Nigerian Watch Issue 045 -23rd Jan 2015

E

E

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

F

R

Nigerian mothers protest as 3 teens killed in January – p5

Your next NIGERIAN WATCH available from February 5th

NIGERIAN WATCH THE UK’S LEADING AFRICAN NEWSPAPER WITH THE LARGEST CIRCULATION

BEFFTA COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR 23 JAN - 5 FEB 2015

Issue No 045

FortNIghtly to Inspire, Inform and Entertain

nigerianwatch.com

Where is the global outrage on behalf of Nigeria? pages 2&3 THE BIG ONE

je suis CHIBOK LO ND Su O nd N

Ja ay R nu 2 A ar 5th L y L

Y

je sui s

The timetable for diaspora leadership elections Page 12

BAGA

JE SUIS NIGERIA

NAKED AMBITION Stars who undress to impress damage us Women’s Watch – p13 WHY FEBRUARY 14 IS SO IMPORTANT TO NIGERIA & AFRICA – Lagun Akinloye p8

2

NIGERIAN WATCH 23 Jan - 5 Feb 2015

Follow us on Twitter @NigerianWatch

NEWSWATCH

JE SUIS BAGA, JE

NIGERIAN WATCH Publisher tevin Jemide Publisher/Managing Director Maryanne Jemide 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, Jessica onah, laura Adenuga; Edel Meremikwu Chief Cartoonist harold ogbeide Office address Nigerian Watch Chartwell house 292 hale lane Edgware Middlesex hA8 8NP Email editor@nigerianwatch.com marketing@nigerianwatch.com sales@nigerianwatch.com Website www.nigerianwatch.com tel: 020 8588 9640 Fax: 020 7160 5232 Nigerian Watch is a monthly newspaper owned by green World Media ltd.

Views expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher.

All rights reserved. No part of the newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher.

ISSN 2051-4670

l nigerian lives matter to stage london rally l On Sunday – January 25 – at least 1,000 people are set to gather outside the Nigeria High Commission in London to remind the world that “Nigerian Lives Matter”.

The rally has been called by young diasporan film maker Akinola Davies in response to the Baga massacre in Nigeria and Je Suis Charlie rally in France. The solidarity march in Paris on January 11 left him asking, “Why no global outrage for what’s happening in Nigeria?”

Mr Davies told Nigerian Watch, “I have called the rally to show solidarity with those who are in turmoil and experiencing violence in the affected regions of Nigeria, to show Nigerian lives matter.

“This is an opportunity for the diaspora and like-minded individuals to gather and

Akinola Davies

Bimbo Roberts

condemn the lack of a response from the Nigerian government and national media, both home and away,” he continued.

Highlighting his point is the fact that in Paris on January 18 thousands took to the streets to protest the murderous activities

of Boko Haram in Nigeria, which went unreported.

While over 1,000 have confirmed their attendance at Saturday’s rally on the Nigerian Lives Matter Facebook page it is hoped many more will come.

“If a solidarity march in

response to the recent terrorist attack in Paris, which saw 17 people killed, can attract over three million people plus a selection of world leaders and diplomats, can and should we not expect the same for an attack that killed 2000 people?

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/NigerianWatch

SUIS NIGERIA west accused of ‘double standards’ Mr Davies continued, “The aim of our gathering is to say that we are a united Nigeria regardless of tribe or region and that the government and world leaders need to condemn the violence and take action to Nigeria’s most defend vulnerable citizens.”

double standards For many in the UK diaspora the Paris rally on January 11, attended by around 50 world leaders including UK Prime Minister David Cameron, symbolised a disregard for the lives of Nigerians.

After the Baga massacre of January 3, during which Boko Haram terrorists slaughtered 2,000 people, there was no such global outpouring of grief.

The chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK Bimbo Afolayan Roberts told Nigerian Watch that the diaspora felt there were “double standards” on display, which gave the impression Nigerian lives are worth less than others.

“The community thinks there is double standards in the way the western governments have reacted to the terrorism in France and in Nigeria. Twelve people were massacred in France and several thousands have been killed in Nigeria. In reaction to the French incident, all the world leaders have identified and rallied round France, which is not the case with Nigeria,” he said.

“This suggests that the life of a French man is more valued that those of Nigerians in the eyes of the leaders of the developed world. It’s even more painful that the United Kingdom, our past colonial masters, treat the problems in Nigeria like they don’t exist.”

He added a stark warning to the global community about the potential repercussions if they continued to turn a blind eye to events in Nigeria.

“We would like to seize this opportunity to warn that if the crisis in Nigeria is allowed to get out of hand, the whole of west Africa, if not Africa, will bear the pains of civil war from Nigeria. The backlash will affect even western countries in direct and indirect ways.”

Mr Roberts’ analysis has found support both in Nigeria and the UK Parliament. The Catholic Archbishop of Jos Ignatius Kaigama has also said the West needs to do more to help and support Nigeria.

The Archbishop told the BBC that facing down Boko

above: Several thousand people gathered to protest at the Place du Trocadéro in Paris against the massacres committed by Boko Haram on January 18, 2015.

from l-r: The satellite image to the left shows Baga before Boko Haram attacked. The image to the right shows the same area after the attack, with buildings razed to the ground

Haram required international support and unity of the type that had been shown after last week’s attacks in France. “We need that spirit to be spread around,” he said. “Not just when an attack happens in Europe, but when it happens in Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon.

“We [must] mobilise our international resources and face or confront the people who bring such sadness to many families.”

emergency Questions In the UK House of Commons on January 12 an emergency question from Sarah Teather, Lib Dem MP for Brent, sparked a debate about the ongoing situation in Nigeria, which former Conservative cabinet minister John Redwood went on to liken to the Islamic State insurgency in Syria and Iraq to what is happening in Nigeria and wondered why the UK government saw fit to send troops to those countries but not Nigeria.

Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP for Islington North, asked if the government was doing enough to show solidarity with Nigeria.

“Millions turned out across Europe yesterday because of the atrocious killings in Paris; millions more need to turn out all over the world over the deaths of innocent people in Nigeria. Does the Minister not think that it is important for all Governments to send the message that a human life lost because of such atrocities is

NIGERIAN WATCH 23 Jan - 5 Feb 2015

NEWSWATCH

equally awful in France, Nigeria or anywhere else, and that every human life is a human life that should not be taken?”

Repeatedly in answer to charges of complacency regarding the government’s response to the crisis in Nigeria the Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire MP said Nigeria was big enough and rich enough to look after itself.

He said, “It is worth remembering as we discuss these matters that Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa.

It spends 20% of its national budget on security, so, properly run, Nigeria should be able to do a lot of this work itself.” He also highlighted that, “we are more than stepping up to the crisis. We have one of the biggest bilateral aid budgets to Nigeria in the world – approximately £250m a year.

For the diaspora here, that is something of which we can be proud.”

NIGERIAN LIVES

MATTER ANTI-TERROR RALLY

3

oPinion: richard dowden of the royal african society The great surge of marchers in Paris on Sunday was impressive and very moving but what was it for? We know what it was against: murdering cartoonists – or anyone else – is a bad thing and should not happen.

But what was the message to the world?

The politicians will welcome this response because they can use it to introduce lots of new security measures which no one will question. France’s security services will be given lots of money. I suspect we will soon see waves of arrests of Muslim activists in France. Politically I expect France will swing to the right and become a less tolerant society (especially of Muslims).

I will not be joining ‘Je Suis Charlie’. Why? Because although I would defend their right to draw and say what they like, these cartoonists did not respect or care about ordinary sincere believers who would have been deeply hurt by the violent dehumanised images of the founders of the great religions of the world. These were not just Muslims, but Christians and Sikhs and Buddhists as well. Some of those images came close to the sort of cartoons that the Nazis drew to depict Jews in the 1930s.

I am not a believer. I was brought up a Catholic and worked for the Catholic Church in different ways for 10 years but now I would describe myself as a sceptic, an agnostic. As a good liberal I defend the right of everyone to write, draw or compose whatever they want.

Let the adult public decide whether they want to see it or not. They can mock the politicians and the Pope as much as they wish.

