Nigerian Watch Issue 049

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IT’S A KNOCKOUT

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Issue No 049

fortNIghtly to Inspire, Inform and Entertain

THE IRRESISTIBLE FORCE

nigerianwatch.com

REMITTANCE HOLIDAY Industry responds to “rip-off” campaign Page 3

REGISTER TO VOTE

The women of Africa are on the march to achieve equality by 2030 – and they need your help SPECIAL REPORT pages 14-18

The only way to end jobs “race penalty” page 10 YOUR NEXT NIGERIAN WATCH available from April 10

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Austerity cuts to policing and community groups means we are ‘heading for disaster’ NIGERIAN WATCH Publisher tevin Jemide Publisher/Managing Director Maryanne Jemide Managing Editor Jon hughes Art Editor Cathy Constable Contributors obah Iyamu; harriet ogbeide; AJ James; Ayo Akinfe; funmi odegbami; Samuel Kasumu; Ngozi Mbana; Ekanem robertson, Jessica onah, laura Adenuga; Edel Meremikwu Chief Cartoonist harold ogbeide Office address Nigerian Watch Chartwell house 292 hale lane Edgware Middlesex hA8 8NP Email editor@nigerianwatch.com marketing@nigerianwatch.com sales@nigerianwatch.com Website www.nigerianwatch.com tel: 020 8588 9640 fax: 020 7160 5232 Nigerian Watch is a monthly newspaper owned by green World Media ltd.

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

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

ISSN 2051-4670

Efforts to stem the tide of youth being lured in to the gangsta lifestyle are being hampered by austerity cuts.

That was the warning of campaigners who spoke at the inaugural monthly talk staged by campaigning charity YACnCAY (Youth Against Crime not Crime Against You), which also heard from bereaved parents and relatives.

Felicia Osho Adesina, whose son, Joel, was stabbed to death last December, spoke hauntingly about the trauma of losing him and how it has affected his sister.

She also told of how a friend had pointed out that the police presence on the streets in Germany prevented children and young people from taking the risk of carrying weapons.

This is in contrast to the situation in the UK, where funding cuts has reduced their ability to maintain street patrols.

Anti-knife campaigner, Katherine Rohan said she had told Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, that “we are heading for disaster” with all

these cuts. And his response was that his hands were tied.

The keynote speaker of the day was Richard Taylor OBE, whose son, Damilola Taylor, was killed in November 2000.

He pointed out that under the current government cuts in funding from both central and local government were crippling the activities of community charities such as YACnCAY. According to what he had been told, they say they cannot give money to one charity without funding others; partially due to the shortage of available cash as well as being seen as “fair” to all.

He also raised the point that this government would prefer to see most small charities forming

larger groups or at least working together. As funding a fewer larger organisations would be easier than a myriad of smaller ones.

This was the first of a series of planned meetings to be held on the last Saturday of every month. Those present said they would like future talks to always have a police representative present.

The point was also raised that though many parents do try to bring up their children to be good citizens many of them do come across negative influences away from home, including at school. So it was thought it would be a good idea to hear from educators on how they tackle unruly behaviour.

The next YACnCAY Monthly Inspirational Talk will take place on 28 March 2015 between 12:00 noon and 2.00pm at the Large Committee Room, Hodgkin Building, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, London Bridge, SE1 1UL, and will feature Mrs Sandra Brown, Equalities Officer, King’s College, London. All parents, guardians and anyone seeking a way to prevent children and young people getting involved in knife and gun crime are welcome.

For more information, please call: 07796 26 37 35 or email: toyido@yacncay.com See “Protecting our youth is critical – Dr Tafida”, page 13

WOMEN URGED TO USE THEIR POWER

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY (from l-r): Leisha Beardmore; Beverly Johnson; Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE; Seye Aina; Amina Salihu and Bola Fatimilehin, Head of Diversity at Royal Academy of Engineering.

As part of the International Womens Week on March 10 at the Radisson Blu Vanderbilt Hotel, in central London, an all-female audience gathered to hear an influential panel discuss the important role of women in national development.

The message to the diaspora was clear – get involved. Amina Salihu – political scientist, women’s rights advocate, farmer, author and chairwoman of the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund – said the diaspora has a vital role to play.

“It is critical that we ask questions, as individuals and as organisations because that is the way that we can start to give back even while we are in the diaspora. We should ask the question about resources. Where are the resources going to? Are they getting there? Who is not getting the resources? Why?” She urged women to rally together in the fight against corruption. “Corruption is murder by anomaly, if a person takes money that was meant for somebody's livelihood and keeps it for themselves -this person has inadvertently killed a lot of families, killed a lot of dreams and stunted a lot of possibilities for other people.”

She said the questions women should be asking themselves are, “What can we do to support institutions; schools and hospitals?

How do we nurture and support entrepre-

neurs? How do we support young boys and girls to have a broad worldview and help them see there are options? What can we do to support schools, universities, hospitals? How do we nurture and support women entrepreneurs?

How do we support young boys and girls and show them that they have options.”

“The most important thing is the voice of the citizen, the moment that the citizen falls asleep democracy is in danger. We do not have the luxury to sit back and ignore what is happening . . . Why? Because its a global world, and our destinies are intertwined.”

Leisha Beardmore, a sustainable development adviser with the United Nations, told the meeting, “It's not about the power we don't have, its about the power we do have”.

If ten people write letters to their MP about an issue, it will be addressed in parliament she said. She urged those present to use that power. “Every citizen has a role to play in their society,” she said.

The evening also heard from Dr Yvonne Thompson, President of the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners and engineer Bola Fatiimilehin.

The event was organised by Seye Aina of Paceworking.

See “The Irresistible Force” pages 14-18

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DAY OF ACTION GIVES HOPE OF A REMITTANCE REVOLUTION WARNING: reading this could make you kick yourself. On Mother’s Day, Sunday March 14, the first green shoots appeared of what could be the start of a remittance revolution.

On that day several leading companies charged no commission on money transfers. And as we in the Nigerian diaspora know that means potential savings of 12% – sometimes substantially more taking into account other charges such as foreign exchange – on sending money to sub-Saharan Africa; the highest fees on the planet.

The commission holiday was the industry response to a challenge laid down by the Stop the Transfer Tax Rip-Off Campaign, launched late last year by Tessa Jowell MP. The day of action was the initiative of innovative digital money transfer company Azimo, who hosted the press launch at their offices in Islington, north London, on March 12.

The 11th-hour nature of the announcement indicative of the stiff and growing competition within the industry.

Other companies backing the campaign included Tawi Pay, Money To Money Transfer, Xend Pay, and Send Cash Global.

Even the mighty Western

Union – who along with Moneygram control 70% of the remittance market to subSaharan Africa, and because of that monopoly are painted as villains of the peace – belatedly came on board.

And it seems likely all those companies mentioned above and more will support a second World Money Transfer Day scheduled for June 16.

To be known as the International Day of Family Remittances, it is the culmination of a campaign started by the International Fund for Agriculture Development and is supported by the World Bank.

The backlash against money transfer fees has been simmering since 2009 when the G8 set a goal of reducing the cost of remittances by 5% in 5 years, known as the 5x5 goal.

If that had been achieved the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and World Bank

have calculated it would “unlock $15bn a year” in poor countries.

Onyekachi Wambu (pictured) of Afford (the African Foundation for Development) revealed that through remittances the 250m strong migrant diaspora around the world supported about one billion people – remitting just shy of half a trillion dollars annually.

Sixty billion is sent to Africa alone making “the tube drivers, cleaners, NHS workers, the biggest aid donors to Africa”.

Things have improved over the last decade when it cost about 15% to remit money to Africa. Greater competition and new technology have seen prices fall.

At the time of going to press Azimo were charging a flat £1 fee to send money to Nigeria, with an exchange rate of N305.55 to the pound. By comparison other companies were charging a flat fee of up to £4.99 with an exchange rate of N285.6.

The reason for the difference is that digital transfers cut out the middlemen that have traditionally driven up costs. At the press conference Michael Kent, CEO of Azimo, said it was their ambition to achieve fees of “sub-1%”.

It seems the remittance revolution has really started.

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EMMANuEl IS A KNoCKout

Emmanuel Nwamadi – the man of many voices – has made Ricky Wilson’s top three for the final of the BBC’s talent show The Voice.

Chosen first on Saturday (March 14), Emmanuel impressed the judges with a haunting rendition of Otis Redding’s I’ve Been Loving

You Too Long.

Ricky said, “We’re not looking for something that’s already represented in the charts, I’m looking for the next thing and I think Emmanuel’s got something unique. He’s a man of few words and he’s a man of very deep words when he does

speak. I think he could sing pretty much anything and put his twist on it.”

Get behind Emmanuel on this Saturday’s live show, where viewers get their first chance to vote on who remains in the competition.

