Nigerian Watch - Issue 48

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CANUK ELECTIONS

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Who will be the next leader of the diaspora? – p 6

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BEFFTA COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR 6 - 19 MAR 2015

Issue No 048

FORTNIGHTLY To Inspire, Inform and Entertain

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OUR NEXT MP Kate Osamor wins nomination to fight safe Labour seat Page 4

Tyrant or Democrat?

GMB CONFRONTS HIS PAST AND FACES THE FUTURE pages 2&3

THE ORIGINAL HE FOR SHE MAN Men are the problem, women are the solution Page 15 ELECTION WATCH: The top 10 conspiracy theories in Nigeria and why they pose a danger – p14

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GENERAL BUHARI NIGERIAN WATCH Publisher Tevin Jemide Publisher/Managing Director Maryanne Jemide Managing Editor Jon Hughes Art Editor Cathy Constable Contributors Obah Iyamu; Harriet Ogbeide; AJ James; Ayo Akinfe; Funmi Odegbami; Samuel Kasumu; Ngozi Mbana; Ekanem Robertson, Jessica Onah, Laura Adenuga; Edel Meremikwu Chief Cartoonist Harold Ogbeide Office address Nigerian Watch Chartwell House 292 Hale Lane Edgware Middlesex HA8 8NP Email editor@nigerianwatch.com marketing@nigerianwatch.com sales@nigerianwatch.com Website www.nigerianwatch.com Tel: 020 8588 9640 Fax: 020 7160 5232 Nigerian Watch is a monthly newspaper owned by Green World Media Ltd. Views expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher.

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APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE GMB SCORES A PUBLICITY Election fever was ignited in London when Nigeria’s presidential candidate General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB) broke cover to make a speech at Chatham House on Thursday (February 26). hundreds of Outside Nigerians had gathered from 9am to give him a warm welcome, in both senses of the phrase. To one side of the entrance to the foreign and commonwealth think tank were supporters of the PDP brandishing placards declaring Buhari a “tyrant”, who should be put before the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

Opposite were supporters of Buhari and the APC, outnumbering their PDP counterparts 2-1, saying he was the symbol of hope, change and progress in a country brought to its knees by the PDP. While there were heated exchanges and debate there was

PDP CALLS FOR LONDON DEBATE General Muhhamadu Buhari’s performance at Chatham House was generally agreed to be impressive and statesmanlike and gave his party a clear boost as it was broadcast round the world.

In response the PDP has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging GMB to a head-to-head debate with President Jonathan, to be staged at Chatham House.

Onoriode Akpeh, the national coordinator of Wind of Hope, President Jonathan's personal non-governmental organisation, said his charity would sponsor such a forum, challenging General Buhari to state his preferred date and time.

no trouble in the more than three hours the counterdemonstrations lasted.

As this was taking place it seems the General was already in the building meeting with former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. At 10am sharp Mr Buhari made his entrance into the packed meeting hall.

More than 1500 people had applied to get one of the

available 200 tickets to hear the General speak. Dressed all in black he cut an imposing figure as he strode to the stage to take his seat.

He looked anything but the frail figure at death’s door painted by his opponents.

He stood for 25 minutes to deliver his speech on Prospects for Democratic Consolidation in Africa: Nigeria’s Transition.

And then he stood for the best

part of the next 30 to answer questions, thinking on his feet, after which he spent over an hour undertaking interviews with international media.

He took the Chatham House platform as an opportunity to debunk the two most grievous allegations levelled against him.

First, that he is dead or dying.

The second that he is a brutal tyrant dressing himself up as a democrat.

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IGNITES ELECTION FEVER COUP WITH IMPRESSIVE STATESMAN-LIKE PERFORMANCE AT LONDON THINK TANK While those in the room had proof positive that he was alive, that was not the case in Nigeria.

He revealed that in Nigeria his death had been announced the day before.

But he said, “I am fit, my doctors have certified me fit.”

On being a tyrant he said, “I have heard and read references to me as a former dictator in many respected British newspapers including the well regarded Economist.

Let me say without sounding defensive that dictatorship goes with military rule, though some might be less dictatorial than others.

I take responsibility for whatever happened under my watch.

“I cannot change the past.

But I can change the present and the future. So before you is a former military ruler and a converted democrat who is ready to operate under democratic norms and is subjecting himself to the rigours of democratic elections for the fourth time.”

He revealed that his enlightenment had come in 1991 with the dissolution of the USSR. “That was a turning point for me,” he said. “It convinced me that change can be bright about without firing a single shot.”

He said he was seeking election “because the work of making Nigeria great is not yet done, because I still believe that change is possible, this time through the ballot, and most importantly, because I still have the capacity and the passion to dream and work for a Nigeria that will be respected again in the comity of nations and that all Nigerians will be proud of.”

The emergence of the APC as a single opposition party to the PDP had revolutionised politics in Nigeria and made this a landmark election, he said.

And the global interest in it was not misplaced and should be commended “for this is an election that has serious import for the world”.

“I urge the international community to continue to focus on Nigeria at this very critical moment.

Given increasing global linkages, it is in our collective interests that the postponed elections should hold on the rescheduled dates; that they should be free and fair; that their outcomes should be respected by all parties; and that any form of extension, under whichever guise, is unconstitutional and will not be tolerated.”

GMB ON BOKO HARAM “I will lead from the front” Challenged about alleged support for Boko Haram GMB said if elected his party would not fail the people and would be tough on terrorism and the causes of terrorism.

“Let me assure you that if I am elected president, the world will have no cause to worry about Nigeria as it has had to recently. Nigeria will return to its stabilising role in West Africa.

No inch of Nigerian territory will ever be lost to the enemy because we will pay special attention to the welfare of our soldiers in and out of service, we will give them adequate and modern arms and ammunitions to work with, we will improve intelligence gathering and border controls to choke Boko Haram’s financial and equipment channels, we will be tough on terrorism and tough on its root causes by initiating a comprehensive economic development plan promoting infrastructural development, job creation, agriculture and industry in the affected areas. We will always act on time and not allow problems to irresponsibly fester, and I, Muhammadu Buhari, will always lead from the front and return Nigeria to its leadership role in regional and international efforts to combat terrorism.”

GMB ON CORRUPTION: “I will lead by force of personal example” Rooting out corruption would fund the APC’s manifesto, which promises massive investment to offer universal education, free school meals and investment in infrastructure. He said the PDP “had created two economies in one country, a sorry tale of two nations: one economy for the few who have so much in their tiny island of prosperity; and the other economy for the many who have so little in their vast ocean of misery”.

His administration would “swiftly tackle two ills that have ballooned under the present administration: waste and corruption. And in doing this, I will, if elected, lead the way, with the force of personal example. On corruption, there will be no confusion as to where I stand. Corruption will have no place and the corrupt will not be appointed into my administration. First and foremost, we will plug the holes in the budgetary process.

Revenue producing entities such as NNPC and Customs and Excise will have one set of books only. Their revenues will be publicly disclosed and regularly audited. The institutions of state dedicated to fighting corruption will be given independence and prosecutorial authority without political interference.

“But I must emphasise that any war waged on corruption should not be misconstrued as settling old scores or a witchhunt. I’m running for President to lead Nigeria to prosperity and not adversity.”

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KATE ‘O’ NOT KATE ‘A’ SET TO BE MP IN MAY NIGERIAN-born National Health Service (NHS) manager Kate Osamor has been selected as the Labour Party’s parliamentary candidate for the Edmonton constituency in London, after stiff contest with fellow diasporan Kate Anolue and Turkish born Ayfer Orhan.

The selection process made history as it was the first time ever in British political history that an all ethnic minority, all woman shortlist was put forward.

And as Edmonton is such a safe Labour seat it seems Ms Osamor is a shoo-in to become MP. Ms Osamor, who has worked for the NHS for 15 years, is a trade union activist, a women’s charity trustee and a member of the Labour Party’s National Ex-

doctors and repeal the Tories’ Health and Social Care Act,” Ms Osamor said.

Kate Anolue, the former Mayor of Enfield, who is highly popular within the Nigerian diaspora community, was the first to graciously and wholeheartedly congratulate and endorse Ms OsL-r: Kate Osamor amor. She has and Kate Anolue pledged to work with the victor to ecutive Committee. She ensure that the Labour Party made funding the NHS, opholds Edmonton, for which posing its fragmentation the incumbent Mr Andy and standing up to governLove has been the MP since ment cuts the centrepiece of 1997. her campaign.

