Tag: politics

China’s Proposed Zero-Tariffs For Africa

News and discussions are circulating about China’s intention to negotiate and sign a new economic pact with Africa that will remove tariffs on 53 African countries (Eswathini not included). Many people are excitedly touting the great opportunities for Africa, including access to China’s sizable domestic market.

However, if you are an African nation-builder who lives in a perpetual state of envisioning and strategic thinking of African interests, seeing beyond the surface and assessing every global geopolitical action from the strategic position of its potential 100-year effect on African development… you will not be moved one bit by such news. Rather you would be cautious, ask objective questions, and even be prompted to conceive and enact safeguarding measures for the welfare of the African people.

There is much value in this proposal for Africa. However, one of my objective concerns is that, considering the disunity and lack of collective strategic cooperation among African leaders, the zero tariff measure is a potential trojan horse for China to capture the benefits that the AfCFTA was supposed to provide Africa.

I will briefly highlight a few points of many others:

The AfCFTA is meant to promote inter-African trade through zero-tariffs, so Africa becomes one marketplace. Increased production and increased supply and demand will increase purchasing power by increasing the rotation of African currencies within Africa. However, by removing tariffs for African countries China has now shrewdly pulled the carpet from under Africa and taken power from the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Agreement)… without many noticing it. How?

China is a master of processes, logistics and efficiency. While that is one of Africa’s weakest points, and African countries have not yet developed the efficient systems and logistics required to fully harness the AfCFTA.

Now China is deeply embedded in African countries today, so with this zero-tariff measure they will just use their established presence and pipeline to make it easier and more efficient for African goods to go to China INSTEAD of another African country. Thereby intercepting the AfCFTA! This is not nefarious on China’s part, just shrewd business!

And once again, African leadership is in disarray and found sleeping! And of course, the African Union as usual will remain in the ineffective shadows, comatose.

When I look at Africa, my mind is seriously always blown by the chaotic and terrible state of its leadership (few exceptions). I search my soul, and I find no understanding for the poor and embarrassing display of statesmanship that I see from African leaders today. The people are so talented and accomplished, but its leadership…! Let me stop now before my blood pressure rises and I get a headache.

In short, African leadership needs leadership.

~Dr. Ikenna A. Ezealah, Ph.D., MBA
Builder of the African Future

See: China says it will remove all tariffs on African exports to boost trade

Tinubu Administration and Nigerian Government Continue Lavish Spending Spree

President Bola Tinubu has written to the National Assembly requesting approval for loans totaling N40.5 trillion ($28.93billion USD) for 2025-2026. The borrowing plan is a multi-currency facility which amounts to:
-USD $21.5 billion
-EUR €2.2 billion
-JAP ¥15BN
-EUR €65 million in grants

N40.5 trillion at 1,400/$1 = $28.93billion USD

This comes after he signed the N54.99 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill into law to become the 2025 National budget, which kept increasing as follows:
—Initial proposal: ₦49.7 trillion (Appropriation bill by Tinubu)
—Increase by Tinubu: ₦4.5 trillion
—Revised proposal: ₦54.2 trillion (by Tinubu)
—Increase by National Assembly: ₦750 billion
—Final Approved Budget: ₦54.99 trillion

But it goes further! All this follows a set of six major World Bank loans requested by the Tinubu government which was approved for Nigeria in 2024, totaling $4.25 billion:
1) June 2024: $2.25 billion
—Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilization to Enable Transformation (RESET) Development Policy Financing – $1.5 billion;
—Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms (ARMOR) Program-for-Results – $750 million.
2) September 2024: $1.57 billion
—Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program (HOPE-PHC) – $500 million;
—HOPE Governance Project (HOPE-GOV) – $500 million
—Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project (SPIN) – $500 million
3) December 2024: $500 million
—Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project – Scale Up (RAAMP-SU)

So the Tinubu Administration is requesting a loan total almost three-quarters of the 2025 national budget (N40.5 trillion/N54.99trillion = 0.737; 73.7%)? And almost seven times the World Bank loans given in 2024 ($28.93b/$4.25b= 6.81).

My collection of two of every animal is almost complete!

