Grassrootsmirro

  ✍️ By Ikechukwu Igwe Proud| Writer @Grassroots Mirror “When a celebrity speaks, the youth listen. When a politician speaks, they scroll past.” This is the painful irony of Nigeria today — celebrities now have more credibility among young people than many elected officials. It’s not about who wears a suit or who won an election; it’s about who they feel truly represents them. So, why has influence shifted from the chambers of power to the stages, screens, and studios of pop culture? 1. Celebrities Show Up — Politicians Disappear Young Nigerians see their favourite musicians, skit makers, and influencers every day : On Instagram On TikTok On Twitter/X In interviews, songs, even protests Meanwhile, many politicians vanish after elections , only to resurface 4 years later with bags of rice and a loudspeaker. Visibility = Trust. Disappearance = Suspicion. 2. Celebrities Are Relatable — Politicians Are Distant When Burna Boy sings about struggles, or Tems talks abo...

The Need for Castor Oil Industry in Nigeria: A Path to Youth Employment and Agricultural Empowerment By Comr. Chukwu Abia Chikaodiri  Introduction Nigeria, with its vast arable land, youthful population, and untapped agricultural potential, stands at the threshold of a new agro-industrial revolution. Among the numerous crops with enormous potential is castor (Ricinus communis)—a drought-resistant plant with seeds that produce castor oil, a commodity with vast industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications globally. Unfortunately, Nigeria has yet to fully harness the benefits of castor oil production. Establishing a castor oil industry in Nigeria is not only strategic for economic diversification but also crucial for youth employment, agricultural empowerment, and import substitution. Why Castor Oil Matters Castor oil has over 700 documented uses globally. It serves as a raw material for the production of: Lubricants and hydraulic fluids Soaps and cosmetics Paints, dyes, and ...

STREET CHILDREN OR STREET ENTREPRENEURS? A New Perspective on Nigeria’s Resilient Youth By COMR. CHUKWU ABIA CHIKAODIRI  In the hustle and bustle of Nigeria's cities, from Lagos to Aba, Kano to Port Harcourt, you’ll find a familiar sight: young boys and girls weaving through traffic, balancing trays of sachet water, fruits, handkerchiefs, chewing gum, or roasted groundnuts. Many dismiss them as “street children.” Others pity them as victims of poverty. But what if we’re missing something deeper? What if, instead of merely viewing them as poor, vulnerable minors, we begin to see many of them as “street entrepreneurs”, young people who are demonstrating raw, unrefined business instincts in one of the harshest marketplaces in the world? From Pity to Perspective: Changing the Narrative For decades, NGOs, policymakers, and society at large have labeled street children as liabilities—a social problem to be solved. But dig beneath the surface and you’ll discover stories of innovation, res...

THE PROFITABILITY OF JATROPHA FARMING IN NIGERIA By Ugonna Ikeobi Introduction Jatropha curcas, commonly known as Jatropha, is a drought-resistant, perennial plant with seeds rich in non-edible oil, which can be processed to produce biodiesel. Over the past two decades, Jatropha has garnered international attention due to its potential as a renewable energy source and its promise to combat rural poverty, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy security. In Nigeria, where large expanses of arable and semi-arid land remain underutilized, Jatropha farming presents a compelling opportunity for agribusiness development. This article explores the profitability of Jatropha farming in Nigeria by examining market demand, climatic suitability, cost of cultivation, economic returns, challenges, and sustainability potential. 1. Climatic Suitability and Land Availability Nigeria's diverse agro-ecological zones offer a favorable environment for Jatropha cultivation. The plant thrives...

THE PROFITABILITY OF CASTOR SEED FARMING IN NIGERIA By AJAYI ADEMOLA Introduction Agriculture remains one of the most lucrative and untapped sectors in Nigeria. Among the numerous cash crops with high economic value, castor seed farming is emerging as a goldmine for entrepreneurs and investors. The castor plant (Ricinus communis) is a drought-resistant shrub native to tropical regions. Its seeds produce castor oil—an industrial oil with diverse applications ranging from lubricants, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, to biodiesel. Despite being a leading producer of castor seed in the 1950s and 1960s, Nigeria’s castor farming has declined over the years due to poor awareness, lack of modern farming practices, and low government support. However, with rising global demand and a push for agricultural diversification, castor farming is re-emerging as a profitable venture in Nigeria. Castor Seed: Economic and Industrial Relevance A. Castor Oil Production Castor seeds contain between 40-6...

Pope Leo XIV: Echoes of the Past, Footsteps to the Future – Continuity and the Currents of Change. By Peter Obianika The white smoke has cleared, and the bells of St. Peter's Basilica has rung out, announcing to the world the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. The conclave, a moment of intense prayer and discernment, has concluded, and the Church now turns its gaze towards its new shepherd. The choice of "Leo" resonates deeply, immediately invoking the legacy of Leo XIII, a Pontiff whose intellectual rigor and social conscience left an indelible mark on the Church's engagement with the modern world. In the days following the election, the world ponders: what does this name signify for the Church's path forward, particularly in the wake of Pope Francis's impactful tenure? The immediate aftermath of a papal election is a unique moment, a confluence of joy, anticipation, and reflection. The faithful, both within and beyond the Catholic C...