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University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo, has been ranked Nigeria’s best university in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026.

The ranking, published on THE’s website on Thursday, placed the Ibadan-based federal university between 801 and 1,000 globally and ahead of other leading Nigerian universities, a spot it last held in 2023.

UI came from fourth position in 2025 to emerge as Nigeria’s best in the 2026 ranking. It dethroned Covenant University, which was the best university in 2024 and 2025.

Following UI are the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Bayero University (BUK), and Covenant University (CU), ranked second, third, and fourth in Nigeria, respectively.

THE surveyed 2,191 institutions from 115 countries and assessed them based on 18 performance indicators across five key areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry, and international outlook.

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The 2026 list reflected a shift in the global higher education landscape, with more than 174.9 million citations from 18.7 million research publications analysed and survey responses from over 108,000 scholars collected globally.

THE rankings also show the strength of individual institutions.

UNILAG is ranked highest in quality research, scoring 66.7.

Furthermore, BUK is ranked as the best Nigerian university in terms of international outlook, while Covenant has the highest industry score, indicating its top connection to industries.

See full list;

University of Ibadan (801-1000)

University of Lagos (801-1000)

Bayero University (1001-1200)

Covenant University (1001-1200)

Landmark University (1001-1200)

Ahmadu Bello University (1201-1500)

Federal University of Technology, Minna (1201-1500)

University of Ilorin (1201-1500)

University of Jos (1201-1500)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1201-1500)

Babcock University (1501+)

Delta State University, Abraka (1501+)

Ekiti State University (1501+)

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (1501+)

Federal University of Technology, Akure (1501+)

Federal University of Technology, Owerri (1501+)

Federal University Oye-Ekiti (1501+)

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (1501+)

Lagos State University (1501+)

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (1501+)

Obafemi Awolowo University (1501+)

University of Benin (1501+)

University of Calabar (1501+)

University of Port Harcourt (1501+)

Admiralty University of Nigeria

Akwa Ibom State University

Al-Hikmah University

Augustine University

Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti

Bauchi State University, Gadau

Bayelsa Medical University

Baze University

Bells University of Technology

Bowen University

Evangel University, Akaeze

Federal University of Lafia

Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun

Fountain University

Godfrey Okoye University

Igbinedion University Okada

Kaduna State University

Lagos State University of Education

Lagos State University of Science and Technology

Lead City University

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria

Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Redeemer’s University

Rivers State University

Thomas Adewumi University

University of Cross River State

University of Delta

The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, has emerged first position in the latest national ranking of higher institutions in Nigeria.

The ranking, which was conducted by an international evaluation body, Pole Global Marketing, was held based on blackboard implementation and adoption, as directed by the Federal Ministry of Education.

The comprehensive evaluation covered over 180 institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.

The ranking assessed institutions on key performance indicators such as academic excellence, innovation, institutional management, and community impact.

In a chat with journalists, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde, expressed joy over the remarkable feat.

Akinde, who spoke on behalf of the Governing Council and the entire Polytechnic community, described the news as a timely and uplifting recognition, especially as the present administration marks its third year in office.

Akinde commended the management team, staff, and students of the institution for their collective efforts in achieving the success.

He specially lauded the Centre for Information and Communication Technology (CICT), headed by the Director, Dr (Mrs) Jumoke Soyemi, for their unwavering collaboration and continuous innovations within the institution.

The Rector, however, stressed that the achievement is not just a celebration but a call to greater commitment, excellence in service delivery and sustained innovation in all areas of institutional growth.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State chapter, has admitted that there is gross indiscipline among the various cadres of its membership, and, therefore, resolved to constitute a disciplinary committee to address the issue.

This was noted in an eight-paragraph communique issued at the end of a Leadership Summit in Ibadan and signed by State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas; Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite (Secretary), Chief Akin One, (former State chairman), Barrister Iyiola Okadokun, (Chairman, Oyo APC Elders Advisory Council) and Senator Ayo Adeseun.