But if writers and cartoonists use the power of their pens to attack and mock the sincerely held beliefs of the poor and voiceless in society who cannot reply, that is not just mean, it is unjust. It is also provocative and will lead to violence. That is not a moral judgement. It is a fact.

France has a bad history with the Arab world. The vicious war for Algeria in the 1950s and 60s and the murder of many Arabs – some reports say more than 200 – in Paris in 1961 have not been forgotten. Muslims still feel discriminated against in jobs and at schools.

Arabs I met – and still meet – in France complain that racism is directed at them far more than other Africans. Arabs remain at the bottom of society.

But there is a terrible irony here. The Wah-

habi Islam that has created Islamic militancy has its origins in a close ally of the West; Saudi Arabia. Wealthy Saudis, such as Osama bin Laden, from a country that grew rich on our need for their cheap oil, fund terrorism against us. Just as in the 1970s and 80s much of the IRA’s money came from Britain’s ally, the United States.

Friday’s siege and shoot out and the outpouring of solidarity with those who suffered and the people of France in general was deeply moving. The world will have sympathy for France. But was it also a nationalist march making a statement about the strength of France? Will France now swing to the right and use the march to create a less open society?

Or will the ‘Je Suis Charlie’ movement open out and include all those suffering at the hands of extremists? I can think of other countries – Mali, Kenya and Nigeria to name just three – which have suffered far more recently.

In north east Nigeria an estimated 2,000 people were killed last week alone by Boko Haram, which is inspired by the same philosophy and uses the same terror tactics. How much coverage has it had?

The editors could argue that Paris is a few hours away and France and Britain are close allies with shared economic and security interests. But today distance is less of an issue. The fanatics who killed in Paris are inspired by and inspire the fanatics of Boko Haram. These are not about local grievances. The death of distance means we are close; “every man is a piece of the continent” as John Donne put it 400 years ago, we are all “involved in mankind”. So where is the Je Suis Nigeria movement?

In the UK we have recently seen a lot of ceremonies, books and TV programmes all about Britain’s role in the First World War. But I see no attempt by the government or the media to mark the outbreak of the World War I as a global catastrophe and how the settlement that followed it created World War II. We still mark our historical events as tribes, not as members of the human race.

This weekend has witnessed a huge emotional expression of solidarity with the French.

But I notice that an immense celebration of the battle of Waterloo is being planned for next year – another great British victory over an evil enemy. Who were we victorious over?

Oh, Er –the French.

Study in the UK with a scholarship of up to £2500 (Glasgow and London) GCU offers scholarships of up to £2500 for self-funded international students.

High-quality programmes and award-winning support make us a top choice for students from over 100 countries.

Sunday 25th January 11am – 2pm Nigerian high Commission, 9 Northumberland Avenue, london WC2N 5BX

Brighter futures begin with GCU

http://nigerianlivesmatter. tumblr.com

+44 (0) 141 331 8630 studentenquiries@gcu.ac.uk

www.gcu.ac.uk

4

NIGERIAN WATCH 23 Jan - 5 Feb 2015

Follow us on Twitter @NigerianWatch

NEWSWATCH

Shades of Fela as defiant med student wins Welsh X Factor NIGERIAN student Suleiman Attah has won the Welsh version of the X-Factor, with an original song that he wrote and composed just two hours before the grand finale of the competition.

Mr Attah, 20, who is studying music technology at Coleg Llandrillo Music Technology in Wales, beat 21 other finalists in what is the largest talent competition in Wales to win first prize.

Elated at winning Wales Factor, he expressed appreciation to his family for allowing him to abandon his course in medicine to study music because of his passion for it. In that sense he follows in the footsteps of Nigeria’s Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, who also abandoned studying medicine [in the UK] to pursue a career in music.

“Before I went into music, I was studying medicine in Ghana because that was what my parents wanted for me but I wanted to achieve my dreams in music,” Mr Attah explained. “I love music so much because it inspires me. Winning this big competition is like a dream come true, even though I never believed I could win.”

He revealed that two hours before the grand final of the competition he penned the winning song.

“I realised I needed to be different, I needed to be original if I was to win, so, there and then I composed the song [entitled] Viexen, The Female Folks and it won,” Mr Attah said.

His mother, Rekiya Attah, who is also in the entertainment industry, expressed

shout out to bloggers Nominations have opened for the annual Nigerian Blog Awards, open to all Nigerian bloggers and non-Nigerian bloggers who write primarily about Nigeria.

For the purposes of the Nigerian Blog Awards, a blog is a website that contains posts (articles, entries) displayed in reverse chronological order. The posts can be words, images, or both and readers should be able to interact with the blog by leaving comments or using a rating system.

Nominations close on February 1. Visit www.nigerianblogwards.com to submit your nomination.

satisfaction that her son had made her family proud and revealed she had reluctantly let him study music.

“He has always wanted to go into music but I refused even though the pressure was high from him, his aunts and uncles,” she said. “I still insisted he must study medicine because he was good in sciences, so I sent him to a school in Ghana where he started studying medicine.

“Then, suddenly he called me from Ghana and said, ‘Mum, you know I love physics so well, but, anytime I am in that physics class, all I am doing is creating beats in my head’.

“At that point, I realised that I needed to let him follow his dream and passion, instead of insisting he must study medicine.”

nigeria launches exPort drive to get more naija food in uK shoPs NIGERIAN trade officials have embarked on a tour of retail outlets across the UK as part of an aggressive drive to diversify the economy by increasing the export of local foodstuffs

into Europe.

In an ambitious attempt to get large UK supermarket chains like Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Safeway and Morrisons to start stocking Nigerian foodstuffs on their shelves, the high-powered delegation was in the UK for a week from Jan 14.

Led by Segun Awolowo, the executive director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the entourage also included officials from Nigeria’s trade ministry, Customs & Excise, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.

First port of call for the delegation was Lambeth, where it was hosted by the Mayor, Councillor Adedamola Aminu, and taken on a tour of Nigerian businesses in Brixton.

While out and about, the delegation asked businesses what help they needed to ease their importation of goods from Nigeria.

Mr Awolowo said, “We recently rebased our economy to find out that it was the largest in Africa but during the process, we noted that despite the fact that 95% of our export earnings come from oil, the sector only accounts for 15% of gross domestic product

20 % DiSCoUnTeD DeALS AvAiLAbLe FoR ARiK AiRLine ,KLM RoYAL DUTCh AiRLine AnD bRiTiSh AiRWAYS MONEY BACK GUARANTEED CHEAPER TICKETS TO NIGERIA AND GHANA

Lagos harare Accra Lilongwe Captown Abidjan Dakar Dar es Salam nairobi entebbe Kinshasa Khartoum banjul Lusaka Jamaica

£455 GbP £490 GbP £452 GbP £450 GbP £495 GbP £490 GbP £465 GbP £455 GbP £470 GbP £480 GbP £520 GbP £430 GbP £465 GbP £560 GbP £810 GbP

EASTER AND SUMMER DEALS FOR LAGOS AND ABUJA

Airline

Fare

Air France

£440 GbP

KLM

£455 GbP

Arik Airline

£510 GbP

virgin Atlantic £550 GbP british Airways £568 GbP

1.Terms & Conditions applied to all bookings and below fares 2.Fare and taxes is subject to change. Your initial deposits guarantees only the reservation, not the fare and taxes. We may impose additional cost to the ticket price if there is any change in taxes, airline charges, fuel charges, airport taxes, exchange rate.

32 Adelphi Gardens, Slough ,SL1 2RG, United Kingdom

(GDP). Of the remainder, agriculture accounts for only 18% and we found out that it was services that were driving the growth.

“We want to achieve that by supporting Nigerian diaspora promotion.”

Mr Awolowo pointed out that Nigeria was a major producer of agricultural products like cocoa, rubber, Shea nuts, cashews, coconuts and gum Arabic and the NEPC wants to attract investors to process such goods in Nigeria. He added that if they do this, they can then export finished goods to international markets like the UK via retail chains.

