and regulatory gaps Distinction between official aspirants/candidates and third-party campaigns: There is a need to clearly delineate who is officially running and what third-party groups can or cannot do in terms of political action. Premature campaigning and legal lacunae:
- [Human Rights: Barr Maxwell Opara on Nnamdi Kanu](https://thevolumepod.com/nnamdi-kanu-transformed-a-nations-destiny/): The interview with Barrister Maxwell Opara discusses the state of human rights in Nigeria, the role of law and judiciary, and the impact of non-state actors on governance and public safety. It emphasizes that human rights are rooted in universal principles and constitutional protections, yet enforcement is hampered by systemic issues, including delays in the judiciary, abuse of authority, and political interference, while also exploring international perspectives on extradition, terrorism, and rule of law. Key Points Human rights are universal and codified internationally and domestically, with Nigeria’s legal framework reflecting rights to life, dignity, expression, and movement. The absence or weakness of rule of law and fundamental rights in Nigeria is contrasted with better practices in other countries, highlighting governance and accountability gaps. National security actors, including non-state actors, influence public obedience and perceptions of legitimacy, impacting trust in government. The Nigerian judiciary faces backlog and procedural inefficiencies, leading to prolonged detentions without timely trials, undermining rights to fair process. Extrajudicial statements or calls to action by public figures can trigger real-world violence, underscoring the need to balance free expression with responsible rhetoric and intent. International law and extradition processes involve nuanced criteria, ensuring due process and human rights protections when pursuing fugitives across borders. The functioning of institutions like the MBA and other human rights bodies is crucial for advocacy, oversight, and protecting detainees’ rights, but faces capacity and systemic challenges. There is a tension between political realities and legal duties: rulers must respect rights while maintaining security, and missteps can erode public trust and hinder development.
- [Belema Hart Urges Collective Action for Nigeria](https://thevolumepod.com/belema-hart-urges-nigerians-to-embrace-collective-action-for-national-renewal/): Abuja, Nigeria — Philanthropist and social advocate Belema Meshack Hart has called on Nigerians to renew their sense of unity, purpose, and responsibility, insisting that rebuilding the nation requires the active participation of citizens rather than dependence on political leaders alone. Speaking on the popular  programme Volume with FemiDLive, Hart said Nigeria’s progress hinges on “a collective awakening” that restores trust, accountability, and compassion among citizens. He described the country’s major challenges — insecurity, poverty, corruption, and youth unemployment — as “symptoms of a deeper moral and leadership crisis.” “We cannot wait for miracles from politicians,” he said. “Change begins when citizens rediscover the power of community, empathy, and hard work. Nigeria will rise only when Nigerians decide to act differently.” Citizenship Over Politics Hart, Founder of The Engage, Empower Educate Initiative (EEEI Nigeria), Kalada Belema Meschack Hart believes on championing women growth in Africa. argued that national renewal must be citizen-driven, not party-driven. He emphasized that good governance starts at the community level, through transparency, civic engagement, and service to others. “Our obsession with politics blinds us to citizenship,” he explained. “The real power lies in people who choose to build, teach, and volunteer.” He added that his foundation’s work in education, health care, and women’s empowerment demonstrates how private initiatives can fill gaps left by government inefficiency. “Each Nigerian who decides to help one person has already started nation-building,” Hart noted. Reforming the Social Mindset The entrepreneur-turned-humanitarian also challenged what he called Nigeria’s “culture of entitlement.” According to him, the country’s development has stalled because too many citizens look to government for everything while neglecting personal integrity and productivity. “Our biggest problem is not just bad leadership — it’s bad followership,” Hart said. “We celebrate wealth without asking for its source. We vote for people who bribe us. Until that mindset changes, progress will remain a dream.” He encouraged parents, teachers, and faith leaders to model honesty and discipline, arguing that moral education is as vital as economic reform.   The Youth and the Future Addressing Nigeria’s growing youth population, Hart said young people remain the nation’s greatest hope but must channel their creativity into innovation and entrepreneurship rather than despair. “Youth energy should not end on social media,” he said. “We need that same energy in agriculture, technology, and community service.” He urged government and the private sector to collaborate in providing vocational training and digital-skills programmes, warning that youth frustration could deepen insecurity if ignored. A Call for Compassion and Service Hart closed the conversation with a message of optimism, saying Nigeria can still recover its lost potential if citizens unite around shared values. “Service is the highest form of leadership,” he said. “If we each commit to doing good — to our neighbors, to our communities — we will rebuild this nation from the ground up.” He urged Nigerians not to succumb to cynicism, adding that the moral strength of a people determines the destiny of their nation.

