Nigerian Watch Issue 43 - 19th december 2014

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HOME & AWAY Author Kabir Kareem-Bello compares Christmases in Nigeria & the UK – p20

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BEFFTA COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR 19 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015 Issue No 043

FORTNIGHTLY To Inspire, Inform and Entertain

nigerianwatch.com

TedX FACING FORWARD Adventurers for the continent light a fire Pages 3 & 18

REMITTANCE “RIP-OFF”

THE AFRICAN PARTY

On our feet and moving forward together – p3 & 13

MP launches petition to cut charges Page 2 EKANEM ROBERTSON CHALLENGES THE ‘POOR CAN’T COOK’ BARONESS – page 6

NIGERIAN WATCH 19 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015

NIGERIAN WATCH Publishers Tevin Jemide & Victor Omosevwerha Publisher/Managing Director Maryanne Jemide PR Director Ilonka Omosevwerha 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.

NEWSWATCH Cover Picture of The African Party by Michael Tubes Creations

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“Stop the transfer tax rip-off ” petition launched South London Labour MP Tessa Jowell has launched a campaign to cut the cost of remitting money to friends and family in sub-Saharan Africa.

Called “Stop the transfer tax rip-off” Ms Jowell said, “Many people in London and across the UK need to send money

abroad – most commonly to support family and friends living in poverty or illhealth. Sums that appear small here can mean the difference between life and death in many other parts of the world.

“But people who earn money to send to other countries are being ripped off by

an excessively high ‘transfer tax’ – with fees and charges of up to 20% being creamed off by banks and the two big transfer companies MoneyGram and Western Union who control the market.”

The G8 in 2009 at the L’Aquila Summit set a goal of reducing the cost of remittance by 5% in 5 years, in what has become known as the “5x5 goal”. It was a clear and quantified goal due to be met by the end of November 2014, yet the international community has failed to meet this commitment.

Global average fees (excluding subSaharan Africa) of 7-8% remain higher than this, and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) reports that charges incurred by consumers from the UK to sub-Saharan Africa are at 12%.

If the maximum 5% limit had been imposed, over a year those remitting money to Africa from the UK would save £145 million.

“There has been little sign of positive action, and in some cases charges have increased,” Ms Jowell said at the launch of the campaign at the beginning of December.

“This is money that is needed to support families, not to line the pockets of bankers and moneymen,” said Ms Jowell.

To sign the petition visit www.stopthetransfertax.com

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DANGOTE IS FORBES AFRICA MAN OF THE YEAR Nigerian billionaire Alhaji Aliko Dangote has been named Forbes Africa Person of the Year in recognition of his contributions towards developing commerce and his humanitarian activities across the continent.

In selecting Mr Dangote the panel of judges noted that he is a lion of Africa in terms of business, second to none when it comes to investing in Africa, and a capitalist with a big heart, who puts his money where his mouth is and his foundation is a step forward for a man who wants to make a difference on the continent.

In his acceptance speech Mr Dangote said, “We face challenges that are not insurmountable as long as we stay united. If we all join hands together, we can emancipate Africa from poverty, ignorance and disease, the triple obstacles to our development as a people.”

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Africa’s BIG weekend

“BLACK LIVES MATTER DIE-IN” AT WESTFIELD AS PROTEST GOES GLOBAL

Dubbed the African Party, the event was organised by Nigerian Watch in conjunction with Women4Africa as a Christmas get-together for the African community in the UK. While the evening was laced with live performances, standup comedy, music from a live band and jokes from the MCs Lolo and Mark, the dinner had a serious intent, to consolidate gains made in the community and strengthen its unity further.

Nigerian Watch publisher Tevin Jemide (pictured) said, “Given the growing strength of our community, it is time for us to get together and pool our collective resources. Africans in the UK today are now a strong

and upwardly mobile collective and it is time we tapped into that potential for our collective benefit.

“We need to lay foundations for our children so they don’t have to go through what we have. The more successful we are the more inspiring it will be for our children, who will realise they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”

To achieve that success, Mr Jemide said, requires us to work more closely together, to increase intra-African trade, both here in the diaspora and back home on the continent.

“If the Africa diaspora come together as one, the number of successful Africans will increase,” he said. “I see a concept of the United States of Africa. The continent is a giant with all the natural resources known to man.”

He concluded, “It’s how we value ourselves going forward that matters. We are very, very ambitious, clever, hard working; we need to recognise

who we are. For the wider world to see us for who we truly are, we need to work together.”

Sam Onigbanjo, the W4A director, added, “It is estimated that black people in the UK generate about £10bn for the economy but only about 4% of that wealth stays within the community. We decided to organise this event to enable us to network and do business with one another, so we feed off each other’s success.”

In the programme’s notes, Dr Dalhatu Tafida, OFR, CFR, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK and Edward Turay, his Sierra Leonean counterpart, both wrote goodwill messages. They urged the community to pull together and use their industrious nature to overcome the numerous challenges it faces both at home and in the diaspora.

A wonderful evening was crowned with a live performance by Afrobeat sensation Bunny Mack, who sang a rendition of his 1981 hit

BIG IDEAS FOR “FACING FORWARD” FIRES UP SELL OUT AUDIENCE AT TedX EUSTON

T

he annual festival of free thinking that is TedX Euston lit a fire to warm the heart – as it has done very year for the past six years. Famed the world over, thanks in no small part for the speech on modern feminism given in 2013 by author Chimamanda Adichie – which was sampled on a Beyoncé track – it has grown from being a small gathering in a UCL lecture room to making the first Saturday of December a red letter day in the African diaspora calendar.

The Mermaid Conference centre, Blackfriars, was as usual a sell out for this year’s event that had the theme Facing Forward, based on the first president of Kenya Kwame Nkrumah’s quote, “We face neither East nor West, we face forward.”

There was a glittering array of speakers drawn from the arts, business and public life.

One of the most eagerly anticipated was journalist and author Binyavanga Wainaina who spoke movingly of an Africa that embraces difference.

Some speakers, such as CNN anchorwoman Zain Asher spoke on personal development; others such as film magnate Kene Mkparu and Frances Mensah Williams on returning home, to help speed the plough of development on the continent. Media impresario Chude Jideonwo electrified the audience with a clarion call for the “office of the citizen”; and Fatima Muhammad delighted the audience with an impromptu rendition of Jimmy Cliff’s Bright Sun Shiny Day after issuing a heart-rending plea for people to join her campaign for the rights of the girl child.

All the speeches were riveting, as the speakers drew on their personal experiences to illuminate the issues. And as is the hallmark of TedX Euston the analysis was authentic, telling the truth, good and bad. Not least the chairman of the board of Wanachi Group Holdings Ali A Mu-

furuki who gave a clinical analysis of what is wrong with the Africa rising narrative.

On behalf of the organisers Eulette Ewart said, “Speaker after speaker made us laugh, made us think, taught us, inspired us, and made us pause as we reflected on our theme ‘Facing Forward’. And at the end, the standing ovation from the audience was life-affirming.”

Even the normally cynical press were on their feet. As WOMAD is a festival of African music so TedX Euston is a festival of African ideas, neatly packaged in a day. It is pioneering, agenda setting, full of surprises and lights a fire.

WHO IS THE MAN IN THE SKIRT?

Turn to pages 18 &19 for TedX Euston talks report

Michael Tubes Creations

PARTY TO CELEBRATE UNITY INSPIRES DIASPORA AND CONTINENT HUNDREDS of Africans in the UK gathered to celebrate the end of the year on December 5 at Kensington Town Hall in London at a gala dinner set alight with live performances from legendary Afrobeat singer Bunny Mack and lover’s rock star Don Campbell.

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My Sweetie My Lover. It got everyone off their seats as the excited crowd took to the dance floor to dance as the veteran sang his most popular songs.

Wazobia FM star Lolo had the audience in stitches with her risqué humour, as did fellow comedians Lateef Lovejoy and Aurie Styla. Wale Adebanjo and Salters Music and DJ Unbeetable delivered the beats.

The event was reported on back in Nigeria and across the continent on the All Africa platform. Planning is already underway for next year’s event.

Picture special starts page 13

Over 500 people joined a “die-in” protest at the Westfield mall in Shepherds Bush on December 10 in solidarity with rallies prompted by the death of Eric Garner, a black man who died during an arrest in New York in July.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in the US in protest over his death and that of Michael Brown, 18, who was killed in Ferguson, Missouri on 9 August.

Holding placards saying “Black Lives Matter”, protestors drew parallels between the two US deaths and the recent high profile police shooting of Mark Duggan and other historic cases.

Police made 76 arrests during the protest which was seen as a significant milestone by the UK media who dubbed the event as representing the “globalisation of protest”.

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Oh! Mother rallies for murdered teen 15-YEAR-OLD JOEL ADESINA IS SECOND NIGERIAN YOUTH TO BE KILLED IN WEEKS On Tuesday December 14 Nigerian community leaders took the painful path to the door of yet another grieving mother, to pay their respects and offer their support in the wake of the killing of yet another Nigerian youngster.

L-R: Joel Adesina; Bridgette Peters

Green Road 23:04hrs on Friday, 5 December. Officers attended and found a 15-year-old boy suffering from serious stab injuries to the abdomen.

"The boy was taken by the London Ambulance Service to an east London hospital. He died in hospital at 02:12hrs on Saturday, 6 December."

Joel’s neighbours in Dagenham described him as an ambitious schoolboy who came from a hard-working family.

They said he never stayed out late and would be regularly seen coming home in his football kit.

