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beffta cOmmuNity Newspaper Of the year 17 - 30 July 2015

Issue No 056

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ukba alarm Fears grow among diaspora over a return to ‘spot-checks’ page 6

mea culpa

ONe iN a milliON Nigeria’s hidden crisis – pages 16&17

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NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

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A new deAl for A new fArewell sAlvo to uk

NIGERIAN

WATCH CommENt

IDP: an acronym we all need to know ry this test on a friend or acquaintance; in conversation, mention that you are concerned about Nigeria's IDPs and see what response you get. I have. It is not good, most people look puzzled. It is only when you spell it out, Internally Displaced Persons, that recognition dawns. yet everyone knows Boko haram. That is the problem with government speak, it reduces people to acronyms. yet behind that convenient dehumanising shorthand there is always a human face, a human story. The mute, 6-year-old orphan, who sleeps rough and lives off scraps from the kindly chef at a small buka. The 12-year-old girl who fled when her mother and father were shot by Boko haram gunmen. one and a quarter million Nigerians have such stories, mostly children and women. Imagine the scale of the problem. The population of the UK’s second largest city Birmingham is 992,000. As Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki tafida, oFr, CFr, said in his momentous speech to Chatham house on July 9, Nigeria would like to see Britain do more. As we all must do. This is a battle that will have to fought and won on two fronts. rescuing the Internally Displaced Persons – the IDPs – from a life of penury and illiteracy is of equal importance to the routing out of Boko haram.

maryanne Jemide, mD

publisher tevin Jemide publisher/managing director maryanne Jemide managing editor Jon hughes art editor Cathy Constable contributors obah Iyamu; harriet ogbeide; AJ James; Ayo Akinfe; Funmi odegbami; Samuel Kasumu; Ngozi mbana; Ekanem robertson, Jessica onah, laura Adenuga; Edel meremikwu chief cartoonist harold ogbeide Oﬃce address Nigerian Watch Chartwell house 292 hale lane Edgware middlesex hA8 8NP email editor@nigerianwatch.com marketing@nigerianwatch.com sales@nigerianwatch.com website www.nigerianwatch.com tel: 020 8588 9640 Fax: 020 7160 5232 Nigerian Watch is a fortnightly newspaper owned by Green World media ltd. Views expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reﬂect the opinion of the publisher. All rights reserved. No part of the newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher.

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An era has come to an end. Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR, has been recalled from his post. His record-breaking tenure – he is entering his eighth year as Ambassador to the Court of St James’ – comes to an end on August 6. The position was made public over the weekend in Nigeria by Femi Adesina, the special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, who confirmed to the Punch newspaper that letters of recall had been issued by the Federal Government to all non-career ambassadors. The order comes into effect on August 6, allowing a little over three weeks for “non-career diplomats to brief their hosts and carry out all exit formalities”. While not unexpected the finality is still shocking. The chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK Babatunde Loye told Nigerian Watch, “If those of us here had our way I am sure no one would want him to leave. “Dr Tafida has been a mentor, a great leader, a father and indeed a great source of inspiration. He is a man of great honour and integrity who can always be taken for his word. “I have never seen someone like him before, who has achieved so much in terms of his impact on the lives of those of us around him and what he has done for the community he leads; Dr Tafida has reached out like none other before him to impact those in the community.” Henrietta Abraham, chairwoman of Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation, said, “The news that the High Commissioner will be leaving office, though expected, has come with sadness. “Dr Tafida has made such an impact on

the Nigerian community in the UK that he will be dearly missed by the whole community. He has been very supportive and operated an open door policy which drew us closer and reinforced the positive relationship between the High Commission and the community. We will miss him very, very much.” Sir Martins Bakare of the National Association of Nigerian Communities, said, “It is sad that our Father Dr Taﬁda will be leaving after the wonderful turn around he has made to the way our mission used to be. “His Excellency created a conducive environment of belonging to all us

Nigerians; he is accessible and kind hearted man. “He refurbished the Mission to a world standard, the immigration section is superb, as citizens can come from Wakeﬁeld, Bradford, Birmingham, Liverpool and beyond for either renewal or to obtain a new passport and return back to their abode on the same day, which is an laudable achievement. We all wish him well in his continued service to humanity.” Since arriving in the UK Dr Taﬁda has become equally revered by British Parliamentarians and the diplomatic community as he is by the Nigerian

Who will step into Dr tafida’s shoes? When Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR, steps down on August 6 his current deputy Ambassador Olukunle Akindele Bamgbose will assume his duties on an interim basis. He took up his role as Deputy in the London Mission in September last year. In his diplomatic career, he has served in Mauritania, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, New York, and most recently Japan. Prior his appointment, he was the Director, Joint Commission, Trade and Investment Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Nigeria. From 2012 - 2013, he was the Director North and Central

America Division of the Foreign Ministry. He graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria in 1982 with a degree in Mass Communication. He also holds a diploma in International Finance from the Stilman University, New York, United

States of America. His hobbies include soccer, tennis, sumo, reading autobiographies, gospel music and movies amongst others. He is married with three children. But naturally there is widespread speculation as to who will permanently succeed

Dr Tafida as President Muhammadu Buhari’s representative at the Court of St James’. London being Nigeria’s largest mission in the world and the centre of the global economy it is certain to be a high-profile champion of business and reform. This has led many to speculate that it may well be Professor Pat Utomi. One of the founding philosophers of the APC with a global reputation in business circles he seems a natural fit for the role. The former Presidential candidate and chief operating officer of VW in Nigeria is renowned for his “passion for the dignity of the human person and the spirit of enterprise”.

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nigeriA, Advises AmbAssAdor in diaspora for “being a superb leader”. This was reflected by Baroness Linda Chalker, who chairs the biannual British Nigeria investment forum and said at the launch of a biography of Dr Tafida, “I have known a number of Nigerian High Commissioners and many more High Commissioners since entering parliament over 40 years ago. But I have to say I don’t think that I’ve ever come across somebody who has so taken the hearts and minds not only of his staff and the Nigerian community but of almost everyone he meets.” She continued, “Leadership is a word I use quite sparingly these days, but not tonight, because this man is an example to every Nigerian and to millions of others, including Brits. To do a job thoroughly, to do it with understanding and compassion and always to have his community first. Thank you Dr Tafida for being a superb leader.” His Excellency will have been aware of his imminent departure when he addressed the worldrenowned foreign affairs think-tank Chatham House on Thursday (July 9). He had been invited to deliver his “reflections of Nigeria-UK relations; evolving engagements in a changing global context” to a roundtable of past and present ambassadors, civil servants and invited community

leaders and media. As is to be expected, the High Commissioner’s agenda-setting assessment was frank, constructive and respectful of the special relationship that exists between the two countries. But reading between the lines it was evident there exists a growing mood of impatience in Nigeria with Britain’s foot-dragging on key issues. His Excellency was clear that he felt there was not only room for improvement in the relationship but a great opportunity and need to strengthen those bonds in light of the peaceful transition of power in the country to an administration “whose

guiding principles are honesty, transparency and accountability in governance”. He was concerned this was failing to materialise, ﬁrst in relation to the Boko Haram insurgency and then trade and investment. On Boko Haram he told the gathering, “Even though Britain has shown great concern and demonstrable commitment to assist Nigeria to rout out the insurgents this has not been fully translated to the expectations of Nigerians. It is the considered view of many including my humble self that Great Britain would demonstrate its greatness by being more engaging and proactive to

stamp out insurgency in Nigeria.” In relation to trade and investment he spoke at length about the UK's reluctance to enter into a binational commission with Nigeria; an increasingly common feature of international relations. “Unfortunately,” Dr Tafida said, “there appears to be a disturbing hesitation on the part of the UK to have a BNC with Nigeria.” He said such an institution would be “catalytic” to addressing capacity building and human capital development and boosting trade and investment to the benefit of both countries. Yet the UK has “waved off this noble bilateral framework with the simple excuse that it could create a large global bureaucracy that could end up being a talking shop”. This has left many Nigerians perplexed. The country is a gateway to a market of 300 million people, boasts huge investment potential in the mineral and agriculture sectors, and has double-locked security for investors. “British investors should take the lead for the mutual benefit of our two countries,” he advised. The speech also addressed the

worrying rise in “xenophobia” in Britain. “The situation gets worse with every downturn in the economic situation in Britain, where foreigners, including Nigerians are made scapegoats. It becomes more xenophobic when they are accused of taking jobs from Britons.” The “discriminatory” treatment of Nigerian students compounded the impression that Nigerians are unwelcome. “We have a situation where students are made to pay a huge deposit to prove they can aﬀord their studies before getting their visas. This practice is discriminatory because it is not universally applied.” He called for it to be reviewed favourably alongside the post-study visa policy, to allow Nigerian students to remain for one year after graduation “to gain some experience before returning to Nigeria”. He lamented the fact that on visas in general “attention is more focused on removals and cutting down numbers of migrants rather than their contribution to the economy”. Turn to page 12 to read His Excellency’s address in full.