Follow Emmanuel at twitter.com/EmmanuelandRose

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CANDIDATES NAMED IN RACE TO BE DIASPORA LEADERS

Tories select Nigerian to contest general election Businessman Festus Akinbusoye has been selected to contest the parliamentary constituency of West Ham in east London for the Conservative Party in the forthcoming general election.

It is home turf for Festus, who grew up in Canning Town having arrived in the UK from Nigeria aged 13. A father of three young children he works as a Senior Parliamentary Assistant while also running a successful business that employs approximately 60 staff.

His own father worked as an estate caretaker for Tower Hamlets Council and his mum ran a textiles business but they inspired him to achieve.

Commenting on their influence, Festus said, “Mum and dad really showed me what it meant to work hard, get a good education and be willing to help make the world a better place. These have greatly influenced

my world views and attitude to social policies.�

Like many Nigerians he is a serial graduate, with a BA in Business Communications, Pg Diploma in Public Relations and an MA in International Studies and Diplomacy from the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London).

Festus has volunteered as an LEA School governor, mentored young offenders, led youth groups and several community based initiatives both in the West Ham constituency and elsewhere. He has been a Councillor and recently staged free Business and Employability training seminars for local east London residents.

These were designed to boost the confidence of and inspire budding entrepreneurs.

Commenting on his selection as

parliamentary candidate, Festus said, “I am delighted to have this opportunity to represent the area that has been a part of my life since I was a teenager. I love the vibrancy, dynamism and diversity we have in the West Ham constituency. “I very much look forward to building on the work our team has already been doing for the benefit of local residents over the last few years.�

Igbo conference to explore ‘womanhood’ The theme of the fourth annual Igbo Conference is ‘Igbo Womanhood, Womanbeing and Personhood’.

The conference seeks to engage with various concepts of Igbo womanhood, in relation to the changing position of Igbo women and the changing practices in Igbo culture.

The keynote speaker is Nnedi Okorafor, an acclaimed novelist of

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The names are in and voting is underway for who will be on the executive council of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK for the next two years (see box below).

The outcome will herald in a new era as over half of the current executive committee is having to stand down.

It is an impressive list of candidates showing the

strength in depth of talents in the community.

While several positions are uncontested there is much campaigning underway for the remainder.

The results are scheduled to be announced on April 1, ahead of CANUK’s AGM on April 11 at the Nigeria High Commission, Northumberland Avenue, London, where the incoming chairman or chairwoman will be elected by secret ballot.

THE CANDIDATES & THEIR AFFILIATE ORGANISATIONS ChAIrMAN Dr Boma Douglas (Engineering Forum Nigeria) Babatunde Olaniyi Loye (Association of African Insurance Practitioners UK) Ronke UdoďŹ a (Nigerian Women in Diaspora Leadership Forum) 1St VICE ChAIr Mike Ndukwe (Ebonyi State Union UK & Ireland) Alex Ubaka Achebe (Anambra State Union UK) 2Nd VICE ChAIr Charles E Sylvester (Nigerian Security OfďŹ cers Association) Ayodeji Soboyede (Nigerian Community Scotland) gENErAl SECrEtAry Dr Olugbenga Coker (Association of Nigerians Architects in the UK) Peters Osawaru Omoragbon (Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association UK) ASSIStANt SECrEtAry UNCONTESTED Ade Coker (Association of Independent ďŹ nancial advisers) lEgAl AdVISEr UNCONTESTED Elizabeth Ikiriko (British Nigeria Law Forum) trEASurEr Ibironke Adeagbo (Oyo State Indigenes UK) Joy Coker (Osun State Union) Nuhu Haruna (Kaduna State Union) SoCIAl SECrEtAry UNCONTESTED Femi Williams (League of Nigerians in Diaspora) ASSIStANt SoCIAl SECrEtAry UNCONTESTED Godwin Emiko Forson (UniBen Alumni UK) PublICIty SECrEtAry UNCONTESTED Lagun Akinloye (British Association of Nigerians Designers, Printers and Publishers) ASSIStANt PublICIty SECrEtAry Theodora Ibekwe Oyebade (UK Nollywood Producers Guide) Hassan Aliu (Nigeria Arts Society) WElfArE SECrEtAry UNCONTESTED Dr Edwin Sawacha MBE (Ijaw Progressive Association) ASSIStANt WElfArE SECrEtAry Adedapo Araromi (All Nigerian Nationals in Diaspora) Agatha Anyiwo (Nigerian Organisation of Women) Alhaji Shuaibu ali Irumekhai (Afemai Union UK & Ireland)

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Star of The Apprentice to mentor entrepreneurs L-r: Samuel Kasumu, Bianca Miller & Fope Jegede

Nigerian Watch resident columnist Samuel Kasumu is on a mission to inspire 5,000 people to start their own businesses by March 2017. And he has recruited the star of The Apprentice 2014 Bianca Miller to help him achieve that goal.

Both Mr Kasumu and Ms Miller started out in business with nothing more than an idea and a passion to succeed. Now they are going to use their hardearned experience to help others achieve their goal.

When he graduated from university Mr Kasumu spent

two years unemployed and looking for work. That inspired him to create Elevation Networks “to do more to help people like me who wanted to set up their own business”.

His campaigning for such an avenue into employability has chimed with the governments of the day – both Labour and Conservative – and Elevation Networks has become one of the country’s leading providers of jobs, training and business start-up loans for young people.

Over the next 12 months the aim is to get 2,000 people off

benefits and into business.

That’s where the inspiring Ms Miller comes into play. She will be leading a series of workshops over the coming months to share the secrets of her success and help them avoid the pitfalls she experienced.

Initially she will be working with people from the north London area, with a view to expanding her role in the future.

To find out more about Elevation Networks and what they can offer in terms of jobs, training and mentoring visit, www.elevationnetworks.org

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OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

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Aspiring journalist fope Jegede has been working as an intern with Elevation Networks ahead of going to Cambridge University to study English Literature. In the spirit of giving young talent a break and as an example of the power of networking, we asked her to interview Bianca Miller…

Apprentice star Bianca Miller has announced a new venture with EN Campaigns. The company, renowned for its success in facilitating start-up loans and business training will now be the sole delivery organisation for the New Enterprise Allowance in North London. They have unveiled Miss Miller as their ambassador. The NEA aims to support benefit claimants with starting a business and becoming self-employed. Filled with passion about aspiration and the power of communication, Bianca Miller gives her perspective as a young entrepreneur.

What’s your definition of success in entrepreneurship?

I think there are lots of elements of success. For me, I love that I get to do something every day that I am passionate about. Some people start a business for the money but I think that’s the wrong place to start. It’s the passion that gets you out of bed every morning and hopefully the money will follow. When I get an email or a letter saying, ‘Bianca, you inspired me’, or ‘My dreams and opportunities have changed because of you’ – that’s when I feel successful.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in running your own business and how did you overcome them?

The first challenge was that I started my business when I was 23; I left employment, I left a stable salary and suddenly had to go into a world that was quite unknown and build up a client base. I don’t know if this is something I took on myself but I thought that because I was young, black and female, those would be obstacles for me when I went to clients – particularly corporate clients. But actually, they very much embraced what I had to offer. That helped me to overcome and to realise that it’s not just about you as a person – it’s about your expertise. How you market yourself and how you network is much more important than your age, your race or your gender. how important is personal branding in the world of business?

I think personal branding is crucial. When I talk about this, I’m talking about how you market yourself: how you dress, how you communicate with someone, how you build up your social media platforms. A lot of organisations look a lot at their company brand but not so much the brands of the individuals that work for them: people buy people.

What most excites you about this opportunity to work with EN campaigns and the NEA? I’m most excited about delivering the workshops and having that time with the people who come on to the scheme. That’s what is sometimes missing in this type of scenario; people don’t always get guidance on how to project who they are and their business opportunities. I’m really happy to bring that; if someone sees me as a role model because of ‘The Apprentice’ then that can only be a good thing.

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NIGERIA EMBRACES DIGITAL MONEY PayPal has revealed that Nigeria has become its second biggest market in Africa, less than one year after formally launching its services there.

Malvina Goldfeld, PayPal’s Head of Business Development, sub-Saharan Africa, recently made the revelation to tech news site IT Web Africa, while expressing satisfaction with PayPal’s overwhelming success in Nigeria since it officially launched in July last year.

South Africa is PayPal’s largest market in the continent, with more than one million active accounts; Nigeria and Kenya follow closely.

Goldfeld said PayPal is meeting the needs of Nigerians that purchase goods and services on foreign platforms.

But PayPal’s relationship with Nigerian users is one-sided. Nigerians are only allowed to send payments abroad through the platform. Users are currently unable to receive money, and even though Nigerian internet users have continuously demanded for this service, PayPal and Goldfeld have been elusive as to if and when this service will be accessible to Nigerians.

NEWSWATCH

NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

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Minister and Dragon launch showcase for ‘outstanding’ black business talents HOW TO NOMINATE

Business Secretary Vince Cable and Dragon’s Den star and serial entrepreneur Piers Linney (pictured) declared nominations open for the prestigious Black British Business Awards 2015 at a reception hosted by BNP Paribas on Thursday March 12.