According to Mr Awolowo, the Nigerian government has just established a N200bn (£717m) small and medium enterprises fund to help support small businesses. He pointed out that diasporans wishing to manufacture goods in Nigeria and export them to the UK will be able to tap into this funds when it is up and running.

Cllr Jack Hopkins, the Lambeth cabinet member for employment and growth, said that the council is always looking for international partners it can do business with.

He added that about 20% of the population in Lambeth is African and 40% of it is black, so the borough is an ideal market for Nigerian goods.

Mayor Aminu added that there are 43 Nigerian councillors in the UK, who can serve as a good resource to help tap into the UK market. He added that they also serve as a link with Nigerian businesses and would be happy to partner with the NEPC to help reach out to the UK diaspora.

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/NigerianWatch

NEWSWATCH

NIGERIAN WATCH 23 Jan - 5 Feb 2015

5

MOTHERS SAY ‘ENOUGH IS ENOUGH’ the Killing of three teenagers since the turn of the year sParKs emotional memorial Grieving mothers made an emotional appeal for youths to lay down their weapons and turn the other cheek to “disrespect” when they gathered in Bethnal Green, east London, at the spot where 16year-old Joel Adesina was stabbed to death on December 6.

Over 100 people attended the memorial march for Joel on January 10 behind a banner proclaiming “Enough is Enough”.

The multicultural, multi-faith gathering was a clear indication that the anti-violence campaign launched

by Nigerian mothers in the wake of another previous street death is gathering momentum.

With the New Year just dawning one chilling fact was at the forefront of everyone’s minds – in the first 10 days of 2015 three teenagers had lost their lives on the streets of the capital; Jermie Malenge, 17, was knifed to death on Homerton High Street on January 6; 18 year-old Bilal Mirza was fatally stabbed in Marylebone on January 8; and Isaiah Ekpaloba, 18, was stabbed to death in Wood Green on January 9.

Joel’s mother Felicia made an impassioned plea for the killing to stop, following a short symbolic march around the streets surrounding where Joel lost his life.

“Let us be part of the reconciliation on the streets of London,” she said.

“Lay down your weapons. We are not looking for retaliation. I want the blood of my son to speak peace and love and reconciliation and not hatred.

I want the blood of my son to speak forgiveness.”

Addressing directly the sizeable number of Joel’s young friends who were present, Mrs Adesina added, “Don’t seek or take revenge, it ends in the grave. We need you to make your mothers proud.”

A tearful friend of her son spoke.

“Think of Joel before you do something stupid,” he said. “Put down your weapons. What’s happening, what happened to Joel, it’s not right, it’s not

from l-r (clockwise from top): The march in Bethnal Green; Kim Williams; Joel’s friend Usmann; and (l-r) grieving mothers Mrs Fashina and Mrs Adesina

normal, it just has to stop.”

Among those in attendance was Mrs Fashina, who’s son, 24-year-old Olamide, was fatally stabbed in Thamesmeade on October 14. It was this murder that led to the formation of Oh! Mother, the anti-violence campaign that called the Joel memorial march.

Mrs Fashina implored parents to think about their relationship with their children.

“It doesn’t work the way it did back home [in Nigeria],” she said. “We need to befriend our children.”

Mrs Fashina told the gathering, “Olamide ignored my concerns and told me not to worry but he got into the situation that killed him because of his ‘friends’.”

She too directly addressed the many

young people at the gathering and implored them to “turn to your parents, speak to your parents, ask for their help. As mothers we know what to do”.

“If a friend starts carrying a knife, speak to us, we can help.”

A third bereaved mother spoke, Kim Williams. Her son was killed on the streets 11 years ago.

“Society believes all victims are in gangs, that’s not the true picture,” she said. “They can just be going to school or college and someone decides their face doesn’t fit.”

She implored the young present to alienate any friends or acquaintances they know who are carrying knives.

“If no one will associate with them they will quickly stop,” she reasoned.

Bridgette Peters, who founded Oh!

Police committee to grill mayor boris johnson on youth reoffending Policy What support are young offenders in London given to deter them from committing another offence? What more can the Mayor’s office do to help stop young offenders from reoffending?

Following the introduction of the Police and Crime Plan in 2013, the Mayor committed to deliver a “rehabilitation revolution” by improving the treatment and resettlement of offenders and by cutting re-offending rates, particularly for young people.

An investigation by the Police and Crime Committee will examine what actions the Mayor has taken following his commitment to address youth reoffending and re-settlement, and assess what more the Mayor could do in the future.

The Committee will hold public meetings this month and in February 2015 to assess the nature and extent of youth re-offending in London, and to identify future challenges and opportunities to further reduce youth re-offending. The Committee will question a range of guests, including the Met Police and Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).

As well as holding public meetings, the Committee will review any established good practice, both national and international; and draw upon existing research on re-offending.

For more background information please see the investigation’s terms of reference at www.london.gov.uk If you would like to submit evidence please email Becky.Short@london.gov.uk

Mother, told Nigerian Watch that it was important to hold public memorials for the young who have been killed “because it shows oneness, that we have love, that we care”.

“When a mother loses a child it alters us and all mothers can feel her pain.”

She continued, “We’re here today to say ‘enough is enough’, we’ve had enough of our children being killed on the street. The more mothers we can get to support us the sooner this will come to an end. We want it to end now. I beg mothers to realise how strong our voices are. Together we can put a stop to this.”

Oh! Mother chairman, author and mental health consultant Eze Nacho asked those present to consider two things. First, to youths, “Think of the

pain you feel when you cut your finger, that is the pain that lives with your mother for ever, with your family, with the whole community.

And secondly, ask your mother how she would feel if somebody stabbed you to death. Reflect on the answer and drop the knife.”

During a period of reflection many other people spoke. Magistrate and Nigerian community leader Bilious Savage said, “I recall every killing since the tragic murder of Damilola Taylor [November 2000]. Now is a time to reflect and ask questions, especially for us mothers and youths. I sit in court and see so many cases my heart bleeds and the question remains, ‘Why?’.

“For the sake of the community we can use today as a reference point to start working together to bring this carnage to an end.”

There was much introspection about parenting styles among the diaspora. Former Mayor of Brent Kate Anolue implored parents to “know where your children are, know who their friends are. Let us change the way we are to protect them.”

But there was also evident anger against the government for austerity measures that are decimating youth provision across the capital and legislation that many present felt empowered children to defy their parents.

One to raise this issue was Elizabeth Osinalke, who said, “We understand you [the government] want to cut everything to control the economy but you need to stop cutting youth facilities. Our children need somewhere to go to channel their energies. And you need to start listening to mothers.

She continued, “Too often children threaten to get to police to stop their parents disciplining them. The balance need to be redressed in favour of parents.

“Enough is enough. We are burying our future Prime Ministers, lawyers, doctors. I don’t want to bury my children, I want the right to be able to stop them going down this road.”

6

NIGERIAN WATCH 23 Jan - 5 Feb 2015

FOUR NIGERIANS NAMED AS QUEEN’S YOUNG LEADERS Four amazingly resourceful Nigerians have been named among the first wave of change-makers to receive the Queen’s Young Leaders Award.

The awards were launched last year to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and every year between 2014-2018 60 inspirational young people will be selected to receive an Award – one for every year

that The Queen had served as Head of the Commonwealth at the time of her Diamond Jubilee.

The four young Nigerians to have won are Oladipupo Ajiroba, aged 28; Nkechikwu Azinge, 26; Kelvin Ogholi, 24; and Isaiah Owolabi, 27. Each has an amzing story to tell.

As recipients of the award they will receive bespoke and online mentoring

learning provided by the University of Cambridge and will attend a week-long residential programme in the UK in June, when they will receive their Award at Buckingham Palace from Her Majesty The Queen.

Applications for the 2015 Awards opens in June and all details regarding elegibility and how to apply can be found at www.queensyoungleaders.com

nigeria’s Queen’s young leaders Oladipupo Ajiroba Growing up with bronchitis made Oladipupo very conscious of pollution. He set up The Environmental Advocacy and Management Initiative, which has engaged more than 10,000 volunteers in campaigns and workshops.