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- [Guests](https://thevolumepod.com/guests/): Guests 2026 Dr. Majeed Dahiru – Political Strategist Dr. Majeed Dahiru is a Public Affairs Analyst and Strategist. He consults for governments, and he is a leading voice on governance reforms in the media. Watch here Tinubu Starting to Fail on Security Like Past Presidents ;  |  Nigeria Missed It in 2025 – Opposition Failed |   Auwal Musa Rafsanjani Soft spoken with precise perspective on corruption, Rafsanjani, the Head of Transparency International in Nigeria/ED CISLAC, speaks on Volume with FemiDlive on how thieves don’t make laws that will catch them, therefore, remain corrupt. He speaks on fake contracts and companies aimed to steal from Nigeria; he explains the challenge with unrelenting thieves involved in government in Nigeria. He narrates how he was declared lawful to eliminate during the military regime. He provides an overview of the fight against corruption and the transparency perspectives of Nigeria. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, a Rafsanjani, who also serves as Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Head of Transparency International in Nigeria, chairs the Board of Trustees of Amnesty International Nigeria, leads the Zero Corruption Coalition, and co-convenes the Say No Campaign. Watch Here: Thieves Don’t Make Laws That Will Catch Them | Corruption | Auwal Musa Rafsanjani | Volume w FemiD Joe Bankole Babalola Let’s Be Serious! Tinubu Will Win Again is the perspective of Joe Bankole Babalola, Former Managing Editor of the News Agency of Nigeria. He explains that politicians in Nigeria have messed up the chances of many political parties. He says Nigerians can attest to the tough and required reforms Tinubu has implemented in the fuel subsidy and tax regime. He challenges the system of information management in government institutions, especially the police and the irrelevant role of the Minister of Information according to his perspective. Watch Here: Tinubu Will Win Again | Joe Bankole Babalola | Volume with FemiDlive Martin Obono The Election is Already Gone episode takes a look at perspective of Martin Obono a lawyer who explains how Tinubu has conquered the political situation in Nigeria and will with supreme advantage win the 2027 Election. He criticises Tinubu’s approach to sliencing alternative voices and how the opposition parties and politicians in Nigeria are incapable of driving a change of policy and accountability. Mbasekei Martin Obono is a distinguished international human rights and criminal lawyer, serving as Principal Partner at Tap Legal Services. He holds legal education from the University of Buckingham and has furthered his studies at Columbia University. Known for his work in complex cross-border legal matters, Obono specializes in advocating for justice and accountability on global platforms. His leadership at Tap initiative underscores his commitment to legal innovation and human rights protection. Watch Here: The Election is Already Gone to Tinubu | Martin Obono | Volume with FemiDlive Jide Ojo Just HYPE Why Election Results Don’t Need Real-Time Transmission | Jide Ojo | Volume with FemiDlive Watch Here: Just HYPE Why Election Results Don’t Need Real-Time Transmission | Jide Ojo | Volume with FemiDlive Ikenna Donald It’s dangerous to Eat Everything, so don’t and avoid cancer! On Volume with FemiDlive, Mr.Ikenna Ofoegbu is a food and climate expert, speaks on the amount of dangerous and ‘do not consume’ chemicals, fertilisers and pesticides added to food growing in Nigeria. The dangerous connection between food made with poison that leads to cancers and other complicated diseases may happen. Watch Here: Don’t Eat Everything | Cancer can be Food 🥑Grown With Poison | Ikenna Donald | Volume with FemiDlive Ken Asogwa Labour Won The Elections Bu |Is the “Obidient” era coming to an end, or is the Labour Party just getting started? 🇳🇬 This week on Volume with FemiDlive, we sit down with Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser to the Labour Party Chairperson, Senator Nenadi Usman. In this unfiltered conversation, Asogwa drops a bombshell about the 2023 elections and the party’s future beyond its 2023 presidential candidate. “Labour won the elections, but we can’t proof it.” Asogwa addresses the painful reality of the last election cycle and explains why the party is now focused on building a structure that can actually protect its votes in 2027. Watch Here: Labour Without Obi | Labour Party Won The Elections But …. | Ken Asogwa | Volume with FemiDlive Desmond Utomwen Journalist Desmond Utomwen endured a 16-year legal battle now at the Supreme Court after being brutally assaulted by police for uncovering a banking scandal at GTB. He was beaten, falsely accused, and thrown into a cell simply for doing