For many Nigerians who grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s, weekends were incomplete without Cartoon Network. From Dexter’s Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls to Johnny Bravo and Courage the Cowardly Dog, the channel shaped childhood memories and gave us shared cultural references that still spark laughter today.

Fast forward to 2025, and while we are now adults juggling jobs, traffic, and bills, Cartoon Network is still here, this time raising our kids, nephews & nieces, and younger siblings. Through GOtv, the channel continues to serve as a bridge between generations, offering entertainment that is not only fun but also educational, creative, and safe.

Cartoon Network wasn’t just TV. It was a part of our growing up. Many of us remember racing home after school to catch Ed, Edd n Eddy, or singing along to the theme song of Teen Titans. Those shows did more than entertain us; they taught problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and sometimes even the importance of standing up for yourself.

Today, as parents, uncles, and aunties, there’s something deeply comforting about seeing children light up at the same channel that once shaped our own childhoods. It is a full-circle moment: what entertained us back then is still relevant, still colourful, and still trusted to entertain and inspire the next generation.

Cartoon Network has evolved to meet the tastes of today’s children while keeping the spirit of fun alive. Shows like Craig of the Creek, Teen Titans Go, and Supa Strikas deliver humour, adventure, and heart, just like the classics did. They also highlight diversity, friendship, and creativity, values parents are proud to see reflected in what their kids watch.

In today’s digital age, kids are constantly exposed to screens. The challenge for parents is making sure that screen time is healthy, enriching, and age-appropriate. Cartoon Network helps solve this by blending humour with subtle lessons. Craig of the Creek, for instance, encourages kids to explore their creativity and embrace diversity. Ben 10 inspires imagination and problem-solving. Even slapstick humour, like in Tom and Jerry, teaches cause and effect in ways children can grasp. This means that while kids are laughing, they are also learning, just like we did years ago.

GOtv has effectively positioned itself as a platform for family bonding: adults relive childhood nostalgia, while children build their own new memories. Cartoon Network continues to be that safe corner of television where imagination, laughter, and learning meet. And thanks to GOtv, this legacy lives on in Nigerian homes every single day, because at the end of it all, childhood should still be filled with the same joy we once felt, colourful worlds, hilarious adventures, and timeless characters who make growing up just a little easier.

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By Adedayo Olumide

While we were still kids, we would rush home or to a neighbour’s room whenever the Super Eagles had football matches to play. I remember our schools would allow us to close early whenever a match was scheduled for the evening.

During World Cup matches, we would try to finish whatever we had to do so we could watch the game from beginning to end. I will never forget one particular match Nigeria played against Argentina around 3 a.m.—we literally kept vigil just to watch it. Those were the good old days.

Sadly, many Nigerians today cannot remember the last time they had that kind of zeal to watch Nigeria’s matches, especially the Super Eagles, because their performances have been so disappointing in recent years.

Nigeria, the self-acclaimed Giant of Africa, failed to qualify for the last World Cup and, as it stands, it doesn’t seem like we will qualify for the next one unless a rare miracle happens. It is sad that a nation once the pride of the continent in World Cup tournaments now struggles even to qualify.

One major factor has been largely responsible: Super Eagles coaches. They have been obstinate, arrogant, stubborn, irresponsible, and ultimately the reason behind the nation’s downfall on the big stage.

I remember the last match that sealed Nigeria’s fate in the last World Cup qualifiers—it was against Ghana. Before the match, popular Nigerian prophet Primate Elijah Ayodele warned Coach Austin Eguavoen about certain players he should not field. He specifically warned against playing Musa. But instead of heeding the warning, Eguavoen brushed it off and responded by asking the prophet to pray for the team instead. He went into the match, fielded Musa against the warnings, and cost Nigeria a place in the tournament.

This was his response to Primate Ayodele’s warning:

“He is a man of God and sometimes you’ve to give it to them. But he is a Nigerian; if you know him, please tell him to overturn it because it will be a joyous thing for Nigeria to be in Qatar in 2022.

He can overturn it because he is a man of God and he prays, and God listens to him. He is an intermediary between us and God. It is easier said than done. We have worked hard and fought to make sure we want the ticket more than Ghana wants it. You know Nigeria is a country that prays a lot, so we will continue to pray, but we will work hard. We want it more than Ghana and we will get it.”

Now, with the new coach, Eric Chelle, Primate Ayodele has been warning him since the qualifiers began regarding the use of some players. The prophet, who has always openly supported Nigeria and prays for the team out of passion, warned against fielding Captain William Ekong. In fact, he stated that Ekong should not be allowed to lead Nigeria to the World Cup because it would amount to nothing.

These were his words in July:

“Nothing can stop Nigeria from going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup except if we don’t listen. There are three things the NFF needs to do. If that captain Ekong, or whatever his name is—the one who drew tattoos—leads us to the World Cup, we will fail.”

Many who saw this prophetic warning may have thought Primate Ayodele had a personal issue with Ekong. But with the last two matches we played, anyone with that perception would now understand that Primate Ayodele was right.

In the match against Rwanda, Ekong did not start, and Nigeria scored—we emerged victorious and were pumped up for the next game against South Africa. But the downfall began when Ekong scored an unbelievable own goal, putting Nigerian players under pressure. We later equalized, but sadly it wasn’t enough to secure victory.

Just imagine if Ekong had not played in that match. Nigeria might not have conceded that own goal, and with Bassey’s goal, we could have won and positioned ourselves comfortably on the table.