“There is impatience in Nigeria with the UK’s foot-dragging on key issues”

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NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

Nigerian is top Cambridge law graduate NIGERIAN student Oluwatobi Olasunkanmi has won the William Charnley Prize for being the best First Class law graduate at the University of Cambridge. Mr Olasunkanmi, 24, who is the son of the former Nigerian minister of youth development, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, happened to be the

only student of African heritage in the graduating set. In oﬃcial correspondence addressed to Mr Olasunkanmi, the university’s senior tutor, Dr Philip Johnson, wrote, “Many congratulations on obtaining the best Hughes Hall First Class in your BA in Law. In recognition, the College has awarded you with the

William Charnley Prize.” Senator Olasunkanmi expressed his joy at the achievement attained by his son, noting that it has not only brought honour to his family but to Nigeria as a whole. “Sincerely speaking, my joy is not only because he is my son but because he has represented Nigeria well.”

safeguarding children conference launches essential advice booklet Despite the Tube strike, over 100 people attended the World of Hope conference on Safeguarding Children at Lambeth Town Hall on Thursday (July 9). The conference had been called because increasingly excessive physical chastisement within diaspora families is resulting in more

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children being taken into care and more parents being imprisoned. Ms Florence Ekampose, founder and CEO of the world of Hope Charity said, “We need to adapt to the system here. Parents are being arrested, children are being taken away, often because they don’t understand the laws of this land. I do

not want to see our community suffer like this, thats why we have staged this conference and published an advice booklet.” Attending the conference were child protection experts from five London boroughs – Greenwich, Croydon, Lewisham, Southwark and Lambeth – and specialist family lawyers, who gave talks and ran workshops on parenting skills and the letter of the law when it comes to child protection. The occasion was also used to launch a pamphlet offering guidance on safeguarding children. In an easy and accessible format this gives essential advice on how parents can build a better relationship with their child, the limits to chastisement and what the law says. To receive a copy contact the world of Hope Charity at either info@worldofhope.org.uk or call 07776 992138

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Writer, performer, and choreographer Okwui Okpokwasili has been named the next resident commissioned artist by New York Live Arts. The two-year residency supports the work of mid-career artists with nearly $200,000 in funding, a salary, and health beneﬁts, and a commission for New York Live Arts. For Okpokwasili, the funding will underwrite a performance piece co-created with Peter Born, and titled Poor People’s TV Room, which explores the women’s resistance movement in Nigeria through dance, song, text and ﬁlm.

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Government announces aid package for refugees A range of new programmes from the UK will provide emergency aid as well as jobs and education to help address the root causes of the migrant crisis, International Development Secretary Justine Greening announced on July 2. This new support forms part of a wider approach by the UK government and will focus on the fragile and vulnerable states from which the majority of migrants are leaving. This includes Syria and its neighbours as well as a number of African countries such as Nigeria, South Sudan and Kenya. Justine Greening said, “As well as providing immediate lifesaving aid, it will create jobs and help people ﬁnd work, improve health services and boost education in the longer term. That means people who might otherwise feel they have no choice but to risk their lives by making perilous journeys to escape war or poverty instead have the opportunity to build a better life where they are.” The new support for Africa includes: l £30m of support for over 580,000 South Sudanese refugees – providing emergency assistance and meeting longer term needs l £18m of support for vulnerable

people affected by conflict in Central African Republic, including 170,000 refugees from CAR living in Cameroon, helping them to meet their basic needs and build their own livelihoods; l £4 million of support for over 75,000 vulnerable and displaced people in north east Nigeria – providing emergency support for the UN and NGOs who are responding to urgent needs for water, sanitation, and nutritional support; l £111 million of support in the Sahel for 500,000 people affected by food insecurity and 300,000 people affected by conflict - improving their resilience to shocks and crises. DFID’s Sahel programme is also providing support to 81,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon and Niger. l £38.7 million to support vulnerable people in Sudan, in particular those most affected by conflict. This will support the provision of food, clean water, access to healthcare, nutrition, education, and protection services. l £15 million of assistance for more than 533,000 refugees living in camps in Kenya – providing support in critical areas including health, nutrition and food, water and sanitation.

mAsquerAdes, music And drAmA tAke centre stAge At igbo festivAl of Arts And culture Thousands of Nigerians gathered at the Jubilee Park in Edmonton, north London, on Saturday to celebrate the 2015 Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture in what was a rich display of African tradition.

Showcasing Igbo culture in all its richness, the event featured music, traditional dances, Egwugwu masquerades, drama presentations and citations. Guests were treated to an array of African foods, including traditional African delicacies, with renditions of classic Igbo songs from the likes of the Oriental Brothers, Nico Mbarga, Sir Warrior, Osta Osadebe and Oliver De Coque. Among the prominent guests that attended the event were Councillor Patricia Ekechi and Councillor Sade Etti, the Mayors of Enﬁeld and Hackney respectively. Several former mayors

including Kate Anolue from Enﬁeld and Anna Mbachu from Waltham Forest were also in attendance. Community leaders Alex Achebe, the ﬁrst vice chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK and Godson Azu, the secretary of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation were also present. During the event, books were also presented highlighting rich Igbo culture and history and representatives from the various communities gave speeches detailing their history and past. There were representatives from Nigeria's six Igbo-speaking states, with all the disparate communities manning stalls that showcased their cuisine and culture.

NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

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Anti-Raids Network

AlArm rAised over ukbA â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;spot-checksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fears are mounting among the diaspora that the UK Border Agency is undertaking spotchecks of papers - rapidly removing those whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s documents are found wanting. While the tactic of stopping people on the street and demanding to see their papers is deemed unlawful, and caused an outcry when it was revealed to be happening in 2013, it seems to have re-emerged since Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general election, during which the home secretary Theresa May pledged to make the UK a â&#x20AC;&#x153;hostile environmentâ&#x20AC;? for migrants. It has led to a ďŹ&#x201A;urry of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;immigration surgeriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; being staged within the diaspora, the latest by the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK in Kidbroke on Saturday July 4. Just days earlier the Nigerian Community in Manchester (NCM) raised the alarm that spot checks were being undertaken in the northern city. The chairman of NCM Ade Arogundade took to Facebook to share the details as a warning to Nigerians to regularise their status. He wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I received a whatsapp message yesterday (June 30) that I â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;should stay away from Manchester Piccadilly and adjoining areas because immigrants were being stopped and arrested in the streetsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, I thought it was a joke. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This morning, I was informed

that they were at a primary school at Openshaw together with police oďŹ&#x192;cers. Then, I knew itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting serious!â&#x20AC;? He continued to detail legal advice given at a recent immigration seminar in the city. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At a recent seminar, an immigration law expert reiterated that whatever your position as an immigrant, ensure that at all times, you are processing your papers with the UK Boarder Agency. There is always a case for everyone, no matter what. It is dangerous not to have anything done at all. That will indeed lead to an automatic removal from the UK, if you get caught.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you are in a situation that demands for paper regularisation, please, act now. Seek advice from those who might have gone through

your present situation in the past. You may not necessarily need a solicitor for everything at all times. When you need one, you will get an appropriate referral.â&#x20AC;? He signed oďŹ&#x20AC;, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have a feeling that if they could be chasing people for their papers in the streets, at schools and at work, very soon they may start going to churches. A word is enough for the wise, please, ACT NOW!â&#x20AC;? The threat is very real. As Sarah Campbell, a research and policy manager at Bail for Immigration Detainees explained to Vice news, many foreign national oďŹ&#x20AC;enders are residents â&#x20AC;&#x153;that have been in the UK for years, in some cases decadesâ&#x20AC;? often with â&#x20AC;&#x153;children born and brought up hereâ&#x20AC;?. The report continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;With these

kind of oďŹ&#x20AC;enders now being deported without an opportunity for their cases to be heard, Campbell says, many with a legitimate claim to remain could be permanently, unjustly expelled.â&#x20AC;? Aside from Manchester, there is increased activity by oďŹ&#x192;cers of the Border Agency in London. The AntiRaids network, posting on Twitter @antiraids, delivers a running commentary on activity that has been concentrated in south and east London. The rapid removal of suspects whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s papers are found not to be in order was raised by Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High Commissioner to the UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki TaďŹ da, OFR, CFR, during his recent address to the foreign aďŹ&#x20AC;airs think tank Chatham House. He told the roundtable of diplomats and civil servants, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigerians who have gone through the trouble of obtaining visas and have travelled to the United Kingdom are increasingly being denied entry at the various airports in this country. The Mission is neither notiďŹ ed nor contacted. Rather, they are deported on ďŹ&#x201A;imsy excuses. In addition, for those seeking the right to remain in the country also gives rise to a situation where many of those who apply while still having valid visas are made to wait for periods of over a year before a decision is made on their application.