his job. His story is a testament to the importance of fighting for your rights, no matter how long it takes. The case, now at the Supreme Court, stems from the disappearance of 490,000 Naira from a customer’s GTB account. Utomwen recounts being “hissed with the gunboats” and subjected to further violence. Watch Here: My 16 Year Legal Battle Now At Supreme Court | 100 million | Desmond Utomwen | Volume / FemiDlive Barr. Tony Idoko With insecurity at an all-time high, the debate over State Police is heating up. Barrister Tony Idoko weighs in on why “Maturity” is the biggest hurdle for Nigeria. He also speaks on the EFCC investigation into 100 Top Lawyers Under Review for Criminal Conduct. Idoko interviews raises controversy around the issue of how Yahoo Yahoo Boys (Fraudsters) damaged Nigerian Banking sector by almost N500 billion naira Watch Here: State Police Will be Unpaid Soon | Barr. Tony Idoko | Volume with FemiDlive #podcast #efcc John Onyeukwu Is Nigeria’s economic crisis a result of global shifts, or is it a deliberate “hollowing out” of our national institutions? In this explosive episode of The Volume Pod, host Femi D Amele sits down with renowned governance specialist, lawyer, and institutional reform expert John Onyeukwu to demystify the political economy of Nigeria. ​With over 25 years of experience across Africa, Onyeukwu breaks down the “barberization of power” and why loyalty to individuals has replaced accountability to the state. From the sudden removal of the fuel subsidy to the controversial
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- [Episodes](https://thevolumepod.com/episodes/): Episodes Subscribe and Listen on Major Platform Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Latest Episode Typography Mistake Every Designer Have Did in Life. Accumsan iaculis risus in suspendisse amet, elit egestas libero orci tortor nunc viverra purus turpis vestibulum suspendisse volutpat aliquet. All Episodes Lacus sollicitudin pellentesque elit scelerisque nec Elisa Miles – Author Diam amet donec volutpat amet tincidunt James Fox – Founder Est auctor tincid posuere congue Irene Foxx – Director Nec lorem tempus sem nulla rhoncus Chris Davies – Designer Dictumst orci augue bibendum cursus pellentesque Paul Barnard – Author Augue ultricies nisl amet imperdiet risus elementum Laura Lewis – Founder
- [Content Media Management: About us](https://thevolumepod.com/about-us-content-media-management/): About Volume Pod Volume Pod LLC is a (content platform) media-podcasting company specialising in analytical journalism and interactive storytelling through production of  podcasts, documentaries and shows. Volume Pod LLC is a brand influencer and culture navigation brand in the media, business and technology sector. We have produced 3 original podcasts, Volume with FemiDlive, Rough Play and Volume Special with high audience engagement across Politics, Economics, Entertainment, Live Shows and Conversation Analysis. We also partner with development organisations in developing advocacy-media content for radio, television, documentary and podcast. We are producing a limited series podcast for HBS Abuja (Nigeria-German) civil society organisation on subjecting ranging from safe-food production in Agriculture, Women in Politics, shrinking Development Space. The management team comprises of certified video-audio experts; media leaders in radio-television broadcast;  Michael O. Jeremiah Associate Producer/Podcast Host Michael Oluwarantimi Jeremiah, known professionally as MOJ., is a dynamic media and culture professional whose work spans podcasting, production, and creative project management. Born and raised in Warri, Nigeria, MOJ. brings the authenticity, humor, and energy of his roots into everything he does. As one of the hosts of the popular humor and culture podcast Rough Play, he engages audiences through witty, relatable conversations in Warri Pidgin, exploring everyday Nigerian experiences, social debates, and cultural moments in a fun and authentic way. Beyond the mic, MOJ. has established himself as a versatile media strategist, producer, and project manager, known for blending creativity with execution. With a background in graphics design, media, and product management, he consistently drives projects from concept to completion while maintaining strong visual and narrative appeal. MOJ. continues to build platforms and partnerships that reflect the voice of modern Nigerian youth. Mine Johnson Digital Marketer – Johnsons Mine Chinonyerem is a Social Media and Digital Manager at Thevolumepod Plc. She is creative and results-driven with a strong passion for storytelling and digital engagement, she plays a key role in building the brand’s online presence and connecting the platform with a growing audience. At Thevolumepod, She is responsible for managing social media