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Beffta commuNity NeWsPaPer of the year 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

Issue No 070

FortNIghtly

to Inspire, Inform and Entertain

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uNhealthy Nursing chief calls for action to end BAME health inequalities Page 14

comiNg to get you The three women charged with engaging the diaspora in Nigeria’s development – page 3

eu iN or out?

Samuel Kasumu says Brexit would be good for Nigeria Page 10 oil crash is Nature’s Way of telliNg Nigeria to reform – page 16

NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

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commemoration and consolidation at looming commonwealth summit

NIGERIAN

WATCH coMMENt

Voting works o you love the European Union or loathe it? Are you for staying in or getting out? Do you favour Sadiq Khan or Zac goldsmith to be Mayor of london? have your greater london Assembly members been delivering on issues that concern you?

Are they pursuing policies that will improve your life and that of your children?

These are important questions that we have to consider in the coming weeks ahead of the local, regional and national assembly elections on May 5 and European referendum on June 23. Debate over these issues will dominate the next three months. But if you don’t register to vote your opinion will be nothing more than hot air. only when you are registered to vote can you influence policy for your local community and region.

And for us in the diaspora towards our country of heritage, Nigeria. When you look at the positive impact the four British born Nigerian MPs are having on the UK’s relations with Nigeria you can not doubt the benefit of engaging with the political process.

When you see chuka Umunna leading a debate in parliament on the scourge of youth violence you can not doubt it.

If you want to see more of this positive action register to vote today (at gov.uk/register-to-vote). your vote could make all the difference to our welfare here and to that of our families back home.

D

Maryanne Jemide, MD

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 fortnightly 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

Former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Nigeria’s Minister for Agriculture Audu Ogbe will be among the key speakers to attend the Third Commonwealth Africa Summit taking place in London between March 14 and 16.

Now running for the third successive year, the 2016 summit which has the theme Shared Prosperity, Mutual Security, is expected to attract over 1,500 political and business leaders.

Among the key issues they will discuss include trade and investment, power generation in Africa, business and investment opportunities, counterterrorism and women’s empowerment.

Also featuring high on the agenda will be infrastructural development, exploring mineral resources potential, security and development.

Also, the summit will explore increased collaboration between the Commonwealth economies in Africa, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and the Americas in order to promote global economic development and map shifting patterns of co-operation between these countries and those of the mature industrialised countries.

It is designed to provide a space for high level dialogue between business and government leaders from Commonwealth countries in Africa and their counterparts across the globe and investment opportunities to a wider business community while learning best practices.

Other speakers confirmed to speak at the summit alongside Chief Obasanjo include British Indian Peer Baroness Flather; Hon Soodesh Satkam Callichurn (Mauritius Minister of Trade and Industry); Judy Curry, Carl Wright, Dr

coMMoNWEAlth SPEAKErS (l-r): Former President Obasanjo and Agriculture Minister Audu Ogbe

Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury (the first woman Speaker of Jatiyo Sangshad, Bangladesh); Clive Carpenter of the Business Council for Africa; Dr Caroline Harper of Sightsavers charity; His Imperial Majesty the Ooni of Ife; Clive Harridge (secretary-general of the Commonwealth Association of Planners and head of planning for Amec Foster Wheeler): Professor Emmanuelle Auriol (Professor of economics at Toulouse School of Economics); Abdulfatah Ahmed, Governor of Kwara State; Donald and Onari Duke, the former governor of Cross River State and his wife; Tonye Cole of Sahara Energy; Audu Ogbe (Minister of Agriculture of the Federal Republic of Nigeria); Ifie Sekibo of Heritage Bank; Mary Manzo, founder of the Mary-Elika

Foundation; and Eoghhan Mackie, international development consultant.

During the Summit guests will gather at Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day Observance Service in the presence of the Queen.

They will participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial Gate as a mark of respect to the fallen Africans who died in the two world wars. The summit will also feature a VIP dinner and award Gala Night, to celebrate Commonwealth African heroes and honour African luminaries and other exceptional Commonwealth leaders who have shown exceptional imagination, foresight or resilience in a number of key fields.

To register, visit www.commonwealthafrica.com

Founding father Dr tafida quits PDP Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida (right) has resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), saying it is now governed by impunity and wracked with confusion.

The straw that seems to have broken the camel’s back is the controversial appointment of Alhaji Modu Sherrif as part chairman. Apart from the fact that he is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he has been accused of being one of Boko Haram's sponsors.

Dr Tafida, who served as High Commissioner for seven and a half years between 2008 and 2015, was a founding member of the PDP and served as its majority leader in the senate. Elected to represent Kaduna North Senatorial District between 1999 and 2007, Dr Tafida also served as Nigeria’s health commissioner

between 1993 and 1995.

Fondly known as Baba Tafida by the UK diaspora, Dr Tafida had the arrival hall in the London High Commission named after him when he left office. A close associate of former president Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Tafida managed his election campaign in the 2011 presidential elections.

Dr Tafida said that for the PDP, the market had ended and it was time for every responsible man to go home. Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service on February 20, Dr Tafida, who has maintained a low profile since being recalled from his position late last year, recalled with nostalgia, the good fortunes of the PDP in the past and lamented the reign of impunity and confusion, which has taken over the party.

Dr Tafida said, “I have decided to leave the PDP and I will not join another party. I have left be-

cause there is no focus and if a market is over, a responsible man should go home; and now the market is over.

"It was good in the past but now it is the worst, with impunity and confusion. The party has been destroyed and reduced to nothing and I have decided to dump the party as I don’t think our stay in the party is wise because the people now abuse everyone and no one will even listen to you.”

He added that his decision to leave the party was because it had been reduced to nothing. Dr

Tafida regretted the negativity surrounding the PDP and cited a lack of willingness by its leaders to listen to its founding members.

Making it clear that he would not join another party, Dr Tafida said he will continue to serve the country in other ways. Dr Tafida, 75, was once the personal physician to former President Shehu Shagari and in the 1992 presidential primaries for the National Republican Convention, he defeated former military ruler General Yakubu Gowon in the Zaria ward.

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Triumvirate of women to spearhead diaspora engagement in Nigeria’s development plan President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Hon Abike DabiriErewa as his SSA (Senior Special Assistant) on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora.

Hon Dabiri-Erewa, 53, is highly experienced in foreign affairs having served as the chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs in the last parliament.

A very senior and highly respected member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), she moderated the party’s last convention which elected President Buhari as it presidential candidate.

At the last elections, Hon DabiriErewa decided to stand down as the legislator representing the Ikorodu constituency in Lagos State.

This prompted a lot of speculation regarding her future, with political pundits associating her with all kinds of jobs, including Lagos State deputy governor, Nigeria's permanent representative to the United Nations and High Commissioner to the UK. With her latest appointment, however, this speculation should stop as she will be expected to advise President Buhari as he seeks to appoint Ambassadors and High Commissioners, who, nine months

l-r: Ms Dabiri-Erewa with President Buhari; rose oko; rita orji

into office, President Buhari is yet to name.

The appointment of Ms DabiriErewa means that a triumvirate of women will now be responsible for diaspora affairs, with Senator Rose Oko, chairman Senate Committee on Diaspora and Civil Societies & Hon. Rita Orji, Chairman of the House of Representative Committee on

Diaspora Matters.

On the inauguration of Ms Oko the importance of the diaspora affairs was spelt out by Senate President Bukola Saraki, who said, “The diaspora community has became a very important source for national development. Countries that have done well in harnessing its potentials have a lot to gain as a result. The

PArlIAMENtAry yoUth vIolENcE DEBAtE to BE hEArD thIS WEEK A planned debate on knife crime in the House of Commons on February 23 had to be postponed because other business in Parliament over-ran. It was a great disappointment to many among the diaspora who had engaged in a digital debate to highlight issues and questions they wanted to hear MPs address.

The #StopYouthViolence initiative and debate was secured

by Labour MP for Streatham Chuka Umunna (left), who called

for the debate as last year saw serious youth violence offences increase by 13.4% and the number of offences the Metropolitan Police associates with gang activity has increased by 25% in the last three years. Last year 17 young people lost their lives to serious youth violence in London.

To join the digital debate and be alerted to the date of the new parliamentary debate follow #StopYouthViolence

Nigerian community out there is beckoning that we keep their hope of a better Nigeria alive and they want to be part of the process”.

Mr Saraki continued, “Your committee has a pivotal role to play in making this dream a reality. Both as a liaison and a facilitator of engagement and opportunity. The Senate is hoping on you to help it

develop measures and ideas on how best to engage and incorporate our diaspora community into our development plan.”

Both Ms Oko and Ms Orji are academics, boasting PhDs in linguistics and computer science respectively.

For community reaction to the appointments, see page 12

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NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

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BoKo hArAM gIrlS ‘oStrAcISED’ oN rEtUrN hoME As the two year anniversary approaches of the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram a new report reveals that when and if they are found their ordeal will be far from over.

Girls and women kidnapped by Nigeria's insurgent group face mistrust and persecution upon their return to society – according to the investigation by peacebuilding organisation International Alert (Alert) and UNICEF. Kimairis Toogood, Peacebuilding Advisor for Alert in Nigeria, said, “These findings show a pressing need to do more to re-integrate those returning from captivity by Boko Haram. Many of these girls already face lasting trauma of sexual violence and being separated from their families, so we must ensure

they get all the support they need when they finally return.”

At least 2,000 women and girls have been physically abducted by Boko Haram since 2012, including the more than 200 Chibok girls in April 2014. Many of them have experienced sexual violence, or sometimes trained to fight or encouraged to become suicide bombers. Many more women have also been held hostage by Boko Haram in their own local LGAs. However, as rescue efforts continue by the Nigerian government and military, and many of the survivors are returning home, the community perceptions of them and children born out of sexual violence by Boko Haram, and their integration and relocation is proving difficult.

Communities interviewed for the report viewed returnees as “Boko Haram wives” and “annoba” (epidemics), conveying the fear they have been radicalised and, if allowed to return home, might recruit others.

At the same time, communities generally believed that over time relations could be rebuilt and the women and girls could gradually be accepted and trusted. But for this to happen, the women and girls would need to go through a more comprehensive rehabilitation process before returning home.

In addition, the children of these returning women and girls, whose fathers are believed to be Boko Haram fighters, were perceived with acute suspicion. And while perceptions of women changed over

time, this did not apply to children.

Entrenched views among communities referred to “bad blood” transmitted to children by their biological father, placing them at risk of rejection, discrimination and potential violence in the future.

Even some of the mothers felt this way. One is quoted, saying, “When I think of the baby that will come, it disturbs me a lot because I always ask myself this question…

Will the child also behave like JAS [Boko Haram]?”

The report also found that while humanitarian assistance was reaching Boko Haram survivors and returnees, it was still inadequate for the breadth and depth of the need.

Many women and girls, isolated and ostracised not only by communities but also their families, faced dire

poverty and some were forced into prostitution to feed their children.

