Issue 24 - Nigerian Watch

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NIGERIAN WATCH
February 28th 2014
THE UK’S LEADING AFRICAN NEWSPAPER WITH THE LARGEST CIRCULATION
Issue No 024
nigerianwatch.com
FORTNIGHTLY To Inspire, Inform and Entertain
INSIDE
WHY CHINELO IS
A UNIQUE BEE
The rising BBC star
doing it the Naija way
Page 3
CELEBRATING
WITH THE STARS
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE
AEkanem
BLACK
WOMAN?
Robertson investigates – page 15
Nigerians triumph at
this year’s glittering
Screen Nation awards
Page 8
WANT TO WORK
FOR VIRGIN
see page 3
2
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
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NEWSWATCH
OVER 200 GATHER TO SAY FAREWELL
TO PA LEMOSHE
NIGERIAN WATCH
Publishers
Tevin Jemide & Victor Omosevwerha
Publisher/Managing Director
Maryanne Jemide
PR Director
Ilonka Omosevwerha
Managing Editor
Jon Hughes
Art Editor
Cathy Constable
Contributors Obah Iyamu; Harriet Ogbeide; AJ James;
Ayo Akinfe; Funmi Odegbami; Samuel Kasumu; Ngozi
Mbana; Ekanem Robertson
Chief Cartoonist
Harold Ogbeide
Office address
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Views expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily
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All rights reserved. No part of the newspaper may be reproduced in any
form without the written consent of the publisher.
World leaders head
to Abuja for Nigeria’s
centenary party
The UK’s minister for Africa Mark Simmonds is to deliver a personal message from
Queen Elizabeth II at this week’s forthcoming centenary celebrations in Abuja.
At the ceremony in the capital he will
deliver a keynote speech in which he will address the potential for Africa and Nigeria’s
future. Entitled African Choices in a New
Nigerian Century, the speech will focus on
Nigeria’s growing economic potential.
No fewer than 28 world leaders have indicated they hope to attend the week-long
celebrations in Abuja during which President Goodluck Jonathan will confer honours on 100 people identified as Nigerians
(see page 5).
More than 200 mourners attended Saint
Benet and All Saints’ Church in Kentish
Town on February 20 to pay their respects
and bid a fond farewell to Pa Lemoshe,
who, until he passed away, was the oldest
living Nigerian in Britain. He was six weeks
short of achieving his centenary.
The service was conducted by the
Reverend Peter Anthony at the church
where Mr Lemoshe was respected as an
active member of the congregation, most
often seen meeting and greeting fellow
worshippers.
At the commencement of the service Pa
Lemoshe’s casket was laid before the altar
and the lid removed. His best hat was laid
on his chest.
Tributes to him were delivered by his
brother Pastor Lemoshe, the President of
the Egba Union and friend Chief Yemesi
Sanusi, who also delivered condolences on
behalf of the High Commissioner to the
UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR.
A representative of the King of Egba land
was also present.
Pa Lemoshe left the church to a rousing
rendition from the congregation of the
Egba national anthem. He was laid to rest
at Islington Cemetery in East Finchley. The
funeral party then marked his passing with
an intimate family celebration at the
Pavillion in Crouch End.
A celebration of Pa Lemoshe’s life is
planned
for
March
15.
Visit
www.nigerianwatch.com/news for updates.
Euro seal of approval
for Nigerian drivers
Visitors to Britain may soon be able to use
their Nigerian driver’s licences if the government is persuaded to follow the example set by several European countries and
US states.
Traditionally, Nigerian driver’s licences have not been recognised across
Europe and the US because there have
been doubts about how robust tests are.
However, following a toughening up of
procedures in 2011 by the Federal Road
Safety Commission (FRSC) Nigerian
driving licences will now be recognised by
Germany, Turkey, Switzerland, Poland,
Spain, Austria and Sweden, and in the US
states of Maryland, Washington DC and
California.
Chidi Nkwonta, the FRSC Lagos sector commander, explained that they had
proved to these countries that Nigeria’s
driving tests were just as robust as theirs.
Now the push is on to get more countries to follow suit, “We have seven countries already in Europe that accept our
driver’s licence and we are working on
other countries.”
According to Mr Nkwonta, with the
new FRSC database, the identity of the
holder of a Nigerian licence could be verified in those countries and its genuineness
could be ascertained.
He added that the new Nigerian driver’s licence contained several security
features that would make it difficult to
produce fake ones.
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NEWSWATCH
Bold, creative, cheeky and
unique, Nigerian Chinelo
Bally is the rapidly rising star
of BBC2’s latest hit talent
show – the craft based Sewing
Bee, which is out to find
Britain’s best stitcher.
BBC/Love Productions/Des Willie
Sew ‘this is how we
do it in Nigeria’, says
TV’s freehand Bee
Chinelo has both wowed and
shocked the judges. She has
wowed them with her designs
and shocked them by doing
everything freehand.
Judge Patrick Grant was left
with his jaw on the floor when
Chinelo told him she didn’t use
patterns.
“So you don’t use a pattern
at all?” said an incredulous
Paul. “No,” replied Chinelo. “I
usually freehand cut, so I would
draw my measurements straight
onto the fabric and then I cut.”
Chinelo later explained that
she only started sewing two
years ago when her husband
Tunde bought her a second
hand sewing machine, and had subsequently learnt everything she knew
from her Nigerian aunt, who is a tailor.
“She just freehands everything. It’s
the African method,” said Chinelo. “I
watched, wrote everything down, prac-
tised. That’s how I’ve learnt to sew,
without using a pattern.”
Chinelo believes her more organic
approach “will bring to light a craft
that is generally not recognised in the
western world”.
Of the six garments she has been
Sodje brothers cry foul
over phone records
Solicitors representing Samuel, Akpo
and Stephen Sodje have asked the
National Crime Agency to obtain
and preserve mobile phone records as
part of their ongoing investigation
into alleged “spot-fixing” in matches.
It is believed these phone records
could prove the innocence of the
famous footballing brothers, who
were among six people arrested on
suspicion of spot-fixing, following the
publication last December of an
investigation for the Sun on Sunday
by Mazher Mahmood, who was
formerly famed as the “Fake Sheikh”
on the now defunct News of the
World.
Spot-fixing refers to illegal activity
in a sport where a specific part of a
game is fixed, such as a sending off or
the number of yellow cards issued.
No charges have been brought
against the accused and they remain
on bail pending further police
enquiries.
The Sodjes’ solicitors Whitworth
& Green issued a statement last week
calling on the NCA “to obtain and
preserve telephone billing data,
relating to the period surrounding the
23rd February 2013 match”.
The solicitors explained, “Under
the mobile service providers'
disclosure policies, they will only
retain mobile telephone data for a
period of 12 months, before it is
automatically and permanently
deleted.
“Once this date is passed, the data
is not available to be retrieved by
anyone, even if ordered by a court.
The data surrounding the 23rd
February 2013 will very shortly be
permanently deleted under these
policies.”
The statement continued, “We are
taking the unusual step of issuing
this statement now, on behalf of our
clients, to bring attention to the
unfairness that is done where no
decision about criminal charges is
taken over a protracted period, and
as a result data is deleted.
“It is plainly not fair that, by
delaying a decision about whether to
charge someone, a prosecuting
authority should obtain an
advantage by ensuring that hard
evidence which could prove
innocence is lost.”
seen making in this way on the show,
the judges were blown away by a fulllength silk nightgown. “That you did
all this without a pattern,” exclaimed
Paul, “I’m very, very impressed.”
The Sewing Bee is on BBC2 every Tuesday at 8pm.
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
3
WOMEN MOVE TO MAKE MARK
ON “MAINSTREAM FEMINISM”
The Women Society at SOAS
(School of Oriental and African
Studies) held a series of wellattended events to coincide with US
Black History Month last week (Feb
17-21), to raise the profile of black
feminism in Britain, writes Jessica
Onah.
The week-long festival of
feminism used as its starting point
Ntozake Shange’s 1975 Grammy
nominated choropoem For Colored
Girls Who Have Considered Suicide
When The Rainbow Is Enuf, which
tells of the harrowing abuse that
many black women experience.
During the week there were
sessions such as ‘Redefining The
Strong Black Woman’, ‘Black
(Mis)representation’ and ‘Claiming
Spaces in Mainstream Feminism’,
with many prominent speakers
appearing, such as pioneering
Equality and Human Rights activist
Femi Otitoju (right), who was a
founder member of the first UK
Black Lesbian group.
Organiser and Head of the
Women Society, Ella Achola told
Nigerian Watch that the reason for
the event was “mainstream feminism
does not accommodate for the
voices of black women and the
specific social and historical contexts
that form our identity. This event is
very much about being a response to
where feminism has failed to provide
a space and recognition for the
injustices that black women face
because of their gender and their
race.
“As mostly women of colour
ourselves, we felt that we did not
have a space in which black people
were represented so we wanted to
create this space and discuss issues
that we felt were specific to our
experiences as black women on our
own terms and experience a sense of
sisterhood that we feel is lacking in
black communities.’’
The forums were used to voice
grievances and find support which is
often lacking in black communities.
Black women were encouraged to
make their voices heard.
SOAS Student Adam Tulloch
directed the adaptation of Ntozake’s
choropoem.
The event series entitled ‘Ain’t I A
Woman? What’s race got to do with
it?’ was supported by Black
Feminists
UK
and
Media
Diversified. Similar events are
planned throughout the year and
information will be regularly
updated on the group’s Facebook
page ‘Ain’t I A Woman? What’s race
got to do with it?’ and on Twitter
@aintiawoman14.
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NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
LOCAL HERO
Making the streets safer and
THOMAS CHIGBO communities stronger
Lambeth Community Organiser Thomas
Chigbo is a man of action, writes Jessica
Onah. Currently working for Citizens UK
as a Community Organiser for the borough of Lambeth, he is also Acting Director of the pioneering campaign he helped
to create, the CitySafe London campaign.
He has been involved in working with
other institutions to build the power of
communities who work together for the
common good,
listening to concerns and developing
strategies to improve communities in London
and around the
UK.
CitySafe is a
community-led
campaign to
make streets
safer in London
and around the UK. The campaign sees
young people building relationships with
the police and local shops and cafes to
create places of safety for people in immediate danger or who feel threatened.
These places are called City Safe
Havens and there are currently over 600
across London. Each Haven displays a purple CitySafe logo in its window, meaning
young people can go there, and works
with the police to report crime.
CitySafe works with thousands of
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NEWSWATCH
young people and adults in schools, colleges, charities, churches, mosques, synagogues, and community groups, hoping
to make a change.
Thomas told us that he and his team
are building a foundation to support the
work that CitySafe are doing, dedicating
staff time, money and resources to ensure
it is sustainable and can grow.
The Guardian dubbed him as a future
Prime Minister but Thomas believes that
he already does his politics. He said, “Politics is about people making change, negotiating and campaigning for what is
needed. Civil society organisations are
particularly important and I do this job
because it's focused on action within the
community, I find it interesting working
with lots of different people and think
that other politics can be quite divisive.”
Thomas is a born leader. He led campaigns at university where he represented
20,000 students after being elected as the
first black President of Cambridge University Students’ Union.
He received the St John’s College Larmor Award for excelling both academically and in extra curricular activities. Rare
Rising Stars recognised him as the UK’s
number 1 black student and he was
named in the Power List of Britain’s 100
most influential black people. Wanting to
take his interest in community affairs further, Tom completed an MA in Community Organising at Queen Mary University
of London.
Confusion grows over Mayor’s
strategy to tackle gang crime
Documents obtained by Nigerian
Watch reveal the London Mayor’s
strategy for dealing with gang-related crime is in disarray, writes Jon
Hughes.
Most alarming for Nigerian
community leaders is a clear reluctance on behalf of the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime
(MOPAC) to engage with third
sector groups on the issue.