It noted that some notable leaders and elected office holders are fond of engaging in acts capable of sabotaging the party.

The communique read, ‘We resolved to put in place every strategy to win all elections, presidential, Governorship, Federal as well as state legislatures.

‘We condemn in strong terms, the terrible condition of the 33 local governments under the present PDP administration.

‘We note that the Party is suffering from gross indiscipline. It is unfortunate that notable Party Leaders and even elected office holders are fond of engaging in acts capable of sabotaging the Party.

‘We therefore resolved that State Executive under the chairmanship of Alhaji Olayide Mushood Abass should constitute a Disciplinary Committee that will be saddled with the responsibilities of punishing erring Party members who henceforth engages in acts of sabotaging the Party in line with the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

‘We note that imposition of candidates for elective and party positions are unhealthy for peace, unity and cohesion within the party.

‘We therefore advocate for an all-inclusive, free, fair and transparent processes of electing party candidates and officials without external influences.

‘We note that the activities of some aspirants who are seeking elective positions have been floating and nurturing Groups and this is further causing divisions within the Party. We therefore, resolved that Party interests must take precedent over and above personal interests

‘In view of the above observation, we resolved further that every Aspirants who have been floating Groups within the Party must desist forthwith. Aspirants are enjoined to concentrate efforts on promoting the party instead of promoting group interests.

‘We note that there is a gross misuse of the social Media platforms by some party members and such misuse of social media platforms are further causing divisions within the party.

‘We therefore resolved that the use of Social Media as a means of passing information concerning the Party must be controlled.

‘We note that the absence of a rallying point is negatively affecting coordination within the Party, we hereby resolved that in the absence of a sitting Governor who is a member of our party, it is imperative that a collegiate leadership comprising of two nominees from the three senatorial zones be immediately put in place.

‘We note that some Aspirants have been campaigning and in the process, they are making inflammatory comments capable of further deepening the divisions within the Party. We therefore resolved that campaign activities are premature at the moment, most especially, taking cognizance of the INEC Guidelines.

‘We therefore caution Aspirants against making inflammatory statements and engaging in campaign activities against INEC Guidelines.

‘We note that Oyo state is shot changed in respect of appointments from Abuja despite our contributions to the successes of the Party in 2023.

‘We therefore resolved that the Party needs to make a strong representation to Abuja to address this unfair treatment’

E XPERTS have stated that vision impairment among patients with diabetes mellitus in sub-shara Africa is relatively high, noting that 29 per cent of diabetic patients in the region experience visual impairment.

They stated that the substantial prevalence of vision impairment among diabetic patients in sub-Sahara Africa underscores the critical need for effective diabetes management and early screening to mitigate this serious complication.

The systematic review and meta-analysis of vision impairment among patients with diabetes mellitus in sub-Sahara Africa reported that the prevalence of moderate visual impairment was 15.7 per cent, severe visual impairment was 5.1 per cent, and blindness was 7.0 per cent.

They added: ‘The findings in this study are considerably higher than those reported in other regions.’

According to the report, the most common causes of visual impairment were diabetic retinopathy (35 per cent), followed by cataracts (34 per cent) and diabetic maculopathy (26 per cent).

These factors-such as poor blood sugar control, longer duration of diabetes, obesity, lack of physical activity, age over 56 years, and hypertension-were associated with visual impairment.

The review included observational studies on vision loss in diabetic patients and involved 12,508 participants from 14 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It was published in PLoS One.

According to them, diabetes is an increasing public health challenge in this region, where healthcare resources are often limited. Vision impairment is a significant complication that adversely affects quality of life, productivity, and independence.

They advocated for proper management of diabetes mellitus to prevent visual impairment and emphasized the importance of early detection through screening and regular follow-up to reduce and control the burden of visual impairment in the diabetic population.

Visual impairment is a functional limitation of the eye(s) caused by various medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus (DM), which cause visual field loss, decreased visual acuity, visual distortion, perceptual difficulties, or any combination of these effects.