Toogood added, “There is a fear that if the needs of these survivors and returning populations are not met, these factors could add another dimension to an already complex conflict situation.”

The assessment was conducted in four internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno state capital, where 95% of all IDPs are returnees from Boko Haram camps.

The findings will inform a new project by Alert and UNICEF in northeast Nigeria aimed at better rehabilitating and reducing stigma against women, girls and children associated with Boko Haram, and to prepare communities for their reintegration.

“africa is on the rise, positive and joyful” Benin’s Angelique Kidjo (left) won the best world music album of the year for the second consecutive year at the Grammys in Los Angeles on February 15.

The New York-based singer won the award for her Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg collaboration, Sings.

“I want to dedicate this

Grammy to all the traditional musicians in Africa, in my country, to all the young generation,” Kidjo said in her acceptance speech.

Her album beat one by Malawi’s Zomba Prison Project and South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Kidjo, one of Africa’s most prominent musicians, has now won the award for the

second consecutive year.

The album merges African song writing and rhythms with European classical instrumentation, a fusion on which Kidjo has repeatedly experimented.

Kidjo described the album as an artistic challenge as traditional African bands follow the lead of the soloist much more closely, unlike Western orchestras that generally play off refined scores.

The singer, who has worked for a long time with Philip Glass, a leading US composer, said Africa was on the rise.

“Africa is positive, Africa is joyful,” she said after collecting the award.

The 55-year-old singer added that she has been

fighting for a positive image of Africa for a long time and believed music could connect the world and served as a tool for peace.

She later told the BBC: “I have to continue to working... to open the way for many artists from Africa to come.”

African-American rapper Kendrick Lamar won the most prizes on the night with five awards and his performance at the ceremony was a celebration of African culture.

The 29-year-old performed The Blacker The Berry, walking on stage as part of a chain gang from inside a prison (above), before transitioning to Alright, in front of a huge bonfire and African dancers.

His performance ended with the unveiling of a new track with Lamar in front of a map of the African continent and the word “Compton” his hometown in California written on it.

BoyEgA’S StAr rISES At BAFtAs One of Peckham’s favourite sons John Boyega completed his journey from relatively unknown actor to superstar-inthe-making when he picked up the EE Rising Star award at the BAFTAs on February 14, thanks to his leading role in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.

Taking to the stage, he said, “First and foremost I want to thank God for this moment.

“Guys, I haven’t been doing this for a long time, it’s a fluke! I’m going to share this award with all the young dreamers who are determined, who are hard working, who are quite frankly amazing. This is also for you.

Blessings for your path and God bless.”

Speaking of his meteoric rise to fame, the Londoner exclaimed earlier on the red carpet, “I was in South West London just this morning buying some bread and now I’ve put on a tux and here I am.”

Spencer McHugh, Director of Brand at EE, said, “All of the 2016 EE Rising Star nominees have shown exceptional talent – starring in some of the biggest films of the last year. Any

one of them is deserving of the title but the public have spoken, and we are very pleased for John Boyega. His star has truly risen.”

Boyega had his screen debut in the critically acclaimed BBC series, Becoming Human before playing the lead in cult sci-fi film, Attack the Block.

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UK UrgED to holD SyrIAN-StylE DoNor coNFErENcE For NIgErIA’S IDPs The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Mr Yakubu Dogara has appealed for Britain’s support in resettling people displaced from their communities in North-Eastern Nigeria by the Boko Haram insurgency.

The latest figures from the UN reveal the insurgency has affected about five million people, including more than 2.2 million Nigerians who are internally displaced and almost 180,000 who have fled to neighbouring countries.

Mr Dogara made the appeal one behalf of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) when he received Britain’s Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Baroness Joyce Anelay in Abuja on February 9 (both pictured).

He urged the UK to consider convening a special aid conference for rebuilding of the North-East of Nigeria as the country recently did for the victims of civil war in Syria.

He added that as members of the global community, the displaced Nigerians are equally deserving of global security and support.

Mr Dogara thanked the minister of state for the tactical training and retraining of troops as it related to the war against insurgency.

While appreciating Baroness Anelay’s support through the Department for International Development (DFID), he lamented the plight of orphans and displaced people across the country.

“We seek assistance from Britain, and ask that it explore the possibility of convening an international donor conference just like was done recently in UK for Syria.

“It will be able to help us resettle these IDPs. We all acknowledge that Nigeria is part of the global community, we are global citizens.

“It is not only citizens of Nigeria that are caught up in this unfortunate incident, but global citizens; so, I believe that the global citizens ought to offer some kind of support and security as well,’’ he said.

Responding to his appeal, Baroness Analey said she had noted the speaker’s request, and would convey it to the government of her country. “I hear so much from my colleagues and the secretaries that have been here in the last years.

“They all come back with one message and that is to say that, the people who are victims in any conflicts are the children. So I note the point you make,” she said.

NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

Legal Eagle celebrates 10 years

Family, friends, legal partners and clients gathered at the Dockland’s Hilton on February 13 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of Obaseki Solicitors.

Under the leadership of founder Jennifer Obaseki the practice has developed into an international one, reflected in the diversity of its staff (above). Ms Obaseki (right with two of her daughters) is known to many in the diaspora as a regular speaker at seminars on pressing legal issues, such as immigration law.

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King’s delivers unprecedented commitment to diversity

StUDENtS SEEK to ‘WEED oUt’ rElIcS oF coloNIAl PASt

The President and Principal of King’s College London Professor Edward Byrne AC has pledged to make the university a beacon of diversity with BME role models in all grades of teaching posts and academic leadership.

Students at a Cambridge University college have voted that a bronze cockerel that stands in its hall should be repatriated to Nigeria, from where it was looted in the 19th century.

Firing the opening shots in a campaign that echoes a drive by Oxford students to remove a statue of Cecil Rhodes, the Jesus College student union (JCSU) has passed a motion saying that the sculpture should be handed over to Nigeria in a repatriation ceremony.

The cockerel – known properly as “okukor” – was among hundreds of artworks taken from the Benin Empire after a punitive British naval expedition in 1897 that brought the empire to an end.

In the same way that Greece has pursued the return of the Parthenon marbles, Nigeria has repeatedly called for all the Benin bronzes – which it says are part of its cultural heritage – to be repatriated.

The proposal was unanimously carried. But concerns were raised that not enough black students had been consulted on the issue and that the proposal document sought to emphasise the benefit to the college of such a move.

According to a report by Cambridge’s student newspaper, Varsity, the proposal that students voted on said, “The contemporary political culture surrounding colonialism and social justice, combined with the university’s global agenda, offers a perfect opportunity for the college to benefit from this gesture.”

Professor Byrne made the commitment at a press conference on February 19 conducted by diversity campaigners, King’s post doc teacher Dr Toyin Idowu and student leader and PhD student Rachel Williams.

“I’m determined that fairness, equality and diversity are things we embrace absolutely at our heart here at King’s,” said Professor Byrne. “This is right at the top of the list of things I want to achieve in my time here.”

As the head of one of the UK’s elite seats of learning and a world top 20 university, Professor Byrne’s welcome intervention sets a precedent for others to follow; first, in openly admitting there is a problem and secondly in taking concerted action.

Discontent about the lack of BME representation among senior academic and non-academic staff and the degree attainment levels of BME students – up to 19% lower than their white counterparts – has been simmering for years on campuses across the UK. Indeed it has led to the launch of a sectorwide Race Equality Charter Mark, to recognise those universities demonstrably taking action to address the diversity deficit. King’s was one of eight to receive a bronze award at the inaugural ceremony in January, in recognition of the raft of initiatives it has introduced to redress the balance since Professor Byrne took up his post in late 2014.

Since his arrival he has been left in no doubt there is a pervasive feeling among BME staff and students that “they don’t belong, are isolated and unappreciated”.

The latest initiative is called Open Doors, and is designed to showcase excellence through diversity. And he

L-r: Dr Idowu, Prof Byrne and Rachel Williams

spoke passionately about the need for change.

“We must change the metrics,” Professor Byrne said. “I’m committed to that; to reducing the attainment gap for BME students, increasing the proportions of BME staff at all levels to what it should be in relation to the BME percentages in the population as a whole.”

However, he warned that will take time because senior academic staff don’t turn over that rapidly.

“We’ve seen that with the gender issue, where good work has been going on for decades, where we’ve now achieved more than 50% women among the student population, equity at lecturer and senior lecturer level, but we still have a lot of work to do at professor level and that will take about another 10-15 years to achieve 50:50.

“BME is a little bit behind that but we will see improvement year by year, but to get to the position we need to get to and must get to will be a journey. The important thing to me is the targets are there, they are realistic targets, that they are achieved and the programmes are in place to enable us to get there.

“This is where the open doors policy comes in. As this is happening we make it very clear to the world at large what

“I want brilliant BME role models at King’s that young people can aspire to”

rEcM BroNZE AWArD WINNErS De Montfort University Kingston University royal holloway University london Staffordshire University University of hertfordshire Ucl (Incorporating the Institute of Education) University of Manchester

we’re doing and very clear that we have brilliant role models at King’s that young people can aspire to. I want these examples at every level.

“I want BME lecturers to be able to look at brilliant professors and say that’s me in a few years time; or for us to have BME PHD students and post docs that students in secondary school can look at and say wow that’s me in a few years time.”

He also promised outreach work into secondary schools to further encourage BME pupils and students to see that academia is an exciting and open career path for them.

“London has the greatest racial mix and diversity of any city in the world and King’s is a great university right at the heart of the city and we have a great opportunity way beyond most others to get this right and we will get this right.”

For more information on King’s diversity initiatives, visit http://www.kcl.ac.uk/aboutkings/gov ernance/diversity/BMEstudentsuccess. pdf

Ore Ogunbiyi, the JCSU racial equalities officer who has been working on the proposal to repatriate the cockerel, wrote on her blog, “Although our proposal faced some opposition, we are hopefully on our way to take this cockerel home! We are almost positive we have the support of college and it’s quite nice to see Jesus setting a precedent and taking steps in the right direction to weed out the colonial legacies that exist in bits of the university.

We still have a lot of work to do with logistics, but how momentous and revolutionary is this?!”

As well as occupying pride of place in Jesus’s hall, the sculpture is of particular significance because the cockerel is a symbol of the college, featuring three times on its crest in deference to its founder, John Alcock, then Bishop of Ely. As well as looting art, the British killed thousands and set the city of Benin ablaze during the 1897 expedition, which led to the annexation of the kingdom.

The British were said to be astonished that a civilisation they considered primitive could be responsible for the Benin bronzes.

A Cambridge University spokesman said, “Recognising that ethical issues are of great importance. Jesus College has structures in place through which these matters can be raised by its members. The request by students is being considered under these.”

Last month, Oriel College, Oxford, said it would not remove the statue of Rhodes, despite a campaign by students who said it celebrated the British imperialist’s legacy.

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MP’S TRADE MISSION TO NIGERIA REWARDED WITH BUSINESS PLEDGE Nigeria’s Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has directed the Ministry of Trade and Industry to improve the ease of doing business in the country as a means of attracting more foreign investment.