Dr Toyin Idowu – who has been
at the forefront of confronting the
issue of gang crime for over three
years – made a request in December for herself (as the founder of
Youth Against Crime Not Crime
Against You) and gangs expert
Sheldon Thomas of Gangsline, to
be among third sector groups allowed to have representation on
MOPAC and be involved in strategic planning on how to deal with
this issue, which disproportionately
involves young Nigerians.
In response to questions from
Nigerian Watch on February 18 a
spokesperson from the Mayor’s
Office for Policing And Crime said,
“MOPAC is considering how the
third sector can inform the gangs
work of the London Crime Reduction Board and we are very keen to
Stephen Greenhalgh, MOPAC chair
make this happen. MOPAC recently met with the Metropolitan
Police, who are considering setting
up a Voluntary and Community
Sector stakeholder engagement
group, and we are now considering
how to ensure that we continue to
engage effectively going forward.”
The statement continued, “In
the meantime, the third sector will
have ample opportunity to inform
the development of the next strategy as we begin the gangs consultation in the coming months.”
But documents obtained by
Nigerian Watch suggest this will be
too little, too late for the third sec-
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tor to have any meaningful input.
The document entitled Gangs
and Serious Youth Violence – North
London Team (Lines to take and
update) states that the current
strategy is to be “refreshed” to address gaps that have emerged, and
that it is anticipated this “will have
been signed off and launched at
the end of May 2014”.
This it becomes apparent will
happen in the absence of any
analysis of the Mayor’s gangs
strategy, which has taken myriad
forms since 2008. Evaluation of
the latest manifestation Voyage will
not be available until September.
A gang summit, however, is
scheduled to take place on June 2
at City Hall, when the refresh strategy will be launched.
Consultation with Londoners
and interested parties, meanwhile,
will take the form of a short online
survey, which is to be promoted via
Twitter and MOPAC’s website.
The MOPAC spokesperson
said both Mayor Boris Johnson
and Deputy Mayor and chairman
of MOPAC Stephen Greenhalgh
had “very busy diaries” when we
requested an opportunity to discuss this issue with them.
Her Royal Majesty, Queen
Elizabeth II, Frederick John
Dealtry Lugard and Dame
Flora Louise Shaw, Lady
Lugard have been given
Centenary Honours to
recognise their contributions
to the making of modern
Nigeria. They are among 100
people to receive the special
awards as part of Nigeria’s
centenary celebrations.
The list is extensive and
covers
14
categories,
including the “making of
Nigeria” – for which the
Queen was honoured – to
heroes of the independence
struggle, artists, civil servants,
academics, sports stars, entrepreneurs and politicians.
Herbert Samuel Heelas
Macaulay, Rt. Hon. Dr.
Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe,
Sir
Abubakar
Tafawa
Balewa, Chief Jeremiah
Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir
Ahmadu Bello, were named
as heroes of the struggle for
Nigeria's independence and
pioneer political leaders.
Alhaji Shehu Usman
Aliyu
Shagari,
Chief
Moshood
Kashimawo
Olawale Abiola General
Shehu Musa Yar'adua, and
General Abdulsalami Alhaji
Abubakar are cited as
promoters of democratic
transition in Nigeria.
Late
Chief
Gani
Fahehinmi was honoured for
his outstanding bravery and
public spiritedness while
General Yakubu Gowon,
General Murtala Ramat
Mohammed,
General
Olusegun Mathew Okikiola
Aremu Obasanjo, General
Muhammadu
Buhari,
General Ibrahim Badamasi
Babangida, Chief Ernest
Shonekan, General Sani
Abacha, Alhaji Umaru
Musa Yar'adua, and General
Theophilus
Yakubu
Danjuma receive recognition
as outstanding promoters of
unity,
patriotism
and
national development.
In the category of
internationally acclaimed
artists, literary icons and
journalists the recipients are
Professor Wole Soyinka,
Professor Chinua Achebe,
Prof John Pepper Clark,
Cyprian Ekwensi, Alhaji
Abubakar Imam, Daniel O.
Fagunwa, Ernest Sesei Ikoli,
Alhaji Ismail Babatunde
Jose, Kenneth Nnebue,
Patience Ozokwor, Alhaji
(Dr)
Mamman
Shata
Katsina, Hubert Adedeji
Ogunde, Fela Anikulapo
Kuti,
Stephen
Osita
Osadebe, Ben Enwonwu,
and Oludotun Jacobs.
Accomplished pioneer
public servants are listed as
Chief Stanley Olabode Wey,
Justice Egbert Udo Udoma,
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and
Sir Adetokunbo Adegboyega Ademola.
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ADICHIE CONDEMNS NIGERIA’S ANTI-GAY LAW
AS ‘KISS-IN’ PROTEST IS STAGED IN LONDON
Nigeria’s foremost woman of
letters Chimamanda Adichie
has condemned Nigeria’s samesex marriage prohibition law as
being “unafrican” and “undemocratic”.
Writing exclusively for the
ScoopNG website Ms Adichie
says, “The new law that criminalises homosexuality is popular among Nigerians. But it
shows a failure of our democracy, because the mark of a true
democracy is not in the rule of
its majority but in the protection
of its minority – otherwise mob
justice would be considered
democratic.”
She also argues that it is ‘unafrican’ because “if anything, it
is the passage of the law itself
that is ‘unafrican.’ It goes
against the values of tolerance
and ‘live and let live’ that are
part of many African cultures.”
She calls for this unjust law
to be repealed. “Throughout
history, many inhumane laws
have been passed, and have subsequently been repealed. Barack
Obama, for example, would not
be here today had his parents
obeyed American laws that
criminalised marriage between
blacks and whites.”
Over 60 people protested against Nigeria’s new anti-gay law outside the Nigeria High Commission in London on February 20. A
letter of protest was handed in to Nigeria’s High Commissioner
condemning the law, which threatens penalties of up to 14
years in jail for a gay marriage and up to 10 years for membership or encouragement of gay clubs and organisations.
Ms Adichie concludes, “An
acquaintance recently asked me,
‘If you support gays, how would
you have been born?’ Of course,
there were gay Nigerians when I
was conceived. Gay people have
existed as long as humans have
existed. They have always been
a small percentage of the
human population. We don’t
know why. What matters is this:
[my old school friend] Sochukwuma is a Nigerian and his existence is not a crime.”
The full article by Ms Adichie is
at www.thescoopng.com/chimamanda-adichie-why-cant-he-justbe-like-everyone-else/
Diaspora leaders to ‘green light’
candidates for 2015 elections
Despite not being afforded the vote, Nigerians in
the diaspora have been given an alternative
virtual means to influence the outcome of the
Presidential elections in 2015.
The brainchild of Alistair Soyode of Nigeria
Arise and other stakeholders from Nigerians in
the Diaspora Leadership Forum, diasporans can
have a virtual vote via the platform Nigeria 2015.
The aim of the initiative is to rally Nigerians
to identify, nominate and support potential
candidates for election in 2015. Once nominated,
however, these aspirants will be investigated and
the findings shared on the Nigeria 2015 platform.
Once the nominees have overcome this hurdle
will Nigeria 2015 promote their candidacy.
The criterion for candidates is clear. A
statement on the website says, “Anything is
possible if we believe. Our commitment is to be
agents for change. Changing positively,
progressively with our collective mandates.”
The final candidates for elective position
“must be Nigerians that have contributed
something tangible, visible and positively with
their lives” through and by “pursuing demanding
and productive careers” with “significant
management and humanitarian responsibilities”.
For more information and to register for Nigeria
2015 visit www.nigeria2015.org
# # #
! ! % &$ #
# $!# ! ## # # !### % & # $!# !
## $##! $!#
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NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
7
UK FOOT-DRAGGING IS
HOLDING NIGERIA BACK
Britain holds the key to unlocking an economic
boom in Nigeria, to the benefit of both countries, a parliamentary report has concluded. But
it warns that Britain will have to act fast if it is to
capitalise on this golden opportunity.
The report, The Promise of Nigeria’s Entrepreneurs: A Perspective from the UK was written by
Richard Fuller MP, Vice Chairman of the All Party
Parliamentary Committee on Nigeria, and
Samuel Kasumu, founder and managing director
of EN Campaigns, a company that promotes
small and medium enterprise (SME) start-ups in
the UK.
While Nigeria is primed for an SME boom,
foot-dragging within the UK government means
others countries – Germany, Australia, US and
Canada – could steal a march.
Lagos was the focus of the study but the report says “the findings have relevance for the
country as a whole as economic diversification
remains a priority and entrepreneurs are a key
part of that process.”
The authors were impressed by what they
saw in the former capital. “The vast entrepreneurial talent and the drive and ambition of the
people were evident and left an abiding impression. The sheer scale of raw talent if harnessed
with even a modicum of care in Lagos and beyond can dramatically transform the economic
wellbeing of the country.”
The report notes that strides are being taken
to create the right environment for an SME
boom. “The regulatory, financial and skills constraints faced by entrepreneurs in Nigeria are
being lessened to such an extent that economic
development can be realised on a broad scale.”
What is holding the Nigerian economy back is a
lack of credit for entrepreneurs and a skilled
workforce.
On the British side of the equation the picture is less rosy. While the report notes that the
UK government “has placed Nigeria at the forefront of its agenda to engage with leading nations of the coming century” the authors say this
is not evident in practice. “For the UK the expectation that the Nigerian economy is on the cusp
of a similar period of self-reinforcing growth
that enabled other large economies to rise is
chilled by a realisation that the UK’s share of
Nigerian imports has been more than halved in
recent years.”
The report makes a series of recommendations to bridge the gap – to unleash a line of
credit and deliver training to fill the skills gap in
Nigeria, which in turn would boost the UK’s exports.
The achieve this virtuous circle the authors
call on the government to make it a priority to
create “investment funds” in partnership with
Nigerian banks, to bankroll early start-ups. And
it calls on the Department for International Development to utilise City of London expertise to
create formal corporate agreements for all investors, to build confidence.
On training it says current UK regulations
prevent the UK’s accreditation board OFQUAL
and those who deliver NVQ and City and Guilds
training from developing programmes in Nigeria. The report states, “Processing, not availability, of talent is the issue.”
It says that “anecdotal evidence of the gap in
the supply of technical training is found in estimates that Nigeria spends N900bn ($6bn) on foreign construction workers every year despite a
quarter of the local working-age population –
perhaps more – being unemployed.”
The Lagos State Vocational Education Board
is trying to address the problem but with “a reported 514% increase in demand for places at
technical colleges” it simply can’t keep up. Over
6,000 people graduated with vocational qualifications in 2012 from the five technical colleges
in Lagos State “but there is demand from hundreds of thousands of young people”.
“Britain has world class training providers
and the potential demand for their services in
Lagos is high,” the report declares. “The UK government can help UK education providers overcome UK and Nigeria based hurdles to achieve
this potential.”
The authors call on the government to relax
rules that mean OFQUAL only recognise schemes
for which there is demand in the UK. “The ability
of UK providers to tailor courses to foreign market needs is being artificially curtailed by
OFQUAL’s self-imposed regulations.”
The diaspora has a role to play. The report describes the Nigerian diaspora in the UK as “large,
well-educated, already providing significant financial support to Nigeria, and has the potential
for strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial development.” It calls on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office “to broaden its Nigeria
diaspora engagement programme in co-ordination with DfID to include support for entrepreneurship and business growth.”