In this period, visas have often lapsed leaving repatriation as the only option available, for no just cause. This is not very fair as people with very legitimate reasons are refused resident permits on these grounds. My belief is that the processes of normalising the stay of individuals who have been law abiding should be streamlined and given adequate attention.â&#x20AC;? A spokesman for the Home OďŹ&#x192;ce conďŹ rmed that spot checks are unlawful and that Immigration Enforcement OďŹ&#x192;cers only act on intelligence, of which operational details cannot be shared. He told Nigerian Watch, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Immigration OďŹ&#x192;cers attended a crime reduction operation on 30 June within the conďŹ nes of Manchester Piccadilly Train Station. This was an operation led by the British Transport Police, who referred individuals to Immigration Enforcement oďŹ&#x192;cers where they suspected an immigration oďŹ&#x20AC;ence may have been committed. On this occasion no arrests were made for any Immigration oďŹ&#x20AC;ences.â&#x20AC;? In reference to the visit to Openshaw School he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Immigration OďŹ&#x192;cers have also been to Openshaw School several times to help out at fayres with the pupils and to help them with mock interviews and conďŹ dence skills. The Police have also assisted at similar events.â&#x20AC;?

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NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

NIDO establishes Nigeria office church lAments its fAilure The global Nigerian diaspora remitted as whopping $63.17bn back home between 2011 and June last year, according to figures recently published by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO). Speaking on July 10 in Abuja ahead of Diaspora Week 2015, Dr George Manuwuike, the chairman of NIDO’s board of trustees, said the diaspora remittance was second only to oil and gas revenue as the highest foreign exchange injection to the economy. This year’s diaspora workshop will take place between July 23 and 27 in Abuja and is expected to be attended by thousands of Nigerians from the global diaspora. Dr Manuwuike said, “As the umbrella organisation of diaspora Nigerians, we are proud to associate with the phenomenal amount that Nigerians living abroad have been bringing to the national economy. Recently, the World Bank reported that between 2011 to June 2014, Nigerians in the diaspora had remitted about $63.17bn (N10.35trn) into the country and in terms of remittance from her citizens living abroad, Nigeria was ranked five globally next to China, India, Philippines and Mexico.” He added that since its inception in 2000, NIDO had served as a forum for Nigerian diaspora networking and advocacy.

According to Dr Manuwuike, it had organised scores of trade and investment conferences that brought Nigerians and foreign investors together for dialogue opportunities, technological, educational, industrial and other forms of investment in Nigeria. In addition, he said Nido intended to reverse and convert the braindrain the country had suffered for so long into a brain-gain. Dr Manuwuike stressed that the organisation wanted to use this year’s Diaspora Week to raise funds for a number of projects that were proposed for the benefit of Nigerian people. “Nido plans to ramp up its engagement in Nigeria to ensure that its mission and goals are achieved, and the impact of its actions are felt by both government and the Nigerian masses. It is for this and other purposes that a Nido office has recently been registered here in Abuja as a non -governmental organisation," Dr Manuwuike added. According to him, key among the projects Nido plans to work on are a multi-million naira diagnostic and trauma centre and a Boko Haram Victims Rehabilitation Fund to assist victims of terrorism and minimise the trauma experienced by survivors. He added that this would be done through facilitating access to proper medical and psychological treatment through the Diaspora Liaison Office in Abuja.

to promote bAme clergy The population of England is growing more diverse, and Christianity is getting much less white, but the Church of England is going backwards when it comes to selecting and promoting minority ethnic clergy, a senior bishop has told the General Synod. The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Rev Stephen Cottrell, whose diocese extends into east London, told the synod that when he ordained one black and one Asian Archdeacon in 2013, he doubled the number of senior ethnic minority clergy “without particularly realising it”. The archbishop of York, John Sentamu, and the dean of Manchester, Rogers Govender, were then the only senior non-white clergy despite at least 30 years of exhortation, the Guardian reported. It continued, there have been a few highly visible ethnic minority clergy in recent decades – among them Rose Hudson Wilkins, the Speaker’s chaplain, and Michael Nazir-Ali, the former bishop of Rochester, but the proportion had not risen and in recent years has shrunk. “The ﬁgures this year are not massively diﬀerent [from last year] but when you think it’s going the other way, it’s pretty shocking,”

Cottrell said. “The number is going up slowly but not reﬂecting the wider community,” the bishop added. The static or backwards-moving Anglican picture contrasts with a great growth in Christianity among the minority ethnic populations of Britain. Between the 2001 and 2011 censuses, the number of black Christians increased by 58% and of Asian Christians by 390%. The number of white Christians decreased by 17%. Almost all the growth, though, came outside the Church of England. Cottrell said, “Quite simply the leadership and ministry of the Church of England no longer

looks like or adequately reflects the diversity and creativity of the communities it serves. This should be a huge concern and directly affect our credibility as a national church and our mission.” But Cottrell denied that the church was institutionally racist. “I think that to describe the church as institutionally racist is to miss the point. Unconscious bias is a better way of approaching it. That is borderline racist, but there are ways to confront that.” The future of Christianity in Britain is certainly less white. Minority ethnic churchgoers are on average 18 years younger than white churchgoers and form 10% of the children in the Church of England. Cottrell said later that the very high visibility of Sentamu (pictured), who was born in Uganda, might have served inadvertently to conceal the problem, since Anglicans could look at him and think that there was not a problem if the second-highest ranking prelate in the country was black. According to figures released to the synod on Friday, there are presently 80 clergy being fasttracked for promotion as eventual bishops; a quarter of them are women and seven are black or Asian.

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NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

KASUMUwatch

The

Samuel KaSUMU Column ShAKESPEArE Got It WroNG oN NAmES The famous verse from Shakespeareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Romeo and Juliet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;What is in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is something that I struggle to believe when it comes to the art of naming a new child. The argument that a name is simply a name contradicts the very essence of how we as humans are designed to identify value. Companies every year spend billions across the world trying to ďŹ gure out how to name a product that often has limited lasting worth, so how much more should we value the name bestowed upon an individual? Some of the greatest people to grace this planet have had names ďŹ tting for their character and achievements. But of course some would argue that there have been people who the world would have been a better place without that also had names aligned to a positive message. The question therefore is, what is in a name? Is there power in a name, or is it not a deďŹ ning factor? Take Martin Luther King for example. His name â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lutherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; means soldier of the people. He was also named after Martin Luther, the great Christian reformer who took on vested interests. We can also look at the great Winston Churchill for a name ďŹ tting

of a man. Winston means â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;joyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. What a ďŹ tting description for Mr Churchill who helped to bring joy to the free world as he led Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resistance to Nazi Germany. He was a stone that lead by conviction, echoed in his famous words â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;we shall never surrenderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. As someone of Nigerian heritage I believe my parents and other people in their generation saw the power that is in a name and as a result we have so many people who were named with a powerful message for them to hold onto all the days of their life. I think that perhaps where we go wrong when naming a child is that we do not consistently remind them of just how special their name is. We seldom explain to them the meaning of their name, how their name was selected, and why their name is special. This constant reminder, in my opinion, is what allows people to not only live up to their name, but also to live a life with a conviction that they are important and have a purpose. So what is in a name? I will have to disagree with Shakespeare. A name brings with it the potential to look into tomorrow and see just what a child can be. A name in a sense has a chance to be a self-fulďŹ lling prophecy.

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probably agree with. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a reality that will probably still continue in many circumstances, even with the proposed reforms. The honest truth is that the Chancellor is not the principle owner but a guardian. His role is to look after what are the assets of the tax payer and therefore the working person must be the primary stakeholder when decisions are made. On May 7 we had a choice as to how we wanted our ďŹ nances to be managed. We knew that a ÂŁ12.5 billion reduction in welfare spending was part of the Conservative plan and the majority of us voted for it. Osborne has therefore delivered the will of the people. It is now for us all to look at the bigger picture as the economic landscape of this great nation changes. A Conservative utopia is one where the state gets out of the way when people wish to fulďŹ l their potential, where the state intervenes only where needed, and where everyone plays their part whether rich or poor. Time will tell if over the next ďŹ ve years we are able to go a step further to creating â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;One Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

where do we go from here? The ďŹ rst Conservative budget for a generation lived up to its hype! George Osborne spelt out an economic vision for a country where people have a living wage, small businesses can survive, and where work always pays. Of course the decision to reform various beneďŹ ts was controversial and will aďŹ&#x20AC;ect many of the poorest families in the land. We are living in a period where many single parents have to do the work of both parents, with the state ďŹ lling the gaps where possible. The question the Chancellor has had to ask himself is what is fair in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society. His conclusion, that someone