Questions:
—Has any regular Nigerian felt the benefits of all these loan monies besides soaring prices and decreasing supplies?
—Do you think Nigerian politicians will use this money to “serve and uplift” or “pack and eat”?
—Is this governance or stockpiling for the 2027 elections?
—Details matter, for example Tinubu getting ₦10 billion ($6.25m) for solar power at his Presidential Villa. Why not invest money to provide power for the people to ease their affliction?
—Why is the Nigerian government so wasteful and greedy?

Maybe Nigerians should lobby the Trump Administration to defund the World Bank just like USAID. To then force the Nigerian government and other African countries to live within their means… or internally collapse. With the tap of milk and honey dwindling, it would then make it easier for true leaders and revolutionaries to take full possession of government and start building a brighter future.

Nigeria has become a jungleocracy with an ineffective National Assembly (few exceptions) that is practically useless. It is a government ran mostly by marauders. People whose idea of public service is to make the public their servants and for public money to be at their service.

A lavish feast is being organized and Nigerian citizens are not invited. The younger generation must brace up to eventually pay back all these loans. Potentially even at the cost of building their own futures. What a high price to pay for allowing vandals today to rob your tomorrow.

What will it take to move Nigeria forward? The answer to this question and what is burning in the spirit cannot be discussed on LinkedIn and WhatsApp. But only in an underground bunker you need a secret password to enter conveyed only by a messenger pigeon. In a dimly lit room encircled by candles with incense burning in the background. And from a dark corner a group of hooded monks chanting cryptic Gregorian hymns just to elevate the spook. Hatching clandestine plans at the beginning of whose execution heavenly trumpets starts blowing from the Eastern cosmos. For Nigeria needs miracles, magic, and exorcisms to progress.

Dramatic yes. Point is a reckoning is coming, because something has to give. And it will. For clearly these people in office are not serious about nation-building.

~Dr. Ikenna A. Ezealah

References:
—People’s Gazette https://gazettengr.com/tinubu-seeks-another-n40-trillion-foreign-loans-as-nigerias-revenue-crashes-amidst-investors-exodus/
—Nairametrics https://nairametrics.com/2025/04/11/nigerias-debt-to-world-bank-surges-by-2-36-billion-in-2024-after-approval-of-six-loans/
—Channels TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1emxYhQmRI
—Budgit: https://budgit.org/post_infographics/2025-fg-approved-budget/

The African Continental Railway System (ACRS)

In Africa, what type of transportation network is best suited to unlock the free movement of persons, seamlessly connect all parts of the continent, and enable the dynamic movement of goods and services?

Before law school, I read the AfCFTA agreement twice and created a series of charts and flowcharts to make the information easily accessible. I reflected on the AfCFTA’s goal of promoting the free movement of people and its aim to enhance economic integration and unity across Africa, and I noticed how it aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 free movement goals.

Considering these objectives, I asked myself what form of transportation would best enable the free movement of people across Africa? And I envisioned a comprehensive and fully integrated African Continental Railway System (ACR). 

Airplanes are important modes of transportation, but to best unlock the movement of people, goods and services in Africa, it is my conviction that an African Continental Railway System is best suited to the African dynamics and disposition.

African leaders could collaborate to create a framework for a Continental Railway System, linking all regions of the continent and allowing citizens to travel freely between countries. First, a continental network could be established, followed by regional railway frameworks aligned with the ACR for seamless connectivity. National governments could then layer their railways in coordination with these regional and continental plans. The economic, political, and social impact of such a system would be transformative, releasing a socioeconomic sonic boom into the future.

A continental railway would facilitate the movement of people, goods, ideas, and resources, allowing Africans to live in one country and work in another. Imagine a person living in Nairobi (Kenya) who can work in Enugu (Nigeria). Consider a developmental project in Abijan (Côte d’Ivoire) that can be partially staffed by technical experts from Yaounde (Cameroon) who would get there daily through a highspeed railway linking the countries.