Oladipupo intends to use The Queen’s Young Leaders Award to encourage greater respect for the environment and to create green jobs.

Nkechikwu Azinge Nkechikwu grew up with close family members who have the hereditary blood disorder Sickle Cell Anaemia.

After witnessing the physical, mental and emotional challenges it can lead to, she set up The Sickle Cell Aid Foundation. The organisation encourages people to get tested to know their haemoglobin genotype, and has set up sickle cell clubs in schools to inform and educate young people about the condition.

Find out more about The Sickle Cell Aid Foundation at: www.scaf.org.ng

Follow us on Twitter @NigerianWatch

NEWSWATCH

Kelvin Ogholi After seeing livestock farmers – including his father – struggle to pay for feed, Kelvin cofounded UNFIRE. This social enterprise has found a way to produce poultry feeds from organic waste such as mango seeds, seaweeds etc. It costs half the price of normal feed, and so far it has helped more than 70 farmers.

Find out more about UNFIRE at: ww.unfireng.com Isaiah Owolabi Isaiah co-founded HACEY Health Initiative, which helps disadvantaged women and children to lead healthy lives. In 2012 HACEY launched Hands Up For Her, which promotes the rights of African girls.

The Queen’s Young Leaders Award will help HACEY develop its Women’s Health and Productivity project, ensuring women in rural areas have access to health services and training.

exCLUSive oFFeRS DiSCoUnTeD PRiCe SAve UP To £150

Farewell to pioneering Bola The UK diaspora has been mourning the loss of one of its pioneering and most successful retailers Bola Amole, who was the proprietor of Bims African Foods store in Peckham, southeast London.

Ms Amole died shortly after Christmas over the weekend of January 10-11 while in Nigeria, where she recently announced her intention to contest next month’s elections to become a member of parliament for the Egbeda /Ona-Ara federal constituency in Oyo State as an Accord Party candidate. The cause

of death remains unknown.

Among other things, Ms Amole was also the national president of the Association of Food and Vegetable Exporters

of Nigeria, which ships African food to the UK. She was also the chairperson of the Alliance for Democracy in Europe up until 2003, before she joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later the Accord Party.

She was also a member of the Labour Party in the UK and was very popular among the diaspora community.

Ms Amole's well-known shop sold all manners of African goods in the UK and was regularly frequented by the Nigerian community.

‘MINT’ MAN REVEALS MARKETS’ VIEW OF NIGERIA’S ELECTIONS The former chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management and financial soothsayer Jim O’Neil, who predicted Nigeria could be among the top 20 economies by 2020, has revealed how global investors view the forthcoming elections in Nigeria.

It was Mr O’Neill who first forecast the rise of the BRIC economies – Brazil, Russia, India and China – and, at the turn of last year, the rise of the MINT economies, referring to Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey.

Earlier this month in an interview with the business bible Bloomberg in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, O’Neil said that the economic policies pursued by President Jonathan’s administration over the past four years “could have been better”.

He also spoke about the sacking in 2014 of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Lamido Sanusi. He said Mr Sanusi’s dismissal sent out a negative signal to

from l-r: Goldman Sachs Jim O’Neill and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Lamido Sanusi

investors because the former governor, who is now the Emir of Kano, brought “a lot of credibility” to the government.

According to Mr O’Neill, foreign investors are negative about Nigeria presently and so a loss for Jonathan could be positive for the market.

O’Neil, however, commended the President for privatising most power utilities.

“If he doesn’t get re-elected, and it’s because of the Nigerian people wanting something different and something better, I think the markets would be happy with that,” he said.

“Foreign investors are pretty negative about Nigeria, so I don’t dismiss the possibility that if he lost people actually might react positively,” he said.

On President Jonathan’s main challenger, former General Muhammadu Buhari, the economist said that due to Buhari’s failure to set out an economic policy, it is unclear what his victory would mean for investors and that would make people “a bit worried.”

However, Mr O’Neill added it all depends on “what would happen with the institutional framework and policies.”

CHEAP FLIGHTS-AFRICA Guaranteed- Taxes included Book & Confrim *£75* (deposit) Hotels, Insurance & Car Hire available

exCLUSive oFFeRS Accra £435 Abidjan £469 Abuja £445 Banjul £480 Dar es Salam £465 Capetown. £499

Conakry Entebbe Harare Khartoum Nairobi Lagos Lusaka

£510 booK WiTh ConFiDenCe. £465 YoUR CheAPeR TiCKeT iS £480 one CALL AWAY. £440 £425 Terms & conditions apply £440 All prices are subject to £410 availability & exclusive of taxes.

0203 290 9865

WWW.CheAPeSTAiRFLiGhTS.Co.UK

0203 290 9865

inFo@CheAPeSTAiRFLiGhTS.Co.UK

Abidjan Abuja Accra Addis Ababa Asmara Bamako Banjul Cairo Cape Town Conakry Dakar Dar'salaam Douala

525 535 480 395 695 669 685 305 530 655 519 483 440

Dubai Durban Entebbe Freetown Gabarone Harare Jo'Burg Kano Khartoum Kigali Kinshasa Lagos Libreville

329 620 465 649 750 485 488 555 435 599 625 488 459

Lusaka Luanda Maputo Mogaddishu Monrovia Nairobi Niamey Nouakchott Port Harcourt Sanaa Tripoli Tunis Windhoek

545 625 709 935 705 440 505 775 665 475 245 185 745

0207 586 1234 WWW.goclassic.co.uk

d Vyke for free +! +!/,&!

,2/ Ɯ/01

)) &0

3p

/minut /minute e

,4+), ! 6(" +! % 3" 6,2/ Ɯ/01 ,4+), ! 6(" +! % 3" 6,2/ Ɯ/01 )) ,+ 20 )) ,+ 20 ǔ

ǿǽ /"" ǖǕ *&+21"0 ,ƛ"/ 3 &) )" 1, +"4 6(" 201,*"/0 &+ 1%" ,+)6ǽ ,*" ,2+1/&"0 /" "5 )2!"!ǽ /"" *&+21"0 /" 3 )&! #,/ 0"3"+ ! 60 #/,* ! 1" ,# 0&$+ 2-ǽ ,2/ 0"/3& " -/,3&!"/ * 6 % /$" 6,2 #,/ &+1"/+"1 ! 1 ,/ *&+21"0 20"! 1, ,++" 1 1, 6("ǽ ,/ #2)) 1"/*0 +! ,+!&1&,+0 3&0&1 444ǽ36("ǽ ,*ȋ

8

NIGERIAN WATCH 23 Jan - 5 Feb 2015

Follow us on Twitter @NigerianWatch

NEWSWATCH nigeria 2015 election sPecial

A VIEW FROM AFAR Journalist and political analyst lagun Akinloye considers what is at stake on February 14 As the weeks draw closer to the much anticipated presidential elections, Nigerians in the UK can only sit and watch with baited breath as the political drama unfolds. To be far from the action does not diminish the level of care and interest the upcoming polls has on Nigerians in the diaspora, with many still maintaining strong family, personal and business ties to their fatherland.

Nigerians in the diaspora are yet to be granted the vote – despite the issue having been discussed at the highest levels before the 2007 and 2011 elections – but their influence cannot be disregarded as their advice and opinions on Nigeria’s political happenings are still sought by family, friends and visiting politicians.

Will the continuity offered by President Goodluck Jonathan and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) prove a more attractive draw for Nigerians and the diaspora than the ‘change’ promised by Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC)?

non-violence

t

he forthcoming election will be Nigeria’s fourth cycle of elections since the return to democracy in 1999, with previous polls producing mixed results in terms of voter turnout, electoral malpractice and post-election violence.

In 2011, riots sparked by supporters of the defeated candidate (Buhari) led to more than 1,000 deaths across northern Nigeria and the destruction of millions of naira worth of property.

To forestall a recurrence in the upcoming elections an undertaking was signed by both the President and Buhari on January 14, promising to avoid violence before and after the polls.

The event entitled, The 2015 Elections Sensitization Workshop on Non-Violence, was held in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and had in attendance former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as Chairman alongside Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Emeka Anyaoku, with both presidential candidates declaring they were committed to peaceful polls.