platforms, creating engaging content, and developing digital strategies that keep audiences informed, entertained, and involved in conversations that matter. She focuses on producing relatable and impactful content that resonates with the Nigerian audience, especially through interviews, podcasts, and trending discussions. Known for her creativity and understanding of online culture, She consistently works to grow the brand’s visibility, increase audience engagement, and ensure that Thevolumepod remains a trusted source for fresh conversations, news, and vibrant social commentary. Through her work, she continues to contribute to the platform’s mission of amplifying voices, sparking conversations, and bringing authentic stories to the digital space. Austin Kyunni Sound Director/Editor- Kyunni Austin He has versatile background spanning voiceovers, sound design, video editing, and content development, Kyunni thrives at the intersection of technical excellence and creative storytelling. In his current role, he plays a key part in the planning, editing, and delivery of video and audio content, collaborating with a dynamic creative team to meet a wide range of production needs. His ability to accurately interpret briefs and deliver with minimal supervision makes him a reliable force in fast-paced media environments. Ladi Damola Creative visual artist with over 4 years experience in multimedia production (video editing, photography, design and content creation), digital media and brand storytelling. Passionate about storytelling, translating complex content or briefs into compelling visual stories, with a Demonstrated ability in managing complete production lifecycles from concept development through post-production, consistently delivering polished content that drives engagement and achieves measurable communication goals. Esame Owor Agbor COO – Felicia is a certified and dedicated project manager and analyst who has an objective to achieve career excellence. She is a registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). She is currently Head, Business Intelligence Analyst at National Lottery Nigeria LTD and was a Senior Paytoken Implementation Engineer at Interswitch Limited, a leading Fintech Organization in Africa, where she configured and integrated over 50 Institutions and Card Programs for Interswitch/Verve services, and produced over one million Virtual cards, she and her team worked on the Lagos State Registration Agency (LASSRA) project. She also created new processes to improve project execution for the company. She has established herself as a fast-rising professional in the industry and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Caritas University, Enugu where she received recognition in the Department’s List of Excellence. She holds a Master’s degree (Distinction) in Information Technology with a concentration in Data Analytics from the American Intercontinental University, Atlanta. Femi D. Amele CEO – Femi D. Amele is a multi-award-winning broadcast journalist with 18 years experience in Radio, TV and prints. He is the CEO Vibing Brands, a media and technology firm. He leads the team at Volume Pod LLC an organisation focused on analytical journalism and video contents. He is a strategic management expert with work and leadership experience of 18 years across leading media and development brands in Nigeria. He works extensively on “scale and sustainability management techniques”. A graduate of electronics engineering and holds qualifications from International Business Management Institute, Berlin on Strategic Management and a certification in Global Diplomacy, the University of London. He holds qualifications in Management Strategy with Metropolitan School of Business and Management, UK and currently undertaking a Doctorate in Business Administration with Atlanta College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. As a skilled Product Innovator, he focuses on building user experience, customer retention and product scaling. He believes the future of the media will be to have interactive data driven engagement with audience in existing and emerging media forms. Stories will be presented to audiences in a vividly engulfing feeling and practical assessment of impact. Watch our Never Miss an Episode Catch every new episode the moment it drops. Subscribe on YouTube, join our WhatsApp channel, and sign up for the newsletter below. Join the conversation in real time on WhatsApp, or get our weekly digest straight to your inbox — analysis, guest highlights, and behind-the-scenes updates. Join WhatsApp