Ms Anolue said, “Meet “Along with the Tories the parliamentary candidate cuts to local government, for Edmonton constituency our social care services have Kate Osamor, who is an been unable to adequately African, a Nigerian and a care for the most vulnerable woman. We will all rally in our society. We urgently round her and give her the need a Labour government necessary support she needs that will pay for 20,000 as her success is our success more nurses, 8,000 more as a black woman and an

Millionaires’ website reveals the world’s richest pastors FIVE out of the world’s 10 richest clergymen are Nigerian evangelical pastors, according to the latest list compiled by online millionaires portal www.richestlifestyle.com Combined, the named top 10 have a net worth just shy of $350 million. The World’s 10 richest pastors (in reverse order) are: 10 Joseph Prince – Net worth: $5 Million (Singapore) Pastor Joseph Prince is the senior pastor of the New Creation Church in Singapore.

The New Creation Church’s financial income was reported at $44.7m in 2008.

9 Chris Okotie – Net worth: $10 Million (Nigeria) Chris Okotie was a pop musician in the 1980s. He embraced the Bible and set up the Household of God Church, one of Nigeria’s most flamboyant congregations. He is passionate about cars and owns a Mercedes S600, RollsRoyce, Hummer and Porsche.

9 Matthew Ashimolowo – Net worth: $10 Million (Nigeria) Matthew Ashimolowo’s Kingsway International Christian Center is the largest pentecostal church in the UK. It has assets worth more than $40 million and earns a profit of more than $10m.

7 T.B Joshua – Net worth: $15 Million (Nigeria) Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua is Nigeria’s most powerful, controversial and philanthropic preacher. He heads the Synagogue Church of All Nations, a congregation he founded in 1987. He is the owner of Emmanuel TV. 6 TD Jakes – Net worth: $18 Million (US) Bishop TD Jakes is the Bishop of The Potter’s House, a non-denominational US mega-church

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with over 30,000 members.

5 Billy Graham – Net worth: $25 Million (US) Billy Graham is a southern Baptist, who earned celebrity status when his sermons were broadcast on radio and TV stations all over America.

4 Creflo Dollar – Net worth: $27 Million (US) This American televangelist pastor is also a Word of Faith teacher. He is a founder of the nondenominational World Changers Church International. He has built a multimillion dollar ministry on the message “It is the will of God for you to prosper in every way.”

3 Benny Hinn – Net worth: $42 Million (US) This Israeli-American televangelist earned wealth through his ministry and evangelical programme.

He is well-known for his regular miracle healing crusades, which are held in large stadiums in major cities and broadcast on TV. 2 Chris Oyakhilome – Net worth: $50 Million (Nigeria) Chris Oyakhilome’s church Christ Embassy has more than 40,000 members, several of whom are successful entrepreneurs and politicians. This pastor’s diversified interests include magazines, newspapers, a TV station, a record label, hotels, satellite TV and real estate.

1 David Oyedepo – Net worth: $150 Million (Nigeria) Bishop David Oyedepo is the richest pastor in Nigeria and the world. He is the founder of the Living Faith World Outreach Ministry.

Ever since he founded this ministry in 1981, it has grown to become one of Africa’s largest congregations. He hosts three services every Sunday in The Faith Tabernacle. He owns private jets and homes in the US and the UK.

VALENTINE BOOST FOR MAYOR’S GIRL CHILD CAMPAIGN Hundreds of Nigerians in the diaspora and well-wishers turned up to the Mayor of Lambeth’s charitable dinner on Friday (February 20) to help raise thousands of pounds to support his selected charity the Girl Child Network Worldwide (GCNW).

Held at the Brixton Town Hall, the belated Valentine’s event was organised to raise money for disadvantaged female children who suffer all forms of from discrimination and abuse including forced marriages, female genital mutilation, a lack of education and general poverty.

Since assuming office in June last year, the Mayor, Councillor Adedamola Aminu has passionately pushed the agenda of the charity, set up to help for vulnerable girls, especially African females. Just before Christmas, he held a fundraiser at the Kia Oval in

south London attended by the likes of Musician Levi Roots, where money was also raised for the cause.

Mayor Aminu said, “I am supporting this charity because many girls, especially from Africa are highly traumatised

through all sorts of violence including rape and female genital mutilation. In many cases, these crimes are not reported as when the girls do, the family hits back against them, so I am hoping that this charity can make a difference.”

LATEST CLAMPDOWN ON SHAM MARRIAGES COMES INTO FORCE Under the government’s get tough immigration policy the notice period for marriage and civil partnership from Monday (March 2) will be extended from 15 to 28 days, to allow the Home Office more time to investigate whether couples are trying to cheat the immigration system.

suspected sham cases between July and December 2014 – up by over 80% compared to the same period the year before (1,099).

Between April and December 2014, the Home Office carried out over 2,000 sham marriage operations resulting in over 1,200 arrests and more than 430 illegal immigrants have been The new arrangements – part of the removed from the UK as a result.

The government has also introduced new Government’s flagship Immigration Act, which became law last year – represent the biggest removal and re-entry ban powers for EU shake-up of marriage and civil partnership nationals who attempt to abuse free movement rights and by participating in sham marriages preliminaries for a generation.

Where a sham is suspected, couples may be for cash.

Non-EU nationals who try to organise or subject to an extended notice period of 70 days before they can say ‘I do’, to allow investigators participate in a sham marriage face being extra time to consider whether the proposed immediately detained until their enforced removal. Any outstanding leave to remain can be marriage is a sham.

The new powers build on previous changes curtailed.

Immigration and Security Minister James under the Immigration Act introduced in July last year which widened the duty on registrars Brokenshire said, “This government has done to report suspected sham marriages to the more than any before it to clamp down on sham marriage and the Immigration Act has given us Home Office.

This, together with closer joint working with the strongest ever platform to identify and disrupt registrars, has resulted in over 2,000 reports of such abuse.

“As of today, marriage can no longer be seen as a ‘fast track option’ for those seeking to abuse marriage to cheat their way into the UK.” The implementation of the extended notice period was announced in November A new law outlawing drug driving came into force on Mongiving couples plenty of time day (March 2), carrying penalties of up to a six month jail to make the necessary sentence, £5,000 fine and automatic 12 month driving ban. arrangements to give notice The new law has specified zero-tolerance limits for a before their marriage or civil range of illegal drugs, and will be enforced with the aid of partnership takes place. roadside screening devices.

In 2012, there were The extent of the UK’s drug driving problem was revealed around 262,000 marriages in a survey by the road safety charity Brake last year. It and 6,300 civil partnerships found that the equivalent of one million drivers (3%) admitin England and Wales. From ted to having driven on drugs in the past year. One in nine today (2 March 2015) (11%) said they thought they had been a passenger with a couples need to allow a extra driver on drugs. It is estimated that drug driving may actime before they can legally count for as many as 200 deaths a year in the UK. say ‘I do!’

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CANUK ELECTIONS: WHO WILL BE THE NEXT LEADER OF THE DIASPORA? The ballot to elect the next leader of the the influential UK diaspora.

It is now respected as the foremost and most Nigerian diaspora in the UK is set to open imminently. At the time of going to press, all effective means of communicating the diasapplications had been received and were pora’s position on affairs of state both in the UK and in Nigeria. being ratified before being The recent tour of major made available to the ELECTION TIMETABLE cities in the UK hosting large electorate.

It is a critical election for the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK) as it will usher in a new era. Over half of the current executive committee is standing down, having served two terms – the maximum allowed under the organisation’s constitution.

Over the past four years CANUK, which is thought to be the largest Nigerian community organisation in the world, has been led by Chief Bimbo Afolayan Roberts (see profile, page 13).

Under Mr Folayan’s leadership CANUK has matured in to a force to be reckoned with.

For some time following its inception almost a decade ago the organisation was frequently dismissed as a puppet of the Federal Government, who wanted a convenient mouthpiece for

From now until March 21: Postal voting for all posts with the exception of the post of Chairman.

April 1: Announcement of results of the election.

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

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

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

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Nigerian communities – Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast – has consolidated its position further.

In the battle to succeed Mr Roberts three frontrunners have emerged; Ronke Udofia – remarkable as she would be the first woman to lead the organisation, which holds elections every two years – Dr Boma Douglas and Babatunde Loye.

All have brilliant track records both as active CANUK members and for delivering initiatives to elevate the community.

Here we give each the opportunity to say what they would do if elected. The outcome will not be known until the CANUK AGM, which is scheduled to take place at the Nigeria High Commission on April 11.

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DR BOMA DOUGLAS

M

y intention of seeking to be elected as Chair of CANUK stems from my passion to reinforce a common platform upon which all Nigerians living in the UK could enjoy effective collaboration in all spheres, protect the welfare of our people and project a good image of our country.