A copy of The Promise of Nigeria’s Entrepreneurs is available at www.chathamhouse.org
NEWSWATCH
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
Follow us on Twitter
@NigerianWatch
BLACK STARS RISING
PRESENTERS:
Caroline Chikezie
and Ali Baba
BELOW: Alex
Ekubo
FROM L-R:
Jimmy Akingbola,
Adelayo
Adedayo, Chizzy
Akudolo and Biyi
Bandele
ABOVE: Gbenga
Akinagbe
BELOW: Karen Bryson
BELOW: Franny Oprah and
Christine Ohuruogu
ABOVE: Chukky Venn
“There’s a lot of beautiful people
here,” declared actor Gbenga Akinnagbe who is in London to film the
latest series of 24. And he wasn’t
wrong, as the A-list of black showbusiness swept into the Park Plaza
Riverbanks, London, for the Screen
Nation Film & TV Awards 2014, on
February 23.
Now in its ninth year, the awards
were launched to celebrate and
promote the achievements of black
actors to put a brake on what has
become known as the Idris Elba ef-
fect, where Black British actors have
to leave the United Kingdom to
make their fortunes in the United
States and African countries.
Speaking on this matter, guest
of honour the Minister of State for
Culture, Communication and Creative Industries Ed Vaizey said, “It
seems we are quite a way behind
the United States and we need to
ensure that in our dramas, in particular, Britain is reflected as a country
of different peoples, as it is.”
Charles Thompson, founder and
CEO of Screen Nation, said, “Screen
Nation was established to recognise
and celebrate the talent of Black
British and international film and
television talent. We are really
happy to see the government finally beginning to tackle some of
the major issues affecting the talent within our community.”
And that talent, from soaps such
as Holby City to mainstream movies
such as Half of A Yellow Sun, was
there for all to see. Shameless star
Karen Bryson told Nigerian Watch
these awards are important “when
you think Halle Berry is the only
woman of colour to have won a
best actress Oscar to date, and that
was back in the early 90s, so we can
wait for the mainstream or we can
encourage and support ourselves,
because that’s what these awards
are about.”
And with that in mind the party
started, with the festivities led by
hosts comedian Ali Baba and actress Caroline Chikezie, and continued into the wee hours.
Images Screen Nation Official Photographers- Michael Tubes Creations /Sync Photography
8
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
– Diversity in Factual Production ITV1 for First
Amongst Equals: The Laurie Cunningham
Story
– Diversity in Drama Production C4 for Run
– Independent Spirit Film Production Destiny
Ekaragha for Gone Too Far
– Favourite Black Channel ABN TV
– Favourite International (Intl.) Movie (made
by or starring British talent)
12 Years A Slave
– Favourite Nigerian (New Nollywood) Film
(Released in Nigeria and/or premiered in UK)
Flower Girl
– Favourite Female African Intl. Rising Screen
Talent Lupita Nyong’o for 12 Years A Slave,
Shuga
– Favourite Male African Intl. Rising Screen
Talent Alex Ekubo (Nigeria)
– Best African Film Biyi Bandele for Half of A
Yellow Sun
– Rising Talent Javone Prince for PhoneShop,
Plebs, Quick Cuts
Young Shooting Star (16-25) Adelayo Adedayo
for Some Girls, Gone Too Far
– Favourite Female TV Star Chizzy Akudolu for
Holby City
– Favourite Male TV Star Jimmy Akingbola for
Holby
– Female Performance in Film Naomie Harris
for Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Skyfall
– Male Performance in Film
Chiwetel Ejiofor for 12 Years A Slave
– Female Performance in TV Sharon Duncan
Brewster for Top Boy, The Bible, The Mimic
– Male Performance in TV Idris Elba for Luther
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®
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COLUMNWATCH
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
9
The SAMUEL KASUMU Column
Sanusi’s suspension as bank BRITISH POLITICS IS PREPARING
chief has put at risk Nigeria’s FOR AN EXCITING ELECTION
entrepreneurial future
Last year I had the privilege of being
involved in a groundbreaking piece of
research, working alongside the Vice
Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary
Group on Nigeria, Richard Fuller MP. Our
research was concentrated on the
entrepreneurial potential of Nigeria, mainly
focusing on Lagos,
with a view to seeing
how Britain can be a
part of helping to
build the country’s
financial and skill
sectors.
He should have weighed up the risks of
international reactions when he chose to
suspend the well-respected Lamido Sanusi.
The suspension in many respects is
counterproductive, with the accusations
sounding fabricated. To make things worse, the
question of $20 billion worth of oil revenues
that are yet to
be accounted for
remains
sadly
unanswered.
When we wrote
our APPGN report
Mr Sanusi was
upheld as a beacon
of hope for those
who had reservations
about
investing in Nigeria.
Since he assumed
office in 2009 he has
won award after
award for his efforts as bank governor.
I would also mention that he is also an
acclaimed Islamic scholar, which at a time when
Jonathan’s faith has been seen as a reason for
him not to seek a second term, makes his
decision to suspend a well respected Muslim
even more ironic.
The President has made a big mistake in
suspending someone who was due to finish his
term this year anyway. Mr Jonathan has mixed
economic stability with
political gamesmanship,
and he will have lost the
respect from millions
across the world as a
result.
The
future
of
President Jonathan is
now more in jeopardy
than it ever has been, and
I now worry for his
chances in 2015 as a
result of what he has
chosen to do.
If our report into
Nigeria’s entrepreneurial
potential was published
early last year I would
have probably written a
different column, but at
this moment I doubt very
much progress will be
made during such a
period of political and
economic instability.
“Nigeria is at a moment
[of] uncertainty, which
is something that
would deter investors
from any country”
Our
recommendations were direct
and left no room for
ambiguity. However
what we did not
anticipate at the time
of writing the report
was that Nigeria
would enter a moment of political and
economic instability as power struggles increase.
Nigeria is at a moment when there is now
uncertainty, which is something that would
deter investors from any country.
During the financial crisis we saw many
people shift their focus to developing nations,
however now that developed economies like the
UK’s are growing once again, developing
countries are increasingly being looked at less
favourably by investors.
As a consequence, any economic instability,
no matter how much potential a country has,
can be seen to be putting a country’s future at
risk. The recent suspension of the Central Bank
of Nigeria Governor Lamido Sanusi can
certainly be seen as something that would make
a country’s economic outlook look less stable.
Sanusi is someone with an international
reputation for creating a strong economic
environment, and has been seen to be pivotal to
a better Nigeria.
Whether his role over the years has been
overstated or not is far from the point. In
economics, just like in politics, perception is just
as important as reality. Sanusi’s suspension has
sent the wrong message to the world about
Nigeria’s future, and the President must
shoulder the blame for this.
President Jonathan has received a lot of
sympathy from me as he has had to contend
with betrayals from within his own party, but
unfortunately he has now been seen to not be
dealing with his challenges in a gracious
manner.
While Nigeria is gearing up
for one of the closest elections
in its history, UK Nigerians can
expect to see something similar here in Britain.
The Labour party is currently ahead in all of the polls,
but Britain is now slowly moving into a period of economic
growth; inflation is down to
1.9%; unemployment has continued to decline every month
since the end of 2013; and the
British economy is on the up.
The tough decisions made
by the coalition government
seem to be paying off, and
Labour must now show just
why they deserve to be
trusted with Britain’s economy
once again.
One challenge that we will
see play out over the next
year is the age old problem of
the Conservatives being unable to attract voters from
black and minority ethnic
communities.
It has been well documented that the key determinant for not voting Tory is
one’s ethnic background, and
we also know we are yet to
see a significant shift in regards to ethnic minorities
viewing the Conservatives as a
genuine option at the polls.
As a Conservative myself, I
was very hopeful that we as
a party would do well over
the current term to demonstrate that we are a party
able to broaden our appeal
whilst staying true to our
core values. There are many
things that as a party we can
be proud of.
We have refocused the
country’s efforts on academic
excellence in schools, we have
kept the country’s commitment to spending on International Aid, and we have
re-engaged our efforts on
stop and search.
However, there is a feeling
that not enough has been
done for the party to improve
its engagement with ethnic
minority communities.
There is still a lack of talented leaders from black and
minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds within the party, and
not much has been done to
engage with young leaders
who have the potential to be
our own future politicians.
My own belief is that it
will take a generation for the
Conservative party to be seen
as a realistic alternative to
Labour. Too much emphasis
has been put on what has
happened in the past, by
both conservative thinkers
and those from BAME communities that remember the
mistakes that were made by
the party post-Windrush.
We know the Conservative
Party did not do enough to
engage with migrants from
the Commonwealth, and empathised with those who
chose to vilify them.
There needs to be energy
focused on equality, fairness,
and above all hope if the Conservatives are to win over traditional Labour voters.
As Martin Luther King
Junior so eloquently put it,
“The hope of a secure and
liveable world lies with disciplined non-conformists, that
are dedicated to justice,
peace, and brotherhood.”
For the Conservatives to
become a genuine option for
every section of society, we
must offer hope to those
who feel like hope is the very
thing our policies aim to take
away. Then, and only then,
will communities with conservative values give the Conservative Party a chance.
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10
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
Follow us on Twitter
@NigerianWatch
GISTWATCH
Madam Amebo
Chop-chop money
ORGANISING events in the Nigerian
community is no child’s play, especially if you are the one handling the
cash. Fancy having to ring up 300
members of your organisation asking
them for their pledged contributions
to an anniversary and getting short
shrift for your efforts.
To make matters worse, our people are never satisfied and once there
is any hiccup, our typical Naijas waste
no time in asking what they paid for.
A spat nearly got ugly at a recent
girls’ old school meeting in southeast
London when at a post-event review
the treasurer was accused of overcharging the association and using
the excess cash for a new hair-do.
One of her classmates insinuated
that the new weave-on her colleague
was sporting had been paid for with
organisation funds. No doubt, the
treasurer did not find it funny and
threatened to rip her hair out.
However, her accuser said she
would do the same first. Luckily,
enough people were there to prevent
the matter getting out of hand and
the meeting was quickly adjourned.
Facebook identity
BE very careful of who you chat up
on Facebook as it is very easy to
start hitting on someone you should
not, especially when a lot of people
use pseudonyms to hide their true
identity.
One Hackney chap recently got
into hot water when he started getting over-familiar with a lady in
Nigeria, who was using an alias. She
also did not show her face, using instead pictures of her behind as her
profile avatar.
Impressed with what he saw, the
gentleman began telling the lady
how lovely she was. As the conversation developed, she asked him
about his marriage and he promptly
told her he was single, despite the
fact that his wife and kids lived in
Nigeria.
As the conversation developed
the lady suggested that they Skype
so they could actually see each other
before taking the relationship further. Our gentleman obliged but you
can imagine the shock he got when
he discovered that the lady he had
been hitting on was his own wife.
COME HOME TO
Got a story for Madam Amebo? Send
it to [email protected]
We pay for every story that appears
No doubt she rained unprintable
curses on him on Skype, forcing him
to quickly shut it down and start
sending text messages apologising.
She refused to take his calls, so he
eventually rang her pastor in Nigeria
and got him to plead on his behalf.
Meeting mix-up
GETTING round communication differences is always one of the problems some first generation diasporans
face in the UK, especially those who
grew up in humble and primordial
environments where English was not
the first language. Invariably, this
problem tends to rear its head whenever first and second generation diasporans communicate.
One big problem is the difference
in pronunciation and the way vowels
are used, so it is always advisable to
spell out words to a visiting friend. A
gentleman who lived in Hayes in west
London was trying to ask an old relative who was visiting the UK for the
first time to come and see him but
their meeting never happened.
His relative was staying in Barking
so they spoke on the phone to
arrange a meeting. They agreed a
time and place to meet and it was
arranged that our visitor would be
picked up at the train station.
Unfortunately, when he got to
Grays station he could not find his relative, who was on the platform of
Hayes station. After the stress, they
have agreed to meet up at London
Bridge station, which is virtually impossible to confuse with any other
place.
Gorgeous speaker
OVER recent years, a new class of excellent public speakers has emerged
within the diaspora, giving rise to a
new profession known as motivational speaking. Such speakers are
generally charismatic, well-informed,
highly educated and specialists in certain subject areas.