Ricky Downes, the manager of Bardag FC Yellows, Joel’s football team, said the winger was as good as gold and talented enough to play pro-

fessionally. “To say that myself and the club are devastated is an understatement, we are absolutely in bits. Joel was a wonderful young lad who had the world at his feet.

“He was a very talented footballer and had ambitions of playing professionally and I think he had a future in the sport. There was something about Joel that touched me and his death is totally unexpected. He never gave me any inkling that he was involved in gangs or anything like that. He was cheeky, bubbly and a thoroughly likeable young man," Mr Downes added.

It is the second such incident to impact the Nigerian community in a matter of weeks. On Tuesday October 14,

Chief Sanusi named “peace ambassador” Sync Photos

Led by Bridgette Peters of Oh! Mother and Dr Toyin Idowu and YACnCAY (Youth Against Crime not Crime Against You) and supported by the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK chairman Bimbo Folayan Roberts, it is the second such journey they have had to make in weeks.

Fifteen-year-old Joel Adesina was murdered on Friday December 5 following what is reported to be a confrontation with a gang of other youths in Bethnal Green, east London.

Police said the teenager from Dagenham was walking with friends when they were confronted by a group in a parked car. He and his friends were then pursued into a housing estate where residents heard screaming and shouting. Joel was cornered and stabbed.

A Scotland Yard spokesperson said, “Police were called by the London Ambulance Service to Bethnal

25-year-old Nigerian Olamide Fasina was chased by a gang of armed men into an alleyway off Wolvercote Road on Thamesmead's Tavy Bridge estate and stabbed in the heart and left to die.

In response to that murder Ms Peters and Dr Idowu had joined forces under the Oh! Mother banner to campaign against knife crime. The group held its first meeting on December 13 to brainstorm about how to tackle the problem. It was too late for young Joel. Already plans are in place for monthly meetings throughout next year and an uncompromising programme of outreach work with parents and youths.

“We need to find ways to get Nigerian youths to bin their blades and turn away from gang violence,” Ms Peters told Nigerian Watch. “Over Christmas the advice is simple, walk away.” l Two men, aged 23 and 24, were arrested and taken into custody on December 8. Chief Inspector Chris Jones of the Met’s Homicide & Major Crime Command has asked for anyone with any information regarding Joel’s murder to contact the incident room on 020 8345 3734, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In recognition for her selfless and tireless work to improve the lives of others in areas of health, education and rights for the girl child, Chief Yemesi Sanusi has been appointed a “peace ambassador” by the Universal Peace Federation. Through interfaith initiatives, the UPF run a global network of peacebuilders to contribute to a world in which everyone can live in freedom, harmony, cooperation, and prosperity.

STUDENT HARDSHIP FUND OPENS NIGERIAN students in the UK facing financial difficulties can now access money from the Oluremi Tinubu Hardship Fund, set up earlier this year to ease their plight and prevent them having to drop out of university.

In April Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the former Lagos State governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, established the fund to aid Nigerian students struggling in the UK. To be administered by the Association of Nigerian Academics UK (Anauk), the fund is designed to help diasporan pupils cope with school fees and accommodation expenses.

Applicants will have to meet criteria as set out in the application form and disbursement of funds is at the discretion of the Hardship Fund Committee of the association.

Individuals cannot benefit from the fund twice. Those looking for details of how to apply and criteria for qualification should visit the ANAUK website at www.nigerianacademicsuk.org.

THE DIASPORA’S MOST POWERFUL PR Mavis Amankwah, CEO of Rich Visions media agency, features in the prestigious PR Week Power Book for the sixth consecutive year.

The Power Book is the definitive guide to the brightest and most influential PR professionals in Britain and Mavis is the only African female featured in the publication. This year’s edition was launched with a champagne reception at the renowned Ellwood Atfield Gallery on December 3rd.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT THIS CHRISTMAS “If they do not have bread, let them eat cake.” The famous words attributed to Queen Marie Antoinette during the great famine in France during the reign of her husband, Louis XVI. These words are remembered for their inappropriateness during such a time of suffering and particularly for how they highlighted the cluelessness of the upper class about the plight of the poor in France of the 1600s.

Baroness Anne Jenkin of Kennington, a Conservative Peer, had a Marie Antoinette moment recently and this at a time when the government is already being accused of aloofness and lack of understanding of the plight of the poor in society.

She commented that “poor

people can’t cook”, after which she went on to detail how the porridge she had eaten that morning had only cost her 4p!

It seems she was trying to say that the financially challenged are spending too much on pricey pre-packaged food and should cook more but these basic skills had been lost to society. The implication being that food banks have sprung up all over the UK because of this feckless attitude.

Her words minimise the travails of those who are now being forced to go to food banks to get food. They do not do so out of choice but because of circumstances beyond their control. Their inability to cook is very often due to or living homelessness conditions that do not allow them to cook. The Baroness

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SPECIAL REPORT BY ER (EKANEM ROBERTSON) WITH THE EAGLE EYE

may be forgiven, however, because as the saying goes, ‘who feels it knows it’. It is very easy to misunderstand what it means to ‘not have’. One of the things that you lose when you do not have, is the luxury of choice.

I have been reflecting on the way in which we look at people who use food banks. I have worked as a volunteer in a food bank since February and met many people who have found themselves there but would rather not be. I have listened to their stories and their needs. Quite simply, in austerity Britain if you do not have a job and you are dependent on social security, you are vulnerable.

I recently spoke to a mother whose daughter has just left home to go to university, which meant that benefits she was receiving simply ended. As a consequence she no longer has sufficient money to buy food.

She has no job and her efforts to get a job are often thwarted by her very circumstances.

She cannot charge her phone to make calls to get a job or follow up on enquiries. She has an ailing family member whom she has to take to the hospital frequently, which is

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time consuming. She too, suffers from bouts of She goes depression. everywhere on foot, to save on transport costs, yet, her benefits were further cut, recently, because it was considered that she was not doing enough to find work. This story may not be typical of a food bank user because, in actual fact, it is often worse.

I often say to myself “there, but for the grace of God go I!” The homeless and impoverished in our society often get there through some misfortune or a combination of unfavourable events or circumstances. They are representative of any one of us, if we were to fall on hard times and our caviar bowls become begging bowls.

When you find yourself at a food bank you really have no choice. You have to take what you are given or those giving will see you as ungrateful. So recipients can sometimes collect unsuitable items without complaint and leave underserved. The bottom line is that we need to understand the life they are living. Let’s make our food banks as effective as possible, for all our sakes.

I would like to give some pointers to those of you who have it in your hearts to give to a food bank near you this Christmas: l The first thing that I would ask you to remember is that help is not help unless it actually does help! l It sounds mundane to say it but, some homeless people literally have nothing! So whenever possible, try to provide food tins that can be popped open by pulling a ring. Some recipients do not always have access to tin openers. l Please check the date of the items you are giving – if you would not eat it, please do not give it! l Provide protein items like tinned sardines, tuna and corned beef, items which recipients can make a sandwich with simply or add to something else to make a nutritious meal. l Long life milk in cartons, sugar, tea and coffee always come in handy. l Chocolate and high protein biscuits can go a long way to filling the hunger gap and providing something that would otherwise be a luxury. l Always remember that food items in boxes are stronger than those in packets, which can tear easily. l Think about giving food that is eaten by diverse communities. l Although pasta is filling, if you do not have cooking facilities or only a microwave, boiling pasta can be an impossible task. l Food banks are not just about food. Toiletries, toilet rolls, toothpaste, toothbrushes, nappies, sanitary products, soaps and deodorants, are very much needed. It may be unthinkable for you but, some days, people have to decide whether to buy soap or eat. What would you do? l Finally, if you do not have time to shop then donate money to the food bank. The organisers will use it to buy-in what they need, economically. Every little helps.

Thank you, in advance, for giving at any time of the year (remember, the homeless or displaced in the society are not just hungry at Christmas!); and being ‘a bridge over troubled waters’ in someone’s life. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year! ©ER 2014 for Nigerian Watch – Women’s Watch. Write to her at er@nigerianwatch.com or follow her on Twitter @ekkanemr

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NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES UNITED FOR PEACE

With guests from Nigeria and delegates from across the UK, the Nigerian diaspora’s oldest community association – the National Association of Nigerian Communities (NANC) – celebrated the end of the year at the swish Presidential Restaurant in Elephant and Castle on December 12. It was an aptly named venue on the night after General Buhari was named the official challenger to President Goodluck Jonathan in the forthcoming elections.

The evening was one full of hope. The group chairman Sir Martins Bakare in a brief address told the gathering, “We have the money, we have the resources, we have the people.

We need the unity. Together we can make the nation greater than it is.”

There was a hugely well-informed debate as is only to be expected from the group which evolved out of the west African student union movement of the 1920s, which was the breeding ground for the independence movement across much of the continent.

This was a cosmopolitan gathering with delegates representing the myriad ethnic and religious groups that constitute Nigeria. Yet they spoke with one voice, for peace and unity and a time when a man is judged on his merit and nothing else. A guest from Nigeria told the party “you have reconnected me with the spirit of the founders of this movement.”

The dancing and debates continued long into the night.

MAYOR AMINU CHAMPIONS CAUSE OF THE “GIRL CHILD” Hundreds of campaigners for the rights of girls in Africa gathered at the Oval Cricket Ground in south London on Friday, to raise money for the Girl Child Network Worldwide (GCNW).

The high-profile gala fundraiser was made possible by the Mayor of Lambeth Councillor Adedamola Aminu, who, in line with custom, has chosen the charity to benefit from his year in office.

Councillor Aminu said, "This is an issue very close to my heart as securing the future of the girl child is very important. If you train a girl child, you train a community."