Professor Osinbajo gave the directive on February 15 in Abuja while meeting with a British Council for Africa trade delegation, including among its number four Nigerian born British MPs; Kate Osamor, representing Edmonton; Chi Onwurah, representing Newcastle Central (both pictured); Chuka Umunna representing Streatham; and Helen Grant representing Maidstone and the Weald.

He told them that the Buhari administration was eager to remove all obstacles militating against investment so that entrepreneurs could find Nigeria a good place to do business.

He said the administration was looking forward to encouraging UK businesses, especially those willing to work with the administration in providing road, rail, agriculture and power infrastructure in the country.

Professor Osinbajo further assured the delegation the federal

NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

NEWSWatch

government is prepared to develop Nigeria’s agriculture value chain for economic prosperity and job creation.

Ms Osamor said that the mission was in the country to introduce British companies that were willing to work with Nigeria.

She added that the vice president had provided the mission with an overview of the direction of the government in education, transportation, rail and power supply.

“He spoke about five or six aims and pointed out that he wants to work on construction, building on the roads, rails and education. The delegation wants to work closely with the organisations that are

here,” Ms Osamor added.

She pointed out that she was interested in raising the level of education of the people, which has fallen over recent years. Ms Osamor said Nigerians in the diaspora are keen to build schools and improve the quality of teaching to help tackle illiteracy in the country.

Emmanuel Obasi, a director of Africa House, London, said the group was keen on promoting the trade and investment relationship between the UK and Nigeria.

He added that the mission was satisfied with the anti-corruption fight of the administration which had encouraged the investors to visit the country.

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Boys’ education champion adds mensa membership to list of accomplishments A musical and maths prodigy as a child, 18year-old Evander Mayowa Akindele has just become a member of MENSA. The High IQ society is only open to those who pass its brain-taxing entrance test, and is restricted to the top 2% society by IQ – which refers to intelligence quotient but is more commonly called mental agility.

Young Mayowa passed with ease. But then he's been doing that all his life, which to date has been one of astonishing achievement. He passed with distinction his first music exam aged 4; his maths GCSE aged 8. Aged 16 he spoke at the House of Lords when he received an award for the best results at IGCSE, gaining all A* including Chinese and Japanese. He proved such a natural he has now become a much soughtafter speaker at many schools, particularly addressing the issues of Boys Education such as “why boys find school boring” and “the influence of parents on their children’s education”.

At that time he also produced a published paper on tackling poverty in Africa.

He has meanwhile pursued his love of languages and is currently studying both Chinese and Mandarin at Durham University, where he is an ambassador for the institution. Prior to going up to Uni he completed a summer school, studying Japanese, at Harvard, and recently returned from visits to Japan and Nigeria where he interned in the construction industry and with the Central

Bank respectively.

While he was formally schooled at Harrow and the African Leadership Academy in South Africa the seeds of his success were of course sewn at home by his mother

Yemisi, who is an acclaimed educational consultant and the CEO of the High Achievers Academy supplementary school in Rainham. And Mayowa is not alone, his three older siblings Jide, Lola and Tola are all high academic achievers also.

To cap it all, Mayowa is one of the good guys and according to my female colleagues “way eligible”. We often abuse the phrase “leader of tomorrow” but in this instance it is safe to assume Mayowa is destined to be one.

NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

This stunning picture is one of a series taken by Sicilian photographer Salvatore Di Gregorio of Nigerian refugees who are mired on Italy's "island of hope" Sicily and are featured in the British Journal of Photography.

Over the past year nigh on 30,000 Nigerians have made the perilous journey across the Mediterranean in search of a new life - most fleeing the insurgency in the north east of Nigeria.

Di Gregorio’s series of portraits, Project Mirabella: Tales of Beauty, is a reaction to the growing climate of antipathy toward

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NEWSWatch Project Mirabella © Salvatore Di Gregorio

8

refugees.

He said he hoped the pictures would show "another side to the refugees: they can be beautiful, approachable, positive.”

Di Gregorio captures fifteen women, all of Nigerian descent, living in a women-only camp in Mirabella Imbaccari, a quiet town of around 5,000 inhabitants. Their right to stay here is being reviewed by ministers this month.

To see the full series visit www.bjp-online.com "Project Mirabella: Tales of Beauty"

Public rally to #BringBackSeb appeal

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the public a campaign to bring home a junior doctor who was critically injured on holiday in Las Vegas has raised a staggering £165,000 in less than four days – and well on its way to achieving the urgently needed target of £250,000.

Sebastian Kola-Bankole, 35, was in Las Vegas for a friend’s wedding when he was hit by a lorry as he crossed the road on February 15. The accident left him so badly injured he had to be put into a medically-induced coma.

After having emergency operations on his ears, arteries and spine, Mr Kola-Bankole is said to be in a “critical but stable condition” at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Centre in Las Vegas.

His friends and family are

trying to raise enough money to pay for his treatment and return him to the UK. They hope to raise £250,000 to pay for his treatment, which could cost well over £100,000, and to return him to the UK on a specialist medical flight.

Along with the campaign’s founder, Alex Ademokun, many have tweeted their support using the hashtag #BringBackSeb. It is clear from these messages that Seb, who has dedicated 8 years to working in the NHS, is one of life’s good guys, undertaking charity runs on behalf of the homeless and raising funds for Great Ormond Street among many other exploits fundraising for other people.

As many well-wishers have observed while making donations, “Now it’s our turn”.

On his Gofundme page Mr Ademokun wrote, “I am raising money to fund the repatriation and continued care of my oldest and best friend Sebastian KolaBankole. I have known Seb since we were both 10 and

Dr Seb, out raising funds for goSh

met at school. He was bestman at my wedding and is godfather to my kids. I am doing this with support of his friends and family.”

Despite usually travelling with insurance, his family have been unable to find Mr

Kola-Bankole’s documents after he was injured on the trip and are now faced with paying his bills.

Mr Kola-Bankole has previously worked at the Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust.

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LEFT Alexx Ekubo and Oyinbo Princess get married in "ATM" BELOW Behind the scenes.

how nollywood fell for oyinBo princess Claire Edun has since 2012 become something of a social media sensation since she went public with her love of all things Nigeria – and now she is a star in a Nollywood movie.

With her blonde hair and blue eyes she might seem typically British but she can “talk talk pidgin” along with the best of them.

Claire fell in love with Nigeria when she was working as an air hostess on long-haul flights and told Nigerian Watch, “Most of the crew didn't want to go to Nigeria but I loved it, the culture, the music, the food, the generosity of the people.”

As a consequence Claire ended up flying into Lagos and Abuja on a regular basis.

Such was her positivity for the country she was given the title Oyinbo Princess and so she started sharing her passion for Nigeria across myriad social media platforms.

“So much bad is said about Nigeria when there is so much good there, I thought I just have

to get that message out,” she says.

She has subsequently built up a mighty following including among their number renowned Nollywood director Lancelot Imasuen, who was so taken with her posts that he promised to write a film for her.

And now that film is soon to be released. ATM – Authentic Tentative Marriage – which stars Alexx Ekubo and Yvonne Jegede is a rom-com about a greedy young man who plans to marry a British lady so he can move to the UK. But things get out of hand when his white bride (Claire) refuses to return to the UK because she likes it so much in Nigeria.

Deportation warning over £2k ID card Nigerians in the UK have been advised against buying a “fake” identity card which an organisation called the Commonwealth Liberation Party (CLP) claims will prevent them from being deported from the UK. Yemisi Jenkins MBE, who spoke alongside the head of the Home Office immigration enforcement team at an immigration workshop sponsored by the All Progressives Congress UK, described a case where a man had ignorantly paid £2,000 for the ID but it didn’t change his status to that of a settled person in the UK.

The CLP claims the card will exempt holders from deportation. However, Ms Jenkins, who was awarded her MBE in the New Year’s honours list, lambasted those behind the scheme. She said they were “capitalising on people’s vulnerability”.

While addressing the immigration workshop on February 19, Ms Jenkins questioned “why Ghanaians or Indians, who are also part of the Commonwealth, are not involved in the scheme.

“How come it is just Nigerians that are aware of this ID card?” she asked further.

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NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

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KASUMUWatch

The

consilium.europa.eu

Samuel KaSuMuColumn

The pm is wrong on europe British Nigerians across the UK will have to make what will probably be the most important decision for a generation on June 23. Then they will have the unique opportunity to decide on whether Britain remains one of the 28 member states of the European Union or reclaims sovereignty on all its decisions as an independent country. For many people this question is one that is both complex and inconvenient.

The complexities are firstly around understanding just what the European Union is and what it does.

Most people do not understand how the EU is made up of a Commission, Council, Court, Bank and Parliament.

Those that do know this may ask questions like: why have a Parliament if decisions are made at Council meetings, with all heads of state present? And why have a Commission if there is a Parliament?

If someone has taken time out to

study such a cumbersome structure very soon the overall cost of running the institution will offend!

The inconvenience of the referendum stems from the fact that there are so many other challenges we face today. The world is increasingly having to deal with the threat of terrorism and leading economies are under great pressure following the collapse in oil prices. Many argue that we simply have too many other competing challenges for this question to be asked at this time.

Lifelong Eurosceptic’s have argued that now simply isn’t the time to leave. Well my view is very simple… there will never be a great a time as this to have a balanced debate and make a balanced judgement.

For those who wish to remain another summer of significant migration due to the migration crisis will inevitably mean many vote to leave because of the fear of immigration.

For those that wish to leave, the threat of an ever closer union could mean that it becomes simply too difficult to ask the question at all.

If there is one thing I can agree with the Prime Minister on… it is that June 23 2016 is the right time for a referendum.

On almost everything else to do with this situation I fundamentally disagree with David Cameron.

First, the politics of fear of the unknown should we leave Europe is unhelpful and wrong.

If, or when we leave, Britain will still trade just as well in the European continent. To leave the Union will not mean leaving Europe. In fact it would be quite the contrary.

We will be able to decide how we trade with them and will also be able to have stronger ties with emerging economies like Nigeria.

Currently we are unable to sign individual trade agreements with other countries and must instead negotiate as a block.

Secondly, I disagree with the Prime Minister on the idea that the alternative is unknown. Again, it doesn’t take a world renowned economist to know that the European project consists of countries with ageing populations and very limited prospects of growth.

The alternative is better relationships with the likes of Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, and many more. The alternative is known. They are called the BRICS and the Next 11. They are countries that we can only currently admire from a distance as opposed to fully engage with. The alternative is better both in today’s and tomorrow’s world.

There are so many other things that I disagree with the Prime Minister on in the run up to the referendum but I think the final and most important point is the idea that somehow the next few months will be a fair fight.

Not only has he somehow found a way to convince the most ambitious MPs to toe the line, but the In Campaign will also be using the full armoury of the government, European Union, international allies, and anything else he can muster to convince the British public to remain.

