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Power, Press Freedom, and the Price of Silence: Culled partly from Robert Guest, Deputy editor at Economist

A politician’s relationship with the press is often a reliable indicator of their democratic temperament. Early in my career, wrote the Deputy editor at Economist, Robert Guest, I interviewed Sweden’s current prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, when he was still leader of the opposition. He arrived alone at a café, without aides or security, responded thoughtfully to every question in impeccable English, and, after an hour, excused himself courteously for his next engagement. That experience stands in stark contrast to another interview I conducted with a Sudanese minister, who berated me, jabbed a finger inches from my face, denied me access to Darfur, and demanded that I report his government was guilty of no human-rights violations. I declined—choosing accuracy over obedience. Such contrasts illustrate a central lesson of journalism: power that fears scrutiny seeks to silence it. As we argue this week in our European and Asian cover package, the suppression of the media creates fertile...
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Golden Penny Spaghetti: A Trusted Staple on Nigerian Tables

Golden Penny Spaghetti is a familiar and reliable food product in many Nigerian households. Known for its quality and affordability, it has become a go-to option for quick meals, family lunches, and everyday cooking, making it a strong presence in local kitchens. The appeal of Golden Penny Spaghetti lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. It can be cooked simply and paired with stew, vegetables, or sauces, or adapted into more elaborate dishes. This flexibility makes it suitable for both home cooks and food vendors. Over the years, Golden Penny Spaghetti has earned consumer trust through consistent quality and local relevance. Its strong distribution network ensures availability across markets and stores, reinforcing its position as a dependable staple that meets the daily food needs of Nigerian families.    

Maggi Seasoning Cube: The Taste That Brings Meals to Life

Maggi Seasoning Cube is one of the most recognizable food products in Nigeria, found in almost every kitchen. Known for its ability to enhance flavor quickly and consistently, Maggi has become a trusted companion in everyday cooking, from simple home meals to large family gatherings.   Maggi’s strength lies in its versatility. It is used across a wide range of dishes, including soups, stews, rice, beans, vegetables, and sauces. With just a small cube, cooks can achieve a rich, savory taste, making meal preparation easier without compromising flavor. Beyond its functional role, Maggi holds cultural significance in Nigerian households. It is often associated with home cooking, shared meals, and the comforting taste of familiar dishes. Over time, the brand has become deeply woven into local culinary practices and preferences. Through consistent quality and strong brand presence, Maggi has built lasting trust among consumers. Its widespread availability and reliability have helped it m...

Peak Milk: Strength in Every Drop

Peak Milk is one of Nigeria’s most trusted dairy brands, widely recognized for its rich taste and nutritional value. For decades, it has been a constant presence in Nigerian homes, symbolizing nourishment, quality, and reliability. A Household Essential From tea and coffee to pap, custard, and baking, Peak Milk fits seamlessly into everyday meals. Its creamy texture and balanced taste make it a preferred choice for both home cooking and small-scale food businesses.     Nutrition and Wellness Peak Milk is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that support strong bones and overall health. Its positioning around strength and vitality has resonated strongly with families, especially parents seeking nutritious options for their children.   Cultural Relevance Over the years, Peak Milk has embedded itself into Nigerian food culture. Whether served at breakfast or used in festive cooking, it remains associated with care, growth, and family bonding. Trusted Brand Legacy T...

Indomie Instant Noodles: A Nigerian Staple

Indomie Instant Noodles have become one of the most widely consumed food products in Nigeria. What began as a convenient meal option has evolved into a household staple, enjoyed by children, students, and adults across social and economic groups.     Convenience Meets Taste Indomie’s appeal lies in its simplicity and speed. Ready in minutes and easy to prepare, it fits perfectly into busy urban lifestyles. Its seasoning blends are tailored to local tastes, making it both familiar and satisfying.       Cultural Integration Over time, Indomie moved beyond being just instant food to becoming part of Nigerian food culture. From “Indomie and egg” combinations to creative additions like vegetables and sausages, Nigerians have made the product their own, especially among young people.     Strong Brand Loyalty Through consistent quality, wide availability, and memorable marketing, Indomie has built strong brand loyalty. For many consumers, the name “Indo...

Ogbonno Seeds: Nigeria’s Thickening Treasure

 Ogbonno seeds, also known as African wild mango seeds, are a staple ingredient in many Nigerian homes. Valued for their unique ability to thicken soups, ogbonno has earned a permanent place in traditional cuisine, especially in southern and central parts of the country.               A Soup That Brings Comfort Ogbonno soup is loved for its rich, draw-like texture and deep, satisfying taste. Often prepared with palm oil, assorted meats, stockfish, and local spices, it is more than a meal — it is comfort food. Served with swallow foods like pounded yam, eba, or fufu, ogbonno soup represents warmth, nourishment, and home.         Cultural and Regional Significance Across Nigeria, ogbonno goes by different names and methods of preparation, but its cultural importance remains consistent. From family gatherings to everyday meals, the soup connects generations and preserves culinary traditions passed down over time. Nutritional and E...

Party Jollof: More Than Food

In Nigeria, party jollof is not just a meal; it is a cultural statement. Cooked in large pots, often over firewood, it carries a smoky taste that signals celebration, abundance, and shared joy. From weddings to festive gatherings, party jollof represents moments that matter, and its taste is deeply tied to memory and identity. The Cultural Advantage Because party jollof holds such emotional value, it creates a powerful opportunity for brands that can authentically align with it. When a dish becomes a symbol of joy and community, the ingredients associated with it gain cultural relevance beyond their functional use. Gino’s Strategic Positioning Gino recognized that consumers do not simply buy tomato paste; they buy the promise of rich color, bold taste, and the “correct” party jollof experience. Rather than competing only on price, Gino positioned itself as the trusted ingredient for celebratory cooking, embedding itself in the party jollof narrative.   Owning the Moment Inste...