Endorsed by Prime Minister David Cameron, the BBBAwards launched in 2014 to recognise and celebrate the exceptional performance and outstanding achievements of black entrepreneurs and professionals in Britain.

With global accountancy firm EY as key sponsor for the second year running, this year’s awards will look to further strengthen recognition of the important contribution made by black British business professionals and entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the launch Business Secretary Vince Cable said, “A lot of my work over the last five years has focused on encouraging a different type of business, focused on the long term and responsible corporate behaviour.

“Embracing a more diverse workforce, which recognises the wealth

of talent out there, is a crucial part of that ambition. So it’s great to be celebrating the achievements and the contribution that black and ethnic minority entrepreneurs and business leaders have made.”

Dragon Piers Linney, winner of last year’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, said, “It was a real honour to

win my award last year at the inaugural awards and I wish everyone involved all the best for the second year as they continue to shine a spotlight on the outstanding black entrepreneurs we have in this country.

“I would encourage everyone who runs a business or works for a company to nominate someone.”

This year's BBBAwards will be held at The Hilton Park Lane Hotel, London, on October 20, and will recognise 10 outstanding black business professionals and entrepreneurs in five industry categories: financial Services (includes banks, brokers, payment services, insurance companies, credit cards, funds and regulators) retail and Consumer goods (includes food, beverage, household goods, retail, travel and leisure, cosmetics, personal and luxury goods) Infrastructure and Manufacturing (includes transportation, built environment, power and utilities) Professional Services (includes law, accounting, management consultancy and in-house professionals) Science, technology, Engineering and Mathematics (includes health, industrials, telecoms, pharmaceuticals, transport and energy) the deadline for nominations is Monday May 5. for further information, to see the blue chip panel of judges and submit a nomination visit www.thebbbawards.com

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NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

NEWSWATCH

REGISTER TO VOTE TO FIGHT ‘RACE PENALTY’ Shocking and depressing figures have been released showing that “long-term” unemployment among young people from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds has risen by 50% since the coalition government came to power.

There are now 41,000 16-24year-olds from BAME communities who are long-term unemployed (over one year without work) – a 49% rise from 2010, according to an analysis of official figures by the House of Commons Library.

At the same time, there was a fall of 1% in overall long-term youth unemployment and a 2% fall among young white people.

Simon Woolley from Operation Black Vote said the figures underlined the “race penalty” facing young people from BAME communities.

“It is absolutely critical that political parties have a plan to address this shocking statistic because at the moment it seems as though a generation of young black men – and it is often men and sometimes

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women – are being cast aside to the detriment of us all.”

Speaking to Nigerian Watch he exhorted young people to register to vote to hold politicians to account. “If you

don’t register to vote, you don’t exist. On issues like housing and employment to criminal justice and education, if you don’t vote, you have no voice.”

As research released last year revealed BAME communities could hold the balance of power in 168 constituencies, and Mr Woolley said the more people from BAME backgrounds who register to vote the more politicians will listen to their concerns.

Positive proof of this is that the older population are known to vote in large numbers and as a result MPs seeking election protect pensions and other benefits out of fear of losing their support. “Let them know you exist,” Mr Woolley exhorted.

To make this easier, on Friday (March 13) Operation Black Vote launched the OBV App to allow potential voters to register themselves and family members using a smart phone.

Voter registration for the imminent UK general elections closes on April 20.

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REDEMPTION SONGS WE SHOULD ALL HEAR

COURAGEOUS: Survivors of trafficking performing tracks from their fundraising album Africans Unite Against Child Abuse (AFRUCA), a UK-based charity promoting the rights and welfare of African children, held a fundraising and variety evening called “Let the lyrics Flow...” to showcase its innovative work with young survivors of trafficking in the UK on Saturday March 14.

The evening featured heart-warming and inspirational songs and poetry by the young survivors of trafficking, aged between 19-25. They performed three numbers – Survivor, Love and I am not alone – from their recently released album entitled Survivor.

All the songs featured on the album were written and recorded by the young people and chronicle their life experiences, which include their lows, highs and roads to recovery. It was composed by Magdalene Adenaike of Music Relief – a charity that uses music to repair lives and boost confidence – and produced by Eaaron Quacoe.

There were also guest performances featuring poetry by Theresa Lola and music by Magdalene and Emmanuel Oyefolu. The event at Redmond Community Centre in north London was opened by the Mayor of Islington Theresa Debono and also featured a raffle draw and auction as part of the fundraising drive of the charity.

All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting AFRUCA’s anti-trafficking project that supports African victims of human trafficking in the UK. Email info@afruca.org to purchase a copy of the Survivor CD.

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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 April 6, 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.

There is more to educating children than teachers I recently read an article featuring Ms Nike Akerele De Souza, Director of the Stephen Adams Social Reformation Foundation, (SASRF) with respect to the state of education in Nigeria and their campaign “I stand for Education” (www.istandforeducation.com.

I was quite shocked that this organisation seems to focus ex-

clusively on teacher training and classroom instruction when we know there is more to education than what you have in the classroom – committing facts and figures to memory as provided by the teacher.

In fact George Santayana, the noted Philosopher, said, “A child educated only at school is an uneducated child”; and Al-

bert Einstein, described as the greatest scientist of the 20th century, said, “Education is what you have left when you have forgotten what you learnt at school.”

I would suggest a broader scope for SASRF as far as the campaign for education is concerned. Perhaps the real challenge is to build and improve upon education outside school.

Children learn from their parents, peers, and community involvement through such voluntary organisations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides; by having hobbies and playing with toys and games; and through travel and visiting the theatre, art galleries, concert halls, museums, and so forth.

If we agree that there is a difference between education and training, Nigerian teachers need education, to uplift them and free them from oppression.

As Mrs De Souza rightly revealed, teaching is not an attractive profession and this to my mind is because of the poor conditions of service.

Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth, via email

Vote for a woman to lead the diaspora I am writing to submit my views on the immense benefits of having a woman to lead the Diaspora.

It will also symbolise the commitment to women’s empowerment of the largest di-

aspora community in the UK to have a woman to lead us, particularly as 2015 is the African Union year of women's empowerment.

Let's recognise the contribution of womenfolk in the

Diaspora by electing a woman to lead the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK this year.

Dr Funmilola Omotayo PhD, CPsychol AFBPSs, via email

NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

11

NW CoMMENt Leveraging social empowerment I want to heartily congratulate you on your informative and educative publication. I always look forward to reading your innovative items about Nigeria, the diaspora and the country we reside in, the UK I think this three pronged approach is essential as we all hail from Nigeria, whether UK or Nigeria passport holders we have links either directly through birth/ ancestry/ marriage to the biggest nation in Africa We all have to put hands to the deck to make the country evolve from land of “immense potentials” to land of “fulfilled aspirations”.

Our population is growing astronomically. In 1956, when Queen Elizabeth went to Nigeria, we were 30 million, so even in her own life time we have increased nearly six fold and are predicted to be third largest nation by end of this century.

We need to educate the populace on creating social empowerment, which the internet age has leveraged for all.

If in this day and age political thugs are being employed to cause violence if their party doesn’t win, it just shows how much work we need to do to ensure justice.

Keep up the good work.

Wale Olabowale, via email

W

omen up and down the country and across the African continent have been making their voices heard and causing quite a storm. And rightly so. that half the population of the planet can in large part be marginalised and patronised in the 21st century is unacceptable. As many of us in the diaspora have proved, when we are freed from cultural restraints we can achieve in any activity we choose.

Each and everyone of us has a rich diversity of women who influence us; grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunties, cousins and friends. that influence should not stop at the doorstep, it should be heard across every aspect of society.

I am excited by this edition, not just because I am a women and passionate advocate for women’s human rights, but because I do feel we have made some gains recently. barriers are being broken; it is remarkable that for the first time in history a woman has been made a bishop in the Church of England. however, as we near the first anniversary of the Chibok abduction – with the girls still missing – we know we still have a long way to go in terms of the rights of women and girls.

Without a doubt, whether male or female, we should all make gender our Agenda at all times. hillary Clinton said it best when she said “it is not just morally right, it’s the smart thing to do”.

Maryanne Jemide, Md

12

NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

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NEWSWATCH NIGERIAN ELECTIONS 2015 – MARCH 28

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN Nigeria’s postponed election takes place in 8 days* and the Independent National Electoral Commission says it is ready. AJ James reports At a press conference in Abuja on Monday (March 16) INEC’s Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega said his organisation had done “everything humanly possible” to deliver a free, fair, credible and peaceful vote on March 28.

He also revealed that 67.8 million cards had been produced and distributed to individual states, including to the internally displaced, who would be able to vote near camps in the north.

But he added, “The level of collection nationwide is about 56 million out of these 68.8 million” to date, a staggering 81% of the electorate, up from around two thirds 66.5% before the postponed elections on February 14.