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Some causes of visual impairment include refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, corneal opacity, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, trachoma, trauma, and systemic disorders such as hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypertension.

Visual impairment negatively affects people’s quality of life, mobility, visual function, emotional well-being, and social interactions, as well as being a significant financial burden on the global economy.

Captain Jerry Eyituoyo Agbeyegbe, an astute pilot and fervent crusader for aviation safety, was tragically taken from this world by a bullet fired by haters believed to be within the government of his time. The pain of October 13, 2008, the day he died, still echoes in the hearts of those who knew him, worked with him, and were touched by his unwavering commitment to the safety of skies and humanity on the ground.

Jerry Boy, as those close to him would affectionately remember, was a down-to-earth humanist whose passion for aviation did not overshadow his compassion for people. He lived a life that carved paths of safety in the skies where others flew merely by routine. Every procedure, every check, and every decision in the cockpit was an embodiment of his crusade for safety. His baritone voice was one of reason in rooms filled with the hum of engines and the chatter of aviators discussing the next flight, the next route, and the next challenge.

Jerry spoke of safety not as a checklist but as a culture, a way of life in aviation that must permeate every level of operation. His was a legacy of diligence, of pushing boundaries of caution to protect passengers, crew, and the integrity of flight itself. Agbeyegbe’s dedication to aviation safety was unparalleled, and his impact on the industry continues to be felt.

The manner of his departure from this world casts a shadow over the brilliance of his contributions. A life dedicated to lifting the standards of aviation safety, to advocating for the human element in the mechanical world of flight, ended abruptly by violence rooted in hatred. It is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the sometimes-harsh realities of standing for what is right in the face of opposition.

Yet, in death, as in life, Captain Jerry Agbeyegbe speaks. He speaks of the values he held dear – safety, humanity, and integrity in aviation. The legacy he left behind lingers, a lingering that transcends the years since his passing. It lingers in the hearts of those he touched, in the safety protocols he advocated for, and in the lives saved because of the stringent safety measures he championed.

In Nigeria’s aviation history, his name is etched as one who cared deeply, fought for what was right, and left an indelible mark on those who believe in the sanctity of safety in the skies. Agbeyegbe was more than a pilot; he was a guardian of the skies, a believer in the potential of aviation to connect and uplift humanity safely.

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His death was a loss not just to those who knew him but to the ideals of safety and humanity he so passionately pursued. Yet, in remembering him, in honoring his legacy, there is a renewal of commitment to the causes he held dear. Aviation safety remains a pursuit, a crusade where vigilance is key, and compassion for those who fly and those on the ground is paramount.

As we remember Captain Jerry Agbeyegbe, we remember not just a man cut down in his prime but a legacy that demands continuation – a legacy of safety, of humanity in aviation, of standing for what is right despite the odds. His story, though ended by violence, is a testament to the enduring power of ideals he lived by.

In the annals of Nigeria’s aviation, Captain Jerry Agbeyegbe’s name is a reminder of a life of purpose, of a death that speaks volumes, and of a legacy that lingers, calling on all to uphold the tenets of safety and humanity in all endeavors of flight.

As we reflect on his life and legacy, we are reminded of the importance of safety in aviation and the impact one person can have on an industry. Captain Agbeyegbe’s dedication to his craft and his passion for safety have inspired countless individuals in the aviation community.

His legacy serves as a reminder that safety is not just a priority but a fundamental aspect of aviation. It is a culture that must be nurtured, a culture that requires constant vigilance and a commitment to excellence.

In the years since his passing, the aviation industry has continued to evolve, with new technologies and procedures being implemented to enhance safety. However, the core principles of safety and humanity that Captain Agbeyegbe embodied remain as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.

As we move forward, we must continue to prioritize safety and humanity in aviation, ensuring that the legacy of Captain Jerry Agbeyegbe lives on. We owe it to him, to ourselves, and to the countless lives that are touched by the aviation industry every day.