I intend to simplify communication with the Nigerian High Commission, build confidence in the system by ensuring that the channel of solving problems are clearer and more straightforward.

My aim is to use my professional profile and wide network to bring in those Nigerians who never felt they needed any central

RONKE UDOFIA

S

hould I be elected to serve as CANUK chair, I would improve the effective engagement of all member organisations that make up CANUK through the development and implementation of a robust communication strategy embracing modern technology as well as traditional methods.

I am experienced in collaborative working and achieving excellent results with a wide range of stakeholders and would bring that to the post.

I would actively encourage the building and expansion of relationships with all stakeholders, including the

BABATUNDE LOYE

H

aving earned my degree in Management and Accounting in native Nigeria and an MBA at Canterbury Business School, my goal was to complement my natural technical savvy with a strong foundation in business and finance. For me to achieve this gives me an opportunity to help my community.

I am currently part of CANUK’s executive committee and have worked closely with the outgoing chairman. I have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the working of CANUK and have developed requisite PR with all its major stakeholders, to be able to assure them better

body to represent them. I will strive to create an awareness of the need to support each other as people of one country.

My good standing in the United Kingdom as Secretary General Engineering Forum EFN, Chair of the Energy Institute London & Home Counties, and a former President of the Association of Rivers State Communities [ARCUK], will bring integrity to the job of chairing CANUK. I have worked with the Nigerian Community for twenty seven years under several platforms and it will be a delight to use this experience to an advantage if given the opportunity to serve.

Nigerian High Commission, other national diaspora groups.

I would also work collaboratively to develop, implement and promote: enabling initiatives, such as collaborative investment opportunities; capacity building initiatives, such as mentoring schemes; and recognition/award initiatives that showcase and promote Nigerian Excellence.

With an increasingly engaged and enabled Nigerian community, I would look to empower it further so that we can leverage on numbers and capacity to influence UK home and foreign policies that affect Nigerians in the UK.

of our needs and aspirations.

This is the vision that incites my struggle to position Nigerians in Diaspora in the political landscape. I aim to proudly represent the Nigerian community across the nation, uniting them on a single platform thereby creating avenues to empower them.

Working alongside a team of highly dedicated, self-motivated and task-driven individuals, I will serve the Nigerian community in the UK to the best of my abilities and exercise objectivity, truthfulness, integrity, impartiality, professional diligence and professional care for the socio-economic uplift of our community.

Dr Boma Douglas is a Chartered Energy Engineer registered with the Engineering council of the United Kingdom; he is the Chair of Energy Institute, London & Home Counties Branch (the first black person to be appointed in the history of the organisation). He is on the Membership Panel and Accreditation Team of the Energy Institute. He is the Secretary General of the Engineering Forum of Nigerians (EFN).

An accomplished civil servant leading programmes resulting in enhanced UK justice delivery, Ronke has sat on the boards of the National Black Crown Prosecution Association, Secondary School Associations, Akwa Ibom State welfare and cultural associations.

A multiple award winner with over 30 years voluntary service, she has led countless education and mentoring programmes and Women and Youth Leadership initiatives.

A world renowned Insurance Consultant with the UK’s largest insurer, Met Life, Mr Loye manages a team of 150 people. He has a string of awards and accolades, including number one consultant out of 75,000 worldwide. He is the founder of the Association of African Insurance Professionals UK (AAIP), launched to recognise and support the diverse range of African professionals in the industry.

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The SAMUEL KASUMU Column Let’s use lobbying scandal to re-write MP’s role I recently watched with horror as two of the most respected Members of Parliament of their generation fell into a media trap. A fictitious company was set up by journalists, and they went about trying to find politicians that would express interest in helping on a political level. Sir Malcolm Rifkin and Jack Straw were the unfortunate parliamentarians to take the bait.

The debate that has followed has been around the fundamental question of whether or not politicians should be allowed to have second jobs. Some have argued that they shouldn’t, because those elected are in a privileged position and should not be motivated by any other form of financial gain. Others argue that a politician’s salary in the UK is nowhere near as generous in comparison to other countries and therefore should be supplemented where possible, as long as it doesn’t conflict with their work. There is also an argument that having a second job allows politicians to have first-hand experience of what the man on the street is going through, which again can help to support their work in Parliament.

As is to be expected, the Labour and Conservative parties have taken different views on this for obvious reasons. Labour, whose MP’s tend to be from less affluent backgrounds, have chosen to take the side of people saying MPs should not have second jobs. The Conservatives, who have the vast majority of MPs with additional incomes, have said that a change would mean the country would not be able to get the most talented people to run in elections.

Both parties have clear biases in what they believe to be the best option, and so it is for the British public to decide. Whoever is elected on May 7 will ensure British law takes one of the above views.

My own opinion is that most MPs that do not have a ministerial position or portfolio are relatively redundant during the week. This is something that most would not admit because they fear not being re-elected. I would also say, however, that MPs often work 7 day weeks – as most spend weekends within their constituencies – so it all balances out in a way.

Nonetheless, if you are not a minister you have a lot of time to fill, and therefore a second job probably does not stop one from doing their job properly on behalf of their constituents.

What I would say, however, is that this spare time could be filled more productively if MPs had a meatier job description. I’d like to see them with more local power, a bit like a governor.

They would then have less time on their hands as they would be involved in key local decision making processes. There could also be regional parliaments where MPs come together in clusters every so often to discuss regional development.

Instead of wasting money on adding additional layers to governance through things like elected Mayor’s and Police & Crime

Jordan Ibe and Nigeria’s football madness I went to watch my beloved Liverpool FC beat Manchester City on Sunday (March 1).

There is nothing like being in a stadium where 45,000 fans are singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ just before kick-off.

The only disappointing part of the experience was not being able to see young Nigerian and England hopeful Jordan Ibe in action.

Ibe has been a revelation since he returned to the side, and there have been suggestions that Nigeria would like him to play for the country of

his father. But why would a young player like Ibe pick Nigeria over England?

Recent reports have suggested that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has once again offered Stephen Keshi a new contract. He has resigned and/or been let go on countless occasions.

This latest episode highlights just how much of a shambles the NFF is. What is probably happening is the NFF realise that they have very limited resources presently, and therefore they need to find a

half decent coach at a very cheap price.

Keshi is the obvious choice, but perhaps he himself has realises and feels he could do better things with his time.

While all this is happening some of the best young Nigerian players in the world are choosing to play for other countries because playing for Nigeria is no longer a simple affair. We need to go back to basics, have a long term plan that goes beyond the regular friendlies in London, and make Nigerian football great again!

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Commissioners, I would like to see a Parliament where the MPs are trusted a little bit more. They are elected after all, and most people think they have more power than they actually do.

The reality is that most laws are passed based on MPs being whipped anyway so we are paying people to be told what to do by the leaders of the party. Why not give MPs more local power to make key decisions…? That would certainly make them far too busy to concern themselves with second jobs!

Nigeria can’t afford another Yar’adua The last few weeks for the Nigerian diaspora has really been the General Muhammadu Buhari show in many respects.

First, we had the traditional meetings where a keynote address is promised but the man himself doesn’t show up! This was followed by numerous rumours about the health of the APC Presidential candidate. Then finally he emerges to give a keynote at Chatham House.

I think at 72 years of age it is unlikely that the General does not have health problems, and therefore it is likely that he did at the very least have some check-ups in one of Britain’s finest private hospitals.

What worries me is that in the unlikely event that he wins, Nigeria may have a strong leader for what may be a limited amount of time.

We all saw the challenges that the country faced once former President Yar’Adua was absent for months without any real announcement of what he was going through. The events of the last few weeks should be seen as a sign of what could come in the years ahead. Buhari disappeared and to this day no one knows why.

Nigeria is in a moment when it cannot afford for another missing President for a significant period of time so Buhari should either tell the people the truth or not be elected.

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Maths prodigy starts Uni – aged 10 After years of pestering her parents, 10-year-old Esther Okade has finally been allowed to enrol on a university course – despite having never been to school.

Esther, from Walsall in the West Midlands, has enrolled on an Open University course just months after she passed her Alevels – and says she wants to study for a PhD before running her own bank.

Esther has a prodigious talent for maths, having gained a C grade in her GCSE aged six. Her younger brother Isiah is fast following in her footsteps. He is already studying for his A-levels – also aged six.

The siblings are both home-schooled by their mother Omonefe, who has converted the living room of their semi-detached, three-bedroom house into a makeshift classroom.

A mathematician herself, Mrs Okade, 37, said, “Esther is doing so well. She took a test recently and scored 100 per cent. Applying to the university was an interesting process because of her age.

