.@newnewspod wants you to enjoy December today
Hi, <<First Name>>,
We have missed writing these letters to you.
The letters have moved from newsletters, like long texts on message boards hoping to spread the news, to an exchange of some sorts. Once in a while, we are writing back and forth with readers of these letters, talking about the role of governments, policy decisions and the future of Nigeria. And that is what we wanted to do.
But, we felt disconnected, so we took five-week breaks after thirteen weeks of writing and organised offline events. We are not where we want our OFFLINES to be yet, but we are getting there. (shout out to those who attended our last event!)
We are supposed to be back, but we need Detty December too. But, it’s more than Detty December, it’s about entering 2020 with a format that allows you to engage with us and allows us to grow. We don’t have an idea of what growth looks like yet beyond more readers, a natural conversation and an educated public, but these feel like lofty goals, at least the last two.
We will be back in the second week of January 2020. We are glad you are here and we do not take access to your time lightly. We keep talking about podcasts and we will finally be getting back to our One Take Podcast. 2020 is also the year Oluwatosin [I] becomes serious and gets into his podcast project.
Here are all of the things we would have liked to talk about, but haven’t.
Omoyele Sowore is still in DSS custody. The Nigerian Department of State Services has ignored two bail agreements by the Nigerian courts and has still held him. His crime? Calling for a Revolution protest. - Fun fact, the current President of Nigeria organised a Revolution Protest in 2014 when Nigeria followed laws and granted people constitutional freedoms.
The Nigerian land borders are still shut down. Now, the government claims it is causing a little problem with the economy, who knew? Also, doesn’t this fly in the face of the AFCTFa agreement Nigeria signed?
Nigeria has signed a new finance bill that will bring it to new external debt. So, you see the 7.5% VAT and the 50 naira POS fee? It’s because the government needs to raise funds to run the country in 2020. But you see, the executive and legislation get so much of that money. Perhaps, if the government looked inside, they’d solve the problems of the country without stimulating inflation and poverty in the land.
There is a social media bill on the floor of Nigerian parliament and it gives law enforcement and the government the right to criminalise you and also shut off internet access. Think about Sudan, but everyone is at home and does not protest, but we are still suffering. Here’s an Instagram infographic by ayodoodles illustrating the ins and outs of the social media bill in cute drawings.
Here’s stuff we think you should check out:
The Kamasutra is not “ONLY” about sex. It was a guide to an elite Indian life in the times it was written. It wasn't feminist text, it was about sex and power in sex.
Insulin should be cheap. Here’s why it's not.
Lawmaker Says He Didn't Research Ectopic Pregnancy Procedure Before Adding To Bill
You should update your profile so we can address these emails to you by name. You know, as guys.