I hope PMB was right to purge the Generals President Muhammadu Buhari has wasted little time in trying to deal with his greatest challenge in oďŹ&#x192;ce. The sacking of the military chiefs less than a month into his Presidency shows that he knows he must be seen to deliver a strong and robust response to Boko Haram. Whilst I understand the politics of the decision, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but feel that politics may be the only winner. The reality is that these same chiefs that have been relieved of their duties are the ones to have led the battle so far and will probably be better placed to explain what has worked and what hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. These are men that have probably been ďŹ ghting a battle with fewer resources than they needed, as they waited for the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s army to re-equip itself. Let us not forget that Nigeria has not fought a war since the civil war. If previous Nigerian governments had spent signiďŹ cantly on weapons whilst their people continued to live in great poverty what would people have said? Hindsight is 2020. Of course very few of us will ever be privy to the conversations and analysis that led to the military chiefs being relieved of their positions. Perhaps there are or were underlying reasons or there simply are better people available to take this battle forward. For the sake of the Nigerian people I hope that this recent decision proves to be the correct one.

claiming beneďŹ ts should not be better oďŹ&#x20AC; than someone that works, is something that most people in the country will

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NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

NEWSwatch

Letters to the Editor It’s Not Just about the Money: To Change the World We Must Change Ourselves The Mediterranean sea has become a graveyard for Africa’s youth. Every day, we see images of what would appear to be a continent racked by conflict and poverty, and people risking – often losing – their lives in an attempt to flee . Yet Africa has 11 of the 20 fastest growing economies in the world. Africa has enormous resources, and almost half of the world’s uncultivated land that is suitable for growing food crops. So why are so many people desperate to leave behind a land of such opportunity? Part of the answer is that the vast wealth of Africa is often not being translated into development. Often it benefits only a few, or is squandered altogether. Illicit outflows from Africa totaled $69 billion in 2014. To achieve development we need much more than just resources. Certainly, money can address some of the deficits that trap millions of people –

especially rural people -- in poverty. They need infrastructure, starting with the roads that will take them to school or market, as well as electrification, water and sanitation systems. They need education, health care, decent wages, access to finance. But there are also things that money can’t buy. Leadership, good governance, commitment to the rule of law, and an enabling environment to attract investment. The social responsibility to pay fair wages, create decent employment, and pay taxes. The Third International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD), soon to convene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is one leg of the route that global leaders have charted toward a new international consensus to change the world we live in and to eliminate extreme poverty and hunger. Ahead lie the finalization of the Post2015 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

and a new global agreement on climate change. The goals are necessary for our collective future. Without a solid consensus over the ﬁnancing and resources needed, however, goals remain simply wishes. But it’s not just about the money, still less about aid in the conventional sense. The key to a sustainable future free of poverty and hunger is people. The world leaders gathering in Addis need look no further than the continent where they are meeting to see this. Africa is rich. Its extractive industries have provided revenues in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Yet Africa’s resource-rich countries have some of the world’s highest child mortality rates, and a dozen have in excess of 100 child deaths for every 1,000 live births. This travesty illustrates that there are other resources besides money that are necessary for development, starting with

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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 may 29, 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. leadership, accountability and commitment. Three quarters of the world's poor and chronically hungry people live in rural areas and are also mainly dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. Smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs could contribute much more to producing food, job creation, national economic growth, and the preservation of natural resources. Yet they often lack the tools to do so. And many of those who are producers of food go hungry themselves. Investment in rural development is key to delivering a host of development objectives, including adequate food, clean air, fresh water and biodiversity. And growth in the agricultural sector has been estimated to be at least three times more effective in reducing poverty as growth in any other area. In sub-Saharan Africa, the figure is 11 times. Change must start from within. An institution like mine, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, offers support. We are investing. We are sharing knowledge and best practices. As the only IFI in the United Nations we are committed partners in rural

transformation. But the fact remains that no donor institution can transform countries unless they are willing to transform themselves. Ethiopia, a country once synonymous with famine, is now among Africa's fastest growing economies. Investment in rural infrastructure and agricultural transformation have done what no amount of aid could have. Ethiopia is Africa's number one exporter of honey, and has the second largest horticultural industry. So let us remember that not all commitments are measured

in dollars. True, to save ourselves, our future and our planet, we need major resources, both public and private. But we also need the commitment of responsible governors, legislators, investors, business people and partners of all kinds to see that the investments are just and inclusive. And this has to happen beyond Africa. The Addis Ababa Accord provides a chance not just to count the money, but make sure the money counts. By Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development

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NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

EMBASSYwatch

News from the

NIGERIA HIGH COMMISSION London

UK told it could do better in relation to Nigeria and diaspora in Dr Tafida’s end of term report on Thursday July 9, Nigeria’s high Commissioner to the UK, Dr Dalhatu Sarki tafida, oFr, CFr, addressed the influential foreign affairs think-tank Chatham house. his Excellency was invited to deliver his reflections on Nigeria-United Kingdom relations: Evolving Engagement in a Changing Global Context. Speaking to an influential round table of current and former ambassadors and senior civil servants Dr tafida let it be known Nigeria expects and is perplexed and concerned about the UK’s reluctance to engage. he also voiced the concerns of the diaspora regarding increasing xenophobia and discrimination, evidenced by scapegoating and visa restrictions. It was an incisive, agenda-setting presentation – reproduced here in full – which the former UK Ambassador to Nigeria Sir robin Wells said he was sure would be heard in the right places with a great deal of sympathy. INtroDUCtIoN The Nigeria United Kingdom relations which pre-dated the independence of Nigeria in October 1960 has undergone what the scientists call metamorphosis. Starting, as it did, in a kind of master-servant relationship, through partnership for mutual co-operation to a now formidable bilateral relationship that is anchored for mutual goodwill, mutual understanding and mutual cooperation, finding expressions in concrete terms, as in high level visits and memorandum of understanding. This has remained the wellgreased pillars of the relationship between Nigeria and United Kingdom, which has continued to wax stronger and stronger in political, economic, consular, immigration and media relations.

PolItICAl mAttErS INSUrGENCy The very ﬁrst lever to propel bilateral relations is the political aspect of those relations. Here I hasten to say that the two countries enjoy a robust political relation that is necessary to advance the cause of all other forms of relations. Over the years, the ‘Patron Clientele Partnership’ withered away giving rise to a partnership that can be called equal and mutual. Here, I wish to recall with nostalgia the role of Britain in the struggle to keep the corporate existence of Nigeria from 1967 to 1970. Over four decades after that, Nigeria is again beset by another challenge to its security in the North Eastern plank of the country. Even though Britain has shown great concern and demonstrable commitment to assist

Nigeria to rout out the insurgents, this has not been fully translated to the expectations of Nigerians. However, with the new administration in Nigeria, whose guiding principles are honesty, transparency and accountability in governance, it is the considered view of many, including my humble self, that Great Britain would demonstrate its greatness by being more engaged and proactive in assisting to stamp out insurgency in Nigeria. As an aside, it is in the news that our president, Muhammadu Buhari will be the guest of the American President Obama in the course of July, at the invitation of President Obama, ostensibly to discuss a regional approach to stamping out the insurgency. This is because Boko Haram is an international phenomenon that requires concerted international action. I believe Great Britain and the United States in a transatlantic cooperation on behalf of Nigeria can make the required push in the ﬁght against insurgency in Nigeria.

To date, Nigeria maintains binational Commissions with the United States of America, Canada, South Africa, Germany and Poland, with arrangements in final phases for same framework of cooperation with Turkey and Russia. Unfortunately, there appears to be a disturbing hesitation on the part of the United Kingdom to have a bi-national Commission with Nigeria. As I speak to you, there is a draft BNC between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, outlining four great structures that would enhance the relationship between our two countries. They are in power and energy, economic relations, political consultations, education and migration, and cultural matters. A BNC between Nigeria and the UK would definitely be catalytic to addressing capacity building and human capital development, opportunities for exchange programmes on information technology, fight against irregular migration, cultural diplomacy, prisoner transfer agreement and media related exchanges. In their hesitation, the UK authorities waved off this noble bilateral framework with the simple excuse that it could create a large global bureaucracy that could end up being a talk shop. We in Nigeria fail to see this as a good ground to downplay the utility of this framework of cooperation. This is because it has worked for us and for our other partners very well to resolve thorny

“[On BNC] there appears to be a disturbing hesitation on the part of the UK”

BI-NAtIoNAl CommISSIoN On the economic side, it is well acknowledged in contemporary international relations that countries bring on stream Bi-national Commissions (BNC), to facilitate their relations. Bi-national Commissions not only symbolise a deepening of relations, they also symbolise a widening of same for the rapid and mutual beneﬁt of the two countries in such a framework.

bilateral issues. It is again our considered belief and hope that with the new Administration in Nigeria and a new Government in the United Kingdom, both with resounding mandates of the electorate, we would consider BNC as a way to further push our cordial relations to the next level.

trADE & INVEStmENt Can you imagine even in the absence of this fast-track framework of cooperation in the BNC, Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the visit of the Prime Minister, David Cameron to Nigeria in 2011. Our then President Jonathan and the British Prime Minister strove to double the volume of trade between the two countries from £4 billion to £8 billion. I am glad to say this target has been achieved and is in the process of being surpassed for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Nigeria’s economy is riding high despite the security challenges in parts of the country. As you are all aware, Nigeria’s economy was recently rebased, finishing as the largest economy in Africa and 26th in the world, with extensive expansion of scope in the private sector as the main driver of the economy. This is just, as the incentives are enormous and robust, including a constitutional guarantee against nationalisation or expropriation of foreign businesses by any Government of the Federation, with free repatriation of capital (and profits) and remittances of foreign businesses in the event of sale or liquidation of businesses. One of the factors that attract