It is clear to see there is a positive evolution in Nigeria’s political process with the US State Department adjudging the 2011 polls “successful” and a substantial improvement over 2007, and the African Union Observer Mission concluding that it’s fair conduct had “raised hope for the rest of Africa on growth of democracy.”

The importance of the elections are not only felt by Nigerians or Nigerians in the diaspora but by the international community at large. Nigeria’s position as Africa’s biggest producer of oil and

disillusioned with the current state of affairs, the APC provide the only political alternative, increasing its attractiveness to the electorate.

why it matters

f

the 2015 elections sensitization worKshoP on non-violence, abuja. from l-r: Victor Ndoma-Egba(Senate Minority Leader), Emeka Anyouku, Kofi Annan, Muhammadu Buhari, Goodluck Jonathan, Adamu Mu'azu (PDP chairman), John Odigie Oyegun (APC chairman)

the continent’s largest economy places them amongst the global economic elites. The recent coined acronym MINT, places Nigeria alongside Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey as the next frontiers in terms of resources, trade and development.

The strategic importance of Nigeria in the war against Islamic extremism also adds increased interest to the elections as the spread of insurgency grows across the middle east, Turkey, North Africa and at home. The fight against Boko Haram has been seen as a catalyst for the rise of global extremism and the Nigerian elections will go some way to determining the next step in the battle against the sect who seem to be emulating The Islamic State (IS), which is ravaging vast areas of Iraq and Syria.

the incumbent

t

he PDP, led by incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, has been in control of the government since the return to democracy in 1999 and has won all elections since. The lack of a viable opposition and the political, economic and electoral strength it has built up over the years has cemented the PDP as the powerhouse of Nigerian politics.

Jonathan ascended to the presidency after the untimely demise of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010. Jonathan, who was vice president at the time, would complete the remainder of Yar’Adua’s term and seek election himself in 2011, which he won comfortably against the same challenger he is facing this time round, General Muhammadu Buhari.

Jonathan’s full first term as president has left political analysts clutching at straws as he’s hobbled

from one crisis to another. Jonathan has not been able to curtail the endemic corruption that has held the country back for so long and with Boko Haram continuing their offensive against the government in the north east of the country, the security situation is in a perilous state.

But with Nigeria posting a consistent growth in Gross Domestic

Nigeria’s political sphere, having led the military coup that toppled the democratically elected National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1983, only to be removed by the same means two years later by General Ibrahim Babangida.

Buhari returned to national consciousness as a civilian presidential aspirant in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections but fell short of the mark on each occasion.

2015 represents the 72-year-old former General’s best and last chance of leading the Nigerian people once again.

His party the APC has tapped into rising anti-PDP sentiment and by using the popular political slogan of ‘change’, they have promised a new and reinvigorated Nigeria.

The party has adopted a 6-point manifesto which focuses on the areas of national security, good governance, human capital and economic development, alongside national resource and foreign policy.

The APC seems to have articulated its vision for Nigeria better than the PDP but both include stark similarities in the hope that FDI and the opening up of Nigeria’s economy will act as a magic wand in decreasing unemployment, delivering increased security and fighting corruption.

The APC’s promise of change has also been called into question for accepting defectors from the PDP alongside accusations of corruption among some of their leading members.

But with a large section of Nigerian society growing increasingly

“Both parties see opening up the economy as a magic wand to decreasing unemployment and corruption” Product (GDP) of above 5% over the past four years and an influx of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of $11bn dollars in 2014 alone, President Jonathan’s administration still has some positives to point to.

Jonathan’s campaign promises remain similar to these he declared in 2013, with an increase in power generation and access to qualitative and competitive education being placed alongside much-needed healthcare reforms and the fight against corruption forming the crux of his manifesto.

the oPPosition

t

he APC was formed in 2013 after a merger between the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and has fielded General Muhammadu Buhari as the candidate to tackle Jonathan at the polls.

Buhari is a known quantity in

ormer America Ambassador to Nigeria John Campbell, predicted in his book Nigeria: Dancing on the Brink that the country would break up by 2015. This has been dispelled by political analysts and Nigerians alike, but adds weight to the need for well conducted polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed the likelihood of being unable to conduct elections in various parts of the north-east due to the menace of Boko Haram. The region represents between 5-10% of Nigeria’s voting population thus leading to the possibility of pre- and post-election litigation and possible violence.

Voters are faced between the choice of an incumbent president who many believe has performed below par with the resources at his disposal and disciplinarian former General who, if elected, could take Nigeria one step back in order to move it forward.

The spotlight being shone on Nigeria bodes well, with print, digital and social media awash with debates on an election that means so much to many. Though the impact of social media on the actual campaign has not been studied, it gives the diaspora an ideal platform to air their views and contest their various opinions on Nigeria and their preferred candidate.

Nigerians, of course, should aim to pick the best candidate who will build on the country’s democratic development and have the foresight to disregard money politics and immediate gratification to the betterment of the long-term future of the country.

If Nigeria gets these elections right the benefits to the country and Africa’s democratic development will be vast.

Get it wrong and Nigeria will be viewed as a nation teetering on failed nation status, with our abundance of wealth and potential counting for nothing and this is why the Nigerian diaspora community maintains a key interest in what will be Nigeria’s most keenly contested elections to date.

In the next edition of Nigerian Watch Lagun Akinloye explores the three main sectors of Nigeria’s socio-economic space that have witnessed notable development in recent times, while counter-analysing three others that are in need of special attention by the candidate and party that emerges victorious after the February 14 polls.

Mr Akinloye is a prominent member of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK and as a political commentator writes for media in both the UK and Nigeria.

DO YOU NEED DONOR EGGS? Barbados Fertility Centre offers an EXCELLENT donor egg programme for African Caribbean couples.

With a waiting list no longer than 3 months, and high success rates of 72% in 2014 many UK couples are heading to the Caribbean island of Barbados for successful IVF treatment.

If you have tried to conceive for more than 12 months with no success, then you must seek medical advice on your treatment options.

Please contact our dedicated team for your free consultation on 001 236 435 7467 to make your dream of a family come true.

Due to Barbadian immigration law, patients must hold a valid UK passport to enter the country for treatment.

dholmes@barbadosivf.com www.barbadosfertility.com Organization Accredited

by Joint Commission International

Europe's No.1 Supplier for West African Food & Drinks Products

P FORERFECT RICEJOLLOF OTH AND ER NIGE CUS RIAN INE

CK STOISH F AD HE

COD AND TUSK STOCKFISH

Over a 1000 more products at Great wholesale prices for the West African Community, in store...

HOW TO FIND US

We are opposite Brimsdown Station (National Rail) 10 mins from Tottenham and Edmonton

www.yadcofoods.com

0044 208 344 0280 (12 lines) email: info@yadcofoods.com sales@yadcofoods.com

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/NigerianWatch

YOURWATCH

NIGERIAN WATCH 23 Jan - 5 Feb 2015

Letters to the Editor 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: editor@nigerianwatch.com Letters to be included in the next issue must be received by no later thanFebruary 1, 2015. Anonymous letters will not be published. Please include your full name, postal address and contact telephone number. Names and addresses can be withheld, if preferred.

Letters may be edited for publication.

Je Suis Raif Badawi ... and 2000 Nigerians In contrast to the worldwide outrage at the murder of cartoonists and journalists in Paris, there has been hardly any public reaction to

news that Saudi Arabia is savagely beating a blogger, Raif Badawi, for “insulting Islam”.

The Saudis plan to inflict a sentence of 1,000 lashes in weekly installments of 50.

Badawi is also to spend 10 years in prison, where his lawyer must stay 15 years for daring to defend him.

The news that Boko Haram has just murdered some 2,000 people and driven 30,000 from their homes – ostensibly in its continuing campaign for

11

NW CoMMENt Shariah law – has also met with little international anger.

This double standard is infuriating.

Saudi Arabia should be subjected to the same bitter condemnation as the terrorists in Paris and its government should be censured by all organisations, national and international, that stand for civilised values. Journalists especially must be vocal in defending their own.