“We even had to talk to the vice-chancellor. After they interviewed her they realised that this has been her idea from the beginning. From the age of seven Esther has wanted to go to university.

“But I was afraid it was too soon. She would say, ‘Mum, when am I starting?’, and go on and on and on. Finally, after three years she told me, ‘Mum, I think it is

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about time I started university now’.”

Mrs Okade added that Esther – who will study for her degree at home – was ‘flying’ and ‘so happy’ when she was accepted by the university, and wants to be a millionaire.

She said, “For now we want her to enjoy her childhood as well as her maths. By the time she was four I had taught her the alphabet, her numbers, and how to add, subtract, multiply and division.

“I saw that she loved patterns so developed a way of using that to teach her new things. I thought I would try her with algebra, and she loved it more than anything.”

Esther stunned her parents last year when she achieved a B grade in her pure maths A-level.

She applied to the Open University last August – and after a phone interview, an essay and an exam, she was told in December that she had been accepted onto the course.

Her father Paul, 42, a managing director, added, “I cannot tell you how happy and proud I am as a father. The desire of every parent is to see their children exceed them, and take the family name to great heights, and my children have done just that.”

A TEAM of Croydon students have made it to the final of the Tycoon in Schools competition, founded by Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones.

The 10 pupils from Coloma Convent Girls’ School who founded Fusion Jewellery – a handmade accessories company – will now head to Buckingham Palace later this month along with eight other student companies to discover if they have won. The winning team will receive £1,000 towards their business venture.

Coloma student Chinemelum Anyamene said the project had taught the group a lot. “We learnt to co-operate with each other and how to communicate and form strong bonds with customers so we could persuade them to buy our products.”

Last year, the girls made a profit of more than 110 per cent selling their products at Christmas fairs and Coloma Christmas Market.

Head teacher Maureen Martin said, “We are delighted their efforts have been recognised. It has been so impressive to see such motivated and dynamic young businesswomen.”

Mr Jones said of the finalists, “I’ve been very impressed by Fusion Jewellery’s teamwork, and their online promotional strategies have been excellent.”

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NIGERIAN WATCH 6 - 19 Mar 2015

YOURWATCH

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 16, 2015. Anonymous letters will not be published. Please include your full name, postal address and contact telephone number. Names and addresses can be withheld, if preferred.

Letters may be edited for publication.

We need a one-stop shop for importers I read with interest your article on Nigerian trade officials making a visit to Lambeth to increase exports from Nigeria. The fact that you bring out in this report is that there are 43 Nigerian councillors in the UK who will be willing to help the diaspora.

However, as a small grocery shop owner in Peckham

I have never seen any help forthcoming for me to import goods from Nigeria.

I have to go through lot of red tape and my clearing agent at Lagos has to go through lot of hurdles before he is able to get a booking to send the goods over here.

I would like Mr Awolowo, who it seems is coming forth

with the Nigerian governments N200bn budget to help small and medium enterprises, to really have some working plans as to how exactly he will go about doing this. Can he not set up a cell in Lagos and get all the clearing agents to facilitate the flow of goods out of Nigeria, provide some easy credit for exports or give volume discounts on exports.

These I feel will be practical measures which will go a far way in helping small businesses instead of only words.

P. Oala, via email

11

NW COMMENT

F

Obasanjo should keep quiet We need to allow Jonathan to go for one more term. He is doing well for Nigeria and should be allowed to complete the job.

Jonathan means well for Nigeria, he is God-fearing and not corrupt. Even Obasanjo (Mr Perfect) has not done half of what Jonathan has done for Nigeria.

I am from Ogun state (Abeokuta). I was in Nigeria during the last election. I am not a member of any party. I don’t vote.

Our present President will not encourage his party to take part in the rigging of the forthcoming election. I remember him warning people not to rig the last election on his behalf.

What he is after is to be allowed to finish all the work he has started. The people will remember that under him the railways began working again and the corruption within the fertilizer distribution business stopped.

Mr Obasanjo should be advised to keep quiet.

or those lucky enough to be there, the appearance of General Muhammadu Buhari at Chatham House was electrifying. Fifteen hundred people applied for 200 tickets. Hundreds more Nigerians gathered outside.

Our interest in the election is clear, as is the fact we hold Nigeria dear to our hearts.

There is now wild talk of a head-to-head debate between President Jonathan and GMB, to take place in London, again at Chatham House.

That would be an unprecedented global event and sadly unlikely to happen. But if our President were to come he would be warmly welcomed. We want to hear more from our leaders.

As we want the right to vote.

Neither the PDP nor APC should be allowed to go to the polls without pledging a commitment to achieve the diaspora vote, should they?

Either party pledging that would garner some much sought after phone home support. As we would be moved by commitments on many other issues. At this point in the Presidential campaign we should expect the messages to be clear.

We encourage our leaders to share the vision, put meat on the bones.

Efunyemi Coker, via email

Maryanne Jemide, MD

If we want more Selmas I write to congratulate Nigerian Watch on the article featuring David Oyelowo, the actor who plays Dr Martin Luther King Jnr in the film Selma.

At first I was a little daunted by the article, it seemed so long. But once I started reading I was captivated.

I commend you for allowing David to express himself in his own words.

Far too often reporters think what they have to say is more important than the people they are speaking to.

On a final note can I encourage all your readers to go and see the film (Selma).

It is one of the best films I have ever seen and if we want to see more of our stories like this on the screen then we need to support them.

John Balogun, via email

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NEWS FROM THE NIGERIA HIGH COMMISSION, LONDON

The humble ‘enigma’ man bows out History was made at the Nigeria High Commission on Friday February 27 when Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR, hosted a leaving party for the Minister of Defence Major General JM Ogidi.

It is believed to be the first time the High Commission has hosted such an event and is certainly the first time the Major General has had a leaving party held in his honour during a glittering military career spanning 34 years.

Renowned for being a brilliant code-maker and code-breaker he leaves his current post, where he was responsible for defence and security issues for Nigeria in the UK and across 10 European nations, to become Commander of the Army Signals Corps in Nigeria.

A score of colleagues – some who had trained under him at Nigeria’s military academy, others who had served under him in action – and community leaders queued up to sing his praises as someone who established

himself in the mission as a compassionate colleague and problem solver.

The general consensus of the gathering was best summed up by Hauwa Yusuf, NTA bureau chief for Europe.

In a heartfelt appreciation she told the gathering that the Major General was a man of “honesty, humility, compassion, generosity and an advocate of human rights”.

Many reported how he operated an open door policy to all staff and was a great friend in times of need. Indeed, during his three year tenure at the High Commission he had created a Christian Mission, which met three times a week.

His Excellency underlined how the Major General had played an integral role in changing the relationship between the civilian, diplomatic departments and defence department.

Commenting on the fact that this was the first time a farewell had been organised for a defence adviser, Dr Tafida said the testimony of his colleagues and community leaders

more than explained the reason why. But he highlighted the Major General’s role in breaking down barriers. has “He assisted us in what we’re supposed to do here,” Dr Tafida told the gathering.

L-r: Dr Tafida, “Whenever we Mrs Helen Ogidi & Major have faced General Ogidi difficulty the defence adviser has offered assistance. Unlike before, when you could differentiate between the defence and diplomatic sections, we brought him in, he attended all our meetings and has always contributed to the work we have done.”

Addressing the Major General directly, Dr Tafida continued, “We hope that whoever takes over from you learns from you and that we don’t have

“The rebasing exercise shows MAKE THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY OF that Nigeria has a larger ONE….AT GREENVUE capacity forMEMORABLE consumption and is more attractive to investors”

the division that we had before you came here because the reality is we’re all working for the Federal Government and people of Nigeria and from the testimonies I have listened to today you did not work here just as a soldier, you worked here as a diplomat and counsellor for people in distress.”

He added, “He is very democratic and wants to make sure civilians work in harmony with themselves. I can testify to that as I’m a civilian here and he worked with me in the most harmonious manner. I wish you and your wife all the very best.”

In response Major General Ogidi thanked all for the love and appreciation shown to him. He commented that it was the first time he had been so honoured with a leaving party – not least as a result of being hastily dispatched to action stations.

He thanked Dr Tafida for his generous appreciation and his wife Helen for her generous support and patience throughout his military career.

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NEWSWATCH

NIGERIAN WATCH 6 - 19 Mar 2015

13

‘ADIEU, BIMBO,’ CHAMPION OF NIGERIA The man Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR, calls the “father of the disapora” is stepping down from his role as the Chairman of Central Association of Nigerians in the UK. Here he reveals the high points from his tenure and what he will do next. AJ James reports In little over one month Chief Bimbo Afolayan Roberts will step down as chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK) after four years leading the over two million strong Nigerian diaspora. He will be sorely missed.