Foreign Direct Investments is population. It is gratifying to note that Nigeria is richly endowed with that, with about 174 million people in addition to access to the ECOWAS market of about 300 million people. With this, and the largest oil and gas reserves, expanse of agriculture as a business, coupled with large deposits of minerals, such as iron, ore, columbite, coal, lead, buxoide, gold, gemstones etc etc, the opportunities abound for foreign direct investment, where we hope and believe that with the accident of history coupled with lots of incentives, British investors should take the lead in investing in all these areas for the mutual beneﬁt of our two countries. As expected of us as Mission and in tandem with my station charter, we have facilitated the ﬂow of trade and investment between our two countries, working in close partnership with the United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI), Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, and the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce. The Mission has organised numerous trade and study tours to the United Kingdom and we will continue to do that as a matter of routine. Our burning ambition is to deliberately diversify trade between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, from the heavy dependence on oil and gas into agriculture. That is why we believe Britain should lead the way.

hUmAN rIGhtS & CUltUrE Whether in the fight to preserve human rights and fundamental freedoms or as a pressure group to fight for or project a preferred viewpoint, non-governmental organisations (NGO) have become integral to diplomacy. On many occasions, NGO’s have played vital roles in governance. It is recalled that immediately on assumption of power by President Muhammadu Buhari, the renowned human rights NGO (Amnesty International) called on the new Nigerian President to investigate allegations of human rights abuses in the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. Believing in the reputation of Amnesty International in fighting for social justice and human rights, the Nigerian President has promised to investigate all the allegations. Regrettably, the United Kingdom and its non-governmental organisations, stretching human rights to the very heart of culture, pressurise Nigeria to abrogate its democratically enacted laws on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual

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(LGBT). I know there is an emerging trend to look at human rights as a universal and indivisible category but in some cases we have to defer to the cultural patterns and diﬀerences of a people. It is just like saying since we believe in polygamy and accept it as integral to our culture we would then insist that we export the same to the UK for it to be practised here. We would not do that as we know under UK law, marrying more than one wife or more than one husband is bigamy, which the law here frowns on very seriously. The point being made here, in relations between countries, the ‘no-go’ areas of such a country must be respected lest it becomes an unnecessary irritant in an otherwise excellent relation.

StUDENtS DISCrImINAtED AGAINSt

CoNSUlAr mAttErS DIASPorA mADE SCAPEGoAtS

VISAS & PrISoNEr trANSFEr

A related issue is that of the rigours Nigerian students coming to the United Kingdom go through in order to study in this country. We have a situation where students are made to pay a deposit of a huge sum of money to prove that they can aﬀord their studies before getting their visas. This practice IS not only discriminatory, as it is not universally applied, but also brings a lot of hardship on families and the students alike. Furthermore, we are of the opinion that the post study visa policy should be reviewed favourably so that Nigerian students who complete their studies can be given a one year post study visa to gain some experience before returning to Nigeria.

“We sometimes see the British attitude to Nigerians as that of irritation”

The nerve centre of Nigeria-British relations has been at the Consular level. This indeed is not by accident as it is an attestation of the cross cultural ties between the two countries, with the British Colonial Administration in Nigeria as the watershed. The natural home of Nigerians outside Nigeria is understandably Britain, where over two million Nigerians live. When you visit France, you would see it awash with people from the francophone Africa. That is why we get worried when we sometimes see the British attitude to Nigerians as that of irritation and lack of sympathy. On the far right of the political spectrum, there have been those, like Enoch Powell, who are inclined to send them packing, all the way back home. The situation gets even worse with every down turn in the economic situation in Britain. where foreigners, including Nigerians are made scapegoats. The situation becomes more xenophobic when they are accused of taking jobs from Britons. My Mission receives complaints on a daily basis that they become the first suspect by the British law enforcement Agencies on virtually all known vices that may be plaguing the streets of London. Nigerians were considered “high risk” group, citing the example of Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, a Nigerian and former student of the University College London, who tried to blow up an American plane in December 2009. Another Nigerian-born Briton and student Michael Adebolajo, some time ago, hacked a British soldier to death in a street of London. In the racial stereotyping that ensued Nigeria became listed unofficially as a terrorist nation. As if matters were not bad enough, the Visa bond proposal opened a can of worms. Nigerians were outraged of being labelled “high risk” visitors to Britain. A tendency which has had a negative effect of driving away bonafide visitors to France and Germany. Gladly, common sense prevailed over other considerations and the proposals were shelved.

NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

EMBASSYwatch

Furthermore, Nigerians who have gone through the trouble of obtaining visas and have travelled to the United Kingdom are increasingly being denied entry at the various airports in this country. The Mission is neither notified nor contacted. Rather, they are deported on flimsy excuses. In addition, for those seeking the right to remain in the country also gives rise to a situation where many of those who apply while still having valid visas are made to wait for periods of over a year before a decision is made on their application. In this period, visas have often lapsed leaving repatriation as the only option available, for no just cause. This is not very fair as people with very legitimate reasons are refused resident permits on these grounds. The attention is more focused on removals and cutting down on the number of migrants already in the United Kingdom including Nigerians, rather than their contributions to the country. My belief is that the processes of normalising the stay of individuals who have been law abiding should be streamlined and given adequate attention. In this connection, my Mission has continued to work with the Home office to see that Nigerians are dealt with in a dignified manner and within the ambit of the law. On the contrary, there is a degree of understanding between the officials of both countries in the Nigeria/UK Commonwealth scheme for the transfer of convicted offenders within the British Commonwealth. The scheme provides for and takes into account conditions in the receiving state and any concerns as to the prisoner’s safety in the event of a transfer. Even at that, during the course of the implementation of the PTA with the UK, emphasis is squarely placed on the state of prisons and safety of prisoners in Nigeria, forgetting that Nigeria is not only signatory to many international human rights

instruments but indeed has well developed national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In other words, with over 16 years of democratic experience, we should believe that Nigeria has squared up with like minded countries in the respect for human dignity.

Dr tAFIDA GEtS A mIlItAry SAlUtE

mEDIA rElAtIoNS mAttErS The mass media has become an integral part of foreign policy implementation. A country’s media, as the fourth estate of the realm could make or mar bilateral relations. It is instructive that the United Kingdom, a home to vibrant local and international media, tends to also be a home to negative reportage on Nigeria. I am aware that negative news makes the headlines but negative reportage is an unfair and perhaps an unprofessional practice in my opinion. Where reports of events are turned sensational and exaggerated, loaded with stereotypes, they create in the process negative publicity that could be injurious to a robust bilateral relations. This is because negative perceptions anchored on brazen stereotypes about a country are usually a disincentive. I therefore believe, together, we can do even better to engage the mainstream media to emphasise the positive rather than the negative.

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki Taﬁda, OFR, CFR, welcomed a delegation of Nigeria’s military top brass to the Embassy on Thursday July 2. The delegation, which was led by Major General Patrick G Ogah, Director of Operations at Nigeria’s Defence Intelligence Agency, was visiting London to be briefed by defence staﬀ on the challenges being faced, particularly in relation to the need to “enhance support” for Nigeria in

its ﬁght against the Boko Haram insurgency. Their stopover in London had been preceded by a visit to Moscow and was to be followed by a visit to the Paris Mission. The Major General took the opportunity to thank Dr Taﬁda for his championing of Nigeria’s defence establishment, robust defence against criticism of its actions in tackling Boko Haram, and support of the London department.

CoNClUSIoNS It is my hope and belief that with the resounding vote of confidence by the people of Nigeria in Muhammadu Buhari, and the people of the United Kingdom in David Cameron, the stage is indirectly set to have a hard look at the overall bilateral relations between the two countries. The new Nigerian President has set out his Agenda for Change to include the fight against insurgency, corruption and youth unemployment. These are salient virtues in governance as the new president proceeds to fulfil his covenant with the people. This can be facilitated in no small measure with vibrant bilateral relations between Nigeria and its friends, especially the United Kingdom, a country where the welfare and well being of the citizenry, also anchored on transparency and accountability, is at the centre stage of governance. Owing to the importance the Buhari administration attaches to the fight against insecurity, and the push for economic development, his very first sets of foreign visits were to Nigeria’s immediate neighbours, whose role is crucial in the resolution of the problem, and to the G7 meeting in Germany because of the importance the G7 attaches to the fight against the insurgency, and sustainable development in our country, for the overall wellbeing of all Nigerians.