Jerry’s life and legacy are a testament to the power of dedication, passion, a commitment to safety and humanity in aviation and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and humanity in all aspects of flight. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate individuals in the aviation community.

THE World Health Organization, has stated report, that e-cigarettes are fueling an ‘alarming’ new wave of nicotine addiction, with millions of children now addicted to vaping.

The findings of the new report titled ‘WHO Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Use 2000-2024 and Projections 2025-2030’ are based on 2,034 national surveys, covering 97 per cent of the global population.

In its new global report, the WHO stated that more than 100 million people worldwide are now vaping, including at least 86 million adults-mostly in high-income countries-and at least 15 million children aged 13 to 15.

In addition, in countries with available data, children are, on average, nine times more likely to vape than adults.

The organization claimed that the industry was promoting vapes as supposedly less harmful than cigarettes but was, in fact, aggressively targeting young people and causing children to become addicted.

Etienne Krug, the WHO’s Director of Health Determinants, Promotion, and Prevention, said in a statement: ‘E-cigarettes are fueling a new wave of nicotine addiction. They are marketed as harm reduction but, in reality, are hooking kids on nicotine earlier and risk undermining decades of progress.’

In addition, the WHO reported that globally, fewer people are smoking, with the number of tobacco users declining from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024, despite the world’s growing population.

The number of tobacco users has decreased by 120 million since 2010, representing a 27 per cent relative decline. However, one in five people worldwide still use tobacco, contributing to millions of preventable deaths each year.

According to the report, although tobacco use has steadily declined among both men and women across all age groups from 2000 to 2024, women have been at the forefront of quitting tobacco.

The prevalence of tobacco use among women decreased from 11 per cent in 2010 to just 6.6 per cent in 2024, with the number of female tobacco users declining from 277 million in 2010 to 206 million in 2024.

By contrast, more than four out of five tobacco users worldwide are men, with just under one billion men still using tobacco. The prevalence among men has decreased from 41.4 per cent in 2010 to 32.5 per cent in 2024.

The report states that the prevalence of tobacco use in Africa is the lowest globally, at 9.5 per cent in 2024, and the region is on track to meet the 30 percent reduction target. However, due to population growth, the absolute number of tobacco users continues to increase.

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WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that millions of people are quitting or avoiding tobacco use thanks to tobacco control efforts by countries worldwide.

Ghebreyesus declared: ‘In response to this strong significant, the tobacco industry is fighting back with new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people. Governments must act faster, more quickly, stronger decisively to implement tobacco control policies.’

7Star Global Hangar Ltd, an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO), has achieved another significant milestone in its regional expansion strategy with the official approval granted by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) of the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), to perform base maintenance inspection services on TN-registered aircraft.

This approval positions 7Star Global Hangar Ltd as a recognized Approved Maintenance Organisation for operators from the Republic of the Congo, strengthening bilateral aviation collaboration between Nigeria and Congo-Brazzaville.

The authorization allows the company to undertake heavy maintenance checks, structural inspections, and other base-level engineering services for aircraft registered under the Congolese civil registry.

Speaking on the development, Engr. Isaac Balami, CEO of 7Star Global Hangar Ltd, described the approval as ‘a testament to our consistent pursuit of excellence, safety, and compliance with international aviation standards.’

He added that the certification underscores the company’s growing reputation as a Pan-African MRO hub, serving operators across Central and West Africa.

With this new certification, 7Star Global Hangar Ltd continues to expand its maintenance capabilities and reinforce its commitment to advancing Africa’s aviation maintenance ecosystem through quality service, safety integrity, and regional partnership.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has once again disowned the use of his name and image in various online promotions and business endorsements, describing such actions as fraudulent and deceptive.

In a statement released on Thursday, Obi expressed concern over the activities of individuals and groups who persist in exploiting his identity to promote commercial ventures and mislead unsuspecting members of the public.