In the case of Boko Haram, there has been no shortage of outrage at its previous crimes, but the mass media continue to report its Islamic pretensions as if they were serious; they are only camouflage for its main business, trafficking drugs.

Saudi Arabia and Boko Haram presenting themselves as proponents of “Islam” is as bizarre as the claim of the butchers of Paris to be avenging the Prophet.

All of them deserve a noisily rude raspberry Bhaskar Menon, via email

Make a difference With the start of 2015, many people will be making their New Year resolutions and planning to make a difference, either for themselves or for others.

Whatever the reason – be it getting fit, participating in a sporting event, signing-up for a once-in-a-lifetime challenge, or supporting one of our national campaigns – National Doughnut Week or Humphrey’s Pyjama Week – The Children’s Trust would love to hear from you.

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury, helping them to make the best recovery possible after a serious accident or illness.

The Children’s Trust has lots of fundraising activities taking place during the year.

We have places available in many famous running events – including half and full marathons – and would love to

hear from runners who would like to run for us in the Great North Run, the Great South Run, Brighton Marathon, other regional runs or the Virgin Money London Marathon.

For those of you who are enthusiastic about taking on a special challenge, an 18-day Everest Base Camp Trek should tick the box!

Alternatively, if you are looking for a special event that will appeal to supercar enthusiasts and offer lots of entertainment for all the family, then The Supercar Event, held at Dunsfold Park – home of the famous Top Gear track – on June 20/21 is an event not to be missed.

For further details on all The Children’s Trust’s fundraising events this year, visit, www. thechildrenstrust.org.uk Katie Roberts, via email Head of Voluntary Fundraising The Children’s Trust

J

e suis Nigeria. Je suis Baga. Je suis Chibok.

Je suis Cameroon. Je suis Chad. Je suis Niger. Je suis west Africa. Je suis Africa. Je suis UK diaspora. yet I like many in the community am bewildered by the lack of response of the UK government to events unfolding back home. there are spectres of colonialism in their attitude, as this government is all too happy to ride our turbo economy and capitalise on our natural resources. yet they show no responsibility in our hour of need.

As neither, it must be said, do Nigeria’s Presidential candidates, seemingly content to let Boko haram’s bloody reign of terror continue unabated. this is shameful.

So I know where I will be this Sunday at 11am; at the rally against terror outside the Nigeria high Commission in london.

We must bring pressure to bear on the UK government to in turn pressure the Nigerian government and African Union to act.

And to muster the forces of the Commonwealth and UN to tackle this perverse form of Islam that threatens many former colonies of empire and not just Nigeria.

I exhort you to join me in the hundreds if not thousands. Spread the word.

Maryanne Jemide, MD

To advertise call 0208 588 9640

or email sales@nigerianwatch.com

12

NIGERIAN WATCH 23 Jan - 5 Feb 2015

Follow us on Twitter @NigerianWatch

EMBASSYWATCH

NEWS FROM THE NIGERIA HIGH COMMISSION, LONDON

All change at the top for diaspora leaders Sandwiched between the Presidential and state elections in Nigeria (February 14) and general election here in the UK (May 7) is a third important election – for leaders of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK. And it will be all change, with half the executive committee members of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK) set to step down, having served two terms, the maximum allowed under the constitution.

Among those going are: Chief Bimbo Afolayan Roberts, CANUK chairman for the past four years; 1st Vice Chairman Chima Olugh; 2nd Vice Chairman, Abdullahi Bakwo; Secretary General Dr Abiodun Fakokunde; Assistant General Secretary Olalekan Oshunkoya; Social Secretary

Charles Khiran; and Publicity Secretary Shola Oluseitan.

However, all executive committee posts are up for election.

CANUK is represented by 15 executives from different professional, cultural, regional, sporting, social, youth and women’s organisations, who undertake their roles voluntarily.

Thirteen are elected executives and two are “ex officio” (see Election Schedule, right).

CANUK was formed in 2005 to “protect, unify and empower” Nigerians in the UK to the benefit of both the host community and motherland. It is thought to be the largest Nigerian community organisation in the world, representing the largest black community in the UK. As Nigeria’s Mission in the UK is the country’s largest in the world.

Election schedule

from l-r: outgoing canuK chairman chief roberts, with nigeria’s high commissioner to the uK dr dalhatu sarki tafida, ofr, cfr

CANUK was founded by Nigerian community organisations in the UK under the auspices of the Nigeria High Commission in recognition of the need to unite the hundreds of Nigerian societies, bodies, unions and associations under one umbrella organisation to

ensure the interests of Nigerians in the UK are represented in a harmonious and organised manner.

The inspiration for the establishment of CANUK came from the Nigeria High Commission and staff. The founding patron was Dr Christopher Kolade, CON,

the former Nigeria High Commissioner to the UK (supported by the Head of Chancery of the mission at the time, Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru). The current High Commissioner Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR, is patron of the organisation.

Winter specials London Heathrow to Lagos

1 Feb – 14 Feb: Applications for electoral posts by delegates of different associations. Formation of the Electoral Committee panel.

15 Feb – 28 Feb: Vetting of applications and announcement of successful applicants.

1 March – 21 March: Postal voting for all posts with the exception of the post of Chairman.

1 April: Announcement of results of the election.

1 April – 7 April: Election complaints and response by the Electoral Committee.

11 April: AGM, where the election of the incoming Chairman will be undertaken by secret ballot.

Note: Any organisations registering as members of CANUK after December 31 are ineligible to vote. All dues must be paid up in full by January 31 for member organisations to be eligible to vote and seek election to posts.

From

£530 economy class

£1635 business class

Return fares, including taxes and charges.

To book visit arikair.com/special-offers fly world class Fares are subject to availability, exchange rate variation and conditions apply.

a r i k a i r. c o m

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/NigerianWatch

WOMEN’SWATCH

ER with the eagle eye

NIGERIAN WATCH 23 Jan - 5 Feb 2015

13

Ekanem Robertson is co-presenter of The Woman TV Show on Ben TV. Write to er@nigerianwatch.com Follow Ekanem on Twitter @ekkanemr

Spot the difference!

In 2008 TV fashion guru Gok Wan burst onto our screens in the UK with a programme for women called How to Look Good Naked. I recall watching this programme with interest.

He took a number of women through how to dress to suit their body shape and finally to a public reveal on a city street in the form of a giant poster of each woman in the nude. It was at the time a revolutionary programme, presumably aimed at confidence-building.

stepping out in public and posing in shockingly revealing outfits, and the internet has become the medium of choice to disseminate these images.

Indeed, nudity is now mainstream and regular, but is it acceptable? Over the past year Amber Rose, Rihanna, Nikki Minaj and Miley Cyrus, to name a few, have all stepped out in various states of undress, and Kim Kardashian brought “the year of the great reveal” to a crescendo by doing full frontal

“What does the state of dress or undress of women say about your society?”

Gok was attempting to build up the confidence of these women (and perhaps those of us watching), who had body image problems. He wanted the everyday woman to come to terms with body hang-ups, to reject media stereotyping of the female form and learn to love their bodies, more. The message was that, whether skinny or fat, tall or thin...woman, you are beautiful!

Fast forward to 2014 and it seems that with celebrity women leading the way women are now a bit too comfortable with public nudity. There was a time when such exposure was kept to the middle pages of niche magazines like Playboy, but now women are

nudity! So one wonders, what is the message?

My fear is that these celebrities are not in the least concerned about sending any particular message. The truth is: it’s not about you, people! They and their managers are constantly grappling with the task of devising strategies and plans to achieve one goal and one goal only; to make more and more money!

They are consumed with the need to be talked about – create a buzz – with the goal of “breaking the internet” in order to “make” the news. The purpose of all this solicited attention is that they develop a crowd pull

which social media can verify and bingo! Endorsement contracts, juicy jobs and lucrative collaborations, galore! Notoriety and controversy do convert into cool dollars, believe that!

There are many activities that bring wealth, sometimes stupendous wealth, but are undesirable and are not encouraged because of their potential to destroy society; such as production/sale of hard drugs, arms dealing and human trafficking.