But it would also create jobs across countries for Africa’s growing population, sparking continent-wide productivity and skills development. Rail construction, operation, engineering, and logistics would involve an unprecedented transfer of skills and training, contracts, public-private partnerships, allowing African youths to play a central role in building and sustaining a unified infrastructure. The ACR would facilitate industrialization and manufacturing by also igniting the steel industry in Africa. For it would be Continental Law in promoting self-sufficiency that the production of all components of this Railway System must happen in Africa! Regional hubs connecting businesses, factories, industrial sites, cities, schools, and cultural centers would open Africa to itself, fostering a rich and reciprocal exchange of culture, resources, and labor. Africans could experience the continent’s natural landscapes, while work and leisure become truly continental. 

Imagine traveling on the ACR from Conakry (Guinea) to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) or Khartoum (Sudan) to Pretoria (South Africa). On the major pit stops African people from different ethic groups would embark and disembark. Think about the human and cultural connection! Imagine seeing and experiencing the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of Africa as you travel! It is impossible to see and appreciate the natural beauties of the land through air like you would closeup in a railway!

While challenges would undoubtedly arise, such an initiative would require comprehensive planning, precise coordination, tactical execution, public-private partnership, and the continuous engagement of citizens. However, if Africa’s leaders could establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create a single trade market, they can achieve the same framework for the ACR. It just takes a bold vision, firm will, commitment to planning, and a tenacity for execution! The realization of this vision may take some time, but part of a visionary’s work is to establish frameworks for the future. And I believe the African Continental Railway System represents the best means of achieving a connected Africa for the free movements of persons and goods.

Let African leaders, governments, and institutions take note.

Let nation-builders in Africa step forward, bold and courageous, to build the African future! Leaders of Africa, it is high-time to think big and start leading with bold visions and diligent hands that work to realize it for the progress and development of the African people!

Onward & Upward!

~Dr. Ikenna A. Ezealah, Ph.D., MBA
Builder of the African Future

Meeting the Vice President of Botswana

During the World Bank/IMF Spring meetings last week in DC, I attended the Africa Night DC Gala Reception on Wednesday, April 23 2025.

Since I am committed to African nation-building, I prioritize events and professional connections that will advance this life objective. Even personal relationships must directly or indirectly serve the goal of African nation-building.

As such, during the Africa Night Gala Reception which was attended by many splendidly dressed people in a convivial atmosphere, I had the pleasure of hearing the Vice President of Botswana, Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, deliver a sincere address to the crowd. When he finished, he sat down and was surrounded by his entourage.

My African nation-building antenna picked up an inner signal, so I decided to approach and confidently walked toward him for a personal conversation. As I neared his entourage, they assessed me then soon created an opening for me to pass. I stepped beside the seated VP, extended my arm in warm greeting, and he stood up and reciprocated. Thereupon I introduced myself, thanked him for his speech, and promptly stated my business which was focused on African nation-building in Botswana. I enjoyed our brief dialogue and also informed him that just last month (March 2025) I had met the Botswana President Duma Boko and Minister of Minerals & Energy Bogolo Kenewendo.

See my previous post on meeting President Boko and Minister Kenewendo: https://nationupbuilding.com/2025/03/14/meeting-the-president-of-botswana/

After interacting with the three government officials of Botswana, I am convinced that the future of the country is bright. The young vibrant team is poised to carry and build on the legacy of the first president and transformative leader: Sir Seretse Khama. In the future I hope to also support the developmental agenda of Botswana.

Vice President Ndaba N. Gaolathe of Botswana and Dr. Ikenna A. Ezealah

Onward & Upward!

~Dr. Ikenna A. Ezealah, PhD, MBA
“Builder of the African Future”

Solutions For Nigeria’s Post-Harvest Losses

I appreciate the problem diagnoses of the following article “Nigeria needs 5,000 cold trucks, 100 cold rooms to curb N3.5 trillion post-harvest losses”; but disagree with the approach to the solution.

Why? From the perspective of African nation-building:

Essence is the principle; form is the preference.

A patient with a migraine does not need Tylenol but a solution to their headache which can come in many forms! Solution is the essence; Tylenol is a form. Physicians in Western medical schools are taught to prescribe, so their solutions are typically a “pill-based” reliance on big pharma. Similarly, African people today are taught to buy “ready-made forms” from the West as solutions, instead of developing/exploring different potential forms to address the essence!