GCNW was set up to deal with unique girl child problems, which African girls are particularly vulnerable to, including child marriages, female genital mutilation and gender bias.

Musician Levi Roots was the special guest of honour and urged everyone to use the opportunity to give something

to the less privileged in society.

Princess Deun AdedoyinSolarin, the chair of the GCNW board of trustees, said, "Caring for the vulnerable in society is something we should consider an obligation as many people do not have the opportunities that we all take for granted. Our mission is to support and promote girls’ rights, empowerment and education by reaching out to and advancing the circumstances of African girls who are economically deprived,

at risk of abuse, subject to harmful cultural practices, or living in areas of instability."

Betty Makoni, the founder and chief executive of GCNW, said, "We are here today for the unseen and vulnerable girls who have no voice. Many of these girls have no access to education, use leaves as sanitary towels and have very few options in life."

Among the entertainers who performed at the event were singer Carol Jiani, herself once a victim of child abuse.

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CHILD PRODIGY STORMS LONDON Inspirational prodigy Zuriel Oduwole concluded a whirlwind tour of the UK by paying a courtesy call on the Nigeria’s High Commissioner, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR, – who invited her to London – and visiting a school in Lambeth in the company of Mayor Adedamola Aminu.

Now, just 12 years old, Nigerian Zuriel entered the history books by becoming the youngest ever person to be interviewed by Forbes magazine when she was aged just 10. She was catapulted to fame on the back of a documentary she made – aged 9 – as part of a school competition in her native America. It asked applicants to produce a documentary “about a revolution or reaction in history”.

“I knew right away what I wanted to do even though I was only nine,” Zuriel told Nigerian Watch. “It was my opportunity to find a successful revolution and show the world that Africa is not all bad. When the media talk about Africa, they discuss only negative things like famine and war but as a proud Nigerian I wanted to talk about positive things regarding Africa.”

She then began research on the Ghana revolution, the 1979 uprising which arose out of a combination of corruption, bad governance, lack of discipline in the army and frustrations among the general public. Her research took her to the African continent where she was able to interview flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, who led a coup and later became the country's head of state.

Zuriel has subsequently met seven African

leaders, including Nigeria’s President Jonathan. She now runs an organisation called Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up “to inspire girls to accomplish their dreams like me”. She hopes through her activities to show parents and the world by “using me as an example what their children can do”.

While in London she took the opportunity to interview Cllr Aminu because “he is the first Nigerian mayor of Lambeth, which is one of the largest multi-cultural boroughs in London."

Councillor Aminu said, "I hope she inspires other young girls to go on and achieve too as Zuriel proves that if you work hard, you can achieve your goals. I like the fact that she did not rely on the information from the US media for her documentary but conducted her own research." He added that when he received Zuriel's email asking for an interview, he was inspired by it.

Aside from her Forbes accolade, Zuriel was named the most powerful 11-year-old in the world by New York Business Insider Magazine.

General Buhari wins by a landslide On Valentine’s Day 2015 (Feb 14) voters will have a choice between the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan and the one-time former military leader of Nigeria General Muhammadu Buhari.

While always the hot favourite to become the standard bearer for the All Progres-

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sive Congress party, the General’s landslide victory took observers by surprise.

He won the nomination with 3,430 votes. Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso got 974 votes, followed by former vice president Atiku Abubakar with 954 votes, while Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha came

fourth with 624 votes, with Sam Nda-Isaiah, the publisher of Leadership newspaper coming fifth with 10 votes.

Prior to the selection all the APC presidential candidates signed an undertaking to remain within the party and not defect in the event they lost in the primary elections.

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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 January 5, 2014. Anonymous letters will not be published. Please include your full name, postal address and telephone number.

Names and addresses can be withheld, if preferred. Letters may be edited.

The Pope and the Presidents Professor Wole Soyinka famously said, “God moves in a mischievous way.”

What has God done to Nigeria lately? It is like Abuja is being transformed into the Vatican City in Rome, residence of the Pope.

The Pope is rightly regarded as a Head of state, which is why the Pope has Diplomatic missions globally.

Pope Francis was born December 17, 1936 and General Muhamadu Buhari, APC Presidential Candidate, was born December 17, 1942. Both of them have been described as stern, austere and ascetic.

It should be noted, coming before Buhari, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo earned a second term in office as a result of the presidential elections on April 19, 2003, and so he was dubbed a 419 president. Similarly Pope Benedict XVI was elected on

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April 19, 2005 so he is a 4-19 Pope (Emeritus).

Pope Benedict XVI and President Obasanjo were both soldiers and they are both battle tested, the Pope in the Second World War and Obasanjo during the Nigerian Civil war.

They are both published authors.

Pope Benedict XVI was the leader of one billion Catholics worldwide and Obasanjo was the President of Nigeria, the world’s most populous black country, and Chairman of the African Union – then described as the torch bearer of 1.2 billion blacks worldwide.

Benedict is a theologian and Obasanjo is currently a candidate for a masters degree in theology at the Open University.

Will Buhari become the next Nigerian President and so be the torch bearer for 1.2 billion blacks worldwide? Only time will tell.

A

s we reach the end of yet another eventful year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you – our readers and advertisers, staff and contributors – for your continued friendship and support.

It is that which keeps us going and – I hope you agree – has allowed us to have a positive impact on our community’s development.

Next year we intend to work even harder with all our stakeholders to empower the Nigerian and African diaspora further and improve this newspaper so it serves you better.

While 2014 has been an undoubtedly tough year for many, I will leave it to you to take stock.

Then I would encourage you to look at your strengths and opportunities so as to enter 2015 with renewed determination to succeed.

Finally, I wish you a very happy Christmas and hope that 2015 delivers all that you strive for.

Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth, London, via email

Bullying will tarnish our image I have been following the recent developments in Nigeria regarding the taking out of the country of huge sums of money in the name of buying arms to fight insurgency.

Nigeria is a country full of men and women of integrity.

But despite this, it seems not to get it right simply because positions are not given on merit but on party allegiance. As a result of which people with little or no experience of International Relations occupy important positions, where they make wrong decisions and embarrass the nation.

The transfer of huge sums of money in cash, with particular reference to the recent transfer to South Africa, when their laws forbid the same, is just one such example. When this money was lawfully seized Nigeria threatened to retaliate against South African companies operating in Nigeria if the money was not released.

For one country to resort to bullying another that is only trying to uphold the law is astonishing.

Since the end of apartheid, South Africa has been getting it right by leaving all its established structures intact and improving on same. As a result of which they are not looking to nations that may be out to infect their system with corrupt practices and lawlessness.

Nigeria needs to realise that its image outside is now too close to call. Therefore, it should strive to be seen to be doing things that may redeem its image.

Retaliating on South African companies in Nigeria would do more harm to Nigeria's image and may deter other investors.

Indeed, affected companies

Maryanne Jemide, MD

may decide to take Nigeria before the International Court of Justice. Nigeria may stand to lose such cases with serious financial implications awarded against it. That may be another nail in the coffin of Nigeria’s image.

Unfortunately, the people in authority are not thinking of how the nation would grow for better. Instead, they are busy stealing here and there and the poor are getting poorer.

God in His Mercy will bring a good leader who will think of the Mercies first. Amen.

Victor Osobu, via email

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NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015 19

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EMBASSYWATCH

NEWS FROM THE NIGERIA HIGH COMMISSION, LONDON

A year of “awesome” service One word sums up the services provided by the High Commission under the leadership of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UK, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR, and that is “awesome”.

That was the verdict delivered by Professor Chris Nwagboso who, as founder of the social enterprise Knowledge Factory International, recently masterminded a fact-finding mission to the UK by officials of Cross River State Government.

Presenting Dr Tafida with a certificate of appreciation and impressive glass pyramid bearing the legend, “You are awesome” he said the award was “in appreciation of a job well done in opening the windows of opportunities in the United Kingdom for State Governments of Nigeria”.

The Professor said he and the delegation had been greatly impressed and grateful for the

ideas offered by His Excellency and staff and said the award was to make public their appreciation and encourage others to capitalise on the opportunities offered.

The occasion was also used

to announce a forthcoming transport and infrastructure funding and investment forum being planned for next year by KFI. A clearly abashed Dr Tafida offered gracious thanks but

lamented that his name had been engraved on the award.

Any appreciation should be shared equally across the mission, he said, and if his name had not been on the award it would have stood in a prominent space to inspire the Mission’s staff further . He told the Professor, “Thank you for thinking we have done well but we have done this time without number for State Governments and Federal Agencies. We diplomats are sent abroad to do anything we can within limits for our compatriots.

“We operate to international standards here,” Dr Tafida continued. “We did nothing extra for Cross River, this is the way we have always done our activity here in my time.”

He told the Professor that he could count on the support of the High Commission for the planned Transport and Infrastructure funding forum.

Ambassador’s great tour of UK continues Today (Friday, December 19) Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UK Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR, will head to Belfast to meet the sizeable Nigerian community in Northern Ireland.

The journey marks the end of a year during which His Excellency has visited Nigerian communities across Great Britain to hear their concerns, support their endeavours and unite them in helping to create an even greater Nigeria.

The weekend of Town Hall meetings comes hot on the heels of a recent visit to Jersey, where Dr Tafida sought to establish bilateral relations with the island, to enhance foreign direct investment.

Receiving the 9-man delegation, Micheal Birt, Jersey’s civic leader, announced at a reception dinner that the territory would return to Nigeria £315m stashed away on the island by former head of state General Sani Abacha. As part of an ongoing clean up of banking services on the island, Jersey had previously returned £140m.