On his watch, CANUK has matured into a force to be reckoned with. And while Mr Roberts is quick to praise the executive team he led for the many achievements made since 2011 his own role cannot be overstated.

He set out with a clear agenda, to celebrate the best of Nigeria and Nigerians in the diaspora, to debunk the negative stereotypes of both, to unite the diaspora, and, at the prompting of the Mayor of London's office, to mobilise the diaspora to make them more visible and engaged as a group.

By any measure he has delivered on his manifesto.

Over the period one of his great personal triumphs arose out of tragedy. In the aftermath of the killing of drummer Lee Rigby few did more than Mr Roberts to diffuse community tensions when Nigerians in the UK could have faced a terrible backlash.

He led rallies in sympathy with the victim and spoke out on national media on behalf of the majority of Nigerians who are opposed to violence and intolerance wherever it should manifest itself.

But, of course, there have been much brighter and more glittering occasions. The CANUK led hosting of Team Nigeria during the London Olympics 2012 became a focal point for unity among the diaspora and a huge showcase for Nigeria. The chairman of the Nigerian Olympic Committee commented at the time, “I've been with these guys [the athletes] a long time and travelled to countries around the world and never have we had this kind of support.” The athletes said the same.

From the start Mr Roberts set out to celebrate examples of best practice, to inspire Nigerians in the diaspora to be the best they can. He recalls in his first tenure in office the mighty celebrations staged on behalf of high achieving Nigerians in the UK, such as when Pastor Agu was named the most influential black man in the UK and the Ogunsanya quads all graduated at the same time with Masters degrees from Warwick University.

This celebration agenda has culminated in the recent launch of the Eminent Person’s series of books; the first of which was about His

Excellency, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR, a “time conscious disciplinarian”.

It is an agenda he set the template for many years ago, as a student leader back in Nigeria when he launched books on great Nigerians such as late educationalist Tai Solomon. That was back in the early 90s when he was actively involved in the June 12 Movement pushing for a return to democracy in 1993 when MK Abiola won the elections but fell victim to a coup.

In the tense aftermath life in Nigeria became difficult for him and he abandoned what promised to be a glittering career in banking to start afresh in London, since when he has been a tireless and indefatigable champion for Nigeria and the positive role the diaspora can play.

He has been to the fore, in building bridges between the diaspora and Nigeria. On the one hand politely reprimanding visiting governors and ministers for paying lip-service to diaspora expertise – "You ask for reports and feedback and they get kicked into the long grass never to be seen again" – to creating opportunities for diaspora engagement in business, politics and civil society. That the diaspora had a voice in Nigeria’s recent national conversation owed much to CANUK’s lobbying of Dr Tafida.

But these few highlights don’t go close to painting the full picture. As the beat of Nigerian Watch reporters overlaps with that of CANUK activities, we can testify to the fact that pretty much every ethnic, charitable or professional association function has been supported by CANUK and often personally by the chairman.

When Mr Roberts says on average he has attended 3-4 functions a week, it is perhaps an understatement. And aside from these public duties there are the private ones, offering either pastoral care or advice to diasporans in need or acting as a one-man arbitration unit to resolve disagreements – as the cliche goes, put two Nigerians in a room and you have three opinions.

When I ask him what he thinks his greatest achievement is over the past four years, Mr Roberts says, “I think our greatest achievement is that we have been able to unite the community more. That's the major achievement. And as a result we have made CANUK more popular and more visible. A lot of positive connections have been made to advance the diaspora and Nigeria.”

As he returns full-time to his IT business will

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: CANUK Nigerian Olympic Team Welcome Party; Pastor Agwu; and the Ogunsanya quads on their graduation day.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Family Fun Day 2014 with Dr Tafida; with Dr Tai Solarin; & Honorary fellowship of The Institute of Information Management, Lagos, Nigeria 2014

he miss the day-to-day demands of being economy is a lure, the fastest growing in the CANUK chairman? His answer is emphatic, world, we should be able to take advantage of it.

The Chinese are doing it, the Indians are doing “Yes, I will miss it.”

He continues, “Definitely, yes. I will miss it. I it, what is happening with us in Britain? That's feel I am one of the luckiest human beings on why I launched Nigeria Diaspora Direct earth. Ever since I became Chairman of Investment Summit. We need to be investing in CANUK I have recorded a 95% approval rating. Nigeria and encouraging British people and I don't know anyone who wakes up in the companies to invest in Nigeria. We can be here morning and has old and young alike wishing me and doing business there.”

For the next CANUK chairman or well, praying for me, thanking me. I've made so many friends. I have my critics too, but the vast chairwoman Mr Roberts will be a hard act to follow. As the leader of the diaspora he has majority have appreciated me.”

But thankfully he won’t be severing ties totally, benefitted both Nigeria and Britain. A true his parting more of an adieu (see you later) than champion for both. a farewell.

“I will miss them but I won't miss them because I will continue to do good. Regardless of what happens I will continue to do things for the Nigerian community and help people UnbeATAbLe 25 % diSCoUnTS FoR ALL AFRiCAn through their individual projects. deSTinATion WiTh ALL AiRLineS, AToL pRoTeCTed TiCKeTS WiTh MoneY bACK CheApeR FAReS I'm never going to stop. “I will still contribute to the HOT FLIGHT DEALS development of the community Abuja £430 Gbp FOR NIGERIA as long as I’m in the UK,” he says.

Lagos £428 Gbp Airline Fare Under the CANUK harare £472 Gbp KLM £415 Gbp constitution Mr Roberts will Accra £420 Gbp remain an active member of the Air France £425 Gbp Lilongwe £450 Gbp organisation, as former chairmen Captown £495 Gbp Arik Airline £490 Gbp automatically become members Abidjan £490 Gbp Virgin Atlantic £515 Gbp of the advisory board, and he will dakar £465 Gbp be a CANUK delegate as dar es Salam £449 Gbp british Airways £539 Gbp chairman of the Association of nairobi £470 Gbp IT Professionals. entebbe £480 Gbp But will he return to Nigeria?

Kinshasa £520 Gbp “I'll consider it,” he says. “Every Khartoum £430 Gbp banjul £465 Gbp Nigerian that has lived in this Lusaka £560 Gbp society thinks about going home Jamaica £810 Gbp at some stage of their lives. But I don’t advocate that people should 1.Terms & Conditions applied to all bookings and below fares 2.Fare and taxes is subject to change. Your initial deposits guarantees only the reservation, go home; we can't have a Nigeria not the fare and taxes. We may impose additional cost to the ticket price if there is any change without the diaspora and how in taxes, airline charges, fuel charges, airport taxes, exchange rate. can we ever have our own Obama? If Obama had gone 32 Adelphi Gardens, Slough ,SL1 2RG, United Kingdom home he wouldn't be President.

He continues, however, “The

14

NIGERIAN WATCH 6 - 19 Mar 2015

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NEWSWATCH NIGERIAN ELECTIONS 2015 – MARCH 28

THE CONSPIRACY FILES When fuel queues recently started appearing at filling stations in Nigeria, especially in Lagos and Abuja, social media users made a joke of it. “Very soon,” the joke went, “The PDP will blame the opposition for the fuel scarcity.”

Well on Monday (March 2) that joke became a reality when the PDP national chairman Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu tweeted exactly that. And he added, the conspirators also plan to “sabotage” electricity supply in the south-west zone.

According to him the fuel shortage was the result of opposition leaders and vested interests hoarding fuel. Hence another conspiracy theory was born; the APC are out to power down Nigeria so the PDP’s image will be ‘tarnished’.

This, however, isn’t a straightforward conspiracy theory as it will rely on the judgement of those sitting in the dark on who to blame.

And given the erratic nature of fuel and power supply in Nigeria it lacks that essential grain of truth to make it plausible. Fuel shortages and power cuts are older than the APC itself.

The best conspiracy theories ring true immediately, such as these here (see box, right).

The legendary political Godfather Bola Tinubu features large, because he is both seen as a threat by the PDP and is known for his political ambition.

Likewise, anything relating to the health of General Buhari rings true, not least because most 72-yearolds can and do suffer from age-related conditions,

not because we have any evidence that he is ailing.

And anything relating to an amnesty for corrupt politicians rings true in Nigeria because they are all believed to have been corrupt.

Generally, conspiracy theories are targeted at those in power, to undermine confidence in them.

But during an election they grow like wildfire and all seeking power fall victim to them. They may then be a good if somewhat unconventional opinion poll; the more you are the subject of a conspiracy theory the better your chances of success.