- [Home](https://thevolumepod.com/): Skip to content Volume Pod Shows Impact Guests FAQ Sponsor ▶ Subscribe ☰ Shows Impact Guests FAQ Sponsor ▶ Subscribe on YouTube ON AIR The Nigerian-American Who Wants to Track Every Naira Nigeria’s Government SpendsNigeria Needs Election Runoffs — and We’re Policing the Police the Wrong WayNigeria’s “Ghost Agency” Scandal: Inside the PFIPC Fraud and the ₦1.3bn Budget LineFG Can Track Kidnappers’ Calls Using Drones — So Why Isn’t It?The Nigerian-American Who Wants to Track Every Naira Nigeria’s Government SpendsNigeria Needs Election Runoffs — and We’re Policing the Police the Wrong WayNigeria’s “Ghost Agency” Scandal: Inside the PFIPC Fraud and the ₦1.3bn Budget LineFG Can Track Kidnappers’ Calls Using Drones — So Why Isn’t It? Nigeria · UK · US · Canada — Civic Media Nigeria’s sharpest conversations on politics, leadership & culture. The Volume Pod is analytical journalism for the informed and curious citizen — weekly interviews, street-level debate and documentary series tracking Nigeria’s road to 2027. ▶ Watch on YouTube Join WhatsApp Newsletter Latest Episode The Line-up Our Shows Watch all episodes → Flagship Volume with FemiDlive Hosted by multi-award-winning broadcaster Femi D. Amele, this is Nigeria’s benchmark political interview show — fact-based, sceptical of sensationalism, and built for the citizen who wants governance explained properly. Explore the show → Culture Rough Play An unfiltered comedy and culture show delivered in Nigerian Pidgin — street-certified, loud, and surprisingly sharp about the realities everyone’s actually living. Explore the show → Vox Pop Street Parliament Unrehearsed conversations with everyday Nigerians on the socio-economic issues shaping their lives — direct, raw, and clear about what’s at stake. Explore the show → Debate Volume Debate Sharp minds face off on the governance and social questions Nigerians are actually arguing about — structured, adversarial, no soft-pedalling. Explore the show → Advocacy Project Series Thematic partner series for organisations driving change — including Matters That Matter with Heinrich Böll Stiftung Nigeria and the upcoming Like A Local with BudgIT & CODE. Partner on a series → Our Story in Analytics Impact in Media Development 336K+Views, Year One 58K+Watch Hours 3.3M+Impressions 36Nigerian States Reached Watch Now Featured Episode ▶ Beyond the political class, we track the everyday realities behind the headlines — poverty reduction, youth empowerment, gender equality and public sector reform — connecting policy decisions directly to their impact on the street. From The Newsroom Latest Analysis 13 · 08 · 2026 The Nigerian-American Who Wants to Track Every Naira Nigeria’s Government Spends Mac Eze, founder of Dataphyte, lays out the open-data infrastructure that could make Nigeria’s budget spending visible to every citizen — and why transparency is already a 2027 election issue. 05 · 08 · 2026 Nigeria Needs Election Runoffs — and We’re Policing the Police the Wrong Way Martin Obono predicts no candidate wins outright in 2027 and argues that community policing reform must come before state police if Nigeria is serious about security. 23 · 07 · 2026 Nigeria’s “Ghost Agency” Scandal: Inside the PFIPC Fraud and the ₦1.3bn Budget Line Barrister Abubakar Ahmed Tamino dissects how a non-existent federal agency drew a ₦1.3bn budget allocation, why the ICPC cannot investigate itself, and what it signals for 2027 accountability. Who We Talk To Guest List All guests → Joe Bankole Babalola Jide Ojo Ken Asogwa Barrister Tony Idoko Hamzat Lawal Trusted By Our Partners Become a partner → Newsroom Brief Frequently Asked What is The Volume Pod? A Nigerian civic media platform, produced under Vibing Brands Ltd, making analytical journalism podcasts, documentary-style shows and advocacy series on Nigerian politics, leadership, governance and culture. Who hosts Volume with FemiDlive? Femi D. Amele (FemiDlive) — a multi-award-winning Nigerian broadcast journalist with over a decade of experience reporting on governance and the political economy. Where can I watch new episodes? Weekly on YouTube at youtube.com/@TheVolumePod, with clips on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X. Select series, like Matters That Matter, also air on Wazobia FM 99.5. Does The Volume Pod cover the 2027 elections? Yes — 2027 election positioning is a core, recurring editorial focus, covering candidate scrutiny, institutional reform and grassroots political movements. Who are the institutional partners? Heinrich Böll Stiftung Nigeria, Dataphyte, YIAGA Africa, BudgIT and Connected Development (CODE), alongside broadcast partners including Wazobia FM. How can my organisation sponsor or co-produce a series? Reach out via partnerships@thevolumepod.com — recent collaborations include a 10-part advocacy series for Heinrich Böll Stiftung and an upcoming series with BudgIT and CODE. Don’t miss the next conversation. Three ways to stay in the room — pick one, or pick all three. 