‘My attention has been drawn once again to the activities of individuals and groups who persist in using my name to promote or endorse various online businesses and ventures,’ he said. ‘Despite earlier clarifications issued by my aides, some persons have continued to exploit my identity for personal and commercial gain.’

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Obi categorically stated that he has no connection whatsoever with any of the businesses or endorsements being circulated online. According to him, he has never authorised anyone or any platform to use his name, image, or likeness for commercial purposes or profit-making ventures.

‘Such acts are fraudulent, deceptive, and aimed solely at exploiting public trust,’ he cautioned.

The former governor advised Nigerians to be vigilant and disregard any online claims or advertisements that suggest his involvement in business dealings or investments. He emphasised that any genuine information concerning him or his activities would continue to be shared only through his officially verified channels.

Obi reiterated his commitment to transparency and urged the public to report any fraudulent use of his name to the appropriate authorities.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has blamed the sales of critical government enterprises under the guise of privatisation from 1999 till date as the reason for the massive infrastructure challenge in the country.

He stated that privatisation of government enterprises is wrong, while also blaming former President Olusegun Obasanjo for the sales of public assets as the then National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), the Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON) and the Nigerian Hotels Limited, among others.

He argued that what the government should have done was to privatise the industry or the sector but not the enterprise.

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He lamented that the ripple effects of that singular policy have been massive infrastructure challenges, massive savings challenges, massive unemployment and lack of where to train people.

‘This is because in those days, if you finish school, you can join NEPA and they will train you. Many engineers in Nigeria today were produced there; many people who are great engineers today are products of NEPA.

‘So, you have somewhere to go and work but we have destroyed the public works department. So if you see any state government in front of the camera trying to commission or start a 10km road, you will see one Lebanese person standing in front of them. Even simple works that they could do with the public works department, they will not.

‘I have more equipment inside my compound, you know, than the entire ministry of works. I have more caterpillar equipment and other things that I create inside my private house than they have in the works department in Akure, Ondo State. So with that, what have we benefited from privatization?’ he stated.

He argued that even with the privatization of NITEL, there is still a telecommunication problem because most of the telecom companies still rely on NITEL exchange to function optimally. ‘We also have a telecommunication problem because most of the carriers are still relying on NITEL; they are still relying on NITEL exchange and all of that. They do the company investment. So that will require them to carry broadband across the country but they can’t do that because the private sector will not do backbone investment,’ he said.

He also queried the rationale behind the privatization of the power company when the operators lack the capacity to run it efficiently and effectively. ‘People are now generating electricity but what has happened is that many of these investments will rely on consumers to buy their own transformers,’ he said.

He noted that what the government should have done was to open up the sectors instead of privatizing the enterprises. ‘What you privatize is the industry, the sector, not the enterprises. Privatization of government enterprises is wrong. What you need is to open the sector; that’s all,’ he said.

He promised that his party, the SDP has a better idea, saying, ‘The idea is to reconstitute and raise new Nigerians who are going to now man these enterprises and then grow industries out of them.’

RECENTLY, the United Nations (UN) organisation has been celebrating activities marking its 80th anniversary. It was indeed a glamorous event as the UN General Assembly Hall this year hosted congratulatory messages, reflections and expressions of hope as the world body commemorated the landmark. More than 140 world leaders were in New York to mark the organisation’s 80th birthday. The United Nations will be 80 years old on October 24, and this milestone has been marked by various events this year, including the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, an annual gathering of UN member states and a major diplomatic event to discuss global issues. It was held last month. The UN Charter Day was held on June 26, 2025, to commemorate the signing of the UN Charter. On October 24, 2025, the annual celebration of the UN Charter’s entry into force, which marks the UN’s 80th anniversary, will be held.