It is amazing how much mileage they are given as most conspiracy theories do little more than nourish our prejudices. And they are so simple to manufacture. Conspiracy theorists simply mine the available data until they find something that confirms their belief and that’s it.

A classic case involved the BBC during 9/11.

The broadcaster accidentally reported Tower 7 had collapsed 30 minutes before it did. Rather than recognise that journalists had misread wire reports this was taken as proof positive the BBC had been involved in the attacks!

But some conspiracy theories catch fire and are dangerous because they both undermine confidence, cause unnecessary distractions and in the worst cases spark political violence.

So why do we perpetuate them by giving them the oxygen of publicity, I hear you ask. Essentially as a warning.

Prior to the elections in Nigeria being postponed conspiracy theories were generally thin on the ground. However, in the void created by the postponement, lazy politicians and their henchman have resorted to wheeling them out in a desperate bid to keep their supporters engaged and onside.

And while they make for a good read, remember this as you go; just as conspiracy theories are

experiencing runaway inflation, the Naira is suffering from crippling deflation.

And that (N300 to the pound, N200 to the dollar) might go further to explaining the fuel shortages being experienced in Nigeria than an APC conspiracy. And that in the run-up to the election is what we should be talking about.

AJ James

Ayo Akinfe lists the top 10 election conspiracy theories currently circulating

1

A mighty war chest comprising billions of Naira has been created by the current administration to pay Senators and members of the House of Representatives N300m (£963,000) and N200m (£643,000) each to get them to vote for postponing the elections for another six months. They are hoping that they can keep postponing it for up to two years, claiming that with the presence of troops in Nigeria from neighbouring Chad and Niger means the country is at war and not just fighting an insurgency.

2

The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) plans to get Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau to implicate General Muhammadu Buhari as a sponsor of the terrorist group. Claims that they have already captured him and are forcing him to make a confession saying General Buhari is the sect's sponsor.

L-R; President Goodluck Jontahan; Abubakar Shekau; Bola Tinubu; & General Muhammadu Buhari

3

Professor Yemi Osibanjo will be forced to resign to allow a fellow Muslim to take over as vice president if the All Progressives Congress (APC) wins the elections. The name in the frame for his replacement is former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

4

General Buhari has prostate cancer and, yet again,former Lagos State governor Tinubu is the man waiting in the wings to take full control of the government.

5

deal that will lead to them being left alone and saved from prosecution if the APC wins

7

President Goodluck Jonathan and General Buhari plan to meet outside the country to do a deal that will guarantee the PDP leadership immunity from prosecution if the APC wins.

8

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu plans to work General Buhari to death if the APC wins. That way, he and his cronies will be free to run the government his way

The PDP has reached an agreement with the army to prevent an APC victory through intimidation and failing that take over and form an interim government if the APC wins

The APC know that General Buhari is not well, so Professor Osibanjo will effectively be the one running the country if the APC wins

6

10

Certain PDP governors led by Akwa Ibom's Godswill Akpabio have donated generously towards General Buhari’s campaign as part of a

9

The PDP intends to go to court to get card readers discarded for the election, as they will prevent election rigging. Failing that plans have been made to hack into them.

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NIGERIAN WATCH 6 - 19 Mar 2015

NEWSWATCH

15

THE ORIGINAL HE-FOR-SHE MAN “Empowering women, empowering humanity” is the clarion call of UN International Women’s Day (March 8).

In his blistering new book Humility of the Brain Prince Ezem Ihenacho is ahead of the curve. AJ James reports Among certain diaspora circles Prince Ezem Ihenacho is frequently introduced as “our philosopher in residence”. He is also renowned for being able to lift an adult human being using only his teeth (he can, I’ve seen him).

Seemingly two sides of the man, but really they share the same genesis, “you can achieve anything you set your mind to”. Philosophy made real. And that is his skill.

Humility of the Brain is his third book. The first was about the male condition, Hard Hitting, The Real Truth About Men, Marriage and Infidelity; the second, about parenting and youths, Your Child, My Child,

Whose Child?

Humility of the Brain is allencompassing about the human condition and concludes that “men are the problem, women are the solution”.

It presents a beautifully argued and coherent analysis to back up this claim.

And lots of fresh thinking.

You think Eve is responsible for the fall of man? Think again about the role of Adam – careless, complacent and at least complicit.

You think parenting is about the balance between nature and nurture?

What about super nature in the form of whizzbang digital technology that has no limits except the imagination of man?

The book’s title comes from the opening story about how the body is duped in to going to war with itself in a competition to prove which part has supremacy; the eye, ear, mouth, hand, leg, anus or brain? It is a brilliant metaphor for the social condition, and simply a brilliant story (replete with a wiley tortoise). The book is peppered with them and they are a joy.

As are the elements where he draws on real events and real experiences; from correspondence and speeches made in London by girl child education champion Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Mandiba, to name a few.

The result it is a rich, textured book, accessible to all. And it couldn’t be more timely, chiming as it does with the UN International Women’s Day theme of “empowering women, empowering humanity”.

By subjugating women we are engaged in a battle for civilisation with one hand tied behind our back – and we, as members of society, are paying the price. Part of the UN campaign calls for the recruitment of “he-for-she” men, to campaign against inequality. In Mr Ihenacho we have the original he-for-she man.

As the extract below indicates, he firmly believes that the solution to the world’s problems is the moral and

academic education of women and girls. The Humility of the Brain is required reading for everyone. It sets a blueprint for a bright future – for women and men.

Humility of the Brain is available from www.amazon.co.uk

EXTRACT (CHAPTER HEADING): MEN ARE THE PROBLEM, WOMEN ARE THE SOLUTION IMAGINE a world where all parents, especially mothers who are spending more time with their babies during their formative years, are academically and morally equipped to face up to the challenges of parenting.

A world where all babies from day one are taught to appreciate the importance of life and the responsibilities everyone has to the self and others to preserve life. A world, where children are made to understand that they are not only vital components of their families but also of their communities and the world as a whole. A world where all children are nurtured, the contents of the gadgets they use are vetted, their time is structured, and they are made to separate fiction from reality at an appropriate age.

Imagine a world where all children are nurtured to understand that though all fingers are not equal, they are all equally important to the efficiency and effectiveness of the hand and each has a purpose and peculiar role to play; and that the deficiency of one finger contributes to the reduction in efficiency of the hand.

Imagine, also, a world where all children from an early stage understand the importance of respect, love, caring, sharing, patience and, above all, understand and appreciate the 'all-important' need for 'differentness' or diversity; no one would ever have known who they were or what they represented if everyone was the same.

Hence, seeking to destroy that which is different and only accepting one's own values, identity and peculiarity as an individual, group, community, religion, or nation can be linked to total ignorance. Yes, there would still be differences in culture and other attributes; however, these are basic human factors that should form part of every culture, race, gender and creed.

In the modern age, many children are being indoctrinated by violent, sexually-explicit video games and music full of foul language via highpowered computers and internet systems that also have all sorts of predators surfing them – and these hazardous gadgets in the skyscraper which they have at their fingertips, are capable of destroying mankind. They also provide a child or any individual with the ability to have multiple identities and live false lives that are locked up behind individualised passwords.

In view of all these things and more, parenthood in this modern era, especially mother-

hood, cannot be a 'natural' thing! Modernity means that mothers- and fathers-to-be, or persons looking after children during their formative years, would need some specific or baseline skills in parenting.

Imagine assembling paedophiles, rapists, drug addicts, alcoholics, gangsters , murderers, thieves, and musicians projecting violent lyrics with bad language and sexually explicit videos inside your home to indoctrinate your baby. This is what is likely to happen if one has no clue about the contents of gadgets or sites that one's children are using and watching.

Imagine a world where all mothers are wellequipped to deal with these things, a world where every mother understands the immense forces which enhance nature over nurture, which would help them to intensify the nurturing of their children as forces of nature would at times pull them back. Do not forget, if one thinks training is expensive, they can invest in ignorance and see which one is more expensive.

Consider how many laws are enacted on a regular basis in England alone to regulate human behaviour, including the behaviours of law-makers themselves, but still, the forces of nature creep in, in instances such as the 'cash for questions' and the abuse of expenses. This is why nurturing (training) is crucial; and ignorance, which is extremely expensive, will never do!

Imagine a world where all mothers appreciate that the makers of most of these gadgets are not likely to be interested in their children's morality but only in the size of their bank balances. The gadgetmakers play on the psychological fact that children enjoy action, so they overload the gadgets with scenes that are likely to create sensational reactions in a child.

A lot of men have become 'useless' fathers and each day women complain about how some men have turned themselves into 'sperm-donor' fathers. At times, women complain that their husbands or partners do not help in the day-today domestic chores. This cannot be far from the truth, but the irony is that a lot of these 'useless' men are by-products of their mothers, who did everything for them when they were growing up, based on the age-long belief that domestic works are exclusively for the females.