Of late, the rising star of this
group of motivational speakers has
been one north London doctor who
gives barn-storming speeches about
the benefits of healthy living. So
good are her speeches that whenever
she speaks at one event, she is immediately asked to come and talk to an-
other one because the audience was
mesmerised with her diction, content
and logic.
Her message is actually quite commonsensical, eat well, exercise regularly and go for regular check-ups to
avoid falling ill. Our doctor makes the
simple point that if people look after
themselves, they will not have to visit
the doctor at all, freeing up medical
professionals like herself to concentrate on research and unavoidable
health concerns.
After her last meeting in the
House of Commons, she was invited
to speak to a working men’s club
about the drawbacks of the typical
male blue collar lifestyle. However,
the union rep who invited our doctor
warned her to dress down for the occasion as if she does not, her audience
will not pay one attention to her message.
He was right to do so as our doctor is drop-dead gorgeous and comes
with a perfect figure eight. Thankfully, she heeded his advice and went
to the talk in a loose-fitting pair of
trousers and jumper but whether that
did the trick is another matter.
COME HOME TO
NIGERIA... MOINMOIN
AVAILABLE AT
OR AT VAROFOODS.COM
YOURWATCH
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Letters to the Editor
air we breathe which we cannot control or select. Therefore if it can happen to one, it can
Letters to be included in the next issue must be received by no later than March 10, 2014. Anonymous letters happen to all and if one is not safe, no one’s
will not be published. Please include your full name, postal address and contact telephone number. Names safety is guaranteed. The government must
and addresses can be withheld, if preferred.
be made aware that any initiative that does
Letters may be edited for publication.
not work with community organisations and
local community leaders who are on the
ground would be a smoke screen and can
wards this goal; only a concerted and joint
Gangs and MOPAC
only deal with leaves and branches whilst igco-ordinated and collaborative approach
noring the root cause.
would yield the desired outcome.
Nigerian Watch has played an encouraging
Having said all that, I say this to the
Having explored the approach used by
role in helping to showcase the work of YAC‘black’ community leaders, celebrities, reliProfessor David Kennedy, Director, John Jay
nCAY as we work tirelessly to curb the blood
gious leaders and parents in particular, it is
College of Criminal Justice in New York
flood amongst our youth in London and I
time to save your children and stop allowing
which has seen up to 50% reduction in gun
must say, we still have a very long way to go.
them to waste inside the grave, crematoriums,
and knife crimes across some states in the
It is critical to appreciate that, in as much
prisons, mental health institutions and on
United States, it beggars belief why such apas organisations such as YACnCAY,
London Streets. Parents need to look themproach cannot be adopted here in London.
Gangsline, Pathway Sports for example couselves in the eye and remember that their pripled with government initiatives in tackling
The truth is, evil is evil, and evil evolves.
mary and secondary assets are their children.
gun and knife crimes seek to each work toEvil has no terms of reference and is like the
Therefore they must give and receive cooperation, compliment and support from
one another and disengage from competing
activities are reduced or
CAY) along with the rest of
I want to use this medium to
and fighting one another and negating the
stopped, especially among
the Nigerian community leadappreciate the team at Nigerneeds of their children which are paraNigerian communities and
ers and organisations for the
ian Watch for your support tomount. Every ‘black’ parent living in Lonyoung people in general.
great work and efforts they
wards Pathway Sports, Team
have dedicated to the campaign don needs to stand up and be counted.
I would like to commend
Nigeria UK, and most importo stop this senseless carnage
Dr Toyin Idowu, founder of
tantly to all organisations at
Eze Nacho, via email
on our streets.
the forefront of ensuring gang, Youth Against Crime and Not
I urge MOPAC (the MayCrime Against You (YACnknife and associated criminal
We received more letters on this subject but
ors Office for Policing and
sadly after our production deadline (see
Crime) to respond to this
above). These will be published in the next
great initiative, to allow leadedition of NW, out March 14.
ers of third sector groups to
have a say in policing policy,
strategy and funding, and
also attend meetings with
them, as the body responsible
for this in London.
In my previous letters, emails, telephone calls to the
Deputy Mayor of policing
Mr Stephen Greenhalgh on
how small community groups
such as ours Pathway Sports
Group,YACnCAY,
Gangsline,World Of Hope,
etc – who are referred to as
the Third sectors –, working
closely on ground to help in
reducing crime, can get the
necessary support needed to
yield greater success, with the
support of MOPAC; set up
by the Mayor Boris Johnson
to oversee and ensure gangrelated crime is reduced in
communities across the capital, to bring about peace,
unity and cohesion in
our communities and among
young people especially the
black youth of Nigerian decent. I will encourage them and
the Government to consider
this new approach to make
sure we have safer, peaceful
and more cohesive communities across the capital. Let us know what you think. Put pen to paper and send your letters to: The Editor, Nigerian Watch, Chartwell
House, 292 Hale Lane, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 8NP, or email us at: [email protected]
David Doherty, Pathway
Sports, via email
More on ‘that’ chair and the role of a lady
The Women’s Watch article about “the chair”
(Please Take a Seat, NW Feb 1) was very interesting and thought provoking. Responses to
this article will depend upon one’s viewpoint
of what role a lady plays in our society today.
Societal perception of a lady is evolving
and still many of us are holding on to the no-
tion that a lady is an instrument of pleasure.
Period.
Please continue writing articles that will
bring and shed lights on issues that most of us
will discuss openly and then turn around to
act contrary to our public utterances.
Lateef Balogun, via email
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
11
NW COMMENT
T
he 9th edition of the Screen Nation Awards
took place on Sunday (February 23). A
wonderfully glamorous affair it was too.
And the parade of talent was amazing. How it has
grown since 2004 is wonderful.
All too often this annual event is dismissed as
self-serving. But that argument has been crushed
by the Minister for Culture, Communication and
Creative Industries Ed Vaizey.
Concerned that black actors do not get a fair
shake of the dice in Britain, he recently held a
round table discussion to look at barriers that
remain in the industry. A report back is due soon.
This is an excellent development. Our voices
are being heard. But that is not the case
everywhere, as is apparent from our report on the
Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (p6).
As AJ James writes (p13), being heard requires
organisation and dedication, and being politically
active. The Nigerian diaspora has adopted this
approach to the forthcoming Presidential elections
with the launch of Nigeria2015, which aims to
promote a slate of vetted candidates to pursue a
reform agenda (p7).
Maybe they should consider something similar
for the British elections; diaspora2015? Then we
can put issues of concern to us on the agenda –
from Britain’s cautious approach to our continent
(p7) to how to police gangs.
First, we must of course register to vote. The
more of us that do, the more attention political
parties will pay to us.
And then maybe we
will be heard – as
Screen Nation has
been.
Maryanne Jemide, MD
12
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
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EMBASSYWATCH
NEWS FROM THE NIGERIA
HIGH COMMISSION, LONDON
Community leaders launch one-stop advice centre
A one-stop advice shop is to be launched to help
Nigerians in the diaspora navigate Britain’s
bureaucracy, it was announced at the Nigeria
High Commission on February 19. The initiative
was welcomed by Nigeria’s High Commissioner
to the UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida OFR, CFR,
as a “noble and much-needed endeavour” and was
endorsed by CANUK chairman, Bimbo Roberts.
The acting Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor
Adedamola Aminu led the delegation and
outlined the purpose of the advice shop, which
is to be known as the Nigerian Community
Centre UK (NCCUK).
While the project doesn’t yet have offices, it
has a wealth of experience on board, with
lawyers and IT consultants and experts in
welfare, domestic violence and finance.
“The idea behind the community centre is
about us working together to make a difference
to our community, who are suffering a lot,”
Roles, rights and responsibilities
Eighteen members of the 40-strong
Association of British Nigerian
Councillors in the UK – many of
whom are the first Nigerian councillors elected to serve their local
authority – called on the High Commissioner Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida to
both support a proposed summer
conference and help raise their profile in the community.
The delegation was led by their
chairman, Cllr Adedamola Aminu,
who told the meeting, “The purpose
of the conference is to clarify roles
between what we do as councillors,
and what the High Commission is
for, so we are both better positioned
to serve the community.”
Describing the work of councillors as being at the coal face of
British politics, delivering on and
formulating policy across myriad
areas, such as housing strategy and
rents, council tax, schools admissions, planning, licensing, social
services and child protection, and
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“Trust our experience to
manage your visas”
policing, he said, “This is about the
British system. We are the ones
with the expertise and that are
there to make things better for the
community.
“Even where we don’t have
councillors we can liaise with counterparts in other boroughs to help
resolve problems.”
What the Association would like
was for the High Commission to be
more responsive to requests for
support from the many councillors
present, and to help raise their profile by integrating them into activities at the High Commission.
Dr Tafida assured the councillors
he respected them greatly as elected
politicians and that communications
between the High Commission and
Association would be improved.
Present at the meeting were
Councillors Adedamola Aminu,
Lambeth;
Angela
George,
Sevenoaks District; Ben LloydShogbesan, Oxford; Susan Fajana-
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Thomas and Michael Jones, both
Hackney; Michael Adeyeye, Brent;
Kate Anolue, Nneka Keazor† and
Patricia Ekechi, all Enfield; Gregory P.
Udeh, Merton; Reverend Emmanuel
Oyewole,
Southwark;
Michael
Gbadebo, Bracknell Forest; Joseph
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! Asylum & Human Rights
Applications
!Appeals & Judicial Reviews
Our Clients
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spectrum of industries and
backgrounds and include:
! Ladurée UK
! 4C Associates
! Thermo Electric Ltd
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Ejiofor, Haringey; Anna Mbachu,
Waltham Forest; Charity Fiberesima,
Newham; Emmanuel Obasohan,
Barking and Dagenham; Simeon
Ademolake, former Councillor from
Newham; and Dokun Lasaki, former
Councillor from Southwark.
explained Cllr Aminu. “People often come to
the High Commission with problems that are
problems that should be dealt with in the
community.”
He said the aim was to work closely with the
High Commission to advance the Nigerian
community in the UK.
Aside from offering advice on issues ranging
from immigration and support for struggling
families, to training to assist people into full
employment, the NCCUK will also develop
over time to become a centre for the promotion
of Nigerian culture.
Dr Tafida welcomed the initiative saying,
“Councillor Aminu is known to us as a driving
force in our community, participating in all
we’ve done. He s a real pusher of events.”
He continued, “If Cllr Aminu is involved we
can be assured this project is something serious
and something noble to the community in this
country. Offering services to thousands of
Nigerians is a welcome development. This is
exactly the kind of work CANUK should be
involved in doing.”
The prime movers behind NCCUK are,
alongside Cllr Aminu,: Mr Mazi Okoli, an IT
consultant who will be offering IT training free
of charge to help people into employment;
Grace Adebayo-Tijani, a psychologist and
domestic violence expert, who will offer advice
and support on family welfare issues; and
Princess Ifem Enwerem, a radio presenter and
school governor.
Princess moved the meeting at the High
Commission when she described her own ordeal
after experiencing a mental breakdown that left
her homeless. I couldn’t access help but others
helped me and I recovered. I don’t want any
Nigerian to experience what I did, that’s why I
wanted to help,” she said.
Others who have been instrumental to the
development of NCCUK are: Ms Christine
Fajana, a lawyer and financial expert; Mrs
Taiwo Akpabio, an architect and family welfare
counsellor; Mr Emmanuel Korie, an IT
consultant; Ms Bunmi Otuyemi, a solicitor;
Prince Oshinusi, a hospitality consultant; Mr
Clemence; and Bimbo Roberts.