The need here is not a “cold truck” (form), but a preserving storage with mobility (essence). Cold trucks are AN option, not THE solution. Cold trucks require inputs that many African countries may not have sufficiently developed (infrastructure, energy, technology etc), so then they rely on Western imports and maintenance.

We first need to see if there are existing indigenous storage systems among the African people that is already suited to the environment and more agile. Next you improve, modernize, and scale it. The people would then own the homegrown technology and not be dependent on imports for their agricultural value chain. Yet I understand there is a transition period which requires a dual approach until you fully build domestic capacity.

More broadly, what Nigeria needs is an aggressive 30-year ASDP—Agricultural Sovereignty Development Plan. A comprehensive plan to domestically buildout all factors of production, inputs, systems, and institutions along the agricultural value chain to establish agricultural sovereignty In Nigeria; whose capacity and productivity will make Nigeria the breadbasket of Africa and the chief supplier of agricultural goods globally.

Such growth can only happen and be maintained when it is built on indigenous systems that come from within the people i.e., when “essence” is developed into indigenous “forms”, and all foreign inputs ( “forms”) are adapted to the cultural context of the African people. However, it takes visionary political leadership with the right concept and approach to development to undertake true African nation-building!

Today Nigerian political leadership is abysmal (and since post-independence has been so with but few exceptions), therefore they are generally incapable of solving this problem. Change will only happen when visionary nation-builders take possession of political office in Nigeria and, with an iron-will for the good and sound strategy, aggressively drive development forward for the complete transformation of Nigeria.

~Dr. Ikenna A. Ezealah, Ph.D., MBA
“Builder of the African Future”

Leaders of Africa, Speak UP!

Many people are discussing Africa as the future—and rightly so, given its immense potential.

Academics, investors, politicians, think tanks, individuals, and governments alike all have something to say about the need to position themselves to benefit from the African growth they believe is coming.

Conferences are held to set global development agendas and define Africa’s role. Others focus on Africa’s place in the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. Some spotlight climate change or other global trends and how Africa can adapt. Still others center on technological innovation and how Africa can catch up. The list goes on.

The voices are loud—talking about Africa, talking for Africa, even trying to set the agenda Africa should follow.

But you know who is silent amid all this clamor? African leaders.

Like palm trees swaying in the wind, many attend conference after conference, adjusting their positions to match whatever the international community is saying.

But no one truly knows the position of African leadership. No one has seen a united front articulating a bold, original vision for the Continent—a vision championed confidently before the world as Africa’s position!

So I ask: African leaders, where do you stand?
What is your conviction?
Where is this continent going under your leadership?
What bold vision have you put forth to shape the future of your people?
What priorities have you established, instead of merely accepting the priorities handed to you by others?

It is with shame, frustration, and fury that I look into the ranks of much of Africa’s leadership—because I am utterly clueless about where the continent is heading. There is no guiding vision.

Everyone is speaking about and for you, Africa. But you, leaders of Africa—why are you silent? Why do you lack conviction and original vision? Why have you become mere followers—puppets—echoing the positions of foreign ventriloquists?

Yes, a few African leaders today stand as exceptions. But most have no business being in office. They should step down and make room for those who do have the capacity and conviction—those ready to serve with their whole heart with an iron-fist for the good, and lead their people forward with original visions brought to life through aggressive nation-building!

Leaders of Africa: Stand up. Straighten your backs.

Speak up. Declare your vision.

Lead your people into a brighter future.

And if you cannot—then respectfully step aside so those whom Heaven has endowed and prepared for these times may step forward to take action!

The African people are tired of lukewarmness and weak leadership, and hunger for something more!

Now is the time for firmness, for strength, for vision, and for bold action.

Leaders of Africa… speak up for your People and Continent!

Leaders of Africa… Speak up!

~Dr. Ikenna A. Ezealah, PhD, MBA
“Builder of the African Future”

“Bad Samaritans: The Myth of Free Trade…” by Ha-Joon Chang

For me, continuous reading, experience, and reflection are essential for professional development and thus for constantly refining the tools necessary for effective African nation-building.