Regardless of this fact I hope that we all realise that we are already the 5th largest economy in the world. We on these islands have a history of punching above our weight and have enough of a track record to know that a bleak future will only manifest if we are not able to self-govern. That is why I for one will be voting to leave the European Union.

“The alternative is known, better relationships with the likes of Nigeria”

SADIq, ZAc AND thE hEAthroW tESt… The Mayoral elections will be competing for airtime over the next few months with the EU referendum, which will probably mean voter turnout isn’t as large as it was in the past.

The truth is the last two Mayoral elections were fought by two very high profile individuals. Whilst Zac Goldsmith’s has steadily been increasing his profile and demonstrating how passionate he is about the capital, his main rival has been confusing onlookers.

Sadiq was first pro expansion of Heathrow but now finds himself passionately against.

He’s promised to freeze bus fares with very limited information on how he would fund such an ambition that even socialist Ken Livingston could never have imagined promising.

Whilst I admire Khan’s story and respect how far he has progressed in his career in such a short space of time, I worry that he as a person lacks the conviction that we have seen both the current incumbent and his predecessor have.

I don’t think he speaks from the heart, rather he speaks from opinion polls. But London isn’t interested in career politicians. Zac is a man with great conviction.

What you see is what you get.

He is someone that has campaigned with such great conviction that there even came a point where he promised to resign if the government makes a decision in regards airport expansion that he doesn’t agree with. That’s the type of person London needs. Regardless of whether you agree with me or not I think it’s important that all Londoners vote. The temptation not to will be so great.

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12

NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

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EMBASSYWatch

News from the

NIGErIA HIGH COMMISSIONLondon

Community leaders welcome diaspora appointments The appointments of Abike DabiriErewa as Senior Special Assistant to the President Muhammadu Buhari on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Rose Oko, Chairwoman Senate Committee on Diaspora and Civil Societies and Rita Orji, Chairman of the House of Representative Committee on Diaspora Matters, have been warmly welcomed by the leaders of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK and Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) UK North and South.

The three diaspora groups were established by the High Commission to improve relations between the Nigerian diaspora and home. CANUK was created in 2005 to streamline relations with the scores of state and ethnic organisations that have UK chapters and act as a conduit to raise community and social concerns with the High Commission.

NIDO UK South and North were established at the turn of the millennium with a vision to harness the tremendous skill, exposure, expertise and knowledge-base of Nigerians resident outside Nigeria.

These organisations are currently led by Babatunde Loye, Henrietta

Abraham and Dr Paul Eke respectively. Here’s how they responded to the recent announcements.

with them to improve the lives of Nigerian in the UK.

BABAtUNDE loyE

It is indeed very welcome news.

This demonstrates the importance that the government and the legislative houses place on diaspora engagement.

Nigeria is at a pivotal stage of its development and Nigerians in the diaspora have a big part to play.

Many diasporans are highly skilled whilst many others have disposable income they wish to invest in Nigeria whilst some others run successful businesses in their host nations which they would want to expand into Nigeria.

A good number of countries, such as the Philippines, India, China, Israel, and in Africa, Kenya and Tanzania, recognise the importance of their diaspora and have harnessed 18:06 this potential towards their nation’s development. I believe Nigeria can do

hENrIEttA ABrAhAM The appointments are a very welcomed development as all have a wealth of knowledge and experience with diaspora issues.

CANUK being the voice of the Nigerian Community in the UK knows the yearnings of many to form a closer association and bond with the Nigerian government in order to address various pressing issues within the diaspora community: e.g: the growth of business between home and abroad, the return to Nigeria of diasporan individuals who want to contribute to the national development and diaspora voting rights, amongst others.

I believe this can be fast-tracked with the capable hands of Hon Abike 09/03/2015 Dabiri-Erewa and Rose1Oko and Rita Orji and I look forward to working

the same.

I pray that Hon. Abike Dabiri, Hon. Rose Oko and Hon. Rita Orji, will work together to fully garner this huge potential which the diaspora offer and create the enabling environment for the diaspora to better engage with Nigeria. Hon. Abike Dabiri has already worked extensively with the diaspora in her previous role and can leverage on the relationship going forward.

There does need to be developed, a strategic, co-ordinated and cohesive strategy in the short, medium and long term in order to yield required results. NIDO UK South is ready to support and work with them and serve as the vehicle through which they can effectively engage with the diaspora in the UK and to accomplish their aims.

Dr PAUl EKE I heartily welcome the rec e n t appointments.

Hon DabiriErewa having sponsored a number of sig-

nificant bills that were passed by Parliament, including ‘Nigerian Diaspora Commission Bill’ ‘The Freedom of Information Bill’, among others understands diaspora issues properly.

I have known Hon Dabiri-Erewa as striving hard working woman who had proved her onion and remain committed to excellence, so I believe she will be ever reliable in execution of the diaspora task placed before her. I equally commend the appointments of both Senator Rose Oko and Hon. Rita Orji, as chair Senate Committee on Diaspora and Civil Societies & Chairman of the House of Representative Committee on Diaspora Matters respectively.

It is remarkable to note that these three ladies appointed to lead these Diaspora portfolios are hard working professionals with great track records. As a professional this makes the job easier for me and they have our support as we collectively deliver our mandate of mobilising Nigerians in Diaspora to contribute a quota to the socio-economic development of the nation and as well as offering opportunities for professional engagement at all Levels.

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14

NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

NEWSWatch

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MASS MoBIlISAtIoN rEqUIrED to END hEAlth INEqUAlIty For AFrIcAN cArIBBEAN coMMUNItIES The President of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has called for a mass mobilisation of forces to tackle the health inequalities that are adversely impacting African and Caribbean communities in the UK, leaving many suffering from preventable conditions and consigning others to an early grave.

Cecilia Anim was speaking alongside a host of eminent and concerned health professionals and healthy eating campaigner – of Reggae Reggae sauce fame – Levi Roots on February 20 at the African Caribbean Health Day 2016, organised by the African Caribbean Social Network, RCN London, Paceworking Events and Your Excellent Health Service.

Holby City's Hugh Quarshie and broadcaster Nana Churcher co-chaired along with Dr Charles Easmon of YEHS. In her opening address Ms Anim said, "Sadly, health inequalities still exist in the UK and in many cases they are growing wider."

Cecilia Amin President of the RCN

Examples of these inequalities include: higher rates of detention under the mental health act; prevalence of stroke being 70% higher than average; African Caribbean people being more than six times likely to develop diabetes; black men and women having a higher incidence of cancer such as prostate, oral, stomach and liver; and finally as we reach pensionable age African and Caribbean people are more than likely to have at least two longterm health conditions.

Ms Anim continued to describe how these inequalities create a vicious "cycle of health inequality which passes from generation to generation.

"They reflect the problems facing our most impoverished communities, such as poor housing, lower educational attainment, and insecure employment.

"These inequalities begin at conception and

continue throughout life.

"Babies born into poorer families are more likely to be born prematurely. They are at greater risk of infant mortality, and more likely to live in poverty. As children, their development is impaired, and as adults, they are more likely to experience chronic disease."

This scenario has a significant impact on patient outcomes: people living in the poorest neighbourhoods in England die seven years earlier than people living in the richest neighbourhoods. They also spend 17 more years living with a disability.

But there are other barriers to accessing health care she said. "Sadly, racism and discrimination are still barriers to health care for many ethnic minority groups," she said.

"Members of minority groups are more likely to have problems accessing their GP, have longer waiting times before surgery, and feel that time spent with their GP was inadequate.

They are less likely to be referred to secondary or tertiary care, and more likely to be compulsory detained under the Mental Health Act." Combined with cultural and religious issues and a lack of awareness of many services and what purpose they serve all created a perfect storm that prevented many seeking the help they needed.

“Provision alone does not guarantee access for all, regardless of religion, culture or ethnic background. Instead, what is needed is the combined effort of a wide range of stakeholders from every layer of society.

“It demands the support of national government, local statutory services, voluntary and community organisations and, of course, health care professionals.

“The message is loud and clear - if we are to close the gap in health inequalities, and reduce the burden of avoidable ill health that I have described today, we must harness the full potential of the entire health care workforce."

Ms Amin was followed by a day or urgent health-messaging delivered by eminent leaders in their fields of expertise: Dr George Grimble, Principle Teaching Fellow at University College London addressed obesity; Graham MacGregor, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Wolfson Institute of Preventetive Medicine, Queen Mary's

From l-r: Charles Easmon, Lambeth Mayor Donatus Anyanwu and Levi Roots

University, addressed high blood pressure; Adeola Olaitan, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, addressed cervical cancer; and Leye Ajayi, consultant urological surgeon addressed prostate cancer.

As Dr Easmon summed up, "The message to the African Caribbean community is clear: loose belly fat, exercise little and often, cut back on salt, cut back on sugar, get your blood pressure measured and under control, have cervical smears every three years, get your daughters vaccinated against HPV, and men get a prostate check.”

"In more general terms we need to establish effective public health messaging.

Don't just rely on the GP or the NHS for your health - inform yourself and your community.

We should perhaps consider including health access points in pubs, betting shops, barbers, hairdressers and churches."

The need to break down the barriers stopping members of the African Caribbean community from accessing health care was clear – especially for men, who were noticeable largely by their absence from the nigh on 100strong audience.

Spicing up the occasion was the keynote speaker Levi Roots who underlined much that Dr Grimble and Prof MacGregor had said in

“Sadly health inequalities still exist and in many cases are growing wider”

relation to obesity and blood pressure with the simple phrase, "You are what you eat."

Too much energy in and not enough energy out causes obesity; too much salt - particularly in processed food – raises blood pressure.

He delighted the audience with an anecdote about returning to Jamaica with his mother to visit an old school friend of hers. Waiting to be let in at the gates, he saw a woman running towards them, “faster than Usain Bolt”. He thought it must be the woman’s daughter, but no, it was his mother’s schoolfriend - well into her 90s.

“She had never in her life eaten anything from a supermarket, never had processed milk.

Everything comes from her garden, even the chickens,” he observed.

“But we’re lazy people. We will use allpurpose seasoning when we have all we need to make it in our store cupboards without the E numbers that are giving us cancers and making us ill.

“It’s all about what goes in. Little and often and fresh,” he concluded.

Useful websites: www.bloodpressureuk.org prostatecanceruk.org www.noo.org.uk (for obesity issues and measures) www.cancerresearchuk.org (for cervical cancer and information on all cancers)

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NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

YOURWatch

15

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 than March 8, 2016. 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.

Broke parties: a step closer to the nation of our dreams The PDP no longer boasts a fearsome financial war chest and the APC is broke. The APC chairman himself remarked on the current financial state of his party last week. If you dream of a Nigeria where only the most worthy would occupy political offices, then you would understand why this is good news.

Money has deprived us of a lot of credible leaders.A lot of them bamboozled at various stages of seeking electoral office much to our detriment.Perhaps we wouldn’t even have a President Buhari today if he hadn’t gone ahead to form the CPC after the then Governor of Kano state, Ibrahim Shekarau hijacked the ANPP leadership thanks to the billions at his disposal.