Yet it still means that around 12 million cards are in circulation that people have not gone out and collected.

On the issue of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps, he said that the INEC had made provision for them to vote, but expressed fears that provision had not been made for all of them.

“We have no time or resources to organise elections for all IDPs in Nigeria,” he said, but added, “all IDPs in the three north-east states will be able to vote. We have found suitable locations in and out of IDP camps for easy access and

participation in the elections.”

Professor Jega acknowledged that the election extension had offered INEC more time to prepare for the elections and they put it to good use. The introduction of electronic smart card readers at this election is still mired in controversy, with President’s Jonathan’s PDP party in particular concerned over the use of untested technology.

However, INEC undertook a trial run to test the cards across 12 states on March 7 and declared the exercise a success.

The states involved were Rivers and Delta (South-South), Kano and Kebbi (North-West), Anambra and Ebonyi (South East), Ekiti and Lagos (South West), Bauchi and Taraba (North East), and Niger and Nasarawa (North Central).

The card readers have four main objectives: to stop cards being cloned, bought or sold, and prevent interference by electoral agents at polling stations. The fourth objective is to consolidate demographic data on who voted in the election.

INEC reported that during the trial the smart card readers were 100% successful in identifying genuine cards from cloned ones. The picture wasn’t so rosy when it came to finger print authentication, the belt and braces approach to ensuring the card presented belongs to the voter.

This only worked in 59% of cases.

In response to this INEC, in agreement with all the registered political parties, has announced that “where biometric authentication of a legitimate holder of a genuine PVC becomes challenging, there could be physical authentication of the person and completion of an Incident Form, to allow the person to vote.”

Safeguards against the issue of agents simply making fraudulent returns proved successful.

With the card readers, when a vote is cast details are simultaneously filed to INEC’s central server, “equipping the Commission to be able to audit figures subsequently filed by polling officials at the polling unit and, thereby, be able to determine if fraudulent alterations were made.”

Finally, this central server will allow INEC to capture disaggregated data of accredited voters in male/female and elderly/youth categories so that after this election it will know the actual demographics of who voted and will be a goldmine of information going forward for research and planning purposes.

On Tuesday March 17, Professor Jega and INEC officials attended a meeting with the President and security chiefs to discuss the elections. At the time of going to press no statement had been issued regarding the outcome of the meeting, although Professor Jega told reporters as he left “I believe it went well.”

But as former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson once famously said, “A week is a long time in politics.” * From publication, March 20 The election will be covered by Focus on Africa on BBC World News television (6.30pm Monday to Friday) and across BBC World News, BBC World Service and bbc.com/Africa output

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NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

13

NEWS FROM THE NIGERIA HIGH COMMISSION, LONDON

“Protecting our youth is critical” – Dr Tafida Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR, is to welcome 100 youths at the High Commission to inspire them to resist the lure of a gangsta lifestyle.

He readily agreed to host the event when he met the founders of the charity YACnCAY (Youth Against Crime not Crime Against You), which has for the past five years campaigned vigorously to strengthen the family unit and safeguard against Nigerian youths becoming involved in gangs and gun and knife crime.

The meeting at the High Commission on Tuesday (March 10) had been arranged by Minister Alege, head of consular and welfare at the Mission. Mr Alege introduced the delegation saying, “We’re here to discuss one of the most important issues of humanity, children and youths on our streets.”

Increasingly Nigerian youths are emerging as both the victims and perpetrators of gang activity in London. Mr Alege added that alongside gun and knife crime and gangs children now also faced the

FROM L-R: Charles Uvieghara, Cynthia Tewogbade, Dr Toyin Idowu-Onibokun, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR, Dr Mike Nosa-Ehima and Clement Idowu

threat of radicalisation. “We are now finding ISIS operating on the streets of London. This charity is one of many platforms that hope to address the issue now before it becomes a crisis.”

Bio-medical researcher Dr Toyin Idowu, founder and chairwoman of Youth Against Crime not Crime Against You told of how the charity was formed following the gangland assassination of a family friend; killed on the eve of giving evidence against

known gangsters.

Since then the charity has pursued a programme of outreach work – to pray, inspire, promote and empower young people. Hundreds of young people have benefited from mentoring schemes and visits to parliament and universities to show them that they are accessible and what can be achieved through hard work. Recently YACnCAY held the first of a series of monthly meetings – to be held on the

last Saturday of every month throughout the year – to speak to parents about the warning signs and the role they can play in helping their children keep out of trouble.

Another tremendous triumph for the group is that through the advocacy of Dr Idowu, police in Southwark, Westminster and Haringey are now piloting a proven gang busting strategy that has worked in urban hot spots around the globe, halving gang violence and related crimes.

Dr Tafida told the delegation, “What you do is what is grossly lacking here; parental and social guidance. The government here, despite their power and resources, are grossly failing in this regard.

“Protecting our youth is critical, we all start from there. When we grow up the correct way we continue to be that way for the rest of our lives, contributing to our society. Sadly today people frequently don’t get involved with their children’s upbringing and it is wishy washy. If well brought up you know that you must earn a living and respect others.”

He condemned the notion of

“people trooping to the Middle East and to the side of ISIS to join the illegal and senseless killing of people”.

“The good book does not preach violence,” he said. “As a medical doctor I’ve seen people dying. Going to kill is ridiculous. These people have no place on this earth.

“We have Boko Haram. They kill both Muslims and Christians, attack churches and Mosques, so you wonder for what and for whom they are fighting.”

Aside from pledging to host the youths Dr Tafida said the Mission would do all it could to support the charity’s fundraising efforts and would attend its fifth anniversary celebration in September.

Giving the vote of thanks, Clement Idowu, said, “Thankyou for this great opportunity. We look forward to bringing young Nigerian people here to learn and be connected to their own culture, to build a real foundation for themselves and hopefully build a real connection with their heritage that will keep them away from gun and knife crime and the other dangers that threaten them on our streets.”

14

NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

“2015, the year of women’s empowerment, should be seized as an opportunity to focus on the implementation of practical solutions that will provide measurable results for women’s empowerment” dr thelma Awori, Member of the Executive Board Femmes Africa Solidarite

Follow us on Twitter @NigerianWatch

WOMEN’SWATCH “Without peace, we cannot start talking about child education, we cannot start talking to women about business”

“We need to think out of the box, we need to innovate, to build solidarity chains among women, reach out to traditional leaders, religious leaders, involve our men and educate our boys.” bineta diop,

“Wars are planned by the wise, fought by fools and the spoils enjoyed by the ignorant.”

rita lopidia, EVE Executive Director for Women’s Development, South Sudan

AU Special Envoy for women’s empowerment

leymah gbowee, Nobel Peace Laureate

THE IRRESISTIBLE FORCE

Beyonce/Instagram.com

thE AfrICAN uNIoN hAS dEClArEd 2015 thE yEAr of WoMEN EMPoWErMENt ANd dEVEloPMENt. MEEtINg IN NEW yorK, thE uN hAS dEClArEd WoMEN MuSt bE At thE tAblE to WrItE thE NEW dEVEloPMENt goAlS. ANd thE World'S lEAdINg fEMAlE ENtErtAINErS hAVE dEClArEd “PoVErty IS SExISt”. AJ JAMES rouNdS uP thE flurry of ACtIVIty ArouNd INtErNAtIoNAl WoMEN’S dAy thAt AIMS to dElIVEr EquAlIty ACroSS thE CoNtINENt by 2030.

– this page: the African union and gender is My Agenda – P17: uN Women Executive director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka & Women’s Empowerment Principles – P18: Poverty is Sexist & Emeka Asinugo looks at women and the church, symbolic of cultural barriers facing women in Africa

AFRICAN UNION 2015 is the year that we need a little less conversation and more action please, says the AU’s special envoy for women he women of Africa are on the march, leading the charge for peace and reconciliation and sustainable development. All across the continent they are speaking out and with one voice demanding change.

T

In refugee camps in southern Sudan the women of the “rival” Dinka and Nuer tribes are talking reconciliation. In the Central African Republic Muslim and Christian women are talking, “the driving force for reconciliation”. In Somalia Al Shabab is being driven back and women are taking the leading role in rebuilding the nation.

These are the positive grassroots stories that are rarely told about the impact African women are having across the continent, symbolic of the wider struggle to be heard on the global stage. Even when they are told, few are there to hear.

On the day that 1500 people applied for 200 tickets to hear Nigeria’s Presidential candidate General Muhammadu Buhari speak at Chatham House – and hundreds of Nigerians gathered outside to express their political allegiance – barely 30 people attended the briefing that followed from Madame Bineta Diop, the Africa Union’s Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security.

2015 is the 20th anniversary of the historic Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing where 189 world leaders committed their countries to an extraordinary Platform for Action and set of principles “to advance the goals of equality, development and peace for all women everywhere in the interest of all humanity”; and 15 years since the UN adopted Resolution 1325, known as the “three Ps”, recognising the right of women to “participate” in peace and reconciliation talks, their unique role in “prevention” of conflict arising, and the right to “protection” when it does.