As a result of the visit officials from Jersey are expected to make a similar trip to Nigeria in 2015.

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NIGERIAN WATCH 19 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015

FROM L-R: Nigerian Watch’s Tevin and Maryanne Jemide and W4A’s Tola and Sam Onigbanjo

The African Party kicked off Christmas celebrations on December 5 at the Kensington Great Hall, as Africans from across London got together, to eat, laugh, dance and be merry, and look forward to a prosperous New Year.

Photographs by; Micheal Tubes Creations and Olamint Media Photography

THE AFRICAN PARTY BELOW: Minister Ogah & Minister Abdulrazaq

ABOVE: Ade and Toyin Onibokun

ABOVE: Tola Onigbanjo, Cllr Anna Mbachu, Christine Adamu, Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas, Kate Anolue, Michelle Akintoye, Euphemia Chukwu and Maryanne Jemide LEFT: Dr and Mrs Peter Ozua

RIGHT: Dr. Gwam ABOVE: Ugo Isiadinso and Oneyor Atie

ABOVE: Didi Alfred and Brenda

LEFT: Minsiter Ogah RIGHT: Jennifer and Nosa Obaseki

ABOVE: Bimbo Roberts Folayan (MBS CITP)

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At OH TV we pride ourselves on producing the high quality content for television. Developing shows that ooze excellence and superiority in terms of picture and sound is always at the forefront consistency of our work has led to us being of our approach. The consistency largest commissioned to produce, film and broadcast some of the larg African spectacles in the UK and Africa.

OH Creative is a key strand of the OH Network and the production powerhouse behind major live events and television productions in Africa and the UK. OH Creative has become a fully integrated agency that provides 360° creative solutions. Part production company, part creative agency, we produce adverts, campaigns, branding for external clients and content for all media platforms.

We have a number of prestigious accolades under our belt.

Since 2013 OH creative have managed the film production of The Experience and broadcast it internationally to the UK audience. The Experience, is a live gospel music concert held annually at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos with host Pastor Paul Adefar arasin, asin, founder of the House on the Rock church. It is arguably one of the eaturing exceptional artists such as Cece Winans, Don largest of it’s kind in Africa, ffeatur Moen, Donnie McClurkin, Mike Aremu, Midnight Crew, Tye Tribbet and many more.

OH TV successfully executed production as official media partners of this year’s Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Tinapa, Calabar. AFRIFF 2014 included top Nollywood producers, directors and stakeholders from Africa, Europe and America. Genevieve Nnaji and Chinedu Ikedieze were amonsgt the leading Nollywood stars at the event. The entire occasion was captured by OH Creative using state of the art equipment.

The Nollywood Movie Awards is a celebrated event, attracting a high volume of dignitaries, VIP’s and celebrities from Africa and abroad. Earlier this year OH TV captured all the buzzing excitement of the main event and red carpet. The show was broadcasted live from the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island in Lagos, directly to viewers in the UK. The live cover erag age also featured an exclusive commentary booth led by award-winning OH TV presenter Lola Ogunbadejo.

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TIONAL AND CHALLENGING OH TV IS AN INTERNA INTERNATIONAL TIONAL FFAMILY AMILY AMIL Y ENTER ENTERT ENTERTAINMENT TAINMENT CHANNEL DEDIC DEDIC DEDICATED ATED T TO O PR PROVIDING OVIDING THE BEST OF UPLIFTING, INSPIRA INSPIRATIONAL OM THE UK, AFRIC A AND AR OUND THE W ORLD. THE OH TV NETW ORK REA CHES O VER 700,000 UK TV VIEWERS PER MONTH AND AN CONTENT FR FROM AFRICA AROUND WORLD. NETWORK REACHES OVER ESTIMATED ESTIMA TED 25 MILLION VIEWERS W ORLDWIDE. A VAILABLE ON SKY CHANNEL 199 AND VISION TV VIA FREEVIEW ON CHANNEL 244.

WORLDWIDE. AVAILABLE

Get ready for for a fresh new season of Naija Bites set in New York and Los Angeles, with a brand spanking new set of guests including Hollywood actresses Mo’Nique and Tasha Smith, Radio Host and MTV News Producer Sway Calloway, and many others! Also expect a new presenter, Esther Alade!

“I’m delighted to be the new presenter for for Naija Bites USA. I’m a vivacious, bubbly, energetic and friendly person, but you will find that out for for yourselves! Expect to be entertained and inspired in the delightful and tasty world of Naija Bites. Look out for a special line up of guests and find out about their experiences. Don’t miss out on the special episode featuring Oscar award winning actress Mo’Nique, she was amazing and touched us all with her presence. The team and I had so much fun out in the USA, never a dull moment on set. As always Chef Rasheeda will entice us with a fine selection of Nigerian cuisine, perfect for for you to try and recreate with your families. families. Make sure you post pictures on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page. I want to see how you spice up your kitchen!” - Esther Alade.

Join new host of Naija Bites USA Esther Alade in the upcoming season on OH TV. Naija Bites is the premier entertainment cookery show featuring a blend of fine dining mixed with celebrity fun. It’s Entertainment you can taste! Winner of Best TV Show Beffta Awards 2013.

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NEWSWATCH BELOW: Lolo entertains the audience.

BELOW: Efe Ocheja, Maryanne Jemide and Temi Onanuga

ABOVE: Wale Adebanjo Salters Music

ABOVE: Aurie Styla entertains BELOW: The Adeniyi's

ABOVE: Vicky Sola sings Julius Pereira, Dharam Bhamra, Bharat Kotecha (BK) of Wanis

ABOVE: Ayo Akinfe of Nigerian Watch and Morenike Oni BELOW: Jessica Inegbineke and Noel Aiworo BELOW: Sidiq Oluseye and Friends

ABOVE: Bunny Mack performs.

BELOW: Lekun Olunjinmi

ABOVE: Matthias and Anita Nwabudike FROM L-R: Jon Hughes, Managing Editor and Cathy Constable, Art Editor, of NIgerian Watch

ABOVE: Cllr Aminu and Wife

ABOVE: Efe Ocheja and Temi Onanuga

ABOVE: Mrs Oburota, June Douglas and Kate Anaolue

BELOW: Toya Washington and friends enjoying the party

ABOVE: Harriet and Lawrence Ogbeide ABOVE: Oneyor Atie LEFT: Edel, Kate Anolue, Yemi Akande and Friend

RIGHT: Mrs Alero Jemide and Mrs Ogbeide

ABOVE: Ufu and Victor Uwaifo

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NEWSWATCH

NIGERIAN WATCH 19 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015

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BELOW: Mc Mark RIGHT: Silvastone

ABOVE: Lolo, Adamu Yanleman, Hauwa Yusuf (NTA) & Mrs Habiba Salihu Oduoye (NAN), both UK/Europe Bureau Chiefs BELOW: Lolo joking with Garfield Robinson of The Voice Newspaper and his wife

ABOVE: Julius Pereira, Dharam Bhamra, Bharat, Kotecha and Prashant Vyas of Wanis

LEFT: Don Campbell sings

ABOVE L-R: Jessica, Maryanne, Gloria and Jennifer

BELOW: Cindy Martins, Emmanuel Kale, Patience Ogundare

FROM L-R: Cllrs Mbachu and FajanThomas, Michelle Akintoye, Kate Anolue, Christine Adamu and Ronke Udofia ABOVE: Jennifer Obaseki dances with friend

Amaka ABOVE: Lola dancing with Bunny Mack

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EDELWATCH

Adventurers for the continent “Coming home” is a frequent topic of conversation among the diaspora – especially as the West has dubbed this the African century, recognising the continent's success is the lifebelt of the global economy. As we “faced forward”

at TedX Euston attempting to define our own path rather than one set for us by East or West we were shown magnificent glimpses of what is possible.

With a little bit of courage we can determine our own destiny, something we

must do if we are to avoid becoming either a neo-colonial cash cow or cold war football for a second time. To this we need to look at the challenges honestly and take our talents home. Edel Meremikwu & Jon Hughes report

WE NEED TO GET REAL – AFRICA IS NOT RISING, YET

T

he chairman of the board of Wananchi Group Holdings Mr Ali A Mufuruki entered the stage with an apology, as he said he knew he was going to “annoy and anger” the audience with his talk detailing why “Africa is not rising”.

What followed was a breathtaking assault on the Africa rising narrative that left the audience gasping and on its feet.

“I think there is quite a number of profound flaws to the Africa rising narrative,” he said, cautioning that it was a phrase coined “not by an African, but a well-meaning western journalist. Someone who was standing outside looking in and comparing the state of the continent today to what it was a few years ago.

While admitting “it is indeed much better than it was a few years ago” he continued, “We have embraced that narrative without questioning it and that’s why we are where we are. It is not the first time we have believed without seeing.”

The Africa rising narrative Mr Mufuruki said is based on a very simple observation, the economic growth of some African countries over the past few years, around 6-7% compared to very sluggish growth here in the west.

“Six percent is very impressive,” he said. But the comparison with Europe is not fair, he argued. The fairer comparison is with China. China’s economy, in its rising years, about 20 years ago, rose at 18% at its peak.

“So why would 6-7% be called impressive unless of course we have accepted a special standard for

ourselves, a mediocre standard for Africa?” He asked, “Today China is growing at 8% and the whole world is calling it a recession and Africa, growing at 6%, is considered special.

Should we accept this standard as Africans?”

He said the problem was we have never connected Africa’s rise with decisions taken by Africans. But look at what has caused the GDP growth: commodities trade. Africa was not in on the ground floor in the 90s when this trade exploded, he explained; it was the west, China and India that came looking and that’s how Africa’s “rising” occurred. Not through Africans capitalising on the continent’s potential but others. In other words, Africa is not driving its own growth, it is being towed along by others.