Quite simply, until human beings understand

that the key to a healthy world lies with the education (morally and academically) of girls and women who are mothers and mothers-to-be of the future of our world (children), and invest, empower, and equip them for their critical roles, humanity will continue to suffer!

If all women and girls are given the opportunity to go to school, if all women understand the fingers, tree, aeroplane and body parts metaphors, especially as they relate to the

mouth not eating alone (even though it is the source of nutrition) and the dire consequences of the mouth eating alone, then our world will become safer, as they are best placed to hand this understanding over to all our world's children (boys and girls) who go on to become leaders in high and low places. Train and equip a mother and be rest assured that 'many birds' have been killed with just one stone in a metaphoric sense.

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The Fortnight

NIGERIAN WATCH 6 - 19 Mar 2015

LEISUREWATCH

17

NOW BOOKING: DANCE AFRIQUE LONDON PSquare headline, supported by Shatta Wale from Ghana and Flavour from Nigeria. BBC 1 Xtra Afrobeats’ anchorman DJ Edu alongside Capital 1 Xtra superstar, Abrantee will be on the wheels of steel. Eddie Kadi will be hosting the event with his marvelous comedy. 28 Mar, 7:30pm. Tickets from £24. SSE Wembley Arena. www.danceafrique.com

What to see and do over the next 14 days... by humour, joy and 1980s music and dance moves.

3-14 Mar, 7:30pm. Tickets £15 New Diorama Theatre, 15-16 Triton Street, Regent's Place, NW1 http://newdiorama.com

Play Mas

The Honey Man A funny and highly moving exploration of Black British identity, ecological destruction and friendship that crosses generational and cultural divides.

Through the story of an unlikely friendship between an elderly beekeeper (Tyrone Huggins) and a troubled young teenager (Beatrice Allen), the play looks at the relationship between two people on the fringes of society. They have to search for what they FILM

Lagos - Notes of a City Lagos comes to life in all its colour and contradictions in this unimposing, beautifully shot documentary. Moving between panoramic views of the

city’s infrastructure and its buzzing streets, the film brings us close to six of its over 17 million inhabitants.

5 Mar, 7pm. Tickets £3 Goethe-Institut, London, 50 Prince Gate, Exhibition Road, SW Booking essential 020 75964000 www.goethe.de/london

can share; survival of the bees and their British colonial history.

National Tour until 19 March appearing in London; 3 – 4 Mar, 7.30pm, Tue Matinee 11am. £12 The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8. www.thealbany.org.uk 18 Mar, 7.30pm. £12.

Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham Green, N15 www.berniegrantcentre.co.uk

“The Help” Film Screening, Book Review and Discussion Set in Mississippi during the 1960s, Skeeter (Stone) is a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer, but turns her friends’ lives — and a Mississippi town — upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families.

9 Mar, 5:30pm. £2 suggested donation.

Film screening followed by discussion. Refreshments on sale. Students and general public welcome!

University of the Arts London, Room G05, 272 High Holborn, London www.ualacs.org THEATRE

Push Precious Jones lives in Harlem

Paulette Randall directs Mustapha Matura’s play on Trinidad’s independence. Set in 1950s Port of Spain.

Samuel, a young tailor’s assistant, dreams of Trinidad’s independence. On the eve of carnival everyone fills the streets, dressed up to play mas.

This annual celebration turns to tragedy and spurs Samuel on to make a decision that will change the political landscape of the future of this vibrant, volatile island.

11 Mar - 11 Apr. Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm. Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm.

From £10 Orange Tree Theatre, 1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9 www.orangetreetheatre.co.uk

Black Nikki doesn't think that her Dad is a racist…. He just cares deeply about his with her mother who abuses her. She wants Precious to stay home, eat herself fat and keep the welfare checks coming. At age 12 Precious has her first child and four years later she has another. Her dad is the father. But Precious wants better for her son.After being suspended from school Precious joins the ‘Each One Teach One’ alternative school and, inspired by her new teacher and class mates, she learns to read and write.

Push is a powerful and disturbing story told by Precious and her classmates, enlivened

gaging new show from 20 Stories High digs deep at the heart of racial tensions in the UK today. Written by Keith Saha with lyricism and live DJ set from MC Chunky.

Mar 17 - 18, 7.30pm. Tickets £12 The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8. www.thealbany.org.uk MUSIC

LA FÊTE African music night featuring; The InRhythms – a 7-piece band from London via Lagos – who mix Afrobeat with funk, with Yoruba-English vocals. DJ Afro B whose Afrobeat radio show is poised to be one of the hottest sources of new and exciting Afrobeats tracks on the planet. And Sir Loui, one of the brightest young Africans in the UK, who dances like no one else!

7 Mar 7:00pm - 3:00am.

Free before 9pm; £5 before 10pm; £10 after. Floripa, 91-93 Great Eastern Street, EC2 www.focusorganization.com

A World In London Live!

DJ Ritu and Cultural Cooperation host a live stage version of the UK’s world music radio show, featuring performances from Mulele Matondo and dance band Kourelou.

community… But when a Zimbabwean family move in over the road, the dog won’t stop barking…the local kids start lobbing stones… and her Dad starts laying down the law.

This provocative and en-

13 Mar, 8pm. FREE Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1. www.richmix.org.uk FAMILY

Mwalimu Express Its all about Music and Film from the Motherland. Family friendly music performance from Family Atlantica 4TET and screening of The Azonto:

London to Accra, with q&a session with the film’s directors.

15 Mar, 2:00pm - 5:00pm. FREE. Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1. www.richmix.org.uk ART

Pangaea II: New Art from Africa and Latin America The second installment of contemporary work from artists from Africa to Latin America.

Turn to page 19

The Privileged

A solo participation performance event that explores race, community and the identity of the working-class citizen within today’s society.

Have you ever seen a polar bear in the flesh? Been close enough to notice just how white these magnificent mammals are? Remove your shoes, coats and bags, as you are about to encounter the Arctic’s whitest apex predator, with black skin.

Limited capacity up to 30 people.

14 Mar 7.30pm, 15 March 7pm.

Tickets £12.

Camden People's Theatre, 58-60 Hampstead Road, NW1 www.cptheatre.co.uk

WOW FESTIVAL: Women of the World Festival A festival of talks, workshops and performances celebrating women and girls Highlights include: EXHIBITIONS

London Veil, Paris Veil, NYC Veil Sara Shamsavari’s photographic series highlights young Muslim women's individual expression of their identity, as conveyed through their vibrant hijab styles.

6 Mar 10:00am – 11:00pm TALKS & DEBATES

I’mPOSSIBLE: Women Mean Business

The I'mPOSSIBLE conversation puts women of colour on a panel to talk about success, achievement and leadership.

6 Mar 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Black LGBTQI Rights and Activism In 2014 the UK ranked top in Europe for LGBT rights for the third year in a row, but does this include the rights of LGBTQI people of colour?

6 Mar 2:30pm – 3:30pm

Ebola

The majority of those contracting the Ebola virus are women. Why? 6 Mar 2:30pm – 3:30pm

Being Mixed Race

A discussion that continues the debate started during WOW 2014 7 Mar 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Refusing to be Silenced Who are the women who risk their lives to speak the truth? International women of courage focus attention on the abducted women and girls in areas of conflict. Speakers include: Obiageli Ezekwesili founder of the Bring Back Our Girls movement and Angelina Atyam who has tirelessly campaigned to rescue girls abducted in Uganda by the Lord’s Resistance Army, including her 14-year-old daughter Charlotte.

7 Mar 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Afro Hair Meet-Up

MUSIC

Get your locks in gear and your curls on the road.

7 Mar 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Lady Leshurr & Guests With fast-paced and fierce lyrics, Lady Leshurr

can spit rhymes over anything.

6 March 6:00pm – 7:00pm

The Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe

A celebration of women, human rights, laughter and resilience.

6 & 7 Mar 7:45pm – 9:30pm

MOBO Celebrates Women of the World.

A rare opportunity to see leading female champions of the music industry come together to celebrate Women of the World.

Ella Eyre, 2014 MOBO winner for Best Newcomer, and Rebecca Ferguson, two times MOBO nominee, perform 6 Mar 8:00pm – 11:45pm

Bumi Thomas

Bumi Thomas is a dynamic contemporary African, acoustic jazz-folksoul singer songwriter whose style is inspired by her multi-cultural heritage.

7 Mar 6:30pm – 7:15pm WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

Afrikan Yoga An hour-long class of rhythmic yoga performances.