Ms Diop declared this a landmark resolution as “for the first time the UN security council see it’s not just talking

FROM L-R: Madame Bineta Diop with

about women as victims of war but recognises the positive role of women in prevention and protection, and participation at the table, making sure that we get agreements for peace.”

She continued, “In Africa we took 1325 as a serious framework that can make a difference.”

The following year, 2001, it seemed like a tipping point in favour of women had been reached. That year one of the five of the UN Human Rights prizes – awarded every five years for outstanding promotion and protection of civil liberties and

“What accountability for an agreement can we have if half the population is not there?” fundamental freedoms – was presented to the Mano River Women’s Peace Network in three West African countries.

The Mano River Women’s Peace Network was a collective of women’s organizations in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, who came together to prevent conflict and build peace. It helped bring the Heads of State of the three countries back to the negotiating table in 2001 and was a signatory to the Liberian peace talks in August 2003.

“This was the first time in the history of the world that women said we need to be there to be observers and to sign for

accountability the peace accord,” Ms Diop noted.

During the same period women forced their way to the table at the Barundi peace talks, convened by Nelson Mandela in 2000 to end the country’s civil war.

“The women came and started knocking the door,” Ms Diop explained. “But they were sent out. They would not take no for an answer and asked why is it that only those who hold the guns can be at the table?

With Mandela, the women were able to push and enter the talks and push the agreement.”

B

ut the tipping point didn’t materialise. Rather than being a launch-pad from which to embed women in every stage of solving conflict and delivering a roadmap to peace, reconciliation and sustainable development the international community failed to build on these momentous events.

This hasn’t, however, stopped the forward momentum. Ms Diop highlighted the role of women in safeguarding peace in her own country Senegal during the 2012 elections.

“Senegal was in crisis,” explained Ms Diop. “Women took on their citizenship role and created a situation room, where they were analysing the situation and mobilising women to be the guardian of the peace that we cherished so much.”

The movement is an irresistible force, and it is beyond belief that half the population of Africa remain gagged. It is particularly important this year as the international community are negotiating the Sustainable Development Goals – to replace the Millennium Development

“If we can connect our sisters to one another and share information women will become more informed, better educated about the issues, better organised and we can make things happen so much faster.” Neem Namadamu, Founder and President Synergy of Congolese Women’s Associations

Goals – that will set the roadmap for development on the continent for the next 50 years. Can we leave that to the male population alone? Of course not.

“The role of women in our society and in our communities give unique positions for their contribution to be valuable in the process,” said Ms Diop. “And yet they are not being given access.

“Fifty percent of the population; their voices, faces and agenda are missing. What kind of peace, durable peace, sustainable peace, sustainable development can we achieve if the majority of the population is not there? What kind of accountability for an agreement that doesn’t include the women?”

It is for this reason the African Union has declared 2015 the Year of Women's Empowerment and Development towards Africa's Agenda 2063. The AU is leading by example, as Ms Diop explained.

“We have principle of parity at AU level; we have five women and five men commissioners, that’s reality. The EU does

WOMEN’SWATCH

“Our girls belong to school, must stay in school, be protected against child marriages, teenage pregnancy, violence and kidnapping.” h.E dr. Nkosazana dlamini-Zuma,

“Energy is critical.

Without it, maternal helath and education goals cannot be achieved.” dr Sipho Moyo, Executive Director ONE Africa

Chairperson of the African Union Commission

not have the parity principle. We have it in Africa and we can see the trickle down effect in terms of countries like Rwanda and Senegal, where women make up more than 30% of the parliament.

“When it comes to women in political leadership women have been fighting. In Liberia the president is a woman (Ellen Johnson Sirleaf) and Malawi (Joyce Banda), in other places we have women vice presidents; so through the political leadership of women we have a place at the table and it is becoming more evident that we have a right to a place at the table.”

And yet there still remains a mountain to climb to turn words into action.

Ms Diop concluded, “Despite all this gain I think that many resolutions and statements are not implemented, not just on the continent but globally. There is a lot of commitment but when it comes to action and solution we need to do more. That’s what the movement is saying less commitment, more solution and more action.”

NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

15

“A woman’s access to financing is access to dignity, security for a family and for a generation.” geraldine fraserMoleketi, Special Envoy on Gender, African Development Bank

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN Gender Is My Agenda In 2004, the African union (Au) adopted the Solemn declaration on gender Equality in Africa (SdgEA). one year after the adoption of the SdgEA the African women’s movement created the campaign “gender is my agenda” (gIMAC) to collectively advocate for the implementation of the SdgEA by the heads of State, and inform and mobilise civil society around the SdgEA. the group’s policy paper was adopted as the official communique on women’s empowerment at the 24th summit of the African heads of State meeting toward the end of January. the Communiqué identifies

critical issues for action, such as the need to: acknowledge risks which endanger progress especially for women such as Ebola and terrorism; change mindsets and see culture as a driving force for change rather than as a constraint to women’s rights and empowerment; establish monitoring systems with gender-sensitive indicators; enhance efforts by Member States to implement commitments of the Maputo Protocol related to women’s reproductive health and rights; ensure women’s participation at all stages of value chains; and establish a Special fund for Women in collaboration with the African develop-

ment bank and the private sector. on this latter point ministerial talks with the African development bank have already started; one of the key issues for women on the continent being their role as primary farm labourers with rights to own land. gIMAC wants to hear from organisations interested in contributing to the advancement of the African women’s agenda. for more information on this and details of the Au communique visit www.genderismyagenda.com ; www.au.int ; www.unwomen.org

Femmes Africa Solidarité

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NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

WOMEN’SWATCH

17

UNITED NATIONS

WHY SHOULD WE WAIT? WE WANT EQUALITY BY 2030 Phumzile MlamboNgcuka stresses the need to frontload actions for substantial change to deliver equality

I

f we look at the headlines or the latest horrifying YouTube clip, it may seem a bad time to celebrate equality for women. But alongside the stories of extraordinary atrocity and everyday violence lies another reality, one where more girls are in school and more are earning qualifications than ever before; where maternal mortality is at an all-time low; where more women are in leadership positions, and where women are increasingly standing up, speaking out and demanding action.

Twenty years ago this September, thousands of delegates left the historic Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing on a high. The overwhelming feeling was that women had won a great victory. We had indeed – 189 world leaders had committed their countries to an ex-

traordinary Platform for Action, with ambitious but realistic promises in key areas and a roadmap for getting there.

If countries had lived up to all those promises, we would be seeing a lot more progress in equality today than the modest gains in some areas we are currently celebrating. We would be talking about equality for women across the board – and we might be talking about a saner, more evenly prosperous, more sustainably peaceful world.

Looking today at the slow and patchy progress towards equality, it seems that we were madly ambitious to expect to wipe out in 20 years a

BUSINESS

World leaders and business chiefs unite in the “smart” fight for gender equality

O

gap between girls’ and boys’ attainments.

More women are working: Twenty years ago, 40 per cent of women were in waged and salaried employment. Today that proportion has grown to some 50 per cent. But at this rate, it would take more than 80 years to achieve gender parity in employment, and more than 75 years to reach equal pay.

This year marks a great opportunity for the world’s leaders, and a great challenge. When they meet at the United Nations in New York in

der equality gaps that we know still persist.

We must have an end point in sight. Our aim is substantial action now, urgently frontloaded for the first five years, and equality before 2030. There is an urgent need to change the current trajectories. The poor representation of women in political and economic decision-making poses a threat to women’s empowerment and gender equality that men can and must be part of addressing.

If the world’s leaders join the world’s women this September; if they genuinely step up their action for equality, building on the foundation laid in the last 20 years; if they can make the necessary investments, build partnerships with business and civil society, and hold themselves accountable for results, it could be sooner.

Women will get to equality in the end. The only question is, why should we wait? So we’re celebrating today, International Women’s Day; confident in the expectation that we will have still more to celebrate next year, and the years to come.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is the UN’s Women Executive Director

“What sort of world condemns half its population to second class status?”

September, they will have the opportunity to revisit and re-commit to the goals of Beijing.

Today, we call on those leaders to join women in a great partnership for human rights, peace and development. We call on them to show an example in their own lives of how equality benefits everyone: man, woman and child. And we call on them to lead and invest in change at a national level to address the gen-

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN Women’s Empowerment Principles

The greatest human rights issue of our time n so many levels the 59th Commission on the Status of Women was unprecedented.

Unprecedented because this was the first time the Women’s Empowerment Principles campaign was recognised as an “official” event by the UN. Unprecedented for the number of business leaders, UN member states and civil society organisations that attended.

Unprecedented because the over 300 participants concluded the annual meeting by making an historic call to companies and governments everywhere to scale up efforts to achieve gender equality, advance economic prosperity and realise the Sustainable Development Goals.