In line with this objective, I finished reading and reflecting on the book “Bad Samaritans: The Myth of Free Trade and the Secret History of Capitalism” by Ha-Joon Chang —a work I highly recommend! And not being too dramatic but, given the rich content, it should have been titled “The Gospel of Economic Development According to Chang”.

The range of topics, the sharpness of his analysis, and his dynamic use of humor made the examination of economic development both insightful and engaging. His work has enhanced my perspective and sharpened my African nation-building toolkit!

Summary:
Using wit, an engagingly personal style, and a battery of examples, Chang blasts holes in the orthodoxy of Thomas Friedman and other liberal economists who argue that only unfettered capitalism and wide-open international trade can lift struggling countries out of poverty. On the contrary, Chang shows that today’s economic superpowers-from the U.S. to Britain to his native Korea–all attained prosperity by shameless protectionism and government intervention in industry.

He argues that the alliance of advanced countries (acting as ‘Bad Samaritans’) have conveniently forgotten this fact, telling the world a fairy tale about the magic of free trade led by the US and mediated by the ‘Unholy Trinity’ of international economic organizations that they largely control—World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization; ramming policies that suit them down the throat of the developing world.

Unlike typical economists who construct models of how the marketplace should work, Chang examines the past: what has actually happened. His pungently contrarian history demolishes one pillar after another of free-market mythology. We treat patents and copyrights as sacrosanct―but developed our own industries by studiously copying others’ technologies. We insist that centrally planned economies stifle growth―but many developing countries had higher GDP growth before they were pressured into deregulating their economies. Both justice and common sense, Chang argues, demand that we reevaluate the policies we force on nations that are struggling to follow in our footsteps.

Three Previously Completed Books:
✅ Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity , and Poverty – Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson.
✅  Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa – Dambisa Moyo
✅ Africa Unchained; The Blueprint for Africa’s Future – George Ayittey

Onward & Upward!

~Dr. Ikenna Ezealah
“Builder of the African Future”

Meeting the President of Botswana

I am earnestly committed to the Cause of African Nation-building. So I focus my energy on what affects the lives of the African people, and prioritize relationships with people who are earnestly committed to this goal, or who enhance my life in varied ways which enables me to better pursue this goal. 

In this process, life naturally orchestrates connections with people at all levels—even the highest professionally—who also share this goal in their own unique way. 

One such encounter recently occurred on Friday, March 7, 2025 at the Embassy of Botswana in Washington DC. There, I had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with two other nation-builders and rising political stars in Africa: the newly elected President Duma Boko of Botswana, and Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana. Of course, all discourses had one theme: African nation-building. After meeting them, my confidence in Botswana’s bright future is reinforced. 

President Duma Boko and Dr. Ikenna Ezealah
Minister Bogolo Kenewendo and Dr. Ikenna Ezealah

Photos are great, but I should emphasize that my aim is beyond photo-ops. It is focused on a broader coalition-building of people who are committed to forming strategies and taking energetic actions that will physically manifest in the continent to directly improve the lives of the African people. 

I hope to unite with such people who are focused on building a brighter African present and future. 

~Dr. Ikenna Ezealah

“Builder of the African Future”

…Dr. Juris-Diplomat

March 6, 1957—The Birth of An Independent Ghana

Happy Independence Day Ghana!

On this momentous day, March 6, 2025, I join the people of Ghana and the Global African community in celebrating the anniversary of Ghana’s independence, achieved under the leadership of the Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah! I also honor The Big Six of Ghana (Kwame Nkrumah; Joseph Boakye (‘J.B.’) Danquah; Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey; Ebenezer Ako-Adjei; William Ofori Atta; Edward Akufo-Addo)—and all others who contributed to the struggle for Ghana’s political liberation. Their efforts not only secured Ghana’s independence, but also set a precedence for other independence movements across Africa.  

On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the second African country to gain independence. Although it is widely regarded as the first, historical accuracy gives that distinction to Sudan, which gained independence from British-Egyptian rule on January 1, 1956—making it the first African country to gain independence in the year 1956, before Ghana.