Yes, I do put this current “ride or die” attitude in the entertainment world right up there.

As 50 Cent put it, “Get Rich or Die Trying”, but ‘Get Rich! Destroy Society if Necessary’! is a bit more closer to the truth.

If some people wish to sacrifice decency on the altar of mammon must they take the rest of us for the ride?

Unfortunately, celebrities are looked upon as role models by many young people, who tend to emulate them or copy their perceived standards. For example, up and coming artists in Nigeria, who dream of breaking into the international market by emulating their heroes in the western world, are regularly defying local cultural norms by posing nude on the Internet, performing in sheer garments and walking the red carpet in copies of celebrity “dresses”.

Sadly, for all their effort, they do not get the same returns as their foreign idols.

The jury is still out on how high a price they will pay in future for this “indiscretion”.

On the city streets of many African countries, however, there is no lag, consequences are immediate. In Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, young women have been attacked, thoroughly beaten and stripped naked for this same “indiscretion”.

On the other side of the coin is the woman, who, by the dictates of her custom, covers all. Here also we have various stages of cover-up, from the burka (total), as in the picture (left), to those that reveal the eyes and then the full face. It is often thought, that such dress denotes restriction and lack of expression.

This view is countered by the idea that the fully covered woman reflects a greater protection given to her by the society to which she belongs.

But is covering up for the protection of women or to protect men from women?

(Just asking!)

Wherever one stands on this issue, one must concede that as a mere matter of fact, with the burka and related culture, the possibility or temptation to exploit a woman’s very essence in the media, for massive financial gain, whether by others or by the woman herself, is taken off the table. Personally, I think that is a good thing. Yet again, the same question arises as with the permissive society, at what price?

What does the state of dress or undress of women where you are say about your society?

Should there be a limit to the freedom to exploit the female body? Is there value to society in preserving the mystery of womanhood?

I don’t have all the answers.

What do you think? Spend some time to think about where we are going, either way. Write to me and let me know at er@nigerianwatch.com or tweet me @ekkanemr

golden globe awards 2014: Model Amber Rose

14

NIGERIAN WATCH 23 Jan - 5 Feb 2015

The Fortnight

Follow us on Twitter @NigerianWatch

LEISUREWATCH now booKing: imagine children’s festival at the southbanK

Children take over Southbank Centre, with an amazing line-up of authors, performances, workshops and free events, chosen by children, for children, with something for all ages. Including; Africa, Amazing Africa told by Nigerian-British storyteller and children’s book author Atinuke; Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure and a celebration of Alice in Wonderland’s 150th anniversary. Feb 9 - 22. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

What to see and do over the next 14 days...

DAYS OF HOPE

thEAtrE

black Plays series, national theatre Guest speakers explore a diverse collection of plays from dramatists of African and Caribbean heritage, by combining performances, clips of past productions and lively discussion.

Plays covered include; Long Way From Home by Yemi Ajibade; The Hounding of David Oluwale by Oladipo Agboluaje; and the King’s Horseman by Wole Soyinka.

24 Jan - 29 Feb. From £12 National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 www.nationaltheatre.org.uk FIlM

the cut

The Kuria in Kenya and Tanzania are still practicing Female Genital Mutilation as a ritual. The older generation and peer pressure want to uphold the legacy of the ancestors… So what can human right activists do?

The film screening will be followed by a discussion hosted by Professor Fareda

insightful, profoundly moving drama captures the political chicanery surrounding this turning point for the civil rights movement.

MUSIC

no go stop album launch

Release date 6th Feb

EXhIBItIoNS

staying Power: Photographs of black british experience, 1950s - 1990s

Every year thousands of Africans leave their families behind in search of a better life in Europe. Ditte haarløv Johnsen‘s portrayal of life after emigration explores the lives of three very different African immigrants, from three different places, who have embarked on a perilous journey to reach a common destination: Europe. harouna, a young artist from the coastal town Nouadhibou in Mauretania, West Africa, has left his wife and child in hope of finding safety and more opportunities for the three of them.

In Italy, a group of asylum seekers live in a prison-like centre, uncertain about their futures in Europe. In Copenhagen we meet a group of people who may have reached the promised land, but live in constant search for the money that their families expect them to send home. the screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Ditte haarløv Johnsen.

26th Jan, 7:00pm. £10.00. Frontline Club London, 13 Norfolk Place, W2. www.frontlineclub.com

Banda (SOAS) with: Beryl Magoko, The Cut Director, Naana Otoo-Oyortey from Forward, and Koshuma Mtengeti, Executive Director of Children’s Dignity Forum.

28 Jan, 6:00pm to 9:00pm Free, recommended £5 donation.

SOAS, Vernon Square Campus Penton Rise, WC1X Please book by 26th Jan email: forwardevents@forwarduk.org.uk

casablanca calling

In Morocco, the world’s first female Muslim leaders are setting out to change their country: empowering women through the teachings of Islam and challenging the attitudes that breed extremism.

Casablanca Calling takes us into the heart of this quiet social revolution through the lives of the women at its forefront.

Followed by a Q&A with director Rosa Rogers and producer Hilary Durman.

30 Jan, 7:00pm. £10.00 Frontline Club London, 13 Norfolk Place, London W2 www.frontlineclub.com

invasion 1897 A chance to see the Nollywood style film of the 1897 invasion of Benin, a momentous event in African history that marked a climax in colonial exploitation.

Director Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun will attend this screening and participate in the accompanying discussion alongside EastEnders’ star Rudolph Walker, cast and crew

2 Feb, 2:00pm. From £8.15 BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road South Bank London SE1 https://whatson.bfi.org.uk

selma (12a) Martin Luther King Jr (David Oyelowo) knows that the most effective use of non-violence is to provoke a violent response and selects Selma for a protest march because of its racist governor George Wallace (Tim Roth) and the brutality of its police force. Ava DuVernay’s

Documenting experiences from post-World War II through to the 1990s, from mass migration to hip hop fashions of south London, this exhibition includes iconic work by celebrated photographers such as Dennis Morris, Charlie Philips, Neil Kenlock and Colin Jones.

15 January - 30 June. FREE Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square, SW2 www.bcaheritage.org.uk/ ChIlDrEN

lacf Kids London A Cappella Festival is delighted to announce the launch of LACF Kids – a brand new arm of the Festival aimed directly at primary school children.

Singing Playgrounds: a Workshop from British choir Ex Cathedra; learn and play singing games from around the world. 1pm Finchley Children’s Music Group performance, is one of the UK’s leading youth choirs, for ages 4 to 18 years old.

12.45pm & 2pm Countermeasure entertain with their upbeat sound, hilarious stage antics and infectious energy. 2.30pm 31 Jan. From £10.00 Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 www.londonacappellafestival.co.uk

st augustine’s tower open day

Changing State changing state by tian glasgow Changing State is a darkly comic coming-of-age story set in inner-city London. Three of the characters cling to the hope that the uncertainty and confusion of adolescence will clear but having returned from university one of them knows that it is a long road.

3-14 Feb, 7.00pm/2.30 Sat Matinees. From £11.25 Hen and Chickens theatre, 109 St Paul's Rd, N1 www.thehenandchickenstheatrebar.co.uk/

Hackney’s oldest building will be open to the public. Discover the history of the building and climb the 135 stairs for the best view of Hackney.

25 Jan, 2pm - 4.30pm, FREE Mare Street, Hackney, E8 Contact: Laurie Elks. Email: l.elks@btconnect.com . http://apps.hackney.gov.uk

No Go Stop are a 12-strong afrobeat powerhouse featuring big brass, driving percussion & soaring vocals that catch the timeless quality of ancestral funk, with soaring instrumental solos that stay true to Fela Kuti’s musical mission to present the heart of jazz with the soul of Africa and keep you dancing till dawn.

31st Jan, 8:00pm. From £5.00 Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, London, Hackney, E8 www.passingclouds.org/

afrobeat vibration An authentic Kalakuta style marathon of live Afrobeat, featuring members of Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra, some of Londons finest musicians and guests, with DJ Koichi.