To contact the Nigerian Community Centre UK
email [email protected] or
telephone 07767924155
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NIGERIANWATCH
POLITICS Watch
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
13
Delivering cutting edge comment, opinion and analysis
Voting
Different countries but the same scripts…
AJ James gets that sinking feeling over the year ahead but thinks he can see a way out of the mire
I say two countries because as a
member of the diaspora that’s the noman’s land in which I reside.
In both there is a distrust of
politicians, where most are perceived
to be carpet-baggers. How our
governors and senators laughed when
their British counterparts were
caught fiddling their expenses. But
the fallout has been dramatic in the
UK when placed alongside the
banking crash and tax evasion
scandals. Most of us would have been
sacked if we were caught robbing
from our employer but all but a
handful of MPs were allowed to
apologise and pay the money back.
With the crash and tax evasion
scandals we in the UK witnessed our
politicians hiding behind the skirts of
globalisation, effectively saying, we
can’t do anything. On the gravy train
that is the political express in
Nigeria – witness James Ibori going
from being a shop assistant to multimillion dollar world player – it is
more a case of we won’t do anything
to upset the apple cart because the
apples are nice.
The political classes from each
country are frequent fliers. UK MPs
go there, Nigeria’s politicos come
here. To what purpose is not always
clear for either. the UK’s APPG on
Nigeria visits at least once a year and
issues a report. This ordinarily tells us
Nigeria is progressing slowly but
could do better. Doh! I have seen no
report from these democrats pushing
for the diaspora to be given its lawful
right to vote, to partake in
democracy. Yet, as all sides know,
that would clearly help Nigeria to do
better and open the floodgates for a
brain gain.
Travelling the other way are
Nigeria’s political elite, who return
home with cases full of bright ideas –
alongside cases packed with clobber
from Debenhams. But these ideas are
Crown Copyright; The Prime MInisters Office
Watching the recent floods in
Britain brought to mind the recent
ones in Nigeria, in Plateau in 2012
and Zamfara, Kogi and Bauchi
states in 2013. Lives lost, countless
more ruined, businesses washed
away. These states are no Kent,
Surrey, Somerset or Thames Valley
and the devastation in numbers is
not comparable. It was when the
leaders of all the UK’s political
parties turned up late at the scene,
as previously did their Nigerian
counterparts, looking splendid in
Wellington
boots,
pledging
everything that needs to be done
will be done, that I was struck by
how similar my two countries are in
this pre-election year.
UK FLOODS 2014: (Left) Flooding
in St Asaph, Denbighshire, Wales.
(Above) David Cameron meeting
farmers in Somerset.
“As the bickering, backbiting and bluster heads toward a
crescendo the floods will seem like a million years ago”
NIGERIA FLOODS 2011-13:
(Above) Goodluck Jonathan
meeting mothers with their
babies born in Benue State Flood
relief camp. (Right) Ikorodu,
Nigeria
left to gather dust as the recipients are
blinded by the brilliance of the
flattery we diasporans are so good at
giving when gathered in the bosoms
of our ethnic associations. They go
home and report things are well,
support is strong in London. It is all
so other-worldly.
Meanwhile both countries suffer
from high youth unemployment –
among the black and minority ethnic
communities in Britain it is around
50%, in Nigeria 70%. This situation
arises while the rich get richer and the
poor get poorer; this is what is meant
in the UK when the political class say
social mobility has stalled. And both
countries are facing distracting and
potentially electorally damaging
separatist movements.
While we’re at it both ruling
parties are praying for a bounce that
will come from a good showing in the
World Cup. Sounds desperate? It has
sadly come to this. The economic
activity and euphoria such an
outcome carries, that feel good factor,
is priceless to the government of the
day. Both countries are also
manufacturing pygmies but both
excel in the soft economy – exporting
culture around the world.
But in 12-14 months time voters
will go to the polls in both countries –
tied together forever in this election
cycle since the British government
introduced
fixed
terms
for
government.
And as we head toward 2015, the
electorate in both countries will judge
the contest that will be fought by two
parties; the ruling PDP and
opposition APC in Nigeria; the ruling
Conservative Party and opposition
Labour in the UK. Never before has
Nigeria been in such a position, with
a strong opposition challenging what
has been the natural order of things
since the return to democracy in
1999. In Britain this is the norm.
Yet can anyone spot the difference?
Really? In Britain it seems the choice
is between nasty cuts (Conservative)
and nice cuts (Labour). Cuts being
the operative word.
In Nigeria it is currently even
harder to fathom as the APC says it
is a “progressive, people’s-centred
movement for change” – like the
Fabian movement that gave birth to
the Labour Party in the UK – while
all the time recruiting from the ranks
of
PDP
politicians.
People,
admittedly, but not of the order
suggested by the description.
All parties stand for the neoliberal global economic model –
despite the recent travails this has
delivered on the masses – public
private finance initiatives and foreign
direct investment. Both countries are
increasingly in bed with the
economically promiscuous Chinese.
When push comes to shove,
around January next year, and we are
asked to focus our minds it will boil
down to one question and one
question alone; who do you trust?
In Britain the Conservatives will
say you can’t trust Labour with the
economy, they crashed it. Labour will
say you can’t trust the Conservatives
with the economy because they
flatlined it and killed the patient. The
PDP in Nigeria will accuse the APC
of being a mob of renegades and
turncoats out for themselves and
being inexperienced, unable to steer
the ship of state. The APC will say
the current administration can’t be
trusted because it has been the most
corrupt in living memory.
And as the bickering, backbiting
and bluster heads toward a crescendo
the floods will seem like a million
years ago. The cause of them, climate
change, will hardly get a mention in
either country, despite being the most
critical issue of this and the next
generation and one that could destroy
their respective agriculture industries
and much else besides.
There is one final similarity that
gives cause for hope. Politicians
pander to groups that can deliver the
vote. In the UK the most powerful
group is the pensioners; known as
“grey power”. No political party will
attack pensioners because they vote.
The young, the BAME communities,
they will attack you because you don’t
vote. We see the same in Nigeria with
the government busting a gut to get
the Occupy Movement onside – after
it gave them a bloody nose on the fuel
subsidy. Members of Occupy will
agitate and vote.
Despite all the depressing
similarities we can change the script,
if we want to. We should register to
vote and debate the issues on our
terms. Then and only then will we
stand a chance of being heard.
14
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
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BUSINESSWATCH
An MP puts his money where his mouth is
James Duddridge is a man on a mission – to prove the doubters wrong by investing in stock exchanges across Africa.
Here he describes his experiences from Botswana to Zimbabwe via Nigeria of course
I
write this article having just visited the
Casablanca Stock Exchange – Africa's
third largest Bourse after the Johannesburg and Nigerian Stock Exchanges
and possibly the location for my next
investment in the African stock market.
Last year, frustrated with people sceptical
about the business opportunities available in
Africa, I decided to put my money where my
mouth was and invest in the continent.
I set out to invest £1,000 per month, for 12
months, in 12 different African stock exchanges,
in 12 different sectors and write 12 articles to
highlight the opportunities and change perceptions.
All too often people view Africa through the
prism of aid, conflicts and corruption. This is
far from the Africa I know, a place of entrepreneurs, businesses, opportunities and a rising aspirant middle class. Some still need aid but
many need investment – capital to grow businesses.
The first investment was in Botswana in
Wilderness Safaris. I worked in Botswana in the
1990s and know the area well. My ideal of a
perfect holiday is in a lodge in the Okavango,
driving from camp to camp rather than flying in
with the American tourists and honeymooners.
I felt bullish about regional tourism, particularly when Zimbabwe opens out. So five
months in and how have the shares done? 14
percent gain so far.
The second investment was in the Nigerian
Exchange where I wanted to target a share that
would grow with the rising middle class spending in Nigeria – with many consumer shares
overpriced I went for conglomerate UAC of
Nigeria.
This gives a diverse exposure to fast food, car
sales and property. It is a
bet that Nigeria will prosper
over the next two decades.
The result: a 21 percent gain
so far.
After my early successes
I decided to look at Kenya
for shares in the brewing industry and went for the
company that owns the beer
brand Tusker – East
African Breweries.
I spotted the share when
it was trading at 300 but
bought at 330 after taking a
while to purchase the shares in an illiquid market, they now trade at 260.
Not a great speculation with a 21 percent
loss, but these investments are being made over
a 12 month period and will not be sold for a
while – I intend to stay invested in the shares
over the next 5-20 years.
I recently visited Sierra Leone and popped
into Rokel Bank, an old Barclays Bank operation and coincidently a bank I was supposed to
head up when it was thought the civil war was
coming to an end.
“Buying shares
in Africa is too
difficult. I am
sticking with it
but it needs to
be easier”
Alas the war continued and the bank was
sold to the government for a token £1. Rokel
Bank is now 51 percent state owned with the remaining 49 percent being the only share floated
on the exchange.
I met with a broker in the country and left
with the impression that full privatisation was
just around the corner. On my return to the UK
I met several people who said that had been the
case for over five years and decided against the
purchase.
It being the only share on the local exchange,
I was left with £1,000 to invest elsewhere. I decided to invest it in London Mining – not very
African sounding I know! London Mining gets
98% of its revenues from mining iron ore in
Sierra Leone and is listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) based in London.
This purchase was (is) blissfully simple – it is
as easy as buying shares in Tesco – investing in
African exchanges directly takes a little more effort, as I have discovered.
Buying shares in Africa is too difficult. It has
taken me several hours, many forms and administrative hassles. I am sticking with it, but it
needs to be easier.
Exchanges need to regionalise and we need
Registered
Auditors
Accountancy &
Bookkeeping
Taxation Services
Business
Development
Corporate
Finance
Financial
Services
Inheritance Tax
VAT/PAYE
Advice
Salaries Bureau
Non-executive
support
one bold UK broker to cover all 28 exchanges
in Africa, not just the big ones like South Africa
and Egypt.
It is great that Justine Greening MP is looking at helping African Stock Exchanges as part
of the Department for International Development’s new focus on economic development.
The City of London has got a lot to offer both
in terms of capital markets, rule of law and
transparency.
Investing in Africa is not just a good return
but social investing is increasingly popular, just
look at Homestrings, the Africa based investment platform that was established to allow
Africans in the diaspora to put their money
where their roots are and make a difference
back home.
Furthermore, crowd sourced funding models
across the world, including in developing countries, are becoming increasingly popular. Mobile
phones are starting to break down barriers and
should make it easier and easier to invest in
smaller and smaller African businesses.
From my work as a trustee of the Grow
Movement, which links entrepreneurs with
MBA qualified consultants, I know there is a
rich pipe line of businesses in Africa.
In January 2014 the IMF predicted the subSaharan economy to grow by 6.1 percent in
2014. Now compare this with the Euro Zone’s
one percent predicted growth and you can begin
to see how well Africa is doing and what great
opportunities there are available to investors.
It needs to be easier to invest in this exciting
continent – ideally as easy as it was for me to invest in London Mining.
To be honest, if I hadn’t set my mind to buying the 12 shares I may have given up early on
after experiencing how tricky it is for small investors to part with their cash, but I am glad
that I persevered.
Investing in Africa is not only good for investors, but will also benefit African businesses
and entrepreneurs by allowing them to get their
hands on capital and grow their businesses. I
look forward to my investments proving me
right, hopefully.
James Duddridge is the Member of Parliament
for Rochford and Southend East. He is chair of
the All Party Parliamentary Group for Africa. By
kind permission of the Royal Africa Society
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WOMEN’SWATCH
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
Ekanem Robertson is
co-presenter of The Woman
TV Show on Ben TV.
Write to
[email protected]
ER with the eagle eye
What is it like to be a black woman?
Recently, a friend of mine asked me,
“What is it like, to be a black woman?”
I was surprised that I did not have a
ready answer to this deceptively simple
question. I had to take a moment to reflect. Would my answer be for all black
women? Definitely not! It seems to me
that the answer will be as varied as the
number of different geographical locations in which a black woman can be
found.