Taking a look at the history of the body during the General Assembly, the president of the assembly, Annalena Baerbock, recalled that it was founded in the aftermath of two world wars and the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust, and at a time when 72 territories were still under colonial rule. She added that the signing of the UN Charter on June 26, 1945 was a promise from leaders to their peoples, and from nations to one another, that humanity had learnt from its darkest chapters. However, she expressed worry that with the crises in several parts of the world, including Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Haiti, not to mention the ‘unfiltered hatred online’, the hours indeed feel dark once again. Her words: ‘As we mark 80 years of our United Nations, we are once again standing at a crossroads. We cannot take the easy path and simply give up. We have to choose the right path; to show the world that we can be better together.’

Also speaking on the occasion, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, referenced the horrors of the past when many of the first staff members and delegates bore visible wounds from war but were determined nevertheless to chart a new world order and a path towards peace and prosperity. According to him, the founders of the organisation were not idealists but had seen the worst of humanity and knew that ‘peace is the most courageous, the most practical, the most necessary pursuit of all.’ He added: ‘In building the United Nations, they created something extraordinary; a place where all nations – large and small – could come together to solve problems that no country can solve alone.’ Yet, as he observed, the principles of the UN are under unprecedented assault, saying: ‘As we meet, civilians are targeted, and international law trampled. Furthermore, poverty and hunger are rising as progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) falters, while the climate crisis rages. At the same time, we are moving towards a multipolar world. To meet these challenges, we must not only defend the United Nations – but strengthen it.’

That summation is indeed hard to fault. At its inception, 50 countries met in San Francisco, United States, in the aftermath of World War II to sign the UN Charter. That was in June 1945. By October 24 of that year, the charter came into force. Over the years, the UN has played pivotal roles in advancing the cause of humanity. Among other achievements, it has promoted and protected human rights. The UN oversaw the transition of more than 80 former colonies to independent states, especially during the 1950s to 1970s, reshaping the international order, and its peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts saw the deployment of missions that helped to stabilise post-conflict regions, including the Middle East and Africa. The UN pioneered the concept of ‘peacekeeping’ under UN authority. It is also generally acknowledged that the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights set a universal standard, followed by numerous treaties safeguarding civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. The much touted Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global frameworks that drove progress in diverse areas is the brainchild of the UN, as are landmark agreements such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Refugee Convention, and the Paris Climate Accord, among others. For decades, the UN has coordinated global responses to famines, pandemics, and natural disasters, delivering food, medical supplies, and shelter to millions.

Of course, the organisation has faced so many challenges, including the inefficacy of the Security Council, where veto power and political divisions often block decisive action on conflicts; budgetary shortfalls that limit peacekeeping and humanitarian operations; tensions between major powers like the United States, China and Russia) that undermine its resolutions of critical issues; the continuing rise of global emissions continue to rise, and the UN struggles to enforce climate commitments, among others. Indeed, critics like the US President Donald Trump see the organisation as a failure for failing to actualise world peace. Said the US president: ‘What is the purpose of the United Nations?All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter. It’s empty words, and empty words don’t solve war.’

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But the UN has been a force for good in many ways, even if there is a lot of room for improvements and a major tinkering with its mission and structure. Like any human organisation, the UN is a mixture of the good, bad and ugly. Still, any dispassionate study of its impact since its inception cannot but acknowledge its landmark roles in world affairs. Warts and all, the UN has been a stabilizing factor. It has afforded nations and organisations a global platform to express their desires, fears and frustrations, such that it is difficult to see voices of marginalised groups that have not been heard on its platforms around the world. It is true that in spite of its existence, there is instability in different parts of the world. And to be sure, the cold war between the Eastern and Western power blocs is still there, and may never be thawed. It is playing out in places like Turkey and Ukraine, among others. But to dismiss the UN’s efforts outright is to refuse to acknowledge reality.

We salute the UN at 80. Its efforts to enhance peace in the world are commendable. We urge it, going forward, to set up structures for addressing the concerns that critics have, and to work harder at fulfilling its mission. As the UN Secretary-General has said, it is time for the international community to rise to this moment with clarity, courage, and conviction and realise the promise of peace. The consequence of failure will be the emergence of much more divided nations, global instability, and an elusive search for peace.