“Nigerians were outraged at being labelled ‘high risk’ visitors”

ambassador to assist in study of maternal health There was a fascinating meeting of minds when Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki Taﬁda, OFR, CFR, hosted a party of fellow physicians at the High Commission on Friday July 10. The guest of honour was the vice chancellor of the University of Ibadan Professor Isaac F Adewole, who was in the UK to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Sunderland. Such accolades are normally the preserve of high achievers who are alumni of the awarding university. In this instance this was not the case. Professor Adewole received the award for his notable medical research and institution building, including collaboration be-

tween the medical school at Ibadan and counterparts in the UK, including Sunderland, which is one of the UK’s foremost medical research centres. The Professor also signed a memorandum of understanding between Ibadan and Sunderland during his visit, to allow for greater collaborative research. The university boasts a population of over 500 Nigerian students, who, under the MoU, will be able to undertake patient studies in Nigeria under expert guidance. The Professor mentioned that he was launching a National Institute of Maternal Mental Health, to look at issues contributing to infant mortality in Nigeria, and extended an invitation to Dr Taﬁda – a medical surgeon by training – to participate, which the Ambassador readily agreed to. “I think I can contribute to that and am willing to participate,” he said. The Ambassador congratulated the Professor on his achievement. His Excellency also took time out to hear about the Nigerian community in Newcastle from their community leader Feyi Awotona, also a fellow surgeon.

NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

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The late great Afrobeat pioneer and inspirational political activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti has been awarded a posthumous honour by US Congress. The singer was awarded a Certiﬁcate of Congressional Recognition, having been nominated by the Texas state congress. The citation was headed “Fela Kuti, Musical Legend; Pioneer of the Afrobeat Music Genre”. Nominated for the award by Sheila Jackson Lee the citation continued, “Beginning in the 1960s, Kuti pioneered his own unique style of

music called Afrobeat. Rebelling against oppressive regimes through his music came at a heavy cost. Kuti was arrested 200 times and endured numerous beatings, but continued to write political lyrics, producing 50 albums, before he died on August 2, 1997.” It concludes, “I salute you for your commitment to musical excellence. Indeed, you are deserving of the respect, admiration and commendation of the United States Congress.” The award was received on his father’s behalf by Seun Kuti on July 2.

mAnchester reAdies for nigeriA@55 Preparations to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence – dubbed Nigeria@55 – are well underway in Manchester. The venue has been booked and brochure is in production with the organisers promising this year’s event will be “bigger, better and more action-packed than before”. Nigeria@55 is to take place on Saturday October 17, from 5-11pm, at the Iqbal

Banqueting Suite, Birch Lane, Longsight, Manchester. If you wish to advertise in the brochure, arrange to have your banner displayed at the event and receive ticketing details, you are asked to contact the Nigerian Community in Manchester, either by writing to nigeriacommunitymanchester@yahoo.com or adearogundade@aol.com

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3517

NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

NEWSwatch

we must not betrAy our There has been much puzzlement in the mainstream print and broadcast media in the UK about the number of Nigerians being rescued from a watery grave in the Mediterranean, writes T Jemide. Those being interviewed as they land along the coast of Italy generally speak English, talk of wanting to further their education and of reaching Britain. These snippets and soundbites feed a pernicious stereotype; these are economic migrants and the UK has firmly shut its door to such people. But these are not economic migrants. They are internally displaced people, seeking refuge from the most deadly and dirty war. A war that has created at the last verifiable count over 1,250,000 internally displaced people in northern Nigeria alone, who by sheer geographic misfortune find themselves at the epicentre of an unprincipled insurgency. It is not just Christians fleeing, it is Muslims too. Boko Haram brook no dissent, it is their way or no way, it is their interpretation of Islam or you are a disbeliever, an infidel and therefore the enemy. In the groups latest crazed video they issue a list of groups, from Salafis to Shias, as “disbelievers”. All

democracies are dismissed as “disbelievers”. Saudi Arabia is dubbed as “not Islamic” and “disbelievers”. No one is safe. They dress as civilians, use children to plant suicide bombs to advance their so-called cause. They kidnap, rape and enslave. From this bedlam, people understandably ﬂee and seek refuge; shell-shocked, traumatised, in fear for their lives. I have seen them, at a camp about two hours outside Abuja. Hundreds if not thousands of people. They are broken. You can see it in their eyes, in the droop of their heads and shoulders, in their abject misery and hunger. All hope has been extinguished. I watched with a heavy heart as they sat, mute, waiting to be handed a small relief pack. It hit me hard to see these sorrowful faces, and brought home the devastation Boko Haram is doing to Nigeria. There are scores of such camps across Nigeria, where people live on meagre rations, unable to help themselves. The camp outside Abuja is run by three heroic charities, Like Minds Project, Victims of Violence

and Free. Yet they are underresourced and overwhelmed. Most of the camps have few facilities, no running water and certainly no schools, which given the stated aim of the terrorists is to outlaw western education is shocking. Many are starting to wonder if they made the wrong choice. A 9-year-old pupil of Unique Blossom School, Maitama, Abuja, Miss Splendour Joe Abisoye has placed this question before our country's leaders. She has been to the camps and written a powerful and moving book entitled “Eﬀects of Terrorism on Children”, which gives voice to the displaced children. According to her, the minds of most of the children have been twisted, with many of them saying they would have preferred to join the Boko Haram group to ensure their protection rather than live as they are now. We must not abandon these internally displaced people. If we betray them we fuel the insurgency.

“They are broken. You can see it in their eyes, in the droop of their heads”

INSIDE THE CAMP; pictures showing scenes in the daily life of the internally displaced people of Nigeria

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NEWSwatch

NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

refugees

l The IDP population is composed

of 53 % women and 47% men. l 56% of the total IDP population

are children of which more than half are up to 5 years old, while 42% are adults. l 92% of IDPs were displaced by

1,188,018 idps (149,357 households) were identiﬁed in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states. (DTM) Another

47,276 idps (5910 households) were identiﬁed in Plateau, Nasarawa, Abuja, Kano and Kaduna states. (NEMA)

totAl

the insurgency.

1,235,294 idps

l The majority of the current IDP

IDENtIFIED IN NorthErN NIGErIA

population was displaced in 2014 (79%). l The IDPs come mainly from

Borno (62%), Adamawa (18%) and yobe (13%). l 87% of IDPs live with host

families while 13% live in camps.

NUmBEr oF IDPS By lGA (States of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe)

Nigerian London

BUSINESS FORUM Business, Trade Association, UK

UK-Nigeria Economic Forum Globalize your business Present your development projects to investors Sell your products to UK market Buy from UK market Invest in UK Meet business Leaders Tap into property market in UK

July 29, 2015, 10.am to 5.00pm , Kingsway Hall Hotel, London WC2B 5BX, United Kingdom

Conference Theme: Partnership for Mutual Benefits

Meet in London, Do Business in Nigeria

Register Now! Great Opportunity to Connect Business to Business YOU ARE INVITED Here comes another important trade, investment and business networking event, being organized by the Nigerian London Business Forum with support from London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This event is reputed for bringing together Nigerian and British business moguls, leading entrepreneurs, investors and top government experts. July 29 in London is the date and you need to keep it. If you are looking to engage in British business, network and attract British and non-British investors, or you want to invest in the UK bubbling property market, or acquaint yourself with the process of opening a business office in UK, then this is the event to attend.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE HOW TO BOOK To book and for further information, contact Danette Gayle, Director of Operations, Nigerian London Business Forum (NILOBF), 38, Mount Pleasant, WC1X OAN, London, United Kingdom T: +44 (0) 20 7278 3631 M: +44 (0) 7769 955838 E: london@nlbforum.co.uk W: www.nlbforum.co.uk

GOOD SPONSORSHIP DEAL

Sponsorship space is available in this forum, but only five(5) corporate sponsors will be allowed space to showcase their interests/activities on the floor of the forum expected to attract over 500 participants. Any organization or government agencies interested in taking a gold, silver or bronze category of the event sponsorship should send request to london@nlbforum.co.uk or visit www.nlbforum.co.uk and download the event information flyer together with booking form. All sponsorship must be finalized between now and four(4) weeks to the event. Event sponsorship benefits are stated in the forum’s flyer downloadable from the website.

NIGERIA CONTACT: Prof. Chris Onalo, Country Director, Nigeria’s NILOBF Office, 213, Igbosere Street, 4th Floor, Lagos Island, Lagos. Mobile: 08183569522, 08127808900 08034030160, 08023314598 Email: chrisonalo@yahoo.com

The UK-Nigeria Economic Forum is coming with very high expectations, as it is designed to assist participating organizations to find new business and investment partners; meaning that participants are coming with their minds-set to network, exchange business cards, flyers and brochures with one another. Nigerian delegation will have the opportunity to meet top British investors, entrepreneurs, serious business associates/partners, professional advisors and relevant agencies of British and Nigerian governments. The conference will meet everyone's expectation for a constructive business and investment engagements. We expect that at the end of this event, strong business partnership and investment would be formed and the trade and investment relationship between UK and Nigeria will propel to new heights.

