The Itsekiri Kingdom in Nigeria was established in the fifteenth century by the ethnic group of the same name. Although the Itsekiri have their own monarchy — headed by the “Olu” — they were once a protectorate of the British Empire. The two seem to be intertwined, for better or for worse, after the Scramble for Africa (the division and colonisation of most of Africa). This personal account of an Itsekiri’s life covers the coincidence, and irony, of its former Olu’s death being announced the same week as Prince Phillip’s. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