7 Mar 10:00am – 11:00am Many events are free.

Day passes start at £20.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 http://wow.southbankcentre.co.uk

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The Fortnight

Continued from page 17 In the first installment, sculptures of huge ants crawled over the walls, in Pangaea II, 17 contemporary artists including Aboudia, Dawit Abebe, Eduardo Berliner, Jean-Francois Bocle, Armand Boua, Pia Camil and Alida Cervantes are displayed.

4 Mar - 6 Sept. FREE Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York's Square, King's Road, SW3 www.saatchigallery.com OTHER

Who Stole all the Black Women from Britain?

No other group in America has so had their identity socialized out of existence as have black women…. When black people are talked about the focus tends to be on black men; and when women are talked about the focus tends to be on white women. What, asks Irish Nigerian sociologist Emma Dabiri, is actually going on here?

13 Mar, 6:30pm. FREE. Black History Walks, Podium Lecture Theatre, London College of Communication, Elephant & Castle, SE1 www.blackhistory walks.co.uk

Black Book Swap Bringing Black authors, Alex Wheatle (MBE), Amanda Epe and Michelle Yaa together alongside other participants, with an oppor-

tunity to network, purchase books or treat yourself from the range of businesses promoting their products.

14 Mar, 11:30 am - 4:30 pm Tickets from £12 Omnibus, 1 Clapham Common North Side, SW4 www.facebook.com/BlackBookSwap

Ibe, 19, has been one of the finds of the season and has been described by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers as a player with a bright footballing brain.

Of late, England has stepped up moves to cap the teenager to prevent Nigeria from procuring his services after the youngster's recent sterling performances.

England manager Roy Hodgson is reportedly considering fast-tracking Ibe’s invitation to the senior squad.

However, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) chairman Amaju Pinnick, is keen to sign up overseas-born players of Nigerian extraction for the Super Eagles and Ibe is on his radar.

Fashanu, who failed to play for the Nigeria national team despite being invited in the 1980s, has already advised Ibe to choose Nigeria over England, saying he stands the chance of getting more international caps with the Eagles than with the Three Lions.

He added that having been in a similar situation, he was best placed to convince Ibe and other Nigerian players bred in Europe to play for the Eagles.

“I was in similar situation as I was in-

The Folio Society Prize Lecture: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie A rare opportunity to hear the internationally acclaimed Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (pictured below), who will deliver the a lecture to open The Folio Prize Fiction Festival weekend.

20 Mar, 6:30pm - 7:45pm. £20.

The British Library, Conference Centre, 96 Euston Road, NW1 www.bl.uk

Pull Up to the Bumper: Black Bodies Trending What physical attributes are Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Lopez famous for?

Teleica Kirkland Founder of the Costume Institute for the African Diaspora asks when did this trend begin and who originated it? What does any of this have to do with fashion and African physiques?

20 Mar, 6:30pm. FREE. Black History Walks, Podium Lecture Theatre London College of Communication Elephant & Castle SE1 www.blackhistorywalks.co.uk

vited to play for the Eagles and on invitation I came on three different occasions under Otto Gloria, the Brazillian coach.

Sadly, we found that African football was very different from English football.

"Unfortunately, I couldn’t cope as I wasn’t good enough to play the African football but now, football is the same all over the world.

If we go for him fast, which we should do, we can get him, so I warn the young man that if he plays for England, the most he will get is one or two caps like I got," Fashanu added.

He pointed out that because the standard in England is very high and there are hundreds of excellent footballers who want to play in the England team, Ibe would struggle to become a regular.

According to Fashanu, there are millions of players who want to play for the

Super Eagles but only a few are really good enough.

Ibe, who has a Nigerian father, has already played for England at the youth level, so would need FIFA clearance to feature for the Super Eagles.

So far, Mr Pinnick has met with English-born Arsenal youngsters Chuba Akpom and Semi Ajayi, who have both expressed a desire to play for Nigeria's Super Eagles.

ULTIMATE GLORY Continued from page 20 ber he won the International Masters Title.

On March 14 he faces a tough opponent in Dale Evans. Only beaten once in 12 fights he has navigated one of the most competitive weight divisions in boxing, beating Sam Eggington and Eric Ochieng to put him in contention for a title fight.

Speaking at a press conference at the Grand Hotel in central London Larry was quick to thank his sponsor Arik Air for enabling him to become a contender for the British title.

A man of few words he said he wasn’t going to knock his opponent. “People always talk but we’re both fighters and we’re both fighting for something really special. There’s no point knocking him – I’ll do my talking in the ring.”

He was asked by one boxing correspondent why he was

FIFA BAR

Michael Tubes Creations

Launching this years ‘Walk In Her Shoes’ campaign – to fundraise and raise awareness of women’s world issues by taking10,000 steps a day for a week – with West African music and dance ensemble Wuntanara and leading female figures hosted by Woman’s Hour’s Jane Garvey, before Helen and Laura Pankhurst lead the walk through London.

Mar 8, 10am The Scoop Queen's Walk, More London, SE1 https://walkinhershoes.careinternational.org.uk/womens-day-walk/

19

ENGLAND AND NIGERIA VIE TO CAPTURE LIVERPOOL’S IBE FORMER Wimbledon and Aston Villa striker John Fashanu has offered to help convince Liverpool wonderkid Jordan Ibe to opt for Nigeria instead of England as the race to cap the youngster gathers pace.

Women’s Day Walk

NIGERIAN WATCH 14-27 Mar 2014

SPORTWATCH

risking everything by taking on Evans, adding, “Aren’t you worried you could lose?”

“Pardon,” responded Larry.

“Lose? What is that? That’s a word that is not in my vocabulary so I won’t be doing that.

I’m a fighter and I’ll take on any fight. He’s a good fighter, I’m better.”

While Larry’s bout tops the bill the evening features four other title fights including two middleweight showdowns, one featuring former professional footballer Leon McKenzie.

For more information visit, www.goodwinpromotions.co.uk To get discounted tickets visit www.larrythenatural.com

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT LARRY “Talent-wise Kell Brook isn’t fit to lick Larry’s boots”, Spencer Fearon – Sky Sports Pundit – (Kell is world champ) “We have unearthed a real talent here” – Adam Smith – Sky Sports Head of Boxing.

“I would rather watch Larry Ekundayo than Floyd Mayweather. I have seen both live and I’m serious…” Ben Doughty – Boxing Journalist and Historian.

Don’t miss Ultimate Glory at York Hall on March 14. Join Ministers from the Nigeria High Commission, diaspora community leaders and the Chairman of his sponsor Arik Air along with special guests from the worlds of sport and celebrity.

Continued from page 20 Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo on March 26.

Under FIFA rules, no team should play two games in three days across different continents. This is both to protect players from exhaustion and respect the schedules of the leagues and clubs from which the players are drawn.

As a result the Super Eagles will now take on South Africa's Bafana Bafana on March 29.

NFF officials believe the South Africa friendly will present a good opportunity for the Eagles to avenge the draw with Bafana Bafana that stopped them from qualifying for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

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NIGERIAN WATCH 6 - 19 Mar 2015

INSIDE

SPORT WATCH 6 - 19 Mar 2015

nigerianwatch.com

THE FIGHT OF HIS LIFE

RACE IS ON TO LAND JORDAN IBE

FIFA bars Eagles’ London showdown with Black Stars

LARRY ‘THE NATURAL’ EKUNDAYO SET FOR BRITISH TITLE ELIMINATOR

By AJ JAMES Buoyed by news that his 6-year-old daughter has won her battle against cancer, diasporan boxer Larry “the Natural” Ekundayo is set for the fight of his life.

FIFA regulations barring international teams from playing friendlies across two continents has ended plans for a London showndown between the Super Eagles and Ghana’s Black Stars.

The game had been scheduled to take place at Fulham’s Craven Cottage ground on March 29, but the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials have had to pull the match against the African Nations Cup silver medallists.

This is because three days before the Super Eagles will take on Bolivia at home in a friendly match at the newly-built Turn to page 19

On Saturday March 14 he will enter the ring at York Hall to take on Dale Evans in a British Welterweight Title eliminator. It is a contest that has got the boxing world purring and has top billing on a card dubbed “Ultimate Glory”.

Larry Ekundayo is recognised as “one of the most talented boxers in Britain” and “one of the most avoided fighters around” for his rapid ring movement and lethal quick-fire combinations.

Having won all of his eight professional fights, US boxing website ESNews have called him pound for pound “the best fighter in the world with under 10 fights”.

Since exploding onto the scene as the winner of Sky Prizefighter in 2012, his career stalled primarily to allow him to care for his daughter. However, he remains undefeated and last Octo- Turn to page 19

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