I still believe our political parties lack political ideologies and the difference between them is always that one always happens to have what the others want. The disgusting self-righteousness and convenient blame-placing barely conceal the sheer desperation and frustration driving their actions. It is never about patriotism, it is always a battle for power between sets of people who never see good in each other.

I may not agree with President Buhari on some issues but I cannot deny that a lot of things have changed. No one expects office holders to make massive donations to their parties from government coffers these days irrespective of the deplorable state of the nation’s finances.

The PDP, with all the money its members have amassed over the years, are no longer as financially vibrant as they used to be.

Everyone is scared of drawing attention to themselves. This (un)fortunate situation moves us steps closer to the Nigeria of our dreams, as ironic as that may sound.

A Nigeria where incumbents would not be guaranteed victory in primary elections because they have used taxpayers money to buy off the party exco and delegates. A Nigeria where the best candidates would not lose elections to rice-waving desperados enjoying the full backing of the custodians of our national treasury. A lot of people might choose to blame the poor, hungry Nigerian for his contributory role in this sad predicament and without absolving him of any blame, I would blame the system first.

We are a nation impoverished by thieving political leaders, which, in effect, have blinded the average man to the fact that the more desperate a candidate seems, the more likely he is in it for his own selfish gains.

A Nigerian willing to spend his money to get a chance to serve his people wouldn’t stretch his finances much. Only one who thinks of it as an investment would. I must credit the Buhari administration for restoring sanity to our political sphere. That is if it was ever there in the first place.

Elected officials now have ‘peanuts’ to dole out to their parties and the moneybags reaping from a government only to donate to

its leader’s campaign. To be frank, they only turn up during elections and they don’t finance the party or indulge in unsymbiotic arrangements. Parties are now constrained to making do with legitimate financial backings.

With an INEC that has earned the trust of Nigerians by proving the efficiency of its innovations, the dwindling chances of politicians splashing their ill-gotten loot on their gangs and cajoling a hungry electorate is a welcome development. It takes us closer to the nation of our dreams.

Umar Sa’ad Hassan, a lawyer based in Kano, via email.

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16

NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

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NEWSWatch

nature’s way of telling us to reform Nigerians should embrace the challenge presented by the collapse in oil price, writes Emeka Asinugo. It presents a golden opportunity for Nigeria to return to the goold old days and could prove a blessing in disguise for struggling Nigerian families Over the past 18 months the price of a barrel of Brent crude, the benchmark for world oil prices, has nosedived. In December 2014 there was rising concern when the price of a barrel of crude fell to below $70, down 40% on the previous June when the price was $115. It now hovers a little above $30.

On the balance sheet this looks calamitous for oil-based economies such as ours.

Nigeria’s economy is predicated on receiving $119 a barrel – and oil accounts for 70% of government revenues.

The current price per barrel represents a near 75% collapse in revenue. And it looks like the $30 benchmark is here to stay. Even ongoing talks of a production freeze – to stabilise the price – seem unlikely to bear fruit before June when the next scheduled meeting of Opec is to take place.

This collapse looks like an ugly development, which will definitely alter the budget benchmark of many countries of the organisation of oil producing countries (Opec).

But it is in fact a blessing in disguise, which Nigerians should embrace as the challenge it is, and deal with in the same way they deal with all such challenges when they come their way.

When Nigerians were happy Before Shell BP discovered crude oil in Oloibiri in Rivers State in 1958, just before Nigeria attained self rule in 1960, the country was quite comfortable with an agriculture-driven economy.

There was a steady supply of electricity in the cities and in a few villages, which had their caring sons and daughters in government. Clean drinking water was never a problem.

Efficient train services covered practically all cities of the country.

Basic infrastructure was available to the people; the roads were readily maintained if they broke down because the Public Works Department (PWD) was alert to its responsibility and any broken down road was repaired in less than 48 hours. It provided daily-paid jobs for the nation’s teeming population of young school leavers.

Nigerians were then a happy people.

Nigerian farmers staply cultivated cocoa in the West, groundnuts in the North and

palm oil in the East. In addition, cotton, cashew and rubber were cultivated in commercial quantities and exported. There were large deposits of solid minerals in practically all the states of the federation. There was cattle rearing in the North and fishing in the deep South, plus other forms of livestock cultivation.

All these stabilised the national economy, making one Nigerian naira equivalent in exchange rate at the time to one pound sterling. However, as soon as crude oil was discovered in commercial quantity it instantly became the country’s primary foreign exchange earner. Even as we speak, it is estimated that crude oil accounts for around 70% of the nation’s revenue and 90% of its foreign exchange earnings.

From boom to doom Having discovered vast oil wells scattered all over the Delta region of the deep South and in some parts of the East and the West, government inadvertently jettisoned its original policies, which were agriculture-driven, and allowed them to die an unnatural death. That was how government abandoned the erstwhile mainstay of the economy.

With the enormous wealth from crude oil at its disposal, government began to intensely indulge in importation.

Nigerians became import-oriented.

Egged on by consumption patterns that encouraged contempt for local products and a strong desire for foreign goods, agriculture was given such a hard punch that nearly six decades afterwards it is yet to recover from the poleaxing it suffered with the discovery of crude oil.

Nigerians came to depend so much on the wealth they made from crude oil that at a time many thought oil had turned from a blessing into a curse, from boom to doom. It was so because despite the wealth that came from oil exploration, a majority of Nigerians were suffering in abject poverty, unable to afford two square meals a day and unable to afford medical care. And how the country changed for the worse as a result.

The roads in many parts of the rural areas fell into such disrepair that the cars which

plied them ended up with such serious damage that they were sent into the mechanic clinic immediately.

Many rural areas had no clean drinking water and many ordinary citizens still had to go to streams and rivers miles from their homes to fetch water for domestic use.

In the big cities, the Water Boards that had ensured that clean and well treated water was available to city dwellers suddenly disappeared. People were encouraged to drill boreholes in their private houses in the city. Most times, the water from these boreholes was not adequately treated. The result was that most elderly Nigerian citizens began to get blind as soon as they clocked 65.

Electricity supply, which was mainly in the big cities, was epileptically sporadic.

Government would supply electricity for two hours and for the next three or four days the community would be left to manage themselves with the use of private generators.

by creating a two-class social system of the very rich and the very poor. In one instance, I confronted a very highly respected Islamic scholar, Dr Farrar Idid, over the issue.

What he told me still hasn’t sunk in, years after the interview I had with him.

He tried to assure me that a two-class system was the most peaceful political arrangement because if the down-trodden ‘hoi poloi’ of the country had food in their stomach and not much money in their pockets to be able to purchase arms and ammunition, they would not be in a position to insurrect against the ruling families and so there would be peace in the land.

That could have been true years ago. But things have changed. The general attitude of members of the oil super rich families – which bordered on arrogance, with the flagrant display of massive wealth in the face of abject poverty and a proclivity towards impunity – drove

“Before Shell discovered oil agriculture stabilised the economy, making one Nigerian naira equivalent in exchange rate at the time to one pound sterling” A systematic bid to eliminate the middle class Generally speaking, Nigerians were denied the basic infrastructural needs which citizens of other oil rich countries often took for granted. And there was nothing anybody could do.

Because, as Professor Chinua Achebe rightly pointed out in his last book ‘There was a Country’, “Once a people have been dispossessed and subjected to dictatorships for such a long time as in Nigeria’s case, the oppressive process also effectively strips away from the minds of the people the knowledge that they have rights.”

The very few Nigerian families that had access to the vast oil deposits in the country continued to amass wealth and as a matter of policy they became more determined than ever to widen, rather than bridge, the gap between the very rich and the very poor families.

This they did by systematically trying to eliminate the middle class and

many citizens to the wall, and culminated in the Arab Spring awakening at the start of the decade.

Nigeria was not left out of that global trend. The power shift from the old ruling families to the newly rich and educated political class, especially in the North of the country, began to play a significant role in determining which way the economic pendulum of the nation would swing.

Some Nigerian families enjoyed the nation’s much touted oil wealth while it lasted. But as always, nature has a way of proving its superiority in all circumstances.

A perfect storm has exposed Nigeria The President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Francis Johnson, has already said that the current dwindling of oil price is affecting Nigeria because the nation over-depended on oil

and gas exports for its foreign exchange earnings.

He attributes the current situation to a number of factors, which include lack of foresight and lack of strategic investment plans in petrochemical activities and local refining.

According to Mr Johnson, Nigeria is going to be hard hit by the drop in oil prices because the managers of the economy failed to plan for the rainy day. Now that the rainy day is here, even the Excess Crude Account, established to cushion any adverse effects in case of a drop in oil prices, as is the case now, has been depleted by gluttonous state governors who vehemently insisted on more funds from the account be shared out to them for spurious reasons.

Revenue from crude oil has also declined in recent times because of large-scale theft of crude oil and the vandalisation of pipelines.

Moreover, the new attention being paid to renewable energy, an alternative to crude oil, particularly in the United States of America, which is a primary consumer of Nigerian oil, has meant a significant reduction in the purchase of Nigeria’s crude oil and therefore a sharp drop in funds accruing for the country.

Faced with all these situations, it has become obvious that Nigeria must accept and deal neatly with the current challenges the dwindling oil price has thrust upon its shoulders. The government will need to revitalise the non-oil sector by enacting deliberate policies and laws. It is imperative that agriculture and other sectors of the economy need to be reactivated.

The problem is that subsequent administrations have, over the years, continued to pay only lip service to these non-oil sectors.

A brief history of grand Presidential plans When Dr Yakubu Gowon launched his Second National Development Plan, it had five primary objectives. It was to build a free and democratic society. It was to evolve a just and egalitarian society. It was to create a united, strong and self-reliant economy. It was to turn the country into a great and dynamic economy and a land full of bright

opportunities for all citizens.

Forty-five years after the Plan was launched, not one of these goals has been attained.

Instead of a free and democratic society, Nigerian society has become paramilitarised. Ethnic militia movements of sorts have grown sporadically from all nooks and crannies of the country. Instead of the just and an egalitarian society Gowon planned, Nigerians have an unjust and insecure society characterised by child abuse, ritual killings, extrajudicial murders, cultism, kidnapping, ethnic riots and religious rivalry. Impunity is creeping into the social system, not from the back door but right there from the front door.

Instead of being united, strong and self-reliant, the nation continues to be divided along ethnic and religious lines.

Nationalism still remains a strange vocabulary in the lexicon of the average Nigerian.

When Chief Olusegun Obasanjo succeeded General Murtala Muhammed after he was killed in a coup, he abandoned Gowon’s “3R” vision and introduced his own “Operation Feed the Nation”.

Alhaji Shehu Shagari abandoned Obasanjo’s Operation Feed the Nation and came up with the “Green Revolution”. Buhari dumped that and came up with his War against Indiscipline. General Ibrahim Babangida left that and introduced “Better Life”.