The majority of black women in
South Africa, for example, are living
a difficult life. The economic
emancipation which the end of
apartheid was expected to usher in for
the black majority is yet to
materialize, and the poverty, isolation
and crime that exists is still
disproportionately borne by blacks
and the black woman is at the bottom
of the barrel. In addition to living at
the margins of society; with all the
same limitations as black men, as
regards
education,
finances,
employment opportunities and
business support; she is constantly
under threat of being raped or worse.
According to UN crime and drugs
figures 1998-2000, a rape takes place
in South Africa every 26 seconds.
Imagine that! What it’s like to be a
black woman in South Africa is
definitely different from what it’s like
to be a black woman in the UK.
Women in West Africa experience
a mass of challenging traditional or
religious practices that impact on their
experience of life. A woman, no
matter how accomplished in the
political or professional arena, cannot
attend certain traditional meetings
with men, nor pick ceremonial kola
nut before men. She may be the real
intellectual or financial power behind
the throne of her family but must not
be projected as such. She can be
inherited as property; she may be the
first born child but the head of the
family will always be the first born
male child. There are many more such
examples.
The cumulative effect of these
individual practices is to externally
define a woman’s life. These practices,
which are based on cherished (by
some) traditional values, actually coexist with modern day lifestyles. So,
there’s a sort of dual reality.
East and Central Africa also have
practices similar to those in West
Africa, that impact the lives of women
as well as other practices that are
peculiar to their region. The fact that
I am living in the same time scale as
these women helps to heighten my
appreciation of how far women have
come in other parts of the world and
in the UK in particular, where I live.
That is not to say that all is perfect
in the West. One Bim Adewunmi
recently wrote in the UK Guardian
newspaper, as a black woman, living
in Berlin, about the ‘microaggression’
that she experienced from a racist.
15
BREAKING
THE SILENCE
1 Breast Ironing/
Breast flattening
‘Microagression’ is becoming a new
buzz word for describing a variety of
actions against a marginalised group
which makes them uncomfortable and
leaves them feeling slighted in some
way. In Bim’s example she experienced
her hair being pulled by a stranger
who then called her “Kunta” and
“fufu” and in the company of a friend
of his pointed at her and laughed and
they both continued to call her these
names as they followed her up an
escalator in Berlin!
By the end of the week, I had
confirmed various beliefs that I have
held for some time. We cannot speak
for everyone just because we have
some similarities ie gender and race.
We are products of so many different
combinations of influences from our
environment, our nurturing, our
culture, our religion and so much
more, that make us experience our
gender and race uniquely.
On a personal level, there’s not
much that has happened to me in my
“The next time someone asks me
what it’s like to be a black woman, I
will answer, ‘It depends! What do you
really want to know?’”
Here in the UK, this last week,
February 18- 21, I attended a series of
evening events at The School of
Oriental and African Studies ( SOAS),
under the intriguing and provocative
title of “Ain’t I a woman...? What’s
race got to do with it?” – the great and
lasting words thrown down by
Sojourner Truth, née Isabella
Baumfree (she was a slave in the 18th
Century and an early fighter for civil
rights in America). Her words are
being used to activate the imagination
of black women and inspire them to
explore issues of feminism and the
quality of life of the black woman in
the UK today.
life in the UK for good or bad that I
would put down to being a woman or
a black woman. I just live! I only ask
that you see me as a woman, and then
see me as black, if you must. I can be
anything that I want to be. I do not
feel limited by my gender, race, colour
or creed. I am a product of all the
experiences that I chose to imbibe in
the past. I find that I have the capacity
to take on more than I can imagine,
and I deal with whatever life throws at
me. I am, especially, not limited or
defined by any title or label.
It is not my intention to belittle the
fact that people are suffering as a
result of racial profiling et al, and I
speak for myself only. Like in the play
by Ntozake Shange – For Coloured
Girls Who Have Considered Suicide
When the Rainbow is Enuf – we are
not just a rainbow but a kaleidoscope
of colours which can change its hue
by the hour.
I see women still trying to find
themselves. All are on the road to selfdiscovery, taking steps into various
worlds, the feminist world, the
womanist world, the LGBT world,
the African roots world. All trying to
find and discover what gives them
strength and grounds them; fighting
their internal demons; looking for
labels and finally coming to a place of
rest, to just be a woman, a human –
who happens to be black.
My fellow women are all
beautifully and wonderfully made and
we are all on the journey of life. As far
as you can, do not allow yourselves to
be defined by others.
I have done quite a bit of my
journey and I am in this place of
peace. Let each woman speak to her
own reality. And taking a line from
Mandela, “When you let your own
light shine, you unconsciously give
other people permission to do the
same.”
So, next time someone asks me
what it’s like to be a black woman, I
will answer, without hesitation, “It
depends! What do you really want to
know?” In The Woman Show in which
I am a joint host, we often say three
things with regards to being a woman,
“Be it, mean it and live it!” And I say
the same to you all no matter your
colour or your hue
I am sure that many of you will not
have heard of ‘Breast Ironing’ because it is a little known practice that
is allegedly done to young girls, especially in Cameroon, although the
practice is said to be prevalent in
West and Central Africa, generally.
The breasts of girls just reaching puberty are literally massaged flat, over
time, using a heated object to press
down their breasts, in order to delay
their development and growth.
This practice, like other abuses,
such as FGM (female genital mutilation), is inflicted on young girl children by their mothers and
grandmothers in secret.
Most mothers who are involved in
this practice hope to delay the onset
of sexual activity and explain it by
saying that they are protecting their
daughters from developing too early
and thereby being susceptible to unwanted pregnancy and worse still
sexual harassment or rape.
As is usual in these matters the argument sounds so irrational.
A survey carried out by the German development agency Deutsche
Gesellerschaft fur Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in 2006
showed that 1 in 4 Cameroonian
women had their breast ironed.
There is some concern that this practice may have been transferred by
the African Diaspora to other parts
of the world, including the UK.
For the men who are reading this
let me enlighten you that the pubescent breast, in its early stages of
growth is so painful to the touch
that, even the touch of silk material
on it can be very painful. Then, think
of a heated object being pressed
down on it, to in effect prevent the
breasts doing the very thing it is by
nature, meant to do.
The damage that is done to these
unfortunate girls varies and is long
term, ranging from deformed breasts
(having lumps or inverted nipples), to
an inability to breastfeed later in life
and in some cases, even cancer. Life
is not easy for the girl child in Africa!
There are organisations such as
CAME Women and Girls Development Organisation, which is doing all
it can to raise awareness of this practice, with the help of the London
Metropolitan Police.
Contact them if you need help
and more information at www.cawogido.co.uk
Let us break the silence. Let us save
every girl child no matter what part
of Africa they are from.
16
LEISUREWATCH
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
Follow us on Twitter
@NigerianWatch
The Fortnight
FASHIONWATCH by Obah Iyamu
Take a leaf from my book and be practical and
stylish in these gloomy months and kick off the
new season in style
What to see and do over the next 14 days...
Egusi Soup
After fantastic reviews and a sell-out run in
2012, Egusi Soup is back in a new production
to serve up family feuds, fights and a good
few belly laughs. Egusi Soup is on national
tour until April 5.
The Anyias, a British-Nigerian family, prepare to head home to Lagos for a memorial
service in honour of the late Mr Anyia. However, they soon realise they will need to get
rid of some excess baggage first, and not just
of the material kind. The chaotic return to
London from the USA of the Anyias’ eldest
daughter disrupts the family equilibrium, and
deeply held resentments dramatically resurface. Only time will tell if the family can settle their differences over a nice bowl of egusi
soup.
See website for dates and venues,
www.menagerietheatre.co.uk
by looking at the reallife experiences of 13
such unsung heroes.
Southwark Council, 160
Tooley Street, London, SE1
Thu 6 Mar, 6pm FREE
www.southwark.gov.uk
Military chic Camouflage prints
always find their way into the
fashion bucket and a subtle
print is the safest way to carry this trend. The serious
fashionistas have given head to toe
khaki a warm embrace but be sure to
break it up with black or tan accessories. Statement sneakers are trending
at No.1 so a nice pair of camouflage
kicks will nail this look with a bang.
Shake-up an all black outfit with a
camo rucksack or
go off point and
pick up a camouflage print in an unusual shade or
texture. I have recycled my khaki shirt
a thousand times
over but I’m still
searching for the
perfect co-ord in
this tricky print.
Sweat shirts If you only desire one
thing this month make it a luxe sweat
shirt. The days are long gone when
sweat shirts were a campus staple, since
you can now make your sweats do
more wardrobe miles by styling them
with feminine pieces to give that extra
edge. Layer over a prim shirt and distressed jeans or go bling in a jewel encrusted or sequin
number, and team with a chic skirt and pointy courts. A
cropped sweatshirt over a straight dress is work-wear perfection and for after work soiree, push up the
sleeves to get a rise in your cool-o-meter.
Half of a Yellow Sun
FILM
Divided By Race –
United in War and Peace
Join the Mayor of Southwark for an evening of
film and discussion
about the relationship
between African
Caribbean and English
WWII service men and
women. Black people
from across the British
Empire joined the army,
navy and RAF and
played their part in
fighting Nazi Germany
and its allies. They risked
their lives but their contribution has attracted
little attention over the
years. This evening tries
to set the record straight
Catch this film adaptation of Chimamanda
Ngozi Adichie’s awardwinning book before it
hits US shores this summer. Starring man-ofthe-moment Chiwetel
Ejiofor and Thandie
Newton, this film tells
the story of four people
brought together during the struggle to establish an independent
republic in Nigeria. Part
of Glasgow Film Festival.
Glasgow Film Theatre,
1-2 Mar
www.glasgowfilm.org
THEATRE
We Are Proud to
Present…
Directed by Nigerianborn Gbolahan Obisesan, the full title of this
production is quite a
mouthful: We Are Proud
to Present a Presentation About the Herero
of Namibia, Formerly
Known as Southwest
Africa, From the German Sudwestafrika, Between the Years
1884-1915. But don’t let
that put you off!
A group of actors
gather to tell the littleknown story of the first
genocide of the
20th Century. As the full
force of a horrific past
crashes into the good
intentions of the present, what seemed a faraway place and time is
suddenly all too close to
home. Just whose story
are they telling? The political collides with the
personal in a play that is
RELIGIONWATCH by Rev Craig
TAKE IT BY FORCE
Life will not give you what you
deserve but rather what you
demand.
Making satisfactory
progress in life, comes by a determined push, for everything
remains at a state of rest until
a force is applied.
That is why Jesus said in
Matthew 11:12, “And from the
days of John the Baptist until
now the Kingdom of Heaven
suffers violence, and the violent
take it by force.”
“Life is a forceful adventure
and faith is a fight,” Paul told
Timothy in Timothy 6:12.
“Fight the good fight of faith,
lay hold on eternal life…”
To get to the top and remain there, you must be determined to do what is
demanded. I always say give
life what it takes and not what
you have got.
There is a blessing in front
of you, there is a promised
land ahead of you. But just
like in the bible days every
promised land has giants and
only the fearless and determined will eventually inherit
the land. An interesting story
in Deuteronomy 2:24 says,
“Rise, take your journey, and
cross over the River Arnon.
Look, I have given into your
hand Sihon the Amorite, King
of Heshbon, and his land. Begin
to possess it, and engage him in
battle.”
Though the land was given
to them by God they still
needed to fight for it before
they could possess the land.
Waiting for a breakthrough
in any area of your life or en-
deavour is an exercise in futility. God will move on the behalf of those who move in
determination to lay hold on
their dreams.
Many times in the bible
Jesus commended the desperation and forceful efforts of
men and women as faith. So
faith is a violent, aggressive
force, not a passive, laidback,
pitiable attempt at your pursuits in life.