Coaches need to understand that in sports, there is not only physical strategy but also spiritual strategy. If that weren’t true, Primate Ayodele’s prophetic advice has now made it clear. It has happened twice with Nigeria, costing us great opportunities and privileges—we cannot afford to continue this way.

By Alex Oware, Regional Director, YP4T

In a move widely heralded as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s economic future, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on June 26, 2025, signed four landmark tax reform bills into law. These comprehensive reforms, set to revolutionize the nation’s fiscal landscape from January 1, 2026, are not merely adjustments to tax rates; they represent a visionary blueprint for a prosperous and equitable Nigeria, embodying the very essence of bold and compassionate leadership. This historic turning point is poised to reengineer the nation’s economic foundations, championing homegrown prosperity and ushering in an era of renewed hope for every Nigerian.The impact of this new tax regime is nothing short of transformative, particularly for the average citizen. President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated an acute understanding of the financial pressures faced by millions, delivering a major win for low-income earners and taking a significant stride towards alleviating financial burdens and promoting economic stability. One of the most impactful provisions is the full exemption from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax for individuals earning up to N1.3 million per annum. This single measure directly benefits at least 35% of all workers, providing immediate and tangible relief. Furthermore, an additional 60% of the workforce will see reduced PAYE rates, broadening the scope of financial ease. In a commendable gesture recognizing their invaluable service, members of the armed forces will also receive full PAYE tax exemptions, a testament to the government’s commitment to those who defend our nation.Perhaps the most universally felt relief comes from the elimination of Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential goods and services. This groundbreaking policy, which covers approximately 60% of all consumer spending, brings government closer to the grassroots and reaffirms a deeply humane approach to governance. From the daily sustenance of food and vital healthcare services to the foundational pillars of education and the basic necessity of rent and transportation, VAT is now a thing of the past. Beyond these fundamental provisions, the reforms extend to embrace crucial areas like renewable energy and compressed natural gas (CNG), aligning with global efforts towards sustainable development. Critically, essential female-related and childcare items such as sanitary towels and baby diapers are now VAT-free, providing direct and immediate financial relief to women and low-income households – a truly compassionate and forward-thinking measure. The easing of financial burdens is further compounded by tax breaks for wage awards, transport subsidies, and capped taxable benefits-in-kind, demonstrating a holistic approach to improving citizens’ welfare. Moreover, the reforms actively promote affordable housing through targeted VAT and stamp duty exemptions, making the dream of homeownership more accessible for many.Apart from the immediate relief for citizens, these reforms are meticulously designed to ignite the engine of economic growth, increase revenue generation, and enhance effective tax administration, creating a more robust and resilient national economy. A core objective is to restore fairness in the tax system and foster inclusive economic growth. Small companies, now defined by an increased exemption threshold of NGN100 million annual gross turnover, are fully exempt from key taxes. This strategic move is set to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of the nation, fostering the rapid growth of small businesses, which are the backbone of any thriving economy.A significant innovation is the introduction of a Unified Development Levy, set at 4% of assessable profits. This singular levy consolidates various previous disparate levies, providing a strategic and streamlined funding mechanism for essential development agencies. From TETFUND and the Nigerian Education Loan to NASENI, NBTI, NITDA, the Defence and Security Infrastructure Fund, and the National Cybersecurity Fund, this unified approach ensures consistent investment in critical sectors like technological innovations and indigenous development, laying the groundwork for a knowledge-based economy. The new laws also implement a more progressive Personal Income Tax structure, reinforcing the principle of equitable contribution. While low-income earners below NGN800,000 annually are now exempt, ensuring a just burden on those who can least afford it, the reforms ensure that the wealthy contribute their fair share. Furthermore, a crucial provision establishing a 15% minimum effective tax rate for multinationals is set to ensure Nigeria earns its just share from global commerce, closing long-standing loopholes through measures like a new Capital Gains Tax on indirect share transfers. This commitment to equitable global taxation signals Nigeria’s strong stance on financial sovereignty.The international community and the domestic business environment have responded with overwhelming optimism. As evidenced by statements from prominent business leaders like Femi Otedola, who is “inspired to invest more,” these laws are seen as a “bold, necessary step toward a more transparent, efficient, and investment-friendly economy.” This surge in investor confidence is a direct result of the reforms’ clarity, fairness, and commitment to fostering a conducive business climate. To further stimulate employment, employers will benefit from tax incentives designed to encourage the hiring of more workers. In a forward-looking move, the reforms also introduce friendly tax structures aimed at attracting international remote work opportunities for Nigerians, thereby fostering global employment prospects and positioning Nigeria as a hub for talent. The streamlining of the tax system with globally recognized VAT principles, allowing for input VAT recovery and mandatory e-invoicing, further solidifies Nigeria’s commitment to a business-friendly and digitally enabled tax environment, enhancing transparency and ease of doing business.President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely a political slogan; it is a profound governance philosophy deeply rooted in economic reform, national inclusion, and institutional revitalization. These transformational tax provisions are a tangible manifestation of this agenda, poised to strengthen economic resilience, significantly improve workers’ welfare, and enhance employment opportunities across the nation. By creating a more equitable financial landscape for all Nigerians, President Tinubu is not just enacting laws; he is laying the foundation for a truly prosperous, inclusive, and globally competitive Nigeria. The future is bright, and with these visionary reforms, Nigeria is undoubtedly on a trajectory towards an era of unprecedented growth and shared prosperity.