Mr Mufuruki unleashed a raft of damning indicators to justify his analysis. Not least the lack of electricity.

France, with a population of 65m produces four times more electricity than all 47 sub-Saharan African states with a population of 808 million, meaning a French person uses 50 times more electricity. “What would you say to a Frenchman who said the continent was rising?” He asked.

On trade, he said it costs $40 to move one ton of fertiliser the 9000km from America to Kenya, but $120 to move it the 1000km from Mombasa to Kampala. “It costs 30 times more to move cargo across borders in Africa – you cannot be rising if you are at such a disadvantage.”

On energy security he highlighted the fact that “as poor as the continent

TedX Euston TedX is an off-shoot of Ted, the nonprofit organisation devoted to ideas worth spreading. TedX Euston is run by volunteers and aims to reflect ideas and inspired thinking of a new generation of African leaders, presenting to an audience committed to engaging and re-engaging in an active and meaningful manner with the African continent.

TedX Euston's annual gathering always takes place on the first Saturday of December.

All speeches from this year's event will be posted on Facebook; visit TedXEuston.com to sign up for alerts and join the conversation. is” we import $19bn of oil every year, against $16bn received in aid. That cannot be constituted as Africa rising.

He astonished the audience when he addressed the subject of aid. He

said aid could be either good or bad.

He pointed out that post-war, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore were all aid recipients.

“But,” he added, “there is something special about them. All, without exception, graduated from being aid recipients to aid donors after 20 years.

“After 60 years Africa is at the table negotiating what the next form of aid they think they want to be getting. Why is it we are not able to graduate from aid and start giving to others?”

While hailing the headline figures that show Africans have embraced technology he asked if the picture was as rosy as that seems to suggest.

Through technological advances maize farmers in the US yield 10 tons per hectare, compared to 2 tons in Africa. “50 years ago the gap wasn’t so big,” he said. “While the world has moved forward Africa, as a continent of farmers, has been marking time.”

He added that the continent has the lowest level of irrigation in the world.

South Asia, with similar weather patterns, has around 37% of its landmass irrigated, the average for the whole world is 20%, in Africa it is 6%.

The figures on education were equally depressing. “While Africa is making great efforts on education we still have a problem,” Mr Mufuruki said. “In this day and age when higher level knowledge is going to determine the winners and losers in the global fight going on right now for control of the precious resources left in this world, Africa has the lowest levels of graduates.” South Korea has 67%,

Finland 70%, Africa is at 3%.

The only things on the rise in the continent he said was sabotage of our economies by Africans and the devastation of the environment because “we’re living like we were a thousand years ago”. Uniquely in the world the use of charcoal and forests for fuel wood is growing in SSA, “destroying our forests, rivers and bio-diversity”.

“There’s no way you can be said to be growing when you’re destroying your environment, killing the economy, your education levels are so mediocre, your share of global trade is declining and infrastructure is lacking.” However, he added, “That is not to say Africa can’t rise but we need to get real and make sure we don’t mistake hype for reality and hope for achievement.”

He moved on to tell a salutory tale about Africa being exploited. As in the colonial days diamond mines were bought “for very little money and trinkets” so today are other mineral rights. Five of the world’s biggest oil and gas discoveries of 2012 were made on the continent, Mr Mufuruki said. “We don’t know the value of these discoveries, so we sell it for little money and trinkets”.

“Nothing changes in Africa. The way we lead and the way we are led.

We can’t keep making the same mistakes and expect different outcomes.

Something’s got to give. We need to get our act together. I believe it’s possible for Africa to rise. But to do so we must get organised, we must work differently and we must move forward differently.”

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EDELWATCH

‘Home is not where your accent is’ With a glittering career in the city of London behind her Frances Mensah-Williams decided to return home to Ghana – not for any noble reason to help the country to develop but “because of a man”.

Regardless of the reason for her decision the big leap raised many soul-searching questions that will be familiar to diasporans, essentially what is and where is home?

She opened her talk by defining what home is, “That safe place where we can be ourselves, where no one is judging us”. But she added an important caveat, “Being home isn’t always the same as feeling at home. Returning to Africa the fear of not feeling at home is a very powerful one. What if it rejects me?”

Having lived in London from a young age, Frances knew Ghana only from relatives visiting the UK and family holidays there so wrestled with the dilemma “would I, could I really feel at home there?”

Arriving “home” she was disoriented, literally and metaphorically, in a city where “half the streets have no name and is constantly changing” to being jobless and finding conventional means of getting one, by way of an application letter and CV, redundant. As a result she found herself being paraded around banks by her Uncle – “who seemed to know everyone” – demanding that she be given a job.

As an HR professional this took no little getting used to but as Frances commented, “This concept of who you know

is not confined to Africa, although it might be done a little more discretely, via an email or phone call, elsewhere.”

Even after landing a job with the central bank she felt haunted by the spectre of being an outsider.

When at a training seminar with her new colleagues a video of putting into practice sessions was played “all the old doubts came flooding back”.

“I sounded so… English,” she explained. “I sounded like the Queen. How would I ever feel like one of them being so markedly different?”

But then a colleague turned to her and said, “Wow, you have a great CV, a lot of experience, you must have led a good life in London. But we need people like you here to help us develop.

Thankyou for coming home.”

From that moment on Frances felt at home. “Home is not where your accent is, it is where your heart is,” she said. “The barrier to my feeling at home in Ghana was not my English accent but my fear of not being accepted. It was only when I stopped fearing that I really started to feel at home.”

For those considering returning home she had some advice: you must be adaptable, find your own way into the community and not remain cloistered in a small “ex-pat” society and “you have to open your eyes and mind to the diversity of people to become an integral part of the community and part of the reality of being rooted at home.”

‘We created this little thing but the multiplier effect is huge’ The man who is spearheading the renaissance of cinemas in Nigeria Kene Mkparu wowed the audience with his swashbuckling tale of returning home to become a “citizen of Africa”.

And he exhorted others to see what talents they hold in their hands and follow him.

He saw his journey as one of an explorer, through the prism of an Errol

Flynn movie, and the bible stories of Joseph and David and Goliath. To Kene, everything is possible and no obstacle too big to overcome.

He has lived his dream.

While born in Nigeria and schooled in Jos it was in London at the Odeon Swiss Cottage that he fell in love with the business of cinema. Within three years of starting out as an usher he

became the UK’s first black cinema manager and had a successful 17 year career with the Odeon.

It was back in 2008 that he spied an opportunity in Nigeria and decided to return home to build his own cinema empire, with the help of friends he had persuaded to join him on the adventure.

“I saw a country in Nigeria where there were three cinemas. Between 2008 and the end of this year we [Filmhouse Cinemas and Filmhouse Distribution] will have opened 18 cinemas. I don’t see opportunity any more, opportunity is clearly being realised. We’re transferring that hope into reality.”

It hasn’t all been plain sailing. The first incarnation of Filmhouse collapsed just as his wife – who had resigned from a six-figure salary job in London – and children joined him in Lagos. Among his friends and family “tears flowed.

We had no money. We knew where to get money but we had no collateral.

We knew we had the talent. We said che. But we had seen the possibility and the opportunity and we refused to give up.”

It took four long years before the

family and Kene’s friends were back on their feet and Filmhouse was up and running.

And while he is understandably most proud of that it is the ‘business multiplier’ effect that gives him most pleasure.

“We are generating $5m annually for the local economy,” he said.

The printer of the cinema programmes and pop corn boxes is now driving two BMWs. Because there are cinemas across Nigeria, a colleague resigned, bought two trucks and is now in haulage. Because they like to present themselves and their staff fashionably the tailor’s business is booming.

“We created this little thing but the multiplier effect is huge.”

Only recently the former VP of Sony Pictures joined the firm, hot on the heels of the General Manager of Sainsbury’s.

Kene concluded with a clarion call for others, “adventurers”, to follow.

He told the TedX audience, “I have always been guided by something I learnt at school in Jos. Learn what it takes, understand what is required and play your part in implementing what is required.

“When I went to Nigeria I didn’t expect Leicester Square or Piccadilly circus, I expected the jungle. Now when I see a Ferrari I say ‘hallelujah’. I would like you to consider what talents you have in your hands. Africa needs your talent. The continent can be frustrating, challenging and tough but it can also be exciting and rewarding.”

NIGERIAN WATCH 19 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015

19

‘I will stand free as a moral being on the continent’

In a moving talk to his “late Baba” acclaimed journalist and author of How To Write About Africa, Binyavanga Wainaina spoke of creating a continent that is tolerant of diversity. And the audience roared its approval when he took to the stage wearing a fabulous red chiffon skirt.

It was a statement outfit for the writer who in response to the draconian homophobic laws sweeping Africa had publicly declared his homosexuality.

It was something he never got to openly discuss with his father until he was prone in hospital.

However, it was an open secret between them; his father had tolerated him “dressing up in girls clothes and twirling around like Michael Jackson”. And he set an honourable and principled course for his son to follow, building a business and refusing to allow the children of corrupt politicians to attend birthday parties.

As a consequence Mr Wainaina never got what he needed, "to hear from you that it’s OK, to give me that freedom to be. So, instead Baba, I’ve told the whole world! You see I want no space not to welcome me.”

As his coming out sparked a media storm Mr Wainaina was contacted by his old high school, Mangu in Thika, and invited to partake in a televised ceremony celebrating their famous alumni.

He was astonished by this invite

from a church school. “They said I was a role model!”

