Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has publicly called out several Nigerian media organisations for a significant editorial error that she claims distorted the core message of a recent article she authored on the country's approach to combating terrorism.
A Critical Word Change
In a post on the social media platform X, Ezekwesili revealed that some outlets mistakenly replaced the word "coddle" with "cuddle" in her piece. The article, published in late December 2025, criticised the Nigerian government's perceived leniency towards terrorists and violent actors.
"I expressed my consternation at the manner the Nigeria government enables terrorists by rewarding their criminal activities in our land, instead of prosecuting and punishing them," Ezekwesili wrote, reiterating her original argument. She emphasised her deliberate choice of words: "A capable Nigeria-State of the past would never coddle terrorists."
Why the Correct Word Matters
Ezekwesili took the time to explain the crucial difference between the two terms, which led to a misrepresentation of her stance. She clarified that "coddle" was intentionally used to describe what she views as the government's excessive indulgence and tolerance towards those committing violent crimes. This word carries a distinctly negative connotation in this context.
In stark contrast, she pointed out that "cuddle" refers to an act of physical affection and warmth, making it entirely inappropriate and misleading within the serious discussion on national security and justice.
A Call for Journalistic Precision
While acknowledging and thanking the journalists who reached out to verify the wording, the former minister stressed that the incident highlights a broader issue. It underscores the critical importance of accuracy and meticulous editing in news reporting, especially on sensitive topics like security and governance.
She added a poignant observation relevant to the Nigerian context: although English is widely used, it is not the nation's mother tongue. This, according to Ezekwesili, makes careful attention to spelling, word choice, and contextual meaning even more vital for clear public communication.
The article in question centres on Nigeria's ongoing struggle with terrorism and armed violence, a subject on which Ezekwesili has been a vocal commentator. She has consistently advocated for stronger institutions, the rule of law, and full accountability for crimes committed against civilians, with a particular focus on the protection of children.
Her remarks arrive amidst continuous public debate regarding Nigeria's security strategies. This debate often involves weighing military actions against rehabilitation programmes and the consistent criminal prosecution of individuals involved in violent activities. While the federal government maintains that its policies aim to reduce violence and restore stability, civil society advocates like Ezekwesili push for a greater emphasis on justice and deterrence.
Ezekwesili concluded her message with New Year greetings to her followers, expressing hope for 2026 and encouraging everyone to pay close attention to detail in public discourse. She shared an optimistic note: "I don’t know how, but 2026 will surely throw up pleasant surprises to all who believe... I Believe and pray that You do too!"