31 Jan, 9:00pm. £10.00 The Forge, 3-7 Delancey Street, Camden, NW1 www.forgevenue.org

songhoy blues

From northern Mali, the four members of this hard-grooving Afro-blues act were driven to Bamako by the Islamist crackdown in their home region.

There they took part in sessions for last year’s Africa Express record alongside Damon Albarn and Nick Zinner, then came to play their first British gig at the album launch. Now they’re back, this is your chance to see them live.

2nd Feb, 19:30. Tickets £11 Oslo, Amhurst Road, London, E8 www.oslohackney.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

small ads

Promote your Business

,

i

recruitment

notices

family

NIGERIAN WATCH 23 Jan - 5 Feb 2015

H

home

garden

It costs less than you think

leisure

Pets

ProPerty

business

vehicles

Email

Sales@nigerianwatch.com Call

0208 588 9640

From just £10* per issue

Fax

0203 292 1738

traders, tutors, service providers and professionals – promote your business to 300,000 readers every fortnight for an entire year from only £10 (+ VAT where applicable) per issue.

6 month, 8 week, 4 week packages and single issue offers also available. Call now for details

Post

Nigerian Watch Sales Chartwell house 292 hale lane Edgware hA8 8NP

*12 month booking 12 words

PROPERTY

LEGAL

15

SPORT WATCH Continued from page 16 In the absence of the defending champions, Nigeria, Algeria are favourites to win the competition after reaching the knock out stages in the Rio World Cup. They won their opening match against South Africa 3-1 from a goal behind.

South Africa may yet recover to advance to the knock out stage. They, along with Cameroon, are the form teams enjoying a resurgence and Bafana Bafana have an added, emotional incentive to win the trophy, to honour their goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, who was killed by burglars in October.

However, Cote D’Ivoire,

boasting Wilfried Bony – who departed for the competition having become the most expensive African player in the UK Premier League, having signed for Manchester City from Swansea City for £25m, potentially rising to £28m – and Yaya Touré, are also hotly tipped. However, in their opening game they only managed to get a 1-1 draw with Guinea.

The BBC are offering selected radio commentaries of matches and live coverage on ITV4 includes a deciding match from each of the four groups, as well as both semi-finals and the final on February 8 in Bata, and highlights of every game.

hoW thE 16 tEAMS lINE UP

Buy to Let OR Buy to Sell

group A: Burkina Faso, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon group B: Zambia, DR Congo, Tunisia, Cape Verde group C: Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, Algeria group D: Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, Cameroon

The choice is YOURS! We offer properties that offer the best returns and deliver something extra to the investor.

We also offer Aftercare & Management Service to our customers

HEALTH

It’s as easy as 3 little steps: Step 1: Sign up now for free to be part of our exclusive client list. Your privacy is respected and we never sell or rent our client list Step 2: We will advise you on the current properties available and advice you on what you need to reserve your property Step 3: We will arrange a specialist mortgage and legal experts who will take care of your property purchase

You can contact us via the details below to register

YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE Tel: 0208 1668335 Fax: 0207 1605232 Email: sales@hightowerpropertyinvestment.co.uk www.hightowerpropertyinvestment.co.uk

WORKING TOGETHER FOR YOUR SUCCESS Wellsprings Solicitors are specialists in Employment Law, Landlord and Tenant Law matters, Family Law, Immigration and Asylum Law, Commercial Law, Commercial Property, Defamation Law, Consumer Law and Conveyancing.

We offer bespoke, pro-active, effectual and helpful services to our clients.

Wellsprings Solicitors, Barking Enterprise Centre, 50 Cambridge Road, Barking, Essex IG11 8FG

BUSINESS

Do you travel for healthcare?

Get a Medical eCard Contact – MMeC@Mail.com

Tel No: 0800 270 7641 Mobile 07970337796 Email: info@wellspringssolicitors.co.uk

www.wellspringssolicitors.co.uk

ACCOUNTANTS

To advertise call 0208 588 9640 or email

Have you got guests, friend or family coming over to the UK? Are you looking for shortlet holiday accommodation in London?

Or are you going away and would like to rent your house or flat out on a shortlet basis?

Look no further as MacLawrence property sales and lettings is the answer!

Our properties range from studio one beds, two beds, 3 bed flats and houses.

SeLF ASSeSSMenT TAx ReTURn

Fast turnaround, quality service!

We will complete your Self-Assessment while you wait We will do all of the necessary calculations and inform you of your tax liability We can also advice on how you can minimise your tax liability if necessary 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Give us a call on 07944302664 or email lawrence@maclawrence.co.uk

This ad could be yours from £10 + VAT Call 0208 588 9640

0208 588 9699

email: info@alvinlawrence.co.uk Website: www.alvinlawrence.co.uk

SPIRITUAL

MEET THE WORLD FAMOUS ASTROLOGER He can predict your past, present and future.

He can also give a solution to your your problems like HEALTH, WEALTH, CHILDREN’S BAD HABITS, Marital PROBLEMS, Court Cases etc ....

HE can also remove “BLACK MAGIC, EVIL, VOODO & NEGATIVITY”

To make an appointment CALL:07947119376.

We are at: 40 EAST STREET MARKET, LONDON SE172DN

sales@nigerianwatch.com

DATING

BOOKS

FUeLLinG The DeLTA FiReS Based on the real life situation in Nigeria's Niger Delta, Fuelling the Delta Fires is an expose and action adventure novel revealing why there is turmoil in the world's sixth largest crude oil exporter.

AvAiLAbLe noW AT: amazon.co.uk, chapters.indigo.com, waterstones.com, authorhouse.co.uk, barnesandnoble.com whsmiths.co.uk, borders.com For those in nigeria Ring Peter Agbor of walahi.com on (234)805 361 0533 Paperback £9.30 Hardback £13.60 E-book £2.60

NIGERIAN WATCH 15-28 Feb 2014

INSIDE

SPORT WATCH 23 Jan - 5 Feb 2015

nigerianwatch.com

THE SPIRIT OF AFRICA

AFCON GROUPS & TV COVERAGE

Is Vincent set to become a Red?

AFCON 1 – EBOLA 0 AS TOURNAMENT STARTS IN EQUITORIAL GUINEA

By AJ JAMES The 30th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicked off on Saturday (Jan 17), with organisers, players and fans hoping the tournament can thrive in the face of adversity.

It was only in November that Equatorial Guinea took over as hosts from Morocco, whose plea to postpone the finals over fears about the spread of Ebola was rejected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Stringent measures to control the spread of the virus that has claimed over 8,000 lives in west Africa have been put in place and all teams showed up.

Symbolically, the fact the tournament is going ahead shows how the can do spirit in Africa thrives.

So on Saturday the 16-team tournament that runs through to the final on February 8 launched with a colourful opening ceremony featuring US R&B star Akon.

And the opening round of group games has delivered with plenty of drama; penalty misses, lastgasp winners and no goalless draws. Turn to page 15

the mighty reds of liverpool are hoping to secure the services of Super Eagles’ goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama before the January transfer window shuts. ranked as one of the top 10 goalkeepers in the world and recently named goal’s Nigerian player of the year, Enyeama currently plays for lille. the French side have links with liverpool having sold 19-year-old striker Divock origi to the Merseysiders before taking him back for a season-long loan. liverpool are desperate to sign a goalkeeper with Simone Mingolet struggling for form between the posts this season.

MAKE THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY OF YOUR LIFE A MEMORABLE ONE….AT GREENVUE VENUE…

With 8 acres of Land and scenery that will blow your mind, your day will always remain a special day filled with happy memories l Located on 8 acres of land l Complimentary car park for over 100 cars l Option of placing a marquee on the land l Licensed for Civil Cermonies l Bride and Grooms room l In-house décor, theming and event management l Fully licensed bar l Bespoke packages to suit all

www.greenvuevenue.co.uk

Weddings, Civil Ceremonies, Banqueting, Engagements, Conferences, Exhibitions, Parties, Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvahs

Tel: 0208 588 9651 Email: info@greenvuevenue.co.uk

Greenvue Venue, Mill Hill Country Club, Burtonhole Lane, Mill Hill London NW7 1AS