DO YOU HAVE UK ENTRY VISA? If you need UK visa to attend this Forum, you must begin the process now! And if you already have British visa, finalise your participation now!

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NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

LEISUREwatch

NiraN Obasa at The southbank - see music listings page 20.

Fortnight

WhAt to SEE AND Do oVEr thE NExt the meeting which took place in Manchester in October 1945, ﬁve months after the end of the Second World War. The Congress demanded that European powers liberate hundreds of millions of Africans living under colonial rule, and passed radical measures condemning imperialism, racial discrimination and capitalism.

DEAr WhItE PEoPlE

Ongoing until 12 Sept, Tues, Wed & Fri: 11:00am – 6:00pm, Thurs: 11:00am – 9:00pm, Sat: 12:00 – 6:00pm. FREE Rivington Place, London, EC2A www.rivingtonplace.org

Your chance to see this slyly satirical ﬁlm following a group of African-American students at a predominantly white college. At an ill-conceived Halloween party, with an ‘unleash your inner Negro’ theme, an already smouldering ﬁre of resentment and

FIlm Black Genius + revolt and revolution FilmFest Salon conversations with Mykaell S Riley, Akala and Dionne Walker exploring and challenging connected themes at the heart of Black, British and Diaspora experiences on screen. Jul 17th, 7:00pm Tickets £10 Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square, Brixton SW2 bcaheritage.org.uk

The lower Cut

misunderstanding descends into mayhem where everyone must choose a side. Jul 18th 2:40pm & 11:00pm, Jul 20th 1:40pm, Jul 21st 4:20pm, 23rd 1:35pm & 6:25pm. From £7. Picturehouse Ritzy, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, SW2. www.picturehouses.co.uk

She emigrates to Europe where she discovers that she is not alone as a victim; her closest friend and conﬁdant has also been through the procedure. Director, George Kelly poignantly deals with the issues of FGM without losing his typical humorous ﬂavour. Jul 24th, 9:00pm. Tickets £20. Odeon Cinema Greenwich, Bugsby Way, SE10. www.odeon.co.uk

African Warrior Queen Nzingha movie

In Gambia, Bintu goes through the excruciating ordeal of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Afterwards her whole life is blighted by trauma, ﬂashbacks, pain, sorrow tears and blood.

An epic, big budget, high quality production with an African woman as the hero. The true story of the princess - Queen Anna Njinga (c. 1583 –1663), who led her people into war against the vicious European slavers who wanted to kidnap her nation - Congo. Jul 26th, 2:00pm. From £7 Phoenix Cinema 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 www.phoenixcinema.co.uk

ExhIBItIoNS The Fifth Pan-African Congress Marking the 70th anniversary of the The Fifth Pan-African Congress a rare opportunity to see John Deakin’s photographs commissioned by The Picture Post when the British press scarcely covered

FEStIVAlS The Nne Agwu Afrakan Storytelling Festival

A weekend camping retreat in the Ancient woodland of Epping Forest, where global storytellers Sandra Agard, Angie Amra, Usifu Jalloh, Amantha Edmead, Eli Anderson, Ashanti-Michell and Griot Chinyere are gathering to captivate your imagination and conjure magic using the power of the oral tradition. Jul 31st 10:00am - Aug 2nd 8:00pm. Weekend tickets £80, Day passes £20. Children from £10. Debden Campsite, Debden Green, Loughton , Essex IG10 www.shanti-chi.com

Womad Bringing together music, arts and dance from countries and cultures around the world. Performances from; de la soul (pictured below) and Jazzie b headline. With, from the UK; daddy g & mc deemas J, eskA, ghostpoet

6th ANNUAl yorUBA ArtS FEStIVAl Celebrating the rich vibrant, colourful arts and culture of Yoruba’s and Africa. Featuring cultural performances, workshops, childrens activities, competitions, African market, DJs

and live music. Jul 25th - 26th, 12:00pm - 9:00pm. FREE Clissold Park, Green Lanes, N16 www.yorubaarts.org

and laura mvula. From Africa; Acholi machon (South Sudan), cheikh lô (Senegal), The soil (South Africa) and tiken Jah fakoly (Cote d’Ivoire). Don’t miss;

Atomic bomb! William Onyeabor was, and remains, a man of mystery – a Nigerian musician who cut a series of weird, synth-led funk records in the ’70s and ’80s. Atomic Bomb’s line up features futurists Sinkane alongside acolytes such as; David Byrne, Damon Albarn, Money Mark and Pat Mahoney, it’s yet to be conﬁrmed exactly who will be joining with them at Charlton Park, although jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd deﬁnitely will. And mad professor, A disciple of Lee “Scratch” Perry, Mad Professor was one of the leading producers in dub reggae’s second generation, a remixer of choice for adventurous rock and techno acts, most notably revamping Massive Attack’s entire second album under the new title No Protection. Jul 23rd - 26th. Weekend Ticket £165 Charlton Park , Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 womad.co.uk

14 DAyS...

See website for further performances 24th Jul - 2nd Aug Bernie Spain Gardens, Riverside Walkway, South Bank, SE1 crickcrackclub.com

mUSIC london Afrobeat Collective Performing covers and original material this politicised party machine are an incendiary live act with a blend of folk, funk, jazz and African rhythms. Jul 18th, 7:00pm. Tickets £15. The Hideaway, 2 Empire Mews Streatham, SW16 www.hideawaylive.co.uk

Funmi olawumi The Nigerian singer and founder of the Yoruba Women Choir brings together all the infectious rhythms of afrobeat, hi-life, juju and fuji to create hypnotic and uplifting dance music. Jul 20th, 7.45pm. Tickets £17.50 Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Gordon masiala & NKA musica With moso Conde Kaira Kora Afrika

The Fabularium Fairytale Festival

A nomadic haven with fairytales for grown-ups and myths for kids. Featuring; Jan Blake with The Tempter and The Tempted - Wild passions, dark secrets and comedic transformation. Jul 29th, 7.30pm. From £8. Over 14 only. And Meet

Anansi – the original mythical Spiderman. For families with children aged 7+. Jul 30th, 3pm. From £5.

Representing the new generation of Congolese music NKA Musica fuses the modern Soukous and Rhumba with a touch of innovation, while sticking to the roots of Kinshasa appealing to the 21st century diaspora and beyond. Described as the Fashion Icon of Soukous on stage with a distinguished voice that matches the dress code. Jul 21st, 7:00pm. Tickets £10. Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1. www.richmix.org.uk

The mahotella Queens South Africa´s legendary Mahotella Queens draw on rural Zulu music and feature three-part harmonies and a guitar-driven sound. Jul 22nd, 7:30pm. Tickets £14 The Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Niran obasa Obasa’s own compositions combine afrobeat, hi-life, urban grooves and jazz solos to create improvisational

NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

music that brings something new to African jazz. For his debut performance at Southbank Centre he plays solo excerpts from Children of Chibok – a piano suite dedicated to the kidnapped children of northern Nigeria, which premiered during the 2014 London African Music Festival.

experiences of launching and running Africa-related businesses in the UK, before the launch of the ‘What is the Africa Business Club?’

Jul 23rd, 7.45pm. Tickets £15 Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

raising voices of African Diaspora Women: Diaspora Engagement in Development in Africa and UK

othEr Science Africa UnConference: Africa’s scientiﬁc independence: No more business as usual

Diaspora organisations and individuals have been key players in advocating human rights and sustainable development in their countries of origin.

Jul 23rd, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Tickets £5.00. Betsey Trotwood, 56 Farringdon Road, EC1R www.meetup.com/AfricaTBN

Delegates from business, academia and policy will come together for a day of exciting and interactive highlevel panel discussions, focus groups and workshops, to discuss businesses key role in spuring scientiﬁc and technological progress. Jul 21st, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. FREE. Ravensbourne, 6 Penrose Way, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 planetearthinstitute.org.uk

UK-Africa Startup Stories Entrepreneurs Charles Ajidahun, Bamidele Owoola, Rita Usanga and Dumebi Okwechima share their

LEISUREwatch

mANDElA WEEKEND Highlighting the contribution of African women to the development of the continent regardless of their location, with a key note speech from Ngone Diop of The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and speakers; Ekanem Robertson, Faith Mwangi-Powell and Leyla Hussein.