Entitled Unlimited Potential: Business Partners for Gender Equality, the WEPs advocate the business case for women to be strategic partners for gender equality and sustainable development (see box above). Among a glittering array of speakers, perhaps the most significant was Hillary Clinton, hotly tipped to become the first woman US President.

“Women and men who understand that

regime of gender inequality and outright oppression that had lasted in some cases for thousands of years.

Then again – was it really so much to ask? What sort of world is it that condemns half its population to second-class status at best and outright slavery at worst? How much would it really cost to unlock the potential of the world’s women? And how much could have been gained! If world leaders really saw the Beijing Platform for Action as an investment in their countries’ future, why didn’t they follow through?

Some women are taking a seat at the top table.

There were 12 female Heads of State or Government in 1990, and 19 in 2015. But the rest are men. Eight out of every 10 parliamentarians worldwide are still men.

Maternal mortality has fallen by 45 per cent; but the goal for 2015 was 75 per cent. There are still 140 million women with no access to modern family planning: the goal for 2015 was universal coverage.

More girls are starting school and more are completing their education; countries have largely closed the “gender gap” in primary education.

Many more girls are entering secondary school too, but there is a wide

the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) – a partnership initiative of the uN global Compact and uN Women – provide seven Principles for the private sector to empower women in the workplace, market-place and community. launched in 2010 with 40 Chief Executive officer (CEo) signatories, support from top business leaders

gender equality is not just morally right, but is the smart thing to do are growing in number,” Mrs Clinton told the meeting. “What we are doing here today is smart for companies and countries.

That is the wisdom behind the Women’s Empowerment Principles.

“The progress of the past 20 years was not an accident. It took commitment, it took accountability, it took unity, it took a lot of hard work. I’m excited where we are and particularly that we have brought in so many businesses that understand the role that they can play…let’s keep working until we can finally say that the unfinished business of the 21st century is done.”

In his opening remarks, UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon said, “Now it is clear that achieving gender equality will require the concerted efforts of all.

“The Women’s Empowerment Principles provide a roadmap for businesses to play their role in respecting and supporting women’s rights,” he said. “Removing the barriers that keep women and girls on the margins of economic, social, cultural and political life must be a top priority

around the globe for the WEP now exceeds 900 CEos and continues to grow.

At the uN meeting the group’s call to action was both unanimously acclaimed and endorsed by the participants. It included calls for all stakeholders, including business, to be strategic partners for gender equality by: – implementing

commitments to end violence against women and girls; – unleashing the benefits of women’s economic empowerment through government actions to end gender discrimination, invest in women’s health, education and entrepreneurship; – encouraging and supporting men to ‘lead by example,’ and to take

for us all – businesses, governments, the UN and civil society.”

That the WEP meeting was an “official” part of the 59th Commission on the Status of Women was especially significant as the summit was reviewing what had been achieved since the Beijing Platform for Action was adopted 20 years ago. Then the business community was just beginning to understand the importance of including women at all levels and eliminating gender discrimination.

“This is the moment for the private sector to take its place as a key partner in the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women, and to make a transformative difference.

If the status quo continues, nothing changes. I call for active and energetic implementation of the Women’s Empowerment Principles, working with Governments, the UN and all other partners,” said UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Speakers included Karin Finkelston, World Bank Group; Maurice Sehnaoui, Chairman, BLC Bank of Lebanon; and Joseph Keefe,

responsibility to help drive change; – and to draw on the WEPs roadmap to inform gender equality policies and programmes in business, government and civil society organizations. to join the Women’s Empowerment Principles campaign and find out more about their activities, visit www.weprinciples.org

President and Chief Executive Office of Pax World Fund and Chair of the WEPs Leadership Group.

Participants underscored the need to scale up investment in women and girls, ensuring equal access to public services, healthcare, education, jobs, finance and justice. Citing new and extensive research-based findings, speakers pointed to the high rate of return of investing in women for both governments and businesses.

Joseph Keefe said, “Gender equality is not only the greatest human rights issue of our time, but the business community and society at large are beginning to understand that it is also the greatest economic challenge of our time.”

Georg Kell, UN Global Compact Executive Director said, “The business case for gender equality grows stronger and stronger – it connects our efforts across all sectors.

“For communities, the environment and economies to thrive, the UN and Governments, business and civil society must take action on these issues with the same energy and urgency made famous at Beijing in 1995.”

18

NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

WOMEN’SWATCH

CULTURE

It is the Holy Spirit that directs The Anglican Mission in Africa needs to rethink its opposition to the elevation of women, says Emeka Asinugo The struggle to get women consecrated as Bishops in the Anglican Church of England came to a close this week as the nation had her first woman Bishop Elizabeth Jane Holden Lane consecrated by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

Elizabeth was born in 1966 as Elizabeth Jane Holden in Wycombe, a rural district in Buckinghamshire, England. She grew up in Glossop, Derbyshire.

Elizabeth Jane was educated at Manchester High School for Girls. She then studied at St Peter’s College, Oxford, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. After that, she proceeded to do a Master of Arts (MA) degree at the same university.

She later studied for her Ordination at Cranmer Hall of Durham University.

In 1990, Elizabeth married George Lane, who is also an Anglican priest and currently the Co-ordinating Chaplain at Manchester Airport. They were among the first married couples to be ordained at the same time in the Church of England. They have two children.

Elizabeth was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1993 and as a priest in 1994. She served as a Curate at St James’ Church, Blackburn.

For the next 14 years, from 2000 to 2014, she served in the Diocese of Chester. She was Vicar of the combined Benefices of St Peter’s Hale and St Elizabeth’s Ashley from 2007.

She also served as the Dean of Women in Ministry in the Diocese of Chester from 2010, in addition to being a Vicar.

In 2013, Elizabeth was elected one of eight Participant Observers of the House of Bishops. She represented the North West of England.

Observers are senior female priests who are elected to attend and participate in meetings of the House of Bishops until six female bishops have been added to the House.

She attended her first meeting in December 2013. On December 17, 2014, it was announced that Elizabeth

was to become the Bishop of Stockport. She was appointed a suffragan Bishop in the Diocese of Chester. A suffragan Bishop is a Bishop who is subordinate to a Metropolitan or Diocesan Bishop.

Such Bishops can be assigned to an area which does not have a Cathedral of its own.

Curiously, Elizabeth was consecrated at York Minster on Monday, 26 January 2015 by Dr. John Sentamu, Archbishop of York.

When the Archbishop asked the congregation if Elizabeth should be consecrated as a Bishop, the service was briefly interrupted by a priest, Paul Williamson, who shouted: “It’s not in the Bible” and called the consecration an “absolute impediment”.

Archbishop Sentamu carefully explained the legality of the act and asked a second time. There was no opposition this time. And so, Elizabeth Lane became the first woman to be

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JOIN THE CAMPAIGN Poverty is Sexist More than 30 influential female celebrities, politicians, executives and activists have signed an open letter by the charity oNE to raise awareness for women's rights around the world.

Powerful women like beyoncé (right), lady gaga, Meryl Streep, Angelique Kidjo and facebook CEo Sheryl Sandberg have given their support to the letter, which says that “women get a raw deal” and “poverty is sexist.” the letter reads, “for the girl who can’t go to a decent primary or secondary school or access healthcare, or who is forced to marry while still a child; for the mothers threatened with death when they give life and who aren't allowed to decide when to

consecrated as a Bishop of the Church of England, after its General Synod voted in July 2014 to allow women to become Bishops.

Many people from all over the world have congratulated Mrs Lane on her appointment. The British Prime Minister, David Cameron, called her appointment “historic” and said it is “an important step forward for the Church towards greater equality in its senior positions.”

History is made by people. But the struggle does not end here. The Anglican Communion in many African countries has continued to bluntly refuse the recognition of women priests. The argument is that the men are not opposed to the idea, the women are.

The women claim they are satisfied with the non-ordained Ministry they run and would not want to interfere with their men folks in the ordained Ministry. The women have, and manage schools, motherless babies’ homes, orphanages, skill acquisition centres and so on. They are satisfied with their contribution towards the stability of their society and would not like to “compete” with their men folk in the ordained Ministry.

“It would be a travesty of justice to deny women that full participation” But an investigation carried out by this writer showed that it is the bishops’ wives who are influencing their husbands. They are at the head of the Women’s Ministry and are afraid that ordained women priests would endanger their positions and take away the glow from them. So, they instigate their husbands to refuse the recognition of ordained female priests.

It may be argued that the Anglican Communion in African countries like Nigeria are not yet ripe to embrace

have their next child; for the women who can't own or inherit the land she farms, nor open a bank account, own a phone, access electricity or the legal system; for the infant girl who doesn’t legally exist because her birth wasn’t registered and the government hasn't the capacity to collect data on her or her village; for the women and girls who can’t take those who are violent towards them to court nor access justice – let’s make sure they all count.” the charity want 200,000 people to sign the letter to be delivered to the g7 meeting in June, when german chancellor Angela Merkel will hold the presidency. to find out more and sign the petition, visit www.one.org

women ordination. But the question is: why?