Babangida had a long list of development visions and programmes. It included the National Directorate of Employment, the Directorate for Foods, Roads and Rural Infrastructure, the Better Life Programme, People’s Bank, Community Bank and the National Economic Reconstruction Fund. General Sani Abacha abandoned all that and came up with his “Family Support” and Vision 2010.

When Obasanjo was democratically elected, he came up with the National Poverty Eradication Programme, National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS). Alhaji Musa Yar ‘Adua dropped all that and came up with his 7-point agenda. It included power and energy, agriculture and food security, wealth creation and employment generation,

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NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

Source; Bloomberg

NEWSWatch

thE ForEcASt By MoNth: yEAr 2016

2017

Over the past 18 months the price of a barrel of Brent crude, the benchmark for world oil prices, has nosedived. In December 2014 there was rising concern when the price of a barrel of crude fell to below $70, down 40% on the previous June when the price was $115. It now hovers a little above $30.

On the balance sheet this looks calamitous for oil-based economies such as ours.

Nigeria’s economy is predicated on receiving $119 a barrel – and oil accounts for 70% of government revenues.

The current price per barrel represents a near 75% collapse in revenue. And it looks like the $30 benchmark is here to stay. Even ongoing talks of a production freeze – to stabilise the price – seem unlikely to bear fruit before June when the next scheduled meeting of Opec is to take place.

This collapse looks like an ugly development, which will definitely alter the budget benchmark of many countries of the organisation of oil

producing countries (Opec).

But it is in fact a blessing in disguise, which Nigerians should embrace as the challenge it is, and deal with in the same way they deal with all such challenges when they come their way.

When Nigerians were happy Before Shell BP discovered crude oil in Oloibiri in Rivers State in 1958, just before Nigeria attained self rule in 1960, the country was quite comfortable with an agriculture-driven economy.

There was a steady supply of electricity in the cities and in a few villages, which had their caring sons and daughters in government. Clean drinking water was never a problem.

Efficient train services covered practically all cities of the country.

Basic infrastructure was available to the people; the roads were readily maintained if they broke down because the Public Works Department (PWD) was alert to its responsibility and any broken down road was repaired in

less than 48 hours. It provided daily-paid jobs for the nation’s teeming population of young school leavers.

Nigerians were then a happy people.

Nigerian farmers staply cultivated cocoa in the West, groundnuts in the North and palm oil in the East. In addition, cotton, cashew and

in exchange rate at the time to one pound sterling. However, as soon as crude oil was discovered in commercial quantity it instantly became the country’s primary foreign exchange earner. Even as we speak, it is estimated that crude oil accounts for around 70% of the nation’s revenue and 90% of its foreign

“What many see as the curse of oil rich countries like Nigeria could be the way nature is directing its leaders to develop the non-oil sectors of the economy” rubber were cultivated in commercial quantities and exported. There were large deposits of solid minerals in practically all the states of the federation. There was cattle rearing in the North and fishing in the deep South, plus other forms of livestock cultivation.

All these stabilised the national economy, making one Nigerian naira equivalent

exchange earnings.

From boom to doom Having discovered vast oil wells scattered all over the Delta region of the deep South and in some parts of the East and the West, government inadvertently jettisoned its original policies, which were agriculture-driven, and allowed them to die an unnatural death. That was

17

MoNth March April May June July August September October November December January February March April May June July August September October November December

oPEN 31 29 27 26 25 24 26 28 29 27 26 25 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 37 36 36

hIgh 36 34 31 30 29 28 30 32 34 31 30 29 28 30 32 35 37 39 42 43 42 42

how government abandoned the erstwhile mainstay of the economy.

With the enormous wealth from crude oil at its disposal, government began to intensely indulge in importation.

Nigerians became import-oriented.

Egged on by consumption patterns that encouraged contempt for local products and a strong desire for foreign goods, agriculture was given such a hard punch that nearly six decades afterwards it is yet to recover from the poleaxing it suffered with the discovery of crude oil.

Nigerians came to depend so much on the wealth they made from crude oil that at a time many thought oil had turned from a blessing into a curse, from boom to doom. It was so because despite the wealth that came from oil exploration, a majority of Nigerians were suffering in abject poverty, unable to afford two square meals a day and unable to afford medical care. And how the country changed for the worse as a

loW 26 24 23 22 21 20 22 24 24 23 22 21 20 22 24 25 27 29 30 31 30 30

cloSE AvErAgE 29 30 27 28 26 27 25 26 24 25 26 25 28 27 29 29 27 28 26 27 25 26 24 25 26 25 28 27 30 29 32 31 34 33 36 35 37 37 36 37 36 36 36 36

result.

The roads in many parts of the rural areas fell into such disrepair that the cars which plied them ended up with such serious damage that they were sent into the mechanic clinic immediately.

Many rural areas had no clean drinking water and many ordinary citizens still had to go to streams and rivers miles from their homes to fetch water for domestic use.

In the big cities, the Water Boards that had ensured that clean and well treated water was available to city dwellers suddenly disappeared. People were encouraged to drill boreholes in their private houses in the city. Most times, the water from these boreholes was not adequately treated. The result was that most elderly Nigerian citizens began to get blind as soon as they clocked 65.

Electricity supply, which was mainly in the big cities, was epileptically sporadic.

Government would supply electricity for two hours and for the next three or four days

18

NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

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EDUCATIONWatch

Digital talent pipeline for London goes live In support of the Mayor of London’s £5m investment programme in advancing young Londoners’ digital skills, the London Enterprise Panel (LEP) has launched MOBILIZE:LDN. A series of five Digital Career Roadshow events in the tech hotspots of London, bringing together 15,000 young people with 1,000 tech employers, the first event took place at Camden Roundhouse, London, on February 23.

In his January investment programme announcement, Boris Johnson said it was “absolutely vital” to nurture London’s tech stars of the future and help them gain employment within the digital industry. There are an estimated 38,000 digital, creative and media companies in London, which is expected to grow to 52,000 companies within 10 years. As a consequence it is feared that without intervention a ‘digital skills gap’ will stifle the success of this buoyant sector.

Similar to the Mayor of New York’s investment of $10M to create a New York Tech Talent Pipeline, the London Enterprise Panel is supporting a series of five events across the capital, resolving in a large end of year summit to address and identify solutions to the ‘digital skills gap’. The London Digital Talent Pipeline aims to help schools and

colleges to refine their curricula in order to ‘boost the capital’s economy,’ and meet the needs of today’s employers.

A key goal of the MOBILIZE:LDN programme is to drive diversity in the workplace – encouraging more women, and young people from the Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, to enter the sector.

The programme has partnered with Department of Work & Pensions – inviting all 120 Jobcentre’s in London to attend the event series.

Teachers, lecturers and Jobcentre staff who attend will be advised on

building links to the digital and tech industry to diversify their students’ career paths.

It is also hoped they will come away with greater insight into helping students to discover how the skills they are learning are critical to real careers.

Ed Baker, event director said, “It is increasingly vital for today’s students and the UK’s position in the global economy that we nurture our tech stars of the future; MOBILIZE:LDN will bring 1,000 leading tech employers together to address the digital skills gap, and

help to secure London’s place as the leading digital economy.”

Josh Krichefski, chief executive officer of MediaCom UK, said: “Bringing in and supporting a young and diverse workforce into the creative, digital and media industries is critical to safeguarding what is becoming an increasingly important sector for the whole UK economy.”

Steven Roberts, strategic transformation director at Barclays, said, “Mobilize:LDN maps seamlessly to our core beliefs of digital inclusion – no matter who you are, we believe that your life can be made better

through digital. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.

“By supporting innovative programmes such as this, we hope to get even more young people interested in a career in digital and enthusiastic about technology.

Phil Smith, chief executive of Cisco UK and Ireland said, “The digital revolution is transforming the world around us, and the UK is a nation leading this charge. The impact technology is having on our lives, the way we work and society in general, cannot be underestimated.

“Only by realising the opportunity through partnerships such as the Mobilize:LDN Digital Careers Show, can we turn the skills challenge into an opportunity for the UK as a whole. After all, it’s not a business or city-specific problem; it’s a national one.”

Kirstie Donnelly MBE, managing director of City & Guilds, said, “The digital economy is creating record numbers of jobs in the UK and we want to help young people access careers in this rewarding, well-paid sector. That’s why we at City & Guilds are so excited to be supporting Mobilize:LDN Digital Careers Show.”

To find out more and to register for your free entrance to future shows please visit

www.glos.ac.uk/international Why choose University of Gloucestershire?

• Support – 1st in the UK for international student support.

• Employability – placement year options and DegreePlus opportunities for work experience • Fast Track degrees – 2-year Bachelor degrees so you can graduate quicker

Entry Requirements

Up to 50% scholarships available!

• Foundation: WAEC or NECO with minimum 3 relevant subjects (IELTS 4.0) • Undergraduate: Ordinary National Diploma or recognized foundation course • Postgraduate: Bachelors’ degree with a minimum of second class.

• Postgraduate (Research): Bachelors’ degree with a minimum of second class.

English Language Minimum of SSCE Credit in English Language or IELTS

Contact Details

• Tel: +44 1242 71 4642 +234 816259 7846

Samuel Adeboye International Development Advisor • Email: sadeboye@glos.ac.uk

“At University of Gloucestershire, the teachings are superb as every lecture comes with a unique flare but more captivating is the time and energy lecturers spend in supporting us.”

Mary Kolawole - Law LLB

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LEISUREWatch

NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

Fortnight

FashionWATCH

BY OBAH IYAMU

WhAt to SEE AND Do ovEr thE NExt

We are always here to unfailingly give all fangirls hope in getting to fashion heaven and learn the styling tricks of the trade, to ensure that mod point is nailed

From baking African deserts to the snow angels of a UK winter, this emotional and heartfelt story of migration reveals one girl’s hopeful flight into a new life.

10 Mar, 4.30pm & 7pm. Tickets £6.

Half Moon Young People's Theatre, 43 White Horse Road E1 www.halfmoon.org.uk

thEAtrE African American Playwrights: The 20th century A chance to explore some of the best-known as well as overlooked black American dramatists of the 20th Century, including Lorraine Hansberry, August Wilson, Ted Ward, Theodore Browne, Amiri Baraka, Alice Childress and Ntozake Shange.

With the opportunity to hear from directors and playwrights and watch play extracts performed by actors.

27-28 Feb, Sat 10.30am 4.30pm & Sun 11am - 3.30pm Tickets £70 National Theatre, South Bank SE1 www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

The Marvellous Adventures of Mary Seacole

lAcED-UP hEElS Well.. that’s fashion for you; the rules don’t make sense so we just jump on the bandwagon and make our way into style awesomeness. Because laces are a pain, the shoe gods have created laced-up shoes that boycott them! So don't be crushed, they look absolutely beautiful on the feet. Wear dainty straps for a thoroughly dressed-up evening but note, many of our favourite IT-girls have been spotted casually wearing strapped up heels on the streets. The trick is to wear without tights despite the cold and pick a pair that doesn’t dig into your skin.