01 · Watch Subscribe on YouTube New episodes of Volume with FemiDlive and Rough Play, every week. ▶ Subscribe 02 · Chat Join the WhatsApp Channel Episode alerts, behind-the-scenes and civic-affairs discussion. Join Channel 03 · Read Get the Newsletter Analysis and episode round-ups straight to your inbox. Email address Subscribe Volume Pod Analytical journalism and interactive storytelling on Nigerian politics, leadership and culture — for audiences in Nigeria, the UK, the US and Canada. ▶ f ♪ X W Explore Our Shows Guest List Impact & Analytics About Us Get Involved Sponsor a Series Be a Guest Newsletter Merch Contact hello@thevolumepod.com Produced by Vibing Brands Ltd Lagos, Nigeria © 2026 The Volume Pod. All rights reserved. Global video podcasts on politics, leadership, advocacy & entertainment. ▶Subscribe 💬WhatsApp ✉Newsletter
- [Volume Debates](https://thevolumepod.com/volume-debates/): Service mode and daily work of the hotel #2
- [Volume Specials](https://thevolumepod.com/volume-specials/): Service mode and daily work of the hotel #2
- [Rough Play](https://thevolumepod.com/rough-play/):  The Brand Identity & Cultural Core Overview: Beyond the “Sit-Down” Podcast Rough Play with MOJ and Normzy is far from a standard interview show. It is an immersive comedy-cultural experience rooted in the grit and grace of Nigerian reality. Produced under The Volume Pod brand, the show operates at the high-energy intersection of unfiltered laughter and “street-certified” truth. Delivered primarily in authentic Nigerian Pidgin, the podcast bypasses formal pretenses to deliver content that is raw, sharp, and deeply relatable. It is the digital equivalent of a high-stakes barbershop conversation which is usually loud, honest, and surprisingly profound. The show’s energy is perfectly captured in its streetwise motto: “Steeze no dey stain, OT no dey lie.” In other words, packaging can impress, but truth will always land. The Philosophy: Comedy as a Cultural Mirror The show’s power lies in its ability to transform the “ordinary” into the “extraordinary” through humor. By using comedy as a tool for social reflection, Rough Play creates a space where listeners can laugh at their own quirks while recognizing shared societal struggles. The Formula: Everyday Life + Unfiltered Comedy + Cultural Insight = Relatable Storytelling. The Impact: Topics ranging from food etiquette to workplace dynamics become lenses through which deeper Nigerian values and social norms are examined. The Hosting Dynamic & Strategic Balance The MOJ + Normzy Synergy: Chaos Meets Structure The heartbeat of the podcast is the contrasting chemistry between its two hosts. Their “Rough/Refined” dynamic ensures the show never loses its edge or its direction. MOJ: The Street Voice & Comic Spark The Warri-born entertainer brings fearless, spontaneous energy. MOJ voices the “inner thoughts” of the average Nigerian, bold, unapologetic, and grounded in street realism. Role: Cultural pride, playful exaggeration, and unfiltered street opinions. Signature Stance: Defending local traditions (like eating swallow with hands) against “Oyinbo agendas” with hilarious conviction. Normzy: The Context Girl & Structured Counterpoint Normzy acts as the podcast’s stabilizing force. She is the media-savvy observer who adds nuance and structure to the “cruise.” Role: Social context, practical reasoning, and modern perspective. The Balance: While MOJ provides the fire, Normzy provides the light ensuring the banter leads to a meaningful conclusion. Recurring Thematic Pillars The show consistently navigates the tensions of modern Nigerian life: Authenticity vs. Image: Challenging the “packaging” culture of social media. Tradition vs. Modernity: Debating old-school respect culture against contemporary freedoms. Social Navigation: Creating a “Nigerian Social Handbook” for friendships, money, and survival. Guest Profiles & Audience Impact The Guest Philosophy: Perspectives Over Clout Rough Play prioritizes “gist and perspective” over mere celebrity. Each guest is selected for their ability to add a unique layer to the conversation. JOY  – Director of Operations at Abuja PR “Fake life no dey live forever, packaging fit make you shine but true story na him sure pass.” Joy enters with that Abuja corporate sauce, showing listeners what happens behind the scenes in PR and event media. Director Abuja PR Ugo Nzemaranwa — Student Perspective Ugo Nzemaranwa — Student Perspective In the “My First Night in University” episode, Ugo gives that raw freshman experience Nigerians know too well: Hostel noise, roommate drama, confusion everywhere. He captures it perfectly: “University life day different from wetin we see for Secondary School, Na wahala and enjoyment mix.” That line alone is basically every Nigerian student’s biography. Shortcut Comedian — Experience Over Money “If you never taste hustle way your sweat dey inside, the money no go sweet.” Shortcut