In the life time of Jesus, he never considered the need to bring women forward as his disciples. His 12 disciples were all men from different backgrounds. Not one single woman was named as a direct disciple of the Master. Jesus was contented at the time to allow them do the jobs supposedly meant for the women. They kept the houses, washed the men’s clothing, cooked their food and even kept their purses. But it did not go farther than that. They did not preach the Word.

They were not allowed to.

But when Jesus resurrected from the Dead, before he ascended to be with His Father, it was the women He first revealed himself to. We should be asking: why?

There must have been a reason why Jesus did not choose to first reveal himself to any of the 12 men who had stood by him all his life. What was the reason? We may not know. But what we do know is that he revealed Himself (His renewed Self) first to a trusted female follower, Mary.

In all probability, this could have meant that women were the first to be called into witness about the risen Christ. Centuries afterwards, it would be a travesty of justice to deny women that full participation in the process of knowing Christ.

If the Anglican Communion in any part of the world denies the need for women to preach the Good News, I would imagine we need a rethink.

Africans are known to be intelligent people, who take their religion seriously. They should prove this, as some other nationalities have, across the globe.

Our Bishops’ wives should not be afraid that their ordained counterparts will take the glow from them. As Christians, we can do nothing by ourselves. It is the Holy Spirit that directs.

Emeka Asinugo KSC is a Londonbased journalist and social commentator

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NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

EDUCATIONWATCH

19

How private tuition is making a difference in more ways than you would think “My son’s school teacher said to me, ‘Whatever you are doing at home, keep doing it!’” (Efunike Animashawun, London Parent, 2014).

More and more parents are seeing the benefit of private tuition, not just in helping their children to pass exams, but also as an aid to their allround growth and the huge boost it can give to their child’s confidence and motivation. In many ways, the figures speak for themselves as now one in four London parents hire private tutors, according to the Sutton Trust.

One of London’s fastest growing tuition companies – Minerva Tutors – is helping to transform the traditional perception of private tuition as merely a part time job. Minerva recruits tutors that are committed to tutoring for the long-term and the responsibility they have to their tutees.

They have replaced the standard model of having hundreds of tutors on the books with a small team of expert tutors working many hours a

week. “Being a full time tutor means I feel rewarded and valued at least 10 times a week by my pupils. I can't think of many graduate jobs that give you that sort of satisfaction!” says Anthony, one of Minerva’s latest recruits, a Cambridge graduate and a passionate physicist.

Writing detailed reports is another area that Minerva Tutors thinks should be taken more seriously. “We consider pupil reports vital in helping us to track the progress of every child. Schools do it so why shouldn’t we?” says Hugh Viney, director of Minerva Tutors. “Which is why we are very strict on our reporting system that tracks the motivation, confidence, ability and improvement of each pupil. We can accurately monitor the child’s progress over long periods and provide detailed analysis for the parents.” Hugh takes the time each week to read the reports for every one of his tutors’ lessons and forwards them to parents with his own additional comments.

“My 16 year old son had a nasty

surprise when he sat his mock GCSEs this year. We decided to get him some extra help from Minerva Tutors and as a parent I find their weekly updates and reports incredibly reassuring.” – Claire Donald, North London Parent.

Nasty surprises from mocks exam results can be frequent this time of year, and with summer exams fast

approaching this is a busy time for Minerva Tutors. At Easter they provide bespoke 1-on-1 revision courses in all areas of the 13+, GCSE, A Level and International Baccalaureate. These are a fantastic alternative to crammer courses, providing essential revision before exams and offering one on one attention from a highly-trained multiple subject tutor.

In three weeks you can cover all the required revision for the summer’s exams and they also run group revision classes during the Easter holidays at their beautiful study centre near Battersea Park.

There is much to be done to help shrink the inequality gap in the tuition world. That is why in 2014 Hugh set up the Minerva Trust. The Trust, funded by the profits of Minerva Tutors, pays tutors (ensuring quality) to provide free tuition to pupils in desperate situations.

Since November 2014 the Trust has been tutoring newly arrived immigrant teenagers in Brixton (many from Nigeria) in English and maths to get them up to a level where the local school will take them on. The nice symmetry to all this is that these girls are being helped to get into a normal school; and its all paid for by clients of Minerva Tutors that want help getting their children into Britain’s top private schools. More social enterprise models like this should exist in education.

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20

NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

The Fortnight

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LEISUREWATCH NOW BOOKING: GINA YASHERE AND FRIENDS

Her biggest show to date, Laugh Riot promises to explore it all! One of the UK’s funniest females, Gina Yashere, returns to her home country from across the pond. Gina, as always, has plenty of stories to tell in a way that only Gina can tell them!

11 Apr, 7:00pm. TIckets from £18. O2 Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road, Brixton SW9. www.o2academybrixton.co.uk

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

Human Rights Watch Film Festival Nearly every film in the Human Rights Watch festival celebrates the power of individuals and communities to challenge and interrupt the status quo, whether societal taboos or family truths. Particularly heartening is how young people from all around the world are demanding change through the democratic process or, on a more personal level, by knowing and challenging difficult family truths and taboos.

Highlights include;.

Beats of the Antonov

DEMOCRATS + Q&A with filmmaker

Exclusive access to the inner circles of politics in Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. Democrats follows two political opponents, Mangwana, of the long-time ruling party ZANU-PF, and the Movement for Democratic Change’s progressive Mwonzora, as they face the gargantuan task of writing a new constitution for the country.

18 - 27 Mar. Various times and venues. Tickets from £5.

Check website for details of screenings and the rest of the programme. http://ff.hrw.org/london

Over two years, Sudanese filmmaker Hajooj Kuka lived with farmers, herders and rebels displaced to the Blue Nile and Nuba Mountain regions, filming their lives within hillside hide-outs and refugee camps.

Destructive air-raids are but occasional moments in an unexpected film, which instead focuses on the vibrant musical heritage of the region.

thEAtrE

Play Mas Play Mas is 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 po-

boi boi is dead Afro-jazz legend, father, lover, playboy, husband, rule-breaker, enigmatic force of nature… boi boi is dead. but not forgotten. left alone to rebuild her life, Miriam’s heartache is interrupted when boi boi’s reckless ex-wife Stella and traditionalistic brother show up to stake their claim on his name, on his property and to revel in the glory of his fame. determined to keep her family together, Miriam’s life is thrown into turmoil when Stella discovers the secret she shared only with boi boi. With a new found power, will the beguiling Stella be triumphant in the face of boi boi’s death?

18 – 28 Mar, 7:30pm and 2:30pm performances. From £5 Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

litical landscape of the future of this vibrant, volatile island.

11 Mar - 11 Apr, 7.30pm, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm. From £10 Orange Tree Theatre, 1 Clarence Street, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 www.orangetreetheatre.co.uk

The Royale

PoEtry

Shot From The Lip Shot From The Lip brings together young poets from across the UK for a slam spectacular.

Celebrating the power of the pen and voice, ensemble spoken word and choral performance is showcased alongside celebrated poets and spoken-word artists.

3 Apr, 6:00pm - 8:30pm. FREE The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk dANCE

Club Cultures Jay ‘The Sport’ Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905 and, in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out.

Told in six rounds and set in a boxing ring, The Royale is inspired by the often overlooked story of Jack Johnson, a boxer who – at the height of the Jim Crow era – became the most famous and the most notorious black man on Earth.

13 Mar - 18 Apr 2015. From £15 Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, W12 www.bushtheatre.co.uk

The Theatre Royal Stratford East will be transformed into a pulsating nightclub for an immersive dance theatre event, celebrating how clubbing has influenced our lives and culture, and bred new forms of dance throughout the years.

Including; Uchenna Dance’s signatory blend of

House, Vogue and Waacking, combined with African and Contemporary dance.

27 Mar, 7.30pm & 28 Mar 6.00pm & 8.30pm. From £15 Theatre Royal Stratford East, Theatre Square, E15. www.stratfordeast.com/east-londondance ChIldrEN

A Very Good Friday Chorus festival Friday is a rousing showcase of young voices in song. Fronted by singer and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson, hear the 300 voices of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain accompanied by singers

from other choirs including The David Idowu Choir.

Founded in memory of David who lost his life to knife crime in 2008. The choir brings together singers from different schools across Southwark.

David was targeted because of attending a different school to his attackers.

3 April 2015, 5:00pm - 6:00pm.

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

Laugh With Vicky comedy night Hosted by Joe Bor Funmbi Omotayo (Tramadol Nights) along with Ivo Graham (XFM) and Nick Doody (8 Out of 10 Cats).

19 Mar, 8pm. Tickets From £8 Victoria Stakes, 1 Muswell Hill, N10 www.victoriastakes.com

The Black History of Comedy Comedians often use history as part of their material.

Placing comical ob-

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servations on a historical timeline of the international struggle for African equality, comedy can be educational.

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Most of these leading pay-TV networks in Africa made their first European or international foray with the launch of their flagship TV channels on TalkTalk in the United Kingdom.