In the book of Mark 5:2529, it says, “And a certain
woman, which had an issue of
blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many
physicians, and had spent all
that she had, and was nothing
bettered, but rather grew worse,
When she had heard of Jesus,
came in the press behind, and
touched his garment. For she
said, ‘If I may touch but his
clothes, I shall be whole.’ And
straightway the fountain of her
blood was dried up; and she felt
in [her] body that she was
healed of that plague.”
The woman with the issue
of blood was determined, resolved, and relentless in pursuit of her healing and she
went after Jesus and took what
she desired without consultation. She stole her healing. As
far as I am concerned, that
forceful act was commended
by Jesus Christ as faith. Another time some fellows tore
up the roof of the house Jesus
was preaching in to get healing
for their sick friend.
“Then they came to Him,
bringing a paralytic who was
carried by four men. And when
they could not come near Him
LEISUREWATCH
The Human Rights
Watch Film Festival
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE;
Big Men
A cautionary tale about
the toll of American oil
investment in West
Africa, Big Men reveals
the secretive worlds of
both corporations and
local communities in
Nigeria and Ghana.
22-23 Mar
Born This Way
Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s moral
compasses and their film festival brings to life
human rights abuses through storytelling in a way
that challenges each individual to empathise and
demand justice for all people. Films will be shown
in four cinemas across London: the Barbican, Ritzy
London, Curzon Soho and Curzon Mayfair. See the
website for full listings information.
18-28 Mar http://ff.hrw.org
irreverently funny and
seriously brave.
The Bush Theatre,
28 Feb-12 Apr, 7.30pm
From £15
www.bushtheatre.co.uk
COMEDY
Africa Centre Comedy
Nights
The Africa Centre comedy night offers a dazzling selection of the
best African comedians
from the continent and
diaspora.
Rich Mix Sun 9 Mar, 7.30pm
FREE
www.richmix.org.uk
World Comedy Clash
2014
Comedians from all
across the world battle it
out to be crowned the
funniest in 2014’s World
Comedy Clash. Comics
representing Congo,
Nigeria, Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua,
Great Britain and Pakistan all compete, with
headline sets by Eddie
Kadi, Slim and Will-E
There are more arrests
for homosexuality in
Cameroon than in any
other country in the
world. With intimate access to the lives of four
young gay Cameroonians, Born This Way steps
outside the genre of ac-
tivist filmmaking and offers a vivid and poetic
portrait of day-to-day
life in modern Africa.
25-26 Mar
Nelson Mandela: The
Myth and Me
In a personal odyssey encompassing an imaginary
letter to Mandela and
conversations with politicians, activists, intellectuals, and artists,
Matabane questions the
meaning of freedom,
reconciliation and forgiveness – and challenges Mandela’s legacy
in today’s world of conflict and inequality.
21-22 Mar
Robo.
Camden Centre
Sun 23 Mar, 8pm From £20
www.worldcomedyclash.com
A Touch of Class
Dedicated to the late
Felix Dexter, this comedy
special sees Eddie Kadi
teaming up with The
Real McCoy cast and a
host of other artists and
comedians to celebrate
Mother’s Day. Not one to
miss!
Hackney Empire
Sun 30 Mar, 8pm
From £22.50
www.hackneyempire.co.uk
EXHIBITIONS
Still Fighting Ignorance
& Intellectual Perfidy:
Video Art from Africa
tells Africa’s story by
African new media
artists, including Nigerian Jude Anogwih, as
seen through the lens of
the relation between
tradition and modernity.
Ben Uri Gallery
13-30 Mar FREE
www.benuri.org.uk
MUSIC / GIGS
Umpatacum
From experiential video
to short film, this project
The London-based band
with the fluid line-up
was formed by Adriano
Adewale to explore
Announcements
because of the
crowd, they uncovered the roof where
He was. So when
they had broken
through, they let
down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw
their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven
you.’” (Mark 2:3)
This was a desperate attempt,
breaking all protocol and forcing their way into the healing of
a friend. Jesus Christ called that
invasion, faith – so if you really
believe in your dreams, then
arise and take it by force as you
go forth and prosper.
Rev. Craig Is a Senior Pastor at
Citizens of heaven, Lagos, Nigeria. Facebook;
Citizens-of-Heaven-The-ArkAbuja
styles such as Baiao, Coco
and Samba. With support from Dele Sosimi.
Rich Mix 7 Mar From £12
www.richmix.org.uk
KIDS
Comedy Club 4 Kids
Cracking entertainment
for everyone over six
years old….without the
rude bits!
Canada Water Culture Space,
Sat 1 Mar, 2pm
From £7 | Age 6+
http://canadawaterculturespace.org.uk
To place your announcements call 0208 5889640
Email: [email protected]
BIRTHS
BIRTHDAYS
OMOSEVWERHA, VICTOR
(March 4th)
Happy Birthday to a wonderful
husband and father. We wish
you a day that is as special as
you are. With lots of love from
Ilonka, Maya and Eva XXX OOO
JEMIDE, JUSTIN (February 7th)
Congratulations to Tevin &
Maryanne Jemide, on the birth
of their baby boy, from your
colleagues at Nigerian Watch
17
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
Recipes from NGOZI’S KITCHEN
How to get your kids to eat
their five-a-day and enjoy it
Getting children to eat any
fruit or vegetables, and have a
healthy, balanced diet let
alone five portions a day, can
seem very tricky. But setting
good eating patterns is easier
to do with children when they
are very young. It is important
to encourage healthy eating
habits early because what you
eat as a child may affect your
health in later life.
Eating tips for parents Work
with what they like to eat.
Children like crunchy and
sweet foods. So try them out
on crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots. Add fruit and
vegetables to their favourite
foods, like rice, yam, traditional soups or noodles. Also
give them fresh fruit to help
them get their 5-a-day.
Set a good example Your children learn habits by watching
you, so if you eat healthily,
the chances are your children
will too.
Be consistent Set standard
meal and snack times and discourage odd snacking. Don’t
reward your children with
food - they’ll remember that
later on in life!
Keep trying them out on new
things Try to serve several
fruit and vegetable options kids like to choose and so let
them choose between good
food. They may not like a particular fruit or vegetable at
first, but serve it again a few
days later. Encourage children
to have tiny tastes each time.
Research shows that tiny
tastes can help children to
change their taste preferences. Don’t force children to
eat things - this will only create negative associations and
discourage them from trying
again in the future.
Make it fun Make fruit and
vegetables into faces on their
plates, or cut them into funky
shapes.Turn 5-a-day into a
game or challenge. You can
motivate your children by giving them activity sheets or
wall-charts to record what
fruit or vegetables they eat.
Get your children involved
in the cooking if you can. Let
them choose recipes to try
and ask them to help pick
fruit and vegetables at the supermarket. They’re more
likely to try things they’ve had
a hand in preparing. Children
are more likely to keep to a
healthy lifestyle if it's made
fun for them.
By encouraging your children to lead a healthy
lifestyle, you can help them
maintain a healthy body
weight later on in life.
! For an exclusive meal plan
and healthy African recipes
visit www.ngoziskitchen.com
BERRY PANCAKE
As we celebrate Pancake Day let's treat the whole
family to a healthy breakfast to kick off
the day. Indulge!
Ingredients
100g plain flour
1 x large egg
300ml milk
1tsp Cinnamon
Handful of Raisins
1 Cal cooking Spray
Honey & Berries
Cooking Instructions
Put the flour into a large bowl, make a well in
the centre, add milk and egg. Give the liquid
mixture a quick whisk before incorporating the
flour. Add a handful of raisins, Cinnamon and
continue to whisk until you have a smooth batter. Take a crêpe or large frying pan, spray the
inside of the pan very carefully. Heat the pan
over a medium heat for a minute. Add just
under a ladleful of batter to the pan and immediately start swirling it round the pan to get a
nice even layer.
Cook the pancake for approximately 30-40
seconds. Use a palette knife to lift the pancake
carefully to look at the underside to check it is
golden-brown before turning over. Cook the
other side for approx 30-40 seconds and transfer to a serving plate. Make the pancakes up
and allow to cool. Drizzle with honey and
berries. Unbelievably delicious!
Cafe and African Restaurant
Famous Tuwo / Amala Abula Spot
6 Beckton Road
Canning Town London
E16 1EW
TEL: 0207 476 5591
TEL: 0207 476 8808
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday
11:00am – 11.30pm
Friday – Saturday
11:00am – 12.30am
Sunday 11:00 – 10pm
272 Barking Road
East Ham, London E6 3BA
Tel: 0208 5522865
Mobile: 07814472757
Opening Hours
Sunday – Saturday
12noon – 10pm
285 ! 287 Heathway
Dagenham RM9 5AQ
TELPHONE: 0208 984 8141
Opening hours
Sunday – Saturday
11:00am – 9pm
Bringing good food closer to you
Like us on Facebook
facebook.com/NigerianWatch
Tasty Authentic West African Flavours
at Affordable Prices
www.squiresrestaurant.co.uk
18
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
LEISUREWATCH
AFROHITS
w w w. a f r o - h i t s . c o m
D’BANJ – BOTHER YOU
OK, a lot of you are going to start kissing your teeth on reading this review on the
Kokomaster’s latest film sync but ya know
what? I like it plain and simple. The video is a
AFROHITS CHART
stripped back, on the beach, show of love and 1 Kcee Ft Wizkid - Pull Over
2 Tiwa Savage Ft Don Jazzy - Emiaffection between a young man and his lady.
nado
There’s no groping, booty shaking, thousand
3 Iyanya - Le Kwa Ukwu
beats per sec- 4 Goldie Ft J Martins - Give It To Me
ond, Azonto
5 Timaya - Ukwu
moves and all 6 R2bees - Love
7 Sneakbo Ft L Marshall - Her Name
that. “Don't
8 Sexy Steel Ft Iyanya - Mambo
get it
9 Rihanna - Orezi
twisted,” as
10 D’banj - Bother You
they say in
11 Iceprince Ft French Montana- I
Jandon as
Swear
here at Afro12 Victoria Kimani Ft Prezzo & Ay hits we like a
Whoa
good amount 13 Castro Ft (Asamoah Gyan) & Kofi
Kinaata- Odo Pa
of booty
14 Wande Coal - Rotate
shaking as much as the next person. But it’s
15 Niyola - Toh Bad
good to have something a bit different every
16 Mr 2Kay Ft May7ven & Moelogo
so often. OK, so the horse in the video didn’t
- Bubugaga Remix
look like it knew much about what was going 17 Skales - Take Care Of Me
on but hey that's show business.
18 Wizkid - On Top Your Matter
19 Eedris Abdulkareem - Godfather
As well as that the song is on the soundGodson
track to the excellent Biyi Bandele film Half
20 D’banj - Finally
Of A Yellow Sun starring our very own Chiwetel Ejiofor and fellow African Thandie
Newton. For those that have been living under a rock the film has achieved
awards galore amid much international recognition not to mention acclaim. So
there it is, a great mid-tempo mover for a solid movie. Simple.
Follow us on Twitter
@NigerianWatch
BEAUTYWATCH by Funmi Odegbami
Facial hair is in!
Beards are back!
Fellas we haven’t forgotten about you. Whether you were aware of this or not, beards are in. Many men have realised the many
benefits of leaving their facial hair to grow out, namely:
1. FEMALES FIND HIRSUTE SUITORS SEXY
Charles Darwin first noted an evolutionary explanation of beards in The Descent of Man, in which he hypothesized that the process of sexual selection may
have led to beards. (Yes, you read that right.) Females
find hirsute suitors sexy. And although detractors
may deny it, modern biologists have reaffirmed Darwin’s theory with evidence that
the ladies find mates with
beards more attractive than their
clean-shaven brethren.