comes with life philosophy for the hustlers and creatives: This episode turns from jokes into a surprisingly deep conversation about fulfillment, struggle, and meaning. Rough Play- Street Interview The TRUTH About Nigerian Food – STREET OPINIONS! This episode of “Rough Play” is a lighthearted street interview conducted at a food carnival in Abuja (FCT). The hosts, MOJ , engage with various attendees, including entrepreneurs and fashion designers, to uncover the “unfiltered truth” about the Nigerian food scene. The conversations revolve around three main humorous prompts: The Overrated vs. Underrated Debate: There is a heated consensus that Shawarma and Jollof Rice are often overhyped in Abuja, while local delicacies like Porridge Yam and Banga with Starch are underrated.   The “Date Night” Strategy: Guests suggest the best “first date” foods to keep things smooth, with recommendations ranging from Chicken and Chips to the more traditional Masa. Street Parliament – National Situation & Tax Based on the “Street Parliament” series by Deborah who was the host. In this more serious “Street Parliament” segment, the tone shifts from food to the socio-economic realities of the country. The hosts take to the streets to gauge the pulse of everyday Nigerians regarding the current state of the nation and the rising burden of taxes. Frustration with Tax: Many citizens expressed deep concern over the disconnect between the taxes they pay and the lack of visible infrastructure or services. The sentiment is that the “common man” is being squeezed while the cost of living continues to skyrocket. Economic Survival: The people interviewed highlighted the difficulty of balancing business operations with multiple tax levies, which many feel are discouraging entrepreneurship and small business growth. Call for Accountability: The general consensus among the “Street Parliament” participants was a plea for better governance and transparency, asking for the government to show the “work” being done with the tax revenue being collected. “Where the streets speak! Rough Play is a high-energy, unfiltered podcast that captures the authentic voice of the people. Whether we’re debating the most overrated food in Abuja or holding a ‘Street Parliament’ to tackle the nation’s toughest economic issues like tax and inflation, we bring you the raw, humorous, and sometimes painful truths of everyday life. No scripts, no filters,just rough play.”
- [Volume with FemiDlive](https://thevolumepod.com/volume-with-femidlive/): Enjoy the Line-Up in the Playlist Overview Volume with FemiDlive is a premier analytical journalism platform and podcast hosted by multi-award-winning broadcaster Femi D. Amele. The show is produced by Volume Pod LLC and serves as an essential hub for discourse on Nigerian current affairs, national policy, and the political economy. Positioned as the “ultimate Nigerian political show,” The program distinguishes itself by moving past sensationalism to provide objective, fact-based commentary. It targets the “informed and curious citizen” who seeks deep analysis of governance in Nigeria and around the world. The podcast’s structure centers on high-stakes interviews, often featuring individuals directly involved in Nigerian affairs or those who lead significant social and humanitarian movements. Quality of Guest Selection The hallmark of Volume with FemiDlive is its roster of high-caliber guests. The show does not merely interview “newsmakers”; it engages with strategic thinkers, former presidential candidates, and technical experts. Guest profiles range from high-ranking political stalwarts like Anthony Ehilebo (PDP leader), Dumebi Kachukwu (ADC Presidential Candidate), Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim (PDP Presidential Aspirant), and Eng. Jide Ezekiel Adeniji (Former FERMA Chairman), to internationally recognized activists such as Hamzat Lawal (CEO of Connected Development) and investigative journalists like Zainab Bala By bringing together such a diverse array of voices—ranging from establishment politicians to anti-corruption crusaders—the podcast creates an all-around view of the Nigerian socio-political landscape. This breadth ensures that the conversations are grounded in both theoretical policy and real-world implementation. On Leadership: “Nigerian leaders are dealers… who gamble with the lives of citizens.” Eng. Jide Ezekiel Adeniji. Politician Governance and Policy The podcast is noted for extracting nuanced perspectives on governance that often go unheard in mainstream media. Guests are encouraged to provide “unvarnished truths” about the mechanics of power in Abuja. Majeed Dahiru, a political analyst, offered a counterintuitive perspective on party dynamics, noting that “the APC has failed in government but succeeded in opposition, while the PDP succeeded in government