Nollywood Movies Alfred E. Soroh – Executive Director of Nollywood Movies “We are pleased to be part of the African Bouquet (African TV Boost) on the TalkTalk platform, we believe viewers will be spoilt for choice with quality programming from all the channels.”

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Psk Trio Pascal, Souza and Kacomanolis’ Africa Railway project is the new live project of Carmen Souza and Theo Pascal together with Mozambican percussionist and drummer Elias Kacomanolis.

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Tony Dudu & The Gumbe Jazz

dance Afrique featuring headliners PSquare and flavour from Nigeria, and Shatta Wale from ghana, with bbC 1 xtra Afrobeats’ anchorman dJ Edu and Capital 1 xtra superstar Abrantee on the wheels of steel. Add in Eddie Kadi as host with his marvellous stand up routines, dance Afrique promises to be a celebration of the rich diversity of African culture. As one of the fastest-growing intercontinental African concerts globally, it is hoped that this is the first of many.

28 Mar, 7:30pm. Tickets from £24.

SSE Wembley Arena, Arena Square, Engineers Way, HA9. www.danceafrique.com

BEST From AFRICA – Ethiopia Calling!

Tony Dudu is an established musician appearing on over 100 records with different artists from diverse parts of Africa. Now he brings us the emerging palop sound with his band Gumbe Jazz – a fine blend of talented musicians.

He’s going to get you up on your dancing feet!

29 Mar, 8:00pm. Advance Tickets £7 Open The Gate, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 http://openthegate.org.uk

African music and dance including Krar Collective, with a colourful feast of mindblowing Ethiopian grooves, and DJ Chief Commander Yaaba playing Hi-life, Afrobeat, Afro funk, Latin grooves, Broken-beat, Reggae, Soul n Funk 4 Apr, 8:00pm. Advance Tickets £10 Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 www.richmix.org.uk

Funmi Olawumi live at Union Chapel

FUSE ODG Viral dance move purveyor 'Azonto all on da floor', Fuse ODG combines Afro-beat sounds with melodic rap and hip-hop.

3 Apr, 6:00pm. Tickets £15 Please note this is an early show, the headliner will be on at 8pm.

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Nigerian singer Funmi Olawumi, the leader and founder of the Yoruba Women Choir, performs an

hailing from Nigeria, now living and working in hamburg. Nneka has earned acclaim at home and abroad for her soulful mixture of hip hop and r&b. hear her latest songs from her upcoming album 'My fairy tales' which finds the singer confidently entering fresh areas, and taking fresh choices, with her current single 'My love, My love' utilising a lilting reggae backbeat as the spine of her song.

Tuesday, 7 April 2015 - 7:30pm.

Tickets £18 Village Underground, 54 Holywell Lane, Shoreditch EC2A www.villageunderground.co.uk

intimate show with her 9piece band as she premiers songs from her soon to be released Yoruba Soul album, which brings together all the glories of Nigerian rhythms – afrobeat, hi-life, juju and fuji – into one infectious Naija sound.

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Bukedde: Ugandan 24 hour general entertainment channel, broadcasting news, soaps and local information in English and Luganda.

10 Apr, 7:00pm. Tickets £20 Union Chapel, Compton Avenue, Islington N1 www.unionchapel.org.uk

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NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

SPORTWATCH

EKUNDAYO-’O’

TRAVEL

Continued from page 24 After the fight Larry told Nigerian Watch, “It was a tough fight but thanks to the support from both Britain and Nigeria I was able to show my skills and KO him in the 5th! I’m looking forward to fighting again soon and giving my fans something to cheer about and make them proud of me.”

The chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians Bimbo Roberts, who has become a special adviser to the Ekundayo camp, said he had made his compatriots proud already. “Larry has made the whole of Nigeria proud with this victory.

Not only was it a great win, which has pushed him up the rankings.

With the correct support we can give the people of Nigeria a lot more to cheer about.”

By which he meant the British Title, which would put him in contention for the world title which he so craves. “This win has made the boxing industry sit up and take

23

notice,” said Ben Gray, Larry’s manager. “It was a spectacular knock out of an opponent who had never been on the floor before and shows Larry carries power in both hands.

This boy is going to be a champion and we want the whole of Nigeria to support him on his journey over the coming months.”

As a result of this fight Larry has already jumped several place in the rankings and has been thrust into the limelight, with his fight being shown in Nigeria on NTA and interviews with the BBC, AriseTV and BenTV. In the UK highlights of his fight will be shown on the country’s flagship boxing program, Ringside, on SkySports.

Next stop for Arik-sponsored Larry is the USA, to train along some of the best boxers in the world in preparation for his next fight.

It is also possible that Larry will fight in Nigeria at some point in 2015 if the right support can be put in place from the Government so that Nigerian fans can see their hero up close.

LARRY DELIVERS A MASTERCLASS BUSINESS

A BLOW BY BLOW ACCOUNT FROM RINGSIDE BY MICHAEL TUBES The 14th of March was the date, the iconic York Hall in East London was the venue and the highly rated Dale Evans was the opposition. The prize, a shot at the British welterweight title. With both fighters in with a chance of challenging for higher honours, the importance of a win here could not be overstated.

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Swathed in the green and white colours of Nigeria, you could still have mistakenly thought Larry was the British fighter with the amount of Ekundayo T-shirt wearing fans in the arena – and more importantly the ovation he received from fight fans as he entered the arena.

Coming out under a beaming spotlight amid plumes of dry ice to the pounding beat of Kanye West’s Jesus Walks, Larry had the look of a man who meant business.

While the bout was announced and instructions handed out to the fighters by the referee, the tension and excitement grew for this eagerly anticipated showdown which had been billed as the fight for Ultimate Glory.

On the bell for the first round, Larry burst out of the blocks with confident jabs, putting a stamp on the fight early and setting a tone for the match with Evans instantly finding it hard to hit his ever elusive target.

Rounds one and two clearly went to Larry as he displayed his superior boxing abilities, with a dizzying array of pointsscoring jabs and rapid ring movement.

With every passing minute of action the chants of ‘’Larry Larry, Larry’’ grew louder as he imposed himself on the fight.

In the third round Evans sought to turn the tide and came out on the front foot, seeking to pin Larry on the ropes. The change in tactics scored him some success, and he twice caught Larry.

While his seeming resurgence hushed Larry’s fans momentarily the boxer himself looked unfazed and responded with some crunching body shots. But it was marginally Evans’ round.

During the break after the third round, one-time challenger for the world light welterweight crown Ajose Olusegun was seen in Larry’s corner, offering advice.

He and the coaches were clearly telling Larry to step it up a notch, to leave no room for Evans to regain confidence and get back into the fight.

It clearly worked. In the fourth round Larry was back to his best, prowling round the ring, controlling the fight and picking off Evans at will.

It was a display reminiscent of Sugar Ray Leonard and confirmed the view of boxing luminaries that Larry is pound for pound one of the best fighters in the business right now.

In the fifth it was clear Larry’s punishment had taken its toll on Evans. While he had visibly started to tire, Larry was simply becoming more fluid. Rapid combinations and body shots had Evans spinning when Larry caught him with a clean shot that felled him for the first time.

Dale took a standing count, as the wall of sound coming from Larry’s fans grew more deafening.

Sensing Dale was stunned, tired and out of sorts Larry pounced with more combinations that drove Evans onto the ropes where he clung on for dear life. With no sign of the boxer being able to respond to the onslaught the referee stepped in and stopped the fight.

The auditorium erupted in acclaim for what was a classy and clinical performance. A jubilant Larry justifiably celebrated along with them. In the aftermath he gave a ringside interview to TV during which he promised “there is more to come from me’’, and after this performance no one could doubt that.

With Larry making light work of such a highly ranked British fighter as Dale Evans, the future seems to be very bright for one of Nigeria’s proudest boxing sons fighting out of the United Kingdom.

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NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Mar - 10 Apr 2015

SPORT WATCH 20 Mar - 9 Apr 2015

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EKUNDAYO-’O’ BRITISH TITLE FIGHT LOOMS FOR LARRY AFTER 5TH ROUND KNOCK OUT!

By AJ JAMES

Michael Tubes Creations

If you look up to the sky-o you might well see an Arik airplane looping the loop alongside the roof of the home of British Boxing, York Hall, as it was most certainly raised on Saturday night to acclaim a sporting legend in the making, the one and only Larry ‘the Natural’ Ekundayo.

A winning team (l-r): Bimbo Roberts, Larry Ekundayo & Ben Gray

In a devastating display of the boxing art the Nigerian dispatched his opponent Dale Evans in the 5th round and cleared the path to a shot at the British title.

The fight drew a standing ovation from the capacity crowd of 1,200 fight fans who clearly recognise class when they see it. The fight easily lived up to its billing as being for “Ultimate Glory”, just as Larry proved more than worthy of the many favourable comparisons with Floyd Mayweather.

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