Jul 25th, 2:00pm - 8:00pm. FREE Impact Hub Westminster, Haymarket, 1st Floor, New Zealand House, SW1Y. www.forwarduk.org.uk

Honouring Nelson Mandela with a festival over his birthday weekend, The Southbank Centre asks; “How can we make the world a better place? What would Mandela do now?” With music, talks, ﬁlm, performances and debates, about South Africa today. Live events include; mandela in his own words Toni Stuart and Leeto Thale perform writings and speeches of Nelson Mandela, interspersed with his favourite poems. 18 Jul, 11:00am - 11:20am. Free The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall madiba Modern chants, ancestral voices and dozens of dancers come together in a piece inspired by Nelson Mandela's message of love and reconciliation. 18th & 19th Jul, 2:00pm and 6.30pm daily. Free. Riverside Terrace lift your voice with Eugene Skeef South African percussionist

28th Jul, 7:00pm - 9:00pm. FREE Marcus Garvey Library, Tottenham Green Centre, 1 Philip Lane, Tottenham Green, N15. www.haringey.gov.uk

Black health and Well Being Vasco Stevenson explains arthritis, and how to reduce symptoms by eating foods that beneﬁt and avoiding certain foods that make symptoms worse.

iCAN Social Network Evening An informal Caribbean African Network social/network evening, with guest speaker Nubian Ski,

and poet Eugene Skeef lead jazz pianist Robert Mitchell and vocalists Deborah Jordan and Mpho Skeef, in a participative open-air concert. 19th Jul, 4:00pm - 5:00pm. Free. Riverside Terrace human rights Struggles; over there, over here The anti-apartheid struggle culminated in perhaps the most progressive constitution of the twentieth century. By contrast, the UK Human Rights Act and the continuing membership of the European Convention on Human Rights are now under threat. Join Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty leading a debate on What South Africa’s ﬁght for freedom can teach those of us in the UK. 19th Jul, 5.15 - 6.15pm. Free. The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall For further listings see website 18th - 19th Jul, 11:00am - 6:00pm. FREE www.southbankcentre.co.uk

who will be discussing their Ski Club for Black people. Jul 30th, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm. FREE. JD Wetherspoon, The Ledger Building, 4 Hertsmere Road, West India Quays, E14. ican-network.co.uk/

UK-Nigeria Economic Forum Nigerian London Business Forum with support from

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, trade, investment and business networking event, reputed for bringing together Nigerian and British business moguls, leading entrepreneurs, investors and top government experts. 28th Jul, 10:00am - 5:00pm. From £150. Kingsway Hall Hotel, WC2B www.nlbforum.co.uk/

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EDUCATIONwatch

NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

Work ban on foreign students will hurt UK The Institute of Directors has warned that the proposed ban on foreign students, including Nigerians, working in Britain after graduating could rob Britain of vital skills. Seamus Nevin, head of employment and skills at the Institute of Directors, said, “The Home Secretary's proposals to eject foreign students after graduation are misguided and would damage the British education system, our economy and global influence. “Britain already makes it difficult and artificially expensive for international students to enter and stay, and now these proposals would eject them ignominiously when their studies are finished. “Restricting talented workers from staying on in the UK would damage business and lead to a loss of important skills. “Shutting the door to highly-trained international graduates at a time when our economy needs them most would be hugely damaging for UK businesses. “In the interest of our education sector, our businesses, and our international standing, the Home Secretary should reconsider this proposal.” Under the new rules, from this Autumn, after graduating students from outside the European Union will have to leave the country before reapplying to return for a job. The Education Visa’s length of stay will be cut to two years.

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No.15 UK UNIVERSITY ian Source: Guard 2016 University Guide

Home Secretary Theresa May says the new rules, will stop colleges being used as a “back door to a British work visa”. Official figures show that 121,000 non-EU students entered the UK in the 12 months to June last year, but only 51,000 left – a net influx of 70,000 The immigration minister, James Brokenshire, also announced on Monday that from next month students from outside the European Union who come to study at publicly funded further education colleges will lose the right to work for up to 10 hours a week. The number of foreign students at British further education colleges has slumped in recent years from a peak of more than 110,000 in 2011 to 18,297 in the last 12 months. Ministers say the fall is also a result of a drive to reduce visa fraud and close down hundreds of privately funded “bogus” colleges. The Association of Colleges warned that the government measures risked seriously restricting Britain’s ability to attract international students. “Preventing international FE students continuing to study in the UK after they have finished their studies will limit the progression of students from colleges to universities,” said its chief executive, Martin Doel . He added that the colleges had stringent monitoring systems to check attendance and were keen to see any evidence that they were being used as a back door for bogus students.

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From page 24 insurmountable task". Alongside the Eritreans the team includes three South African riders - Louis Meintjes and the unrelated Jacques Janse van Rensburg and Reinardt Janse van Rensburg and Briton Steve Cummings, Norwegian Edvald Boasson Hagen, American Tyler Farrar and Belgian Serge Pauwels. "We are not just here to make up the numbers, we are here to compete," Ryder said before the start of the tour. "This team has earned its right to be in the Tour de France. They have risen out of the also-rans of the peloton and really shown that they are able to compete at this level. "Our team will be a breath of fresh air for the Tour because cycling is not just a European sport, it's a sport that should be participated in by people all around the world." The team which is based in South Africa takes its name, Qhubeka, from the language of the Nguni people of southern Africa that means "to carry on", "to progress", "to move forward". Qhubeka is also a foundation that provides bicycles as a means of transport to underprivileged populations.

lIVErPool lAND NIGErIAN ‘mArADoNA’ AND thE GUNNErS UNlEASh JAy-JAy mk 2 Nigerian teenage sensation Bobby Adekanye has left Barcelona and joined English Premiership giants Liverpool. Adekanye, 16, has been regarded as the next Maradona at Barcelona and is a mercurial midfield talent expected to fill the vacuum left in Nigeria's midfield by former skipper Augustine Jay-Jay Okocha. Born in the Nigerian city of Ibadan in on February 14, 1999, Bobby, who's full name is Habeeb Omobolaji Adekanye, moved to the Netherlands at the age of four to live in Amsterdam with his family. He spent his formative years in Ajax’s academy before an acrimonious move to Barcelona as a 12-year old in 2011. Last season, he was sent back to the Netherlands for a season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, where Barcelona had hoped to keep him until their dispute with Fifa over a transfer ban had been resolved. But the player is unwilling to wait and has cut his ties with the Catalan giants, allowing Liverpool to pounce. Adekanye impressed for PSV’s youth teams during his loan spell last season and both PSV and Ajax were eager to sign him permanently this summer, according to reports. He has also become a Dutch youth international, with the Dutch FA wary that he could choose to represent

Arsenal FC

CyClING

NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

SPORTSwatch

Nigeria, the winger was called up by to represent the Netherlands’ U16s at a Uefa development tournament in Portugal in February. A skilful left-footer with electric pace, Adekanye has already drawn comparisons with Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben. While he is most comfortable on the left, Adekanye can also play on the right ﬂank or just behind the striker and as well as being a creative spark, the youngster is also known for having an eye for goal. At just 16, he will continue his development in Liverpool’s Kirkby

Academy with the intention of working his way up into the ﬁrst team picture. Having already been coveted by Barcelona, Ajax and PSV, it appears the youngster has more than enough potential to make the grade. Adekanye wrote on his Instagram page: “I am very happy to sign for Liverpool.” Liverpool have promised the young winger that he will be integrated into the ﬁrst team this season. Meanwhile Arsenal look set to unleash the mercurial talents of Alex Iwobi on the Premiership this season. The 19-year-old is the nephew of

Nigerian hero Augustine 'Jay-Jay' Okocha, according to the club's website, the former Paris SaintGermain and Fenerbahce midﬁelder who featured in three World Cups for the Super Eagles, and also became a household name in England when he moved to Bolton Wanderers, and later Hull City, just over 10 years ago. With pedigree like that, it’s no surprise that big things are expected of 19-year-old Iwobi, who has starred for the Gunners development squads, and has featured for the England youth sides. The Mail have reported that the youngster is set to follow his uncle in switching to play for Nigeria in the future, quoting him as saying, "Austin Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu have inﬂuenced my decision to play for Nigeria. "My dad too has told me a lot of things about the honour and pride that goes with playing for Nigeria. So I thought a lot about this and decided to play for Nigeria." It may be some loss for England, but with Iwobi having scored 10 goals in 19 Under-21 matches for Arsenal last season, he may well get the chance to prove just how good he can be when he takes to the pitch alongside the Gunners' international stars in the next few weeks.

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NIGERIAN WATCH 17 - 30 Jul 2015

INSIDE

Nigeria’s ‘maradona’ joins liverpool FC

SportswAtch

africaN riders will cONquer cycliNg The first African team to be invited to take part in cycling's blue riband road race, the gruelling Tour De France, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Jubilation was unconfined when Eritrean Daniel Teklehaimanot donned the polka dot jersey awarded to the best hill climber when he won the seventh stage of the Tour on July 10 (pictured). He, along with fellow Eritrean Merhawi Kudus, are the first black Africans to ride the Tour. "This is a day I will never forget," Teklehaimanot told the media after his victory. "It is a big step for African cycling." The Eritreans ride for the MTN-Qhubeka team, whose principal Doug Ryder has predicted an African rider will stand on the podium of a grand tour within five years. "This team, and Africa, can transform cycling," he told BBC World Service. "We will have an African rider standing on the podium in a Grand Tour in the next three to five years." Ryder has been working on getting an African team into cycling's most prestigious stage race for a decade, and admits "it seemed like an Turn to page 23

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