2. THEY PROTECT AGAINST THE
SUN
It has been suggested that
beards block 90 to 95 percent of
UV rays. The theory suggests
that facial hair is similar to an
SPF factor, the higher the hair
density and thickness, the higher
the SPF.
3. THEY REDUCE ASTHMA AND
ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
For men whose allergies or
asthma are set off by pollen or
dust, facial hair near the nose
may act as a filter of sorts and stop the allergens before they settle in, suggest several experts.
4. THEY LESSEN SIGNS OF AGING
Facial hair lessens signs of aging to the face by keeping it moisturized. Beards protect the face from wind
and cold air, which can dry the skin. Also, moisturiser
applied to the bearded face will be more effective
than exposed skin where it can be more easily
rubbed off.
5. THEY STAVE OFF ILLNESS
It has been suggested that thick beards that have
grown under the chin and neck will raise the temperature of the neck and may help battle colds. The theory suggests that
hair being an insulator, it keeps you
warm. Facial hair can act as a physical barrier to cold temperature and
adds another layer of protection.
6. THEY REDUCE INFECTIONS
Beards and moustaches mean no
shaving, which is the main cause
of bacterial infections in the beard
area. Shaving leads to razor rash, ingrown hairs and conditions such as
folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles that causes spots), so men
would benefit from growing a
beard.
So now you have your beard,
the best way to wear it is to make
sure that it is “shaped” to perfection. Think Rick
Ross, Chiwetel Ejiofor or Common. This makes all
the difference between a dishevelled look often attributed to beards and a groomed, distinguished
version of the trend.
TRAVELWATCH
Like us on Facebook
facebook.com/NigerianWatch
SPECIAL DEALS INCLUDING TAXES*
NEW YORK - £353
LAGOS - £407
TORONTO - £394
DUBAI - £315
BANGKOK - £432
ACCRA - £429
HARARE - £562
ENTEBE - £410
ABUJA - £510
BANJUL - £445
KHARTOUM - £406
FREETOWN - £560
*WE OFFER VERY CHEAP AIR TICKETS
TO WORLD WIDE DESTINATIONS*
Call
: 0203 667 3157
or email : [email protected]
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
Cheap Flights Masters Offers
Flights to Nigeria & Africa.
Low Price Guarantee!
Call - 0207 993 0109
Email [email protected]
OUR RATES ARE TAKING THE WEEKEND OFF
70% off all suites rates starting from N69.999* for a Royal Suite!
* Terms & Conditions apply
We know a weekend off is worth more than just the price you pay for it.
It’s an opportunity to de-stress, unwind and indulge.
So why not try the Hilton experience for yourself this weekend with our special sweet weekend suite experience.
You can even prolong the experience with a late check-out on Sunday.
You’ll come for the price, but you’ll stay for the experience.
For reservations, please call +234 (0)9 461 3003, + 234 (0)803 901 3222 or go to abuja.hilton.com
STAY HILTON, GO EVERYWHERE.
19
20
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
Follow us on Twitter
@NigerianWatch
EDUCATIONWATCH
How Children
Learn to Write
B
ecoming literate is a complex process
that children have to go through; some
easily, others with more difficulty. Literacy involves learning to use language, to read,
and to write. All three are important aspects of
this learning progression. But how does a child
accomplish this? Acquiring the ability to read
and write starts at a very early age. From infancy on, your child observes the world and absorbs knowledge about everything he senses.
There are three main ways in which your child
begins to learn to be literate: his own innate capacity to understand language, modelling by
adults, and observation of other children.
DISCOVERY
To generalise, all children first begin to learn to
write by discovery. Even with only minimal encouragement from adults, a child will start to
write with scribbles. Before learning anything
about the mechanics of writing or how to write
individual letters, you child will mimic writing
by scribbling and making squiggly lines with
any writing implement available.
As your child begins to discover writing, he
will go through different strategies. These may include writing scribbles or letters around pictures
she has created, creating stories orally, attempting to spell words she knows by sound, or matching sounds to letters. The strategies he comes up
with represent his underlying understanding of
what writing is and what purpose it serves. Although to you it may not look much like writing,
it is a starting point for your child and as he gets
older the strategies should become more complex
and developmentally appropriate.
MODELLING STRATEGIES
Although children are born with an innate sense
of meaning in language and ability to learn,
they don’t construct these strategies by themselves. Your child will require modelling by you
and other adults. Any time your child sees you
write, you are scaffolding the writing process for
him. He also needs to see the print or handwriting. Also beneficial for future reading abilities,
reading aloud to your child will help him understand what writing is and that the symbols we
call letters have meaning. When modelling writing, explain to him what you are doing and why;
the purpose of writing is important for him to
grasp. Even before he is capable of real reading
or writing, both skills can be part of playtime.
Just as he may pretend to cook in the kitchen or
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pretend to play musical instruments, he can pretend to read and write.
The process of discovery should be encouraged in children as it is the main way in which
they learn. You can allow your child to make
letters incorrectly and spell badly if he is engaged in making these discoveries on his own.
In time, he will learn the correct techniques, but
in the early stages of learning to write these mistakes are acceptable and, in fact, part of the
process. The same thing happens when children
learn to speak. They don’t wait to understand
all the rules before jumping ahead and speaking
with incorrect grammar and sentence structure.
This is a natural way to learn.
LEARNING FROM OTHER CHILDREN
Your child will also benefit greatly from observing and playing with other children. Jean Piaget
believed that it is easier to learn from someone
slightly more advanced than someone who is
very advanced. This means that your child will
learn very well from watching a child who has
a few more writing skills than he has. He can
learn to jump into inventive spelling and story
writing from another child who has just learned
these strategies. He will possibly understand
that child more easily than he will understand
your explanations of writing.
FORMAL INSTRUCTION
While discovery learning is crucial to the beginnings of writing, the importance of formal instruction is more misunderstood. Experts seem
to agree that discovery and inventive or “incorrect” writing and spelling is necessary and formal instruction is less important. Instruction on
handwriting, spelling, and writing will not hinder your child as long as he is not restricted too
much. He should still be allowed the freedom
necessary to discover writing and spelling on his
own. In other words, emphasise and encourage
the act of writing more than “correctness,” to
help your child become a proficient writer.
As one of the essential components of literacy, writing is a vital skill for your child to learn.
When you understand the way he learns to
write, you can help him develop his abilities and
prepare him for more advanced reading and
writing. If you find you need more help, Leaders are Readers offers an English programme as
well as a learning to read (and write) programme from age 3-and-a-half, designed to enhance your child’s literacy. The professional
instructors can help with spelling, creative writing, and comprehension through research-based
teaching techniques and fun activities.
Janet Sherlock is Head Tutor and Programme Developer at Leaders are Readers, the award-winning Saturday and summer schools:
www.leadersarereaders.co.uk
Obtain free reading, maths or English assessment for
your child: Leaders are Readers is holding a free presentation of their Saturday and Summer School programmes at 9.15 am on Saturday, 1st and 8th March.
Call now to book: 01992 651 300 or visit www.leadersarereaders.co.uk.
Rewarding excellence –
postgraduate taught and
research scholarships for 2014
MA PEACE STUDIES FEE WAIVERS 2014/15
The Archbishop Desmond Tutu Centre for War and Peace Studies is pleased to
be able to offer up to two fee waivers for applicants to the MA Peace Studies.
Fee waivers will cover home or overseas fees and will be available for the
September 2014 start.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
! Academic merit
! Contribution to a wider community
! Interest in the Tutu Centre
! Desire to engage with the Tutu Centre
! Any other relevant professional experience
For information on courses and entry requirements, please contact International Recruitment Team:
W: www.hope.ac.uk/international
T: 0151 291 3389
E: [email protected]
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THE SHIRT
Continued from page 24 green”. All Africa press reported several
officials of the Nigerian Football Federation have given the kit the
thumbs down. One said, “You will think that adidas had Germany
in mind when they designed the strip. I have my reservations about
the light green colour and the pin stripes down the front.”
The Super Eagles will debut the shirt this coming Wednesday
(March 5) when they take on Mexico in a World Cup warm up in
Atlanta, which will put the shirts Climacool and Climalite technology to the test.
Giving a hint as to who we migth expect to see in Rio the squad
for the friendly is: Goalkeepers; Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves),
Austin Ejide (Hapoel, Israel), and Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel
Aviv, Israel). Defenders; Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Efe
Ambrose (Celtic, Scotland), Elderson Echiéjilé (AS Monaco,
France), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough, UK), Godfrey
Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey), Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine
Stars), Francis Benjamin (Heartland), and Odunlami Kunle (Sunshine Stars). Midfielders; John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, UK), Victor
Moses (Liverpool, UK), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio, Italy), John Ogu
(Académia de Coimbra, Portugal), Obinna Nwachukwu (Heartland), Sunday Mba (CA Bastia, Corsica), Michael Babatunde (Volyn
Lutsk, Ukraine), and Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren, Belgium).
Strikers; Joseph Akpala (Karabukspor, Turkey), Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine), Anthony Ujah (Koln, Germany), Nnamdi
Oduamadi (Varese, Italy), Kalu Uche (Al-Rayyan, Qatar), Gambo
Mohammad (Kano Pillars).
Do you like Nigeria’s new shirt? Let us know what you think at [email protected]
SPORTWATCH
SOCHI STARS
Traditionally, athletes in the Winter Olympics
have been as white as the snow and ice they
compete on. But this year, more and more black
athletes competed in the Sochi Winter
Olympics. And a few of African descent went on
to bag medals.
But as we know it’s the taking part that
counts, as cross country skier Mathilde Petitjean – the first athlete from Togo to compete in
the Winter Olympics – said on a Winter
Olympics blog; “I think that I will inspire more
Africans to ski, people of black colour, to want
to ski.” Before adding, “There may be more
skating. There is no snow in Africa, but we can
build skating rinks.”
Togo’s Ski Coach Steve Grundmann, a German, said, “No one believed in us, and everybody was laughing about us, and we never
stopped, and we really continued and we believed in it. We said we wanted to bring Togo
on that winter sports map, and we did it!”
Nicolas Ramanou, Togo Ski Federation technical director, threw down a challenge to other
African nations. “As long as there are African jet
pilots, there can also be Africans who can ski.”
If trends hold up, more black athletes will
compete at the 2018 Winter Olympics, in
Pyeongchang, South Korea.
FROM TOP; ICE HOCKEY GOLD: P.K Subban receiving
Olympic Gold, after Canada retain their Olympic title,
having been unbeaten throughout the tournament.
WOMEN’S BOBSLEIGH: Beaten by a mere 0.10 seconds
the American duo of Elana Meyers and Lauryn Williams
in USA-1 won silver, ahead of Jamie Greubel and Aja
Evans in USA-2, the bronze winners.
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
23
SPORT WATCH
NIGERIAN WATCH
28 Feb - 13 Mar 2014
February 28th - March 13th 2014
nigerianwatch.com
INSIDE
AFRICA’S
SOCHI
WINNERS
IS THIS A ‘LEMON’ OF A SHIRT?
By AJ JAMES
Are we trying to disguise ourselves
as Germany? That is the question
occupying the minds of many
Nigerians since adidas launched
the World Cup shirt the Super
Eagles will be wearing in Rio
later this year.
Can you spot the difference?
The shirt on the left is the one
Germany wore at Euro 2012;
the one on the right is Nigeria’s
for Rio 2014. It doesn’t help that Nigeria’s away kit will be white – just like the
Germans.
Launching the Super Eagles’ shirt adidas
said, “This season’s home kit departs from
the traditional racing green to an exciting and
striking lighter variant, reflecting a fresh,
young and vibrant Super Eagles team that
carries the hopes of a proud Nigerian nation.”
In Nigeria the colour of the shirt is being
described as “lemon Turn to page 23
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