On the day, of course, the Cardinal heard he was there and panic ensued and he was asked to leave.

Having told this anecdote at length and with great wit and hilarity he lamented, “Africa has to change, or never needed to,” he said. “Those people who came at the time of colonisation to split us apart – until our splitting apart of our own hearts – in that High School there was no such feeling until those fake moral brokers of our freedom to be diverse intervened.

"We are the oldest and most diverse continent. We, where humanity came from. We the moral reservoir of human diversity and dignity. Who are these self-appointed brokers? Wherever they sit you see Boko Harams tearing us apart, governments and political elites tearing us apart. The simple acceptance of our right to be and be diverse is the great thing to defend. Nothing will release our energy more.”

He concluded by saying, “I would like us all to be adventurers for this continent. We need to step out of the simple places of dogma, away from those who profit from rending us apart.

“I will stand free as a moral being in the continent. We can’t think of it as a hostile place. If we trust it and are involved in it, the new continent will start to sing to us again.”

More from TedX Euston in the next ‘Election Special’ edition of Nigerian Watch, including media mogul Chude Jideonwo, who tells all about his infamous “Abacha is Satan” tweet.

OUT ON FRIDAY JANUARY 9

20

NIGERIAN WATCH 19 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015

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LEISUREWATCH

The Fortnight FASHIONWATCH by Obah Iyamu Party season can be stressful… well, the fashion side of it. So, if you live in fear of turning up in the same dress as your rival or actually looking drop dead gorgeous, here are the versatile signature pieces that will serve you well Feather skirts The fluffy vibe is one of our favourite looks to

channel this party season, and a feathered skirt is on the radar. Feathers come in different textures and shades and there are a gazillion styles to choose from. Style your skirt to suit your body; shape by teaming with a fitted top to accentuate your waistline, or pair with a slick knit to hold down the airiness of the feathers for a less girly feel.

Peacock feathers are stiff and shiny but ostrich feathers are very fluffy and they come in various colours. I have picked a sequinned feather skirt for my first christmas soirée .

Oversized collars Remember how last season’s coats were so gigantic it induced the birth of shoulder-robing? This time our coat collars have taken over in the oversized department and hooded coats are pushed far back into our closets.

An enormous coat collar is the shortest cut to winter cosy-land. I am loving this trend because you don’t need to wrap up in a wool scarf as the collar not only looks fabulous but also keeps your neck warm. Wear undone over a slinky dress for that casual sexiness, or cinch at the waist and fold the collar high up..... just for the attention.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FOOD… OR WAS

Kabir Kareem-Bello considers the differences between how Christmas is celebrated in Nigeria and in the UK

T

his year, I will be spending my first Christmas Day in 22 years in my motherland Nigeria. Although I am a Muslim, I have not looked forward to Christmas this much since I was in knee high socks. Based on my childhood memories and experiences, and stories my friends have shared with me in adulthood, there are vast differences between celebrating this festive day between Nigeria and UK. When my family came to the UK in 1992, I could not comprehend how sorely I would miss not spending Christmas Day at home. The 11 Christmases I spent in Nigeria will always be part of my most cherished childhood memories. My most treasured memory will always be the food, oh, food, glorious food; it was always in abundance. Impressively, most neighbourhoods exhibited the essence of Christmas.

Over the years, families made it a tradition to distribute their special dish to neighbours regardless of whether any special relationship existed, and even to friends who lived afar. My family received a variety of delicacies and more kept coming, even on Boxing Day, so that we would not see the need to cook in our house for at least a week after Christmas Day. The air always seemed fresher on Christmas morning and peace reigned throughout the land. Although relatively quiet in my neighbourhood (not so in the low-income ones so I have been told), one could tell that it was a day of celebration because the Christian families in the neighbourhood would begin cooking early in the morning and we would see the smoke rising from the open fires.

The southern region of Nigeria has large populations of Christians and Muslims, and my family had several Christian friends. Tradition was that Muslims visited their Christian friends on Christmas Day. The Christians did the same during the Eid Festivals. My siblings and I knew that we would be visiting a number of Christian family friends and by noon we would be preparing to go. We would have been looking forward to this day since the middle of November.

The first and last houses we visited would be our closest family friends. The first house we visited would be the Onabajo’s where we would spend two to three hours. I always enjoyed watching the food preparations; the men would slaughter and prepare a ram or cow and the women would cook it. By 2pm the first of the many meals of the day would be consumed.

Over the course of the day, we would visit five or six families across the city who were having their own parties and we would eat and drink some more. The last house we would visit was another close family friend, the Okanlas in Bodija. We would stay there late into the night. One of the more poignant memories about Christmas in Nigeria was the community and neighbourly feelings it brought out.

It was the Christmas of 1987 and I was playing with some of the local children; they began playing a game I call “taunt the ram”.

In order to demonstrate bravery, all the kids would taunt a ram by touching its horns and running. Being from the suburbs, I wanted to show I was tough so I joined in the game. Unfortunately, I did not have the street smarts of the locals. The ram broke loose from its rope and charged its tormentors. I was the last to hear the warnings or see the loose ram and it came charging directly at me. I turned to run but slipped and fell. Fortunately, I was not gored. Although scary, this incident gives an insight into what Christmas was about in Nigeria: the children’s adventure, laughter and play was what made it a merry Christmas.

There was no rich or poor, one could go into any compound in their neighbourhood to eat and drink. For at least one day in the year, people spent time with their neighbours and laughed hard: they were merry. Christmas Day always ended the same way for me; I would have fallen asleep before we got home, my dad would carry me from the car and put me to bed.

To say my first Christmas in UK was a major disappointment would be an understatement, it was probably the loneliest day in my short life. I eagerly woke up on Christmas

Must see Christmas shows... track and a finale that practically blows you away!

Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 Recommended for ages 8+ but suitable for ages 5+. (no under 3s allowed) 2.30pm & 7.30pm, also 6pm Suns and some Thu; £20-£65 (Dec 17-Jan 5) www.southbankcentre.co.uk

The Snowman Utterly

TOP CHRISTMAS SHOWS IN LONDON 2014

FOR ALL THE FAMILY;

Here are shows to charm every one from babies and toddlers to big kids and the whole family!

tured above) Critically acclaimed solo circus act filled with humour, awe-inspiring vision, soul-stirring sound-

Slava’s Snow Show (pic-

breathtaking children’s theatre, adapted from Raymond Briggs’ beloved book, with glorious score and a snowman who actually flies! A true Christmas classic.

Peacock Theatre, Portugal St, WC2A For all ages (recommended 2+).

11am, 2.30pm & 7pm; £15£35/family £95 (until Jan 4) www.sadlerswells.com

NIGERIAN WATCH 19 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015

LEISUREWATCH

21

Flickr/Jeremy Weate

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morning of 1992, looked out my bedroom window and was deeply disheartened when I didn’t see any snow. I expected to see a blanket of snow, and had been looking forward to engaging in my first snowball fight. That was what I had seen on TV for the previous 11 years.

the UK; cab prices were astronomical on Christmas Day because there was no public transport. I have accepted that Christmas in the UK is more of a family affair and being a loyal citizen, I would be in front of a TV at 3pm for the Queen’s Christmas Message.

Apart from the differences in the cultural celebration of Christmas in the UK and Nigeria, there are also significant differences in the religious observations. Britain is a Christian country, with a multi-faith based society and a secular outlook. But one can also say that the celebration of Christmas in the UK is based on three elements; faith, culture and capitalism. Nigeria is a deeply religious country. The faith element is the most significant difference in both countries. I have been told most Churches are filled to the brim on Christmas Eve in Nigeria, and fireworks are set off at midnight to bring in Christmas Day. In the UK, however, Church attendance is on the decline.

Christmas has evolved to become an intricate part of “British Culture”; I wouldn’t go as far as to say the essence

“Christmas is a time to share with your neighbours and be kind to your fellow ‘man’” Alas, all I was greeted with was silence. My street in Edgware Road was like a ghost town; no cars, no people, no sledging, nothing, just a deadly silence. I had a miserable day. I missed my friends back home, playing out on the streets, the joyous atmosphere of Christmas day, even that bad tempered ram. Subsequent Christmases in the UK have not reached the heights of my childhood Christmases in Nigeria.

Growing up, my family would sometimes visit only one close family friend in

Mother Goose With larger than life characters, soaring vocalists, crazy costumes, slap-your-thigh humour and Princess Priscilla, whose golden eggs aren’t all they’re

cracked up to be, this is not to be missed. Featuring Susie McKenna, Kat B and Clive Rowe, (pictured below)

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London E8

has been eroded but it now includes rudiments such as the mandatory tree and decorations, Santa Clause and his reindeers, the race to reach the No 1 spot on the Christmas singles charts, the office Christmas parties etc etc.

Another significant difference is the culture of gift giving. Although I haven’t spent Christmas in Nigeria in a while, I don’t believe this has taken hold there just yet. This is what I call a “Capitalist Christmas”; the Christmas period is a time for retailers to boost their profits.

This also underlines the gaps in wealth in both countries.

Despite the differences in Christmas Day in the UK and Nigeria, both countries share many fundamental themes of this festival; religious and otherwise. In my opinion, ‘Charity’ is the core theme that unites both countries. Christmas is a time to share with your neighbour, unite with family and be kind to your fellow ‘man’. Merry Christmas to One and All Kabir Kareem-Bello is the author of Memoirs of a Young African, available on www.amazon.co.uk Website: www.kilonshele-kkb.com Facebook: Kabir Kareem-Bello Twitter: KKareemBello

All ages. 1pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 5.30pm, 7pm; £10-£32 (Nov 22-Jan 4) www.hackneyempire.co.uk

Beauty and the Beast With a sumptuous set that takes its inspiration from pop-up books and a bold new score, this Beauty, starring Helen Aluko (pictured top right) as the show’s heroine, places audiences at the heart of the story and is set to deliver the perfect Christmas treat.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford, E15 All ages. 2pm,7pm; £8.50-£23.50 (Nov 29 - Jan 17) www.stratfordeast.com

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe Escape to Narnia, where the White Witch rules

but four siblings battle evil with the power of Aslan behind them. Thrilling adaptation of CS Lewis’ classic fantasy.

Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, KT1 No age recommendation, possibly best for 4+. Shows at 11am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 5pm, 5.30pm (Tue-Sun, times vary daily, check website); £10-£27/family tickets from £17.50 per person (Nov 30-Jan 4) www.rosetheatrekingston.org

The Railway Children The Olivier Award winning show returns to King’s Cross,

bringing the classic tale by E Nesbitt beautifully to life and starring a real live steam train as its centrepiece.

King’s Cross, Goods Way entrance, Kings Boulevard, N1C 4QL All ages. 7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 2pm & 5.30pm (Sat) and 2.30pm (Thu & Sun); £26-£45/25% off for under 16s (Dec 16-Mar 1, 2015) www.railwaychildrenlondon.com FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN

Scrunch Ding dong! It’s baby’s first Christmas and of course she’s more interested in the wrapping than what’s inside. A fun, sensory first theatre experience for babies aged 6-18 months. Hurry, as many performances are already sold out!

Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, London, SE1 9.30am & 11am (Mon, Wed & Fri); 9.30, 11.30am, 1.30pm (Thu, Sat & Sun): adult + child £10 (£5 per additional child) (Nov 22-Jan 5) www.unicorntheatre.com

Cindermouse A sweet festive show that transposes the fairytale of Cinderella to the rodent

world. Cindermouse has to overcome evil stepsisters to win her prince’s heart in a performance filled with colourful rod-puppet acrobats and dancers.

Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 For ages 3 to 8. Babies and children under 3 will only be admitted at Baby Friendly performances, (times vary daily, check website); adult £14/ child and concs £12 children/family of 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children £48. www.littleangeltheatre.com

The Cat in the Hat Pad along to the warm and intimate Pleasance Theatre to enjoy mischief and rhyme in the company of that frisky feline in the tall stripy hat.

Much-loved adaptation of Dr Seuss, first produced by National Theatre.

Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Rd, N7 For ages 3+. 10.30am, 11am, 1.30pm (times vary daily, check website); weekdays £7/weekends £11/£12.50 (Dec 8Jan 4) www. pleasance.co.uk

Turn to page 24

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11am (Fri), 2pm & 5.30pm (Sat), 11am & 2.30pm (Sun) NB: dates and times vary so confirm via booking; adult £17.50/child £17.50/concs £11.50 (Nov 21-Feb 15) www.polkatheatre.com

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King Go behind the

Continued from page 22 FOR OLDER CHILDREN

scenes of the most popular Christmas ballet at this festive retelling, following Marie (pictured left) and her Nutcracker pal going up against the Evil Mouse King.

Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, London, SE1 For ages 8+. 10.30am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm, 7pm (dates and times vary); £15-£22 (Nov 21-Jan 4) www.unicorntheatre.com

Peter Pan Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys battle Captain Hook in a show bursting with

NIGERIAN WATCH 19 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015

LEISUREWATCH

Dick Whittington and His Cat The streets of Hammersmith are paved with gold for the Lyric’s traditional panto performance, featuring Dick original songs, puppetry, swashbuckling fun and fairy dust!

Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway,

SW19 For ages 6+ but special babyfriendly performances available.

7pm (Fri Nov 21), general times

23

Whittington, Andy Rush and his clever kitty played by Delroy Atkinson (pictured left).

Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, London W6 For ages 6+. Shows at 10am, 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm (times vary daily, check website): £15-£35 (Nov 22-Jan 3) www.lyric.co.uk

Turn to page 24

dŚĞ ĞƐƐĞŶĐĞ͕ ĂƌŽŵĂ ĂŶĚ ƚĂƐƚĞ ŽĨ ĞĂĐŚ ŐƌĂŝŶ ŽĨ WƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚ ^ĞůůĂ ĂƐŵĂƟ ƌŝĐĞ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ĂƐĐƌŝďĞĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ƐŽŝů ĂŶĚ ĐůŝŵĂƟ Đ ĐŽŶĚŝƟ ŽŶƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŵŝƐƚLJ ,ŝŵĂůĂLJĂƐ͘

Mrs O’s food odyssey

How to keep an African man happy Getting Jollof rice right is quite a task, as Jamie Oliver found out recently. So instead of putting a twist on my ‘perfected’ version of it, I turned my attention to another favourite: Nigerian rice & beans.

I love pulses and the fact that it is such a staple in Nigerian cuisine makes me very happy indeed.

For this recipe, I might have done a ‘Jamie Oliver’ – in other words, I made it my own by taking several shortcuts. I used tinned beans instead of soaking and cooking dry ones, and rather than frying the fish, I grilled it in the oven instead. It’s a busy December month and I am trying to make my life as easy as possible!

For a genuine twist, I like using brown lentils instead of beans. They have a subtle taste that works well with the spicy tomato stew base. Yum!

NIGERIAN RICE & BEANS Ingredients

Tomato Stew Base

1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 cups of President rice, washed 1 can of tinned black-eyed beans, drained and rinsed 1 Maggi cube 2 tbsp oil

1 can of tomatoes 1 large onion, roughly chopped 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped 2 Knorr cubes 1 Scotch Bonnet pepper (to taste) 4 tbsp oil Cooking Instructions

1 Firstly make the tomato stew base, which will give the rice its distinctive colour and flavour. l Empty the canned tomatoes in a blender and add the onion, red bell pepper, 2 stock cubes and the Scotch Bonnet pepper (add as little or as much to taste and remember that the seeds will add heat as well). Blend it all well together for a minute or so. l Heat 4 tbps. of sunflower oil in a pan and add the tomato

mixture. The hot oil will cause the tomato mixture to splatter so protect your hands/arms. l Bring it to the boil, add ½ tps. of thyme and give it a good stir. Then cover the pot, turn down the heat and cook for about 15 minutes until reduced.

2 Now make the Rice and Beans. l Heat the oil in a pot and fry the onions on a medium heat for 3 minutes. Crumble the Maggi cube into the pot.

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l Add the rice and beans and gently stir. l Add a few serving spoons of tomato stew to the mixture and add enough water to cook the rice in. l Give it a good stir, bring to a boil and then turn down the heat. Cover the pot and let it all simmer until the water has been absorbed. Add a little more water if it becomes too dry. l Serve with some fried plantain, fried meat or fish and some salad.

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New Years Eve Continued from page 22

Beauty And The Beat’s New Year’s Eve 2014 Party Dancing into 2015, surfing on a psychedelic wave of audiophile sound. With a special live performance by Kora virtuoso Kadialy Kouyate and his band.

New Empowering Church, 1a Westgate Street, Hackney E8 Starts 9pm. Tickets £25 www.facebook.com/igotalittlelove

London Hottest Caribbean New Year’s Eve Party DJs Jay Sun Bailante, Remstar and special guest Lyrical Louix will keep you dancing till dawn with the hottest Caribbean, African and Club sounds. Dancehall, Soca, Reggae, Afrobeats, Zouk, Hip Hop, R&B and Funky House.

10% of the profits will go to charities trying to eradicate the Ebola in West Africa.

Chapel Bar 29 Penton Street, N1.

Starts 9pm. From £20 www.sunbailante.com

Inner City Lizard Nye Extravaganza Celebrate New Year's Eve with festival favourites The Lizard Stage! Specifically tailored to transport you back to the warm, festival days of the summer. Come join us on this audacious adventure and see 2015 in with the warmest family vibe you can find.

T-Chances, 399 Tottenham High Road, N17 Starts 9pm, From £20 www.tchances.co.uk

The Drop X Brassroots X Mr.Benn Ft Eva Lazarus X The Busy Twis Come and celebrate 2015 with the big bad reggae sound of The Drop, huge brass band party classics from Brass Roots, soca/dancehall workout from Mr.Benn ft Eva Lazarus (Dub Mafia) and bassy,

garagey African-inspired grooves from The Busy Twist.

Hootananny Brixton, 95 Effra Road, SW2 Starts: 9pm, From £12 www.hootanannybrixton.co.uk

Tropicalista Nye Fiesta @ Rich Mix Rich Mix sees in the New Year with a pulsing backdrop of heavy carnival rhythms and vibrant Latin/Tropicalista beats featuring; Grupo

Lokito (pictured), a UKbased Congolese Rumba/Salsa/Seben/Soukous/Cuban Son band.

35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA Starts 9pm. From £10 www.richmix.org.uk

BEAUTYWATCH by Funmi Odegbami

Party Make up Tips

Welcome to Arik Air’s new frequent flyer programme.

If you always struggle with applying party makeup, here are four easy party makeup tips that will keep you looking beautiful throughout the Christmas season…

As a member, you have the opportunity to earn and redeem Affinity Miles whenever you fly on our domestic, regional and long haul flights.

regular everyday makeup, then apply a highlighting lotion or cream with a subtle sheen in three areas: the tops of your cheekbones, just under your brows, and on the inner corners of your eyes. You can also apply it to your collar bones and you cleavage. Try Clinique’s UpLighting Liquid Illuminator.

Darker skin tones should stick to golden tones.