and failed in opposition.” This level of critique helps listeners understand the structural weaknesses of the Nigerian two-party system. Similarly, Former INEC Commissioner Festus Okoye provided a technical deep dive into electoral law, advocating for staggered elections to mitigate constitutional crises. These episodes transform the podcast from a talk show into a practical guide for democratic reform and legislative understanding. “The political class behave like they will last forever.” Barr. Manny Ikpebe Lawyer Social Justice and Human Rights Beyond the halls of power, the podcast focuses heavily on human-centered storytelling. This is exemplified by the inclusion of guests like Zainab Bala, who focuses on amplifying ignored voices to challenge power. Hamzat Lawal’s appearance provided a harrowing look at the intersection of environmental justice and corruption. He shared the “Save Bagega” experience, detailing the lead poisoning crisis in Zamfara. His perspective highlighted the physical dangers faced by activists, including death threats from insurgents and government pressure. The show also ventures into specialized social issues, such as Victor Umerah’s focus on autism and the “Nurture Nest Initiative.” This demonstrates the podcast’s commitment to a wider definition of “national affairs” that includes health, education, and the protection of vulnerable populations. Economy and the Future https://youtu.be/C9a5AgX1jx8?si=YVlZTRtu38-_iSvU Economic policy is a recurring pillar of the show. Guests often challenge the prevailing tax and fuel subsidy regimes, providing a voice for the economic hardship faced by citizens. Henry Shield, a prominent politician, offered a sobering perspective on the 2027 elections, arguing that the prevailing poverty conditions would be the ultimate decider for President Tinubu’s future. He described Nigerians as “conquered citizens” waiting to see what happens next, a unique and powerful framing of the national psyche. Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim added a moral dimension to the economic debate, arguing that materialistic values are the primary drivers of both poverty and corruption in Nigeria. This shift from purely fiscal analysis to a cultural critique is a staple of the Volume experience. Power Quotes from the Conversations On Political Integrity: “The vehicle is there—but can it carry the people?” — (on the ADC and third-force movements). Dumebi Kachikwu ADC Presidential Candidate On Activism: “I faced death threats… the persistent offering to buy over a young person’s future through unending compromises.” Hamzat Lawal. Activist On Justice: “Materialistic values are driving both poverty and corruption in Nigeria.” Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim. PDP Presidential Aspirant Impact and Production The production quality of Volume with FemiDlive is a key factor in its growing influence. With a dedicated team including associate producer Michael O. Jeremiah, sound editor Austin Kyunni, video content editor Ladi Damola, and digital marketing Mine Johnson, the show maintains a high technical standard that mirrors its intellectual depth. Other media organisations have often leaned on the quality of the conversation in writing out news of the day including the The Cable NG, Vanguard Newspapers, IDD News, The Nation Newspaper and Daily Trust Newspaper. Volume with FemiDlive also features in partnership with Albarka Radio FM, Bauchi, The Cable NG and News Digest. The podcast leverages multiple platforms, from YouTube and Spotify to Apple Podcasts, Podscan, ensuring its analytical journalism reaches a global Nigerian diaspora. Its “Volume Specials” and “Volume Debates” sub-series provide targeted deep dives into specific themes, making the document of the show a comprehensive archive of modern Nigerian history. Ultimately, Volume with FemiDlive serves as a critical bridge between the government and the governed, providing the “definitive news analysis” required for a functioning democracy. On Storytelling: “Quiet stories are human-centered stories that challenge power.” — Zainab Bala. Award Winning Journalist Reception The audience sentiment for the Volume with FemiDlive podcast is generally highly engaged and strong branch into two distinct of a show focused on: serious political analysis and interviews. Because the show is hosted by Femi D. Amele, a multi-award-winning journalist, the audience sentiment carries a strong undercurrent of credibility and intellectual curiosity. The Analytical & Political Sentiment of the show presents  “The Curious Informed Citizen.” For the main segments of the show—where Femi interviews political figures and analyzes Nigerian governance—the sentiment is critical, inquisitive, and serious. The audience appreciates the
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