14 DAyS...

MAP oF ME

WINtEr crochEt Crochet in the winter is too cool to ignore but it represents an accessory instead of the main game and that means layering. Although the statement makers are wearing it thoroughly see-through we are going to take the decent route and still manage to make a statement. Layer over a fitted dress and shoulder-robe with a mean coat for that extra warmth. Some pieces already come lined – and heavily lined at that – so style with wintery accessories, ie, thigh high boots or a chunky wrap. I’m going plain crochet though, so I can continue to wear this trend in the warmer months.

19

Currently touring the UK, London Venues; 3 Mar, 8pm. Tickets £10.

Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields E18 redbridgedramacentre.co.uk 5 Mar, 7.30pm. Tickets £14 The Albany, Douglas Way. SE8 www.thealbany.org.uk

Portrait

Inspired by Racheal Ofori’s own experiences, using music and dance, poetry and frank humour, to examine identity and role models, and challenge cultural stereotypes.

8-9 Mar, 7.30pm. Tickets £10.

Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

FIlM Bernie grant Arts centre celebrates lgBt history Month Acclaimed show about Mary Seacole performed by Hackney resident Cleo Sylvestre, whose varied career has ranged from being the first black actress to have a leading role at the National Theatre and seasons with The Young Vic and numerous TV appearances.

Gala evening on the closing night with Q&A’s and rum cocktails.

9-11 Mar, 7;30pm - 8.30pm.

Tickets from £13 Rosemary Branch Theatre, Shepperton Road N1 www.rosemarybranch.com

The crows Plucked your Sinews The fusion of two time periods – May 2011, and the assassination of Osama Bin Laden, and August 1913, the British at war in Somaliland – through the eyes of Suuban in Woolwich, London.

A month dedicated to celebrating the lives, stories, contributions and achievements of BAME Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people from around the world including; young soul rebels, a young black London DJ accused of murder. The watermelon woman, Cheryl’s search for a black actress known as the Watermelon Woman, results in her mirroring the actress’ affair with a white women. stories of our lives, an anthology of stories of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people from Kenya.

Ongoing until Feb 29 see website for details of screenings; Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road N15 www.berniegrantcentre.co.uk

International Women’s Month To mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party for Self Defence (1966 – 2016) Black History Studies presents a series of screenings that look at the role of women in the Black Panther Party.

Including: reflections unheard: Black women in civil rights, the political marginalisation of black women in an era of the male-dominated Black Power movement and white dominated feminism. mama c: urban warrior in the african Bush. Ex-member of the Kansas City Black Panther Party who has lived for the past forty years in the Tanzanian village of Imbaseni. angela davis: portrait of a revolutionary.

Outspoken black militant feminist and communist, Angela Davis filmed by her students in her time as a professor of philosophy at U.C.L.A. From Mar 1 see website for details of screenings; Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road N15 www.berniegrantcentre.co.uk

Shade All night sleepover screening of films and documentaries exploring mixed race/black experiences available to us in London in 2016.

There will be blankets and food provided, bring your own sleeping bags!

Mar 5, 8pm - 8am. FREE. Chisenhale Dance Space, 64 84 Chisenhale Road, E3 Please RSVP to acontemporary struggle@gmail.com by 9am Mar 1 www.chisenhaledance space.co.uk

20

NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

queen Nzingha The Movie Mothers day with a difference ! Watch the amazing true story of a mother who gave her all for her people. Repeated yet again by popular demand! !

Mar 6, 4pm. Tickets £9.50 Phoenix Cinema, 52 High Road, East Finchley https://phoenixcinema.co.uk

Imperial War Museum Short Film Festival From terrorism and drone warfare to refugees and personal stories, 26 films exploring the causes, course, and consequences of war and conflict, and its impact on people’s lives, including: The forgotten army of ww11: West Africa’s Soldiers in Burma; we are Kakuma, life in a refugee camp in Kenya; Those who are left, recollections of the Iraq war intercut with memories of the Zimbabwe liberation struggle.

Feb 26 - Mar 7, see website for details of screenings; Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, SE1 www.iwm.org.uk

lItErAtUrE/SPoKEN WorD Bare lit Festival The first literary festival focused entirely on writers of colour in the UK, with a lineup of authors

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LEISUREWatch participating over the weekend, including novelist Xiaolu Guo, poet Jane Yeh, London’s Young Poet Laureate Selina Nwulu, and journalist and fiction author Robin Yassin-Kassab.

were brought to London from Jamaica in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, revealing how these visitors stimulated new discussions about the morals of the transatlantic slave.

26-27 Feb, see website for details of dates and times and how to book.

Free Word Centre ,60 Farringdon Rd EC1 and Betsey Trotwood Pub, 56 Farringdon Rd EC1 barelit.squarespace.com

Mar 2, 7pm. Tickets: £10.

Dr Johnson’s House, 17 Gough Square EC4 www.drjohnsonshouse.org

chibundu onuzo in conversation

Chibundu Onuzo will be reading from her book The Spider King’s Daughter and discussing the main themes she covers, her thinking on race and being a Nigerian in the UK.

Ian Foster will talk about the experiences of those who

Showcasing the work of artists exploring the themes of feminine identity.

Mar 6, 12pm - 7pm. FREE Hoxton Arches, Arch 402 Cremer Street, E2 www.hoxtonarches.com

Mothering Sunday concert with Maria Evangelou

Freehand Fashion talk Chinelo Bally (Sewing Bee finalist 2013) will give an illustrated talk celebrating her signature freehand cutting approach and the release of her book 'Freehand Fashion'. The talk will be followed by a Q&A, book signing and sewsocial.

Mar 9, 6.30pm - 9pm. Tickets £5 Fabrications, 7 Broadway Market, Hackney, E8 www.fabrications1.co.uk

ExhIBItIoNS Icons of Wu’ Wu-tang

Testing Realities Invariably Binding Everyone - T.R.I.B.E – is a photography, poetry and interactive art exhibition with images of rarely photographed tribes from remote regions of Southern Ethiopia by Kay Adekunle Rufai (above), a British-born Nigerian.

Mar 15, 5pm - 9pm. Ticket prices vary.

Espacio Gallery, 159 Bethnal Green Road E2 www.facebook.com/Tribeexhibition Along with guided tours, workshops, panel discussions, live music from VCF and a Wu Tribute set by DJ Rumz, Wu Bar and a Video installation by Daniel Oduntan.

Mar 5, 2pm - 2am. FREE Brixton East 1871, 100 Barrington Road SW9 www.brixtoneast1871.co.uk/

Mar 27, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm.

FREE Booking essential.

Book & Kitchen, 31 All Saints Road, Westbourne Park www.bookandkitchen.com

Slave and Master: Breaking the chains

MothErS DAy hand Maid

t.r.I.B.E

A rare insight into the Hip Hop’s renowned Wu-Tang Clan with iconic portraits of every member photographed

by Eddie Otchere.

INtErNAtIoNAl WoMENS DAy International Women's Day Speech by Dawn Butler MP, followed by a panel discussion with the Mayor of Brent, Cllr Lesley Jones MB,

and Cllr Muhammed Butt.

Mar 8, 10am - 2pm. FREE Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way HA9 Email equality@brent.gov.uk if you would like to attend. www.brent.gov.uk

Women golive!

A one-night mini-festival with an assortment of global performances from a uniquely female perspective.

Mar 8, 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Advance tickets £7 Performance Space, The Library at Willesden Green, 95 High Road, Willesden NW10 www.brent.gov.uk

Listen to the stunning rhythmic voice of Maria Evangelou as she masterfully pays homage to soul and jazz favourites, many with a retro pop feel.

Mar 6, 3pm - 4.30pm. Tickets £20 Forty Hall, Forty Hill, EN2 www.fortyhallestate.co.uk

Jason’s little Kitchen ghana Independence & Mothers Day Dinner Treat your mum to a lovely West African meal that’s sure to put a smile on her face, and let them know you are grateful for all the things she does for you.

Mar 6, 6pm-9pm. Dinner £35 The Chancery Restaurant, 9 Cursitor St EC4 www.jasonslittlekitchen.co.uk

coMEDy come Mek We larf Funtastic entertainment, featuring the finest in ‘nu skool’ and ‘ol skool’ comedy.

Feb 26, 8pm. Advance Tickets

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I go DyE Francis Agoda hosts his own Diplomatic mission as I go Dye. With American star Michael Blackson we’re promised surprises, musical performances and uncontrollable laughter.

Starting a European Tour in London; Mar 28, 7pm. Tickets from £29.15 O2, Peninsula Square SE10 www.theo2.co.uk

£10 The Library at Willesden Green, Performance Space, 95 High Road, NW10 www.brent.gov.uk

MUSIc red Africa Night featuring Kalakuta and DJ Edu Emeka Elendu – formally a member of Fela Kuti’s band – presents Kalakuta, his tribute band that aims to teach people the music of Fela.

And DJ Edu of BBC Radio 1Xtra show, Destination Africa,the UK’s longest running and most influential African music show.

Feb 25, 8pm. Tickets £9.

Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road E1 www.richmix.org.uk

influences, performed by the World Jazz Ensemble of England, accompanied by stunning visuals and projections created in collaboration with young Hackney residents.

27 Feb, 10pm-4am. Advance tickets £10.

Festac Bar, 148 Holloway Road N7 www.icsn.co.uk

Feb 29, 7pm. FREE The Round Chapel, 1d Glenarm Road, Hackney E5 www.younghackney.org

othEr The Importance of law as an Aid to Development in Africa

Ballaké Sissoko & vincent Ségal Malian master of the kora, Ballaké Sissoko, and French cellist, Vincent Ségal, begin their UK tour, following the release of their highly acclaimed second album, Musique de Nuit.

Mar 3, 7pm. Tickets £20 Union Chapel, Compton Terrace N1 www.unionchapel.org.uk

Abdullah Ibrahim Sarkodie

The gifted jazz pianist and composer performs a rare solo concert, an intimate opportunity to experience his mix of Jazz, African Gospel sounds and film soundtracks.

Feb 27, 8pm. Tickets from £15 Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2 www.barbican.org.uk

Soukous vs hip hop – congo Meet Sierra leone Kasai Masai from London mix the traditional sound of the equatorial African village with a distinctive urban edge.

The band’s fast-paced style of Soukous and African Rumba is impossible to stay still to.

Meanwhile, Alim Kamara rocks crowds with energy and thought provoking lyrics that safely carry you through a roller coaster of emotions.

Feb 27-28, 8pm. Tickets £9.36 Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road E1 www.richmix.org.uk

Sonic rebound An audio-visual extravaganza of live music with Caribbean, Turkish, Indian, African, Balkan and Jewish musical

NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

LEISUREWatch

The first African rapper to headline his own concert at Indigo is back at the O2 in celebration of Ghana’s 59th Independence day.

Support is from the The Compozers. UK’s Afrobeats’ pioneer DJ Abrantee hosts the event.

Mar 11, 7pm. Tickets from £20 Indigo at The O2, The O2, Peninsula Square SE10 www.theo2.co.uk

SocIAl Ncity Friday Drinks Formal networking with bar and delicacies.