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Dress up your eyes Enhance your eyes with a swipe of liquid liner. Gaze downward into a mirror and hold the skin at the outer corner of your eye taut so your lid is stretched into a straight line. Apply a liquid liner along the lash line, from your inner corner and extend it about 1/4 inch past the outer corner of your eye with a slight upward tick, to give eyes a lifted look. A pen version of liquid liner, like Nars Eyeliner Stylo, is great for beginners.

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Do a bold lip The new deep-orange, plum, and fuchsia shades are a more modern way to rock the bold lip look.

Prep your lips with balm (it sheers out the colour), then apply the lipstick with your finger for a softer effect.

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Glisten up Put some shimmer in the right spots for a sophisticated effect that lets you sparkle without looking like a disco ball. The secret: Just do your

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Master metallics Rev up your everyday makeup look by adding a metallic eye shadow. Sheer, creamy formulas leave a soft wash of colour, and they swipe on in seconds.

Apply and blend with your fingers.

For dark complexions, stick to gold, bronze, and copper shades. For those with light to medium skin tones, try rose-gold, burgundy-bronze, and silver hues.

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EDUCATIONWATCH

NIGERIAN WATCH 19 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015

25

Boarding school offers the best of both worlds There has never been a better time to become a boarder at a British boarding school. Standards in education and in pastoral care have probably never been higher.

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ublished examination results, league tables and Independent School Inspectorate reports confirm the high educational standards pupils achieve in these schools. Detailed inspection of boarding itself, and the welfare of children who are boarders, is

also now inspected by Ofsted.

While reference to these reports will reassure parents the young students today are very likely to be central to this crucial decision.

Increasingly they are aware that a boarding education can offer them the best of both

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Talking to young boarders, one often hears, ‘I saw three schools, and this was the one I liked best because. . .’ and then you will hear as many reasons as you meet boarders.

Part of the strength of the British boarding market is the diversity of schools available: they may be small or large, co-ed or single sex, rural or urban, outstanding in different ways, such as sport, music or art, as well as academic subjects.

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What they will have in common is their care and concern for each individual child entrusted to them, and their dedication to ensuring that each child is happy, thrives and succeeds, whatever their interests or talents.

BENEFITS OF BOARDING SCHOOL Boarding helps to develop: Confidence Community spirit Independence Social skills Cultural awareness Respect for others Self-motivation Responsibility A wide variety of interests Boarders feel that they have a: Great social life Enhanced education Close relationship with their family Friends for life Greater access to school facilities Good working relationship with teachers Wide variety of activities available

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SPIRITUAL

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12TH MAN Continued from page 24 offering them a sporting chance to better themselves.

The Nigeria matches are the jewel in the crown of a programme (see box) he has developed that will see the boys undertake trials for the Soaring Eaglets at the cutting edge home of English Football, St George’s Park in Burton-upon-Trent before flying to Abuja.

Another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

And therein lies the biggest problem he now faces.

How to get the squad there.

“We’re essentially a voluntary organisation and a lot of these kids’ parents don’t have the resources to finance such a trip,” Mr Doherty explained.

“But this is a life-changing experience for these lads and will give hope and inspiration to others to follow, take up sport rather than the long roads, so we’re looking for a 12th man to help us get them there.

“When they return these lads will be role models in their communities – the impact will be priceless.”

So Team Nigeria UK is looking for a generous sponsor to finance the trip.

“We’ll put their name on the shirt, they’ll get to speak at press conferences here and in Nigeria, meet with senior officials of both FAs and have the best brand ambassadors that money can by – boys who are going places.”

If you can be that much needed 12th man or want to find out more, contact David Doherty on 0207 101 4468 or email TeamNigeriauk@groupmail.com

NIGERIAN WATCH 19 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015

SPORTWATCH SOARING EAGLETS: TRIALS AND MATCHES SCHEDULE The ‘Team Nigeria UK’ trials aim to bring together the best of British Nigerian footballing talent in the UK between the ages of 15-16. The best 22 players will be selected from clubs and academies throughout the UK ranging from clubs in the Premiership, Championship and League 1 & 2.

Those selected will be incorporated into the growing brand that is Team Nigeria UK and will have the chance of representing the Nigeria U17 national team at national and international level.

In addition they will embark on a football tour to Abuja Nigeria in March 2015 to play against the Golden Eaglets.

Arrival: Players must arrive 30 minutes before the start of the trial: they should come with their training kits, jersey, pants, shin pads and boots (Astro3G Surface) We would be grateful if you could inform us of players from your academy who qualify and would welcome the chance to participate in this trial.

Venue: St George's Park , Newborough Road, Burton-Upon-Trent. DE13 9PD Date: Wednesday 11th March 14:00pm - 16:30pm Thursday 12th March 14:00pm - 16:30pm Football Tour to Abuja, Nigeria: Depart London: 16th March 2015 Arrive Abuja : 17th March 2015 For further information, either call 0207 101 4468 or email TeamNigeriauk@groupmail.com

Team Nigeria UK works in partnership with Pathway Sports; www.ptwgrp.com

27

WEST HAM TO HOST YOUTH CUP FINALS Lycamobile, the largest global provider of low cost international mobile calls, has announced the return of its youth initiative, the Lycamobile Cup. The youth football tournament, which was launched to great acclaim last year, forms part of the longstanding relationship between Lycamobile and West Ham United.

The competition, open to under-12 and under-14 teams, returned for a second season on Tuesday December 16 at West Ham’s community hub in Beckton. The first of five competitive heats kicked off the tournament, with the remaining rounds scheduled to take place between now and April 2015.

The initiative will culminate in an exclusive finals day for the players and their families at the Boleyn Ground in May 2015, where finalists will enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime to play on the hallowed West Ham turf, following in the famous footsteps of their Hammers heroes.

The inaugural Lycamobile Cup saw 4,500 youngsters participate last season. Redbridge U12s and West Ham United Kicks U14s took the honours, with both sides invited back to feature in marketing campaigns for Lycamobile’s West Ham United SIM card.

In addition, Lycamobile will also have a presence at a series of football roadshows run by the

Trust, which are to be held in Beckton, Newham, Stepney and Mile End over the next year.

Subaskaran Allirajah, Group Chairman, Lycamobile told Nigerian Watch, “Following the tremendous success of the 2013/14 Lycamobile Cup season, and the enormous appetite we’ve seen for the programme amongst youngsters, we are delighted to bring the Lycamobile Cup back this year.

“We are committed in the long term to ensuring that people’s lives continue to be enriched by sport and we look forward to supporting the West Ham United Community Sports Trust in inspiring today’s youth to develop the skills of competition, drive and ambition to succeed.”

David Gold, Joint Chairman, West Ham United said, “I know that the Lycamobile Cup was hugely popular with local youngsters last year and so it’s great to see that our Community Sports Trust and Lycamobile are running it once more. To have had some 4,500 participants is testament to the dedication of all involved.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for east Londoners to run out at the Boleyn Ground next summer, a prize that is now extra special with the move to the new Stadium less than two years away. I’d like to wish everyone taking part the very best of luck.”

THE GUN Continued from page 24 punches that have earned him the nickname “the Gun”.

What is remarkable about Ajose is he has essentially come close to achieving the highest heights singlehandedly. When he got the call to challenge for the world title the boxer, like Rocky, had little or no support but had the discipline to train himself. It took the eventual winner Lucas Matthysse 10 rounds to dispose of him at the Las Vegas showdown in 2011.

And now he’s making one last bid to glory. But this time he has the support of the Nigerian community in the UK, rising boxing star Larry ‘the Natural’ Ekundayo and his manager Ben Gray.

After his warm up bout at York Hall, Ajose’s next fight seems certain to take place back in America at the turn of the year before fighting for a world title in 2015. We wish him all the best.

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NIGERIAN WATCH 20 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015

INSIDE

SPORT WATCH 19 Dec 2014 - 9 Jan 2015

nigerianwatch.com

‘THE GUN’ FIRES AGAIN

WANT TO PLAY AT WEST HAM?

12th man needed for Team Nigeria UK’s dream match

THE REMARKABLE AJOSE OLUSEGUN RETURNS TO THE RING

By AJ JAMES If there’s a missing sequel to the Rocky series of films then the remarkable story of Nigerian boxer Ajose Olusegun is it.

Not since Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Bilbao triumphed over the gruelling steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art has a boxer shown such determination to succeed and dedication to his sport.

So it was that when Ajose fought his first fight in the UK on December 6 he received the warmest of welcomes from fight fans. The 35-year-old is much loved in the sport.

Despite being sneaked onto the undercard of the Sky TV Prizefighter Lightweights III contest, Ajose had fight fans queueing round the block to see his comeback fight – a six rounder against Ivan Levickis.

Promoter Eddie Hearn and his father, sports impresario father Barry Hearn were in the front row seats to watch the fight along with scores of other boxing luminaries.

While the former title challenger was clearly rusty in the early rounds he won the contest 6 rounds to nil, releasing his trademark pistol-whip Turn to page 23

The big match is on. Team Nigeria UK’s Soaring Eaglets will take on Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets in the Abuja National Stadium on March 21, 2015, and, at the request of the Nigeria Football Federation, the current African Youth Olympic Champions U-15 side.

The letter above from the Deputy General Secretary of the NFF Emmanuel E Ikpeme confirms the showdown.

It is a tremendous coup for head coach and President of Team Nigeria UK squads David Doherty, who for the past few years has dedicated himself to diverting young Nigerians from going down the wrong road by Turn to page 23 We’re backing Ajose (l-r): Bimbo Folayan Roberts, Ben Gray and Larry “the Natural” Ekundayo with Ajose (centre)