Sudan’s colonial administration was unique —it was governed under an Anglo-Egyptian Condominium (1899-1956), meaning it was jointly ruled by Britain and Egypt, rather than being a direct colony of a single European power. So, while Sudan was the first African country to gain independence in 1956, Ghana (1957) was the first African country to gain independence from direct European colonial rule (British Gold Coast).

As a Garvey-Nkrumah Legal Fellow, our delegation visited Ghana and Rwanda in the Summer 2024. After completing our official business for the trip—including a meeting with the President of Ghana—we visited the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum in Accra. The previous Summer, I had read Dr. Nkrumah’s autobiography and had devoted time to understanding him not just as a leader, but as a person—exploring his deeper aims and motivations. This experience was deeply inspiring and further reinforced my commitment to African nation-building!

On July 19, 2024, I stood beside Dr. Nkrumah’s statue, mirroring his forward-pointing gesture that powerfully embodies his famous words: “Forward ever, backward never.” Then I knelt before his grave, filled with different intuitions. Sometimes in life, the most precious things cannot be shared.

“Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a thousand thanks for your positive example of visionary African leadership, and your unbending commitment for the welfare and progress of the African people. Most of all, your natural reverence for God. These are noble qualities desperately lacking in African leadership today, and we feel the big gap left by your absence.”

I will carry the torch of African progress forward, working diligently to ensure it burns brighter in this generation—singularly focused on the mission of African nation-building!

Confidently I walk the path of destiny—“Forward ever, backward never”—focused upward, forever onward!

Happy 68th Independence Day Ghana!

~Dr. Ikenna Ezealah
“Builder of the African Future”

African Diaspora Day On The Hill

During CBC week (Congressional Black Caucaus) that took place in DC from September 9-15, I attended the African Diaspora Day on the Hill. Some notable encounters included Dr. Abike Dabiri, CEO of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and Ms. Anna Mwalagho, Swahili Language and Culture Lecturer at Howard University.

There is a backstory that made my surprise encounter with Ms. Anna Mwalagho magical. During undergrad at Bowling Green State University, I was Treasurer and then President of African Peoples Association (student organization). As President, I exuded a triumphant enthusiasm in vision-setting, mission-forming, and working with my executive team to design and implement programs to promote the African cause on campus. My organization work was the happiest years of my undergraduate experience!

Here is an excerpt from a 2007 school newspaper about African People’s Association:

Otiso, a faculty advisor for the APA, said he was impressed with [Ikenna] Ezealah’s vision and goals coming into office.

“Soon after being elected president a year ago, he proceeded to share his vision for the organization and what he hoped to accomplish in his tenure as president. I was amazed at his grasp of the issues,” said Otiso.

As president, Anyanwu said that Ezealah has had a tremendous impact.

“People are taking the organization more seriously than in the past. Now we are working with the mission statement in mind instead of being just a social group,” he said.

With a mission focused on educating the public about the real image of Africa, the organization has planned several educational events. The Annual Dinner Celebration on April 17th is the biggest event put on by the APA all year. 

https://bgfalconmedia.com/114108/news/bg-news/apa-goals-represented-by-single-growing-plant/

—

And during my tenure as President, the main performer during the Annual Dinner was…. Ms. Anna Mwalagho! She is a renaissance woman with an inspiring affection for Africa.

After graduating I lost touch with Ms. Anna Mwalagho. Then while reflecting on my life during the COVID, a fire awakened within to participate in the post-colonial nation-building of Africa, so the institutions and systems accord with the indigenous heritage of the African people. I then enrolled in law school and set out on the course to be an international nation-building diplomat. After a foundational first year, I transferred to Washington College of Law in DC. Months later, I attended the African Diaspora Day on the Hill during CBC week. There, in a moment of wonder and nostalgia, I again crossed paths with Ms. Anna Mwalagho from my APA days! Life coming full circle.

In College I was just working joyfully as Treasurer and then President of African People’s Association. But in retrospect it appears the experience was a clue to a future life marked with the objective to be a helper and guardian of the welfare and further development of the African people!

Onward & Upward!

~Dr. Ikenna Ezealah