Feb 26, 5pm - 2am. Advance booking FREE Arbor Lounge, Arbor City Hotel, 12-20 Osborn Street, Aldgate East E1 www.ncitylondon.com

l-o-v-E: A Fundraising Party for AMUrt Nigeria With Dj Ripla on the decks, playing all your favourite Afrobeats, garage, hip hop, rap, trap music and old skool classics and a variety of L-O-V-E games to get everyone mingling and

interacting…

Mashood Baderin and Andrew Thomas discuss whether law really plays a significant role in development in Africa.

Mar 1, 7pm - 9pm. FREE SOAS, Khalili Lecture Theatre, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square WC1 www.soas.ac.uk

tackling the schools to prison pipeline A chance to get involved in changing opportunities for black children who get a poor deal in schools, by the judiciary system and in the workplace. Find out how you can be part of the campaign.

Feb 26, 7pm - 9pm. FREE Redeemed Revival Fellowship, 50 Church Road, Harlesden www.ukblack-links.com

cANUK & Just A little help Immigration Seminar/Surgery FREE advice by reputable lawyers on all immigration related issues.

Feb 27, 11am. FREE Conference Hall, Enfield Council, Civic Centre, Silver Street EN1 www.facebook.com/NewCAN UK

New African Woman Forum African Women have been instrumental in shaping African society and are an important force for development. Bringing together over 150 leaders from business, academia and civil society, as well as key decision makers from the public and private sector to discuss the reality of African society from the perspectives of the New African Women.

Mar 19, 6pm. Tickets £100 Andaz London, 40 Liverpool St EC2 http://nawmagazine.com/

21

BEHIND THE SCENES

with Lace Mamen BtS IN FUll FloW WIth Mr DAvID oKEKE, cEo AUStIN DAvID APArtMENtS: The leading provider of temporary accommodation in london for Nigerian/African entertainment stars and football personalities When you see that beautiful Nollywood Movie or a lovely music video, you do not always appreciate the logistics that have taken place to achieve that perfect flick.

These stars and their video directors are constantly travelling around the world searching for that perfect location to match their creativity and london, as we know, has these types of locations and class in abundance, whether indoor or outdoor. But first you have to find accommodation for the duration of your project.

Enter Austin David Properties- a short let accommodation company that excels at that. David okeke tells BtS that this is a positive and growing business that will only improve

with better communication between clients and apartment providers.

Austin David has corporate and personal clients from all over the world and the rush to secure properties is getting more and more intense, so are the regulations.

“The problem with Nigerian/ African clients is that in most cases the purpose they tell you they need the apartment for is different from what happens when they get the apartment.

Their business is good, payment is swift, checking- in is not stressful and so on, but when they leave, we are sometimes faced with heavy complaints

from neighbours, councils and landlords that result in fines and sometimes losing a property you have worked very hard to secure. This is due to noise, parties, and crew members and so on.

“The irony is we could provide perfect accommodation with sound proofing and privacy if we’re told of the purpose in the first place. Just tell us.”

See the full interview on Behind The Scenes on Ben TV Sky channel 182 on March 3, or in Nigeria on Startimes 134. After that on our website www.BTSbehindthescenes.com

voice of The Edos (votE) v.o.t.E launches its first tv programme “question time” in March on Ben television, Sky channel 182.

Mr Kelly Edomwande invited BtS to his london abode to discuss what he describes as an epic moment for Edos in the UK Diaspora and beyond.

We are going to have our own programme on tv where we can discuss issues affecting us from Edo politics, Edo history, Edo immigration, health, employment and so on. Mr Kelly said, “our ‘question time’ as a programme is geared towards awareness and solutions to anything affecting Edos worldwide, It will also broadcast at home via EBS Edo State broadcasting Service from March 2016.

“The vision of votE is to move Edo state forward and question time is our first tool, you see our present governor has brought hope and this is a good time for Edos all over the world to get involved.

By Edos Mr Kelly explains he means Binis, Afemais, Esan and all other indigenes and tribes from Edo state in Nigeria. votE is for us all. to join votE, go on the facebook page v.o.t.E, voice of the Edos and send us a message. question time is sponsored by votE and supBtS heat is the section where we ported

by Prince Ekpen Erediuawa. show you our BtS video choice toP I am a proud Edo boy and a true member of FIvE of the week. votE, I encourage you to join.

BEhIND thE ScENES hEAt

video of the Week

1 Moelogo - Penkele 2 Ekeno - ojuelegba remix 3 Afro B ft cadet - really Want 4 Belly Squad - Deja vu 5 Mr Jayvic - Shekere

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NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

SPORTSWatch

AthlEtIcS chAMPS From page 24 identify the relevant issues that will

23

AINA SENDS Boot-IFUl gIFt hoME

move African sports forward and also give Africa a competitive advantage to compete with other countries of the world.’’

Mr Dalung also announced the establishment of a High Altitude Training Centre in Jos, which the CAA would support technically. He stated that the absence of training facilities within the continent made it compulsory for African athletes to travel for training outside Africa and end up becoming citizens of countries where they trained.

“If we must also domesticate our own talents and skills for the benefit of young Africans, then we must invest in the provision of modern sporting facilities in Africa,” he said. “This will take us to the development of a functional high performance system with all the necessary equipment for the training, camping and development of African athletes.”

The 2018 championship is expected to be held at the National Stadium, Lagos which hosted the event in 1989.

South Africa finished tops at the last edition held in 2014 in Marrakech, Morocco, where they won 10 gold medals. Nigeria finished second with eight gold medals.

Nineteen-year-old chelsea prospect ola Aina is doing a wonderful thing – donating all his old kit and boots to Nigeria. While the young man may not have had a chance to make an impression at Stamford Bridge yet but he's already earned our respect.

The defender is yet to make a senior appearance for chelsea but he’s hotly tipped to follow ruben loftuscheek into the first-team set up after winning the U21 Premier league, FA youth cup and UEFA youth league with the Blues. The youngster came to the attention of football fans recently when he rifled in a stunning strike from his own half in an U21 game against Spurs.

Although his career is still young, Aina's sponsorship with adidas means he’s already been through more boots than most people will see in a lifetime – and instead of throwing them away or storing them as mementos, he’s donating them to Nigeria.

Writing on Instagram, Aina said, "All my old boots, balls and kits being shipped off to the motherland (lagos, Nigeria) this morning to the less fortunate #giveback #2nddrop #nigeria.”

With an eye for goal and random acts of kindness, of ola Aina we can say the boy done real good. It seems he must have been learning from Didier Drogba in his last stint at chelsea.

BArcA SEEK NIgErIA’S MESSI From page 24 given to Barcelona so far in realising the project. He said FC Barcelona had decided to establish its Academy in Lagos due to the impressive population of the state, and the opportunity to share the philosophy of the team with the state.

On his part, Oscar Grau, Worldwide Director of Barcelona Academy, said it was a big honour for the club to establish its Academy in Lagos, as many of the big names in the team started from such roots.

He said players like Messi, Iniesta, Busquet and Pique, among others, all started from such Academies, and that the club has a unique methodology of instilling great virtues in footballers, apart from footballing skills and education.

He added that through the Academy, the club also aims to raise excellent players for Nigeria, and that the core values of the club included efforts, team work, humility and respect.

Governor Ambode said he was delighted with the project, as it was in sync with his administration’s philosophy for sports development.

Describing the arrival of the Barca Academy as an historic moment for the state, the Governor said it was a thing of joy coming at a time when the state was still basking in the euphoria of having successfully hosted the International Marathon.

He said the Lagos Marathon was a major pointer to how Lagos could realise its dream of improving the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state using sports as a major instrument.

Governor Ambode said, “This visit by FC Barcelona will give us the first FCBEscola in Africa.I know that this will create a very good platform for youth development, grassroots empowerment and also for the value of sportsmanship. We share the same values with FC Barcelona which are respect, courage, humility, social integration and community service.

“FC Barcelona has our blessing; our go ahead. Whatever it is that we need to do as a government to ensure that this project takes off as quickly as possible, we are hundred percent ready to do in the interest of all of us.”

The Governor, who reiterated the

Widely acclaimed as the best organised marathon ever in Nigeria, with over 1,000 volunteers marshalling the route, the blue ribband, internationally recognised Lagos State Marathon drew 20,000 runners to the city on February 6.

The winners of the event were Abraham Kipton, Kipkeboi Hosea and Debebe Tolosa, who won prize money of $50,000, $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.

As has become traditional at global marathons, the event attracted a large number of fun and charity runners and those who simply wanted to be there. Among that number was Mrs Abiola Oshodi Adeniyi-Bada, a 68-year old retired nurse from America.

The next Lagos State International Marathon will be run on February 11, 2017.

To keep updated, visit www.lagoscitymarathon.com

importance of sports to integration and development, said that sport was the future of service to create a platform for youth employment and youth engagement in Lagos.

“I believe so much that sports, entertainment and arts can actually

contribute so much together to lift Lagos and Nigeria away from the problem of unemployment and that is why this government will continue to support sports to ensure that we take our youth off the street and make them productively engaged,”

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Governor Ambode said.

Finally, the Governor pledged the full support of the state government to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in hosting the first ever Beach Soccer African Nations Cup in Lagos, between December 10 and 23, 2016.

GIFTS

24

NIGERIAN WATCH 26 Feb -10 Mar 2016

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INSIDE

of ola Aina we can say the boy done real good

Sportswatch

BarceloNa set out to fiNd Nigeria’s “messi” The world’s biggest and best football club Barcelona is to open an Academy in Lagos – the Spanish giants first academy on the continent.

The search for Nigeria’s Messi is clearly on – although Arsenal will hope they got the prototypes by landing Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze in the January transfer window.

Those two starred in Nigeria’s U17 World Cup Winning side of 2015 – when the Golden Eaglets became the only side other than Brazil to win consecutive tournaments. That feat tells us all we need to know about the depth of emerging football talent in Nigeria.

The deal was sealed for Barca to set up shop in Lagos on February 22 when State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode welcomed a delegation from Barcelona Football Club (FC) headed by Pau Vilanova i Vila-Abadal, Director of Business and Member of FC Barcelona Management Board, to the State House.

Mr Vila-Abadal thanked Governor Ambode for the support Turn to page 23

AND, AthlEtIcS chAMPS MAKES It thrEE… Not content with having staged a successful International Marathon and securing FC Barcelona’s first football academy in Africa, Lagos is to stage the Athletics African Championships in 2018.

According to Inside Games, an online media platform, the agreement to host the games was signed between the Nigeria’s Sports Minister Solomon Dalung and the President of Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Hamad Malboum.

“Sport is one of the strongest weapons for promoting development in Africa. The only thing that can provide gainful employment for youths is sport,” the Minister is quoted as saying. “With the support of the government, I have discussed with officials in South Africa that there is a need for us to strengthen the Council of Sports Ministers’ meeting. And we must begin to Turn to page 23